OLIN 
 
 UD 
 324 
 
 .m 
 
 A3 
 1858a 
 
In compliance with current 
 
 copyright law, Cornell University 
 
 Library produced this 
 
 replacement volume on paper 
 
 that meets the ANSI Standard 
 
 Z39.48-1992 to replace the 
 
 irreparably deteriorated original. 
 
 2004 
 
The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924098139961 
 
A'S 
 
 fyxmW ^mtmi^ Piftt'^^2 
 
 THE GIFT OF 
 .M.^.P<K^ 
 
 A..302.f..t8 \.%\xi]iS 
 
 7583 
 
f ,^ 
 
 \i c^ -s 
 
 
 Troops doing Dutij iritJi the Pe?xussioTL. Musket, 
 witli or hdtJioid Fiirning Attadanenz. 
 
 WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY, PRINTERS 
 1858. 
 
THIS BOOK 
 
 13 THE PROPERTY OF 
 
 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK. 
 
 [ To be turned over to successors in office, by the Officer possessing the sa7ne, 
 iv accordance with the folio-wing extracts from the General Regulations''^ 
 
 SUCCESSION IN COMMAND. 
 
 Par. 21. An officer who succeeds to any command or duty stands in 
 regard to hia duties in the same situation as his predecessor. The 
 officer relieved shall turn over to his successor all orders in force at 
 the time, pertaining to his command or duty. Officers who are pro- 
 moted, or intend to remove from their command, or have leave of 
 absence, shall also deliver all public property and funds in their 
 hands to their respective successors, and shall take a receipt therefor. 
 
 Par. 22. An officer rendered supernumerary, or who shall have 
 resigned, shall turn over to his successor in command all the public pro- 
 perty in his possession, and all other property pertaining to his com- 
 mand, for which he may be responsible to the state, including books, 
 blanks and documents ; and the successor shall give him duplicate 
 receipts for the same, which receipts shall specify the condition of tha 
 property. One of these receipts shall be transmitted to the Adjutant- 
 General, to insure a correct accountability, the other retained by the 
 officer relieved, for his own security. 
 
STATE OF NEW-YOEK, 
 
 Adjutant-General's Office, 
 
 .1 
 
 Albant, April 15th, 185S. 
 TKe following " Manual of Arms " is extracted from the 
 " General Regulations," for the more convenient use of that 
 portion of the Military Forces of the State to ■which it 
 pertains, and is a correct extract from such Regulations. 
 FRED'K TOWNSEND, 
 
 ; Adjutant- Geiienil JV. Y. S. M. 
 
 / I V 
 
THE 
 
 MANUAL OF ARMS. 
 
 INSTRUCTION TO THE INFANTRY FOR ARMS WITH PERCUSSION 
 
 CAPS. 
 
 A Supplement to the Manual of Arms — Infantry Tactics. 
 
 1557. Percussion caps will be carried in a pouch, attaclied to tlie 
 waist-belt, by loops, iu a manner to admit of its being moved upon 
 the belt. 
 
 1558. Whenever, in the Manual of Arms, or in Scot^s Tactics, the 
 words "little finger touching the feather spring " occur, the words 
 " little finger just above the lock" should be substituted. The terms 
 " handle " and " small of the stock" mean the same tiling. 
 
 1559. Load in Ten Times (being at Shoulder Arms). 
 
 1. Load. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 First motion. — Drop the piece by a quick extension of the left arm ; 
 seize it, with the right hand, above and near the lower band ; and, at 
 the same time, carry the right foot forward, the heel against the 
 hollow of the left foot. 
 
 Second motion. — Drop the piece with the right hand along the left 
 thigh ; seize it, with the left hand above the right, and with the left 
 hand let it descend to the ground without shook, the piece touching 
 the left thigh, and the muzzle opposite the centre of the body ; carry 
 the right hand quickly to the cartridge-box and open it. 
 
8 MANUAL OF ARMS 
 
 2. Handle — Cartridge. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION 
 
 Seize a cartridge with the thumb and the next two fingers, and 
 place it between the teeth. 
 
 3. Tear — Cartridge. 
 
 ONE time and one MOTION. 
 
 Tear the paper down to the powder, hold the cartridge upright 
 between the thumb and two next fingers, near the top ; in this posi- 
 tion place it in front of and near the muzzle, the back of the hand 
 to the front. 
 
 4. Charge — Cartridge. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 Fix the eye on the muzzle ; turn quickly the back of the right 
 hand towards the body, in order to discharge the powder into the 
 barrel ; raise the elbow to the height of the wrist, shake the cartridge, 
 force it into the muzzle, and leave the hand reversed, the fingers 
 closed, but not clenched. 
 
 5. Draw — Rammer. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 First motion. — Drop, quickly, the right elbow, and seize the rammer 
 between the thumb and fore-finger bent, the other fingers shut j draw 
 it smartly ; extending the arm, seize the rammer again at the middle, 
 between the thumb and fore-finger, the hand reversed, the palm to 
 the front, the nails up, the eyes following the movement of the hand ; 
 clear the rammer from the pipes by again extendmg the arm. 
 
 Seamd motion. — Turn, rapidly, the rammer between the bayonet 
 and the face, closmg the fingers, the rammers of the rear rank grazing 
 the right shoulders of the men of the same file in front, respectively, 
 the rammer parallel to the bayonet, the arm extended, the butt of the 
 rammer opposite to the muzzle, but not yet inserted, the eyes fixed 
 on the muzzle. 
 
 Third motion. — Insert the butt of the rammer and force it down as 
 low as the hand. 
 
FOR THE INFANTRY. 9 
 
 6. Ram — Caeteidge. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 Extend the arm to its full length to seize the rammer between the 
 right thumb extended and the fore-finger bent, the other fingers 
 closed ; with force ram home twice, and seize the rammer at the 
 little end, between the thumb and fore-finger bent, the other fingers 
 closed, the right elbow touching the body.* 
 
 7. Relurn — Rammek. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THEEE MOTIONS. 
 
 First motion. — Draw, briskly, the rammer ; reseize it at the middle 
 between the thumb and fore-finger, the hand reversed, the palm to 
 the front, the nails up, the eyes following the movement of the hand ; 
 clear the rammer from the barrel by extending the arm. 
 
 Second motion. — Turn, rapidly, the rammer between the bayonet and 
 the face, closing the fingers, the rammers of the rear rank grazing the 
 right shoulders of the men in the same file in front, respectively, the 
 rammer parallel to the bayonet, the arm extended, the little end of 
 the rammer opposite to the first pipe, but not yet inserted, the eyes 
 fixed on that pipe. 
 
 Third motion. — Insert the little end, and with the thumb, which 
 will follow the movement, force it as low as the middle band ; raise 
 quickly the hand, a little bent, place the little finger on the butt of 
 the rammer and force it down ; lower the left hand on the barrel, to 
 the extent of the arm, without depressing the shoulder. 
 
 8. Cast — ABOUT.t 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 First motion. — With the left hand bring up the piece vertically 
 against the left shoulder, seize it smartly with the right hand at the 
 handle, and slide the left hand down as low as the chin. 
 
 * If the Minie ball be used, the ramming will be done gently, Bufflciently to 
 send the ball home. 
 
 t If the priming attachment is used, the command will be load in eight times ; 
 the commands cast about and prime are omitted, and the eighth command will be 
 shoulder artns, and will be executed in the same manner as from the position of 
 Jix bayonet. 
 
10 MANUAL OF ARMS 
 
 Second motion. — Make a half face to the right on the left heel, bring 
 the left toe to the front, place at the same time the right foot behind 
 and at right angles with the left, the hollow of the right foot against 
 the left heel ; carry the piece opposite to the right shoulder ; bring 
 down the piece with the right hand into the left, which will seize it 
 at the tail band, the thumb extended on the stock, the butt under 
 the right fore-arm, the handle against the body, and about two inches 
 under the right breast, the muzzle at the height of the eye, the left 
 elbow supported against the side, the right hand grasping the handle. 
 
 9. Prime.* 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 Place the thumb of the right hand on the hammer ( the fingers 
 remaining under and against the guard), and half-cock the piece; 
 brush off the old cap, and with the thumb and first two fingers of 
 the right hand take a cap from the pouch, place it firmly on the cone 
 by pushing it down with the thumb, and seize the piece at the 
 handle. 
 
 10. Shoulder — AkmS. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 First motion. — ^Face to the front by turning on the left heel ; bring up 
 the right by the side of the left heel ; at the same time bring the piece 
 briskly with the right hand to the left shoulder, and place the left 
 hand under the butt. 
 
 Second motion. — Let fall smartly the right hand into its position at 
 Shoulder Arms. 
 
 1560. Ready ( from the position of Shoulder Arms). 
 
 ONE TIME AND FOUR MOTIONS. 
 
 First motion. — Turn the piece with the left hand, the lock to the 
 front ; seize it at the handle, with the right hand, and turn the left toe 
 
 * If tho priming attachment is used, the command will be load in eight times ; 
 tlie commands cast about and prime are omitted, and the eighth command will be 
 shoulder arms, and will be executed in the same manner as from the position of 
 jlx bayonet* 
 
FOR THE INFANTRY. U 
 
 a little to the front ; at the same time place the hollow of the right foot 
 against the heel of the left. 
 
 Second motion. — Bring the piece, with the right hand, to the middle 
 of the body ; place the left hand, the little finger just above the lock, 
 the thumb extended on the stock at the height of the chin, the counter- 
 plate (or S) almost turned toward the body, the rammer obliquely to 
 the left and front. 
 
 Third motion. — ^Place the thumb on the head of the hammer, the 
 fingers under and on the guard, the elbow at the height of the hand. 
 
 Fourth motion. — Close the right elbow smartly to the body in 
 cocking ; seize the piece at the handle, let it descend along the body 
 in the left hand to the tail band, which will remain at the height of 
 the shoulder. 
 
 1561. Eeady (from the position of Prime).* 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTIOH. 
 
 Place the thumb of the right hand on the hammer (the fingers 
 remaining under and against the guard ), cock the piece and seize the 
 handle with the right hand. 
 
 ^im. 
 
 OITE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 Raise the butt to the shoulder ; drop, smartly, the muzzle, the left 
 hand remaining at the tail band ; support the butt against the right 
 shoulder, the left elbow a little down ; shut the left eye, direct the 
 right along the barrel, drop the head upon the butt to catch the 
 object, and place the fore-finger on the trigger. The rear rank will, 
 at the same time, carry the right foot about eight inches towards the 
 left heel of the man next on the right. 
 
 * I( priming attachment is used, Ready ^rom^osiVion of prime will be omitted, 
 and Eb ADT from the position of return rammer substituted, as follows : 
 
 First Motion. — Raise the piece with the left hand along the left aide, the left 
 hand at the height of the eyes, the fore arm touching the piece ; seize the piece 
 with the right hand at the small of the stoc!:, at the same time make a half face to 
 the right, turning on the left heel, and place the hollow of the right foot against the 
 heel of the left. 
 
 Second, Third and Fourth Motions. — 'Will be the same as the second, third 
 and fourth motions of Ready from the position of shoulder arms. 
 
12 MANL'AL OF ARMS 
 
 Fin. 
 
 OXE TIME AND ONE MOTIOIT. 
 
 Apply tlie fore-finger with force to tie trigger, without further 
 lowering or turning the head, and remain in that position. 
 
 1562. Load ( from the position of FiVc. ) 
 
 OXE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 First motion. — ^Bring hack the piece quickly with both hands, depress 
 the butt strongly by extending the right arm, and carry it, with the 
 arm thus extended, to the left side, the barrel to the front and opposite 
 to the left shoulder, the left hand at the height of the chin, the back 
 of the hand to the front, the left fore-arm touching the stock ; at the 
 same time face to the front and carry the right foot forward, the heel 
 against the hollow of the left foot. 
 
 Second motion. — Let go the handle with the right hand, let the piece 
 descend through the left to the ground, without shock, and take the 
 position of the second motion of Load, when loading in ten times. 
 
 1563 Shouldeh Aems ( from the Fire ). 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 First motion. — ^Bring back the piece with both hands, face to the 
 front ; carry the piece against the left shoulder and place the left 
 hand under the butt. 
 
 Second motion. — Let fall, smartly, the right hand into its position at 
 Shoulder Arms. 
 
 1564. After the words Ready and Aim are given, if it is desired to 
 bring the musket to the shoulder without firing, the order wUI be as 
 follows : 
 
 Receiver — Aems. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 Withdraw the finger from the trigger, throw up smartly the muzzle, 
 and retake the position of the fourth motion of Ready. 
 
FOE THE INFANTEY. 13 
 
 1565. Shoulder — Arms (from the iJcccracr).* 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 At tlie word Shoulder, tring the piece to the middle of the body, 
 the left thumb at the height of the chin, the little finger just above 
 the lock ; next place the right thumb on the head of the hammer, 
 sujiport the fore-finger on the trigger, sustain at the same time the 
 hammer carefully in its descent to the po.sition of half-cock, then 
 seize the handle of the piece with the right hand. At the word ^rms, 
 carry the piece smartly to the shoulder, and take the position of 
 Shoulder Arms. 
 
 LOAD IK POUE TIMES.f 
 
 1566. Load. — One. Execute the first time of loading, handle car- 
 tridge, tear cartridge, charge cartridge ; Two. Draw rammer, enter it as 
 far as the hand, and ram twice ; Three. Return rammer, oast about, 
 and prime ; Four. Execute the tenth time of loading. 
 
 1567. If the soldier be at the Ready, from Shoulder Arms, the same 
 commands and means will be used, in returning from this position to 
 that of Shoulder Arms, as were prescribed in coming to the latter 
 from the Recover ; but if he be at the Ready, from the position of 
 Prime, when the command Shoulder Arms is given, he will, at 
 the word Shoulder, support the piece firmly with the left hand, half- 
 cock, as has been explained, and seize the piece at the handle with 
 the right hand. At the word Arms, face to the front and complete 
 the time. 
 
 * If the priming attacliment is used, the priming paper or tape will be torn close 
 off at the orifice from which-it appears, and the hammer allowed gently to fall upon 
 the cone. 
 
 + If Vaa priming attachment is used, the command will be load in tiieee times ; 
 one and two will be executed as above provided ; three will be, return rammer and 
 shoulder arms, as from the position ot fix bayonel. 
 
 Manual. 2 
 
}4 MANUAL OF ARMS 
 
 MATS'UAL OF ARMS FOR THE LIGHT INFANTRY, WHEN THE LONG 
 BARREL MUSKET OB. RIFLE MUSKET IS USED 
 
 Principles of Shouldered Arms. 
 15G8. The piece in the right hand, the right arm slightly bent, the 
 barrel nearly vertical and resting in the hollow of the shoulder, the 
 jiuard to the front, the arm hanging nearly at its full length near the 
 body ; the thumb and fore-finger embracing the guard, the remaining 
 fingers closed together, and grasjiing tlie swell of the stock just under 
 the cock, which rests on the little finger. 
 
 1569. Recruits are frequently seen with natural defects in the con- 
 formation of the shoulders, breast and hips. These the instructor 
 will labor to correct in the lessons without arms, and afterwards, by 
 steady endeavors, so that the a])pearance of the pieces, in the same 
 line, may be uniform, and this without constraint to the men in their 
 positions. 
 
 1570. The instructor will have occasion to remark that recruits, on 
 first bearing arms, are liable to derange their position by lowering the 
 right shoulder and the right hand, or by sinking the hip and spreading 
 out the.elbows. 
 
 1571. He will be careful to correct all these faults by continually 
 rectifying the ijosition ; he will sometimes take away the piece to 
 replace it the better; he will avoid fatiguing the recruits too much in 
 the beginning, but labor by degrees to render this position so natural 
 and easy that they may remain in it a long time without fatigue. 
 
 1572. Finally, the instructor will take great care that the piece at 
 a shoulder, be not carried loo high nor too low: if too high, the right 
 elbow would spread out, the soldier would occupy too much space in 
 his rank, and the piece be made to waver; if too low, the files would 
 be too much closed, the soldier would not have the necessary space to 
 handle his piece with facility, the right arm would become too much 
 fatigued, and would draw down the shoulder. 
 
 1573. The manual of arras will be taught to four men, placed, at 
 first, in one rank, elbow to elbow, and afterwards in two ranks. 
 
FOR THE LIGHT INFANTRY. 15 
 
 1574. Each command will be executed in one time (or pause), but 
 this time will be divided into motions, the better to malie linowu the 
 mechanism. 
 
 1575. The rate (or swiftness) of each motion, in tlje manual of arms, 
 with the exceptions herein indicated, is fixed at the ninetietli part of 
 a minute; hut, in order not to fatigue the attention, the instructor 
 will, at first, look more i^articularly to the execution of the motions, 
 without requiring a nice observance of the cadeuce, to which he will 
 bring the recruits progressivelj', and after they shall have become a 
 little familiarized with the handling of the piece. 
 
 1576. As the motions relative to the cartridge, to the rammer, and 
 to the fixing and unfixing of the bayonet, cannot be executed at the 
 rate prescribed, nor even with a uniform swiftness, they will not be 
 subjected to that cadence. The instructor will, however, labor to 
 cause these motions to be executed with promptness, and, above all, 
 with regularity. 
 
 1577. The last syllable of the command will decide the brisk exe- 
 cution of the first motion of each time (or pause). The commands 
 tivo, three and four will decide the bri.sk execution of the other mo- 
 tions. As soon as the recruits shall well comprehend the positions 
 of the several motions of a time, they will be taught to execute the 
 time without resting on its different motions ; the mechanism of the 
 time will nevertheless be observed, as well to give a perfect use of 
 the piece, as to avoid the sinking of, or slurring over, either of the 
 motions. 
 
 1578. The manual of arms will be taught in the following progres- 
 sion. The instructor will command : 
 
 Suppoii — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME JND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 1579. First motion.— Bring the piece, with the right hand, perpen- 
 dicularly to the front and between the eyes, the barrel to the rear ; 
 seize the piece with the left hand at the lower band, raise this hand 
 as hi"-h as the chin, and seize the piece at the same time with the 
 right hand, four inches below the cock. 
 
16 MANUAL OF ARMS 
 
 Second motion. — Tiivn the piece with tlie right hand, the barrel to 
 the front ; carry the piece to the left shoulder, and pass the fore-arm, 
 extended on the breast, between the right hand and the cock ; sup- 
 port the cock against the left fore-arm, the left hand resting on the 
 right breast. 
 
 Third motion. — Drop the right hand by the side. 
 
 1580. When the instructor may wish to give repose in this position, 
 he will command ; 
 
 Rest, 
 
 1581. At this command, the recruits will bring up smartly the 
 right hand to the handle of the piece (small of the stock), when they 
 will not be required to preserve silence or steadiness of position. 
 
 1582. When the instructor may wish the recruits to pass from this 
 position to that of silence and steadiness, he will command : 
 
 1. Attention. 2. SaUAD. 
 
 1583. At the second word, the recruits will resume the position ofj 
 the third motion of SnpxMii Arms. 
 
 Shoulder — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 1584. First motion. — Grasp the piece with the right hand under 
 and against the left fore-arm ; seize it with the left hand at the lower 
 band, the thumb extended ; detach the piece slightly from the 
 shoulder, the left fore-arm along the stock. 
 
 Second motion. — Carry the piece vertically to the right shoulder 
 ■with both hands, the rammer to the front; change the position of the 
 right hand so as to embrace the guard with the thumb and fore-finger ; 
 slip the left hand to the height of the shoulder, the fingers extended 
 and joined, the right arm nearly straight. 
 
 Third motion, — Drop the left hand quickly by the side. 
 
 Present — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1585. First motion. — With the right hand bring the piece erect 
 bofore the centre of the body, the rammer to the front ; at the same 
 
FOR THE LI&IIT INFANTRY. IV 
 
 time seize the piece witli tlie left hand half-way between the lower 
 hand and the lock-plate, the little finger touching the plate, the 
 thumb extended along the barrel and against the stock, the fore-ana 
 horizontal and resting against the body, the hand as high as the 
 elbow. 
 
 Second motion. — Grasp the small of the stock with the riglit 
 hand below and against the guard. 
 
 SJioidder — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1586. First motion. — Bring the piece to the right shoulder, at the 
 same time change the position of the right hand so as to embrace 
 the guard with the thumb and fore-finger ; slip up the left hand to 
 the height of the shoulder, the fingers extended and joined, the right 
 arm nearly straight. 
 
 Second motion. — Drop the left hand quickly by the side. 
 
 Order — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1587. First motion. — Seize the piece briskly with the left hand 
 just above the lower band, and detach it slightly from the shoulder 
 with the right hand; loosen the grasp of the right hand, lower the 
 piece with the left, reseize the piece with the right hand above the 
 left hand and between the lower and middle band, the little finger 
 in rear of the barrel, the butt about four inches from the ground, the 
 right hand supported against the hip, drop the left hand by the side. 
 
 Second motion. — Let the piece slip through the right hand to the 
 ground by opening slightly the fingers, and take the position about to 
 be described. 
 
 POSITION OF ORDER ARMS. 
 
 1588. The hand low, the barrel between the thumb and fore-finger 
 extended along the stock; the other fingers extended and joined; 
 the muzzle about two inches from the right shoulder; the rammer 
 in front; the toe (or beak) of the butt against and in a line with the 
 toe of the right foot, the barrel perpendicular. 
 
 1589. When the instructor may wish to give repose in this position, 
 
 he will command : 
 
 Rest 
 Manual. 2* 
 
18 MANUAL OF AEMS 
 
 1590. At this command, the recruits will not be required to preserve 
 silence or steadiness. 
 
 1591. When the instructor may wish the recruits to pass from this 
 position to that of silence and steadiness, he will command : 
 
 1. Attention. SauAD. 
 
 1592. At the second word, the recruits will resume the position of 
 order arms. 
 
 Shoulder — Arms . 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1593. First motion. — Kaise the piece vertically with the right hand 
 to the height of the right breast, and opposite the shoulder, the elbow 
 close to the body ; seize the piece, with the left hand below the right, 
 and drop quickly the right hand to grasp the piece at the swell of 
 the stock, the thumb and fore-finger embracing the guard ; press tho 
 piece against the shoulder with the left hand, the right arm nearly 
 straight. 
 
 Second motion. Drop the left hand quickly by the side. 
 
 159i. Load in Nine Times. 
 
 1. Load.* 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 First motion. — Grasp the piece with the left hand, at the height 
 of the shoulder, quit the piece with tlie right hand and carry it 
 with the left hand across the body, so that the butt shall be to the 
 left of the body and within three inches of the ground ; seize the 
 piece, with the right hand above the left. 
 
 Second motion. — Let the piece slip through the hands to the 
 ground, without shock, so that it shall rest against the left thigh, the 
 barrel to the front, inclining to the right, the rammer obliquely to 
 the left and rear, the muzzle three inches from the centre of the 
 breast ; and place the left hand above the right, the thumb upon the 
 rammer iJipe, and carry the right hand to the cartridge box. 
 
 * Whenever the loadings and firings are to be executed, the instructor will cause 
 the cartridge boxts to be brought to the front. 
 
FOR THE LIGHT INFANTEY. 19 
 
 2. Handle — Cartridge. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1595. Seize the cartridge withi tlie thumb and next two fingers, and 
 place it between the teeth, 
 
 3. Tear — Cartridge. 
 
 ONE time AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1596. Tear the paper to the powder, hold the cartridge upright 
 between the thumb and first two fingers, near the top ; in this position 
 place it in front of and near the muzzle, the back of the hand to the 
 front. 
 
 4. Charge — Cartridge. 
 
 ONE time and one MOTION. 
 
 1597. Empty the powder into the barrel ; disengage the ball from 
 the paper with the right hand, and the thumb and first two fingers of 
 the left ; insert it into the bore, the pointed end uppermost, and press 
 it down with the right thumb ; seize the head of the rammer with the 
 thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, the other fingers closed, 
 the elbows near the body. 
 
 5. Vrato — Eammer. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 1598. Firsi motion. — Half draw the rammer by extending the right 
 arm ; steady it in this position -with the left thumb ; grasp the rammer 
 near the muzzle with the right hand, the little finger uppermost, the 
 nails to the front, the thumb extended along the rammer. 
 
 Second moiiore.— Clear the rammer from the pipes by again extend- 
 ing the arm ; the rammer in the prolongation of the pipes. 
 
 Thii-d motion.— Tarn the rammer, the little end of the rammer 
 passing near the left shoulder ; place the head of the rammer on the 
 ball, the back of the hand to the front. 
 
 6. Ram — Cartridge. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1599. Insert the rammer as far as the right hand, and steady it in 
 this position with the thumb of the left hand ; seize the rammer at 
 
20 MANtfAL OF ARMS 
 
 the small end with the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, the 
 back of the hand to the front ; press the ball home, the elbows near 
 the body. 
 
 7. Return — Rammer. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 IGOO. First motion. — Draw the rammer half way out, and steady 
 it in this position with the left thumb ; grasp it near the muzzle with 
 the right hand, the little finger uppermost, the nails to the front, the 
 thumb along the rammer ; clear the rammer from the bore by extend- 
 ing the arm, the nails to the front, the rammer in the prolongation 
 of the bore. 
 
 Second motion. — Turn the rammer, the head of the rammer pass- 
 iiig near the left shoulder, and insert it in the pipes until the right 
 hand reaches the muzzle, the nails to the front. 
 
 Third motion. — Force the rammer home by placing the little finger 
 of the right hand on the head of the rammer ; pass the left hand 
 down the barrel to the extent of the arm, without depressing the 
 shoulder. 
 
 8. Prime.* 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 IGOl. First motion. — With the left hand raise the piece till the hand 
 is as high as the eye ; grasp the small of the stock with the right 
 
 * If thepi-iviing attachmeni be used, the command will be, load in eight times, 
 and the eighth command will be, stioulder arnis, and executed from the position 
 of return rammer, as follows : 
 
 First motion. — Eaise the piece with tlie left hand, alonj? the lefl: side, the left 
 hand at the height of the eyes, the fore-arm touching the piece, and seize the piece 
 with the right hand at the small of the stoct. 
 
 Second motion — Carry the piece vertically across the body, and place it against 
 the right shoulder, the left hand at that shoulder ; change the position of the right 
 hand, and seize the swell of the stock, the thumb and fore-finger embracing the 
 guard, the right arm nearly extended. 
 
 Third motion — Drop briskly the left hand by the side. 
 
 If it be desired to pass from the position of return rammer directly to the com- 
 mand REAi>T, the eighth command of shoulder arms is to be omitted, and the 
 command ready will be executed as follows : 
 
FOB THE LIGHT INFANTRY. 21 
 
 haud ; half face to the right ; place, at the same thne, the right foot 
 behind and at right angles with the left ; the hollow of the right foot 
 against the left heel. Slip the left hand down to the lower band, tho 
 thumb along the stock, the left elbow against the body ; bring the 
 piece to the right side, the butt below tho right fore-arm, the small 
 of the stock against the body, and two inches below the right breast, 
 the barrel upwards, the muzzle on a level with the eye. 
 
 Second motion. — Half cock with the thumb of the right hand, the 
 fingers supported against the guard and the small of the stock ; remove 
 the old cap with one of the fingers of the right hand, and with the 
 thumb and fore-finger of the same hand take a cap from the pouch, 
 place it on the nipple, and press it down with the thumb ; seize the 
 small of the stock with the right hand. 
 
 9. Shoulder — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1602. Firsi motion. — Bring the piece to the right shoulder and sup- 
 port it there with the left hand, face to the front ; bring the right heel 
 to the side of and on a line with the left ; grasp the piece with the 
 right hand, as indicated in the position of shoulder arms. 
 
 Second r/iotion. — Drop the left hand quickly by the side. 
 
 Ready. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 1603. Fird motion. — Raise the piece vertically with the right hand, 
 SO that the cock shall be at the height of the hip, at the same time 
 making a half face to the right on the left heel ; carry the right foot 
 to the rear, and place it at right angles to the left, the hollow of it 
 opposite to and against the left heel ; grasp the piece with the left 
 hand at the lower band. 
 
 First motion — Eaiae the piece, with the left hand, along the left side, the left 
 hand at the heiglit of the eyes, the fore-arm touching the piece seize the piece 
 with the right hand, at the small of the stock, at the same time make a half pace 
 to the right, turning on the left heel, and place the hollow of the right foot against 
 the heel of the left; at the same time pass the piece across the body, and place it 
 against the right shoulder, the cock at the height of the hip. 
 
 Second and third motions. — The same as the second and third motions of keadt 
 from shoulder arms (No. 1603). 
 
22 __. MANUAL OF ARMS " ~~"' 
 
 Second motion. — Bring down the piece with hoth hands, the harrel 
 upwards, the left thumh extended along the stock, the butt below the 
 right fore-arm, the small of the stock against the body and two inches 
 below the right breast, the muzzle as high as the eye, the left elbow 
 against the side ; place at the same time the right thumb on the head 
 of the cock, the other fingers under and against the guard. 
 
 Third motion. Cock, and seize the piece at the small of the stock 
 without deranging the position of the butt. 
 
 Aim. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1004. Raise the piece with both hands, and support the butt against 
 the right shoulder; the left elbow down, the right as high, as the 
 shoulder ; incline the head upon the butt, so that^he right eye may 
 perceive quickly the notch of the hausse, the front sight, and the 
 object aimed at ; the left eye closed, the right thumb extended along 
 the stock, the fore-finger on the trigger. 
 
 1605. When recruits are formed in two ranks to execute the firings, 
 the front rank men will raise a little less the right elbow, iu order to 
 facilitate the aim of the rear rank men. 
 
 1606. The rear rank men, in aiming, will each carry the right foot -. 
 about eight inches to the right, and towards the left heel of the mau 
 next on the right, inclining the^upper part of the body forward. 
 
 Fire. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1607. Press the fore-finger against the trigger, fire, without lowering 
 or turning the head, and remain in this position. 
 
 1608. Instructors will be, careful to observe, when the men fire, that 
 they aim at some distinct object, and that the barrel be so directed 
 that the line of fire, and the line of sight be in the same vertical plane. 
 They will often cause the firing to be executed on ground of different 
 inclinations, in order to accustom the men to fire at objects either 
 above or below them. 
 
..-^^J ■:■-.■ '•'•■ rOR THE LIGHT INt'ANTEy. 23 
 
 Load. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1609. Bring down the piece with both hands ; at the same time face 
 to the front and take the position of load, as indicated No. 1594. 
 Each rear rank man will bring his right foot by the side of the left. 
 
 1610. The men being in this position, the instructor will cause the 
 loading to be continued by the commands and means prescribed No. 
 1594, and following. 
 
 1611. If, after firing, the instructor should not wish the recruits to 
 reload, he will command : 
 
 Shoulder — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1612. Throw up the piece briskly with the left hand and resume the 
 position of shoulder arms ; at the same time face to the front, turning 
 on the left heel, and bring the right heel on a line with the left. 
 
 \ 1613. To accustom the recruits to wait for the command fire, the 
 ; instructor, when thev arc in the position of aim, will command : 
 
 ! 
 
 / Recover — Arms. 
 
 / ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1614. At the first part of the command, withdraw the finger from 
 the trigger ; at the command arms, retake the position of the third 
 motion ot ready. 
 
 1015. The recruits being in the position of the third motion of 
 ready, if the instructor should wish to bring them to a shoulder, he^,-' 
 
 will command : ■ i 
 
 / > 
 
 Shoulder — Arms. ,• / 
 
 / / 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. / ,' 
 
 / .'' 
 
 1616. At the command shoulder, place the thumb upon tlie cock, 
 the fore-finger on the trigger, half-cock,* and seize the small of the 
 
 * If the priming attacViment is used, tear off the priming tape or paper close to the 
 orifice from whence it appears, and let the hammer gently down upon the cone. / 
 
24 MANUAL OF ARMS 
 
 stock with the right hand. At the command arms, hring up the piece 
 briskly to the right shoulder, and retake the position of shoulder arms. 
 
 1617. The recruits being at shoulder arms, when the instructor shall 
 wish to fix bayonets, he will command : 
 
 Fix — Bayonet. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 1618. First motion. — Grasp the piece, with the left hand, at the 
 height of the shoulder; quit the piece with the right hand, and 
 carry it with the left hand across the body, so that the butt shall be 
 to the left of the body, and within three inches of the ground ; seize 
 the piece, with the right hand above the left. 
 
 Second motion. — Let the piece slip through the hands to the ground 
 without shock, so that it shall rest against the left thigh; the barrel 
 to the front, inclining to the right, the rammer obliquely to the left 
 and rear; the muzzle three inches from the centre of the breast; 
 quit the piece with the left hand, and seize it again with that hand 
 near the muzzle ; and carry the right hand to the bayonet, and seize 
 it by the socket and shank, so that the lower ( now upper ) end of the 
 socket shall extend about an inch above the heel of the palm. 
 
 Tliird motion. — Draw the bayonet from the scabbard, and fix it on 
 the extremity of the barrel; seize the piece with the left hand, the 
 arm extended, and place the little finger of the right hand upon the 
 head of the rammer. 
 
 Slwulder — Arm.s. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 1619. First motion. — Raise the piece with the left hand till the 
 band is as high as the eye, the left arm against the piece, and seize 
 the piece with the right hand at the small of the stock. 
 
 Second motion. — Carry the piece vertically across the body, and 
 place it against the right shoulder ; change the position of the right 
 hand and seize the swell of the stock, the thumb and fore-finger 
 embracing the guard, the right arm nearly extended. 
 
 Third motion. — Drop briskly the left hand by the side. 
 
\ 
 
 rOE THE LIGHT INFANTRY. 25\ 
 
 Charge — Bayonet. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1620. First motion. — Raise the piece slightly with the right hand, 
 and make a half face to the right on the left heel ; place the hollow 
 of the right foot opposite to and three inches from the left heel, 
 the feet square ; seize the piece at the same time with the left hand, a 
 little above the lower band. 
 
 Second -motion. — Bring down the piece with both hands, the barrel 
 uppermost, the left elbow against the body ; seize the small of the 
 stock, at the same time, with the right hand, which will be supported 
 against the hip ; the point of the bayonet as high as the eye. 
 
 Shoulder — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1621. First motion. — Throw up the piece briskly with the left hand 
 in facing to the front ; place it against the right shoulder, the rammer 
 to the front; turn the right hand so as to embrace the guard, slide 
 the left hand to the height of the shoulder, extend the right arm 
 nearly to its length, letting the piece slip through the left hand. / 
 
 Second motion. — Drop the left hand smartly by the side. *■ 
 
 Trail — Arms. , - - 
 
 ONE time and two MOTIONS. 
 
 1622. First motion. — Seize the piece briskly with the left hand, 
 near the middle band, and detach it slightly frorq the shoulder with 
 the right hand ; loosen the grasp of the right hatid, lower the piece 
 with the left, veseize the piece with the right hand, above the lower 
 band, the little finger in rear of the barrel, the butt about four 
 inches from the ground, the right hand supported against the hip ; 
 drop the left hand by the side. 
 
 Second motion. — Incline the muzzle slightly to the front, the butt 
 to the rear and about four inches from the ground. The right hand, 
 supported at the hip, will so hold the piece that the rear rank men 
 may not touch with their bayonets the men in the front rank. 
 
 Shoulder — Arms. 
 
 1623. At the command shoulder, bring the piece perpendicularly 
 in the right hand, the little finger in rear of the barrel j at the com- 
 
 Mancal. 3 
 
26 MANUAL OF ARMS 
 
 mand arms, raise the piece vertically with the right hand to the 
 height of the right breast, and opposite the shoulder, the elbow close 
 to the body ; seize the piece, with the left hand below the right, and 
 drop quickly the right hand to grasp the piece at the swell of the 
 stock, the thumb and fore-finger embracing the guard; press the 
 piece against the shoulder with the loft hand, the right arm nearly 
 straight, and drop the left hand smartly by the side. 
 
 Unjix — Bayonet. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 Ifi2i. First and second motions. — The same as the first and second 
 motions of fix bayonet, except that the I'ight hand will be carried to 
 the bayonet, and will seize it at the socket and shank, so that the 
 lower end of the socket may be about an inch below the heel of the 
 palm, and that in wresting off the bayonet the thumb may be 
 extended on the blade. If the bayonet have a clasp, the clasp will 
 be turned before positioning the hand to wrest off the bayonet. 
 
 Third motion. — Wrest off the bayonet, return it to the scabbard, 
 place immediately the right little finger upon the head of the ram- 
 mer, lower the left hand along the barrel, in extending the arm, 
 without depressing the shoulder. 
 
 Shoulder — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 1625. First motion. — The same as the first motion from fix hayonet 
 (No. 1619). 
 
 Second motion. — The same as the second motion from fix bayonet 
 (No. 16191 
 
 Third motion. — The same as the third motion Irom fix bayonet 
 (No. 1619). 
 
 Secure — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTION'S. 
 
 1626. First motion. — Bring the piece with the right hand perpen 
 dicularly to the front and between the ej'es, the barrel to the rear ; 
 seize the piece with the left hand at the lower band and raise it as 
 high as the chin, and at the same time with the right hand seize the 
 piece at the small of the stock. 
 
FOR THE LIGHT INFANTRY. 27 
 
 Second motion. — Turn the piece with both hands, the barrel to the 
 front ; bring it opposite the left shoulder, the butt against the hip, 
 the left hand at the lower band, the thumb as high as the chin and 
 extended on the rammer; the piece erect and detached from the 
 shoulder, the left fore-arm against the piece. 
 
 Third motion. — Reverse the piece, pass it under the left arm, the 
 left hand remaining at the lower band, the thumb on the rammer to 
 prevent it from sliding out, the litlte finger resting against the hip, 
 the right hand falling at the same time bj' the side. 
 
 Shoulder — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND THREE MOTIONS. 
 
 1627. First motion. — Raise the piece with the left hand, and seize 
 it with the right hand at the small of the stock ; the piece erect and 
 detached from the shoulder, the butt against the hip, the left fore-arm 
 along the piece. 
 
 Second motion. — Carry the piece vertically to the right shoulder 
 with both hands, the rammer to the front ; change the position of the 
 right hand so as to embrace the guard with the thumb and fore-finger, 
 slip the left hand to the height of the shoulder, the fingers extended 
 and joined, the right arm nearly straight. 
 
 Third motion. — Drop the left hand quickly by the side. 
 
 Right shoulder shift — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1628. First motion. —Dei.&cib. the piece perpendicularly from the 
 shoulder with the right hand, and seize it with the left, so that the 
 little finger of that hand shall touch the lock plate ; raise the piece, 
 the left hand at the height of the shoulder and four inches from it ; 
 place, at the same time, the right hand on the butt, the beak between 
 the first two fingers, the other two fingers under the butt plate. 
 
 Second motion. — Quit the piece with the left hand, raise and place 
 the piece on the right shoulder with the right hand, the lock plate 
 upwards ; let fall, at the same time, the left hand by the side. 
 
 Shoulder — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1629. First motion.— '&3.\se the piece perpendicularly by extending 
 the ri^ht arm to its full length, the rammer to the front; at the same 
 
28 MANUAL OF ARMS 
 
 time seize the piece with the left hand, so that the little finger of that 
 hand shall touch the lock plate. 
 
 Second motion. — Quit the butt with the right hand, which will 
 immediately embrace the guard ; lower the piece to the position of 
 shoulder arms, slide up the left hand to the height of the shoulder, 
 the fingers extended and closed. Drop the left hand by the side. 
 
 1630. The men being at support arms, the instructor will sometimes 
 cause pieces to be brought to the right shoulder. To this effect, he 
 will command : 
 
 Right shoulder shift — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIONS. 
 
 1631. First motion. — Seize the piece with the right hand, below 
 and near the left fore-arm ; place the left hand under the butt, the 
 heel of the butt between the first two fingers. 
 
 Second motion. — Turn the piece with the left hand, the lock plate 
 upwards ; carry it to the right shoulder, the left hand still holding the 
 bntt, the muzzle elevated ; hold the piece in this position and place 
 the right hand upon the butt, as is prescribed No 1628, and let fall the 
 left hand by the side. 
 
 Support — Arms. 
 ONE time and two motions. 
 
 1632. First motion. — The same as the first motion of shoulder 
 arms. No. 1629. 
 
 Second motion. — Turn the piece with both hands, the barrel to th 
 front, carry it opposite and against the left shoulder, slip the right 
 hand to the small of the stock, place the left fore-arm under the cock 
 and extended oii the breast, and let fall the right hand by the side. 
 
 Arms — At Will. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1633. At this command, carry the piece at pleasure on either 
 shoulder, with one or both hands, the muzzle elevated. 
 
 Shoulder — Arms. 
 
 ONE TIME AND ONE MOTION. 
 
 1634. At this command, retake quickly the position of shoulder 
 arms. 
 
FOR THE LIGHT INFANTRY. 29 
 
 INSPECTION OF ARMS. 
 
 1635. — Tlie recruits being at ordered arms, and having the hay- 
 onet in the scabbard, if the instructor wi.shes to cause an insijection 
 of arms, he will command : 
 
 Inspection — Arm.s. 
 
 ONE TIME AND TWO MOTIO.VS. 
 
 1636. First motion. — Face to the right once and a half, on the left 
 heel, carrj'ing the right foot perpendicularly to the rear of the align- 
 ment, about six inches from and at right angles with the left foot; 
 seize promptly the piece with the left hand, a little above the middle 
 band; incline the muzzle to the rear without displacing the heel of 
 the butt, the rammer turned towards the body ; carry, at the same 
 time, the right hand to the bayonet and seize it, as prescribed in the 
 second motion of fi.x; bayonet ; draw the bayonet from the scabbard, 
 carry and fix it on the muzzle. 
 
 Second motion. — Seize next the rammer, and draw it as has been 
 explained in loading, and let it glide to the bottom of the bore ; face 
 promptly to the front, seize the piece with the right hand, and retake 
 '•he position of ordered arms. 
 
 1G37. The inspector inspects, in succession, the piece of each man 
 in passing along the front of the i-ank. Each, as the inspector 
 reaches him, raises smartly his piece with his right hand, seizes it 
 with the left, between the tail band Und the lock plate, the lock to 
 the front, the left hand at the height of the chin, the piece opposite 
 to the left eye ; the inspector takes it with his right hand at the han- 
 dle, and, after inspecting it, returns it to the man, who receives it 
 back with the right Iiand, and replaces it in the position of ordered 
 arms. When the inspector shall have passed him, each man will 
 retake the position prescribed at the command inspection of arms. 
 return the rammer and resume the position of ordered arms. 
 
 1638. If, instead of inspection of arms, the instructor shall merely 
 wish to cause bayonets to be fixed, he will command : 
 Fix — Bayonet. 
 
 Manual. 3* 
 
30 MANUAL OF ARMS. 
 
 1639. Take the position indicated in that motion of inspection of 
 arms, No. 1636, fix bayonets as has been explained, and immedi- 
 ately resume the position of ordered arms. 
 
 1640. If it be the wish of the instructor, after firing, to ascertain 
 if the pieces have been discharged, he will command : 
 
 Spring — Eammers. 
 
 164:1. Put the rammer in the barrel, as has been explained above, 
 and immediately retake the position of ordered arms. 
 
 1642. The instructor, for the purpose stated, can take the rammer 
 by the small end, and spring it in the barrel, or cause each recruit to 
 make it ring in the barrel. 
 
 1643. Each recruit, after the instructor passes him, will return 
 rammer, and resume the position of ordered arms. 
 
 TO LOAD IN POUR TIMES. 
 
 1644. The object of this lesson is to prepare the recruits to load at 
 will, and to cause tliem to distinguish the times which require the 
 greatest regularity and attention, such as charge cartridge, ram 
 cartridge and prime. It will be divided as follows : 
 
 1645. The first time will be executed at the end of the command ; 
 the three others at the commands, two, three and/o!«-. The instruc- 
 tor will command : 
 
 1. LoaA in, four times. 2. Load.* 
 
 Onr. Execute the times to include charge cartridge; Two. Exe- 
 cute the times to include ram cartridge ; Three. Execute the times to 
 include pi-ime ; Four. Execute the time of shoulder arms. 
 
 * If X!aQ jiviming aiiathmp.nl is used, the command will be load in ihree times, 
 and will be exi'Kuled as above provided, except that at the command ikree, tlie 
 time ot shoulder arms will be executed from the position of return rammer, and 
 the fourth command will be omitted. 
 
MANUAL OF SWORD FOR OFFICERS COLOR SALDTE. 31 
 
 TO LOAD AT WILL. 
 
 16-46. The iiistnictor will next teach loading at will, which will he 
 executed as loading in four times, but continued, and without rest- 
 ing on either of the times. He will command : 
 
 1. Load at will. 2. Load. 
 
 1647. The instructor will habituate the recruits, by degrees, to load 
 with the greatest possible promptitude, each without regulating him- 
 self by his neighbor, and above all without waiting for him. 
 
 MANUAL OF SWORD OR SABRE FOR OFFICERS. 
 POSITION OF THE SWORD OR SABRE, UNDER ARMS. 
 
 The carry, 
 
 1648. The gripe is in the right hand, which will be supported 
 against the right hip, the back of the blade against the shoulder. 
 
 TO SALUTE WITH THE SWORD OR SAEEE. 
 
 Three times {(yr pauses). 
 
 1649. One. At the distance of six paces from the person to be 
 saluted, raise the sword or sabre perpendicularlj', the point up, the 
 flat of the blade opposite to the right eye, the guard at the height of 
 the shoulder, the elbow supported on the body. 
 
 Two. Drop the point of the sword or sabre by extending the arm, 
 so that the right hand may be brought to the side of the right thigh, 
 and remain in that position until the person to whom the salute is 
 rendered shall be passed, or shall have passed, six paces. 
 
 Three. Eaise the sword or sabre smartly, and place the back of the 
 blade against the riglit shoulder. 
 
 COLOR SALUTE. 
 
 1650. In the ranks, the color bearer, whether at a halt or in march, 
 will always carry the heel of the color-lance supported at the right 
 hip, the right hand generally placed on the lance at the height of the 
 shoulder, to hold it steady. When the color has to render honors, 
 the color-bearer will salute as follows: 
 
32 COLOR SALUTE. 
 
 At the distance of six paces slip the right hand along tlie lance to 
 the height of the eye; lowev tlie lance by straightening the arm to 
 its full extent, tlje heel of the lance remaining at the hip, and bring 
 back the lancc to the liabitual position when the person saluted shall 
 be passed, or shall have passed, six paces. 
 
3 1924 098 139 961