13

I

N

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The PoÉtion of a SOLDIER under ARMS.

this poÉtion the Çoldier is to Ìand Ìraight and Ärm upon his legs ; [ head turned to the right ; Ço far as to bring the left eye over the

waiÌcoat buttons ;] heels two inches apart ; toes a little turned out ; the belly drawn in a little ; but without conÌraint ; the breaÌ a little projeÀed ; Èoulders Çquare to the front ; and kept back ; the right hand hanging Ìraight down the Side ; with the palm cloÇe to the thigh ; the left elbow not to be turned out from the body ; the Ärelock to be carried on the left Èoulder ; at Çuch height that the guard will be juÌ under the left breaÌ ; the fore-Änger and thumb before the Çwell of the butt ; the three laÌ Ängers under the butt ; the Åat of the butt againÌ the hip-bone ; and preËed Ço that the Firelock may be felt againÌ the left Éde ; and that it may Ìand before the hollow of the Èoulder ; neither leaning toward the head nor from it ; the barrel almoÌ perpendicular.

When exerciÉng ; he is to be very exaÀ in

counting a Çecond of time between each motion.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

12

Halt !

At this word the Çoldier Ìops Èort , on the foot then advanced , immediately bringing up the other , without Ìamping.

The Quick Step

Is alÇo two feet , but about one hundred and twenty in a

minute , and is performed on the Çame principle as the other .

The recruits having been exerciÇed Éngly , till they have a proper carriage , and are well grounded in the diÁerent Ìeps ; the oÂcer will then take three men , and placing them in one rank , exerciÇe them in the diÁerent Ìeps , and teach them

The March by Files

Which , being of great importance , muÌ be carefully attended to ; obÇerving that the Çoldier carries his body more forward than in the front march , and that he does not increaÇe the diÌance from his Äle-leader .

The Oblique Step

MuÌ then be praÀiced , both in the quick and the common

time . In marching obliquely to the right , the Çoldier Ìeps obliquely

with the right foot , bringing up the left , and placing the heel direÀly before the toes of the right foot ; and the contrary when marching to the left ; at the Çame time obÇerving to keep the Èoulders Çquare to the front , eÇpecially that the Èoulder oppoÇed to the Éde they march to does not projeÀ , and that the Äles keep cloÇe .

The recruits being thus far inÌruÀed , muÌ be again taken

Çeparately , and taught :

1

I N T R O D U C T I O N Judging it of the utmoÌ importance to preÇcribe

Çome invariable rules for the Order and DiÇcipline of the troops ; eÇpecially for the purpoÇe of introducing an uniformity in their formation and manœuvres ; and in the Çervice of the camp :

The FirÌ Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line

hereby ORDERS that the following regulations be obÇerved by all the troops ; and that all oÂcers cauÇe the Çame to be executed with all poËible exaÀneÇs.

This MANUAL is a compilation the moÌ uÇeful Çources

of exerciÇe known to the oÂcers of the Regiment ; vis. Baron von Steuben’s Military Regulations , recently created at Valley Forge ; Additional Çources are cited when , on occaÉon , they are conÉdered more uÇeful for the purpoÇe for which deÉgned ; and are Ço identiÄed by the citation in brackets [ ... ] .

In a few ÇpeciÄc inÌances , additional inÌruÀion is

included to clarify the language or intent. TheÇe inÌances are indicated with brackets.

Sources:

Regulations for the Order and DiÇcipline of the troops of the United

States , Part 1 ; Baron von Steuben ; Philadelphia ; 1779 An EaÇy Plan of DiÇcipline for a Militia ; Timothy Pickering ;

Salem , New England ; 1775 CuthbertÇon’s SyÌem , for the Complete Interior management and

Oeconomy of a battalion of Infantry ; Captain Bernard CuthbertÇon; London ; 1776

Light Infantry ExerciÇe as Ordered in His MajeÌy’s Regulations for

the Movement of the troops ; Near Whitehall , 1797

2

DireÀions for teaching the ExerciÇe. [ From Pickering ]

The ÄrÌ thing the oÂcers are to attend to , as a matter of

utmoÌ importance , is to accuÌom the men to obÇerve a profound Élence when under arms , and a cloÇe attention to their duty .

At ÄrÌ the motions muÌ be Èown them very diÌinÀly ; and

if the motions be at all diÂcult , or compound , the Ärelock and the hands of the teacher muÌ move extremely Êowly , Ço that the men may eaÉly follow the motion with their eyes .

No motion muÌ begin till the word of command is fully

pronounced ; and after the ÄrÌ motion is ÄniÈed , the word Two as a Égnal when to begin the Çecond ; and Three when to begin the third ; and Ço on ; but the men muÌ Ìop between each motion till every falÇe attitude is remarked and correÀed .

The whole exerciÇe muÌ not be gone through at once ; but

every diÌinÀ aÀion repeated over and over again , till the men perform with tolerable accuracy , before they attempt another .

When many of the men can perform with a good degree of

exaÀneÇs , it will be proper to join Çeveral Çquads together in a Éngle rank; making them take their motions from a man advanced in front direÀly before the right-hand man , and faced Ço as beÌ to be Çeen by the whole rank ; as will hereafter be called the Åugler [or “Åugelman”] .

Great care muÌ be taken that the men carry their arms well ,

keeping them Ìeady againÌ their Èoulders . The moÌ common faults are the carrying the Ärelock too high , and holding the butt too far forward .

In performing the manual exerciÇe , the men Èould wait

about a Çecond of time between the motions ; or whilÌ they count one , two , diÌinÀly ; and the exerciÉng oÂcer Èould wait about two Çeconds between the end of one aÀion , and his giving the word of command for another . In Èort, the exerciÇe Èould be performed quick enough to keep the men alert and Çpirited ; and Êow enough to prevent confuÉon .

11

The Facings

To the Right --- Face ! Two Motions.

1Ì. Turn briskly on both heels to the right, lifting up the toes a little, and deÇcribing a quarter circle.

2d. Bring back the right foot to its proper poÉtion, without Ìamping.

To the Left --- Face ! Two Motions.

1Ì. Turn to the left as before to the right. 2d. Bring up the right foot to its proper poÉtion.

To the Right About --- Face ! Three Motions.

1Ì. Step back with the right foot, bringing the buckle oppoÉte

the left heel, at the Çame time Çeizing the cartridge-box with the right hand.

2d. Turn briskly on both heels, and deÇcribe half a circle. 3d. Bring back the right foot, at the Çame time quitting the

cartridge-box When the recruit is ÇuÂciently expert in the foregoing points,

he muÌ be taught the diÁerent Ìeps .

The Common Step Is two feet, about Çeventy-Äve in a minute .

To the Front --- March ! The Çoldier Ìeps oÁ with his left foot , and marches a free ,

eaÇy and natural Ìep ; without altering the poÉtion of his body or head ; taking care to preÇerve a proper balance ; and not croÇs his legs ; but to march without conÌraint , in every Çort of ground : The oÂcer muÌ march Çometimes in his front and Çometimes at his Éde ; in order to join example to precept .

10

ReÌ !

At which he may refreÈ himÇelf , by moving his hands or feet; but muÌ not then Ét down or quit his place , unleÇs permitted to do Ço .

DreËing Ranks to the Left, Right or Centre

[ NOTE : DreËing the ranks means to reÌore the order of the formation Ço that each rank has the proper Çpace between each man ; that the rank is Ìraight ; and that the two ranks are the proper diÌance from each other . When dreËing the ranks , the Çoldiers will Çometimes be required to dreÇs to the right , to the left or to the centre under the following inÌruÀions :

When Çoldiers are formed into a Éngle platoon , or a Çmaller SeÀion , the oÂcer or NCO commanding will generally take his poÉtion on the right , and the Çoldiers will dreÇs to the right.

When a company is formed the oÂcers commanding will take their poÉtion on the right of each platoon and the men will dreÇs to the centre of the company , Ço that the two platoons Ìay together .

When troops are formed as part of a battalion the platoons and companies muÌ maintain the proper diÌance from the colors , uÇually located in the centre of the battalion . The troops will dreÇs to the centre of the battalion Ço that the companies on the right of the colors will dreÇs to the left , and the companies on the left of the colors dreÇs to the right .

When marching in a battalion the men muÌ always keep their eyes on the colors and maintain their dreÇs baÇed on their poÉtion in relation to the colors . ]

Attention!

To the Left --- DreÇs ! At this word the Çoldier turns his head briskly to the left, Ço

as to bring his right eye in the direÀion of his waiÌcoat buttons.

Attention! To the Right --- DreÇs !

The Çoldier then dreËes to the right, as before.

3

Advice for oÂcers and NCOs On the proper way to give commands.

[ From Pickering ] ‘Tis of importance that the words of command be given in a

proper manner . I have Çometimes heard them given with Çuch a confuÇed , inarticulate , mere animal Çound , that the men might as well perform the exerciÇe to the braying of an aÇs ; as this proceeded from a fooliÈ opinion that it is more Çoldier-like . The deÉgn of language is to convey our ideas but is of no uÇe unleÇs words are pronounced diÌinÀly and articulately . The words of command therefore Èould be given in this manner ; that the men may underÌand them , and not miÌake one word for another .

Proportion the Ìrength of the voice to the occaÉon . Some

Çpeak with as full and loud a voice to a company , or Çmall party , as if they were addreËing a whole Regiment .

Pronounce every word clearly and diÌinÀly . Make proper pauÇes when the word of command is too long

to be pronounced in one breath ; and lay emphaÉs on the words which expreÇs the nature of what is to be done .

Proper pauÇes Èould be made between the diÁerent words of

command that the men may have time to think , and keep their minds calm and Çedate ; if they are greatly hurried they will be confuÇed and commit blunders .

4

9

THE

C H A P T E R I I .

Art. I. Of the InÌruÀion of Recruits

commanding oÂcer of each company is charged with the inÌruÀion of his recruits ; and , as that is a Çervice that requires not only experience , but a patience and

temper not met with in every oÂcer , he is to make a choice of an oÂcer , Çerjeant , and one or two corporals of his company , who , being approved of by the colonel , are to attend particularly to that buÉneÇs ; but in caÇe of the arrival of a great number of recruits , every oÂcer without diÌinÀion is to be employed on that Çervice .

The commanding oÂcer of each regiment will Äx on Çome

place for the exerciÇe of his recruits , where himÇelf or Çome Äeld-oÂcer muÌ attend , to overlook their inÌruÀion .

The recruits muÌ be taken Éngly , and ÄrÌ taught to put on

their accoutrements , and carry themÇelves properly .

The PoÉtion of a Çoldier without Arms . He is to Ìand Ìraight and Ärm on his legs , with the head

turned to the right Ço far as to bring the left eye over the waiÌcoat buttons ; the heels two inches apart ; the toes a little turned out ; the belly drawn in a little , but without conÌraint ; the BreaÌ a little projeÀed ; the Èoulders Çquare to the front , and kept back ; and hands hanging down the Édes , with the palms cloÇe to the thighs .

Attention !

At this word the Çoldier muÌ be Élent , Ìand Ärm and Ìeady,

moving neither hand nor foot , (except as ordered) but attend carefully to the words of command .

This attention of the Çoldier muÌ be obÇerved in the ÌriÀeÌ

manner , till he receives the word

8

AArt. I I. Of the Formation of a Company

COMPANY is to be formed in two ranks, at one pace diÌance, with the talleÌ men in the rear , and both ranks Ézed , with the ÈorteÌ men of each in the centre.

[ The Çoldiers to be Ço cloÇe together as to allow each to juÌ bruÈ the elbow of the man to his left and right . The men muÌ be careful not to crowd each other Ço as to render them unable to perform the drill Çafely.] A company thus drawn up is to be divided into two ÇeÀions

or platoons ; the captain to take poÌ on the right of the ÄrÌ platoon , covered by a Çerjeant ; the lieutenant on the right of the Çecond platoon , alÇo covered by a Çerjeant ; the enÉgn four paces behind the centre of the company ; the ÄrÌ Çerjeant two paces behind the centre of the ÄrÌ platoon ; and the eldeÌ corporal two paces behind the centre of the Çecond platoon ; the other two corporals are to be on the Åanks of the front rank .

COOOOOOO Lt OOOOOOOC Capt OOOOOOOO Sjt OOOOOOOO Sjt

Cpl 1Ì Sjt

Ens

5

T

S E C T . I .

R E G U L A T I O N S , &c.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

C H A P T E R I .

Of the Formation of A Company Art. I. Of Sizing and Viewing a Company,

and forming it into ranks at the place of aËembly

[ From Pickering ]

HE men being aËembled, the Serjeants are to draw them up into a Éngle rank, and Éze them according to the following direÀions ; bidding them order their

Ärelocks as they take their places.

To Éze a Company in a Éngle rank, begin by placing the talleÌ man on the right, the next talleÌ next to him on his left, and Ço on, in a regular deÇcent from the right. The count the men from the right into odd and even numbers, telling the ÄrÌ man on the right that he is an odd number, the Çecond he is an even number, the third odd, the fourth even, and Ço on to the left. Then give the words,

Fig. 1

L R OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

6

Odd Numbers, advance one pace! March!

On which the odd numbers (1, 3, 5, &c.) Ìep forward one pace with the left feet and halt, bringing up the right feet even with the left.

Fig. 2

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

Then give the words,

To the Right and Left, Face! March!

Upon which the odd numbers face to the right, and the even numbers (2, 4, 6, &c.) face to the left. Then give the word, March! At which they all Ìep oÁ with the left feet and march, the odd numbers going direÀly to the right, towards the right-hand man, who is only to keep Ìepping on his poÌ without advancing : the even numbers march ÄrÌ to the left ; but their left-hand man, after Ìepping one pace to the left, turns to the right, advances one pace, (which brings him into the line of the odd numbers) then turns again to the right, and follows the odd numbers. The reÌ of the even numbers, when they reÇpeÀively come to the ground where their left-hand man Ìood, proceed exaÀly as he did, turning to the right, advancing one pace, turning again to the right, and following him. But, if the number of men to be Ézed be even, then the left-hand man of the even numbers (who will alÇo in this caÇe be called the left-hand man of the rank entire, as ÄrÌ Ézed from the right to the left) will aÀ as an odd number, Ìepping forward and facing with the odd numbers, and marching to the right after them. The reÌ of the even numbers will proceed as before direÀed.

Fig. 3

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O As Çoon as the whole are again in a rank entire, and properly cloÇed, you bid them,

7

Halt! and then Front!

At which word they face to their proper front, and dreÇs. They will now be exaÀly Ézed, the talleÌ men being on the Åanks, and the ÈorteÌ in the centre, by a gradual leËening in height from the Åanks to the centre. The Company being Ézed, the Serjeants will count the number of men, and tell them oÁ into four diviÉons, as equal as may be. The Company is then to be formed into two ranks, in the following manner :

Fig. 4

OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO

The Captain will then give the words,

Form your Ranks in cloÇe Order! March!

At which word the Çecond and third diviÉons take one pace forward.

Fig. 5

OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO

OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO The oÂcer then gives the word,

To the Right and Left inwards, Face! March!

At which word the ÄrÌ and fourth diviÉons face inwards ; the ÄrÌ diviÉon facing to the left, and the fourth diviÉon facing to the right. And at the word, March! All Ìep oÁ together and march, till the reÇpeÀive diviÉons join in the centre :

Fig. 6

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO And then the oÂcer gives the words,

Halt! Front!

Upon which, they Ìand faÌ, and then face to their proper front. The oÂcers and Çerjeants then take their proper places in the formation.

6

Odd Numbers, advance one pace! March!

On which the odd numbers (1, 3, 5, &c.) Ìep forward one pace with the left feet and halt, bringing up the right feet even with the left.

Fig. 2

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

Then give the words,

To the Right and Left, Face! March!

Upon which the odd numbers face to the right, and the even numbers (2, 4, 6, &c.) face to the left. Then give the word, March! At which they all Ìep oÁ with the left feet and march, the odd numbers going direÀly to the right, towards the right-hand man, who is only to keep Ìepping on his poÌ without advancing : the even numbers march ÄrÌ to the left ; but their left-hand man, after Ìepping one pace to the left, turns to the right, advances one pace, (which brings him into the line of the odd numbers) then turns again to the right, and follows the odd numbers. The reÌ of the even numbers, when they reÇpeÀively come to the ground where their left-hand man Ìood, proceed exaÀly as he did, turning to the right, advancing one pace, turning again to the right, and following him. But, if the number of men to be Ézed be even, then the left-hand man of the even numbers (who will alÇo in this caÇe be called the left-hand man of the rank entire, as ÄrÌ Ézed from the right to the left) will aÀ as an odd number, Ìepping forward and facing with the odd numbers, and marching to the right after them. The reÌ of the even numbers will proceed as before direÀed.

Fig. 3

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O As Çoon as the whole are again in a rank entire, and properly cloÇed, you bid them,

7

Halt! and then Front!

At which word they face to their proper front, and dreÇs. They will now be exaÀly Ézed, the talleÌ men being on the Åanks, and the ÈorteÌ in the centre, by a gradual leËening in height from the Åanks to the centre. The Company being Ézed, the Serjeants will count the number of men, and tell them oÁ into four diviÉons, as equal as may be. The Company is then to be formed into two ranks, in the following manner :

Fig. 4

OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO

The Captain will then give the words,

Form your Ranks in cloÇe Order! March!

At which word the Çecond and third diviÉons take one pace forward.

Fig. 5

OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO

OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO The oÂcer then gives the word,

To the Right and Left inwards, Face! March!

At which word the ÄrÌ and fourth diviÉons face inwards ; the ÄrÌ diviÉon facing to the left, and the fourth diviÉon facing to the right. And at the word, March! All Ìep oÁ together and march, till the reÇpeÀive diviÉons join in the centre :

Fig. 6

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO And then the oÂcer gives the words,

Halt! Front!

Upon which, they Ìand faÌ, and then face to their proper front. The oÂcers and Çerjeants then take their proper places in the formation.

8

AArt. I I. Of the Formation of a Company

COMPANY is to be formed in two ranks, at one pace diÌance, with the talleÌ men in the rear , and both ranks Ézed , with the ÈorteÌ men of each in the centre.

[ The Çoldiers to be Ço cloÇe together as to allow each to juÌ bruÈ the elbow of the man to his left and right . The men muÌ be careful not to crowd each other Ço as to render them unable to perform the drill Çafely.] A company thus drawn up is to be divided into two ÇeÀions

or platoons ; the captain to take poÌ on the right of the ÄrÌ platoon , covered by a Çerjeant ; the lieutenant on the right of the Çecond platoon , alÇo covered by a Çerjeant ; the enÉgn four paces behind the centre of the company ; the ÄrÌ Çerjeant two paces behind the centre of the ÄrÌ platoon ; and the eldeÌ corporal two paces behind the centre of the Çecond platoon ; the other two corporals are to be on the Åanks of the front rank .

COOOOOOO Lt OOOOOOOC Capt OOOOOOOO Sjt OOOOOOOO Sjt

Cpl 1Ì Sjt

Ens

5

T

S E C T . I .

R E G U L A T I O N S , &c.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

C H A P T E R I .

Of the Formation of A Company Art. I. Of Sizing and Viewing a Company,

and forming it into ranks at the place of aËembly

[ From Pickering ]

HE men being aËembled, the Serjeants are to draw them up into a Éngle rank, and Éze them according to the following direÀions ; bidding them order their

Ärelocks as they take their places.

To Éze a Company in a Éngle rank, begin by placing the talleÌ man on the right, the next talleÌ next to him on his left, and Ço on, in a regular deÇcent from the right. Then count the men from the right into odd and even numbers, telling the ÄrÌ man on the right that he is an odd number, the Çecond he is an even number, the third odd, the fourth even, and Ço on to the left.

L Fig. 1 R ÈorteÌ talleÌ

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Then give the words,

4

9

THE

C H A P T E R I I .

Art. I. Of the InÌruÀion of Recruits

commanding oÂcer of each company is charged with the inÌruÀion of his recruits ; and , as that is a Çervice that requires not only experience , but a patience and

temper not met with in every oÂcer , he is to make a choice of an oÂcer , Çerjeant , and one or two corporals of his company , who , being approved of by the colonel , are to attend particularly to that buÉneÇs ; but in caÇe of the arrival of a great number of recruits , every oÂcer without diÌinÀion is to be employed on that Çervice .

The commanding oÂcer of each regiment will Äx on Çome

place for the exerciÇe of his recruits , where himÇelf or Çome Äeld-oÂcer muÌ attend , to overlook their inÌruÀion .

The recruits muÌ be taken Éngly , and ÄrÌ taught to put on

their accoutrements , and carry themÇelves properly .

The PoÉtion of a Çoldier without Arms . He is to Ìand Ìraight and Ärm on his legs , with the head

turned to the right Ço far as to bring the left eye over the waiÌcoat buttons ; the heels two inches apart ; the toes a little turned out ; the belly drawn in a little , but without conÌraint ; the BreaÌ a little projeÀed ; the Èoulders Çquare to the front , and kept back ; and hands hanging down the Édes , with the palms cloÇe to the thighs .

Attention !

At this word the Çoldier muÌ be Élent , Ìand Ärm and Ìeady,

moving neither hand nor foot , (except as ordered) but attend carefully to the words of command .

This attention of the Çoldier muÌ be obÇerved in the ÌriÀeÌ

manner , till he receives the word

10

ReÌ !

At which he may refreÈ himÇelf , by moving his hands or feet; but muÌ not then Ét down or quit his place , unleÇs permitted to do Ço .

DreËing Ranks to the Left, Right or Centre

[ NOTE : DreËing the ranks means to reÌore the order of the formation Ço that each rank has the proper Çpace between each man ; that the rank is Ìraight ; and that the two ranks are the proper diÌance from each other . When dreËing the ranks , the Çoldiers will Çometimes be required to dreÇs to the right , to the left or to the centre under the following inÌruÀions :

When Çoldiers are formed into a Éngle platoon , or a Çmaller SeÀion , the oÂcer or NCO commanding will generally take his poÉtion on the right , and the Çoldiers will dreÇs to the right.

When a company is formed the oÂcers commanding will take their poÉtion on the right of each platoon and the men will dreÇs to the centre of the company , Ço that the two platoons Ìay together .

When troops are formed as part of a battalion the platoons and companies muÌ maintain the proper diÌance from the colors , uÇually located in the centre of the battalion . The troops will dreÇs to the centre of the battalion Ço that the companies on the right of the colors will dreÇs to the left , and the companies on the left of the colors dreÇs to the right .

When marching in a battalion the men muÌ always keep their eyes on the colors and maintain their dreÇs baÇed on their poÉtion in relation to the colors . ]

Attention!

To the Left --- DreÇs ! At this word the Çoldier turns his head briskly to the left, Ço

as to bring his right eye in the direÀion of his waiÌcoat buttons.

Attention! To the Right --- DreÇs !

The Çoldier then dreËes to the right, as before.

3

Advice for oÂcers and NCOs On the proper way to give commands.

[ From Pickering ] ‘Tis of importance that the words of command be given in a

proper manner . I have Çometimes heard them given with Çuch a confuÇed , inarticulate , mere animal Çound , that the men might as well perform the exerciÇe to the braying of an aÇs ; as this proceeded from a fooliÈ opinion that it is more Çoldier-like . The deÉgn of language is to convey our ideas but is of no uÇe unleÇs words are pronounced diÌinÀly and articulately . The words of command therefore Èould be given in this manner ; that the men may underÌand them , and not miÌake one word for another .

Proportion the Ìrength of the voice to the occaÉon . Some

Çpeak with as full and loud a voice to a company , or Çmall party , as if they were addreËing a whole Regiment .

Pronounce every word clearly and diÌinÀly . Make proper pauÇes when the word of command is too long

to be pronounced in one breath ; and lay emphaÉs on the words which expreÇs the nature of what is to be done .

Proper pauÇes Èould be made between the diÁerent words of

command that the men may have time to think , and keep their minds calm and Çedate ; if they are greatly hurried they will be confuÇed and commit blunders .

2

DireÀions for teaching the ExerciÇe. [ From Pickering ]

The ÄrÌ thing the oÂcers are to attend to , as a matter of

utmoÌ importance , is to accuÌom the men to obÇerve a profound Élence when under arms , and a cloÇe attention to their duty .

At ÄrÌ the motions muÌ be Èown them very diÌinÀly ; and

if the motions be at all diÂcult , or compound , the Ärelock and the hands of the teacher muÌ move extremely Êowly , Ço that the men may eaÉly follow the motion with their eyes .

No motion muÌ begin till the word of command is fully

pronounced ; and after the ÄrÌ motion is ÄniÈed , the word Two as a Égnal when to begin the Çecond ; and Three when to begin the third ; and Ço on ; but the men muÌ Ìop between each motion till every falÇe attitude is remarked and correÀed .

The whole exerciÇe muÌ not be gone through at once ; but

every diÌinÀ aÀion repeated over and over again , till the men perform with tolerable accuracy , before they attempt another .

When many of the men can perform with a good degree of

exaÀneÇs , it will be proper to join Çeveral Çquads together in a Éngle rank; making them take their motions from a man advanced in front direÀly before the right-hand man , and faced Ço as beÌ to be Çeen by the whole rank ; as will hereafter be called the Åugler [or “Åugelman”] .

Great care muÌ be taken that the men carry their arms well ,

keeping them Ìeady againÌ their Èoulders . The moÌ common faults are the carrying the Ärelock too high , and holding the butt too far forward .

In performing the manual exerciÇe , the men Èould wait

about a Çecond of time between the motions ; or whilÌ they count one , two , diÌinÀly ; and the exerciÉng oÂcer Èould wait about two Çeconds between the end of one aÀion , and his giving the word of command for another . In Èort, the exerciÇe Èould be performed quick enough to keep the men alert and Çpirited ; and Êow enough to prevent confuÉon .

11

The Facings

To the Right --- Face ! Two Motions.

1Ì. Turn briskly on both heels to the right, lifting up the toes a little, and deÇcribing a quarter circle.

2d. Bring back the right foot to its proper poÉtion, without Ìamping.

To the Left --- Face ! Two Motions.

1Ì. Turn to the left as before to the right. 2d. Bring up the right foot to its proper poÉtion.

To the Right About --- Face ! Three Motions.

1Ì. Step back with the right foot, bringing the buckle oppoÉte

the left heel, at the Çame time Çeizing the cartridge-box with the right hand.

2d. Turn briskly on both heels, and deÇcribe half a circle. 3d. Bring back the right foot, at the Çame time quitting the

cartridge-box When the recruit is ÇuÂciently expert in the foregoing points,

he muÌ be taught the diÁerent Ìeps .

The Common Step Is two feet, about Çeventy-Äve in a minute .

To the Front --- March ! The Çoldier Ìeps oÁ with his left foot , and marches a free ,

eaÇy and natural Ìep ; without altering the poÉtion of his body or head ; taking care to preÇerve a proper balance ; and not croÇs his legs ; but to march without conÌraint , in every Çort of ground : The oÂcer muÌ march Çometimes in his front and Çometimes at his Éde ; in order to join example to precept .

12

Halt !

At this word the Çoldier Ìops Èort , on the foot then advanced , immediately bringing up the other , without Ìamping.

The Quick Step

Is alÇo two feet , but about one hundred and twenty in a

minute , and is performed on the Çame principle as the other .

The recruits having been exerciÇed Éngly , till they have a proper carriage , and are well grounded in the diÁerent Ìeps ; the oÂcer will then take three men , and placing them in one rank , exerciÇe them in the diÁerent Ìeps , and teach them

The March by Files

Which , being of great importance , muÌ be carefully attended to ; obÇerving that the Çoldier carries his body more forward than in the front march , and that he does not increaÇe the diÌance from his Äle-leader .

The Oblique Step

MuÌ then be praÀiced , both in the quick and the common

time . In marching obliquely to the right , the Çoldier Ìeps obliquely

with the right foot , bringing up the left , and placing the heel direÀly before the toes of the right foot ; and the contrary when marching to the left ; at the Çame time obÇerving to keep the Èoulders Çquare to the front , eÇpecially that the Èoulder oppoÇed to the Éde they march to does not projeÀ , and that the Äles keep cloÇe .

The recruits being thus far inÌruÀed , muÌ be again taken

Çeparately , and taught :

1

I N T R O D U C T I O N Judging it of the utmoÌ importance to preÇcribe

Çome invariable rules for the Order and DiÇcipline of the troops ; eÇpecially for the purpoÇe of introducing an uniformity in their formation and manœuvres ; and in the Çervice of the camp :

The FirÌ Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line

hereby ORDERS that the following regulations be obÇerved by all the troops ; and that all oÂcers cauÇe the Çame to be executed with all poËible exaÀneÇs.

This MANUAL is a compilation the moÌ uÇeful Çources

of exerciÇe known to the oÂcers of the Regiment ; vis. Baron von Steuben’s Military Regulations , recently created at Valley Forge ; Additional Çources are cited when , on occaÉon , they are conÉdered more uÇeful for the purpoÇe for which deÉgned ; and are Ço identiÄed by the citation in brackets [ ... ] .

In a few ÇpeciÄc inÌances , additional inÌruÀion is

included to clarify the language or intent. TheÇe inÌances are indicated with brackets.

Sources:

Regulations for the Order and DiÇcipline of the troops of the United

States , Part 1 ; Baron von Steuben ; Philadelphia ; 1779 An EaÇy Plan of DiÇcipline for a Militia ; Timothy Pickering ;

Salem , New England ; 1775 CuthbertÇon’s SyÌem , for the Complete Interior management and

Oeconomy of a battalion of Infantry ; Captain Bernard CuthbertÇon; London ; 1776

Light Infantry ExerciÇe as Ordered in His MajeÌy’s Regulations for

the Movement of the troops ; Near Whitehall , 1797

13

I

N

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The PoÉtion of a SOLDIER under ARMS.

this poÉtion the Çoldier is to Ìand Ìraight and Ärm upon his legs ; [ head turned to the right ; Ço far as to bring the left eye over the

waiÌcoat buttons ;] heels two inches apart ; toes a little turned out ; the belly drawn in a little ; but without conÌraint ; the breaÌ a little projeÀed ; Èoulders Çquare to the front ; and kept back ; the right hand hanging Ìraight down the Side ; with the palm cloÇe to the thigh ; the left elbow not to be turned out from the body ; the Ärelock to be carried on the left Èoulder ; at Çuch height that the guard will be juÌ under the left breaÌ ; the fore-Änger and thumb before the Çwell of the butt ; the three laÌ Ängers under the butt ; the Åat of the butt againÌ the hip-bone ; and preËed Ço that the Firelock may be felt againÌ the left Éde ; and that it may Ìand before the hollow of the Èoulder ; neither leaning toward the head nor from it ; the barrel almoÌ perpendicular.

When exerciÉng ; he is to be very exaÀ in

counting a Çecond of time between each motion.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

14

- 1 -

R E G U L AT I O N S F O R T H E

Order and DiÇcipline

OF THE

T R O O P S OF THE

1Ì Virginia Regt.

As ORDERED BY HIS

EXCELLENCY ; G E N GEO W A S H I N G T O N

Liberty or D E A T H !

John Bradley, Esq.

WILLIAMSBURG: Printed and DiÌributed by

the FirÌ Virginia Regiment.

M D C C L X X I X

30

15

T H E M A N U A L E X E R C I S E

I. PoiÇe --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. With your left hand turn the Firelock briskly ; bringing the

Lock to the front; At the Çame inÌant ; Çeize it with the right hand juÌ below the Lock ; keeping the Piece perpendicular.

2d. With a quick motion ; bring up the Firelock from the Èoulder DireÀly before the face ; and Çeize it with the left hand juÌ above the Lock ; So that the little Finger may reÌ upon the Feather-Çpring ; And the Thumb lie on the Stock; The left hand muÌ be of an equal height with the eyes.

II. Cock --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Turn the Barrel oppoÉte to your Face ; and place your

Thumb upon the Cock ; raiÉng the elbow Çquare at this motion.

2d. Cock the Firelock by drawing down your elbow ; immediately placing your Thumb upon the breech-pin ; And the Fingers under the Guard.

16

III. Take Aim ! One Motion

Step back about Éx inches with the right foot ; bringing the

left toe to the front; at the Çame time drop the Muzzle ; and bring up the butt-end of the Firelock againÌ your right Èoulder; Place the left hand forward on the Swell of the Stock ; And the fore-Finger of the right hand before the Trigger ; Sinking the Muzzle a little below a level ; And with the right eye looking along the Barrel .

IV. Fire ! One Motion

Pull the Trigger briskly ; and immediately after bringing up

the right foot ; come to the priming poÉtion ; placing the heels even ; with the right toe pointing to the right ; the Lock oppoÉte the right BreaÌ ; the Muzzle direÀly to the front and as high as the Hat ; The left hand juÌ forward of the feather-Çpring; holding the Piece Ärm and Ìeady; and at the Çame time Çeize the Cock with the fore-Finger and Thumb of the right hand; the back of the hand turned up.

V. Half-Cock --- Firelock ! One Motion

Half bend the Cock briskly, bringing down the elbow to the

butt of the Firelock.

29

Art. III. PoÉtion of each RANK in The Firings

Front rank ! Make Ready ! One Motion

Spring the Firelock briskly to a recover ; the hand Çeizes the

Firelock above the Lock ; the right elbow is to be nimbly raiÇed a little ; placing the Thumb of that hand upon the Cock ; the Fingers open by the plate of the Lock ; and as quickly as poËible cock the Piece ; dropping the elbow ; and forcing down the Cock with the Thumb ; immediately Çeizing the Firelock with the right hand ; cloÇe under the Lock; the Piece to be held in this manner perpendicular ; oppoÉte the left Éde of the face ; the Body kept Ìraight ; and as full to the front as poËible ; and the head held up ; looking well to right.

Take Aim ! Fire !

As before explain’d.

Rear rank ! Make Ready ! One Motion

Recover and cock as before direÀed ; at the Çame time Ìepping about Éx inches to the right ; Ço as to place yourÇelf oppoÉte the interval of the front rank.

Take Aim ! Fire !

As before explain’d. N.B. When Äring it is imperative that the troops perform the

loading and Äring movements together. Under no circumÌances Èould an individual diÇcharge his weapon while others are loading.

28

Art II. Explanation of PRIMING and LOADING as performed in THE

FIRINGS

Prime and Load! Fifteen Motions

1Ì. Come to the recover ; throwing up your Ärelock ; with a Çmart Çpring of the left hand ; direÀly before the left BreaÌ ; and turning the Barrel inwards; at that moment catch it with the right hand below the Lock ; and inÌantly bringing up the left hand ; with a rapid motion ; Çeize the Piece cloÇe above the Lock ; the little Finger touching the feather-Çpring; the left hand to be at an equal height with the eyes ; the butt of the Firelock cloÇe to the left BreaÌ ; but not preËed ; and the Barrel perpendicular.

2d. Bring the Firelock down with a brisk motion to the priming poÉtion ; as direÀed in the 4th word of command ; inÌantly placing the Thumb of the right hand againÌ the face of the Ìeel ; the Fingers clenched ; and the elbow a little turned out; that the wriÌ may be clear of the Cock.

3d. Open the pan by throwing back the Ìeel with a Ìrong motion of the right arm ; keeping the Firelock Ìeady in the left hand.

4th. Handle cartridge ; 5th. Prime ; 6th. Shut pan ; 7th. ‘Bout ; [To facilitate the troops caÌing about together, they

Èall wait for the command “’Bout!,” then caÌ about together.]

8th. & 9th. Load ; 10th. & 11th. Draw rammer ; 12th. Ram down cartridge ; 13th. Return rammer ; 14th. & 15th. Shoulder.

N. B. The motion of recover ; Coming down to the priming poÉtion ; and opening the pan to be done in the uÇual time; the motions of handling Cartridge to Èutting the pan ; to be done as quick as poËible; when the pans are Èut ; make a Çmall pauÇe; and caÌ about together ; then the loading and Èouldering motions are to be done as quick as poËible.

17

VI. Handle --- Cartridge ! One Motion

Bring your right hand Èort round to your Pouch ; Êapping it

hard ; Çeize the Cartridge ; and bring it with a quick motion to your Mouth ; bite the top oÁ down to the Powder ; covering it inÌantly with your Thumb ; and bring the hand as low as the Chin ; with the elbow down.

VII. Prime ! One Motion

Shake the Powder into the Pan ; and covering the Cartridge

again ; place the three laÌ Fingers behind the Hammer ; with the elbow up.

18

VIII. Shut --- Pan ! Two Motions

1Ì. Shut your Pan briskly ; bringing down the elbow to the butt

of the Firelock ; holding the Cartridge faÌ in your hand. 2d. Turn the Piece nimbly round before you to the loading

poÉtion; with the Lock to the front ; and the Muzzle at the height of the Chin ; bringing the right hand up under the Muzzle; both feet being kept faÌ in this motion.

IX. Charge with Cartridge ! Two Motions

1Ì. Turn up your hand and put the Cartridge into the Muzzle ;

Èaking the powder into the Barrel. 2d. Turning the Stock a little towards you ; place your right

hand cloÇed ; with a quick and Ìrong motion ; upon the butt of the Rammer ; the Thumb upwards ; and the elbow down.

27

XXVI. Advance --- Arms ! Four Motions

1Ì. and 2d. motion the Çame as the two ÄrÌ motions of the poiÇe. 3d. Bring the Firelock down to the right Side ; with the right

hand as low as it will admit without conÌraint ; Êipping up the left hand at the Çame time to the Swell ; and inÌantly Èifting the poÉtion of the right hand ; take the guard between the Thumb and fore-Finger ; and bring the three laÌ Fingers under the Cock ; with the Barrel to the rear.

4th. Quit the Firelock with the left hand ; bringing it down by your Side.

XXVII. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Four Motions

1Ì. Bring up the left hand ; and Çeize the Firelock at the Swell;

inÌantly Èifting the right hand to its former poÉtion. 2d. Come Çmartly up to a poiÇe. 3d. and 4th. Shoulder.

26

XXIV. Charge Bayonet ! Two Motions

1Ì. The Çame as the ÄrÌ motion of the Çecure. 2d. Bring the butt of the Firelock under the right arm ; letting

the Piece fall down Ìrong on the palm of the left hand ; which receives it at the Swell ; the Muzzle pointing direÀly to the front ; the butt preËed with the arm againÌ the Side; the front rank holding their Pieces horizontally ; and the rear rank the Muzzles of theirs Ço high as to clear the heads of the front rank ; both ranks keeping their feet faÌ.

XXV. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Bring up the Piece Çmartly to a Èoulder ; Çeizing the butt

with the left hand. 2d. Bring the right hand down by your Side.

19

X. Draw --- Rammer ! Two Motions

1Ì. Draw your Rammer with a quick motion half out ; Çeizing it

inÌantly at the Muzzle back-handed. 2d. Draw it quite out ; turn it ; and enter it into the Muzzle.

XI. Ram down --- Cartridge ! One Motion

Ram the Cartridge well down the Barrel ; and inÌantly

recovering and Çeizing the Rammer back-handed by the middle ; draw it quite out ; turn it ; and enter it as far as the lower pipe ; placing at the Çame time the edge of the hand on the butt-end of the Rammer ; with the Fingers extended.

20

XII. Return --- Rammer ! One Motion

ThruÌ the Rammer home ; and inÌantly bring up the Piece

with the left hand to the Èoulder ; Çeizing it at the Çame time with the right hand under the Cock ; keeping the left hand at the Swell ; and turning the Body Çquare to the front.

XIII. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Bring down the left hand ; placing it Ìrong upon the butt. 2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your Side.

25

XXII. PreÇent --- Arms ! Three Motions

1Ì. and 2d. motion the Çame as in coming to the poiÇe. 3d. Step briskly back with your right foot ; placing it a hand's

breadth diÌant from your left heel ; at the Çame time bring down the Firelock as quick as poËible to the reÌ ; Énking it as far down before your left Knee as your right hand will permit without conÌraint ; holding the right hand under the guard ; with the Fingers extended ; and drawing in the Piece with the left hand till the Barrel is perpendicular; during this motion you quit the Piece with the left hand ; and inÌantly Çeize it again juÌ below the tail-pipe.

XXIII. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Lift up your right foot and place it by your left ; at the Çame

time bring the Firelock to your left Èoulder ; and Çeize the butt-end with the left hand ; coming to the poÉtion of the ÄrÌ motion of the Çecure.

2d. Bring the right hand down by your Side.

24

XX. Fix --- Bayonet ! Three Motions

1Ì. and 2d. motion the Çame as the two ÄrÌ motions of the Çecure. 3d. Quitting the Piece with your right hand ; Énk it with your

left down the left Side ; as far as may be without conÌraint [and lowering your head to Änd the bayonet]; at the Çame time Çeize the Bayonet with the right hand ; draw and Äx it ; immediately Êipping the hand down to the Stock ; and preËing in the Piece to the hollow of the Èoulder.

XXI. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Three Motions

1Ì. Quitting the Piece with the right hand ; with the left bring it

up to the Èoulder ; and Çeize it again with right hand under the Cock ; as in the Çecond motion of the Çecure.

2d. Bring the left hand down Ìrong upon the butt. 3d. Bring the right hand down by your Side.

21

XIV. Order --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Sink the Firelock with the left hand as low as poËible ;

without conÌraint ; and at the Çame time bringing up the right hand ; Çeize the Firelock at the left Èoulder.

2d. Quit the Firelock with the left hand ; and with the right bring it down the right Éde ; the butt on the ground ; even with the toes of the right foot ; the Thumb of the right hand lying along the Barrel ; and the Muzzle being kept a little diÌance from the Body.

XV. Ground --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. With the right hand turn the Firelock ; bringing the Lock to

the rear ; and inÌantly Ìepping forward with the left foot a large pace ; lay the Piece on the ground ; the Barrel in a direÀ line from front to rear ; placing the left hand on the Knee ; to Çupport the Body ; the head held up ; the right hand and left heel in a line ; and the right Knee brought almoÌ to the ground.

2d. Quitting the Firelock ; raiÇe yourÇelf up ; and bring back the left foot to its former poÉtion.

22

XVI. Take up --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Step forward with the left foot ; Énk the Body ; and come to

the poÉtion deÇcribed in the ÄrÌ motion of grounding. 2d. RaiÇe up yourÇelf and Firelock ; Ìepping back again with the

left foot ; and as Çoon as the Piece is perpendicular ; turn the Barrel behind ; thus coming to the order.

XVII. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Bring the Firelock to the left Èoulder ; throwing it up a

little ; and catching it below the tail-pipe ; and inÌantly Çeize it with the left hand at the butt.

2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your Side.

23

XVIII. Secure --- Firelock ! Three Motions

1Ì. Bring up the right hand briskly ; and place it under the Cock. 2d.

Quit the butt with the left hand ; and Çeize the Firelock at the Swell ; bringing the arm cloÇe down upon the Lock ; the right hand being kept faÌ in this motion ; and the Piece upright.

3d. Quitting the Piece with your right hand ; bring it down by your Side ; at the Çame time with your left hand throw the Muzzle direÀly forward ; bringing it within about one foot of the ground ; and the butt cloÇe up behind the left Èoulder; holding the left hand in a line with the waiÌ belt ; and with that arm covering the Lock.

XIX. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Three Motions

1Ì. Bring the Firelock up to the Èoulder ; Çeizing it with the

right hand under the Cock. 2d. Bring the left hand down Ìrong upon the butt. 3d. Bring the right hand down by your Side.

22

XVI. Take up --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Step forward with the left foot ; Énk the Body ; and come to

the poÉtion deÇcribed in the ÄrÌ motion of grounding. 2d. RaiÇe up yourÇelf and Firelock ; Ìepping back again with the

left foot ; and as Çoon as the Piece is perpendicular ; turn the Barrel behind ; thus coming to the order.

XVII. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Bring the Firelock to the left Èoulder ; throwing it up a

little ; and catching it below the tail-pipe ; and inÌantly Çeize it with the left hand at the butt.

2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your Side.

23

XVIII. Secure --- Firelock ! Three Motions

1Ì. Bring up the right hand briskly ; and place it under the Cock. 2d.

Quit the butt with the left hand ; and Çeize the Firelock at the Swell ; bringing the arm cloÇe down upon the Lock ; the right hand being kept faÌ in this motion ; and the Piece upright.

3d. Quitting the Piece with your right hand ; bring it down by your Side ; at the Çame time with your left hand throw the Muzzle direÀly forward ; bringing it within about one foot of the ground ; and the butt cloÇe up behind the left Èoulder; holding the left hand in a line with the waiÌ belt ; and with that arm covering the Lock.

XIX. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Three Motions

1Ì. Bring the Firelock up to the Èoulder ; Çeizing it with the

right hand under the Cock. 2d. Bring the left hand down Ìrong upon the butt. 3d. Bring the right hand down by your Side.

24

XX. Fix --- Bayonet ! Three Motions

1Ì. and 2d. motion the Çame as the two ÄrÌ motions of the Çecure. 3d. Quitting the Piece with your right hand ; Énk it with your

left down the left Side ; as far as may be without conÌraint [and lowering your head to Änd the bayonet]; at the Çame time Çeize the Bayonet with the right hand ; draw and Äx it ; immediately Êipping the hand down to the Stock ; and preËing in the Piece to the hollow of the Èoulder.

XXI. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Three Motions

1Ì. Quitting the Piece with the right hand ; with the left bring it

up to the Èoulder ; and Çeize it again with right hand under the Cock ; as in the Çecond motion of the Çecure.

2d. Bring the left hand down Ìrong upon the butt. 3d. Bring the right hand down by your Side.

21

XIV. Order --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Sink the Firelock with the left hand as low as poËible ;

without conÌraint ; and at the Çame time bringing up the right hand ; Çeize the Firelock at the left Èoulder.

2d. Quit the Firelock with the left hand ; and with the right bring it down the right Éde ; the butt on the ground ; even with the toes of the right foot ; the Thumb of the right hand lying along the Barrel ; and the Muzzle being kept a little diÌance from the Body.

XV. Ground --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. With the right hand turn the Firelock ; bringing the Lock to

the rear ; and inÌantly Ìepping forward with the left foot a large pace ; lay the Piece on the ground ; the Barrel in a direÀ line from front to rear ; placing the left hand on the Knee ; to Çupport the Body ; the head held up ; the right hand and left heel in a line ; and the right Knee brought almoÌ to the ground.

2d. Quitting the Firelock ; raiÇe yourÇelf up ; and bring back the left foot to its former poÉtion.

20

XII. Return --- Rammer ! One Motion

ThruÌ the Rammer home ; and inÌantly bring up the Piece

with the left hand to the Èoulder ; Çeizing it at the Çame time with the right hand under the Cock ; keeping the left hand at the Swell ; and turning the Body Çquare to the front.

XIII. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Bring down the left hand ; placing it Ìrong upon the butt. 2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your Side.

25

XXII. PreÇent --- Arms ! Three Motions

1Ì. and 2d. motion the Çame as in coming to the poiÇe. 3d. Step briskly back with your right foot ; placing it a hand's

breadth diÌant from your left heel ; at the Çame time bring down the Firelock as quick as poËible to the reÌ ; Énking it as far down before your left Knee as your right hand will permit without conÌraint ; holding the right hand under the guard ; with the Fingers extended ; and drawing in the Piece with the left hand till the Barrel is perpendicular; during this motion you quit the Piece with the left hand ; and inÌantly Çeize it again juÌ below the tail-pipe.

XXIII. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Lift up your right foot and place it by your left ; at the Çame

time bring the Firelock to your left Èoulder ; and Çeize the butt-end with the left hand ; coming to the poÉtion of the ÄrÌ motion of the Çecure.

2d. Bring the right hand down by your Side.

26

XXIV. Charge Bayonet ! Two Motions

1Ì. The Çame as the ÄrÌ motion of the Çecure. 2d. Bring the butt of the Firelock under the right arm ; letting

the Piece fall down Ìrong on the palm of the left hand ; which receives it at the Swell ; the Muzzle pointing direÀly to the front ; the butt preËed with the arm againÌ the Side; the front rank holding their Pieces horizontally ; and the rear rank the Muzzles of theirs Ço high as to clear the heads of the front rank ; both ranks keeping their feet faÌ.

XXV. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Bring up the Piece Çmartly to a Èoulder ; Çeizing the butt

with the left hand. 2d. Bring the right hand down by your Side.

19

X. Draw --- Rammer ! Two Motions

1Ì. Draw your Rammer with a quick motion half out ; Çeizing it

inÌantly at the Muzzle back-handed. 2d. Draw it quite out ; turn it ; and enter it into the Muzzle.

XI. Ram down --- Cartridge ! One Motion

Ram the Cartridge well down the Barrel ; and inÌantly

recovering and Çeizing the Rammer back-handed by the middle ; draw it quite out ; turn it ; and enter it as far as the lower pipe ; placing at the Çame time the edge of the hand on the butt-end of the Rammer ; with the Fingers extended.

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VIII. Shut --- Pan ! Two Motions

1Ì. Shut your Pan briskly ; bringing down the elbow to the butt

of the Firelock ; holding the Cartridge faÌ in your hand. 2d. Turn the Piece nimbly round before you to the loading

poÉtion; with the Lock to the front ; and the Muzzle at the height of the Chin ; bringing the right hand up under the Muzzle; both feet being kept faÌ in this motion.

IX. Charge with Cartridge ! Two Motions

1Ì. Turn up your hand and put the Cartridge into the Muzzle ;

Èaking the powder into the Barrel. 2d. Turning the Stock a little towards you ; place your right

hand cloÇed ; with a quick and Ìrong motion ; upon the butt of the Rammer ; the Thumb upwards ; and the elbow down.

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XXVI. Advance --- Arms ! Four Motions

1Ì. and 2d. motion the Çame as the two ÄrÌ motions of the poiÇe. 3d. Bring the Firelock down to the right Side ; with the right

hand as low as it will admit without conÌraint ; Êipping up the left hand at the Çame time to the Swell ; and inÌantly Èifting the poÉtion of the right hand ; take the guard between the Thumb and fore-Finger ; and bring the three laÌ Fingers under the Cock ; with the Barrel to the rear.

4th. Quit the Firelock with the left hand ; bringing it down by your Side.

XXVII. Shoulder --- Firelock ! Four Motions

1Ì. Bring up the left hand ; and Çeize the Firelock at the Swell;

inÌantly Èifting the right hand to its former poÉtion. 2d. Come Çmartly up to a poiÇe. 3d. and 4th. Shoulder.

28

Art II. Explanation of PRIMING and LOADING as performed in THE

FIRINGS

Prime and Load! Fifteen Motions

1Ì. Come to the recover ; throwing up your Ärelock ; with a Çmart Çpring of the left hand ; direÀly before the left BreaÌ ; and turning the Barrel inwards; at that moment catch it with the right hand below the Lock ; and inÌantly bringing up the left hand ; with a rapid motion ; Çeize the Piece cloÇe above the Lock ; the little Finger touching the feather-Çpring; the left hand to be at an equal height with the eyes ; the butt of the Firelock cloÇe to the left BreaÌ ; but not preËed ; and the Barrel perpendicular.

2d. Bring the Firelock down with a brisk motion to the priming poÉtion ; as direÀed in the 4th word of command ; inÌantly placing the Thumb of the right hand againÌ the face of the Ìeel ; the Fingers clenched ; and the elbow a little turned out; that the wriÌ may be clear of the Cock.

3d. Open the pan by throwing back the Ìeel with a Ìrong motion of the right arm ; keeping the Firelock Ìeady in the left hand.

4th. Handle cartridge ; 5th. Prime ; 6th. Shut pan ; 7th. ‘Bout ; [To facilitate the troops caÌing about together, they

Èall wait for the command “’Bout!,” then caÌ about together.]

8th. & 9th. Load ; 10th. & 11th. Draw rammer ; 12th. Ram down cartridge ; 13th. Return rammer ; 14th. & 15th. Shoulder.

N. B. The motion of recover ; Coming down to the priming poÉtion ; and opening the pan to be done in the uÇual time; the motions of handling Cartridge to Èutting the pan ; to be done as quick as poËible; when the pans are Èut ; make a Çmall pauÇe; and caÌ about together ; then the loading and Èouldering motions are to be done as quick as poËible.

17

VI. Handle --- Cartridge ! One Motion

Bring your right hand Èort round to your Pouch ; Êapping it

hard ; Çeize the Cartridge ; and bring it with a quick motion to your Mouth ; bite the top oÁ down to the Powder ; covering it inÌantly with your Thumb ; and bring the hand as low as the Chin ; with the elbow down.

VII. Prime ! One Motion

Shake the Powder into the Pan ; and covering the Cartridge

again ; place the three laÌ Fingers behind the Hammer ; with the elbow up.

16

III. Take Aim ! One Motion

Step back about Éx inches with the right foot ; bringing the

left toe to the front; at the Çame time drop the Muzzle ; and bring up the butt-end of the Firelock againÌ your right Èoulder; Place the left hand forward on the Swell of the Stock ; And the fore-Finger of the right hand before the Trigger ; Sinking the Muzzle a little below a level ; And with the right eye looking along the Barrel .

IV. Fire ! One Motion

Pull the Trigger briskly ; and immediately after bringing up

the right foot ; come to the priming poÉtion ; placing the heels even ; with the right toe pointing to the right ; the Lock oppoÉte the right BreaÌ ; the Muzzle direÀly to the front and as high as the Hat ; The left hand juÌ forward of the feather-Çpring; holding the Piece Ärm and Ìeady; and at the Çame time Çeize the Cock with the fore-Finger and Thumb of the right hand; the back of the hand turned up.

V. Half-Cock --- Firelock ! One Motion

Half bend the Cock briskly, bringing down the elbow to the

butt of the Firelock.

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Art. III. PoÉtion of each RANK in The Firings

Front rank ! Make Ready ! One Motion

Spring the Firelock briskly to a recover ; the hand Çeizes the

Firelock above the Lock ; the right elbow is to be nimbly raiÇed a little ; placing the Thumb of that hand upon the Cock ; the Fingers open by the plate of the Lock ; and as quickly as poËible cock the Piece ; dropping the elbow ; and forcing down the Cock with the Thumb ; immediately Çeizing the Firelock with the right hand ; cloÇe under the Lock; the Piece to be held in this manner perpendicular ; oppoÉte the left Éde of the face ; the Body kept Ìraight ; and as full to the front as poËible ; and the head held up ; looking well to right.

Take Aim ! Fire !

As before explain’d.

Rear rank ! Make Ready ! One Motion

Recover and cock as before direÀed ; at the Çame time Ìepping about Éx inches to the right ; Ço as to place yourÇelf oppoÉte the interval of the front rank.

Take Aim ! Fire !

As before explain’d. N.B. When Äring it is imperative that the troops perform the

loading and Äring movements together. Under no circumÌances Èould an individual diÇcharge his weapon while others are loading.

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15

T H E M A N U A L E X E R C I S E

I. PoiÇe --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. With your left hand turn the Firelock briskly ; bringing the

Lock to the front; At the Çame inÌant ; Çeize it with the right hand juÌ below the Lock ; keeping the Piece perpendicular.

2d. With a quick motion ; bring up the Firelock from the Èoulder DireÀly before the face ; and Çeize it with the left hand juÌ above the Lock ; So that the little Finger may reÌ upon the Feather-Çpring ; And the Thumb lie on the Stock; The left hand muÌ be of an equal height with the eyes.

II. Cock --- Firelock ! Two Motions

1Ì. Turn the Barrel oppoÉte to your Face ; and place your

Thumb upon the Cock ; raiÉng the elbow Çquare at this motion.

2d. Cock the Firelock by drawing down your elbow ; immediately placing your Thumb upon the breech-pin ; And the Fingers under the Guard.

46

S E C T . I V.

S E N T R I E S

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Art. I. The manner of Relieving Sentries.

The corporals are always to march their Reliefs in a regular manner.

When the Çentinel Çees the relief approach, he preÇents his arms, and the corporal halting his relief at Éx paces diÌance, commands,

PreÇent---Arms!

Recover---Arms!

This laÌ command is for the Çentinel relieving, and the one to

be relieved; the former immediately approaching with the corporal, and having received his orders from the old Çentry, takes his place [by Ìepping Obliquely to the left ; then to the right]; and the Çentry relieved marches into the ranks, placing himÇelf on the left of the rear rank. [The corporal returns to his place in the ranks at the Çame time.]

Front---Face!

Both Çentries face to the front. The corporal then orders,

Shoulder---Firelocks! Support---Arms! March!

And the relief proceeds in the Çame manner till the whole are

relieved. N. B. corporals marching with the Reliefs ; will carry their Arms Advanced.

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THE

C H A P T E R I I I .

The ExerciÇe of a Company .

Art. I . Of opening the ranks

Rear Rank ! Take --- DiÌance ! March !

rear rank Ìeps back four paces, and dreËes by the right; the oÂcers at the Çame time advancing eight paces to the front ; and dreËing in a line ; the Çerjeants who

covered the oÂcers, take their places in the front rank ; the non-commiËioned oÂcers who were in the rear, remain there, Ìepping back four paces behind the rear rank.

Rear Rank ! CloÇe to the Front !

The oÂcers face to the company.

March !

The rear rank cloÇes to within a common pace, or two feet ; and the oÂcers return to their former poÌs.

Art. II. Of the Firings

The captain will divide his company into two or more ÇeÀions, and teach them the Äre by platoons.

The oÂcers muÌ give the words of command with a loud and diÌinÀ voice ; obÇerve that the Çoldiers Ìep oÁ , and place their feet, as direÀed in the manual of exerciÇe ; and that they level their pieces at a proper height ; for which purpoÇe they muÌ be accuÌomed always to take Éght at Çome objeÀ .

The oÂcer will often command, As you were ! to accuÌom the

Çoldier not to Äre till he receives the word of command .

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In all exerciÇes in detail , the men will uÇe a piece of wood , inÌead of a Åint ; and each Çoldier Èould have Éx pieces of wood, in the form of cartridges , which the Çerjeant muÌ Çee taken out of the pieces when the exerciÇe is ÄniÈed .

When the company exerciÇes with powder , the captain will

inÇpeÀ the company , and Çee that all the cartridges not uÇed are returned .

Art. III. Of the March

In marching to the front , the men muÌ be accuÌomed to dreÇs to the centre, which they will have to do when exerciÉng in battalion ; and for this purpoÇe a Çerjeant muÌ be placed Éx paces in front of the centre , who will take Çome objeÀ in front to Çerve as a direÀion for him to march Ìraight forward ; and the men muÌ look inwards , and regulate their march by him .

The captain muÌ exerciÇe his company in diÁerent Çorts of ground ; and when , by the badneÇs of the ground , or any other accident , the Çoldier loÇes his Ìep , he muÌ immediately take it again from the Çerjeant in the centre . The oÂcers muÌ not ÇuÁer the leaÌ inattention , but puniÈ every man guilty of it .

The Oblique March

MuÌ be praÀiced, both in the quick and common Ìep ,

agreeably to the inÌruÀions already given . [NOTE: The oÂcer commanding Èould give the command according to which Éde the men are to oblique. If obliqueing to the left, the word “March!” Èould be given on the left foot. If obliqueing to the right, the word “March!” Èould be given on the right foot. In this way, the men will have a “check” Ìep before they begin the oblique Ìep. The Çame holds true when they are to return to marching to the front. Give the word of command, “Front!” on the foot they are obliqueing, which will allow a “check” Ìep and a Çmooth tranÉtion to the change in direÀion.]

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advancing is to ceaÇe ; the commanding oÂcer gives the command to halt.

N. B. The rank which happens to be in the Front ; whichever it may be ; is addreËed as the Front rank when Commands are given.

Of Firing in Retreating.

At the Command ; the Front rank ; (namely that which happens to be in Front) makes ready ; preÇents ; and Äres. It then recovers ; goes to the right About ; marches with a quick Step Behind the Rear rank as far as the oÂcer thinks Ät ; fronts and loads. As Çoon as the Commander of the new Front rank Çees that the one which has Äred is formed and loaded ; he give the Command ; upon which the Front rank makes ready ; preÇents ; and Äres ; then recovers and faces to the right About ; marches with a quick Step into the Rear of the FirÌ ; fronts and loads. In this manner both ranks retire ; Çupporting each Other. When the Fire in retiring is to ceaÇe ; the commanding oÂcer gives the Command to halt.

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take Ground to the Right of their File Leaders. When to extend from the Centre ; the Word of Command will be given :

From the Centre --- Extend !

At which the right Wing face and move to the Right ; as in

extending from the Left ; the left Wing performs the Çame Movements as when extending from the Right ; the Centre File; which is the File before which the commanding oÂcer gives the Command ; Ìands faÌ.

On the Signal to cloÇe ;

To the Right (Left ; Centre) --- CloÇe ! The company ; except the right hand (left hand ; centre) File

faces to the Right (Left ; Centre).

Quick March ! At this Word of Command ; the company ; cloÇes briskly to

return to CloÇe Order ; halts ; fronts ; and dreËes by the Right.

Art. II. Firing by ranks in Extended Order.

Of Firing on the Spot. The commanding oÂcer then orders the Front rank only to

make ready ; preÇent ; and Äre ; then prime and load. He then orders the Rear rank to do the Çame. They make ready ; and Äre through the Intervals of the Front rank. In this manner the Fire is continued on the Spot.

Of Firing in Advancing.

In Äring advancing ; the commanding oÂcer ÄrÌ orders the

Front rank only to make ready ; preÇent ; and Äre. On this ; the Rear rank is commanded to march forward through the Intervals of the Front rank as far as the oÂcer thinks Ät. As Çoon as the rank which has Äred is loaded ; the new Front rank makes ready ; preÇents ; and Äres ; and the rank behind will accordingly march forward through the Intervals of the Front rank. Thus each rank continues advancing and Äring alternately. If the Firing in

33

WHEN

Of Breaking oÁ, and Forming by the oblique Step. The captain having divided his company into two [or more]

SeÀions, will give the word,

SeÀions! Break oÁ!

Upon which the SeÀion on the right inclines by the oblique Ìep to the left, and that on the left, following the former, incline to the right, till they cover each other, when they march forward.

Form Company!

The ÄrÌ SeÀion inclines to the right, Èortening its Ìep, and the Çecond to the left, lengthening its Ìep, till they are uncovered, when both march forward, and form in a line.

Art. IV. Of the manner of Stepping.

[ From Pickering ]

you lift up the foot carry it forward near ; and almoÌ parallel to the Ground ; (the toe being turned out ; and rather pointed downwards than

elÇe) till the knee is Ìraight ; when you are to make a momentary pauÇe ; but Ço as to be to be Çcarcely perceptible ; during which the balance of the body is to be kept back on the leg ; that is behind ; then Çetting the advanced foot Åat on the ground ; (advancing it withal Ìill farther ; in bringing it down ; and keeping time with the muÉc) Ìep forward in the Çame manner with the other foot. Care muÌ be taken not to drag forward in a lifeleÇs ; ÊuggiÈ manner ; the foot that is behind ; but the InÌant one foot Ìrikes the ground ; Çpring the other forward briskly ; till the knee is Ìraight ; that you may be ready ; when the MuÉc bids ; to Çet your foot to the Ground.

In performing the Slow-Step ; the feet when advancing

Èould be carried over a little to the oppoÉte Side ; and both Çet down on the Çame Line ; otherwiÇe the Body will reel diÇagreeably. For inÌance ; if you walk on the Crack of a Floor ; at every Step you Èould cover the Crack with your heel . The length of the Ìep Èould , on a plain march , be two feet , or a little more .

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Art. V. Of Wheeling.

To the Right --- Wheel !

At this word of command, the men turn their heads briskly to the left hand man.

March !

The whole Ìep oÁ, obÇerving to feel the hand they wheel to,

without crowding ; the right hand man, Çerving as a Pivot for the reÌ to turn on, gains no ground, but turns on his heel ; the oÂcer will march on the Åank and when the wheeling is ÄniÈed command

Halt !

On which the whole Ìop Èort on the foot then forward,

bringing up the other foot, and dreËing to the right.

To the Left --- Wheel !

The whole look to the right except the right hand man, who looks to the left.

March !

As before explained. N. B. The wheelings muÌ ÄrÌ be taught in the common Ìep, and then praÀiced in the quick Ìep. The Captain will exerciÇe his company in wheeling entire, and by SeÀions or platoons, both in the common and quick Ìep, taking care that the men in the rear rank incline a little to the right or left according to the hand they wheel to, Ço as always to cover their Äle-leaders.

43

S E C T . I I I.

THE LIGHT INFANTRY DRILL. [ From LI ExerciÇe]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * Art. I. Extending ranks.

When the company is formed at cloÇe Order ; and is required

to extend to the Left ; the Words of Command will be given as follows :

To the Left --- Extend !

The company ; except the right hand File faces to the Left.

Quick March ! At this Word of Command ; the company ; except the right

hand File ; moves on in quick Time ; caÌing the eyes over the right Èoulder ; Ço that each File when at two Paces diÌance from his right hand File may halt ; front ; and dreÇs by the Right. The Rear rank Ìeps to the Right ; in order if neceËary to march or Äre without Impediment through the Intervals of the Front rank. This is the uÇual DiÌance between Files ; at which troops when ordered to extend will form ; but in particular CaÇes when they are required to cover the front of a Corps ; or make a manœuvre the commanding oÂcer will Égnify at what DiÌance the Files are to form from each Other ; before he gives the Order for them to extend themÇelves.

When the company is to extend from the Left ; the Word of

Command will be given :

To the Right --- Extend ! The Whole ; except the left hand File ; face to the Right ; in

taking their DiÌance look over the left Èoulder ; halt ; front and dreÇs by the Left. The Rear rank ; as in opening to the Left ;

42

Shut Pans !

1Ì. RaiÇe the right hand ; Fingers extended and joined together ; and placing the Fingers on the top of the Hammer ; inÌantly force it Èut. Remain motionleÇs with the Fingers of the right hand Ìill on the top on the Hammer and the right forearm parallel to the ground.

2d. Smartly cut the right hand away to the right Side.

Search --- Arms !

1Ì. & 2d. motions of “Fix Bayonets !”

3d. With the Piece at your left Side ; briskly draw your Rammer and enter it into the Muzzle. At the direÀion of the oÂcer in command, thruÌ it down the Barrel, then return it.

4th. Come to the laÌ PoÉtion of “Ram-Down Cartridge”.

Return Rammers !

As previouÊy deÇcribed.

Shoulder --- Firelocks !

1Ì. Quit the left hand and place it Ìrong upon the butt. 2d. Quit the right hand and throw it down the right Side.

Art. VIII. DiÇmiËed !

1Ì. Face to the Right About.

2d. Step oÁ (uÇually accompanied by the beat of the Drum).

35

Art. VI. Of The March by Files

[NOTE: A column of “Äles” is formed when one, or more, ranks of men are faced to the left or right, with each Çoldier marching direÀly behind the Çoldier that had been next to him.] Which, being of great importance, muÌ be carefully attended to; obÇerving that the Çoldier carries his body more forward than in the front march, and that he does not increaÇe the diÌance from his Äle leader. The leading Äle will be conduÀed by the oÂcer; who will poÌ himÇelf for that purpoÇe on its left, when they march by the right, and on the contrary when they march by the left. [It is noted by von Steuben, as well as Timothy Pickering that when marching very far in a column of Äles, the Çoldiers will begin to open the diÌance between the Äles, reÇulting in too much Çpace between each man when the column is halted. To correÀ this Pickering oÁers the following command juÌ before the column is to halt]:

Platoon! CloÇe ---Up!

The leading Äle Ìops advancing but continues to Ìep in place, and the Äles behind cloÇe up to their proper diÌance.

Platoon! Halt!

To the Right (or Left) ---Face!

The ranks are reformed with the proper Çpace between each

man.

36

Art. VII. Of The Counter March

Note. This march muÌ never be executed by larger portion of a battalion than platoons.

Take Care to counter march from the Right, by Platoons!

To the Right --- face! March!

The whole facing to the right, each platoon wheels by Äles to the right about; and when the right hand Äle gets to the ground where the left Ìood, the oÂcer orders,

Halt! To the Left --- face!

And the company will be formed with their front changed

[facing to the rear].

Art. VIII. Of the March by SeÀions of Four

Each platoon is to be told oÁ into SeÀions of four Äles; if there remain three, they form a SeÀion; if two Äles, or leÇs, they form one rank. At the word,

By SeÀions of Four!

To the Right --- Wheel! March!

They wheel by fours and march, the Çecond rank of each SeÀion taking two paces [additional] diÌance from the front rank. The oÂcers commanding platoons take poÌ on the left of their ÄrÌ SeÀions; but on the right, if the SeÀions wheel to the left. The Äle-cloÇers fall in on the Åanks.

The oÂcers muÌ take great care that the diÌance of two paces, and no more, is kept between the ranks. At the word,

Halt!

The front rank of each SeÀion Ìops Èort, and the Çecond

rank cloÇes up, which gives the proper diÌance between the SeÀions; and by wheeling to the right or left the line is formed;

41

Art. IV. ReÌ ! (under Arms) [UÇed for Étuations requiring a modern “Parade ReÌ”]

From the Order, twiÌ the Piece Ço that the Lock faces outward ; ÉmultaneouÊy, bringing it acroÇs the Body and Çeizing it with the left while Ìill graÇping it with the right as well. At this time, take a Çmall Ìep back with the right foot.

Art. V. Stand at EaÇe! [BaÇed on von Steuben’s InÌruÀions at Valley Forge, but not in the Manual]

At this command the Çoldiers may Ìand eaÇy, moving about their arms and hands but muÌ keep their left foot in place Ço as not to diÇrupt the dreÇs of the ranks; and they muÌ not Ét down.

Art. VI. UnÄx --- Bayonet !

1Ì. and 2d. motion the Çame as the two ÄrÌ motions Äx Bayonet.

3d. Sink the Piece at your Left [lowering your head at the Çame time to Änd the Çcabbard]; unÄx the Bayonet ; return it to the Scabbard ; place the Fingers of your right hand under the Lug ; and preËing the muzzle to your Èoulder.

Art. VII. InÇpeÀion of Arms. [From Pickering]

At the Beginning of every Parade the Serjeant-Major

conduÀs an InÇpeÀion of Arms to be Çure that the Lock and the Barrel are clear.

Open Pans ! (From Èoulder.)

1Ì. Bring the right Thumb above the Hammer ; and Fore-Finger

under it (but above the Flint ;) and inÌantly force it up. 2d. Thrown the right hand down by the Side.

40

Art. II. Slope Firelocks !

With the left hand, puÈ the Ärelock upwards, Êipping it on the Èoulder ; and at the Çame time raiÉng the butt forward, let the muzzle drop behind, but not Ço low as to interfere with the head of the man behind you if in cloÇe order. In doing this motion you will naturally point the Ärelock to the right , in an oblique poÉtion ; and it may properly be held Ço far obliquely, as that the muzzle Èall be behind the right Èoulder, in a range from front to rear. In this poÉtion you will balance and carry the Ärelock in the manner you Änd moÌ eaÇy.

Art. III. Trail --- Arms !

1Ì. Throwing up the right hand, Çeize the Ärelock juÌ below the

Çwell by the tailpipe, the little Änger touching, or being near, the left Èoulder, and almoÌ as high as the top of it.

2d. Quit the left hand and bring the Ärelock with the right hand

down by your right Éde, holding it in a Êoping poÉtion, the butt coming within a few inches of the ground, and the muzzle about a foot and a half before the right Èoulder.

37

or, if the commanding oÂcer chooÇes he may form platoons by the oblique Ìep.

Breaking oÁ into SeÀions of Four

A column may break oÁ into SeÀions of four, with the

command,

Take Care to break oÁ by SeÀions of Four!

Upon which the oÂcers commanding platoons tell them oÁ as before, but without halting. At the word,

SeÀions of Four! Break oÁ!

The SeÀions on the right of each platoon incline by the

oblique Ìep to the left; and thoÇe on the left of each platoon, following the former, incline to the right, till they all cover; when they march forward, opening the ranks as before direÀed.

Art. IX. The Route Step. [The Route Step is performed where keeping the Step is not

praÀical. You may march at your own Pace and carry your Firelock as you Çee Ät ; but the DreÇs in ranks Èould be maintained.]

38

39

S E C T . I I.

OTHER NECESSARY MOTIONS GENERALLY PRACTICED

[ From Pickering ]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Art. I. Support Firelock!

1Ì. Without Ìirring the Ärelock, Çeize it with your right hand Ço

far below the lock as to give room for the left arm to be brought under the cock at the next motion, the thumb on the inÉde, pointing upwards, the ball of it only touching the piece, the upper joints of the Ängers on the front of the Çmall of the Ìock, and the lower joints claÇped round on the outÉde of it.

2d. Quitting the butt with the left hand, bring your left arm cloÇe

up under the cock, reÌing the left hand upon the right arm, the palm nearly on the upper Éde, the Ängers moÌly on the fore Éde of it, extended toward the elbow, and the thumb between the arm and the body ; the left arm is to be Ìraight acroÇs the body, in the moÌ eaÇy poÉtion; and the cock reÌing upon it near the bend of the elbow Çupports the piece. The poÉtion of the Ärelock at Çupport, if well carried, does not diÁer materially from its poÉtion when Èouldered.

38

39

S E C T . I I.

OTHER NECESSARY MOTIONS GENERALLY PRACTICED

[ From Pickering ]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Art. I. Support Firelock!

1Ì. Without Ìirring the Ärelock, Çeize it with your right hand Ço

far below the lock as to give room for the left arm to be brought under the cock at the next motion, the thumb on the inÉde, pointing upwards, the ball of it only touching the piece, the upper joints of the Ängers on the front of the Çmall of the Ìock, and the lower joints claÇped round on the outÉde of it.

2d. Quitting the butt with the left hand, bring your left arm cloÇe

up under the cock, reÌing the left hand upon the right arm, the palm nearly on the upper Éde, the Ängers moÌly on the fore Éde of it, extended toward the elbow, and the thumb between the arm and the body ; the left arm is to be Ìraight acroÇs the body, in the moÌ eaÇy poÉtion; and the cock reÌing upon it near the bend of the elbow Çupports the piece. The poÉtion of the Ärelock at Çupport, if well carried, does not diÁer materially from its poÉtion when Èouldered.

40

Art. II. Slope Firelocks !

With the left hand, puÈ the Ärelock upwards, Êipping it on the Èoulder ; and at the Çame time raiÉng the butt forward, let the muzzle drop behind, but not Ço low as to interfere with the head of the man behind you if in cloÇe order. In doing this motion you will naturally point the Ärelock to the right , in an oblique poÉtion ; and it may properly be held Ço far obliquely, as that the muzzle Èall be behind the right Èoulder, in a range from front to rear. In this poÉtion you will balance and carry the Ärelock in the manner you Änd moÌ eaÇy.

Art. III. Trail --- Arms !

1Ì. Throwing up the right hand, Çeize the Ärelock juÌ below the

Çwell by the tailpipe, the little Änger touching, or being near, the left Èoulder, and almoÌ as high as the top of it.

2d. Quit the left hand and bring the Ärelock with the right hand

down by your right Éde, holding it in a Êoping poÉtion, the butt coming within a few inches of the ground, and the muzzle about a foot and a half before the right Èoulder.

37

or, if the commanding oÂcer chooÇes he may form platoons by the oblique Ìep.

Breaking oÁ into SeÀions of Four

A column may break oÁ into SeÀions of four, with the

command,

Take Care to break oÁ by SeÀions of Four!

Upon which the oÂcers commanding platoons tell them oÁ as before, but without halting. At the word,

SeÀions of Four! Break oÁ!

The SeÀions on the right of each platoon incline by the

oblique Ìep to the left; and thoÇe on the left of each platoon, following the former, incline to the right, till they all cover; when they march forward, opening the ranks as before direÀed.

Art. IX. The Route Step. [The Route Step is performed where keeping the Step is not

praÀical. You may march at your own Pace and carry your Firelock as you Çee Ät ; but the DreÇs in ranks Èould be maintained.]

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Art. VII. Of The Counter March

Note. This march muÌ never be executed by larger portion of a battalion than platoons.

Take Care to counter march from the Right, by Platoons!

To the Right --- face! March!

The whole facing to the right, each platoon wheels by Äles to the right about; and when the right hand Äle gets to the ground where the left Ìood, the oÂcer orders,

Halt! To the Left --- face!

And the company will be formed with their front changed

[facing to the rear].

Art. VIII. Of the March by SeÀions of Four

Each platoon is to be told oÁ into SeÀions of four Äles; if there remain three, they form a SeÀion; if two Äles, or leÇs, they form one rank. At the word,

By SeÀions of Four!

To the Right --- Wheel! March!

They wheel by fours and march, the Çecond rank of each SeÀion taking two paces [additional] diÌance from the front rank. The oÂcers commanding platoons take poÌ on the left of their ÄrÌ SeÀions; but on the right, if the SeÀions wheel to the left. The Äle-cloÇers fall in on the Åanks.

The oÂcers muÌ take great care that the diÌance of two paces, and no more, is kept between the ranks. At the word,

Halt!

The front rank of each SeÀion Ìops Èort, and the Çecond

rank cloÇes up, which gives the proper diÌance between the SeÀions; and by wheeling to the right or left the line is formed;

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Art. IV. ReÌ ! (under Arms) [UÇed for Étuations requiring a modern “Parade ReÌ”]

From the Order, twiÌ the Piece Ço that the Lock faces outward ; ÉmultaneouÊy, bringing it acroÇs the Body and Çeizing it with the left while Ìill graÇping it with the right as well. At this time, take a Çmall Ìep back with the right foot.

Art. V. Stand at EaÇe! [BaÇed on von Steuben’s InÌruÀions at Valley Forge, but not in the Manual]

At this command the Çoldiers may Ìand eaÇy, moving about their arms and hands but muÌ keep their left foot in place Ço as not to diÇrupt the dreÇs of the ranks; and they muÌ not Ét down.

Art. VI. UnÄx --- Bayonet !

1Ì. and 2d. motion the Çame as the two ÄrÌ motions Äx Bayonet.

3d. Sink the Piece at your Left [lowering your head at the Çame time to Änd the Çcabbard]; unÄx the Bayonet ; return it to the Scabbard ; place the Fingers of your right hand under the Lug ; and preËing the muzzle to your Èoulder.

Art. VII. InÇpeÀion of Arms. [From Pickering]

At the Beginning of every Parade the Serjeant-Major

conduÀs an InÇpeÀion of Arms to be Çure that the Lock and the Barrel are clear.

Open Pans ! (From Èoulder.)

1Ì. Bring the right Thumb above the Hammer ; and Fore-Finger

under it (but above the Flint ;) and inÌantly force it up. 2d. Thrown the right hand down by the Side.

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Shut Pans !

1Ì. RaiÇe the right hand ; Fingers extended and joined together ; and placing the Fingers on the top of the Hammer ; inÌantly force it Èut. Remain motionleÇs with the Fingers of the right hand Ìill on the top on the Hammer and the right forearm parallel to the ground.

2d. Smartly cut the right hand away to the right Side.

Search --- Arms !

1Ì. & 2d. motions of “Fix Bayonets !”

3d. With the Piece at your left Side ; briskly draw your Rammer and enter it into the Muzzle. At the direÀion of the oÂcer in command, thruÌ it down the Barrel, then return it.

4th. Come to the laÌ PoÉtion of “Ram-Down Cartridge”.

Return Rammers !

As previouÊy deÇcribed.

Shoulder --- Firelocks !

1Ì. Quit the left hand and place it Ìrong upon the butt. 2d. Quit the right hand and throw it down the right Side.

Art. VIII. DiÇmiËed !

1Ì. Face to the Right About.

2d. Step oÁ (uÇually accompanied by the beat of the Drum).

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Art. VI. Of The March by Files

[NOTE: A column of “Äles” is formed when one, or more, ranks of men are faced to the left or right, with each Çoldier marching direÀly behind the Çoldier that had been next to him.] Which, being of great importance, muÌ be carefully attended to; obÇerving that the Çoldier carries his body more forward than in the front march, and that he does not increaÇe the diÌance from his Äle leader. The leading Äle will be conduÀed by the oÂcer; who will poÌ himÇelf for that purpoÇe on its left, when they march by the right, and on the contrary when they march by the left. [It is noted by von Steuben, as well as Timothy Pickering that when marching very far in a column of Äles, the Çoldiers will begin to open the diÌance between the Äles, reÇulting in too much Çpace between each man when the column is halted. To correÀ this Pickering oÁers the following command juÌ before the column is to halt]:

Platoon! CloÇe ---Up!

The leading Äle Ìops advancing but continues to Ìep in place, and the Äles behind cloÇe up to their proper diÌance.

Platoon! Halt!

To the Right (or Left) ---Face!

The ranks are reformed with the proper Çpace between each

man.

34

Art. V. Of Wheeling.

To the Right --- Wheel !

At this word of command, the men turn their heads briskly to the left hand man.

March !

The whole Ìep oÁ, obÇerving to feel the hand they wheel to,

without crowding ; the right hand man, Çerving as a Pivot for the reÌ to turn on, gains no ground, but turns on his heel ; the oÂcer will march on the Åank and when the wheeling is ÄniÈed command

Halt !

On which the whole Ìop Èort on the foot then forward,

bringing up the other foot, and dreËing to the right.

To the Left --- Wheel !

The whole look to the right except the right hand man, who looks to the left.

March !

As before explained. N. B. The wheelings muÌ ÄrÌ be taught in the common Ìep, and then praÀiced in the quick Ìep. The Captain will exerciÇe his company in wheeling entire, and by SeÀions or platoons, both in the common and quick Ìep, taking care that the men in the rear rank incline a little to the right or left according to the hand they wheel to, Ço as always to cover their Äle-leaders.

43

S E C T . I I I.

THE LIGHT INFANTRY DRILL. [ From LI ExerciÇe]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * Art. I. Extending ranks.

When the company is formed at cloÇe Order ; and is required

to extend to the Left ; the Words of Command will be given as follows :

To the Left --- Extend !

The company ; except the right hand File faces to the Left.

Quick March ! At this Word of Command ; the company ; except the right

hand File ; moves on in quick Time ; caÌing the eyes over the right Èoulder ; Ço that each File when at two Paces diÌance from his right hand File may halt ; front ; and dreÇs by the Right. The Rear rank Ìeps to the Right ; in order if neceËary to march or Äre without Impediment through the Intervals of the Front rank. This is the uÇual DiÌance between Files ; at which troops when ordered to extend will form ; but in particular CaÇes when they are required to cover the front of a Corps ; or make a manœuvre the commanding oÂcer will Égnify at what DiÌance the Files are to form from each Other ; before he gives the Order for them to extend themÇelves.

When the company is to extend from the Left ; the Word of

Command will be given :

To the Right --- Extend ! The Whole ; except the left hand File ; face to the Right ; in

taking their DiÌance look over the left Èoulder ; halt ; front and dreÇs by the Left. The Rear rank ; as in opening to the Left ;

44

take Ground to the Right of their File Leaders. When to extend from the Centre ; the Word of Command will be given :

From the Centre --- Extend !

At which the right Wing face and move to the Right ; as in

extending from the Left ; the left Wing performs the Çame Movements as when extending from the Right ; the Centre File; which is the File before which the commanding oÂcer gives the Command ; Ìands faÌ.

On the Signal to cloÇe ;

To the Right (Left ; Centre) --- CloÇe ! The company ; except the right hand (left hand ; centre) File

faces to the Right (Left ; Centre).

Quick March ! At this Word of Command ; the company ; cloÇes briskly to

return to CloÇe Order ; halts ; fronts ; and dreËes by the Right.

Art. II. Firing by ranks in Extended Order.

Of Firing on the Spot. The commanding oÂcer then orders the Front rank only to

make ready ; preÇent ; and Äre ; then prime and load. He then orders the Rear rank to do the Çame. They make ready ; and Äre through the Intervals of the Front rank. In this manner the Fire is continued on the Spot.

Of Firing in Advancing.

In Äring advancing ; the commanding oÂcer ÄrÌ orders the

Front rank only to make ready ; preÇent ; and Äre. On this ; the Rear rank is commanded to march forward through the Intervals of the Front rank as far as the oÂcer thinks Ät. As Çoon as the rank which has Äred is loaded ; the new Front rank makes ready ; preÇents ; and Äres ; and the rank behind will accordingly march forward through the Intervals of the Front rank. Thus each rank continues advancing and Äring alternately. If the Firing in

33

WHEN

Of Breaking oÁ, and Forming by the oblique Step. The captain having divided his company into two [or more]

SeÀions, will give the word,

SeÀions! Break oÁ!

Upon which the SeÀion on the right inclines by the oblique Ìep to the left, and that on the left, following the former, incline to the right, till they cover each other, when they march forward.

Form Company!

The ÄrÌ SeÀion inclines to the right, Èortening its Ìep, and the Çecond to the left, lengthening its Ìep, till they are uncovered, when both march forward, and form in a line.

Art. IV. Of the manner of Stepping.

[ From Pickering ]

you lift up the foot carry it forward near ; and almoÌ parallel to the Ground ; (the toe being turned out ; and rather pointed downwards than

elÇe) till the knee is Ìraight ; when you are to make a momentary pauÇe ; but Ço as to be to be Çcarcely perceptible ; during which the balance of the body is to be kept back on the leg ; that is behind ; then Çetting the advanced foot Åat on the ground ; (advancing it withal Ìill farther ; in bringing it down ; and keeping time with the muÉc) Ìep forward in the Çame manner with the other foot. Care muÌ be taken not to drag forward in a lifeleÇs ; ÊuggiÈ manner ; the foot that is behind ; but the InÌant one foot Ìrikes the ground ; Çpring the other forward briskly ; till the knee is Ìraight ; that you may be ready ; when the MuÉc bids ; to Çet your foot to the Ground.

In performing the Slow-Step ; the feet when advancing

Èould be carried over a little to the oppoÉte Side ; and both Çet down on the Çame Line ; otherwiÇe the Body will reel diÇagreeably. For inÌance ; if you walk on the Crack of a Floor ; at every Step you Èould cover the Crack with your heel . The length of the Ìep Èould , on a plain march , be two feet , or a little more .

32

In all exerciÇes in detail , the men will uÇe a piece of wood , inÌead of a Åint ; and each Çoldier Èould have Éx pieces of wood, in the form of cartridges , which the Çerjeant muÌ Çee taken out of the pieces when the exerciÇe is ÄniÈed .

When the company exerciÇes with powder , the captain will

inÇpeÀ the company , and Çee that all the cartridges not uÇed are returned .

Art. III. Of the March

In marching to the front , the men muÌ be accuÌomed to dreÇs to the centre, which they will have to do when exerciÉng in battalion ; and for this purpoÇe a Çerjeant muÌ be placed Éx paces in front of the centre , who will take Çome objeÀ in front to Çerve as a direÀion for him to march Ìraight forward ; and the men muÌ look inwards , and regulate their march by him .

The captain muÌ exerciÇe his company in diÁerent Çorts of ground ; and when , by the badneÇs of the ground , or any other accident , the Çoldier loÇes his Ìep , he muÌ immediately take it again from the Çerjeant in the centre . The oÂcers muÌ not ÇuÁer the leaÌ inattention , but puniÈ every man guilty of it .

The Oblique March

MuÌ be praÀiced, both in the quick and common Ìep ,

agreeably to the inÌruÀions already given . [NOTE: The oÂcer commanding Èould give the command according to which Éde the men are to oblique. If obliqueing to the left, the word “March!” Èould be given on the left foot. If obliqueing to the right, the word “March!” Èould be given on the right foot. In this way, the men will have a “check” Ìep before they begin the oblique Ìep. The Çame holds true when they are to return to marching to the front. Give the word of command, “Front!” on the foot they are obliqueing, which will allow a “check” Ìep and a Çmooth tranÉtion to the change in direÀion.]

45

advancing is to ceaÇe ; the commanding oÂcer gives the command to halt.

N. B. The rank which happens to be in the Front ; whichever it may be ; is addreËed as the Front rank when Commands are given.

Of Firing in Retreating.

At the Command ; the Front rank ; (namely that which happens to be in Front) makes ready ; preÇents ; and Äres. It then recovers ; goes to the right About ; marches with a quick Step Behind the Rear rank as far as the oÂcer thinks Ät ; fronts and loads. As Çoon as the Commander of the new Front rank Çees that the one which has Äred is formed and loaded ; he give the Command ; upon which the Front rank makes ready ; preÇents ; and Äres ; then recovers and faces to the right About ; marches with a quick Step into the Rear of the FirÌ ; fronts and loads. In this manner both ranks retire ; Çupporting each Other. When the Fire in retiring is to ceaÇe ; the commanding oÂcer gives the Command to halt.

46

S E C T . I V.

S E N T R I E S

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Art. I. The manner of Relieving Sentries.

The corporals are always to march their Reliefs in a regular manner.

When the Çentinel Çees the relief approach, he preÇents his arms, and the corporal halting his relief at Éx paces diÌance, commands,

PreÇent---Arms!

Recover---Arms!

This laÌ command is for the Çentinel relieving, and the one to

be relieved; the former immediately approaching with the corporal, and having received his orders from the old Çentry, takes his place [by Ìepping Obliquely to the left ; then to the right]; and the Çentry relieved marches into the ranks, placing himÇelf on the left of the rear rank. [The corporal returns to his place in the ranks at the Çame time.]

Front---Face!

Both Çentries face to the front. The corporal then orders,

Shoulder---Firelocks! Support---Arms! March!

And the relief proceeds in the Çame manner till the whole are

relieved. N. B. corporals marching with the Reliefs ; will carry their Arms Advanced.

31

THE

C H A P T E R I I I .

The ExerciÇe of a Company .

Art. I . Of opening the ranks

Rear Rank ! Take --- DiÌance ! March !

rear rank Ìeps back four paces, and dreËes by the right; the oÂcers at the Çame time advancing eight paces to the front ; and dreËing in a line ; the Çerjeants who

covered the oÂcers, take their places in the front rank ; the non-commiËioned oÂcers who were in the rear, remain there, Ìepping back four paces behind the rear rank.

Rear Rank ! CloÇe to the Front !

The oÂcers face to the company.

March !

The rear rank cloÇes to within a common pace, or two feet ; and the oÂcers return to their former poÌs.

Art. II. Of the Firings

The captain will divide his company into two or more ÇeÀions, and teach them the Äre by platoons.

The oÂcers muÌ give the words of command with a loud and diÌinÀ voice ; obÇerve that the Çoldiers Ìep oÁ , and place their feet, as direÀed in the manual of exerciÇe ; and that they level their pieces at a proper height ; for which purpoÇe they muÌ be accuÌomed always to take Éght at Çome objeÀ .

The oÂcer will often command, As you were ! to accuÌom the

Çoldier not to Äre till he receives the word of command .

* * * Notes * * * This facÉmile Military Manual has been produced by members of the recreated FirÌ Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line.   © 2009, FirÌ Virginia Regiment. www.1va.org

47

OÂcers Èould frequently have an eye upon the corporals when they relieve the Sentries ; and when they Änd a corporal doing that part of his Duty in a Êovenly or irregular manner ; they Èould conÄne him ; or a leaÌ reprimand him for it.

Art. II. The Duty of Sentries upon Their PoÌs.

Sentries are to Ìand Èouldered to all oÂcers ; whether in the

Army or Navy ; paËing by their PoÌs ; and to all general and Äeld oÂcers they are to reÌ their Arms. But when a Sentry is poÌed on a general oÂcer ; he is only to reÌ [“PreÇent Arms”] to him ; and thoÇe of Çuperior rank ; to all of an inferior rank he is only to handle his Arms ; or Ìand Èouldered. BeÉdes to the general and Äeld oÂcers ; Sentries are to reÌ [“PreÇent Arms”] to the commanding oÂcer ; whatever his rank ; and to all Parties with Arms marching by with the Beat of a Drum. TheÇe Compliments are to be paid only from the Time of Reveille beating in the Morning till Retreat-beating in the Evening ; after which Sentries are to take no notice whatever of oÂcers.

When an oÂcer addreËes himÇelf to a non-commiËion oÂcer or Çoldier ; the Latter is to recover his Arms ; but when on his PoÌ ; a Çoldier muÌ not recover his Firelock ; but Ìand Èouldered.

N. B. His Excellency’s Regulations alÇo Ìate that: “ Sentries poÌed with Èouldered Arms ; are permitted afterwards to Çupport ; but not to Êope them. On the approach of an oÂcer ; they immediately carry their Arms [“Èoulder Firelock”] ; and put themÇelves into their proper PoÉtion ; which is not to be done at the InÌant he paËes ; but by the Time he is within Twenty Yards of their PoÌ ; Ço that they may be perfeÀly Ìeady ; before he comes up.”

48

S E C T . V.

MILITARY COURTESIES [From CuthbertÇon]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * Every method Èould be purÇued for promoting the

conÇequence of oÂcers in the opinion of Çoldiers ; and obliging them on all occaÉons to behave toward them with the higheÌ Marks of Honour and ReÇpeÀ ; as that muÌ lead eÁeÀually to a proper Subordination ; and thereby to the EÌabliÈment of the ÌriÀeÌ DiÇcipline.

Soldiers Èould be inÌruÀed to [Èow] their ReÇpeÀ ; by

taking oÁ their Hats with the left hand and letting them fall in an eaÇy, graceful manner down the thigh ; with the Crown inwards ; keeping their Bodies ereÀ ; looking full at the oÂcer they intend to compliment.

When a Çerjeant ; or a Çoldier has his arms in his hand and has

OccaÉon to addreÇs an oÂcer he Èould immediately recover them [Çee the ÄrÌ motion of “Prime and Load”]; and remain in that PoÉtion ; until diÇmiËed.

When a Çoldier is poÌed Sentry ; the Compliment due to

every oÂcer ; dreËed as Çuch (without DiÌinÀion of Corps) whom he knows not to be entitled to reÌed [PreÇent] Arms (i.e. Generals ; Colonels ; Lt. Colonels and Majors in Camp & GarriÇon ;) is to Ìand Ìeady and upright ; with a Èouldered Firelock ; until he has paËed quite clear of his PoÌ ; of which the oÂcer of courÇe ; will take the proper Notice ; by pulling oÁ his Hat (a Ceremony never to be omitted) as much through Point of Civility ; as to encourage him ; for having been attentive to his Duty.

* * * Notes * * *

60

Swell (part of musket): The Swell is that part of the musket Ìock juÌ below the bottom rammer. BritiÈ muskets have a pronounced “Çwell” of wood which is one of Çeveral hand-hold locations uÇed when performing the manual ExerciÇe.

Tompion: A wood Ìopper placed in the muzzle of a musket in

caÇe of rain.

49

S E C T . V I.

THE FUNERAL EXERCISE. [From Çeveral period Çources]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * PreÇent Arms ! (from Èoulder) Three motions

As deÇcribed in the manual of Arms.

Mourn Arms ! (from PreÇent Arms.) Five motions.

1Ì. Bring up the right foot to the uÇual “PoÉtion of a Çoldier” (next to the left foot, toes Çpread Êightly) At the Çame time, with the Left hand raiÇe the Firelock about Éx Inches and place the right hand under the butt ; the Fingers graÇping the butt.

2d. Rotate the muzzle to the Front, by rotating it through the hands Ço that the PoÉtion of the Firelock is parallel to the ground, about the height of the Èoulders; with the Muzzle pointing forward, and Êightly to the left. The Right hand is now behind the butt (due to the rotation).

3d. Lower the Muzzle onto the toe of the left foot, the muzzle facing front with the butt in Front of the Centre of the Body; the right hand Åat on top of the butt; the Left hand below the feather Çpring; the elbows raiÇed Ço that the Forearms are parallel with the Ground.

4th. Place the Left hand over the Right hand (on the butt); elbow up; Forearms parallel with the Ground.

5th. Lower the elbows; at the Çame time lower the Chin onto the BreaÌ.

PreÇent Arms! (from Mourn.) Three motions.

1Ì. RaiÇe the head and place the Hollow of the right foot behind the left heel (poÉtion of feet for PreÇent Arms); at the Çame inÌant, the left hand quits the butt and lays hold of the Firelock a little below the Feather Spring; the Thumb and fore-Finger pointed downward.

2d. Quit the butt with the right hand and Çeize the wriÌ of the musket Ìock with the back of the hand inwards.

3d. Rotate the Firelock up to the normal PreÇent poÉtion; the muzzle will rotate Çomewhat in front of the man to your left, but keep your musket away from his!

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S E C T . V I I.

WEAPONS AND CAMP SAFETY. [ From 1Ì Virga. Regt. ]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The ÄrÌ Çet of skills you will need to learn as a new recruit is Çafety in handling of black powder weapons.

General Guidelines

TheÇe guidelines apply to the uÇe of Black Powder Ärearms

for hiÌorical demonÌration purpoÇes by Continental Line (C.L.) Member Units. “Member Units” mean an organization that is recognized by the C.L. and is oÂcially enrolled as Çuch, or any unit that is a gueÌ of the C.L.

“DemonÌration” means the loading and Äring of a black

powder weapon, for the purpoÇe of public education, under the direÀion of a Safety oÂcer. Every Member Unit is required to have a Çafety oÂcer. This individual is thoroughly knowledgeable of the Safety Standard and Guide to Black Powder. This individual is direÀly reÇponÉble for the Weapons and/or Artillery Piece and how they are uÇed by the members of their own Unit. This individual is anÇwerable to the C.L. for any compromiÇe or violation of theÇe Guidelines, and has Égned a Ìatement declaring Çuch.

Only two types of weapons may be Äred by Member Units:

muzzleloading black powder Åintlocks, and full-Çcale muzzleloading cannons. PiÌols may NOT be Äred in demonÌrations except by mounted troops with approval of the Field Commander.

Edged weapons, Swords, knives, tomahawks, etc. muÌ

always be conÉdered dangerous. Except for uÇe as a camp tool, they Èould never be unÈeathed.

The two types of weapon demonÌrations permitted are:

Individual DemonÌrations and TaÀical DemonÌrations.

59

Firelock: The Ärearm carried by a Çoldier. A musket. Gun: Cannon Gunner: Çoldier who Çerves in the artillery. MatroÇs: An apprentice Çoldier Çerving in the artillery. NCO: Non-commiËioned oÂcer; Çerjeants and corporals. Oblique: An angular direÀion, Émilar to, but not neceËarily

exaÀly, forty-Äve degrees. Troops may march obliquely or aim their muskets obliquely, to the right or left, without changing the angle of their formation.

Rank: A line of men in formation, Ìanding next to each other.

Two ranks is the common formation for a platoon. SeÀion: A Çmall unit of men; Çometimes a platoon, but

frequently fewer. Squad: A Çmall unit of men, typically conÉÌing of the Äve or Éx

men who Èare a tent, a cooking pot, and proviÉons. Regiment: The adminiÌrative deÉgnation for a unit conÉÌing of

one, and Çometimes more, battalions. Regiments were uÇually made up of men from the Çame region of the country and frequently, but not always, Ço deÉgnated in the Continental Army (Çuch as FirÌ Virginia Regiment). Regiments were uÇually commanded by a Äeld-grade oÂcer, Çuch as a Colonel or lieutenant Colonel. Regiments in the late eighteenth century were intended to include about 500 to 600 men, uÇually divided into eight companies, plus a company of light infantry, and Çometimes a company of grenadiers (moÌ common in the BritiÈ army). As the War progreËed moÌ Regiments, Continental as well as BritiÈ, were reduced to much fewer men due to diÇeaÇe, battleÄeld deaths, deÇertion and expiration of enliÌments.

Spontoon (or more properly EÇpontoon): Infantry oÂcer’s pike,

carried as a defenÉve weapon and a badge of rank.

58

Brief DiÀionary of Military Terms

Battalion: A unit of men uÇually compoÇed of Çeveral companies and frequently, but not always, commanded by a Äeld-grade oÂcer (major, lt. colonel, colonel). The term battalion is frequently uÇed interchangeably with regiment. However, Çome large regiments were divided into two, or more, battalions. Steuben diÀated that every battalion Èould conÉÌ of four companies (alÇo called diviÉons), divided into eight platoons, and each platoon muÌ conÉÌ of at leaÌ twenty men.

Brigade: A portion of an army typically conÉÌing of Çeveral

battalions, and commanded by a Brigadier General. Colors: The Åag(s) of a Regiment, made of Élk, and carried by an

enÉgn (Çecond lieutenant). Regiments in moÌ armies frequently carried two, or more, colors.

Company: A unit of men in a battalion or Regiment, uÇually

totaling between 40 and 60 men, divided into two platoons and each platoon commanded by an oÂcer.

DiviÉon: Commonly (and confuÉngly) uÇed interchangeably with

the term company. In the BritiÈ Army the term Grand-DiviÉon was uÇed to deÉgnate two companies, uÇually as a unit of volley-Äre.

DreÇs: (See page 8 for full explanation) Driver (Wood): Wood Drivers are uÇed in place of Åints for drill. Feu de Joye: Celebratory musketry, generally performed as a

“running Äre” in which the Äring begins with the ÄrÌ front and rear rank men (a Äle) on the extreme right of a line of troops. The running Äre continues, with each Äle Äring in ÇucceËion from right to left.

Foot: A term denoting infantry, as in FirÌ Virginia Regiment of

foot File: Two men in formation, one behind the other.

51

Individual DemonÌrations are demonÌrations during which a Éngle weapon is loaded and Äred by a member or, in the caÇe of a cannon, a crew of members. TaÀical DemonÌrations are thoÇe where two or more weapons are loaded and Äred under Émulated battle conditions. This includes but is not limited to, reenaÀments in which oppoÉng forces face each other.

An individual who operates a muzzleloaded black powder

weapon in a Individual DemonÌration muÌ be trained and the weapon inÇpeÀed prior to uÇe by a Safety oÂcer. A Unit participation in a TaÀical DemonÌration (including reenaÀments) muÌ have preÇent, during the demonÌration, at leaÌ one member who is a Safety oÂcer.

Individual DemonÌration

1Ì. The only weapons authorized for Individual DemonÌrations

are muzzleloaded black powder Èoulder arms. TheÇe include Åintlock muskets, riÅes, musketoons, and carbines. PiÌols may be demonÌrated only by Mounted troops.

2d. A minimum of two members muÌ be preÇent for a Individual DemonÌration. One to operate the weapon and another to provide crowd control and watch for Çafety. Either member may addreÇs the public. Each muÌ be at leaÌ 16 years old. All Individual DemonÌrations muÌ have prior approval of a Safety oÂcer.

3d. The Individual DemonÌration muÌ be held in an area as detailed in the appended diagram (Çee illuÌration).

4th. The weapon being demonÌrated is ÇubjeÀ to inÇpeÀion by a Safety oÂcer uÉng the appending checkliÌ.

5th. Blank charges are not to exceed the maximum load deÉgnated in the appended Table of Maximum Loads (page 5) for the particular weapon uÇed.

6th. Muskets are to be loaded from pre-wrapped paper cartridges prepared according to correÀ period procedures. Aluminum foil, coin wrappers and metal Ìaples, etc, are not to be uÇed.

7th. Wadding is permitted for Individual DemonÌrations but NOT in TaÀical DemonÌrations.

52

8th. The demonÌrator muÌ carry cartridges in an authentic leather or leather and wood block cartridge box, worn well around on the right hip. The demonÌrator muÌ take care that the Åap is kept down except when the cartridge is being withdrawn. Extreme care muÌ be taken when carrying a belly box.

9th. RiÅes may be loaded with powder from horns, however, the powder of the main charge muÌ ÄrÌ be poured into a powder meaÇure conforming to the Table of Maximum Loads, then poured into the muzzle. The main charge muÌ never be poured direÀly from the horn into the barrel. RiÅemen muÌ carry looÇe powder in a well maintained horn that is kept Ìoppered.

10th. When loading and Äring, the demonÌrator will follow the correÀ manual for the type of weapon being Äred. RiÅemen who do not have a preÇcribed manual will follow Çafe procedures.

11th. It is the reÇponÉbility of the non-Èooting demonÌrator to Çee that the Èooter obÇerves correÀ loading and Äring procedures.

12th. At NO time is the demonÌrator to Çurrender control of the weapon to a member of the public. A viÉtor may feel the heft of the weapon while the demonÌrator holds the Êing. LikewiÇe, edged weapons muÌ remain under the control of the demonÌrator.

13th. Tomahawk and knife throwing demonÌrations are permitted under ÇuperviÉon of the Safety oÂcer. The Artillery range will be the Çafety Ìandard.

At NO time will any member of the public be allowed to Äre weapons and at no time will a

demonÌrator carry live ammunition ! ! !

57

Art. V. Stand at EaÇe! ...................................................... 41 Art. VI. UnÄx --- Bayonet ! ............................................... 41 Art. VII. InÇpeÀion of Arms. ............................................. 41 Art. VIII. DiÇmiËed ! ...................................................... 42 

S E C T . I I I. THE LIGHT INFANTRY DRILL. .............. 43 

Art. I. Extending ranks. ................................................... 43 Art. II. Firing by ranks in Extended Order........................... 44 

S E C T . I V. S E N T R I E S ............................................. 46 

Art. I. The manner of Relieving Sentries. ............................. 46 Art. II. The Duty of Sentries upon Their PoÌs. ..................... 47 

S E C T . V. MILITARY COURTESIES ............................. 48  S E C T . V I. THE FUNERAL EXERCISE. ....................... 49  S E C T . V I I. WEAPONS AND CAMP SAFETY. .............. 50 

Firelock & RiÅe InÇpeÀion CheckliÌ ................................... 53 Table of Maximum Loads ................................................ 55 Brief DiÀionary of Military Terms .................................... 58 

* * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * *

*

56

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * C O N T E N T S

*

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I N T R O D U C T I O N ..................................................... 1 DireÀions for teaching the ExerciÇe. ......................................... 2 Advice for oÂcers and NCOs ................................................... 3 On the proper way to give commands. ........................................ 3 

S E C T . I . R E G U L A T I O N S , &C. ............................ 5

C H A P T E R I . Of the Formation of a Company ............. 5

Art. I. Of Sizing and Viewing a Company, and forming it into ranks at the place of aËembly ............................................................ 5 Art II. Of the Formation of a Company ................................... 9 

C H A P T E R I I . ........................................................ 10 

Art. I. Of the InÌruÀion of Recruits ...................................... 9 The PoÉtion of a SOLDIER under ARMS. ......................... 13 T H E M A N U A L E X E R C I S E ............................ 15 Art II. Explanation of PRIMING and LOADING as performed in THE FIRINGS .......................................... 28 Art. III. PoÉtion of each RANKin The Firings ..................... 29 

C H A P T E R I I I . The ExerciÇe of a Company . ........... 31 

Art. I . Of opening the ranks .............................................. 31 Art. II. Of the Firings ...................................................... 31 Art. III. Of the March ..................................................... 32 Art. IV. Of the manner of Stepping. ..................................... 33 Art. V. Of Wheeling. ........................................................ 34 Art. VI. Of The March by Files .......................................... 35 Art. VII. Of The Counter March ......................................... 36 Art. VIII. Of the March by SeÀions of Four .......................... 36 Art. IX. The Route Step. .................................................. 37 

S E C T . I I. OTHER NECESSARY MOTIONS GENERALLY PRACTICED .............................................. 39 

Art. I. Support Firelock! .................................................. 39 Art. II. Slope Firelocks ! ................................................... 40 Art. III. Trail --- Arms ! ................................................. 40 Art. IV. ReÌ ! (under Arms) .............................................. 41 

53

Firelock & RiÅe InÇpeÀion CheckliÌ Before the inÇpeÀion, the weapon is to be conÄrmed to be

unloaded by Çpringing the rammer.

The Stock 1. No cracks or Çplits. 2. Butt plate, trigger guard, etc., Ät tightly with no burrs that

would Çnag clothing or hands. 3. If pin-faÌened barrel, no miËing pins, & tight. 4. If band-faÌened barrel, Çprings work Çmoothly & not bound

by wood. 5. Two-Piece Ìocks muÌ have SeÀions Çecurely joined. 6. No Çplinters or rough edges.

The Lock 1. The lock works Çmoothly. 2. All hammer poÉtions are Ärm and Çolid. 3. The half-cock (Çafety) poÉtion works properly. 4. The trigger pull is proper, not a hair trigger nor too heavy. 5. RiÅes with Çet triggers muÌ be adjuÌed properly. 6. Locks muÌ Ät properly into the Ìock and Çnugly againÌ the

barrel. 7. InÇure the leather or lead holds the Åint Çecurely in the lock

jaws. 8. The pan is clean and in proper relation to the touchhole of

the barrel. 9. All Ärelocks muÌ have a well Ätting and tight metal ÅaÈ

guard. 10. The hammer muÌ not be deeply gouged. The Hammer muÌ

move properly againÌ the feather Çpring and Äts tightly againÌ the pan.

11. Leather hammer Ìalls are highly recommended .

The Barrel 1. The Åint is not Ìriking the barrel. 2. The touchhole is clear with no Égns of corroÉon. 3. The ramrod is Ìraight and Äts properly. 4. The muzzle is not dented or worn. 5. Sights on riÅes are not looÇe and are Ätted as not to catch on

clothing or hands. 6. Musket bayonet lug is Çecurely welded and the bayonet Äts

eaÉly and latches with a poÉtive twiÌ lock.

54

55

Table of Maximum Loads

Brown BeÇs Musket, .75cal Charleville Musket. .69cal

RiÅes, varies PiÌols, varies

100 grains Áfg 100 grains Áfg 80 grains Áfg 45 grains Áfg

* * * F I N I S * * *

54

55

Table of Maximum Loads

Brown BeÇs Musket, .75cal Charleville Musket. .69cal

RiÅes, varies PiÌols, varies

100 grains Áfg 100 grains Áfg 80 grains Áfg 45 grains Áfg

* * * F I N I S * * *

56

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * C O N T E N T S

*

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I N T R O D U C T I O N ..................................................... 1 DireÀions for teaching the ExerciÇe. ......................................... 2 Advice for oÂcers and NCOs ................................................... 3 On the proper way to give commands. ........................................ 3 

S E C T . I . R E G U L A T I O N S , &C. ............................ 5

C H A P T E R I . Of the Formation of a Company ............. 5

Art. I. Of Sizing and Viewing a Company, and forming it into ranks at the place of aËembly ............................................................ 5 Art II. Of the Formation of a Company ................................... 9 

C H A P T E R I I . ........................................................ 10 

Art. I. Of the InÌruÀion of Recruits ...................................... 9 The PoÉtion of a SOLDIER under ARMS. ......................... 13 T H E M A N U A L E X E R C I S E ............................ 15 Art II. Explanation of PRIMING and LOADING as performed in THE FIRINGS .......................................... 28 Art. III. PoÉtion of each RANKin The Firings ..................... 29 

C H A P T E R I I I . The ExerciÇe of a Company . ........... 31 

Art. I . Of opening the ranks .............................................. 31 Art. II. Of the Firings ...................................................... 31 Art. III. Of the March ..................................................... 32 Art. IV. Of the manner of Stepping. ..................................... 33 Art. V. Of Wheeling. ........................................................ 34 Art. VI. Of The March by Files .......................................... 35 Art. VII. Of The Counter March ......................................... 36 Art. VIII. Of the March by SeÀions of Four .......................... 36 Art. IX. The Route Step. .................................................. 37 

S E C T . I I. OTHER NECESSARY MOTIONS GENERALLY PRACTICED .............................................. 39 

Art. I. Support Firelock! .................................................. 39 Art. II. Slope Firelocks ! ................................................... 40 Art. III. Trail --- Arms ! ................................................. 40 Art. IV. ReÌ ! (under Arms) .............................................. 41 

53

Firelock & RiÅe InÇpeÀion CheckliÌ Before the inÇpeÀion, the weapon is to be conÄrmed to be

unloaded by Çpringing the rammer.

The Stock 1. No cracks or Çplits. 2. Butt plate, trigger guard, etc., Ät tightly with no burrs that

would Çnag clothing or hands. 3. If pin-faÌened barrel, no miËing pins, & tight. 4. If band-faÌened barrel, Çprings work Çmoothly & not bound

by wood. 5. Two-Piece Ìocks muÌ have SeÀions Çecurely joined. 6. No Çplinters or rough edges.

The Lock 1. The lock works Çmoothly. 2. All hammer poÉtions are Ärm and Çolid. 3. The half-cock (Çafety) poÉtion works properly. 4. The trigger pull is proper, not a hair trigger nor too heavy. 5. RiÅes with Çet triggers muÌ be adjuÌed properly. 6. Locks muÌ Ät properly into the Ìock and Çnugly againÌ the

barrel. 7. InÇure the leather or lead holds the Åint Çecurely in the lock

jaws. 8. The pan is clean and in proper relation to the touchhole of

the barrel. 9. All Ärelocks muÌ have a well Ätting and tight metal ÅaÈ

guard. 10. The hammer muÌ not be deeply gouged. The Hammer muÌ

move properly againÌ the feather Çpring and Äts tightly againÌ the pan.

11. Leather hammer Ìalls are highly recommended .

The Barrel 1. The Åint is not Ìriking the barrel. 2. The touchhole is clear with no Égns of corroÉon. 3. The ramrod is Ìraight and Äts properly. 4. The muzzle is not dented or worn. 5. Sights on riÅes are not looÇe and are Ätted as not to catch on

clothing or hands. 6. Musket bayonet lug is Çecurely welded and the bayonet Äts

eaÉly and latches with a poÉtive twiÌ lock.

52

8th. The demonÌrator muÌ carry cartridges in an authentic leather or leather and wood block cartridge box, worn well around on the right hip. The demonÌrator muÌ take care that the Åap is kept down except when the cartridge is being withdrawn. Extreme care muÌ be taken when carrying a belly box.

9th. RiÅes may be loaded with powder from horns, however, the powder of the main charge muÌ ÄrÌ be poured into a powder meaÇure conforming to the Table of Maximum Loads, then poured into the muzzle. The main charge muÌ never be poured direÀly from the horn into the barrel. RiÅemen muÌ carry looÇe powder in a well maintained horn that is kept Ìoppered.

10th. When loading and Äring, the demonÌrator will follow the correÀ manual for the type of weapon being Äred. RiÅemen who do not have a preÇcribed manual will follow Çafe procedures.

11th. It is the reÇponÉbility of the non-Èooting demonÌrator to Çee that the Èooter obÇerves correÀ loading and Äring procedures.

12th. At NO time is the demonÌrator to Çurrender control of the weapon to a member of the public. A viÉtor may feel the heft of the weapon while the demonÌrator holds the Êing. LikewiÇe, edged weapons muÌ remain under the control of the demonÌrator.

13th. Tomahawk and knife throwing demonÌrations are permitted under ÇuperviÉon of the Safety oÂcer. The Artillery range will be the Çafety Ìandard.

At NO time will any member of the public be allowed to Äre weapons and at no time will a

demonÌrator carry live ammunition ! ! !

57

Art. V. Stand at EaÇe! ...................................................... 41 Art. VI. UnÄx --- Bayonet ! ............................................... 41 Art. VII. InÇpeÀion of Arms. ............................................. 41 Art. VIII. DiÇmiËed ! ...................................................... 42 

S E C T . I I I. THE LIGHT INFANTRY DRILL. .............. 43 

Art. I. Extending ranks. ................................................... 43 Art. II. Firing by ranks in Extended Order........................... 44 

S E C T . I V. S E N T R I E S ............................................. 46 

Art. I. The manner of Relieving Sentries. ............................. 46 Art. II. The Duty of Sentries upon Their PoÌs. ..................... 47 

S E C T . V. MILITARY COURTESIES ............................. 48  S E C T . V I. THE FUNERAL EXERCISE. ....................... 49  S E C T . V I I. WEAPONS AND CAMP SAFETY. .............. 50 

Firelock & RiÅe InÇpeÀion CheckliÌ ................................... 53 Table of Maximum Loads ................................................ 55 Brief DiÀionary of Military Terms .................................... 58 

* * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * *

*

58

Brief DiÀionary of Military Terms

Battalion: A unit of men uÇually compoÇed of Çeveral companies and frequently, but not always, commanded by a Äeld-grade oÂcer (major, lt. colonel, colonel). The term battalion is frequently uÇed interchangeably with regiment. However, Çome large regiments were divided into two, or more, battalions. Steuben diÀated that every battalion Èould conÉÌ of four companies (alÇo called diviÉons), divided into eight platoons, and each platoon muÌ conÉÌ of at leaÌ twenty men.

Brigade: A portion of an army typically conÉÌing of Çeveral

battalions, and commanded by a Brigadier General. Colors: The Åag(s) of a Regiment, made of Élk, and carried by an

enÉgn (Çecond lieutenant). Regiments in moÌ armies frequently carried two, or more, colors.

Company: A unit of men in a battalion or Regiment, uÇually

totaling between 40 and 60 men, divided into two platoons and each platoon commanded by an oÂcer.

DiviÉon: Commonly (and confuÉngly) uÇed interchangeably with

the term company. In the BritiÈ Army the term Grand-DiviÉon was uÇed to deÉgnate two companies, uÇually as a unit of volley-Äre.

DreÇs: (See page 8 for full explanation) Driver (Wood): Wood Drivers are uÇed in place of Åints for drill. Feu de Joye: Celebratory musketry, generally performed as a

“running Äre” in which the Äring begins with the ÄrÌ front and rear rank men (a Äle) on the extreme right of a line of troops. The running Äre continues, with each Äle Äring in ÇucceËion from right to left.

Foot: A term denoting infantry, as in FirÌ Virginia Regiment of

foot File: Two men in formation, one behind the other.

51

Individual DemonÌrations are demonÌrations during which a Éngle weapon is loaded and Äred by a member or, in the caÇe of a cannon, a crew of members. TaÀical DemonÌrations are thoÇe where two or more weapons are loaded and Äred under Émulated battle conditions. This includes but is not limited to, reenaÀments in which oppoÉng forces face each other.

An individual who operates a muzzleloaded black powder

weapon in a Individual DemonÌration muÌ be trained and the weapon inÇpeÀed prior to uÇe by a Safety oÂcer. A Unit participation in a TaÀical DemonÌration (including reenaÀments) muÌ have preÇent, during the demonÌration, at leaÌ one member who is a Safety oÂcer.

Individual DemonÌration

1Ì. The only weapons authorized for Individual DemonÌrations

are muzzleloaded black powder Èoulder arms. TheÇe include Åintlock muskets, riÅes, musketoons, and carbines. PiÌols may be demonÌrated only by Mounted troops.

2d. A minimum of two members muÌ be preÇent for a Individual DemonÌration. One to operate the weapon and another to provide crowd control and watch for Çafety. Either member may addreÇs the public. Each muÌ be at leaÌ 16 years old. All Individual DemonÌrations muÌ have prior approval of a Safety oÂcer.

3d. The Individual DemonÌration muÌ be held in an area as detailed in the appended diagram (Çee illuÌration).

4th. The weapon being demonÌrated is ÇubjeÀ to inÇpeÀion by a Safety oÂcer uÉng the appending checkliÌ.

5th. Blank charges are not to exceed the maximum load deÉgnated in the appended Table of Maximum Loads (page 5) for the particular weapon uÇed.

6th. Muskets are to be loaded from pre-wrapped paper cartridges prepared according to correÀ period procedures. Aluminum foil, coin wrappers and metal Ìaples, etc, are not to be uÇed.

7th. Wadding is permitted for Individual DemonÌrations but NOT in TaÀical DemonÌrations.

50

S E C T . V I I.

WEAPONS AND CAMP SAFETY. [ From 1Ì Virga. Regt. ]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The ÄrÌ Çet of skills you will need to learn as a new recruit is Çafety in handling of black powder weapons.

General Guidelines

TheÇe guidelines apply to the uÇe of Black Powder Ärearms

for hiÌorical demonÌration purpoÇes by Continental Line (C.L.) Member Units. “Member Units” mean an organization that is recognized by the C.L. and is oÂcially enrolled as Çuch, or any unit that is a gueÌ of the C.L.

“DemonÌration” means the loading and Äring of a black

powder weapon, for the purpoÇe of public education, under the direÀion of a Safety oÂcer. Every Member Unit is required to have a Çafety oÂcer. This individual is thoroughly knowledgeable of the Safety Standard and Guide to Black Powder. This individual is direÀly reÇponÉble for the Weapons and/or Artillery Piece and how they are uÇed by the members of their own Unit. This individual is anÇwerable to the C.L. for any compromiÇe or violation of theÇe Guidelines, and has Égned a Ìatement declaring Çuch.

Only two types of weapons may be Äred by Member Units:

muzzleloading black powder Åintlocks, and full-Çcale muzzleloading cannons. PiÌols may NOT be Äred in demonÌrations except by mounted troops with approval of the Field Commander.

Edged weapons, Swords, knives, tomahawks, etc. muÌ

always be conÉdered dangerous. Except for uÇe as a camp tool, they Èould never be unÈeathed.

The two types of weapon demonÌrations permitted are:

Individual DemonÌrations and TaÀical DemonÌrations.

59

Firelock: The Ärearm carried by a Çoldier. A musket. Gun: Cannon Gunner: Çoldier who Çerves in the artillery. MatroÇs: An apprentice Çoldier Çerving in the artillery. NCO: Non-commiËioned oÂcer; Çerjeants and corporals. Oblique: An angular direÀion, Émilar to, but not neceËarily

exaÀly, forty-Äve degrees. Troops may march obliquely or aim their muskets obliquely, to the right or left, without changing the angle of their formation.

Rank: A line of men in formation, Ìanding next to each other.

Two ranks is the common formation for a platoon. SeÀion: A Çmall unit of men; Çometimes a platoon, but

frequently fewer. Squad: A Çmall unit of men, typically conÉÌing of the Äve or Éx

men who Èare a tent, a cooking pot, and proviÉons. Regiment: The adminiÌrative deÉgnation for a unit conÉÌing of

one, and Çometimes more, battalions. Regiments were uÇually made up of men from the Çame region of the country and frequently, but not always, Ço deÉgnated in the Continental Army (Çuch as FirÌ Virginia Regiment). Regiments were uÇually commanded by a Äeld-grade oÂcer, Çuch as a Colonel or lieutenant Colonel. Regiments in the late eighteenth century were intended to include about 500 to 600 men, uÇually divided into eight companies, plus a company of light infantry, and Çometimes a company of grenadiers (moÌ common in the BritiÈ army). As the War progreËed moÌ Regiments, Continental as well as BritiÈ, were reduced to much fewer men due to diÇeaÇe, battleÄeld deaths, deÇertion and expiration of enliÌments.

Spontoon (or more properly EÇpontoon): Infantry oÂcer’s pike,

carried as a defenÉve weapon and a badge of rank.

60

Swell (part of musket): The Swell is that part of the musket Ìock juÌ below the bottom rammer. BritiÈ muskets have a pronounced “Çwell” of wood which is one of Çeveral hand-hold locations uÇed when performing the manual ExerciÇe.

Tompion: A wood Ìopper placed in the muzzle of a musket in

caÇe of rain.

49

S E C T . V I.

THE FUNERAL EXERCISE. [From Çeveral period Çources]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * PreÇent Arms ! (from Èoulder) Three motions

As deÇcribed in the manual of Arms.

Mourn Arms ! (from PreÇent Arms.) Five motions.

1Ì. Bring up the right foot to the uÇual “PoÉtion of a Çoldier” (next to the left foot, toes Çpread Êightly) At the Çame time, with the Left hand raiÇe the Firelock about Éx Inches and place the right hand under the butt ; the Fingers graÇping the butt.

2d. Rotate the muzzle to the Front, by rotating it through the hands Ço that the PoÉtion of the Firelock is parallel to the ground, about the height of the Èoulders; with the Muzzle pointing forward, and Êightly to the left. The Right hand is now behind the butt (due to the rotation).

3d. Lower the Muzzle onto the toe of the left foot, the muzzle facing front with the butt in Front of the Centre of the Body; the right hand Åat on top of the butt; the Left hand below the feather Çpring; the elbows raiÇed Ço that the Forearms are parallel with the Ground.

4th. Place the Left hand over the Right hand (on the butt); elbow up; Forearms parallel with the Ground.

5th. Lower the elbows; at the Çame time lower the Chin onto the BreaÌ.

PreÇent Arms! (from Mourn.) Three motions.

1Ì. RaiÇe the head and place the Hollow of the right foot behind the left heel (poÉtion of feet for PreÇent Arms); at the Çame inÌant, the left hand quits the butt and lays hold of the Firelock a little below the Feather Spring; the Thumb and fore-Finger pointed downward.

2d. Quit the butt with the right hand and Çeize the wriÌ of the musket Ìock with the back of the hand inwards.

3d. Rotate the Firelock up to the normal PreÇent poÉtion; the muzzle will rotate Çomewhat in front of the man to your left, but keep your musket away from his!

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S E C T . V.

MILITARY COURTESIES [From CuthbertÇon]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * Every method Èould be purÇued for promoting the

conÇequence of oÂcers in the opinion of Çoldiers ; and obliging them on all occaÉons to behave toward them with the higheÌ Marks of Honour and ReÇpeÀ ; as that muÌ lead eÁeÀually to a proper Subordination ; and thereby to the EÌabliÈment of the ÌriÀeÌ DiÇcipline.

Soldiers Èould be inÌruÀed to [Èow] their ReÇpeÀ ; by

taking oÁ their Hats with the left hand and letting them fall in an eaÇy, graceful manner down the thigh ; with the Crown inwards ; keeping their Bodies ereÀ ; looking full at the oÂcer they intend to compliment.

When a Çerjeant ; or a Çoldier has his arms in his hand and has

OccaÉon to addreÇs an oÂcer he Èould immediately recover them [Çee the ÄrÌ motion of “Prime and Load”]; and remain in that PoÉtion ; until diÇmiËed.

When a Çoldier is poÌed Sentry ; the Compliment due to

every oÂcer ; dreËed as Çuch (without DiÌinÀion of Corps) whom he knows not to be entitled to reÌed [PreÇent] Arms (i.e. Generals ; Colonels ; Lt. Colonels and Majors in Camp & GarriÇon ;) is to Ìand Ìeady and upright ; with a Èouldered Firelock ; until he has paËed quite clear of his PoÌ ; of which the oÂcer of courÇe ; will take the proper Notice ; by pulling oÁ his Hat (a Ceremony never to be omitted) as much through Point of Civility ; as to encourage him ; for having been attentive to his Duty.

* * * Notes * * *

* * * Notes * * * This facÉmile Military Manual has been produced by members of the recreated FirÌ Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line.   © 2009, FirÌ Virginia Regiment. www.1va.org

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OÂcers Èould frequently have an eye upon the corporals when they relieve the Sentries ; and when they Änd a corporal doing that part of his Duty in a Êovenly or irregular manner ; they Èould conÄne him ; or a leaÌ reprimand him for it.

Art. II. The Duty of Sentries upon Their PoÌs.

Sentries are to Ìand Èouldered to all oÂcers ; whether in the

Army or Navy ; paËing by their PoÌs ; and to all general and Äeld oÂcers they are to reÌ their Arms. But when a Sentry is poÌed on a general oÂcer ; he is only to reÌ [“PreÇent Arms”] to him ; and thoÇe of Çuperior rank ; to all of an inferior rank he is only to handle his Arms ; or Ìand Èouldered. BeÉdes to the general and Äeld oÂcers ; Sentries are to reÌ [“PreÇent Arms”] to the commanding oÂcer ; whatever his rank ; and to all Parties with Arms marching by with the Beat of a Drum. TheÇe Compliments are to be paid only from the Time of Reveille beating in the Morning till Retreat-beating in the Evening ; after which Sentries are to take no notice whatever of oÂcers.

When an oÂcer addreËes himÇelf to a non-commiËion oÂcer or Çoldier ; the Latter is to recover his Arms ; but when on his PoÌ ; a Çoldier muÌ not recover his Firelock ; but Ìand Èouldered.

N. B. His Excellency’s Regulations alÇo Ìate that: “ Sentries poÌed with Èouldered Arms ; are permitted afterwards to Çupport ; but not to Êope them. On the approach of an oÂcer ; they immediately carry their Arms [“Èoulder Firelock”] ; and put themÇelves into their proper PoÉtion ; which is not to be done at the InÌant he paËes ; but by the Time he is within Twenty Yards of their PoÌ ; Ço that they may be perfeÀly Ìeady ; before he comes up.”