V5^ 
 
INSTRUCTION 
 
 FOR 
 
 FIELD AKTILLERY, 
 
 EXTRACTED FROM 
 
 GILHAM'S MANUAL 
 
 FOR 
 
 VOLUNTEERS MD MILITIA. 
 
 RICHMOND, VA. 
 
 West k Johnston, 145 Main St. 
 
 1862. 
 
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by 
 
 WEST & JOHNSTON, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Confederate States 
 foi; the Eastern District of Virginia. 
 
 Primed by Macfarlane & Fergusson, Richmond, Va. 
 

 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 SCHOOL OF THE PIECE. 
 
 633. Light artillerymen should, before receiving instruction in 
 their duties at the piece, be familiar with the first part of the 
 school of the soldier, as laid down in Infantry Tactics, and with 
 the Manual of the Sabre, No. 440, and following. If intended for 
 horse artillerymen, they should also be instructed in the duties of 
 the trooper, No. 382, and following. 
 
 The drivers — one to every pair of horses — should have experi- 
 ence in the management of horses in harness. 
 
 634. The cannoneers of a piece, when united, constitute a gwi 
 detachment^ which is composed ordinarily of nine men in mounted 
 artillery, and eleven in horse artillery; two of whom — the gunner 
 who commands the detachment, and the chief of caisson — should 
 be corporals. 
 
 The detachment is formed by the gunner, who causes the can- 
 noneers to form in two ranks, eighteen inches between them, 
 elbows slightly turning. He tells the detachment off from the 
 right, No. 1 being on the right of tlie rear rank. No. 2 on the right 
 of the front rank, 'No. 3 on the left of No. 1, No. 4 on the left of 
 No. 2, and so on, the even numbers being in the front, and the odd 
 numbers in the rear rank. The chief of caisson is told off as No. 
 8. When the detachment is composed of more or less than eight 
 men, the chief of caisson should be the highest even number. 
 When the detachment, from any cause, consists of less than nine 
 men, the higher numbers are left out, and additional duties are im- 
 posed upon the cannoneers jiresent. 
 
4 LIGHT xVRTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 When the chief of llie piece, wlio should be a sergeant, is pres- 
 ent, and is not acting as the instructor, he performs the duties, and 
 takes the position of the gunner, who then takes post one yard in 
 rear of the right file, and acts as file-closer, except when the chief 
 of piece is out of ranks, when he resumes his post. 
 
 For purposes of instruction, each detacliment should be halted 
 in front of and facing the piece, the latter being unlimbered, and 
 the different numbers called upon successively, to perform their re- 
 spective duties in detail, while the rest of the detachment are re- 
 quired to attend to the instruction, and to the manner in which the 
 motions are performed. 
 
 Posts of the cannoneers. Piece unlimhered. 
 
 635. The gunner is at the end of the trail handspike ; Nos. 1 and 
 2 are about two feet outside the wheels, No. 1 on the right, and 
 No. 2 on the left : with howitzers, they are rather in rear of the 
 muzzle ; with guns, in line with the front part of the wheels. 
 Nos. 3 and 4 are in line with the knob of the cascable, covering 
 Nos. 1 and 2 ; No. 5 five yards in rear of ihe left wheel ; No. 6 in 
 rear of the limber, which is turned about so as to face toward the 
 piece, (see No. 29) ; and No. 7 on his left, covering No. 5 ; No. 8, 
 the chief of the caisson, is four yards in rear of the limber, and on 
 its left ; all face to the left, which is the direction in which the 
 muzzle of the piece is pointing. 
 
 The chief of the piece is opposite the middle of the trail hand- 
 spike, outside of, and near the left cannoneers. In actual firing, 
 he places himself where he can best observe the effect of the 
 shot. 
 
 Loading and firing. 
 
 636. The piece is supposed. to' be on the drill ground, unlim- 
 bered, and ready for action ; the limber is in position behind the 
 piece, and facing toward it, the end of the pole six yards from the 
 end of the trail handspike; and the detachment in front of and 
 facing the piece. 
 
 Before commencing the individual instruction of the cannoneers, 
 the instructor should enter into an explanation of the difl^erent 
 kinds of field guns, their names, and the names and uses of the 
 
SCHOOL OF THE PIECE. 5 
 
 different parts of the gun and carriage before them. This done 
 he commences the instruction with the gunner, who commands 
 and points the piece in action. 
 
 637. Commanding and pointing. — The gunner is responsible -for 
 the manner in which the mmibers discharge their duty. He com- 
 municates the orders which he receives for the kind of ammunition 
 to be fired; sending to No. 6, (who is cliarged with preparing the 
 fuze,) the time of flight or the distance fur each round, when firing 
 shells or splierical case shot. He should, when the firing is slow, 
 see that ea,ch fuze is properly prepared, and make such corrections 
 as are necessary ; for this purpose, he, as well as No. 6, should be 
 provided with a fuze-gouge. 
 
 On receiving tlie command, or signal to commence firing, he 
 gives the command load ; takes hold of the handspike at the QWi}. 
 with the right hand, and at the centre witli the left ; places his left 
 knee against the left hand, bending over it, the right knee being 
 slightly bent; looks over the top of the piece, and gives the direc- 
 tion. He then steps to the breech to give the elevation, which he 
 docs by placing the hausse (see No. 665) on its seat, taking hold of 
 a handle of tlio elevating screw, drawing back his Tight foot, bend- 
 ing over his left knee, and sighting^throngli the slit in the hausse. 
 
 When the piece is loaded and pointed, he removes the hausse, 
 gives the command ready, and stepping clear of the wheel to that 
 side where he can best observe the effect of his shot, gives the 
 command fire. As soon as the piece has been fired, he causes it to 
 be run up to its former place, if the recoil has made it necessary. 
 
 When the instructor, instead of giving the command commence 
 firing, gives that of load, the gunner repeats it, and performs the 
 same duties as before, except that he does not command fire until 
 the firing is ordered to commence. After the command to commence 
 firing is given, the action is continued by the gunners without 
 further command from the instructor, until the firing is or 
 dered to cease. When the commands are all given by the instruc- 
 tor, as in loading by detail, the gunner performs the sanie duties, 
 uut without repeating the commands. 
 
 638. Spongiivg and ramming. — Until the command load, No. 1 
 stands faced to the front, in line witlT the front of the wheels, hold 
 
6 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 ing lliQ sponge about the middle of llie staff in his right hand, and 
 trailing it at an angle of 45°, sponge head up. 
 The instructor commands: 
 
 By detail — Load. 
 
 Three pauses and four motions.. 
 
 First motion. At the command load., No. 1 faces to the left, steps 
 obliquely to the right with his right foot, without moving his left, 
 and at the same tihie brings the sponge to a perpendicular position, 
 by drawing his right hand up in line Avith the elbow. The sponge 
 is grasped firmly in the hand, the rammer head held over the right 
 toe, and the elbow kept close to the side. 
 
 Second motion. He steps obliquely to the left with his left foot, 
 plantitig it about half-way between the piece and the wheel, and 
 opposite the muzzle, bringing the sponge at the same time across 
 his body to the left, so that his right hand may be opposite the 
 middle bf the body, the sponge staff being inclined at an angle of 
 45° across the front of it. 
 
 Third motion. He takes a side step to the right of thirty inches 
 with the right foot, and bending the^right knee, brings the sponge 
 to a horizontal position, extending the hands to the ends of the 
 staff, the sponge head to the left, the back of the right hand up, and 
 that of his left down, the sponge head pressing against the face of 
 the piece. 
 
 Fourth motion. He inserts the sponge head, drops his left hand 
 behind his thigh, shoulders square, feet equally turned out, straight- 
 ens the right knee, bends the left, andj leaning over it, forces the 
 sponge home. 
 
 Sponge. 
 
 Three pauses and four motions. 
 
 First motion. At the command sponge.^ No. 1 fixes his eye on the 
 vent to see that it is closed, gives two turns to the sponge, pressing 
 it at the same time against the bottom of the bore. 
 
 Second motion. He draws out the sponge, at the same time 
 straightening his left knee and bending his right^ seizes the staff 
 
SCHOOL OF THE PIECE. 7 
 
 near the ?ponge head with his left hand, back of ilie hand down, 
 and places the sponge against the face of the piece. 
 
 Third motion. He turns the sponge by bringing his hands to- 
 gether in the middle of the staff, giving a cant with each hand, 
 throwing the sponge head over, at the same time turning his wrists, 
 so as to bring the staff to a horizontal positioii ; he then extends 
 his hands to tlie ends of the stalf, the back of the left up, that of 
 the right down. 
 
 During the whole time of sponging. No. 1 keeps his eye on the 
 vent. If at any time it is not closed, he will discontinue the ma- 
 noeuvre, and command, stop vent. 
 
 Fourth motioyi. He introduces the rammer head into the muzzle 
 as soon as No. 2 has inserted the charge, and joins his left hand to 
 his right, casting his eyes to the front. 
 
 Ram. 
 
 Two pauses and three motions. 
 
 First motion. At the command ram^ No. 1 rams home, throwing 
 the weight of his body with the rammer; bending over his left 
 knee, and passing his left arm, with the elbow slightly bent, and 
 back of the hand up, in a horizontal position over the knee, until 
 it points in the direction of the left trunnion; the right shoulder 
 thrown back, and the eyes cast toward the front until the cartridge 
 is home. 
 
 Second motion. He jerks the sponge out with his right hand, al- 
 lowing it to slide through the hand as far as the middle of the staff, 
 when he grasps it firmly, and seizing it close to the rammer head 
 with the left hand, back of the hand up, places the rammer hand 
 against the face of the piece, straightens his left knee and stands 
 erect ; eyes to his own front. 
 
 Third motioyi. He^ilien draws the sponge close to his body, and 
 immediately steps back outside the wheel, first with the right, then 
 wijh the left foot ; so that when the right foot is brought to it, the 
 right hip may be on a line with the front of the wheel. In draw- 
 ing the right foot to the left, he gives the sponge a cant with his 
 left hand, at the same time quitting it, and brings the sponge to a 
 
O LIGHT AllTlLLERY TACTICS. 
 
 perj)endicular i)osiiion in the right hand, the rammer head resting 
 on the right toe. 
 
 Heady. At this command, whicli is given as soon as the piece is 
 loaded, or ihe firing about to commence, No. 1 breaks well oil to the 
 left with his left foot, bending the left knee and straightening the 
 right leg, drops the end of the sponge staff into the left hand, back 
 of the hand down, and fixes his eyes on the muzzle. The heels 
 should be parallel with the wheel, the body erect on the haunches, 
 and the sponge and rammer held in both hands in a horizontal po- 
 sition, the sponge head to the left. 
 
 The piece having been fired. No. I rises on his right knee, and 
 returns to his position as in the third motion of ram. 
 
 At the command load^ he steps in and performs his duties in the 
 same manner as before. 
 
 When the loading is not by detail, No. 1 goes through all his 
 duties at the command Zoac/, returns to his position oittside the 
 wheel, as given in the third motion of ram; breaks off at the com- 
 mand ready, and at the firing of the gun rises, steps in, and per- 
 forms his duties as befoie. This he continues until the command 
 cease faring is given, at which command he resumes the position he 
 had before the first command load. If the sponging has been com- 
 menced when the coinmand cease firing is given, it is completed 
 before No. 1 resumes his post. 
 
 In sponging and ramming, if the length of the piece requires it, 
 the sponge a>nd rammer are to be pressed home in two motions, 
 No. 1 extending his right hand to the end of the start' as soon as it 
 reaches the muzzle. 
 
 In sponging howitzers, No. 1 presses the sponge to the bottom of 
 the chamber, which should be well sponged out ; he wipes the bore 
 by rubbing its whole surface, without allowing the sponge to turn 
 in his hands. 
 
 539. Loading. — The instructor places No. 2 on the left of the 
 piece, where he remains faced to the front until the command load. 
 At this command, he faces to his right, and by two oblique steps, 
 corresponding to those of No. 1, the first with his left foot, the sec- 
 ond with his right, at the command two^ he places himself near the 
 muzzle of the piece. At the command three,, he brings up his left 
 foot to the side of the right, and faces to the right, bringing his 
 
SCHOOL OF THE PIECE. 9 
 
 hands together to receive the ammunition from No. 5 ; the cnrtridge 
 in the right, the shot in the left hand. As soon as the si^onge is 
 withdrawn by No. 1, he faces to the left, and puts the ammunition 
 into the muzzle, taking care that the scam of the cartridge does not 
 come under the vent, and then steps back, commencing with his 
 left foot, to his position outside the wheel, in the same manner that 
 No. 1 does. 
 
 At the command rearfy, he breaks off well to the right with his 
 right foot, bending the right knee, and straightening the lelt knee; 
 the body erect on the haunches, the eyes fixed on the muzzle. 
 
 The piece having been fired, No. 2 raises on his left leg, remains 
 facing the piece until he hears the command Zoarf, or the firing of 
 the gun; then steps in, and performs his duty as before. At the 
 command cease firing, he resumes his position outside the wheel, 
 and faces to the front. 
 
 With the howitzer. No. 2 puts in the charge so tliat the fuze may 
 rest against the rammer head, and No. 1 rams it home very care- 
 fully. 
 
 640. Serving the vent. — The instructor places No. 3 on tlie right 
 of the piece, on a line with the knob of the cascable, and covering 
 No. 1 ; he holds the priming wire in his riglit hand, thumb through 
 the ring, the thumbstall on the left thumb, and the tube pouch fas- 
 tened to his waist. , 
 
 At the command load, he steps to his left, wipes the vent field 
 (or surface around the vent) with the thumbstall, which he then 
 holds pressed upon the vent, keeping his elbows raised; his fin" 
 gers on the left side of the piece, so as to allow tlie gunner to point 
 over his thumb; the right hand^on the tube pouch. When the 
 piece is sponged, and the charge inserted by No. 2, he jumps to 
 the end of the trail handspike, and, seizing it with both hands, pre- 
 pares to move it to the right or left, on a signal from the ::unner, 
 who taps the right of the trail for a movement to the left, and the 
 left of it for a movement to the right. As soon as the piece is 
 pointed, the gunner raises both hands as a signal to No. 3, ^yho then 
 resumes his post. 
 
 At the command ready, he steps to the piece, pricks the cartridge, 
 taking care not to move the charge, and covers the vent with his 
 left hand as soon as the friction tube is inserted. At the command 
 
^ ] 
 
 10 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 fire, he steps to his right, clear of the right wheel, and at the firing 
 of the gun, or at the command load, serves the vent as before. 
 
 No. 3 must keep the vent closed from the time the sponge enters 
 the muzzle, until the charge is inserted by No. 2. 
 
 641. Firing. — The instructor places No. 4 on the left of the 
 piece, opposite No. 3, and covering No. 2 ; he is equipped vi'ith a 
 tube pouch and lanyard. 
 
 At the command load, No. 4 inserts the lanyard hook into the 
 ring of a primer, and stands fast. 
 
 At the command ready, he steps in with the right foot, drops the 
 tube in the vent, takes the lanyard in his right hand, moves to the 
 rear so far as to keep the lanyard slack, but capable of being 
 stretched, without altering his position, which should be outside 
 the wheel, the left foot broken to the left and rear. 
 
 As soon as No. 3 is clear of the wheel after the command fire is 
 given. No. 4 pulls the lanyard briskly and firmly, passing the hand, 
 back up, in a downward direction to the rear, so as to keep the 
 lanyard hook from flying back in the direction of the face. Should 
 the tube fail to explode the charge, the gunner immediately com- 
 mands, donH advaoice, the primer has failed. Upon which No. 2 steps 
 inside the wheel, close to the axletree, receives a priming wire over 
 the wheel from No. 3, and a prepared primer from No. 4, pricks, 
 inserts the primer, and resumes his post. At the command cease 
 firing, No. 4 secures his lanyard. 
 
 In the absence of No. 4, No. 3 discharges his duties ; after prick- 
 ing the cartridge, he prepares and inserts a friction tube, steps to his 
 post, faces the vent, breaks to his rear with his left foot, and at the 
 command fire, discharges the piece. He then resumes his post, 
 and tends the vent as before. 
 
 642. Serving Ammunition. — The instructor stations No. 5 five 
 yards in the rear of the left wheel, and covering it. No. 7 in the 
 rear and near the left limber wheel, and No. 6 in rear of the limber 
 chest to issue ammunition. He is provided with a fuze-gouge, and 
 prepares the shells or spherical case shot, according to the distance 
 or tin>e ordered, before delivering them to No. 5, 
 
 To cut the Fuze. — Place the projectile between the knees, fuze 
 uppermost, and support it with the left haml. Holding the fuze- 
 gouge in the right hand, place the left corner of its edge close to, 
 
SCHOOL OF THE PIECE. 11 
 
 and on the right of the graduated mark indicating the time desired; 
 then cut away gradually until the composition is exposed for a 
 length about equal to the width of the gouge. Care must be taken 
 not to cut the fuzes more rapidly than the demand for shells or case 
 shot requires. 
 
 At the command load, No. 5 runs to the ammunition chest, receives 
 from No. 7 or No. 6 a single round, the shot tn the right hand, the 
 cartridge in his left; takes it to the piece and delivers it to No. 2; 
 returns immediately for another round, and then hahs at his post 
 until the piece is fired. In firing shell or spherical case, he exhibits 
 the fnze to the gunner before delivering it to No. 2. 
 
 Ammunition pouches are worn by Nos. 5 and 7, hung from the 
 left shoulder to the right side; the round is so placed in the pouch 
 that the cartridge will be to the front. When it is brought up, No. 
 5 liolds open the pouch, and No. 2 takes out the round with both 
 hands. In rapid firing with round shot and canister, Nos. 5 and 7 
 may alternate in delivering the cliarges. At the command cease 
 firing, No. 5 carries the round back to No. 6. No. 6 should keep 
 the lid of the ammunition chest closed as much as possible. At 
 the command cease firing, he carefully replaces the ammunition in 
 the chest, and secures the lid. 
 
 643. Loading by detail. — For the instruction of the cannoneers 
 united for the service of the gun, the exercise is first conducted by 
 detail, the instructor giving all the commands. His commands are: 
 Load by detail — load; two, three, four: sponge; two, three, four; 
 RAM; two, three: ready; fire; cease firing. 
 
 When the men are sufficiently instructed to go through the manual 
 without detail, the commands of the instructor for that purpose are: 
 load; commence firing ; cease firing ; or simiply, commence firing, ?ind. 
 cease firing. After the command commence firing, the action is con- 
 tinued as laid down for loading without detail, until the command 
 cease firing is given, which is repeated by the chief of the piece and 
 the gunner. 
 
 Moving the piece hy liand. Piece unlimhercd. 
 
 6'44. To the front. — Tho cannoneers being at their posts, the in- 
 structor commands : 
 
12 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 1. By hand to the front. 2. MARCH. 3. Halt. 
 
 At the first command, the gunner seizes the end of the hand- 
 spike, and Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the spokes of the wheels. No. 1 with 
 his left hand ; Nos. 2, 3 and 4, with both hands ; No. I holds the 
 sponge with his right hand, the staff resting upon his right shoulder, 
 sponcc head down. At the second command they move the piece 
 forward, the gunner raising the trail until the command AaZi is given, 
 when all resume their posts. 
 
 645. To the rear. — The instructor comixands : 
 
 1. £?/ hand to the rear. 2. March. 3. Halt. 
 
 At the first command, the gunner, facing to the rear, seizes the 
 handspike with his right hand ; Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, seize the wheels 
 as before, except that No. 1, holding the sponge in his left hand, 
 uses his right Ijand at the wheel. At the command marchy they 
 move the piece to the rear, the gunner raising the trail, until the 
 command halt is given, when all resume their posts. 
 
 Changing posts. 
 
 64G. In order to instruct the men in all the duties at the piece, 
 the instructor causes them to change posts. 
 For this purpose he commands: 
 
 1. Change posts. 2. March. 
 
 At the command change posts, the men on the right of the piece 
 face to the rear; those who have equipments lay them down; No. 
 1 resting the sponge head on the nave of the wheel. At the command 
 march, each man takes the place and equipments of the man in his 
 front. 
 
 No. 1 takes the place of No. 3. 
 
 No. 3 " " No. 8. 
 
 No. S " " No. 6. 
 
 No. 6 " " No. 7. 
 
 No. 7 " " No. G. 
 
 No. 5 " " No. 4. 
 
 ' No. 4 " " No. 2. 
 
 No. 2 " " No. 1. 
 
SCHOOL or THE PIECE. 13 
 
 The gunner clianges with one of the mimbers, by special direc- 
 tion of the instructor. 
 
 G47. Equipments. — The gunner, who is responsible for the equip- 
 ments, either distributes them from the limber chest, or they may 
 be hung on the neck of the cascable, and distributed by him to the 
 proper numbers, at the corhmand, take equipments, from the in- 
 structor. He receives them again at the command, replace equip- 
 ments, making such disposition of them as may be directed. 
 
 Limhering. 
 
 648. To the front. — The instructor commands: 
 Limher to the front. 
 
 At this command. No. 1 steps up between the muzzle and the 
 wliecl, by the oblique steps indicated for loading; turns the staff? 
 seizing it witfi the left hand, at the same time shifting his right, the 
 back of the right up, that of the left down, and passes the sponge 
 on its hook; rammer head to the rear, to No. 3, who receives the 
 head, secures it against the stop, and keys it up. The piece is then 
 brought about by the cannoneers, and the limber, inclining to the 
 right, passes to its place in front of it. being drawn, when the horses 
 are not attached, by Nos. G and 7, who take hold of the end of the 
 pole for the purpose. 
 
 To bring the piece about, the gunner and No. 5 pass to the right 
 of the handspike, and, facing toward the left, seize it, the gunner 
 near the end, and No. 5 at the middle, and on his right, raise the 
 trail and carry it round to the left; Nos. 1 and 2 bear down upon 
 the muzzle, and Nos. 3 and 4, each using both hands, bring the 
 wheels around ; No. 3 turning the right wheel to the rear, and No. 
 4 the left wheel to the front When the piece is brought about, 
 the trail is lowered ; Nos. 3 and 4 step within the wheels to avoid 
 the limber ; Nos. 1 and 2 remain at the muzzle, and the gunner and 
 No. 5 step up between Nos. 3 and 4 and the trail, the gunner first 
 taking out the handspike, an4 passing it to No. 4, by whom it is 
 put up. 
 
 As soon as the limber is in front of the piece, the gunner com- 
 mands, halt, limber up ; upon which the limber halts, the g^^nner 
 and No. 5 raise tlie trail by meaiii of the liandle-, and, assisted by 
 
14 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 Nos. 3 and 4 at the wheels, and Nos, 1 and 2 at the muzzle, run the 
 piece forward, and place the lunette upon the pintle; the gunner 
 tlien puts in the key, and all take their posts; when necessary, Nos. 
 6 and 7 assist at the trail in bringing the piece about, and in limber- 
 ing up. 
 
 649. To the right (or left). — The instructor commands: 
 
 Limber to the right (or left'). 
 
 The trail is turned to the right (or left), and the piece limbered 
 up as before; the limber inclining to the right (or left), and taking 
 its place by a right (or left) wheel. 
 
 C50. To the rear. — The instructor commands : 
 
 Limher to the rear. 
 
 The limber inclines to the right, and takes its place b'y wlieeling 
 about to the left; the piece is then limbered up as before. 
 
 Posts of the cannoneers. Piece limbered. 
 
 651. Nos. 1 and 2 opposite the mxizzie; Nos. 3 and 4 opposite 
 the knob of the cascable; the gunner and No. 5 opposite the rear, 
 and Nos. 6 and 7 opposite the front parts of the limber wheels ; 
 No. 8 is on the left, and opposite the limber chest of the caisson. 
 All face to the front, which is now in the direction of the pole 
 instead of the muzzle, and cover each other in lines one yard from 
 the wheels ; the even numbers on the right, the odd on the left. 
 The chief of the piece is on the left, and, if not mounted, opposite 
 the end of tlie pole; if mounted, he is near the leading driver, and 
 on his left. 
 
 To form the detachment. 
 
 652. To the front. — The instructor commands: 
 
 Detachment — ^Front. 
 
 The gunner commands, cannoneers., forward., march; the even 
 numbers mpve directly to the front; the odd numbers closing to 
 the right upon them when clear of the piece. The gunner files 
 
SCHOOL OP THE PIECE 15 
 
 them to the left, halts the detachment in front of the piepe, and 
 
 faces them to the front. No. 8 moves directly forward, and takes 
 his place in the detachment. 
 
 G53. To the rear. — The instructor commands: 
 
 Detachment — Rear. 
 
 The gunners command, cannoneers, rear face^ march. At the com- 
 mand march, the odd numbers move directlj to the rear, the even 
 numbers closing to the right upon them after passing the piece, the 
 detachment is filed to the left at the proper distance, lialted by the 
 gunner opposite the piece and faced to the front, No. 8 taking his 
 proper place in the detachment. 
 
 In forming the detachments in line, they are always, after halt- 
 ing, dressed to the right by the gimner. 
 
 Posts of the detachments at their pieces. 
 
 654. In front. — The detachment is in line facing to the front, 
 two yards from the end of the pole or the leading horses. 
 
 In rear. — The centre of the detachment in two yards, behind the 
 muzzle, and facing it. 
 
 On the right or left. — The detachment is in line opposite the axle- 
 tree of the liriiber, and three yards from it. In horse artillery, it is 
 in line with, and three yards from the leading horses. In all cases 
 it faces to the front. s 
 
 Change of posts of detachments at their pieces. 
 
 655. Fi'oni front to rear. — The detachments bcif-ugin line, in front 
 of their pieces, to post them in rear, the instructor commands: 
 
 Detachments — Eear. 
 
 The gunner commands, cannoneers, rear face, march. At the com- 
 rnantl march, Nus. 1, 2, 3 and 4 oblique sufficiently to the left, and 
 Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8 to the right, move along the sides of their piece ; 
 reunite as soon as they have passed it, and are halted at the proper 
 distance faced to the front, and aligned to the right by the gunner. 
 
 From rear to front. — Tiie instructor commands: 
 
16 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 Detachments — Front. 
 
 The gunner repeats tlie command, and adds march. At this com. 
 mand, the cannoneers oblique ; Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 to the right, Nos 
 5, 6, 7 and 8 to the left; pass their piece, unite in front, and are 
 halted and aligned to the right by the gunner. 
 
 From rear to right (or hft). — The instructor commands: 
 
 Detachments — right (or left.) 
 
 The gunner commands, right (or left) oblique, march, and after. 
 •waxd forward, and halt, in time to bring the detachment to its post 
 on the right or left. He then aligns it to the right. 
 
 In horse artillery, to change from front to rear, the gunners com- 
 mand, left reverse, March; Fouward ; left reverse, March; Halt. 
 The left reverse is executed on the same principle as the left about 
 wheel in cavalry tactics. 
 
 jFVom rear to front. — 'llie gunners command, right oblique, March ;^ 
 Forward. Left oblique, march ; Forward; Halt. 
 
 From rear to right (or hft). — The gunners command right (or left) 
 oblique; March; Forward; Halt. 
 
 From right (or left) to rear. — The gunners command, right (or left) 
 reverse ; March ; Forward ; right (or left) reverse, March ; Halt. 
 
 If the piece is moving when the last change of post is ordered, 
 the gunner halts, or slackens the pace until it passes, and then com- 
 mands, left (or rixjht) oblique. March; Forward. 
 
 The commands of the instructor in all these cases are the same as in 
 mounted artillery. Tlic movements are executed in the same man- 
 ner when riie detachments are dismounted. 
 
 To j)ost the cannoneers at the piece limbered. 
 
 656. The detachment being formed in line in front or rear, on 
 the right or lelt the instructor commands : 
 
 Cannoneers, to your posts. 
 
 From the- Front. — The gunner passes the detachment to the right 
 and commands, to your posts, 7narch. At this command, the can- 
 noneers, Nos. 1 and 2, turning to the right, and opening out, file to 
 their posts ; halt at their proper places, and face to the front. 
 
 A 
 
SCHOOL ©r THE TIECE. 17 
 
 From the rear, right or left. — At the command cannotiecrs, to your 
 posts, the gunner, in each case, faces the detachment to the left, and 
 marches the cannoneers by that Hank to their posts. 
 
 Moving the piece hy hand. Piece linihered. 
 
 657. To the front. — The instructor commands : 
 
 1. Forward. 2. Marcpi. 3. Halt. 
 
 At the first command, Nos. 6 and 7 seize tlic end of the pole with 
 both hands, the gunner and No. 5, facing toward the poJe, seize the 
 spluiter-bar with one liand, and the pole with the otlier. Nos. 3 
 and 4 seize the spokes of the hind wheels with both hands, and 
 Nos. 1 and 2 apply both hands at the head of the carriage. At the 
 second comnjand, all acting together, urge the piece forward until 
 the command halt is given, when all resume their posts. 
 
 To the rear. — The instructor commands : 
 
 1. Backward. 2. March. 3. Halt. 
 
 At the first command, all face to the rear; Nos. 6 and 7 seize the 
 end of the pole with both hands; No. 5 and the gunner seize the 
 spokes of the limber, and Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, those of the hind 
 wliccls At the command march, all moving together, move the 
 picto to the rear, Nos. 6 ^d 7 keeping it straight by the use of the 
 \)o\o. At the command halt, all resume their posts. 
 
 Unlimheriiuj and coming into action. 
 
 To the front. — The instructor commands : 
 
 Action — Front . 
 
 COS. At this command, the gunner takes out the key, and assisted 
 by No, 5, raises the trail from the pintle, and then commands drive 
 on, ui)on which Nqs. 6 and 7 reverse the limber, and proceed with 
 it to the rear. Again reverse to the left, and halt so that the lim- 
 ber shall cover the piece, with the end of the pole six yards from 
 the end of the trail handspike. At the same time that the limber 
 moves off, the piece is brought about in all respects as in limbering 
 to the front, except that the gunner and No. 5, without lowering the 
 
18 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 trail, carry it about, eaeh'by means of the handle on his own side 
 Nos. 6 and, 7, when necessary, assist at the trail, after placing the 
 limber in position. 
 
 As soon as the piece is brought about, and the trail lowered, No- 
 4 takes out the handspike and passes' it to the gunner, who fixes it 
 in the trail. No. 1 takes out the sponge, No. 3 unkeying it, and No. 
 4 prepares his lanyard. All then take their posts as required when 
 the piece is unlimhcrcd. 
 
 To the right (or left). — The instructor commands : 
 
 ACTION; riglit (or left). 
 
 659. The piece is nnlimbered in the same manner as for action^ 
 fronts and placed in the required direction ; the limber w^ieels to 
 the left (or right), and takes its place in rear, by reversing to the 
 left (or right). 
 
 To the rear. — The instructor commands : 
 
 1, Fire to the rear. 2. In Battery. 
 
 660. At the command in battery., the piece is imlimbered as be- 
 fore ; the trail immediately lowered, and the gun prepared for ac- 
 tion ; the limber moves directly forward at the command drive on^ 
 from ihe gunner, and takes its place by coming to the left about. 
 
 Movements luith the prolonge. 
 
 661. The piece being in battery, to fix the prolonge to fire retiring, 
 the instructor commands : 
 
 Fix prolonge to fire retiring. 
 
 At this command, the limber inclines to the right, wheels to the 
 left about, and halts four yards from the trail. No. 5 uncoils the 
 prolonge and passes the toggle to the gunner, who fixes it in the 
 trail by passing it upward through the lunette, whilst he attaches 
 the other end to the limber by passing the ring over the pintle and 
 keying it. 
 
 At the command retire^ the cannoneers face about and all march 
 on the left of the piece, except Nos. 1 and 3. They keep the im- 
 plements in their hands, and, at the command halt^ face about, re- 
 sume their posts, and go on with the firing. 
 
SCHOOL OF THE PIECE. 19 
 
 Should the piece be loaded at the command rehre^ No. 3 puts in 
 the priming wire. At the command halt, he lakes it out ag;^ain, and 
 INo. 1 rams home. If the command load be given when the piece 
 is in iHOtion, No. 5 puts in the charge, and No. 2 serves vent, recei- 
 ving from No. 3 the necessary implements for that purpose. 
 
 The piece being in action, to fix the prolonge to fire advancing, 
 the instructor commands : 
 
 Fix prolonge to fire advancing. 
 
 At this command, the limber passes its piece on the right and 
 halts when in front of it, Nos. 1 and 3 stepping within the wheels 
 to avoid the limber. No. 5 uncoils the prolonge, carries it to the 
 front, gives the toggle to No. 2, who puts it in the lunette of the axle- 
 strap, whilst he places the ring over the pintle and keys it. 
 
 In advancing, the men retain their implements and march at 
 their posts. At the command halt, No. 2 takes out the toggle and 
 commands drive on, upon which the limber takes its place in rear, 
 and the firing is renewed. 
 
 When the piece is limbered, to fix the prolonge to fire retiring or 
 advancing, the same commands are given. The piece is unlim- 
 bered, and the prolonge attached as before. 
 
 To fix the prolonge passing a ditch, or for any other purpose, the 
 command is, fix prolonge. The prolonge is then fixed to the trail as 
 before. 
 
 In moving with the prolonge, the gunner attends the handspike, 
 and in changes of direction, is careful to circulate tlie trail round in 
 proper time to pre\ent the prolonge being cut by the wheels. No. 
 7 clears the prolonge from the limber wheels, and Nos. 1 and 2 
 from the gun wheels. In wheeling about the limber first backs a 
 little and then describes a small circle, [n passing a ditch the gun- 
 ner takes out the handspike. 
 
 In fixing the prolonge for any purpose, the caisson wheels or re- 
 verses, if necessary, so that the horses of the limber and caisson 
 may face in the same direction. 
 
 To detach the prolonge from the limber and coil it up, the instruc- 
 tor commands : 
 
20 light artillery tactics. 
 
 Coil prolonge. 
 
 At this coinmaud, the gunner takes out the toggle, and No, 5 takes 
 off the ring and coils the prolonge, first passing the ring over the 
 upper prolonge hook. 
 
 To coil the prolonge and limber the piece, the instructor com- 
 mands, co?7 juro/ojigc— /i??!/)er <o //ic rear. The prolonge is detached 
 and coiled as before, the piece is run toward tlie limber, which reins 
 back on receiving the command rein back from the gunner, and is 
 limbered up. To limber to the front, right or left, the instructor com- 
 mands, coil prolonge — limber to the front., right or left ; which is exe- 
 cuted as already described, the gunner commanding drive on, as 
 soon as the prolonge is detached. 
 
 Service of the gun loith dimmished numhers. 
 
 662. Disabled men aTe replaced as soon as possible by the high- 
 est numbers, or, if men are selected to replace them, the highest 
 numbers will be reduced to fill the vacancies thus created. During 
 action, Nos. 1 and 2 may occasionally change places and numbers ; 
 the duties of No. 1 are very fatiguing. 
 
 Service of the piece by two men. — The gunner commands, points, 
 serves the vent, and fires; No. 1 sponges, loads, and serves ammu- 
 nition. 
 
 Three men. — The gunner commands, points, serves the vent, and 
 fires : No. 1 sponges ; No. 2 loads and serves ammunition. 
 
 Four men. — The gunner commands and points; No. 1 S2:)0nges , 
 No. 2 loads and serves ammunition ; No. 3 serves the vent and 
 fires. 
 
 Five men. — The gunner commands and points ; No. 1 sponges ; 
 No. 2 loads; No. 3 serves the vent and fires ; No. 4 serves ammu- 
 nition. 
 
 Six men. — The gunner commands and points ; No. 1 sponges ; 
 No. 2 loads ; No. 3 serves the vent and fires; No. 4 and 5 serve 
 ammunition. 
 
 Seven men. — The gunner commands and points ; No. 1 sponges ; 
 No. 2 loads ; No. 3 serves the vent, and attends to the trail ; No. 4 
 fires; No. 6 is at the limber, and serves ammunition to No. 5, and 
 occasionally changes with him. 
 
 Eight men. — No. 7 assists No. 6 ; the other, numbers as before. 
 
 ( 
 
^ SCHOOL or THE PIECE. 21 
 
 Suppli/ of ammunition wHen in action. 
 
 663, When it can be done without inconvenience, ammunition 
 will be served direct from the rear chest of the caisson, No. 8 \ier- 
 forming the duties prescribed for No. 6 at the limber cliest. At 
 convenient moments, the ammunition served out by No. 6 will be 
 replaced from the rear caissAi chest. If the ammunition chest on 
 the limber of the piece is exhausted, the limber is replaced by that 
 of the caisson, and the empty chest exchanged for the centre one 
 of the caisson. 
 
 As a rule, the limber chests, and especially that of the piece, will 
 be kept full at the expense of ihe others, so that in case of a sudden 
 movement on the field, there shall always be a sufficient supply of 
 ammunition at hand. 
 
 Pointing and ranges. 
 
 664. To point a 2'>icce, is to place it in such a position that the shot 
 may reach the object it is intended to strike. To do this, the axis 
 of the trunnions, being horizontal, the line of metal, called also the 
 natui-al line of sight, must be so directed as to pass through the ob- 
 ject, and then the elevation given to the piece to throw the shot the 
 required distance. The direction is given from the trail, and the el- 
 evation from the breech; the trail being moved to the right and left 
 by a handspike, and the breech raised or depressed by an elevating 
 screw. 
 
 The axis of the jnece coincides with that of the cylinder of the 
 bore. 
 
 The line of sight in pointing is the line of direction from the eye 
 to the object. It lies in a vertical plane, passing through, or paral- 
 lel to the axis of the piece. 
 
 The angle of sight is the angle which the line of sight makes witli 
 the axis of the piece. 
 
 The natural line of sight is the straight line passing through the 
 highest j-joints of the base ring, the swell of the muzzle, muzzle 
 sight, or muzzle band. 
 
 The natural angle of sight is the angle which the natural line of 
 sight makes with the axis of the piece. 
 
99 
 
 By range is commonly meant the distance between the piece and 
 the object which the ball is intended to strike; or, the first graze of 
 the ball upon the horizontal plane on which the carriage stands. 
 Point-blank range is the distance between the piece and the point 
 blank. Extreme range is the distance between the piece and the 
 point where the ball finally rests. 
 
 665. Theory of pointing. — The ■point-hlank is the second point of 
 intersection of the trajectory or curve described by the projectile in 
 its flight with the line of sight. As the angle of sight is increased, 
 the projectile is thrown farther above the line of sight, and the tra- 
 jectory and point-blank distance becomes more extended. 
 
 The point-blank range increases with the velocity, the diameter, 
 and the dcnsky of the ball. 
 
 A piece is said to be aimed point-blank when the line of metal, 
 which isthe natural line of sight, is directed upon the object. This 
 must be the case when the object is at point-blank distance. When 
 at a greater distance, the pendulum hausse, or the tangent scale, is 
 raised upon the breech until the sight is at the height which the 
 degree of elevation for the distance may require. An artificial line 
 of sight, and an firtificial point-blank are thus obtained, and the 
 piece is aimed as before. 
 
 Pendulum hausse. — The instrument at present in most general use 
 in pointing field guns at objects beyond the natural point-blank, is 
 called a peudiiliim hausse, of which the component parts are denom- 
 inated the scale, the slider, arul the scat. The scale is made of sheet 
 brass; at the lower end is a brass bulb filled with lead. The slider 
 is of thin brass, and is retained in any desirable position on the 
 scale by means of a brass set screw with a milled head. The scale 
 is passed through a slit in a piece of steel, with which it is connect- 
 ed by a brass screw, forming a pivot on which the scale can vibrate 
 laterally; this slit is made long enough to allow the scale to take a 
 vertical position in any ordinary cases of inequality of the ground 
 on which the wheels of the carriage may rest. The ends of this 
 piece of steel form two journals, by means of which the scale is 
 supported on the seat attached to the piece. The seat is of iron 
 antl is fastened to the base of the breech by three screws, in such 
 manner that the centres of the two journal notches shall be at a 
 rlistance from the axis equal to the radius of the base ring. 
 
SCHOOL OF THE PIECE. ' 23 
 
 A muzzle-sight of iron is screwed into the swell of the muzzle of 
 guns, or into the middle of the muzzle ring of howitzers. The 
 height of the sight is equal to the dispart of the piece, so that a line 
 flom the top of the muzzle sight to the,pivoto£ the scale is parallel 
 to the axis of the piece. Consequently, the vertical plane of sight 
 passing through the centre line of the scale and the top of the muz- 
 zle sight will be also parallel to the axis in any position of the 
 piece; the scale will therefore always indicate the angle which the 
 line of sight makes with the axis. 
 
 The hausse, when not in use, is carried by the gunner in a leather 
 pouch, suspended by a shoulder strap. 
 
 On pointinfj. 
 
 666. As it is impossible to point a piece correctly without know- 
 ing the distance of the object, artillery men should be frequently 
 practised in estimating distances by the eye alone, and rectifying 
 the estimate afterward, either by pacing the distance, or by actual 
 measurement with a tape-line or chain, until they acquire the habit 
 of estimating them correctly. 
 
 Shells arc intended to burst in the object aimed at; spherical case 
 shots are intended to burst from fifty to seventy-five yards short of it- 
 Shell or spherical case firing, for long ranges, is less accurate 
 than that of solid shot. 
 
 At high elevations, a solid shot will range farther than a shell or 
 spherical case shot, of the same diameter, fired with an equal 
 cliarge. But at low elevations, the shell or spherical case will have 
 a greater initial velocity, and a longer range. If, however, the 
 charges are proportioned to, the weights of the projectiles, the solid 
 shot will, in all cases, have the longest range. 
 
 The velocity or range of a shot is not affected in any appreciable 
 degree by checking the recoil of the carriage, by using a tight wad, 
 or by different degrees of ramming. 
 
 The principal causes which disturb the true flight of the projec- 
 tile are as follows : 
 
 1st, If the wheels of the carriage are not upon the same horizon- 
 tal plane, the projectile will deviate toward the lowest side of the 
 carriage. '^ 
 
24 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 2d. If the direction of the wind is across the line of iire, devia- 
 tions in the fliglit of the projectile will be occasioned, and in pro" 
 portion to the strength of the wind the angle its direction makes 
 with the line of fire and the velocity of the projectile. 
 
 3d. If the centre of gravity of the projectile be not coincident 
 with the centre of figure, the projectile M'ill deviate towards the 
 heaviest side^ that is, in the same direction that the centre of gravity 
 of the projectile, while resting in the piece, lies with regard to the 
 centre of figure. Therefore, if a shot be placed in the piece so that 
 its centre of gravity is to the right of the centre of the ball, the shot 
 will deviate to the right; and vice versa. If the centre of gravity 
 be above the centre of figure, range will be increased ; if below, it 
 will be diminished. 
 
 Solid shot should be used from 350 yards upwards ; the use of 
 canister should begin at 350 yards, and the rapidity of the fire in- 
 creases as the range diminishes. In emergencies, double charges 
 of canister may be used at 150 ox 160 yards, with a single cartridge. 
 
 Spherical case should not, as a general rule, be used for a less 
 range than 500 yards ; and neither spherical case nor shells should 
 be fired at rapidly advancing bodies, as, for instance, cavalry charg- 
 ing. 
 
 The fire of spherical case, and of shells on bodies of cavalry in 
 line or column, and in position, is often very effective. To the de- 
 structive efiects of the projectile are added the confusion and dis- 
 order occasioned amongst the horses by the noise of their explo- 
 sion ; but neither shells nor spherical case should be fired so rapid- 
 ly as solid shot. 
 
 In case of necessity, solid shot may be fired from howitzers. 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 25 
 
 SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 
 
 Composition of the hatteri/, and the officers and men necessary 
 to man it. 
 
 667. The battery is composed of four, six or eight pieces ; six 
 pieces will be supposed. It is divided into three sections of two 
 pieces each, denominated the rights centre and left sections, accord- 
 ing to their position in line. The battery is commanded by a cap- 
 lain j each section is commanded by a lieutenant, called thcv chief 
 of section, and an additional lieutenant is necessary to command the 
 line of caissons. Each piece is commanded by a sergeant, as chief 
 of the piece, wh\]e the gunner and chief of caisson arc corporals. 
 The officers and men necessary to man the battery constitute a 
 com]] any, which, is divided into as m?ix\y platoons as there are pieces. 
 Each platoon is composed of the drivers and cannoneers of a single 
 piece, and is commanded by the chief of the piece; the cannoneers 
 of a piece, as already stated in the school of the piece, constitute 
 the gun detachment. When the drivers and cannoneers form togeth- 
 er, the drivers form on the left. 
 
 Two platoons constitute a section. 
 
 In addition to the platoons, there should be a first (or orderly) 
 sergeant attached to the company ; a quartermaster-sergeant ; two hit- 
 glers or trumpcfcrs ; owe guidon ; and as many artificers as may be 
 necessary to keep the guns, carriages, harness, etc., in order. 
 
 When the company is formed, the platoons form in line in the 
 order of their pieces. 
 
 Posts of the officers, non-commissioned officers, etc. 
 
 668. The captain commanding goes where his presence may be 
 necessary, or his commands best heard. His position, in the order 
 in line, is four yards in front of the centre of the company ; in the 
 order in column, or when the company is faced by a flank, four yards 
 outside the flank in the first case, and from the company in the se- 
 cond, and opposite the centre. 
 
 2 
 
26 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 The lieutenants commanding sections in line, or in column of sec- 
 tions, are two yards in front of the centres of their respective sec- 
 tions • in columns of platoons or of detaclvments, or when faced by a 
 flank, they are two yards outside the marching flank, and opposite 
 the centres of their respective sections ; except that when faced by 
 a flank, the chief of the leading section takes his place at the side 
 the leading file. 
 
 The chief of >lie line of caissons, is four yards in rear of the centre 
 of the company when it is in line ; when it is in column, or faced 
 by a flank, he is four yards ouiside the pivot flank, and opposite the 
 centre of the company. 
 
 The chiefs of pieces, when the company is in line, in column 
 of sections, or faced by a flank, are on the right of the gun detach- 
 ments of their respective platoons, in the front rank. In column o/" 
 platoons, or of detachments, they are one yard in front of the centre 
 of their platoons or of their gun detachments. 
 
 The gunners, when the company is in line, or in column of 
 sections, are one yard behind the right files of their respective gun 
 detachments. In column of platoons, or detachments, they are on 
 the right of the gun detachment. When faced by a flank, they face 
 with the company, and retain their relative positions. 
 
 The chiefs of cannons are in their places in the ranks as No. 8 
 of the gun detachments, or as the front rank men on the left of their 
 platoons. 
 
 The first sergeant, when the company is in line, is on the right of 
 the front rank, and one yard from it; when it is in column, he is 
 on the marching flank, one yard outside the section, platoon, or de- 
 tachment nearest him when in line. When the company faces by 
 a flank, he faces with it. 
 
 The quartermaster-sergeant is on the left of the company, and 
 occupies positions correspondang to those of the first sergeant on 
 the right. 
 
 When the company is in line, the bugffers are on the right of the 
 first sergeants, in one rank, and two yards from line ; in column, 
 they are six yards in front or rear of the subdivision next them in 
 line, according as that subdivision forms the head or rear of the 
 column. When the company is faced by a flank, they face also, 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 27 
 
 The artificers occupy positions on the left of the company, cor- 
 responding to those of the musicians on the right. 
 
 The guidon forms with the musicians, or takes such position as 
 tlie captain prescribes. 
 
 Manning the Battery. 
 
 C99. The gun detachments and teams, having been properly 
 tolled off, are marched to the battery or park, with the teams in 
 front. 
 
 The chiefs of pieces and caissons, when mounted, march with 
 the teams; when the teams reach the battery, they are hitched by 
 the drivers. 
 
 In forming the detachments they are formed in line, touching 
 each other, and in positions corresponding to the positions of their 
 pieces in the battery. The chiefs of section, etc., arc at their posts 
 as directed for the company in line. 
 
 Tlie detachments are marched to the battery, either in column or 
 in line, as circumstances may require. 
 
 Each detachment is halted l)y its gunner when opposite its piece, 
 and wheeled into line. 
 
 If approaching from the front or rear, the detachments are formed 
 in line ficing the battery, in the same order as their pieces, and the 
 captain commands: 
 
 Detachments, opposite your pieces. 
 
 At this eommand, each detachment is wheeled or faced in the 
 l^roper direction by its gunner, marclicil opposite its i)iecc, and 
 formed in line. 
 
 The captain, after a]l the iletachments have been halted in front 
 or rear of their pieces, commands: 
 
 Cannoneers, to your posts. 
 
 At this command the gunners face their detachments, and all take 
 their posts, as directed in No. (>5G. 
 
 The position of the detachment in horse artillery, i^ habitually two 
 paces in rear of the muzzle of the i)icce, but its position may be 
 changed by the means laid down in No. G55. 
 
28 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 During the manoeuvres of mounted artillery, the cannoneers are 
 seated on the ammunition chests as follows: Tlie gunner and Nos. 
 5 and 6, on the limber chest of the piece, the gunner on the right, 
 and No. 5 on the left; Nos. 1, 2 and 7, on the limber chest of 
 the caisson, No. 2 on the right, and No. 1 on the left; Nos. 3, 4 and 
 8 on the middle chest of the caisson, No. 4 on the right, and No. 3 
 on the left. 
 
 When circumstances require it, No?. 6 and 7 may be directed to 
 mount the rear chest of the caisson. They sit with their backs to 
 the front, No. G on the right. 
 
 T'o mount and dismount the Cannoneers. 
 
 G70. To mount. — The captain lialts the battery, if not already at 
 a halt, and commands: 
 
 1. Cannoneers, 2'^'>^(^l^'^'''c- io mount. 2. Mount. 
 
 At the first cominaiid, the cannoneers run to their respective 
 places, and stand facing the chests which they are to mount. The 
 gunner and No. 5 in rear of the gun limber; No. 6 on the right of 
 the gunner; Nos. 1 and 2 in rear of the caisson limber; No. 7 on 
 the left of No. 1 ; Nos. 3 and 4 in front of the middle chest of the 
 caisson ; No. 8 on the right of No. 3. The gunner and Nos. 2 and 
 3 seize the handles with the right hand, and step upon the stocks 
 with the left foot, and Nos. 5, 1 and A, seize the handles with the 
 left hand, and step upon the stocks with the right foot. - '■^.'' 
 
 At the command mount., the gunner and Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, 
 spring into their seats. The gunner and Nos. 5, 1 and 2, seat them- 
 selves in their jjlaces with their backs to the front, antl immedi- 
 ately face about, by throwing their legs outwfird over the handles. 
 
 No. 8 then springs into his seat in the same manner as. No. 3; 
 Nos. and 7 step in rear of their chests, place tlioir hands upon 
 them, step upon the stocks with their nearest feet, spring up, stop 
 over tlie boxes and take their seats, placing their hands on the 
 shoulders of the men already seated in order to steady themselves. 
 
 When the command cannoneers., mount., is given by itself, the mon 
 Tim to their places and spring into their seats at once, No. 8 taking 
 his seat before No. 3. 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 29 
 
 671. To dismount. — The captain halts the carriages as before, and 
 commands: 
 
 1. Cannoneers, 2'>reparc to dismount. 2. Dismount. 
 
 At the first command, the cannoneers stand tip in their phices 
 except the gunner and No. 5, who face about. At the second com- 
 mand, the whole jump off and run to their posts. 
 
 When the command cannoneers^ dismount, is given by itself, the 
 men jump from their chests in the same maimer. 
 
 The cannoneers always dismount at the command, action fronts 
 right (or left). They also dismount at the command in battery, as 
 soon as the carriage on which they are moimted halts. 
 
 In horse artillery, the gunner dismounts the cannoneers when the 
 command action front, right or /e/f, or in battery, is given, and alt 
 move to their posts in double quick time, and unlimber as rapidly 
 as possible. 
 
 The object of mounting the cannoneers on the ammunition chests, 
 is generally to enable the battery to make quick movements. 
 
 To wij^ark. 
 
 672. Everything being prepared for manoeuvring, if the captain 
 wishes to unpark by the right, he commands : 
 
 1. Bi/ 2^iccc — from the right — -front into column, 2. MARCH. 
 
 At the command march, the right piece, followed by its caisson, 
 marches direct to the front, and the captain indicates the direction 
 it should take. The other pieces and caissons follow the move- 
 ment of the right piece, each so regulating its march by that which 
 precedes it, as to march in the same direction, and two yards be- 
 hind. Each chief of section directs the march of his carriages, 
 which are so conducted by their chiefs as to enter the column by 
 the most simple movement. The column of pieces is thus formed 
 with a distance of two yards between the, carriages; and in horse 
 artillery with the same distance between the carriages and detach- 
 ments. 
 
 The captain goes wherever his duty may require, but generally 
 remains on the left flank, opposite the centre of the coltnnn. 
 
30 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 The chief of the leading section places himself near the chief 
 of the leading piece, and on his left ; tlie other chiefs of sections 
 four yards from the left flank, abreast the centres of their respec- 
 tive sections. 
 
 The chief of the line of caissons is in rear of the chief of the 
 centre section. 
 
 Each chief of piece and caissoii, when moimted, is near his 
 leading driver, on the left 
 
 The trumpeter is nekr ihe captain. 
 
 When the battery is parked with tlie caissons in front, the captain 
 causes it to impark by the right by the same commands ; the move- 
 ments being executed in the same manner. 
 
 The battery may be nnparked by tlie left according to the same 
 principles and by Inverse means. 
 
 The coluhin of pieces is not to be considered a column of manoeu-v 
 vre. It will be changed into a column of sections as soon as the 
 nature of the ground will permit. But the exigencies of service 
 sometimes require that fot-matiohs into line and battery shbuld 
 be made directly from the cokiilin of pieces. In such cases, the 
 principles and commands laid down for similar formations from 
 the column of sections, will govern. In the formations to the right 
 or left, the pieces must close up, and wheel successively when 
 opposite their proper places. 
 
 To lialt. 
 
 To halt the battery, when marching in column of pieces, the 
 captain commands: 
 
 1. Column. 2. Halt. 
 
 At the second command, repeated by the chiefs of sections, all 
 the carriages are immediately halted. 
 
 Change of gait. 
 
 673. The changes of gait, in column of pieces, are executed by 
 the following commands from the captain : 
 To pass from the walk to a trot. 
 
" SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 31 
 
 1. Trot. 2. March. 
 
 To pass from a trot to a walk. 
 
 1. Walk. 2. March. 
 
 At the first command, repeated by the chiefs of sections, all the 
 drivers and others on horseback prepare to change the gait; and at 
 the second, repeated in like manner, they pass at once to the gait 
 indicated by the first command. 
 
 To form sections. 
 
 674. When the battery is marching at a walk in column of jjieces, 
 to form sections at the same gait by gaining ground to the left, the 
 paptain C(Tmniands : 
 
 1. Form sections, left ohlique. 2. MARCH. 3. Guitfe right. 
 
 The chief of the leading section repeats the commands, Form 
 section^ left obliqjie, march,- guide rights in succession after the cap- 
 tain'. At the command march, the two first carriages, piece and 
 caisson, continue to march, and halt when they have advanced five 
 yards. The two following gain their interval of fourteen yards by 
 obliquing to the left, and place themselves abreast and parallel 
 with the other two. 
 
 The other sections continue to march in column of pieces, and 
 are formed successively by their chiefs ; each commanding, form 
 section, left oblique, in time to command march, when the leading 
 carriage of his section has arrived within five yards of its distance. 
 The chief of section then commands, guide right. 
 
 When the column of pieces is marching at a trot, the formation 
 is executed according to the same principles and by the same com- 
 mands. But the leading carriages, instead of advancing five yards 
 and halting ns before, pass to a walk as soon as the command 
 march is repeated by the chief of section. The other sections con- 
 tinue to march at a trot, and execute the movement at that gait ; 
 tlie two leading carriages of each section passing to a walk at the 
 
32 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 command march, which must be given when they have closed to 
 their proper distance. 
 
 When the column of pieces is at a halt, the formation is executed 
 as prescribed for the column at a walk. In this case the carriages 
 all move at the command march, and the leading ones 1/alt after ad- 
 vancing five yards. 
 
 When the column of pieces is marching at a walk, to form sec- 
 tions at a trot gaining ground to the left, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Form sections J left ohlupie, trot. 2. March. 3. Guide 
 riijlit. 
 
 The chief of the leading section repeats the commands, form 
 section, left obliqve, trot ; march; guide right, in succession, after the 
 captain. At the command march, the two leading carriages con- 
 tinue to march in the original direction at a walk. The two follow- 
 ing oblique to the left, gain their interval at a trot, and resume the 
 walk when opposite the leading carriages. 
 
 At the first command, the chiefs of the other sections command 
 trot ; and at the second, which they repeat, their sections commence 
 the trot. 
 
 The chiefs of the second and third sections command, fo7'm sec- 
 tion, left oblique, in time to command march, when |the leading car- 
 riage of each section has nearly gained its distance. The leading 
 carriage then resumes the walk, and the chief of section commands, 
 guide right. 
 
 The chiefs of sections superintend their carriages, and take the 
 posts assigned them in the order in column as soon as their sections 
 are formed. 
 
 Sections are formed by gaining ground to the right according to 
 the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 The hatteri/ being in column of pieces, to form the caissons on 
 the flank. ^ 
 
 675. When the battery is in column of pieces with the caissons 
 in rear, to form the pieces and caissons into separate columns, as 
 in the flank march of a battery in line, the captain commands : 
 
SCHOOL or THE BATTERY. 33 
 
 1. Caissons left (or caissons Ic/t, trot.) 2. MARCH. 3. Guide 
 
 right. 
 
 • 
 
 These commands are repeated by the chiefs of sections, the cais- 
 sons oblique at once to the left, gain the interval of fourteen yards, 
 and place themselves opposite their pieces; the pieces closing upon 
 each other at the same time to the usual distance. The gait is reg- 
 ulated as in the formation of sections ; and when the movement is 
 performed at a walk, the leading carriage halts after advancing its 
 own length. 
 
 The chiefs of sections take their i)laccs as in column of sec- 
 tions. 
 
 The caissons are formed on the right according to the same prin- 
 ciples and by inverse means. 
 
 When the pieces are in rear, they are formed on the right or left 
 of their caissons in the same manner ajid by corresponding com- 
 inands. 
 
 To march in column. 
 
 676. The battery being in column at a halt, to advance, the cap- 
 tain commands : 
 
 1. Column, forward. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left (or right.') 
 
 The commands /ori^arc^ march ; guide left (or right.) are repeated 
 by the chiefs of sections. At the command 7narrh, all the carriages 
 advance, the guide maintains the direction, and the carriages, as 
 well as the detachments of horse cannoneers, preserve their inter- 
 vals and distances. 
 
 To march hy a flanlc. 
 
 G77. The battery being in column, in march or at a halt, to gain 
 ground to the left, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Column, hi/ the left flank. 2. March. 
 
 The commands, by the leftjlank, march, are repeated by the chiefs 
 of sections. At the command march, each carriage wheels at once 
 to the left. 
 
34 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 . When the wheel is nearly completed, the captain commands : 
 1. FoRWARB. 2. Guide right, 
 
 The§e commands are repeated by the chiefs of sections. At 
 the command /orwarrf, all the carriages march direct to the front. 
 
 The line is regularly established, and the carriages aligned in 
 each rank, with their distances of two, and intervals of fourteen 
 yards* The chiefs of sections take their places between the lead- 
 ing carriages as in line. 
 
 To cause the battery to resume its original direction, the captain 
 commands : 
 
 1. Battery J hy the right flanh. 2. March. 3. Forward. 
 
 4. Guide left. 
 
 The commands, hy the right flank, march; forward; gnids left, 
 are repeated and executed according to the principles before de- 
 scribed. 
 
 After the flank march, to march the battery in a direction oppo- 
 site to the original one, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Battery, hy the hp flanh. 2. March, 8. Forward. 
 4. Guide right. 
 
 In horse artillery the flank march is executed according to the 
 same principles and by the same commands. The line formed by 
 the flank movement is established, and the carriages aligned in 
 each rank, with distances of five and intervals of fourteen or 
 twenty-one yards, according to the relative position of the pieces 
 and caissons. The detachments wheel in the same direction as 
 their pieces ; and, after following them during a part of the move- 
 ment, place themselves by their sides, two yards from the wheels, 
 with the heads of their leading horses on a line w^ith the axle-trees 
 of the limber. In marching by the left flank they are on the left of 
 their pieces, and the reve/se when marching by the right When 
 sufficient ground has been gained to the flank, and the battery re- 
 sumes its formation in column by marching in the original direo- 
 tion, the detachments wheel in the same direction as their pieces 
 and place themselves in their rear. But when the march in col- 
 
SCHOOL OP THE BATTERY. 85 
 
 umn is in the opposite direction, they resume their places by allow- 
 ing their pieces to pass them and then falling in their rear. 
 
 The flank march, to gain ground to the right, is executed accord- 
 ing to the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 In each case the captain and the chief of the line of- caissons 
 change their direction to the left or right, and conform to the move- 
 ments of the battery. 
 
 Oblique march. 
 
 678. The battery being in column, in march or at a halt, to cause 
 it to march obliquely to gain ground to the front and left, the cap- 
 tain commands : • 
 
 1. Column , left ohliquc. 2. MARCH. 8. Guide right. 
 
 The chiefs of sections repeat the commands, left oblique ; march ; 
 ^uide rif^ht. At the command march^ all the carriages oblique at 
 once to the left, and march direct to the front in the new direction ; 
 moving in parallel lines, dressing by the right, and preserving their 
 intervals from that flank. 
 
 In obliquing, the heads of the horses in each rank are on a line 
 parallel to the original front of the column. The interval between 
 the carriages is fourteen yards, measured parallel to the front; and 
 only ten if measured perpendicularly to the oblique direction. Each 
 carriage of the right file marches in the prolongation of the left 
 carriage of the rank which precedes its own, and at a distance of 
 nine yards. 
 
 The oflicers conform to the movement and preserve their relative 
 positions. 
 
 To resume the original direction the captain commands: 
 
 FoRWARp. 
 
 This comman I is repeated by the chiefs of sections, and the car- 
 riages resume the original direction by obliquing to the right. 
 
 If the captain wishes to halt the column for the purpose of recti- 
 fying its alignments, intervals, or obliquity, he commands : 
 
 1. Column. 2. Halt. 
 
 And to resume the march in the oblique direction : 
 
36 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 1. Column. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide right. 
 
 The commands /ia^f ; march; guide right, are repeated by the 
 chiefs of sections. 
 
 The J^^lit oblique is executed according to the same principles 
 and inverse means. 
 
 Passage of carriages in column. 
 
 679. When the battery is marching in column at a walk, to change 
 the relative positions of the front and rear ranks, without altering 
 the gait, the captain commands: 
 
 1. Pieces pass your caissons (or caissons pass your pieces) . 
 2. March. 
 
 These conimands are repeated by the chiefs of sections; and at 
 the command march, the leading carriages of each section halt. 
 Those of the rear rank execute the passage without changing the 
 gait, and halt as soon as they have reached their positions in front. 
 
 To continue the march without hahing the carriages of the rear 
 rank, the captain commands forward, when the passage is nearly 
 completed and the command is repeated by the chiefs of sections. 
 
 When the column is marching at a trot, the passage is executed 
 according to the same principles and by the same commands, except 
 that the carriages of the front rank move at a walk instead of halt- 
 ing at the command march. The carriages of the rear rank execute 
 the passage at a trot, and then change the gait to a walk. 
 
 When the column is at a halt, the passage is executed according 
 to the same principles and by the same commands. If the captain 
 wishes to put the column in march immediately after the move- 
 ment, he commands forward, when the passage is about being com- 
 pleted, and then guide left (ffi- right). These commands are repeat- 
 ed by the chiefs of sections. 
 
 When the column is marching at a walk, to execute the passage 
 at a trot, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Pieces f)ass your caissons, trot (or caissons pass T/oiir pieces, 
 trot). 2. March. 
 
 Those commands are repeated by the chiefs of sections. At the 
 
^ ^Ihool of the battery. 87 
 
 command march, the carriages of the front rank in each section con- 
 tinue to march at a walk. Those of the rear rank execute the pas- 
 sage at a trot, and resume the walk as soon as the passage is com- 
 pleted. 
 
 About in column, 
 
 G80. The battery being in column, in march or at a halt, to face 
 it to the rear, the captain commands: 
 
 ' . * 1. Pieces and caissons, left about. 2. Marcii. 
 
 These commands are repeated by the chiefs of sections ; and at 
 the second all the carriages execute the about. When the move- 
 ment is about being completed the captain commands, column, halt ; 
 ox forward, guide right (or left); the commands, halt, or forward^ 
 guide right (or left), are repeated by the chiefs of sections. 
 
 Countermarch in column. 
 
 681. The battery being in column, in march or at halt, to execute 
 the countermarch in each section, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Countermarch. 2. MARCH. 
 
 These commands are repeated by the chiefs of sections, and at 
 the second, each piece and its caisson execute the countermarch. 
 When the movement is about being completed, the captain com-; 
 mands, column, halt ; ox forward ; guide right (or left). 
 
 These commands are repeated as in the preceding paragraph. 
 
 To change direction Jn column. 
 
 682. The battery being in cohunn, in march or at a halt, to cause 
 it to change direction to the left, the captain commands : 
 
 Head of column to the left. 
 
 The chief of the leading section commands, left wheel — March ; 
 and afterward, /o/-M;ar(/. At the command march, the pivot carriage 
 executes the wheel withotR changing the gait. The carriage on the 
 wheeling flank -vyheels in such a manner as to conform to its move- 
 
38 1,IGUT ARTILLERY TAC1#S. '^ 
 
 meat ; increasing the gait, and preserving the intervals. At llie 
 command forward, the pivot carriage moves direct to the front, and 
 the other resumes its original gait after completing the wheel and 
 arriving upon the same line. The carriages of the rear rank pre- 
 serve their distance and follow those of the front rank. 
 
 Each of the other sections, on arriving at the point where the 
 first wheeled, executes the same movement, and by the same com- 
 mands from its chief 
 
 Each chief of section must give the command left wheel in tim^ 
 to command march, when the heads o-f his leaders are three.yards 
 from the wheeling point. And the command forward must be given 
 as soon as the leading pivot carriage has entered the new direction. 
 
 The change of direction to the right is executed according to the 
 same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 To diminuh the front of a column on the march. 
 
 683. The battery marching at a walk in column of sections, to 
 form column of pieces from the right, at that gait, the captain com- 
 mands : 
 
 1. By the rights hreak sections. 2. March. 
 
 The chief of the leading section commands, successively, after 
 the captain, by the right, break section; march. At the command 
 march, the two right carriages of the leading section continue to 
 march at a walk, atul ail the other carriages halt. The left carria- 
 ges of the leading section remain halted, until the leaders of the 
 leading carriage are passed by the wheel horses of the rear carriage 
 on the right. They then oblique to the right, take their places in 
 column, and follow the two leading carriages. The other sections 
 are broken in succession by the same commands from their chiefs ; 
 the command march being given when the wheel horses of the left 
 carriages of the next preceding section enter the right oblique. 
 
 When the column is marching at a trot, the column of pieces is* 
 formed according to the same principles and by the same com- 
 mands. But in this case the carriages which halted before slacken 
 the gait to a walk, and resume the trot to oblique, and enter the 
 column. » 
 
 When the column is at a halt, the movement is executed as pre- 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 39 
 
 scribed for a column marching at a walk ; the two right carriages of 
 the leading section moving forward at a walk at the command 
 march. 
 
 The battery marching at a walk in column of sections, to form 
 column of pieces from the right at a trot, -the captain commands : 
 
 ]. By the right, hreak sections, trot. 2. March. 
 
 The chief of the leading section commands i«uecessivcly, after 
 the captain, by the right, break section, trot ; march; and at the right 
 carriages of the loading section nnove inward at a moderate trot. 
 The left carriages of the same section commence the trot on obliqu- 
 ing to enter the column. 
 
 The other sections are broken successively by the same commands 
 from their chiefs ; and the carriages are regulated by each other, as 
 in breaking sections at a walk. 
 
 This formation is executed from the left, according to the same 
 principles and by inverse means. 
 
 In column with the caissons on the Jianh, to replace them in 
 ' front or rear. 
 
 684. The battery being in column with the caissons on the flank, 
 to re-establish them in rear of their pieces, the captain commands • 
 
 1. Caissons, rear (or caissons, rear, ti'oi). 2. March. 
 
 Each chief of section repeats the commands in time to command 
 march, when the leading piece of his section is to commence the 
 movement. The piece at the head of the cohimn moves forward 
 with the required gait, and its caisson places itself in rear by an 
 oblique. The other pieces move forward in succession, and are 
 followed by their caissons in like manner. « 
 
 All the carriages preserve the usual distance in column. 
 
 This movement is performed with the different gaits, and according 
 to the principles prescribed for breaking sections. 
 
 The formation for placing the caissons in front is executed by the 
 commands, caissons, front (or caissons, front, trot^ ; march, the cais- 
 sons obliquing successively in front of their pieces. 
 
40 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 To pass from the order in column to the order in line, and 
 the reverse. 
 
 In all formations in line or column, the movements are the same 
 whether the pieces or caissons lead. 
 
 Forward into line. 
 
 % 
 
 685. The battery being in column at a halt, to form it into line 
 on the head of the column, gaining ground to the left, the captain 
 commands : 
 
 1. Fortcard into line, left ohliquo. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide 
 right. 4. Front. ^ 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the leading section commands, 
 seclion, forward^ and those of the other sections, section^ left oblique. 
 At the command march, repeated by the chiefs of sections, the lead- 
 ing section moves to the front, and its chief repeats the command 
 for the guide. After advancing eighteen yards, or for horse artille- 
 ry twenty-two, he commands, section, halt ; right, dress. 
 
 Each of the other chiefs of sections repeats the command for the 
 giiide, and conducts his section by a left oblique, until by the direct 
 march it may gain its proper interval from the section immediately 
 on its right. He then commands, forward, and when within four 
 yards of the line, section, halt ; right, dress. 
 
 When the battery is aligned, the captain commands front. 
 
 The movement is executed on the opposite flajik, according to 
 the same principles, and by inverse means. 
 
 In this case the commands are, forward into line, right oblique, 
 march; guide left, front. 
 
 The formation forward into line by a right or left oblique, execu- 
 ted in a similar manner when the column is in march. In this case 
 the chief of the leading section gives no command except for the 
 guide, until he has advanced the distance before prescribed. He 
 then halts his section as before, 
 
SCHOOL OP THE BATTERY. 41 
 
 To form line faced to the rear. 
 
 686. The battery being in column at a halt, to form it into line 
 faced to the rear, on the head of the column gaining ground to the 
 left, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Into line, faced to the rear, left ohliqne. 2. MARCH. 
 3. Guide right. 4. Front. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the leading section commands, 
 section, forward ; and those of the other sections, section, left oblique 
 At the command march, repeated by the chiefs of sections, the 
 movement is executed as in No. 685, with the exception of the 
 alignment. When the leading section has advanced eighteen yards 
 or for horse artillery twenty-two, it is halted by its chief until the 
 centre section arrives upon the same line. He then commands, 
 countermarch — march: and when the countermarch is nearly com- 
 pleted, section, halt ; left, dress. 
 
 The centre section is halted npon the line, in like manner, until 
 the left section comes up, and is then countermarched and aligned 
 by the same commands. 
 
 When the left section arrives upon the line, it is countermarched 
 before halting, and then aligned like the rest. 
 
 When the centre and left sections are countermarched, the com- 
 mands, halt ; left dress, should be given, if possible, when they are 
 four yards in rear of the line on which the leading section is estab- 
 lished. 
 
 When the battery is aligned, the captain commands front. 
 
 The movement is executed on the opj^osite flank, according to the 
 same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 The formation into line, faced to the rear, by a right or left 
 oblique, is executed in a similar manner when the column is in 
 march. In this case, as the leading section is already in motion 
 its chief only repeat* the comnjand for the guide as in No. 685. 
 
 To form line to the right or left. 
 
 687. The battery being in column, in march or at a halt, to form 
 it into the line to the left, the captain cotnmands : 
 
LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 1. Lc/t into line, wheel 2. March. 3. Battery— Uklt. 
 4. Left — Dress. 5. Front. 
 
 .At the first command the chiefs ol sections command, section^ left 
 wheel ; and at the second, which they repeat, all the sections wheel 
 to the left. Each chief of section commands, forward, guide left, 
 as soon as hi§ leading pvot carriage has taken a new direction. 
 
 When the rear carriages have completed the wheel, and the sec- 
 tions are in line, the captain commands, battery, halt ; left dress. 
 
 The commands, halt, left dress, are repeated by the chiefs of sec- 
 tions, and when the alignment is completed the captain commands 
 front. 
 
 The battery is formed into line to the right according to the same 
 principles and by inverse means. 
 
 To form line on the riyht or left. 
 
 6S8. The battery marching in column, to form it into line on the 
 right, the captain commands : 
 
 1. On tJie right into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide right. 
 4. Front. 
 
 At the first command, the cliiei of the leading section commands. 
 section, right wheel; and at the second, which he repeats, the section 
 wheels to the right. As soon as the leading pivot carriage enters 
 the new direction, he commnnt]s, foriva^-d, guide right; and as the 
 section completes the wheel and unmasks the column, he com- 
 mands, section, halt ; right dress. 
 
 The chiefs of the other sections repeat the command for the 
 guide, and their section continues to move forward. As each sec. 
 tion passes the one preceding it in the formatioi^ its chief establishes 
 it on the line, with the proper interval, by t':e same commands. 
 The commands, section, /taZ/; right dress, are given when the section 
 is four yards in rear of the line. 
 
 When the battery is aligned, the captain commands front. 
 
 The line is formed on the left according to the same principles 
 
SCHOOL OP THE BATTERY. 43 
 
 and by inverse means. The commands are, on the left into lincy 
 march ; guide left ; front. 
 
 When the column is at a halt, the line is formed on the right or 
 left in the same manner. In this case, the chiefs of the two rear 
 sections command, section, forward, and afterward repeat the com- 
 mands, march ; guide right (or left.) 
 
 To break into column to the front. 
 
 689. The battery Using in line at a halt, to break into column to 
 the front from the right, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Bi/ section from the r'lglit, front into column. 2. March. 
 3. Guide left. 
 
 At the first coinmand, the chief of the right section commands, 
 section, forward; and those of the other sections?, section, right 
 oblique. At the command march, repeated by the chief of the right 
 section, that section moves forward, and its chief repeats the com- 
 mand for the guide. 
 
 Each of the other chiefs of sections repeats the commands, march, 
 guide left, after the section on his right has commenced the move- 
 ment, and when the leaders of its rear carriages are in line with 
 him. After obliquing sufficiently to gain the rear of the preceding 
 sections, he commands forward. 
 
 The movement is executed from the left according to the same 
 principles and by inverse means. 
 
 To hreak into column to the rear. 
 
 The battery being in line, in march or at a halt, to break into col- 
 umn to the rear from one of the flanks, the captain executes an 
 about or a countermarch, according to the kind of carriage he may 
 wish in front, then halts the battery, and breaks it into column to 
 the front by the preceding manoeuvre. 
 
 To hreah into column to the right or left. 
 
 690. The battery being in line, in march or at a halt, to break it 
 into columns to the leffr, the captain commands: 
 
44 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 1. By section, left wheel 2. March. 3. Forward. 
 
 4. G^iide left. 
 
 At tlie first command, the chiefs of sections command, section^ 
 left wheel; and at tlie second, repeated by those chiefs, all the sec- 
 tions wheel to the left. When the wheels aj-e nearly completed 
 the captain commands. /oru'arrf, guide left, and the chiefs of sections 
 repeat the commands. 
 
 When the column is not to advance, the command, column, halt, 
 is substituted for forward, guide left. 
 
 The battery is broken into column to the right according to the 
 same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 To hreah into columns to the front from one fianh, to march 
 toward the other. 
 
 G91. The battery being in line at a halt, to break from the right 
 to march to the left, the captain commands : 
 
 1. By section, hreah from the right, to march to the left. 
 2. March. 3. Guide left. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the right section commands, 
 section, forward ; and at the second, which he repeats, the section 
 moves forward, and he commands, guide left. After advancing 
 eleven yards he changes the direction to the left by the commands, 
 section, left xvheel ; march ; forxoard. 
 
 Each of the other chiefs of sections command, section, forward, 
 in time to command march, when the limber wheels of the rear car- 
 riages in the section preceding his own arrive in front of him. He 
 then conducts the section to the front, changes its direction to the 
 left, and places it in rear of the preceding section by the commands 
 already prescribed for the section on the right. 
 
 The battery is broken from the left to inarch to the right, accord- 
 ing to the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 45 
 
 ) 
 
 To hrealc into column to the rear froln one flan7c, to march 
 toivard the other. 
 
 G92. The battery being in line at a lialt, to break to the rear from 
 one Hank to march toward the other, the captain first executes an 
 about or countermarch, according to the kind of carriage he may 
 wisli iu front. He then halls the battery and executes the preceding 
 manoeuvre. 
 
 To hreah into column to the front tvhen the Lattery is marching 
 
 in line. 
 
 \ 
 
 G93. The battery marching in line at a walk, to break into column 
 to the front from llie right, and at the same gait, the captain com- 
 mands : 
 
 1. By the right, hreah into sections. 2. March. 3. Guide left. 
 
 The chief of the right section repeats the command for the guide 
 and his section continues to moVe at the same gait. At the com- 
 mand march, the other sections are halted by the command, section, 
 halt, from their cliiefs. 
 
 The halted sections are put in motion successively by their chiefs; 
 each commanding, section, right oblique, in time to command march, 
 when the leaders of the rear carriages in the section on his right 
 arrive opposite to hiih. The sections oblique and enter the column 
 as described in No. 6S9, 
 
 ^ When the battery is marching at a trot, the movement is executed 
 according to the same principles. But the sections which halted in 
 the 'preceding case slacken the gait to a walk at the commands, 
 walk, march, from their chiefs. They again trot and enter the column 
 by the commands, section, right obliqnc, trot ; march ; forward. 
 
 When the battery is marching in line at a walk, to break into 
 column from the right at a trot, the captain commands: 
 
 1. Bj/ the right hreah into sections, trot. 2. MARCH. 3. 
 Guide left. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the right section commands 
 
46 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 trot : and at tlie second, which he repeats, the section changes its 
 gait to a trot. He afterward repeats the command guide left. 
 
 Each of the other sections continues to march at a walk until 
 required to enter the coUimn, when its chief conducts it, as already- 
 described, by the commands, section, right oblique, trot ; march; for- 
 ward. 
 
 The battery is broken into cokimn from the left, according to the 
 same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 To form line advancing. 
 
 69-1. When the battery is marching in column at a walk, to form 
 it into line at a trot, gaining ground to the left, and continue the 
 march, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Form line advancing, left ohlique, trot. 2. MARCH. 3. 
 Guide right. 
 
 The chief of the leading section repeats the command for the 
 guide, and his section continues to move at a walk. 
 
 At the first command, tlie chiefs of the other sections command, 
 scctiTn, left obliqtie, trot. The command march is repeated by the 
 same chiefs ; and when the oblique movement is commenced, they 
 repeat the command, guide right. Each chief commands forward, 
 as soon as his section has obliqued sufhciently to the left, and walk, 
 in time to command march, as it arrives on the line. 
 
 When the battery is marching in column at a trot, the movement 
 is executed according to the same principle. In this case the cap- 
 tain does not command trot ; and the chief of the leading section 
 commands walk, march, successively, after the first and second com- 
 mands of the captain. The chiefs of the other sections give the 
 same commands as their sections arrive on the line. 
 
 The movement is executed so as to gain ground to the right, ac- 
 cording to the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 To form double column on the centre section. 
 
 G95. The battery being in lino at a halt, to form double column 
 on the centre section, the captain commands : 
 
 s 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 47 
 
 1. DouUe column on the centre, 2. MARCH. Z. Guide right 
 (or left). 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the centre section commands, 
 section, forward ; the chief of tlic rij^ht section, section, left obliqnc ; 
 and the chief of the left section, section, right oblique. At the com- 
 mand march, repeated by the chief of tlie centre section, that sec- 
 tion marches to the front, and its chief repeats the command for the 
 guide. 
 
 When the wheel horses in the rear rank of the centre section 
 have passed the leaders in the front rank of the other sections, the 
 chiefs of those sections repea-t the command ma^h, and the sections 
 commence the oblique. 
 
 When the piece nearest the column is about eiifering it, in each 
 of these sections, the chief of the right section commands, by the 
 left, break section, march : and the chief of the left, by the right, break 
 section, rtiarch. The right and left sections, without change of gait, 
 then form into cohimns of pieces imrear of the right and left car- 
 riages of the centre section. 
 
 The chiefs of the flank sections at-e careful to make their pieces 
 enter the column at the proper time. And when the column is 
 formed they place themselves outside of it, four yards from the cen- 
 tres of their respective sections. 
 
 The chief of the line of caissons follows the movement, sees that 
 liis carriages do not enter the column too soon, and, \vhen the col- 
 unm is formed, places himself four yards in rear of the centre. 
 
 When the battery is marching at a walk, to form the double col- 
 umn at the same gait, the captain commands: 
 
 1. Double column on the centre. 2. March. 3. Guide right 
 iovleft). 
 
 The chief of the centre section repeats the command for the 
 guide, and the section continues to advance. 
 
 At the command march, the other sections are halted by the com- 
 mand, section, halt, from their chiefs. They are afterward formed 
 into column by the commands and means prescribed for forming 
 double column from a halt. 
 
48 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 When the bj^ttery is marching at a trot, the double column is 
 formed according to the same principle. In this case the flank sec- 
 tion pass to a wallc, instead of halting as before, and resume the 
 trot to oblique, and enter the column. The commands froiti their 
 chiefs are, u'fl//.:.- march; section^ left (or right) oblique, trot ; march, 
 and, by the left (or right), break section ; march. 
 
 When the battery is marching at a walk, to form the double col- 
 umn at a trot, the captain commands: 
 
 1. Double column on the centre, trot. 2. March. 3. Guide 
 right (or Ic/t). 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the centre section commands 
 ij-ot. At the second, which he repeats, the section moves forward 
 at a moderate trot, and he repeats the command for the guide. 
 
 The flank sections continue to walk until the centre has advan- 
 ced sufficiently to allow them to oblique, and are then formed into 
 column as already prescribed ; their chiefs commanding, section, left 
 (or right) oblique, trot ; march, and, by the left (or right), break section ; 
 march. 
 
 To form the double column with a battery of four pieces, the 
 captain gives the same commands as with a battery of six. The 
 right section is broken into column of pieces by the left, and the 
 left section by the right. The chiefs of sections place themselves 
 on the outer flanks of the column, abreast the leading drivers of 
 the leading parriages. The senior chief repeats the command for 
 the guide, and gives such other commands as are required for the 
 head of the column ; the leading carriages moving as a section for 
 the time being. 
 
 To deploy the double column into line to the front. 
 
 The battery being in double coluinn at a halt, to form it into line 
 to the front, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Forward, into line. 2. March. 8. Front. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the centre section commands, 
 section, forward ; the chief of the right section, section, into line, right 
 oblique ; and the chief of the left section, section, into line, left ob- 
 
SCHOOL OP THE BATTERY. 49 
 
 lique. At the command inarch, repeated by these chiefs, the centr* 
 section advances five yards, and its chief commands, section, halt ; 
 right (or left) — dress. 
 
 The flank sections oblique to the right and left; and as their 
 pieces arrive in rear of their proper places on the line, they movo 
 forward, halt, and dress toward the centre without command. 
 
 As soon as the battery is aligned, the captain commands front. 
 
 "When the column i* marching, the movement is executed in the 
 same manner. In this case the chief of the centre section does 
 not command, section, forward ; march; but halts and aligns his 
 section after advancing five yards. 
 
 "When the column is mnrching at a trot, to deploy it into line to 
 the front at the same gait, without discontinuing the march, the 
 captain commands : 
 
 1. Form line advancing. 2. March. 3. Guide i-ight 
 (or Uft.) 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the centre section commands, 
 walk ; the chief of the right section, section, into line, right oblique; 
 and the chief of the left section, section, into line, left oblique. At the 
 command march, repeated by these chiefs, the centre section 
 slackens its gait to a walk, and the flank sections deploy. As each 
 piece arrives upon the line, its gait is changed to a walk without 
 command. The movement is executed as in the preceding cases; 
 but when the line is formed it continues to advance ; the captain 
 commanding guide right (or left,) which command is repeated by 
 the chiefs of sections. 
 
 When the column is marching at a walk, to deploy it into line to 
 the front at a trot, without discontinuing the march, the captain 
 commands : 
 
 1. Form linQ advancing ^ trot. 2. March, 3. Guide right 
 (or left.) 
 
 At the first command the chief of the right section commands, 
 
 section, into line, right oblique, trot ; and the chief of the left section, 
 
 section, into line, left oblique, trot. At the command march, repeated 
 
 by these chiefs, the flank sections deploy at a trot; tho centre sec- 
 
 3 
 
50 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 tion continues to march at a walk; and, the line having been 
 loxmed as in the preceding case, the captain gives the command 
 Of the guide. 
 
 When the battery consists of four pieces, the double column is 
 deployed into line to the front by the same commands fronrtbe 
 captain as vi^hen it consists of six. The chiefs of sections giv« 
 the same commands as in the other case, and then their sections are 
 formed as in No. 674. When tlie line is to be halted, as in forming 
 forward into line, the senior chief commands, hall; right (or left) 
 dress, as soon as the leading carriages have advanced five yards; 
 and the alignment is made upon the central carriages. 
 
 To form the double cohimn into line to the right or left. 
 
 607. The battery being in double column at a halt, to form it 
 into line on the right, the captain commands : 
 
 1. To and on the right into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Front. 
 
 ^ At the first command, the chief of the leading section com- 
 mands, section, right wheel; and the other chiefs of sections, /ortoarrf. 
 At the second, repeated by those chiefs, the leading section wheels 
 to the right and is established on the line as in No. 687. The other 
 pieces advance under the direction of their chiefs and of the 
 chiefs of sections, wheel to the right in succession as they arrive 
 opposite their places, establish themselves on the line, and dress 
 upon the pieces already aligned. When the alignment is com- 
 pleted, the captain commands front. 
 
 When the column is marching, the line is formed to the right in 
 the same manner, except that the chiefs of the flank sections omit 
 the commands, forward, march. The line is formed to the left ac- 
 cording to the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 When the battery consists of four pieces, the double column is 
 deployed into line to the right or left by the same commands from 
 the captain, as when it consists of six. In this case the leading 
 pieces are wheeled to the right or left, as a section, and established 
 on the line. For this purpose the senior chief of section com- 
 mands, right (or left) wheel; march ; forward; gtdde right (or left /) 
 hnU; right (or left) dress. The other pieces move forward, wlxeel 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. ft 
 
 in succession as they arrive opposite their places, and form on the 
 line as already described. 
 
 To advance in lint, 
 
 COS. The battery being in line at a halt, to cause it to advance, 
 the captain indicates to the guide the points on which lie is t(» 
 march, and commands: 
 
 1. Battcri/j forward. 2. March. S. Guide rujlii (or left.) 
 
 The commands, ybrujorc?; march; guide right (or le/t^) are re- 
 peated by the chiefs of sections. At the command march^ all the 
 ( airiages move forward at a walk, and the chiefs of sections pre- 
 serve the alignment toward that chief of carriage who serves as 
 guide of the line. The guide marches steadily in the given direc- 
 tion, and the chiefs of carriages regulate their intervals and align- 
 ment by him. 
 
 The carriages of the rear rank follow those in front at their ap- 
 propriate distance of two yartJs. TJie chief of tlie line of caissons 
 t-nperintends the march of the rear rank of carriages, and move« 
 wherever his presence may be necessary for that purpose. 
 
 In horse artillery tlie detachments preserve their alignnients, and 
 follow their pieces at the proper distance. 
 
 7o halt the battery and align it. 
 
 699. When the battery is marcliing in line, to halt and align it, 
 the captain commands : 
 
 1. Battery — Halt. 2. Right (or left) — Dress. 3. Front. 
 
 The commands, halt ; right (or left) — dress^ are repeated by the 
 chiefs of seetions. At the first command, the carriages and detach- 
 ments halt, and at the second align theniselves by the right (or left) 
 in their respective ranks ; the carriages dressing by the drivers of 
 their wheel horses. The carriages are placed as squarely on the 
 line as possible without opening or closing the intervals. The cap- 
 tain superintends the alignment of the front rank of carriages, and 
 
52 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 the chief of the line of caissons that of the rear ; each placing 
 himself for that purpose on the flank of the guide. When the bat- 
 tery is aligned, the captain commands front. 
 
 When the battery is halted, if it cannot be aligned by slight 
 movements, the captain causes one or two carriages from one of 
 the flanks or centre to advance four yards, or to a greater distance 
 if necessary, and then causes the alignment to be made by the 
 right, left, or centre, by the command, right^ left^ or, on the centre^ 
 dress. At this command, the carriages and detachments move for- 
 M'ard and align themselves according to the principles just ex- 
 plained; the drivers halting a little in rear of the line, and dress- 
 ing forward so as to place the carriage as squarely upon it as pos- 
 sible. 
 
 To clmnge direction in line. 
 
 700. The battery being in line at a halt, to wheel it to the right, 
 the captain commands : 
 
 1. Battery, right wheel. 2. Mar^H. 8. FORWARD. 4. Bat- 
 tery — Halt. 5. Eight — Dress. 6. Front. 
 
 The commands, Wj§:/i^ ivheel ; march ; forward ; halt; right — dress, 
 are repeated by the chiefs of sections. 
 
 At the command march, the pivot carriage moves at a walk, and 
 describes a quadrant (twenty-two yards) of a circle, whose radius 
 is fourteen yards. The other carriages move at a trot and preserve 
 their intervals from the pivot. They regulate their gaits according 
 to their distances from the pivot, so as to remain as short a time as 
 possible in rear of the line, without urging their horses injuriously, 
 and so as to arrive upon it in succession. The carriages of the 
 rear rank follow at the proper distance in the tracks of those in 
 front. 
 
 At the command forward, which is given when the leading pivot 
 carriage has described its arc of twenty-two yards, that carriage 
 moves direct to the front; and when the rear pivot carriage is in 
 the new direction, the captain commands, battery; halt ; right dress. 
 Tlie commands forward; halt; right dress, are repeated by the 
 chief of the right section immediately after the captain ; and by 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 63 
 
 the other chiefs in time to be applicable to their sections ; the pivot 
 carriages halting at the command halt, and the others halting and 
 dressing toward the pivot as they arrive in succession on the 
 line. 
 
 When the battery is aligned, tlie captain commands front. 
 
 The battery is wheeled to the left according to the same princi- 
 ples and by inverse means. 
 
 When the battery is at a halt or marching in line, to wheel it to 
 the right and continue the march, the captain commands: 
 
 1. Batteri/y right wheel 2. March. 3. Forward. 
 
 The movement is executed as already described, except that the 
 pivot carriage, after wheeling, continues to hiarch in the new di- 
 rection, and the others conform to its gait and direction as they ar- 
 rive on the line. 
 
 The direction is changed to the left according to the same princi- 
 ples and by inverse means. 
 
 FORMATIONS IN BATTERY. 
 
 In line with pieces in front to form in hattery to the front. 
 
 791. When the battery is in line at a halt, with the pieces in 
 Iront, to form in battery to the front, the captain commands : 
 
 1. In battery. 2. Gidde left. 3. March. 
 
 These commands are repeated b/ the chiefs of sections. At the 
 command in battery^ the caissons stand fast, and the pieces advance. 
 The intervals and alignment are preserved, and the chiefs of pieces 
 and sections march at their places in line. At the command viarch, 
 which is given as soon as they have advanced seventeen yards, the 
 chiefs of pieces and sections halt, and the pieces execute an about. 
 As soon as the about is completed, the pieces are halted, unlim- 
 bered, and prepared for firing; the limbers being taken to their 
 places in battery by an about. 
 
 When the cannoneers are marching by the sides of their pieces, 
 they halt at the command march^ allow their pieces to pass them, 
 
54 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 change sides, and move forward to the posts tliey are to occupy, 
 when their pieces have completed the about. They are not re- 
 quired to observe any particular order during this movement. 
 
 When the cannoneers are mounted on the ammunition chesty 
 those on the caissons dismount and run to their posts- at the com- 
 mand in battery. Those on the pieces dismourtt after the about. 
 
 The chiefs of pieces and sections take their posts in battery as 
 soon as the formation is completed. 
 
 In horse artillery, the movement is executed in the same manner, 
 and by the same commands. But the pieces advance only ten 
 yards before executing the about. The horses of the detachments 
 do not advance. But at the command in battery, the cannoneers 
 dismount and run to their posts. 
 
 After the formation, the captain rectifies the alignment, if neces- 
 sary. 
 
 When the battery is marching in line with the pieces in front, it 
 is formed in battery to the front, according to the same principles, 
 and by the commands, in battery, march. . The caissons halt at the 
 command in battery ; and in horse artillery the detachments do tho 
 same; the cannoneers dismounting and running to their posts. 
 
 To form in battery to the front hy throwing the caissons to the 
 
 702. When the battery is in line at a" halt, with the pieces in 
 front, to form in battery to the front by throwing the caissons to the 
 rear, the captain commands : 
 
 Action front. 
 
 At this command, repeated by the chiefs of sections, the pieces 
 are unlimbered and wheeled about by hand ; the limbers reversing 
 to the left at the same time, and taking their places in battery, as 
 described in the school of the piece, No. 658. The caissons reverse 
 to the left, move to the rear, reverse again to the left, and take their 
 places in battery. 
 
 When the cannoneers are mounted on the ammunition chests, 
 they dismount and run to their posts, at the command action front. 
 
 In horse artillery, when this mode of coming into action is resorted 
 
BCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 65 
 
 to, the detachments move to tlie posts belonging to their hovses in 
 battery, before dismounting, except when the number of horses is 
 so small, that they may be led to the rear by the horse hold:;rs. In 
 this case the captain commands dismount ; immediately after, action 
 front. When the detachments conduct their horses to the rear, they 
 dismount without command from the captain. 
 
 The battery is generally in line at a halt, when this mode of 
 coming into action is resorted to. It may also be used in succes- 
 sive formations by giving the command action front, when a part of 
 the battery has been halted on the line. But with bad ground or 
 heavy pieces this mode of coming into action should not bo used. 
 
 Ill line with caissons in front, to form in hattery to the front. 
 
 703. "When the battery is in line at a ha't, with the caissons in 
 front, to form in battery to the front, the captain commands: 
 
 1. Pieces, pass j/oiir caissons. 2. March. S. In battery. 
 4. Guide left. 5. MARCH. 
 
 These commands are repeated by the chiefs of sections; the 
 pieces pass their caissons, and at the command in battery, given as 
 soon as the pieces have passed their caissons, the formation is 
 executed as prescribed in No. 702. 
 
 In horse artillery, the command in battery is given when the de 
 tachments have passed the caissons. 
 
 When the battery is marching in line, with the caissons in front, 
 it is formed in battery to the front according to the same principles, 
 and by the commands, pieces, pass your caissons (or pieces, pass yoicr 
 caissons, trot); march; in battery ; guide left, march. 
 
 In line with pieces in front, to form in hattery to the rear. 
 
 704. When the battery is in line at a halt, with the pieces in 
 front, to form in battery to the rear, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Fire to the rear. 2. Caissons, pass your pieces, trot. 
 3. March. 4. In battery. 
 
 The three last commands arc repeated by the chiefs of sections. 
 
56 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 At the third, the caissons pass their pieces at a brisk trot. And, at 
 the fourth, which is given as soon as the caissons have passed, the 
 cannoneers unlimber and prepare for firing. 
 
 The caissons advance seventeen yards beyond their pieces, exe- 
 cute an about together, and take their places in battery. 
 
 When the cannoneers are mounted on the ammunition chests, the 
 caissons advance seventeen yards beyond their pieces, and then 
 halt to allow the cannoneers to dismount before executing the about. 
 As soon as the caissons halt, the cannoneers dismount and run to 
 their posts. When the battery is at a halt, as in the present case, it 
 is considered better to dismount the cannoneers before commencing 
 the movement. The chief of the line of caissons precedes the 
 movement of liis carriages, and places himself on the line to be 
 occupied by their leaders, when the about is commenced. He takes 
 his place in battery as soon as the about is completed and the 
 carriages are on the line. 
 
 The chiefs of pieces and sections take their places in battery as 
 soon as the formation is completed. 
 
 In horse artillery^ at the command in battery, the detachments 
 incline to the right, pass their pieces at a brisk trot, and take their 
 places in battery by a left about. The cannoneers then dismount, 
 run to their posts, unlimber, and prepare for firing. 
 
 When the battery is marching in line, with the pieces in front, 
 the formation in battery to the rear is executed according to the 
 same principles and by the same commands. At the command in 
 battery, which is given as soon as the caissons have passed their 
 pieces, the latter halt, the detachments in horse artillery pass them, 
 and the movement is completed as already described. 
 
 ' In line with caissons in front, to form in battery to the rear. 
 
 705. When the battery is in line at a halt, with the caissons in 
 front, to form in battery to the rear, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Fire to the rear. 2. In battery. 
 
 At the command in battery, which is repeated by the chiefs of 
 sections, the cannoneers unlimber and prepare for firing. 
 
 The chiefs of pieces and sections take their places in battery. 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 67 
 
 The caissons move at a brisk trot and take their places in battery, 
 under the superintendence of their chief. 
 
 In horse artillery^ at the command in battery^ the detachments pass 
 their pieces at a trot, move to their places in battery, dismount, and 
 run to their posts. 
 
 When the battery is marching in line, with the caissons in front, 
 the formation in battery to the rear is executed according to the 
 same principles and by the same commands. 
 
 In hattery^ to foiin in line to the front. 
 
 700. Being in battery, to form in line to the front with the caissons 
 in rear, the captain commands: 
 
 Limber to the front. 
 
 This command is repeated by the chiefs of sections, and the 
 pieces are limbered as described in No, 648; the caissons closing 
 at the same time to the proper distance without further command. 
 
 Wljen the captain wishes to place the caissons in front, he com- 
 mands, limber to the front ; and while the pieces are limbering, 
 caissons, pass your pieces, trot ; march. The caissons pass and halt 
 in front of their pieces; or, if the captain wishes the battery to 
 advance, he commaiuls Jorward ; guide right (or left), as the caissons 
 are completing the passage, and the battery moves forward at a 
 walk. 
 
 In horse aitillery, when the pieces are limbered to the front, the 
 horse holders advance within two yards of their pieces; and there 
 the cannoneers mount. 
 
 The captain rectifies the alignment, if necessary, and commands 
 front. 
 
 When the battery is to advance immediately, the captain com- 
 mands, forward ; guide right (or left), instead of battery, halt ; and 
 the caisson, close on the march. 
 
 When the captain wishes to place the caissons in front, he may 
 cause the pieces to be limbered to the rear, and command : 
 
 1. Caissons pass 1/our pieces, trotj pieces left about. 2. March. 
 3. Battery — Halt, or Forward — Guide right (or left). 
 
58 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 These commands nre repeated and executed as already pre- 
 scribed ; the pieces executirjg ihe about as soon as the ground has 
 been unmasked by the caissons, and the battery lialting or advanc- 
 ing as soon as the passage is completed. 
 
 In horse artillery^ when the pieces are limbered to the rear, the 
 cannoneers run to their horses, mount, and rejoin their pieces. 
 
 Jn hatterijy to form in line to the rear. 
 
 707. When in battery, to form in line to the rear, the captain 
 causes the pieces to be limbered to the rear; and then, if he wishes 
 to place the caissons in front, commands : 
 
 1. Caissons^ left ahont; pieces, forivard. 2. MARCH. 3. Bat' 
 tery — Halt, or Forward — Guide right (or left.) 
 
 The two first commands are repeated by the chiefs of sections ; 
 the caissons execute the about; and the pieces close to their proper 
 distance. The third command, which is given at the moment the 
 about is finished, is repeated and executed as prescribed. 
 
 The captain rectifies the alignment if necessary, and commands 
 front. 
 
 In horse artillery^ the detachments oblique to the left to facilitate 
 the movement of the caissons. And then if the battery halts, they 
 place themselves at once in rear of their pieces ; or if it advances, 
 they wait and do the same by wheeling to the right as they pass. 
 
 If the formation in line to the rear is to be executed by placing 
 the pieces in front, the captain, after causing the pieces to be lim- 
 bered to the rear, commands : 
 
 1. Pieces y j>ciss yoiir caissons ; caissons, left about. 2. March. 
 3. Battery — Halt, or Forward— (rw/cZe right (or left.) 
 
 The first two commands are repeated by the chiefs of sections ; 
 the pieces pass their caissons; and the caissons execute the about 
 as soon as the ground is unmasked. The third command is repeat- 
 ed and executed according to the priiiciples prescribed in No. C98. 
 
 The captain rectifies the alignment if necessary, and commands 
 front. 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 69 
 
 In horse artillery^ the detachments place themselves behind their 
 pieces as soon as they are passed by them. 
 
 In forming line to the rear, either with pieces or caissons in front, 
 the caissons may be placed at once in front of their pieces for 
 greater convenience in motinting the cannoneers. For this pur 
 pose, as soon qs the captain has commanded, limber to the reaVy he 
 commands : 
 
 1. Catsso7iSj in front of your j^icces (or caissonSj in front of 
 your pieces, trot.) 2. March. 
 
 These commands are repeated by the cl iefs of sections ; and 
 while the pieces arc limbering, the caissons oblique to the right, 
 move forward near the middle of the interval between the leaders 
 of the pieces, place themselves in front of them by two successive 
 wheels to the left, and halt. 
 
 In horse artillery, when the cfxissons are ordered to the front of 
 their pieces, the horse holders oblique to the left at the command 
 march, and halt between the leading drivers of the pieces. As soon 
 as the cannoneers are mounted, the detachments take their posts in 
 rear of their pieces. 
 
 In column loith pieces in front, to form in lattery to the front. 
 
 708. When tlhe battery is in column at a halt, with the pieces in 
 front, to form in battery to the front by gaining ground to the left, 
 the captain commands : 
 
 1. Forward, into battery, left oblique, 2. March. S. Guide 
 
 right. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the leading section commands, 
 section, forward ; and those of the other sections, section, left oblique. 
 The chief of the line of caissons moves quickly to the right of the 
 leading section, to cause the caissons to halt at the proper time and 
 to superintend their alignment. At the command 7)iarch, repeated 
 by the chiefs of sections, the movement is executed as prescribed 
 in No. 685, for forming line to the front. But as each section ar- 
 rives on the line, instead of halting, its chief forms it in battery to 
 
60 LIGHT ARTILLERY TAeTICS. 
 
 the front by the commands, in battery; march, which are executed 
 as prescribed in No. 701. 
 
 The formation in battery to the front, by gaining ground to the 
 right, is executed according to the same principles and by inverse 
 means. 
 
 When the battery is marching in column, it is formed in battery 
 to the front by applying the principles of No. 701. 
 
 In column, with caissons in front j to form in hatteri/ to the 
 front. 
 
 709. When the battery is in column at a halt, with the caissons 
 in front, to form in battery to the front by gaining ground to the left, 
 the captain commands : 
 
 1. Forward, into battery y left oblique. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide 
 right. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the leading section commands, 
 fection, forward ; and those of the other sections, section, left oblique. 
 The chief of the line of caissons moves quickly to the right of the 
 leading section, to halt the caissons at the proper time and to su- 
 perintend their alignment. At the command march, repeated by 
 the chiefs of sections, the movement is executed as prescribed in 
 No. 701, for forming line to the front. But as each section arrives 
 on the line, instead of halting, its chief forms it in battery to the 
 front by the commands, pieces, pass your caissons; march ; in battery; 
 march, which will be executed as prescribed in No. 703. 
 
 The formation in battery to the front, by gaining grotmd to the 
 right, is executed according to the same principles and by inverse 
 means. 
 
 When the battery is marching in column, it is formed in battery 
 to the front by applying the principles laid down in the latter part 
 of No. 703. 
 
 In column, with pieces in front, to form in battery to the rear. 
 
 710. When the battery is in column at a halt, with the pieces in 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 61 
 
 front, to form in battery to the rear by gaining ground to the left, 
 the captain commands: 
 
 1. Into battery, faced to the rear, left oblique. 2. MARCH. 
 3. Guide right. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the leading section commands, 
 section, foitvard ; a^d those of the other sections, section^ left oblique. 
 The chief of the line of caissons goes to the right of the leading 
 section, to direct the about of the caissons, and to superintend their 
 alignment. At the command march, repeated by the chiefs of sec- 
 tions, the movement is executed as prescribed in No. G85, for form, 
 ing line to the front. But as each section arrives on the line, in- 
 stead of halting, its chief forms it in battery to the rear by the com- 
 mands, caissons, pass your pieces, trot ; march; in battery^ which are 
 executed as prescribeil in No. 704. 
 
 The formation in battery to the rear, by gaining ground to the 
 right, is executed according to the same principles and by inverse 
 means. 
 
 When the battery is marching in column, it is formed into battery 
 to the rear by applying the principles prescribed in the latter part 
 of Nos. 685 £(nd 704. 
 
 In column, with caisso7i3 in front, to form in battery to the 
 
 711. The battery being in column at a halt, with the caissons in 
 front, to form in battery to the rear by gaining groutid to the left, 
 the captain commands: 
 
 1. Into battery, faced to the rear, left oblique. 2. MARCH. 
 3, Guide right. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the leading section commands, 
 section, forward ; and those of the other sections, section, left oblique. 
 The chief of the line of caissons goes to the right of the leading 
 section, to direct the about of the caissons, and to superintend their 
 alignment. At the command march, repeated by the chiefs of sec- 
 tions, the movement is executed as prescribed in No. 685 for form- 
 
62 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 ing line to the front. But as each section arrives on the line, in- 
 stead of halting, its chief forms it into battery to the rear by the 
 command in batlery, which is executed as prescribed in No. 704. 
 
 The formation in battery to the rear, by gaining ground to the 
 right, is executed according to the same principles and by inverse 
 mean s. 
 
 When the battery is marching in column, it is formed into batte- 
 ry to the rear by applying the principles of Kos.-685 and 754. 
 
 In column, with pieces in front^ to form into battery to the 
 right or left. 
 
 712. When the battery is in column, in march, or at a halt, with 
 the pieces in front, if the captain wishes to form it in battery to the 
 left, by gaining ground to the right, he commands : 
 
 1. Fire to the left, hy section, right wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. Cais- 
 sonsj pass your pieces, trot. 4. March. 5. In battery. 
 
 At the first command, the chiefs of sections command, section, 
 right wheel ; and at the second, which they repeat, all the sections 
 wheel to the right. The caissons follow their pieces at the propet 
 distance. - 
 
 At the commands, caissons pass your pieces, trot ; march, which 
 are given before the completion of the wheel, and repeated by the 
 chiefs of sections, all the caissons pass the pieces at a trot. 
 
 At the command in battery, which is given and repeated in like 
 manner as so(^i as the caissons have passed, and the pieces are 
 square on the new line, all the sections form at once into battery to 
 the rear, as prescribed in No. 704. 
 
 When the captain wishes to form in battery to the left, by gain- 
 ing ground to the left, he commands : 
 
 1. Fire to the left, hy section, left wheel. 2. March. 3. IN 
 battery. 4. March. 
 
 At the first command, the chiefs of sections command, section^ 
 left wheel ; and at the secDndj while they repeat, all the sections 
 wheel at once to the left; 
 
SCHOOL OP THE BATTERY. 63 
 
 At the command in battery^ which is given and repeated a3 soon 
 as the caissons have completed the wheel, all tlie sections form at 
 onc€ into battery to the front, as prescribed in No. 703. 
 
 The two formations in battery to the right, by gaining ground to 
 the left or right, are executed according to the same principles and 
 hy inverse means. 
 
 In column, with caissons in front, to form in Lattery to the 
 rujht or left. 
 
 713. When the battery is in column, in march or at a halt, wnih 
 the caissons in front, to for?n it in battery to the left, by gaining 
 ground to the right, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Fire to the left, "by section, right wheel. 2. March. 3. IN 
 
 BATTERY. 
 
 At the first command, the chiefs of sections command, section^ 
 rigid wheel; and at the second, which they repeat, the sections 
 wheel at once to the right, and move to the front at the commands, 
 forward, guide right, from their chiefs. 
 
 At the command in battery, which is given and repeated as soon 
 as the pieces are square on the new line, all the sections form at 
 once into battery to the rear, as prescribed in No. 704. 
 
 To form in battery to the left, by gaining ground to the left, the 
 captain commands : 
 
 1. Fire to the left, hy section, left wheel 2. MARCH. 3. 
 Pieces, pass your caissons. 4. MARCH. 5. In BATTERY. 
 G. March. 
 
 At the first command, the chiefs of sections command, section, 
 left wheel ; and at the second, which they repeat, the sections wheel 
 at once to the left. Tlie third and fourth commands are given and 
 repeated just before the completion of the wheel ; and the fifth is 
 given when the pieces have passed their caissons, and the latter 
 are square upon the new line. The sections are then formed in 
 battery to the front as prescribed in No. 703. 
 
 The formations in battery to the right, by gaining ground to the 
 
64 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 right or left, are executed according to the same principles and by 
 inverse means. 
 
 In column, with pieces in front, to form in hattery on the right 
 or left. 
 
 714. When the battery is marching in column, with the pieces in 
 front, to form in battery on the right, the captain commands : 
 
 1. On the right, into hattery. 2. March. 3. Guide right. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the leading section commands, 
 section, right wheel ; and the chief of the line of caissons goes to 
 that section. At the command march, repeated by the chief of the 
 leading section, that section wheels to the right, and its chief con- 
 ducts it to the line by the commands, forward, guide right. And 
 then, without halting, it is formed into battery to the front, as pre- 
 scribed in No. 703, by the commands, in battery, march, from its 
 chief. 
 
 The other sections continue to advance ; and as each arrives op- 
 posite its place in battery, after passing the one preceding it in the 
 formation, it is formed into battery by its chief, by the commands, 
 section, right wheel; march; forward; guide right ; in battery ; march ; 
 the command in battery being given as the caissons arrive in line 
 with those already established. 
 
 The formation in battery on the left is executed according to the 
 same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 When the battery is in column at a halt, it is formed in battery on 
 the riglit or left according to the same principles. In this case, the 
 chiefs of the two rear sections command, section, forward, immedi- 
 ately after the first command of the captain, and then repeat the 
 commands, march ; guide right (or left). 
 
 In column, with caissons in front, to form in battery on the 
 right or left. 
 
 715. When the battery is marching in column, with the caissons 
 in front, to form in battery on the right, the captain commands : 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 65 
 
 1. On the right, into hatteri/. 2. March. 3. Guide right. 
 
 At the first command, the cliief of the leading section command?, 
 section^ right wheel ; and the chief of tlie line of caissons goes to that 
 section. At the command march, repeated by the cliief of the lead- 
 ing section, that section wheels to the right, and is conducted to the 
 line by the commands, /orwa?-rf, guide right, from its chief, as soon 
 as it reaches the line, tlie section is formed in battery to the front by 
 the commands, pieces, /^ass your caissons; march; in battery ; march, 
 from its chief 
 
 The other sections continue to advance, and as each arrives op- 
 posite its place in battery, after having passed the one preceding it 
 in the formation, it is wheeled to the riglit, and formed into battery 
 by its chief, in the same manner as the leading section. 
 
 The formation in battery on the left, is executed according to the 
 same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 When the battery is in column at a halt, it is formed in battery 
 on the right or left, according to the same principles ; the chiefs of 
 the two rear sections giving the additional commands prescribed in 
 No. 714. 
 
 To deploy the double column into hattcry to the front or rear. 
 
 716. The battery being in double column at a halt, to deploy it 
 into battery to the front, the captain commands : 
 
 1. Forward into battery. 2. March. 
 
 At the first command, the chief of the centre section commands, 
 section, forward ; that of the right, section into line, right oblique; that 
 of the left, section into line, left oblique ; and the chief of the line of 
 caissons goes to the leading section. At the command march, re- 
 peated by the chiefs of sections, the centre section advances five 
 yards, and without halting, is formed into battery to the front as 
 prescribed in No. 701 or 703, according to the kind of carriage in 
 front. 
 
 The pieces of the flank sections are brought upon the line by 
 obliquing, and placed successively in battery without command ; 
 regulating by the centre section. 
 
66 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 When the battery is marching in double column, it is deployed 
 into battery to the front in the same manner, except that the chief 
 of the centre section does not command, section, forward ; march. 
 
 When the battery is in double column, marching or at a halt, it 
 is deployed into battery to the rear according to the principles pre- 
 scribed in this No. and in No. 704 or 705, according to the kind ol 
 carriage in front. The commands are : 
 
 1. Into battery J faced to the rear. 2. Marcii. 
 
 When the battery consists of four pieces, the double column is 
 deployed into battery to the front or rear, by the same commands 
 from the captain as when it consists of six. The sectior>s are form* 
 ed into battery as prescribed for the flank sections in this number. 
 The senior chief of section, besides superintending the formation 
 of his own, gives the commands required for the centre section, and 
 the leading pieces conform to the movements of that section. 
 
 To deploi/ the double coluim\ into battery to the right or left. 
 
 717. When the battery is in double column, marching or at a 
 halt, to form it in battery to the right, the captain commands : 
 
 1. To and on the right, into battery. 2. March. 
 
 The centre section is formed in battery on the right, as prescribed 
 for the leading section in No. 712 or 713, according to the kind of 
 carriage in front. 
 
 The other pieces are brought into line as prescribed in No. 697, 
 and, without halting, are formed successively in battery to the front 
 without commands ; regulating by the centre section. 
 
 The deployment into battery to the left is executed according to 
 the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 When the battery consists of four pieces, the double column ig 
 deployed into battery to the right or left, by the same commands 
 from the captain as when it consists of six. In this case the lead- 
 ing pieces are wheeled to the right or left as a section, and con- 
 ducted to the line by the senior chief of section. And then, with- 
 out halting, they are formed into battery to the front by the same 
 chief. The other pieces move forward, wheel in succession as they 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BATTERY. 67 
 
 arrive opposite their places, and form in battery on the alignment 
 of those already established. 
 
 To pais from the order in hatttry to the order in column. 
 
 718. Being in battery, to form column, the captain first causes 
 the line to be formed as prescribed in Nos. 700 or 707, and then 
 forms column by one of the manoeuvres foi passing from the order 
 in line to the order in column.. 
 
 FIRINGS. 
 
 719. When everything is prepared for firing, the captain com- 
 mands: 
 
 Commence Firing. 
 
 This command, given by itself or after load, is repeated by the 
 chiefs of sections, and the firing immediately commenced. 
 
 The firing is discontinued by the command or signal, cease firings 
 which is repeated by the chiefs of sections and pieces. 
 
 When the battery is formed for action, the pieces are not loaded 
 until the command load or commence firing is given by the captain. 
 In successive formations, when this command is given, it is repeated 
 in succession by the chiefs of sections, as their sections are formed 
 on the line. 
 
 At the command cease firing, such pieces as are loaded must be 
 discharged. 
 
 To fire advancing. 
 
 720. When the battery is firing, to advance by half batteries, the 
 captain commands: 
 
 1. Fire advancing yhy half battery. 2. Eight half battery 
 
 Advance. 
 
 At the second command, the chief of the right half battery dis- 
 continues firing, causes his pieces to be limbered to the front, and 
 
68 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 commands; forward^ march ; guide left. Or, he may cause them to 
 be limbered to the rear, and after executing the about, command, 
 
 forward, guide left. The half battery advances, and the caissons 
 preserve their distance in battery. 
 
 As soon as the right half batter) reaches the new position, previ- 
 ously indicated by the captain, its chief places it in battery, by the 
 comnrands, halt ; action^ front; or in battery; march; the two last 
 commands being given in quick succession. The caissons halt at 
 these commands ; and as soon as the pieces are unlimbered, the 
 firing is renewed by command from the chief of half battery. 
 
 The fire of the left half battery is continued during the move- 
 ment of the right, care being taken to direct the pieces so that their 
 fire shall not injure the half battery in advance. 
 
 As soon as the right half battery commences firing, the left 
 moves forward with ilie guide to the right; and, after passing the 
 right half battery as far as the latter has advanced, is formed into 
 battery and the firing commenced. The movements of the left 
 half battery are ertected by commands and means corresponding to 
 those of the right. 
 
 The right half battery again advances as soon as the left com- 
 mences firing; and the two continue to advance alternately until 
 the captain causes the firing to cease. The battery is then aligned, 
 or formed into line, to the front ^or rear, by the proper commands 
 from the captain.. 
 
 While advancing by half battery, the captain places himself 
 habitually with the most advanced portion of the battery, and is 
 accompanied by the chief of the centre section. The chief of the 
 line of caissons remains habitually with the rear half battery. 
 
 In horse artillery, while advancing by half battery, the detach- 
 ments preserve their distance in battery. When the pieces are 
 limbered to the front, the horse-holders advance to enable the can- 
 noneers to mount more readily; but as soon as the pieces advance, 
 the detachments resume their distance in battery. 
 
 To fire advancing by half battery, commencing with the left, is 
 exocuted according to the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 The movement may also be executed by sections ; the sections 
 advancing in succession, according to their positions in the battery. 
 
SCHOOL OP THE BATTERY. 69 
 
 To fire in rttreat. 
 
 721. When the battery is firing, to retiie by half batteries, the 
 captain commands: 
 
 1. Fire retiring^ hy half hatteiy. 2. Right half hattery-— 
 Retire. 
 
 At the second command, the chief of the right half battery dis- 
 continues firing, limbers to the rear, and commands, caissons, left 
 about, march. As soon as the about is completed, he commands, 
 forward, guide right ; and conducts the half battery to the ground 
 previously indicated by the captain ; the pieces preserving their 
 distance in battery by marching nineteen yards in rear of the cais- 
 sons. As soon as the ground has been reached, the chief of the 
 half battery commands, halt; in battery, and commences firing; 
 taking care not to injure the other half battery. The limbers and 
 caissons remain facing toward the rear, as long as the firing in 
 retreat continues. 
 
 As soon as the right half battery commences firing, the left retires 
 with the guide to the left; and, after passing the right half battery 
 as far as the latter has retired, it is formed into battery, and the 
 firing again commenced. The movements are executed in a man- 
 ner corresponding to those of he other half battery. 
 
 The half batteries continue to retire alternately, until the captain 
 causes the firing to cease. The battery is afterwards aligned, or 
 formed mto line to the front or rear, by appropriate commands from 
 the captain. 
 
 While retiring by half batte.y, the captain remains habitually 
 with the portion of the battery nearest the enemy, and is accompa- 
 nied by tHe chief of the centre section. The chief of the line of 
 caissons accompanied the other half battery. 
 
 In horse artillery, the detachments move to the left to facilitate 
 the about of the caissons. They afterward place themselves be- 
 hind and follow them during the retrograde movement at the dis- 
 tance of two yards; remaining faced to the rear as long as the 
 firing in retreat continues. 
 
70 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 To fire retiring by half battery, commencing with the left, is exe- 
 cuted according to the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 Tlie movement may also be executed by sections ; the sections 
 retiiing in succession according to their position in the battery. 
 
 Movements for firing in echeUon. 
 
 7-22. When the battery is in line at a halt with pieces in front, to 
 advance in eschellon of pieces, the captain commands: 
 
 1 . B^ piece from the right, front into echellon. 2. MARCH. 
 
 At the first commanil, the right piece moves forward, followed 
 by its caisson. The next piece moves forward in like manner as 
 soon as its leaders arc abreast the wheel horses of the rear carriage 
 on the right; and the other pieces commence the movement in suc- 
 cession according to the same rule. 
 
 The officers preserve the same relative positions as in line. 
 
 When the battery is marching in line at a walk or trot, the echel- 
 lon is formed according to the same principles and by the same 
 commands ; the gaits being regulated as in breaking sections. 
 
 The battery advances in eschellon of pieces from the left acord- 
 ing to the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 When the caissons are in front, the battery advances in echellon 
 of pieces from the right or left according to the same principles and 
 by the same commands. 
 
 When the battery is in echellon, marching or at a halt, it may 
 be formed ijito battery to the front, rear, right or left. 
 
 When firing in echellon to the front or rear, the direction of the 
 fire may be changed to the right or left. For this purpose the 
 captain orders tlie firing to cease, and commands, action, right (or 
 left). At this command; the trails of the pieces are turned to the 
 left (or right), and the limbers and caissons take their pla'ces in rear 
 of the pieces. But if retiring with the prolongs fixed, the caissons 
 stand fast, and the limbers back to allow the trails to be turned in 
 the proper direction. The prolonge must be suflliciently slack to allow 
 the recoil of the guns. This last method is only applicable to firing 
 to the right when retiiing by the right, and to the left when retiring 
 by the left. 
 
SCHOOL or THE BATTERY. 71, 
 
 To fire to the rear. 
 
 723. When the battery is firing, to fire to the rear, the captain 
 causes the firing to cease, and commands: 
 
 1. Fire to the rear. 2. Limbers and caissons^ pass your 
 pieces J trot. 3. March. 
 
 These commands arc repeated by the chiefs of sections. At tho 
 command march, the pieces are wheeled about by turning the trails 
 to the left; and the limbers and caissons oblique to the right, pass 
 them, and take their places in battery by a left reverse. 
 
 In horse artillery, the horses follow their limbers, pass them, and 
 take their places by wheeling about to the left. 
 
 CHANGES OF FRONT IN BATTERY. 
 
 Change of front to fire to the right, left wing forward, and 
 the reverse. 
 
 724. When the battery is firing, if the captain wishes to make a 
 perpendicular change of front, to fire to the right, throwing forward 
 the left wing, he discontinues firing, and commands : 
 
 1. Fire to the right. 2. Change front forward on the right 
 piece. 3. March. 
 
 At the second command, the chief of the right section places the 
 right piece in the new direction, by causing the trail to be moved 
 to the left. He also causes the left piece^of his section to be moved 
 forward by hand, and established on the new line. When the 
 ground is unmasked, the limbers and caissons of these pieces 
 pblique to the left, move forward, and take their places in battery 
 by wheeling to the right; the caissons aligning themselves by the 
 chief of the line of caissons established on the right. 
 
 The other chiefs of sections cause their pieces to be limbered by 
 
72 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 the command, limber to the front ; the caissons, and in horse artillery 
 the horse holders, also, closing upon the piece while they are Um- 
 bering. As soon as they are limbered the chiefs of sections com- 
 mand forward. 
 
 At the second command, the chief of the line of caissons places 
 himself on the left of the right piece of the centre section, facing to 
 the front, to mark the right of the new line of caissons. 
 
 At the command march, repeated by the chiefs of the centre and 
 left sections, these sections move to the front ; and when each has 
 arrived opposite its place on the new line, its chief commands — 
 section, right wheel; march; forward; and afterward, in battery, 
 march, so as to form upon the alignment of the right section. When 
 the caisson of the right piece of the centre section reaches the 
 point where its piece wheeled, it wheels to the left, takes its dis- 
 tance in rear, wheels about and dresses to the right upon the line 
 of caissons. 
 
 The other caisson of the same section obliques to the left when 
 its piece commences the wheel; and, after gaining its distance es- 
 tablishes itself on the line by wheeling and dressing to the right. 
 
 The pivot piece commences firing again, as soon as it is in posi- 
 tion, and the others as they arrive on the line. 
 
 The change of front to fire to the left, right wing forward, is exe- 
 cuted according to the same principles and by inverse means. 
 
 In horse artillery, the detachments follow their pieces and halt at 
 their proper distance from the line. That of the left piece of the 
 right section, when limbered, wheels to the left when its piece 
 wheels to the right, allows its caisson to pass it, and takes its place 
 by wheeling about to the left. The horse holders of the pieces not 
 limbered oblique to the left, with their limbers, and, like them, take 
 their places in battery by wheeling to the right. When it is deemed 
 advisable, the captain maj retain the cannoneers at their pieces, 
 and allow all the horse holders to conduct their horses to the new 
 line. The same may be done in the other changes of front. 
 
 Change of front to fire to the leftj left wing forward y and 
 the reverse. 
 
 725. When tlie battery is firing, if the captain wishes to make a 
 
SCHOOL OP TIIE BATTERY. 73 
 
 perpendicular change of front to fire to the left, throwing forward 
 the left wing, he discontinues firing and commands : 
 
 1. Fire to the left. 2. Change front forward on the right 
 piece. 3. March. 
 
 At the second command, the chief of the right section causes 
 the right piece to be placed in the new direction at once, by moving 
 the trail to the right; and the limber and caisson of that piece will 
 oblique to the right, and take their places in its rear by wheeling 
 to the left ; the caisson dressing upon the chief of the line of cais- 
 sons. He also causes his left piece to be moved to its place and 
 established on the line by hand; the limber of this piece, passing 
 it on the right, takes its place by wheeling to the left, its caisson 
 obliques to the right, passes on the right, and in rear of the right 
 caisson, and takes its place also by wheeling to the left. 
 
 The chiefs of the other sections cause them to be limbered to 
 the front; and while limbering they command — caissons pass your 
 pieces, trot ; march. When this is executed the chief of the cen- 
 tre section commands section, right wheel, and that of the left for- 
 ward. 
 
 At the command march, repeated by the chiefs of the centre and 
 left sections, these sections move as ordered, with the caissons 
 leading. The centre section is conducted to the line by its chief 
 and formed by the commands, forward and in battery. The left 
 section advances five yards and is conducted to the line by two 
 successive right half wheels. It is there formed in like manner 
 upon the alignment of the right section. 
 
 At the second command from the captain, the chief of the line 
 of caissons places himself in prolongation of the line, thirty-two 
 yards on the right of the right piece, and faces to the front, to mark 
 the left of the new line of caissons. 
 
 The pivot piece recommences firing as soon as it is vmmasked ; 
 and the others when they arrive on the line. 
 
 The change of front to fire to the right, right wing forward, is 
 executed according to the same principles and by inverse means. 
 In horse artillery, the horse holders of those pieces, which are 
 4 
 
74 ilGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 placed on the line by hand, conduct the horses to their positions in 
 battery by following their limbers. 
 
 Change of front to fire to the lefty left wing to the reaVy and 
 the reverse, 
 
 726. When the battery is firing, if the captain wishes to make a 
 perpendicular change of front to fire to the left, throwing the left 
 wing to the rear, he causes the firing to cease, and commands: 
 
 1. Fire to the left. 2. Change front to the rear on the right 
 piece. 3. March. 
 
 At the second command, the chief of the right stsction places the 
 right piece in the new direction, by causing the trail to be moved 
 to the right. He also causes the left piece of his section to be 
 moved to the rear by hand, and established on the new line. The 
 limbers and caissons of these pieces move at once to the right, ob- 
 liquing sufficiently to place themselves in rear of their respective 
 pieces, and take their places by wheeling to the left or left about. 
 
 The other chiefs of sections command, limber to the rear, and im- 
 mediately afterward, caissons in front of your pieces, trot ; march. 
 The caissons place themselves in front of their pieces, while they 
 are limbering, and halt as prescribed in No. 707. The chiefs of 
 these sections then command forward. 
 
 The chief of the line of caissons places himself in the pro- 
 longation of the line, thirty-two yards on the right of the right 
 piece, and faces to the rear to mark the right of the new line of 
 caissons. 
 
 At the command march, given by the captain, and repeated by 
 the chiefs of the centre and left sections, the chiefs of these sec- 
 tions command guide left, and afterward in succession, section, left 
 wheel; march; forward; in battery. The carriages dress toward the 
 pivot as they arrive on the line. 
 
 The pivot piece recommences firing as soon as it is unmasked ; 
 and the others when they arrive on the line. 
 
 The change of front to fire to the right, right wing to the 
 rear, is executed according to the same principles and by inverse 
 means. 
 
' SCHOOL OP THE BATTERY. 75 
 
 In horse artillery, the detachments pass their pieces at the com- 
 mand march, place themselves two yards in rear of the muzzles^ 
 follow them, and, at the command in battery, take their places. 
 The horse holders of those pieces which are moved by hand, fol- 
 low their limbers and conduct the horses to their positions, by 
 movements corresponding to those of their caissons. When the 
 left piece of the right section is limbered, the horses of the de- 
 tachment are conducted to their places in the same manner a? 
 ^ though the piece were unlimbered, except that the detachment 
 mounts. 
 
 (Mange of front to fire to the right ^ left wing to the rear, and 
 the reverse. 
 
 7^7. When the battery is firing, if the captain wishes to make a 
 perpendicular change of front to fire to the right, throwing the left 
 \ving to the rear, he discontinues firing and commands : 
 
 • 
 
 1. JFtre to the right. 2. Cliange front to the rear on the 
 right piece. 3. March. 
 
 At the second command, the chief of the right section commands, 
 limbers and caissons, in rear of your pieces, trot ; march. The limbers 
 and caissons oblique to the right, and pass their pieces with the 
 limbers leading. As soon as the limbers have passed, they wheel 
 twice to the left and cover their pieces. The caissons pass their 
 limbers and cover them in like manner. The chief of the section 
 causes the trail of his right piece to be moved to the left, and his 
 left piece to be placed upon the new ajignment by hand. 
 
 The chiefs of other sections command, limber to the rear, and 
 caissons in rear of your pieces, frot ; march. When this is executed 
 they command forward. 
 
 At the second command, the chief of the line of caissons places 
 himself on the left of the right piece of the centre section, facing 
 to the rear, to mark the left of the new line of caissons. 
 
 At the command march, from the captain, repeated by the chiefs 
 of the centre and left sections, those sections, as well as the lim- 
 
76 LIGHT ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 bers and caissons of tke first, are established upon the new line as 
 described in No, 724. 
 
 The pivot piece recommences firing as soon as it is placed in the 
 new direction ; and the others as they arrive on the line. 
 
 The change of front to fire to the feft, right wing to the rear, 
 is executed according to the same principles and by inverse 
 means. 
 
 Tn horse artillery, the mounted detachments pass their pieces with 
 the caissons at the command march, and take their places in rear 
 of the muzzles by successive wheels to the left. The horse holders 
 of the pieces which are moved by hand follow their limbers and 
 wheel into their places in like manner. The remainder is exefcti- 
 ted as in No. 724. 
 
 To pass a defile in front. 
 
 728. When the battery is firing, to pass a defile in front of the 
 right section, the captain commands : 
 
 1. To the front J hy the right section j jpass the defile. 
 2. March. ^ 
 
 At the first commaad, the chief of the ri§;ht section discon- 
 tinues firing, limbers his pieces to the front, and commands for- 
 ward. At the command march, repeated by this chief, who also 
 commands guide left, the section moves forward, passes the defile 
 and is again established in battery, and the firing commenced by 
 his command. 
 
 As soon as the right section commences firing, the centre is put 
 in motion in like manner. Its chief conducts it through the de- 
 file by successive wheels, and forms it into battery in line with the 
 first. 
 
 As soon as the centre section commences firing, the left passes 
 in like manner. 
 
 While one section is passing the defile, the others continue firing; 
 care being taken not to injure the section in advance. 
 
 When the defile is in front of the left section, it is passed accord- 
 ing to the same principles, commencing with that section. 
 
 I 
 
SCHOOL OF THE BAITEHY. 77 
 
 ^ When ihe defile is in front of the centre section, it is passed ac- 
 cording to the same principles, commencing with that section, and 
 by the commands, to the fronts by the cetitre section, pass the defile ; 
 march. Unless there is some reason to the contrary, the right sec- 
 tion will pass before the left. 
 
 When the flank or oblique march is better suited to the nature 
 of the ground, the chiefs of sections will give the required com- 
 mands. 
 
 When the defile will admit but one piece at a time, the sections 
 are broken by their chiefs in such a manner as to cause the nearest 
 piece to enter first. The sections are re-formed by their chiefs im- 
 mediately after passing the defile. 
 
 To pass a defile in rear. 
 
 729. When the battery is firing, to pass a defile in rear of the 
 centre section, the captain commands: 
 
 L To the rear J hy ihe rvjht section, jpass ihe defile. 
 2. March. 
 
 At the first command, tlie chief of the right section discontinues 
 firing, limbers to the rear, and commands, caissons, left about, pieces, 
 forward. At the command march, repeated by the chief of the right 
 section, the caissons of that section execute the about, and the pieces 
 close to their proper distance at a trot. As soon as the about is 
 completed, the chief commands forward, guide left, conducts the 
 section through tlie defile by successive wheels, and forms it into 
 battery in rear of its first position. 
 
 ' The left section is put in motion as soon as the right commences 
 firing. It is conducted through the defile by its chief, and formed 
 into battery in rear of its first position, by the principles already 
 described. 
 
 The centre section moves as soon as the left commences firing. 
 It is formed into battery in rear of its first position, and in line with 
 the other two sections. 
 
 The passage of the defile may be executed, commencing with 
 the left section, according to the same principles, and by inverse 
 means. 
 
78 LIGHT^ARTILLERY TACTICS. 
 
 When the defile is in^rear of one of the flanks, the movement 
 should commence with ttie other. 'It should always end by passing 
 the section or piece covering the defile. 
 
 When the defile will admit but one piece at a time, the sections 
 are broken by their chiefs in such^^a manner as to cause the piece 
 farthest from the defile to enter first; and the sections are again 
 formed as soon as possible after leaving the defile. 
 
^V^^EST &, JOHNSTON", 
 145 MAIN STREET, 
 
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 WAR SONGS OF THE SOUTH. Edited by " Bohemian," corres- 
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A SOUTHERN HISTORY OF THE ¥AR. 
 
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 FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR, brought down to the date of pub- 
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