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REGULATIONS
BECEIVED AJ^B OBSERVED
DISCIPLINE OF INFANTRY,
ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES.
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OtTICE,
Washington Cixr, 19tli March, 1813.
General Orders.
The " Hand Book for Infantry,''^ compiled and
published hy William Buane, of Philadelphia, will he
received and observed as the system of Infantry Discipline
for the Army of the United States.
By order of the Secretary of War,
T. H. GUSHING, Adjt. Genl.
A
HAND BOOK FOR INFANTRY:
COKTAIKINO
THE FIRST PRINCIPLES
OF
MILITARY DISCIPLINE,
FOUNDED ON RATIONAL METHOD:
INTENDED
TO EXPLAIN IN A FAMIIIAR AND PRACTICAI. MANNER,
FOR THE USE OF THE MILITARY FORCE OF THE
UNITED STATES,
THE
MODERN IIVIPROVEMENTS
IN THE
mSCIPLIJS^E Ji^T) MOVEMEXT OF ARMIES.
THE NINTH EDITION.
BY WILLIAM iDUANE,
ADJUTANT GENEBAL IN THE ARMY OF THE TTNITED STATES.
Cest la discipline militaire qui fait la gtoire du soldat et la force des armees,
car elle ost le plus grand acte de son devouement et le gage le plus assm-e
de la victoire. Carnot, 1811.
PHI LA DELPHI A :
FEINTED FOE THE AUTHOR.
181*,
DISriilCT OF PEA^J^SYLV^J^IJ, to wit :
*♦*«*«*•«** ^^ ^7 REMEMBERED, that on the 20th day of June, in the
; J thirty-sixth year of the Independence of the United States of
; L. ,S. 5 America, A. D, 1812, William Duane of the said district, hath de-
* 5 posited in this office, the title of a book, the right whereof he claims
*»»»**«»»*» j^g author, in the words following, to wit : " A Hand Rook for
** Infantry : Containing the First Principles of Military Discipline, Founded on
** Ratioiuil Method ; intended to explain in a familiar and practical manner, for
*♦ the use of the Military Force of the United States, the Modem Improvements
*< in the Disciplitie and Movement of Armies : By "William Duaue. C'cst la
*< (Usciplinc militairc qui fait la gloire du soldat et la force 5^.... After the position is taken in rank, thfe natural consi-
deration is what a soldier has to do : and as action is his duty,
and the action of the legs the first principle ; it is preposterous
to teach any thing that is impracticable in action, or unnatural
in its operation ; thus facing upon a fixed heel may answer for
dancing in a theatre, but it is ridiculous on a parade, and ought
to be exploded altogether.
The second part of the drill, contains the manual, and the
firing motions; platoon exercise, oblique fire, Sec.
Second... .Tht manual exercise should not be taught until the
recruits have gained a tolerable idea of marching in time and
wheeling ; of diminishing and augmenting front from the flanks
of platoons or sections. Their habits will be brought, by that
time, to a familiarity with military motion and command ; and
the manual exercise, being itself merely ornamental, and other-
wise an useless accomplishment, will be soon and easily ac-
quired, and serve as a relief to more useful exercises.
The third part brings five men together, teaches them to
step out in front, and the practice of a variety of kinds of step».».»
MIHTAHY DISCIPtlNE. 7
Hj^rching to a flank.... principles of alignmenj, or dressing in
llbc.,.. wheeling and change of direction.
TAird....Thh lesson of the French system is premature ; it
should be preceded by acquiring the cadence, or marking ol^
time, by the strqke of each foot alternately, and together in time,
to the soimd of.. ..owe, two. ..one, two. ...one, two..,.hy the officer
who has charge of the drill. So soon as they strike time tole-
rably, they should be faced to the right, and to the left, and to
the right about, and to the left about ; and so constantly, until
the ear becomes habituated to wait for the word, and npt to
anticipate, nor to delay after it is given ; until they are com-
pleted in this mode of facing, they should not be allowed to ad-
vance a step beyond the line upon which they were first formed.
Fourt/i....Tht lesson in the French discipline of 1791, called
the oblique step, is wholly exceptionable, unnatural and useless ;
and the moment quick time becomes the time of movement, is
utterly imfiructicahle ; it is therefore now very properly exploded,
and in its place is substituted a more elegant, natural, and useful
improvement, that which the French have called the Line of
Science, and which is accomplished, in practice, by half facing
and quarter facing ; meaning thereby, half or quarter of the half
circle which a man*s vision embraces in a standing position.
The following is an abstract view of this principle taken from f
the French ; it has not before appeared in English, though the
principle has been adopted in practice by several intelligent
officers in the British service, who have directed their minds to
the discipline of light corps, as Russei,and Coo/urin his "P?^:-
tical Guide for the Light Irfmtry 0^^. fr," published in 1806.
" The received method of wheeling is compared to the turning
of a gate upon its hinges, and the term fdvot has been given to
the man on that end of the rank, upon which the others move in
circles, each man making a movement upon his particular cir-
cle, of which the pivot man is the common centre. While no
better mode was devised, and all troops executed their mgve-
ments in the same way, the disadvantages were equal, but so
soon as a better is discovered that must necessarily be adopted:
" Another method of movement is what has been termed
marching by the oblique step in which it suffices to say, that it
is unnatural and absurd ; that it is imj)ossible for m^en to march
with accuracv, or tbut case and Sfi^lf collection which is reonired
a FIRST prinjciples of
in action, in a position so constrained and tortured ; neitlier is
it adapted for a parade of show, for which it appears to have been
originally devised ; nor is it in any manner practicable but at a
slow march, and, along with slow marching, must be laid aside.
Indeed at the pace of 76, 90, or 120 in a minute, upon a quick
march, if there be any obliquity required, the body naturally
assumes the entire direction towards the point intended to be
reached, and if it be to the right, the right shoulder of every
man in succession falls behind the left shoulder of the file to
his right ; and so of files marching to the left ; and it is there-
fore more consistent to determine the movement in the natural
form vnder its proper name, rather than retain an impracticable
mode of movement." The movement substituted for this dis-
torted method is called the Line of Science, because it is esta-
blished on scientific principles, and because it enables troops to
move with perfect ease, precision, and celerity, conforming to
only the following rules :
1 . The men should move in a natural manner, and always
in a right line.
2. Every movement should be made to a detennined point.
3. Every individual in single, double, or triple ranks, or
any deeper order still retaining its form, and moving or
displaying to a fiank, should march on a distinct and
direct line, from the point at which the movement com-
mences, to the point at which it terminates.
4. Every evolution should be executed within a space equal
to the front of the body which executes the evolution.
To exemplify to the eye the operation of this simple method,
the following diagrams exhibit both methods :
rre. 1.
• if /■'/ //. ■'/, '■'.-■
ill ii ///,■■:.
MILITARY DISCIPLINE. 9
Fig. 1. represents a squad of 16 files front, in two positions.
The left or horizontal shaded lines represent the squad as faced
from the eye cf the reader, and about to receive the following
words of command :
Attention the squad.
Take care to wheel upon your right.
Mark time,.,.
By your right„„wheel.
The circular lines represent the course which each file mu.'jt
necessarily pursue ; the perpendicular shaded line represents
ihe squad when it has accomplished its wheel upon the right.
Fig. 2, represents the same squad about to accomplish the
same purpose of forming upon the right, or perpendicular to
the line of its horizontal front ; but to execute the movement
in an oblique direction, each file moving upon a distinct but
direct line... .the words of the drill in this case will be :
•Attention ilie quad.
Take care to form perpendicular to your right,
Mark time.
To the right.,,, half face,,.. march.
The half facing consists of each man so moving his person
that his right shoulder shall be placed as he stands, behind the
left shoulder of his right hand file ; and that on the word marchy
every man steps off with the left foot, and moves in a direct
line to the point at which he is to form, where he fronts and
dresses by the files which have preceded him.
Al> FIRST PRIKCIPLES OF
CHAP. ni.
ON THE MANNER OF CONDUCTING DRILLS,
A GOOD method of instruction in military disciplincj
should exclude every thinc^ that is unnatural or not applicable
to actual military service in action. If any thing be admitted at
any time in the parades of show, mounting guard, or the like,
it should be taught separately, and after the principles of a ra-
tional discipline are well established. Thus, turning on a fixed
heel, as is customary in relieving centinels, and facing to the
right about on a fixed heel, should not be suffered in the drill,
nor until the habit is formed to execute every motion of the
body with moving feet. ...hwt it would be better to jibolish it
altogether.
A strong exception must be made to the old discipline, in
what is called setting uji the recruit ifl a stiff position, which is
at best unnatural and always unnecessary.
Another exception is to confining the first instruction to one*
two or three recruits at a time. The recruits should not be
less than twenty, if practicable ; fifty are better than ten or fif-
teen. The men, however awkward, should be formed in one
rank as they reach the ground, and taught to form on any re-
quired front, and to the left of the first man posted ; they should
be told to stand perfectly free, to carry their heads erect with-
out being thrown back, and to stand upon their feet so that their
weight shall not press wholly upon the heels, but that the heels
press lightly on the ground. If the officer, who has charge of
their instruction, present in himself a good, erect and easy
military figure, his appearance will do more than any verbal
instruction; and, as soon as they begin to march, two r.r more
well disciplined commissioned officers, should march to the
front, so detached from them, as that their movements and man-
ner may be seen ; and they should be careful that all their
movements in the presence of recruits, be unconstrained and
uniformiy correct. Practice, with the object before the eye,
vo modes, and both modes should be practised. The first
mode is by the words,
Front face*" 'hy the side step to the centre, to the right,
or, to the left" •'incline.
Or, as the right section will have been already faced to tire
right, the words will be given....
Left section to the right about" "face.
In close order* "'Cover,
Frontface.
Should it be more eligible, from the nature of the position,
that the formation should be made to the left, then the right
section may be faced to the right about, dressed, closed, and
fronted in that form. They are thus ranked and sized by evo-
lution, a method preferable to the common mountebank tricks
by which men are made to skip backward and forward, and to
the front and to the rear : exercises totally unfit for soldiers,
and inconsistent with military utility. Nor should any thing be
admitted in discipline, which is ridiculous, contrary to reason,
or without utility.
To prepare for evolutions, the first principles of the drill, for
moving in sections, countermarching, and wheeling in all di-
rections, and several sections, each section in different direc
tions, will be commenced.
THE EIGHTH DRIiL.
This drill carries into effect the movements direct and oblique
for the whole company ; and extends the practice of a variety
of evolutions in single and double ranks.
Throughout these drills it may be perceived that the move-
ments are progressive, from something easy, to something a
little different, but all performed upon the same principles ; the
officer in charge of the drill will keep in mind, that though the
steps of instruction are progressive, the exercises should con-
stantly vary as soon as a little progress is made, so that the at-
tention be always kept awake.
And it must be kept in mind, that this distribution of the drill
into six classes, has reference only to the stages of discipline,
the degrees by which the soldier is taught : the following chap^
ters are divided into sections for the purpose of reference
32 FIRST PKINCIPI.es OF
CHAP. VI.
THE PRACTICAL DRILL
§ 1. After the drums have beaten, and the hour appoint-
ed for parade has arrived, the officer who has charge of the drill,
attended by one or two non-commissioned officers, having come
upon the ground ; the officer either gives the word to fall in
....or it is executed at the beat of the drum.
The recruit should not be put under restraint.. ..he should
stand in the easiest position for himself, with his feet neither
too near nor too distant, his whole weight balancing on the balls
of his feet, and without pressing upon his heels, his eyes to the
front, and face erect ; his hands suspended without restraint or
stiffness by his side, without being pressed too close, or fingers
extended on his thighs : the palms of his hands in the direction
of his thighs, so that the middle fingers may fall about the seams
of his pantaloons, his body equally presented to the front ; his
knees straight but not stiff, and his shoulders neither thrown too
much back, nor raised by constraining the arms, nor pressed
forward ; but so easy that the respiration be perfectly free.
The rule of the drill should be, that the whole form one rank,
the tallest men take their ground on the right, and so in succes-
sion to the left. One or two non-commissioned officers go to
the rear and correct any errors which the men may themselves
make on falling in, this operation is called sizing; to bring
them to the proper position for exercise, the tallest men must
be on the right and left of the rank, and the smallest successive-
ly to the centre. There are various methods of sizing, but that
which is executed with greatest celerity, and in the manner
best adapted to familiarise the men with military movementSj
is to be preferred. To effect this, therefore, the following words
of command are given, and they are executed according to the
method here prescribed.
MILITARY DISCIPIINE. 3S
The officer of the drill having taken his position from ten to
twenty paces in front, and faced towards the rank, which is now
supposed to stand with the tallest men on the right : he gives
the general precautionary word :
Attention,
On this word the whole rank stand erect, with their eyes
throWH to the front, without any motion or noise. ...in this posi-
tion :
II
H §§ ft f 1 9t ft it §§ §§ ti if i^ §§ ff §® §1 §§ ft ft
The officer who has charge of the drill will then give his
precautionary instructions to the following effect :
The squad is now so formed that the tallest men are on the
rights and the smallest on the left f it is next to be disfiosed so
that the tallest men shall be on the right and left of the rank^ and
the lowest men in the centre.
This is to be done by ranking and sizing. To effect this the
rank will be told off in odd and even files^ by the right hand?nan
calling out one, the second man two, and the third man onEj the
fourth man two ; and continued to the left^ so that the whole shall
consist of files one and two, or odd and even files, when they er.e
told off from right te left.
The squAD will take care to tell o?f by dou»
BLE FILES.
Tell off.
The first man tells one, the second two, and so on to the leftj
in the following order :
P4}OoO«OaiOCJOd>0(UOai04)Oa>
ft If It It ft ft It It ft ft %^ It ft It ft II h t§ ft ft
The company (platoon or squad J are next tofor?n double files
faced to the right ; the front rank will then be faced to the right
about and countermarched upon the left of the rear rank ; while
the files composing the rank who have called one^fnove up to the
right hand fie, still facing to the right.
But in this instance, as in all others, when movements are to
be made, every movemjent must be preceded by the order to
mark time.
34 riRST PRINCIPLES Ot
This operation consists of an alternate raising of the feet.
The left foot h raised about four inches from the ground slow-
ly, and brought down quick, and the right raised to the same
height as the left, strikes the ground ; thus alternately, striking
the ground in given times ; whence it is called marking timej
and the ofhcer of the drill will count with the rising of the left
foot, one^ iwo....one, two. ...one, riyo. ...until he thinks the ear and
the feet of the men have found an agreement in the time.
When he has succeeded in this, he gives the precautionary
instruction :
Take care to form double files, wheeling by
your right on the odd files.
The odd files on the j^rst ivorcl will face to the right.
The second or even files will wait for the second word.
The whole will take care to mark time.
Mark thne.„.onej two,.,,one) two.
Might, „wheel.
The squad will present the following positions on the firsv
word. ...RIGHT....
21212121212121212121
df $ f t S f § iS §§ ^ if S if S f I 3 f§ S t§ $ f § S
On the second word. ..."zy^ct'/... .the squad will present the
•bllowing disposition :
^to ^feO ^to Igto Uto ^bO Ǥto "^^ S^o ^bO
The even files now form the front rank, and it being the ob-
ject to bring them all into one rank, the front rank must be
countermarched, by the following words:
Even files. ., .right tthouU...face.
Upon tlie left countermarch, ...march.
They will then move, and exhibit the following movetnent :
3 3 3S:3 3SS33S:(S
MILITARY DISCIPLINE. SB
The odd files here move into close order on the front file,
the even files countermarch on the left of the odd files.
The tallest men are on the right, and so diminishing in
height from right to left, by taking each alternate, or every
second man, and carrying them in progression to the left, tUe
tallest man is thus placed on the right, the next tallest on the
left, and so diminishing to the centre.
The officer will now give the precautionary instruction to
form and cover well ; and as they are to form a rank faced to
the front. ...he will then give the word :
Cover.
By this word is intended that the men in succession from
the head of the rank, should cover the space from the first to
the last man in a direct line ; each man looking directly at the
back of the head of the man before him. It must be kept in
mind, that the whole of this drill must be performed at ^narked
time, and that attention must be constantly paid to this, and na
motion begun until the time be well kept in the motion that ha^t
been last ordered.
The officer will then give the word :
Frontface.
19 f§ f§ f§ ft ft ft §1 It ft ft ft it id f§ it f§ §§ It ii
The whole having assumed this position, without any move^
ment of the head, now look to the rij^ht, and dress by the right
iiand man.
This being accomplished in the first few drills, it may be
proper to accustom them to cease moving their feet, in order
to bring them to a correct movement from the first step to-
gether ; this is done by the word
Halt.
§2. But after a few drills, there should be no halt, until a
considerable number of marches or evolutions shall have been
executed.
The first movement, after being thus halted in the first dnlU,
1$ again signified by the word of precaution.
36 IPIRST PIlINCItLBS O*
Mention,
Take care to face to the right.
This is simply intimating what is intended to be done ; the
recruit must be told that he is not to execute this command,
until he hears the word /«ce, that there will be a pause between
the words ?7^A?....and/acc, but that, until the word face be ut^
tcred, the position mu^t not be altered.
Mark time*
The feet, beginning with the left, nre alternately lifted at o;2f,
:nvo....one^ two.
Right.„»face.
On the word face^ the left foot is lifted briskly, and the toe
of that foot turned in a short curved step towards the right side j
the right foot is briskly turned in the same direction, and the
body comes round with the direction of the right at the third
short stroke of the left foot ; when the rank will stand in Indian
file, in the following position ; and if the rank be not exactly
straight, the officer will give the ^vovd. .. .dress. ...ov
Cover.
The next movement, is the same word of command, rig'/ii
Jitce, repeated, intended to bring the rank with their faces to the
rear. Care is to be taken that they mark time correctly ; and
they must be apprized, that the turning commences with the
left foot, and that the word right, is not to be the signal for
facing, but the word which follows it. ...that the first word com-
Viands or tells what is to be done ; and the second word is the
word of execw^fon... .the word is then given, and they present
the following position :
Biglufact.
19 H H II H II H 91 99 H II H H i« 11 M l« l« fill
They are kept at marked time, and dressed in this position ,
that is, faced to the rear from their first position ; they ar*-
again faced to the right, and present this position :
MIXITART DISCIPXISfE. 37
Miglitface.
They will be exercised in the same manner in facing to the
fro7itj when they may, instead of the word right face, receive
the VI ovd front face ; by which they will be placed in their first
position ; and they will then be faced to the left in like manner
three successive times, by which they gain their first position
faced to the front.
§ 3. The facings must be repeated frequently, and the officer
of the drill will find his labor in the progress much easier, if he
will not be sparing of pains in these first facings : after they
have faced to the right several times successively, and executed
it well, they are to be faced to the left until they face together
at the word ; they should be then faced to right and left alter-
nately and ©ften ; and only then they should proceed to
Mghi dbout,„^ace.
This consists in carrying the body round by its right side, to
the opposite position, or about. The men must be told that
they must not attempt to move about until the word yace is
given, nor to move like a block upon an axis ; they must use
their legs ; then the left foot is raised and takes a larger course
than in simple facing ; the right foot turns in the same direc-
tion, and the third step or the second stroke of the left foot is
made when the body is faced exactly right about.. ..it must be
executed in three steps. ...and the drill officer, if the facing is
not well executed, must bring them repeatedly about. ...telling
97ie, two, three. ..,one^ two, three. ...these numbers answering to
the first step with the left, the second with the right, and the
third with the left. They may be occasionally exercised in
simple facing right and left, and right and left about, for the
purpose of accustoming them to wait for the word; as recruits
are too apt to be confused, and especially when discouraged by
ill nature or morosenessin the officer, they become eager to do
their duty, and in their confusion mistake the side tg which
they are to form : patience and a little good humored raillery,
which will excite pride and not contempt, sooner correct these
3S riBST PRIiVeiPLES OB
errors than any other mocle....strikin{^ a soldier on parade or any
where else is execrable-. -a man who is an officer in his soul
will never strike a man who he knows dare not return the blow
but on pain of disgrace or death.
§ 4. After the facings are gone through, the habit oimarkhii^
time must be presumed to be tolerably well acquired ; and the
squad is prepared to commence the most important part of all
the military exercise ; that is, marching.
The officer of the drill commences with the precaution :
Mention,
The squad will take care to march in single file?
by the right.
He will then explain to them the meaning of the word file
that it means one man when there is only one rank ; when two
ranks, the files are double ; and that a file consists in any num-
ber of men behind each other, so that if the ranks were eight
deep, the number of files would be no more than the numbers
of the front rank ; he will then make them acqwainted with
the lengtli of the pace ; that every step taken must be exactly
9A inches, or two feet from heel to heel; and that this must
be the length of the step at all times, whether moving fast or
slow ; every man must step two feet ;!ind no more. He will
then give the word :
Illght„„face.
The whole will then be faced in single file to the right, as iii
the second position ; and having marched in that direction
equal paces and in equal times, as far as is convenient, they
receive the word :
Right,,. wheel.
They then appear in the following position :
s^ll
II
n
MILITARY DISCIPXI>E. 39
An important part of instruction commences wiih the wheel-
ing to the right. The difference between /adw^-and nvheeli7igi%
to be explained ; thaty«cf«^ always applies to each individual ;
ivheeling always to more than a single individual ; or that in
facing every man turns on his own centre ; in wheeling every
man moves as if he composed a common mass with the rest of
the rank ; that several wheel, and several face, but one only
never wheels alone, unless a rank is marching in single files,
when it implies that every file which follows must wheel in the
same direction : if the word of command be risht.,..face^ every
man must face to the right, and it would then be a rank faced
lo the right ; but in wheeling to the right, the direction that the
leading file takes, the whole of the files take.
The squad is wheeled several times by the right, and ai
length into its first position and faced to the front ; and then it
is faced to the other flank and wheeled to the left in the follow-
ing form :
w/^
n
if
68
19
The squad being marched and wheckd by the left, returns to
its original position, and is faced to the front as before : the
drill now requires to mix the movements, by facing and wheel-
ing in different directions. The words are given with an inter-
val. ...which produce the following disposition :
§1
n
ft
ft
ft
4bO FIRST PRINCIPLES OF
The squad having now been faced and wheeled in difFerenl
directions ; the drill officer will caution the men to attend parti-
cularly to his word of command, that it is his intention to take
them by surprise, and face them to the right or left when they
may not expect it : and he uses his discretion in this, frequent^
ly facing them in different directions, and marching them into
their first position in single rank.
He then changes his flank, and commences the opposite dis-
position, with
Ijeft'-*-face.
Riglit'»-'jvlieel»
ft
§»
ft
ft
If \^
The company is now marched int« the first position, and re-
ceive the words,
Hatt....resf.
When they have been well exercised in these facings and
wheelings, they will have learned to mark time with accuracy....
the whole rank giving but one sound with their feet.. ..they will
have learned to face in three short curved steps, and to face to
the ri^he about in three long curved steps. They will have
their ears habituated to wait for the word of execution : if they
have not acquired these habits, the fault must be in the officer
who teaches. It is impossible, if well taught, that these effects
are not produced.
When the word rest is given, it always signifies that the men
may stand without constraint, but on their ground, from which
they must never move without permission. As a rule for rest
in ranks, the left foot should retain its position where the rank
halted; and the right might be easily withdrawn and the knees
easily bent, so as that the limbs may be at ease, and thereby
refreshed by a relaxation from the disciplinary position.
^
MILITARY DISClBLlIf je. *1
CHAP. ni.
ELEMENTS OF EVOLUTION.
§1. It now becomes time to divide the rank and to make
preparation for a prompt execution by different parts of the same
company or squad at one common command ; or, that the rank
in two distinct divisions shall perform the similar operations at
the same time, by one word.
The "use of guides must be attended to in this stage of the
exercises with great diligence and attention to exactness ; ex-
planation must not be spared.. .non-commissioned officers, or
other well disciplined men, must be directed to post themselves
$t the points of wheeling and formation of every section ; and
to take their stations, so that each shall be in front of the secticfli
which is to dress by them, facing to the distant flank of the
section ; and the flank man of the section forming, faced to the
side of the guide.
The uses of the simple but invaluable contrivance of tellinsj
off, are further developed in this drill ; the men themselves
must be accustomed to do, what by the old method was done
by a non-commissioned officer. This will be found, in the pro-
gress of the drill and of the more enlarged movements of bat-
talion, of the greatest importance, as it will at length become a
hat)it in the minds of the men to know their number and place
in the rank, and they will with ease be capable of executing
formations on any front, without repeated telling off, or any
other direction than the general word of commmul. The offij
cer will give the word,
JLttention,
And he will follow it by the precautionary information of
such movements as are proposed to be executed.
The company will tell off its number of file:
from right to left,
Tell off.
# I s I i § I § ^" 5 . -^ cT . ^>
i J § M 1 1 1 1 ^ 5 1 1' ^ -: I 1 1 s i
If II ft §f §1 1^ it ft it §t n n n n nmnmmn
G
^'2. FIRST PRIXCIPI.es OF
The officer then states, as precautionary :
TJiere arc twenty Jil"s^ which form Ivjo scctvms.
Ao. 1 z.v the rights Ac, 10 left of the first sectiov,
J^o. 1 1 is the righJ^ Ao. 2.) the left of the second section.'
The two sections will now take care to cxccu'e the same tnevc"
ments by one word rf command.
The whole. „.mavk time.
The whole raise the left foot gently about four inches from
the ground together, strike it briskly to the ground together ;
raising the right foot and striking it also, and so each foot alter-
nately, which they must on all occasions continue to do until
they receive the word halt. The officer will, to give them the
time, tell constantly, until they are well drilled to time....o«e,
two, ...one, two. The officer will then give the precaution :
The whole will take care to face to the right
AND TO WHEEL TO THE RIGHT (orrcavj BY HEADS
OF SECTIONS.
The tvhole„.,rightfacc.
By heads of sections,.,. right wheel.
This presents the first position, of single files, and the first
movement in broken lanks.
U M
The sections are now marched and wheeled to the right, and
again brought to their first ground and fronted ; when they re-
ceive the precaution,
The whole will iakk care to face to the left,
AND WHEEL TO THE LEFT.
The wholc„„left„..face.
Heads of seclions„..lfft„„wheel.
H H
M 19
The whole being repeatedly wheeled by the left, and brought
into their first position in single rank, will proceed to move-
ments on tVie centre.
MILITARY DISCIPLINE. 43
§2. The squad will now proceed to execute the facings in-
ward from the flanks, and movements by the centre.
The sections will take care to face inward for
to the centre) and advancz in double files to the
FRONT.
This operation w II be performed by the right section facing
to the left, and the left facing to the right, and the Ic't man of
the right section, and the right man of the left section, facing
to the front...
These two centre men form the pivots in this motion, and
attending to precautionary words, advance in double files from
the centre to the front j they should remain faced tc the frontj
when the following command is given :
Sectious„..io the centre.„Jnward.,..facp,
From ti e centre.... double Jiks,..^
To the front iv heel.;. march.
mm
m ft
M m
^J ft ft v^
The next command brings this column of double files faced
to the right about, and then marches to the same ground they
•had left, on the ioliowing words of precau ion and command :
The whole.... right ah out.. ..face.
Heads of sections... .outivard....wheel.
Hi!
urn
^ mB> ^ ^ msi i^ ^ m> ^ ^ 'aa» ^ c^
The whole will resume the first posit on cii rca.hing the
ground, on the word,
Marli timc....f rant face.. ..halt.
The teacher of the drdl may require to be here again re-
minded, that though the course of movements, or the different
4* FIRST PRINCIPLES OP
forms, are progressive, he must in his practice resort frequently
to those movements already taught, so as indeed to keep the
-word of command and the manner of evolution constantly pre-
sent to the memory, until they become a habit ^ until the language
of the exercise and the mode of movement in exercise become
predominant over every other mode of expression and habit.
§ 3. The next movement will be from the outward flanks oT
the two sections by opposite motions to the rear, then moving
in directions parallel to their original front ; gaining their first
ground by facing to the right about, and each resuming iis for-
mer position by corresponding wheels.
The whole., ..mark time.
From the eentre,,., right and left outward,,,. face.
Heads of sections „„to the rear„„wheel.
The right i^ectlon here faces and wheels to the right. ...the
left, to the left.
II n
By angther word,
Inward„„whe€L
4D«»«» im ?»
40 40 4B> 40 Sl^
9 ^ ^ ^ ^ <^ <99 «9 «» em ^ Q» si» «9 «a> ia»>
1, r^
Attention,
The company will take care to move by sections
of five from the right.
I'ell off..„sections of Jive,
f; 4 3 2 I 5 4 3 2 1 5 4 r» 2 1 5 4 3 2 I
ti If ft If tl ft If ft f 9 ft 1$ $$ f f 9t ft ft §§ ft ft It
The company is now wheeled upon its left, in front of the
rank, into column of sections of five, marched and wheeled to
the right, and to the left in column, and brought, as in § 3, chap.
VII. to wheel into rank upon the left file.
It may be proper to remark here once more, that there is
great utility in this method of wheeling into column from the
right upon the front of the rank j as it secures the dress of the
rank, and determines the time of stepping off*, for every succeed--
ing section, in a manner much better adapted to assure correct-
ncfts than any other method. The same may be done from the
left of the rank, for the same purpose, as soon as the habit is a
little formed to evolution.
§ 3. A new evolution may now be introduced, occasionally ;
at once to familiarize the men to moving exact distances, as well
as to give variety to the exercises. After being told off, the
officer gives the word,
MItlTART DISCIPLINE. 53
The company will prepare to execute -with ex-
actness A HEW MOVEMENT. ...THE ECHELLON UPON
THE LEFT SECTION OF FIVE.
T/ie left section will keefi its ground.
The third section vjill advance a nwnbcr of fiacea equal to
its front.
The second Section ivill advance a number of /lacts equal tc
double its front.
And the first section tvill advance a number of paces equal
to trifile its front,
Mark time.
Sections upon the left, to the blront fork
ECHELLONS-...
Forward„„march.
They, thereup^on, form th^e following disposition :
1 §t if ft ft ft
HHHffft
Hit If if ft
^MilMHfi
A useful and important instruction may be here communica-
ted ; as the sections are to advance perpendicularly to the front,
a number of paces equal to the front of the sections from right
to left ; there being four sections ; and one of them remaining
on its position, the right section will have to move a number of
paces equal to the front ©f three sections of five files, so that
the right will have to advance fifteen paces, the second ten paces,
and the third five paces ; these principles should be inculcated
at every opportunity ; and the echellon disposition is particu-
larly adapted to teach it accurately and test it by' wheelin.^
5* riEST PRINCIPLES OP
From ihi$ position the following may be formed :
Sections,, „upon your lcft.,,wheeh
They then present a front to their former Ictt, and the lefl,
which was before thrown back, now appears advanced, and tht
right appears thrown back in this form :
s
s
s
s
s
4
By the order being given :
Sections..„right.,..'wheeL
They are replaced in their former position. Tiiey may be
then formed on any section in rank by naming and moving the
section to the point desired, and the respective sections move
>ip to that position, and dress by the section designated ; if in
front they come to their right about, or, by file and wheeling,
assume their position ; or, if exercised, as ought to be done at
iimes, in rough or bushy ground, brought up by heads of sectiops.
The infinity of positions and movements to be produced from
the simplest modifications of the echellon, of which these are
only the first simple elements, the assiduous officer will soon
percfelve and appreciate
MILIXARY DISCITLINli. ^^^
Eyery species of section, platoon, company and battalion is
s\Isceptiblc of disposition in this form, and during the wal' in
Europe, lines of echellon have been formed, covering the wholb
front of several hundred miles, they affording in every direc-
tion points of contiguity and support, and comprehending in
their scope of evolution, a square equal to the extent of a day'^
evolution on every side.
§ 4. The formation of any number of sections or any num-
Ijer of fUcs in a section, is not usually taught by old teachers \
for what reason is not easy to discover, since the skill or trou-
ble in acquiring it for forming any number is not great, and the
want of the practice of forming any number of files in evolution
will be obvious upon considering that all movements in frorj:
must be governed by the extent of the ground to be passed over :
so that it would be very absurd, if passing a defile, or abridge,
or a gate, though it would admit of 7, 9, or 11 files, and a ragu-
Tation was estabhshed forbidding sections of any greater number
than 5 or any less, the want of a flexible capacity in the evorlu«
tions of the battalions would retard the march.
The section should not be limited to any number of files in
platoon, and it should be so disciplined as to form sections apply equally to the movements of a squad of
20 or a battalion of 1000 men, and to any depth of line.
§ 5. An important principle remains to be exemplified, in the
elementary part of formation, which is one of the most essential
parts of improvement in modern discipline, and by which all
movements in line and cdumn are necessarily to be reduced to
MILITARY DISCIPLINE. 57
•or augmented, as the nature of the ground shall require or admit
of movements.
This principle consists in aut^menting or diminishing front
from the proper flank, and to the proper flank when moving in
open column of manoeuvre, or iw close column of attack. The
first movements are to be acquired always in open order, and
they are to be first taught to a single rank, divided into a suita-
ble number of sections.
The basis of this principle consists in this rule -, that the
position of every file in the line shall maintain its correspon-
dence through every evolution of the colunm. This may be
understood, by counting the files, beginning on the right, and
supposing the whole to be formed into sections of seven ; the
sections being then wheeled upon their right into column of
seven files in front; the disposition shall bs such as that, pro-
ceeding from right to left, the files shall be continuous as they
first stood : the first file of tlie second section counting 8 and
the last 14 ; the first file of the third section counting 15 and
the last 21 ; the first file of the fourth section counting 22 and
the last 28 ; and so on. Let it be supposed, that the column of
seven files front is formed :
it t§ §f f« if iiii 1st section.
7 6 5 4 3 2 1
§f «§ if f t ft f f ft 2d section.
14 13 12 11 10 9 8
§t §1 §§ ft §§ §S t« Sd section.
21 20 19 IS if 16 15
it m f§ it §i ft n 4th secuau,
S'8 27 26 25 24 23 22
58 FIRST PHINCIPJLES OF
§ 6. It is required to augment the front from se.ven to nine
files, so as to make a column of nine files in front.
The column being in motion, the word is given....
Take care to augment column to sections of
nine in front.
In order to render the first formations easy, and until the
habit is formed to it, the column may be brought to retain its
position in column at marked time^ preserving open order until
the augmentation of the front is completed, for which purpose*
after the precaution is given, the word,
Mark time,
Form sections of nine.„»March,
■ df §f ft ft it ft §f
M M ft ft ft %% ^
ilftft '^^^^
ft «^^^^^
This view represents only the movements from the right,
the movements from the left to occupy the spaces vacated on
the right, are performed at the same time by a side step, by di-
rect facing to the right, when on the ground, without advancing ;
or by a quarter facing and advancing on a diagonal line so as to
cover the right hand file of the leading section, when in motion,
which must be performed in every section from front to rear.
The diagonal facings must be by every single man from his
front to the direction in which he is to march and occupy, his
MIIITARY DISCIPLINE. 59
left shoulder in the rear of the man moving before him. So
that the augmentations shall always come from the right of each
successive section to the left of the section in its front.
The aagmentation here presents an appearance, which, by
anticipation, unfolds the nature of the Line of Science or diagonal
movement ; as the front section must be necessarily augmented
by the files which would count next to it in tlie rank, the two right
hand files of the second section, necessarily must march diago-
nally from the right of the second to the left of the first, so that
No. 9 becomes the left file of the first section, on the left of the
files No. 7 and 8 ; and No. 10 becomes the right of the second
section ; for which purpose, that file must moVe two paces to the
right ; this second section having been deprived of two men on
the right, in order to possess the required number, No. 2 must
obtain four men from the right of the third section, which four
must move diagonally to the left of the second from the right of
the third ; and so the sections successively receive from the
right of the sections in their rear, the numbers necessary to give
them their required front. The augmentation being constantly
made from the right of the next rear section to the left of the
next front section.
Let it not be kept ©ut of sight an instant,that all these shanges
are to be executed on the march at the quick time of a lively
dance.
§ 7. These examples will afford the ofTicer who has charge of
the drill, opportunities to exercise his own taste, and form his
habit to com;wawc/.... and prepare him for the exccutioaof 7nan ISCIPIiI?fE» 65
Bight wheel. • E E ^\
II ii
nil
nil
nil
Left whed. ^ S S » S
s» S S eS
§ 3. The progress of the drill next extends to sections in
double ranks... .they form in two ranks, and are divided into two
sections ; they receive command as follows :
Mtention,
Mark time.
The ivhole„„rightface.
By heads (^ sections.,., to the left....whefil.
ft ft if if
33S33S Sit 333333311^
3333333 ^ 3333333 ^
The sections are, as in the drills of single ranks, after some
marching, moved into their first position, and then follow move-
ments to the rear : by the words of command which are now
familiar.
Take care to wheel to the rear ry heads
sections.
TJie whole.,. .right face.
By heads of sections...,right„..wheeh
tm stt> (S9 6Qi>^s]&i9^ sm sm ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ si^
33333333 II 333333311
5^1111 ^11 II
^n II ^11 II
II II II II
66 FIRST PKINCIPLES OF
The numbers of files are augmented in the following figures.,
merely to display the movements more distinctly ; two bodies
drilled by different oflicers, or when the drill is advanced, may
be purposely brought into such relative positions, and be
moved in a military manner, by such wheelings or counter-
marchings, as shall be best adapted not to occupy the ground,
or interrupt the evolutions of the other body.
These two bodies may be meved out of each other's way by
one word of command .
Heads of sectio7rs,.*Jeft whech
w Hi m II
Mil HH
The two following counter dispositions, the left section facing
to the left, and wheeling twice successively to the right ; and
the right facing to the right and wheeling twice successively to
the right ; exhibit a countermarch....
Heads of sections.,,.
Bight wheel.. ..right wheel
S 3 3 S 3
33333
nn
ItM
#1333333 3333333
3S33S3S 3333333IIII
?^||||
3SSSII
i
MIIITARY DISCIPLINE. 67
§ 4. V/heeling inw ard in double files, and to the rear in column
of sections of four.. ..and outward in double files from the centre
Take care to form column upon the, centre.. .
four in front. ...wheeled to the rear.
Mark time.
Sections,.„inward,.,.face,...dres»,
From the centre. „Jieads of sections.,..outward wheel
....march.
H ii II n
nn nn
mi nn
Facing inward. ...and wheeling to the front from the centre
by sections of four, exhibits another method of forming column
on the centre.
Sections. ...iifward face.
From the centre....heads of seclions.... front whcd.
n if di ft
m If
^
These evolutions, which may be varied to advantage, will suf-
fice for the first movements in double files, or two ranks; as we
approach a larger section the subject becomes more familiar in
practice, and more interesting, as it yields an inexhaustible
variety; although it must be now clearly perceived that it con-
sists in the application of only the three primitive principles of
marching exactly, yacf^z^ and ivheeling correctly.
The formation of column upon the centre is further illustra-
ted in chapter XI. § 5 and 6. The words of command will by
this time be sufficiently understood.
68 FIRST PRINCIPLES OP
Take care to form column in the rear of the
centre sections.
Mark time.
The tivo centre sections 'will keep their position:.
The sections right of the centre "mil face to the lefty the ^ ifc-
tions Hvillface to the right.
Inward face.
To the rear....quarter J ace.^„marcli.
Mark time....front form.,.. dress.. Jialt.
These movements are also illustrated in the plates III. and
IV. and explained in the following chapters.
The formation of two ranks, by wheeling into double files and
facing to the front, is not the usual mode in any system hitherto
practised ; various contrivances have been made, ingenious as
matters of mere parade and agility ; and some of them applica-
ble to particular descriptions of troops ; such as by telling oft'
from right to left in terms by the men, the first beginning with
rightf the second with lefty and so on from right to left ; and by
the word of command, left files. ...to the rear double^ which
brings the left files in the rear of the right hand files. This
method is well enou.fiih adapted to mere parade, and it may serve
for the parade of guards, and even for the drill of rifle corps
where the advancing and retiring by files is part of their
discipline. But as it is expressly required, that no move-
ment or evolution be admitted, but such as is conformable
to the mode of movement for action, it is thought fit to repeat
it here, because having formed double ranks by movements in
cadence, with which the common modes of movement do not
accord, so throughout each progressive variation of evolution
is to be conducted upon the same principles ; the method of
action is the base of all military instruction ; if other modes
are admitted on parade, or for the amusement of officers, let
them arise as incidents, or matters by which the ofiicer can
shew the diversity of his skill in imitating all kinds ef discipline ;
let the system for actual discipline and movement, be founded
on simple, intelligible, uniform, and scientific principles.
MILITARY DISCIPXINE. 69
CHAP. X.
DIAGONAL MOVEMENTS.
§ 1. Diagonal movements huve been always in use.
employed as an incident arising out of necessity, without any
rule or regulation : instead of following nature, disciplinarians
have opposed it; and they have been sought to be overcome
instead of being explained. The passion of military writers
and parade officers has been to please the eye and accomplish
movements without knowing why or wherefore, and by means
adopted without investigation ; instead of drawing a rule from
natural data, they assumed as a fact, that all military move-
ments were to be regulated by circles, or parallel lrnes....and
held every deviation from these to be a violation from military
principles. Even the Greek and Roman examples were thrown
away. It came, however, to be discovered, when officers learned
to reason, and men who were fit to command had the regula-
tion and equipment of armies, that the faculties and capacities
of men were the first consideration... that their faculties of mind
and spirit were limited only by disease or physical impossibility ;
but that certain operations of war depended upon celerity, pre-
cision, and the preservation of the muscular power of the men.
To diminish the quantity of fatigue, was to preserve the un-
wasted portion of human power for service. To shorten the
space of military motion, was by the same means to save labo7'
and time.
When it is considered that during the long war of Louis XIV
of France, eight of those who had risen to ths rank of marshah
of France, were so very incompetent as to have brought France
to the verge of ruin ; and that not more than three really me»
rited the name of generals ; that England, so renowned for
admirals, has not produced an equal number of general officers
in three centuries ; and that Marlborough alone stands upon the
70 FIKST PKIVCIPLES OF
same elevated ground with Tuvenne, Conde, and Luxembourg ;
we shall not be surprised that military priiiciples, like truths of
every kind, have had to fight their way through the thickest
disorder of ignorance, and the quackery of men appointed to
stations for which God had denied them the smallest qualifica-
tion. The devotion to old forms is generally the effect of a
total ignorance of what is good or right in any form. Folard,
whose columns are now universally adopted, was persecuted to
death by those who hated him for the innovation ; Guibcrt,
though not quite so unfortunate, improved military science so
much as to be hated ; the improvements in light artillery which
have produced such wondrous effects, forced the inventor out of
France into a foreign service, from which his improvements at
last forced France to recal him ; and Grimoard, who lives at
this day, was a persecuted man, because he sought to promote
improvements in science, at the head of which were at that
time placed the greatest blockheads, and particularly in the
military art.
Saxe and the Prussian Frederick had employed the great
principles of the oblique movements ; but it was left for the
French revolution to reduce them to the utmost simplicity.
The principle consists in avoiding, wherever practicable,
movements upon the periphery of a circle, of which the centre
is the pivot of a rank : in the ordinary way, if a platoon of 25
men are ordered to wheel upon their right, the line upon which
they stand would forna one side of a rectangle, and the line to
which they have to move would form the other side ; each man
excepting the pivot man, would have to move the fourth part of
a circle, and there would be several circles successively larger
in proportion as the rank extended from the pivot to the left ;
and as the distance moved upon the whole of a circle is to the
diameter as about 3 to 1, so the movement upon the fourth of
the circle must be in the like proportion. The rank being 25
men, gives 75 feet for the front of the rank, and that must
necessarily be the length of a semi-diameter.. ..the order be-
ing given to wheel upon the right, the soldier on the out-
ward or left flank will have to perform his march in the
wheeling on the exterior or periphery of the circle : and this
will be in length more than a right line drann from the centre,
as one half of the circle is to one fourth of the periphery, or at-
MILITARY DISCIPLINE. Vl
50 to 75, he will have to march 75 feet, or 900 inches ; instead
of 50 feet or 600 inches ; but as he must reach that point, it is
necessary he should do so ; the new principles determine that
it must be done in the shortest time, with the least labor, and
therefore by the most direct line ; and so of every man, each
is required to go direct to the position in which he is to form ;
and the shortest line is that which is called the hypothenuse of
a rectangled triangle ; thus every man moves upon a direct line
drawn from the point upon which he stands, to that which he
is to occupy. The operation of the circular wheel 1% shewn in
fig. 1. and the oblique in fig. 2.
pre. 1.
;7 ////////'.''.'-:
Fir. 2
To carry this principle into immediate operation^ the first
drills of the augmentation of front have afforded occasion to
commejnce it, and it remains to give a variety to the exercises.
It must be begun with a single rank, who must be exercised
for a short time in facing to the right and left, at marked time ;
after which the officer must inform them of a method devised
to shorten evojutious ; and that it consists of facing not quite
as far round as in facing to the right or left, but about half
that space, whence it will be called half facing ; that the pur-
pose of it is to place every man in that position, that by
pursuing a straight line from the point on which he stands to
that into which he is to be formed, he may execute the move-
ment more exactly^ directly^ and in less time. lie gives the
word of precaution, and follows it by the movements.
7^ FIRST PRINCIPLES 01
Attention*
Mark time,
Bightface,
Front face,
Right., .Malffa ce .
Front face,
Leftface,
Front face,
Left„„half face.
Front.
§ 2. As soon as this is tolerably well understood and practised,
and that in half facing to the left, the left shoulder of the second
man is in the rear of the right of the first, and they all dress
well half faced.. ..the rank, formed and half faced to the left, will
present this appearance.
ThGy are then fronted and dressed in rank as usual.
To give them a gradual acquaintance with the mode of move-
ment. ...they must be directed to tell off by sections of three,
and receive the words in the following order :
Attention.
Take care to tell off by sections of three.
Tell off,
One^ twOf three. .„oney two, three.,..
Precaution....
The company will now form column, three in front,
FACED to Tn-B, RIOHT (OR ON OBLrqUB LINES.)
The sections will move fro^ rank into column bt
the line of science.
Mark time,
nig1it,„.half face.
mixitJlRY discipline. 73
Xhey should now be formed into rank by quarter facing to
the left.. ..the left hand man of each section as usual facing at the
word left^ and moving into rank at the vfovd..,.. front form ; the
men forming the pivots face to the front, the other two files
feft waiting for the word half face.
Take care to form front upon the left of sec-
tions.
Left.Jialf face.
Front. ,..form„„marcK
§ 3. The same method may be now pursued with sections of
4, and 6, 8, 12, or 20. ...and at length the whole parade may be
made to move up by the line of science j guides of evolution
must be employed in these exercises.
Plate I. represents a company in three positions, with officers
posted; tha two first conform to the old mode, which is still
retained and used when necessary ; the third describes the new-
oblique order, or line of science. This plate and plates 2, 3, 4^
6 and 7, will serve to illustrate the new method of movement.
Fig. 1, plate I- represents the company after having been told
off by the voice, into twenty double files with the officers posted,
the captain on the right, the first lieutenant on the left, and the
second lieutenant and ensign forming the supernumerary rank
in the rear ; the officer of the parade intimates as in § 1, 2, chap.
VII. that the company is to form two sections or half platoons,
of which 1 is the right and 10 the left of the first half platoon ;
11 i3 the right and 20 the left of the second half platoon ; that
the company is to advance by half platoons from the outward
flanks to the front ; and the whole being dressed receive the fol-
lowing wonis, which all lead from the first to the second posi°
lion :
Jitimtion the whole.
The company will take care to advance by hai.>
platoons from the flanks to the front.
Half platoons. .^outward face.
To the front wlieeh,. forward,,. .march
Mark time.
The front rank man on each flank of the rank are the pivots
and do not move on the word outward facc^ the precautionary
word having taught them that as they are to wheel upon the
flanks, they act as pivots.
Fig. 2. plate I. shows the company advanced in columns of
double files in half platoons, and the officers posted on the inner
flanks.
Fig. 3. plate I. represents very distinctly the new method of
formation, by the line of science. To comprehend the inten-
tion of the plate, it must be understood that the men in column
described in outline only, in fig. 3. represent the same men as
those formed in column in fig. 2. and that they are here showB
in the two dispositions the better to exhibit the method of move-
ment from the columns by the oblique line, into the platoon of
double files ; so that the outer ranks on both ends of the figures
2 and 3, constitute the rear rank when in order of platoon.
The old method of wheeling would face the two half platoons
inward : but the new method only quarter fices them, and
moves them by the following words ; which immediately suc-
ceed mark time.
The company will take care to half face in-vyard,
and form front by the oblique movement.*..
Half platoons,,, .inwa7'd,'„.half face:
To the front form„„march,
Mark time,.,.dress,„.ha}t,
^ ^. The plate annexed, No. II. presents the movements of
the company in sections of five, in three dispositions, the two
first corresponding with the principles laid down in chap. VIII
and the cvoltitions by sections wheeling to tlic right by htads
of sections.
MILITARY DISCXPIilXB. 75
Tbe company in fii^. 1. is represented in two ranks, as having
received the following words of command and completed them :
Company, taUe care to advavce to the front by
the right of sections.
TJi€whole.,„mar]i time.
Right face.
The captain is posted on the right, the hrst lieutenant on the
left, the second lieutenant and ensign in the rear or left when
faced ; the right hand man of each section on hearing in the
precaution that the sections are to advance by the right of sec-
tions, will hold themselves as pivots^ and will not face lo the right,
so that as presented in the plate it will he perceived these pivots
keep their position, but they must mark time with all the rest ;
and the captain also retains his front t© command and lead.
Fig. 2. plate II. represents the company in the position it has
taken, upon the execution of the following words immediately
after the preceding.
Reads of sections„.,left.,.»wheel.,,.inarch„.,halL
Here sections are formed and an officer posted on the left of
the leading files of each section, according to the old method;
but the new method requires the leaders of sections to be on
the right.
Fig. 3. plate II. presents the method ol formation by the im-
proved oblique movement, or line of science. Particular atten-
tion paid to this mode of formalion, in one instance, will render
every similar movement easy and faniiliar ; there is no difficulty
in it other than as it differs in form from the operation of
wheeling, but it affects only one file ; thus, as the left hand man
of each file when the company is wheeled into sections upon
their right, belongs to the rear rank when formed in ranks en-
tire, when the quarter facing^ for the oblique movement takes
^ace, these files which belong to the rear rank, must so govern
their facing as to fall into the rear of the man wiio forms their
right in sections and their front in rank.
The company being formed in sections as in the unshaded
lines, fig. 3. is required to form to the front by moving in the
new oblique order, by the following words of command ; the
fiivot meuy or those on the right of each section who belonged
to the front rank, retain their position to the front.
T6 FIRST PRINClPttS Of
Mention.
Take care t® form front by the oBLiquE Movti'-
MENT.
Left,,*. quarter face,
March„„mark tim€„„dress„„1ialt,
§ 5. Plate III. represents the formation of column upon the
centre of platoons. This method is now adopted in the French
system for the movement of lines in advance or retreat, in pre-
ference to that in the regulation of 1791, without however ex-
cluding the latter, whenever a flank formation maybe preferred.
The militnry movements are the same as in the preceding,
the company forms two half platoons by numbers told ; and
instead of being wheeled on the outward flanks, they are now
wheeled upon the inner flank of half platoons, as in § 4^
Chap. IX.
Attention,
The company will take care to form column
upon the centre, by wheeling upon the centre
to the front.
Mark time*
Half platoons. „,in'ward„,. face,
Front wheel,
Mark time.
Fig. 1. represents the company faced inward, all but the cen-
tral or leading section of the column.
Fig. 2. represents the company advanced in column four in
front.
Fig. 3. represents the formation to the front, by the display
of the column according to the new oblique mode of
movement, which is executed by the following words of
cotnmand :
Half platoons„„outward.„,quarterface,
ITpon the centre.„,frontform,,*,march.
Mark time,„,dress.,„haU.
§ 6. Plate IV. represents the company advancing from the
centre of half platoons. This method of movement is very im-
portant ; it has been adopted in the French system, in prefer-
ence to the movements from the flanks, in the formation of
columns of attack, upon the recommendation of general Meu«
MILITARY DISCIPIIXE. 7.;
jiier, and was practised at Rhamanie, in Egypt, by columns ot
very large depth and front, who were separated from front to
rear, and made to form distinct columns upon some occasioni.
The company is as usual told by the voice and in numbers, and
the vyhole company now forms two half platoons, and four quar-
ter platoons or sections, as the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, form the first sec-
tion; 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, the second section ; 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, the
third section ; 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, the fourth section.
It being intended that they should move to the front from the
centre of half platoons, the necessary precaution is given. ...and
the words in the following manner :
•Atteiition.
The company is to advance by sections frok
the centre of half platoons.
The files 5 and 6, 15 and 16, will necessarily be the pivots^
and the whole will be faced so that the left sections of each pla-
toon shall be faced to the right, excepting only the pivot men,
and the right sections face to the left, except the pivot men..,,
they then receive the words as follows, and execute them :
Mark time.
Sections ».»*to the centre of half j)Uitoons.„Anward
face.
To the front,.,. in column„„march,
Mark time,
l^g. 1. plate IV. represents the sections faced to the ce^itre
of half platoons.
Fig. 2. plate IV. represents the half platoons advancing in
two columns of four in front, in which position they are brought;
to mark time.
Fig. 3. plate IV. represents the sections as about to form
front by the new method, that is by quarter facing outivardy all
but the pivot man of the front rank of each section. It will be
perceived that the rear rank men of the company form now the
two interior ranks in file, and the front rank men form the two
exterior ranks, so that the two men who form the actual centre
of each front rank in column, belong to the rear rank in line ;
and they must move accordingly when the rest move obliquely
||78 I^IRST PRINCIPIXS OF
into their posiiions ; this being an outward instead of an inward
diagonal movement ; the follov/ing are the words of command :
Take care to form front by an osLiquE move-
ment.
Upon the centre of half platoons.,, frontfoimi.
Outward,,.Jialf face,
Mafrch„„dress„„halt.
As soon as the drill of double ranks shall have been gone
hrough, and those diagonal movements are well practised, lead-
ing by the oblique movement into every evolution, with the prin-
ciples of pivots and guides ; the men being able to execute
these, are competent to enter into the battalion, and partake in
the enlarged application of these principles ; which may be done
when the battalion is manoeuvred without arms.
The morning drills of those now exercised should be the
manual exercise ; to begin with the firing motions, with a
•wooden stopper for a flint. The first and last motions should
be those of firing.
Firing and taking aim must be a particular exercise. ...and
must be taught with ball and by shooting at a target, at given
distances, so as to find the range of the shot and the level.
The principles laid down being completely executed in suc-
cessive drills, must now be varied every day,nevcr commencing
with the same exercise ; after lyiarking tirne, facing y ivheelin^,
and stefifiing out the firofier length of tivofeet, have become a
habit uniform and correct, and the company capable of perforna-
ing them in double ranks.
The exercises may be varied so as to admit of an infinite
diversity of changes of front, flank, formations of sections,
moving in different dispositions at the same time ; every thing
done by such movements now properly assumes the name of
evolution.
It must be observed with regard to the positions of officers in
ftlatoouf half filatoouy or sectioriy whenever an officer leads either,
that, contrary to the old method, the place of him who com-
mands any of these component parts of battalion, is on the right
and front of his command. Supernumerary subalterns, either
tak^ pQSt on the left or rear.
MILITARY DliSCIPlINE. 79
CHAP. XL
EVOLUTIONS.
1. Evolutions are the movements of a single corps
either for the purpose of taking a new position in order of battle,
or a new order of depth or formation, in the line or on a march.
The purpose of discipline is to teach the method of executing
evolutions in a proper manner ; and it is essential to every
evolution, that it shall be executed upon the best received prin«
ciples, and these are best which effect good order, directness,
precision ; whicl) cover the least space, and occupy the least
time in the operation, without creating any unnecessay fatigue.
All evolutions, though executed by a single corps upon princi-
ples which are confined to itself, must in their design and pur-
pose as well as in their execution, have reference to their con-
nexion and dependence on other corps. Thus one battalion
may form a column in the order of attack, that is an evolution
to form column ; another battalion may at the same instant
throw back a wing or half wing upon a menaced flank, this may
be executed by the evolution of the echellon ; these two evo-
lutions make but one manoeuvre ; and whatever may be the
number of corps which move at the same moment under a
given order, each distinct corps will perform an evolution,
while the whole execute a manoeuvre. But the wings of the
same army may perform different manoeuvres, and in such
cases it has been usual to give to such movements the tiile of
the grand manauvre. These explanations of the terras will
enable us to proceed with more confidence in the knowlege oi
what we are about.
The drills through which we have passed are to be considered
only as the means to acquire a due knowlege of the mechanical
practice of military movements. ...the habit of executing them by
any number of men in the same time and in a proper manner
-,.atid a thorough knowlege of the language used in military
.80 FIRST PRINCIPLES OF
exercises. The instructor who fails to teach the meaning of
the words as well as to put, the men in mo|^on, leavrrs the prin-
cipal part of his duty undone. Every soldier should know the
meaning and use of every step he takes, as well as the sailor
should know the name and use of every rope in a ship.
Evolutions are simple and compound, and in this respect are
often confounded with manoeuvres. A simple evolution is when
a Avhole corps moves in one manner in a direction ordered ; a
compound evolution is when a corps moves to one point by two
different forms of evolution.
All evolutions are to be performed by at least two ranks, or
files two deep ; and they should be practised in three and four
deep. The principles being the same, the only difference con-
sists in the manner of forming the ranks of more than two
deep ; which cannet be difficult when the principles in this work
are well understood.
The simplest evolutions, and those of the greatest use and
variety, and which afford the greatest facilities for manoeuvre
and change of front, flank, or position, are the echellons. By
these columns are formed or reduced, wings are advanced or
thrown back, new alignments taken up, countermarches exe-
cuted, and an enemy deceived both as to the number of the
force, and the purposes proposed by particular movements, as
they afford the facilities of support without disorder, at any re-
quired point.
Next to the echellon, the column, which affords a like variety
to the formation and reduction, or the display of whieh the
principle of the echellon is an excellent auxiliary and introduc-
tion.
To accustom men to move in every required manner, (and
there is no poss?.ble manner in which it may not be required to
move,) the movements in echellons should assume every possi-
ble variety... .they should commence with the direct or perpen-
dicular echellons ; and the echellons formed, should be marched,
faced to the left, so that the left of platoons should be the front,
faced to the right about, so as to give the opposite direction....
wheeled upon the right and left so as to present different fronts
....the wing that was thrown back advanced. ...and both wings
advanced, the centre thrown back, ...and t^c conlrary....wedge8
MIXITAHY DISCIPLINE. fii
and sheers of the ancients are thus formed. ...crosses, squarcsy
of the niodern form. ...and the practice should go to teach pla*
toons to take different directions, and while retaining each pla-
toon complete, the order of the whole should be restored, by
a general command to form lint, column or echcllon, on a
given platoon. ...so that each officer with a platoon should then
take the command, and march it to his position in the most
direct and best military manner.
Another exercise of the evolution drill should be to teack the
platoons to disperse as if thrown into disorder, and to rally at a
signal. ...a course of exercise of the greatest importance, but
which no system has touched upon as elementary.
The elementary discipline being confined to the acquisition
of those principles which go into the movements of the batta-
lion, should be the same throughout the largest armies ; a
perfect method of unfolding and countermarching corps, the
flexibility of evolution, the udoption at ever/ instant of that
evolution which is best adapted to the ground upon which the
operations are made ; ease and celerity in passing the obstacles
with which the ground may fee incumbored, or the attack to be
made or resisted. ...are the objects to be familiarly attained. If
an officer feels k want of a due knowlege of these principlesj
and every one who has not had experience must, the necessity
of beginning well and going through with the elementary
principles, and acquiring them with earnest assiduity, will be
obvious.
To discriminate between the two classes of commands, those
in battalion given by the superior officer are expressed by
SMALL CAPITALS. ...these words must b.e understood as repeated
by each company officer, and followed by those commands
which arG necessary to their execution by each company, and
are expressed in Italic letters.
It now remains to render familiar the different modes of
changing front ; the use of guides of evolution, in determining
with accuracy the new line of formation by echellon....ihe for-
mation and display of the column. ...and the most improved me-
thods of forming and reducing columns of attack, with one or
more Jines, and the method of retreat in order of battle
M
9d riRST PKINCIPXES OF
§ 2. ECHELLONS.
The perpendicular or direct echellon, is described in Chap.
VIII. § 3 ; and the half wheels in Chap. VIII. § 7, describe the
c'chellons of the oblique order.
The following is an example of the perpendicular echellon
with the centre platoon advanced, and the wings thrown back ;
this may be accomplished, by either of the following words of
command, supposing the battalion to be paraded.
The battalion will form echellons of platoons,
the centre advanced.
March.
Centre platoon—forvjord march.
[^Each platoon advances a number of paces equal to the front
of all the platoons on its flanks.']
Or a line being formed, it is required that they assume the
disposition without moving the centre platoon.
The battalion will form echellons on the centre
platoon... .wings thrown back.
Centre platoon — stand fast.
Flank platoons — right about face — march,
[All the platoons luill tkrov) their guides to the points ^hich
they are to occupy and move to them at marktd time.1
. ^
1 he echcUona aL c, e, bhcw the movement ordered ; the pla-
toons a, a, a, shew the right wing as wheeled or marched : heads
of platoons and faced in cc4iclIons to the right.
MILITARY DISCIPXINE. ^3
The first of thes3 dispositions enables the officer to advance
or hold back either wing.. ..thus, if he chooses to advance the
left wing, he will execute it by these words.. ..and it will display
the following position.
Take care to advance the left wing in echellons
UPON THE centre.
March.
Left platoon,., forvoard.
The principle of the echellon may be applied, as well to
throw back a wing, as to form upon any given platoon. The
application of the principle is all that is required in an elemen-
tary work.
As soon as an order is given for a formation out of the line then
occupied, the business of the guides is to take their positions on
the points upon which each platoon must rest in the line moved
upon, and facing in the direction to which the new front is to be
made, remain there until the sections or platoons are about to
occupy their ground, when the guides should face to the pivot
flank, and each platoon should dress by the shoulder of the
guide or pivot on its right.
This principle may be gradually extended to larger sections
but not until the manoeuvres begin to be formed in double
ranks ; because then the guide taken from the front rank does
not leave any interval, as the rear rank man always steps into
his place, and falls into his own when the guide resumes it.
A battalion drawn up in close order is required to take a
new alignment, by advancing the right wing sixty paces on a
platoon named. ..the officers ar» all at their stations ; the ser
jeants on the right and left of each company ; the serjeant on
the right of the rear rank is the covering serjeant of the platoon
8* riRST P11INCIPI.ES OY
officer of each flank, and performs the function o\ guide or pivot,,
according as the rie^ht or left advances ; in the present move-
ment the Serjeant on the right is the guide of the right, the
Serjeant on the left is the pivot.
^ As soon as the battalion is formed, the word mark tiine ceases
as a general word of command, but the action of marking time
commences with the first word of con^mand for movement,
and must continue until the word halt is given ; the captains
will see that it be strictly performed.
The order of comrnand corresponding with attention in the
drill, ii usually a ruffie of the drum^ by an orderly drummer who
atfends the commanding officer.. ..these and similar directions
will be given in a smaller letter.
kufflc-.C/or attentiron.J
Battalion take care to form a new alignment, by
advancing the right flank sixty paces in front
....movement by echellqns of platoons on the
third platoon from the left,
Guides to your posts.
Jlfari time.
The major or adjutant on the right moves to the 60th pace
and faces to the left : the adjutant or serjeant major, on the
left, proceeds to the forming point of the battalion, and faces to
the right : and the serjcants from each company step out briskly
and dress in a line with the major and adjutant, and then all facing
to the third platoon from the left, which is now the wheeling or
forming point ; in the following diagram, the original line is mark-
ed by a horizontal line of points ; the platoons are wheeled from
the line upon their left int© echcllon ; the two platoons on the
left, upon the word march, come to the right about, and move
to the new alignment which is thrown back fiom their first line;
the platoons on the right at the same time move to the front,
where their guides are posted on the new line, which is described
by flags on its : xtrcmes ; they remain in this position so that
each company shall move up to its own guide : but the compa-
nies continue to mark tin»e fiom the moment the guides step out,
and they wait for the word of execution. ...which will be cither
FORWARD; or March.
Zeft ouarter fi'heeL
$5
\ '• \ \ <»*'
t-
/
The annexed plate V. is from the French system, plate XX.
and represents two operations in which accuracy of formation
is assured by guides. Fig. 1. in the upper division, represents
a battalion about to advance a required distance in line, direct ;
to preserve its parallelism, three guides are thrown into the
rear ©f the centre, perpendicular to the line of the battalion,
who dress by the colors, and by a tree which is in front of the
line y. The three guides, i, a, d, in the rear, are to preserve the
perpendicular movement of the centre, and two on the flanks
dress by the centre, where the colors are ; the major, adjutant,
and serjeant-major, aid in correcting the movements of the
guides ; the major places himself at k, and a guide takes a posi-
tion in front of the colors, and facing round to the battalion
marks the direction with the colors and the three dressed guides
in the rear ; as the battalion advances, two or three guides in
front advance successively, and facing to the battalion, dress, so
that as the rank approaches a guide, that guide hastens to the
front, an.d takes a position twenty, forty, or fifty paces beyond
that which is farthest ; e represents the serjeant-major attend-
ing to the dressing of the line ; i the adjutant on horseback f
//are the guides which dress with the colors.
Fig. 2. the advance of the same battalion presents it as about
to advance the left wing ; / and g represent where are posted
the major and adjutant as the flank guides, dressed with the
83 FIRST PaiftfCIPlBS OP
colors, the moving guides having resumed tlieir posts on the
flanks of the battalion... .the movement now required is to ad-
vance the left wing upon a new alignment. The right there,
fore is now the /livot flank, and the guides ef platoon are thrown
forward from the left of platoons : as soon as the word is given,
to advance the left in line, the a(!jutant gallops to the point that
advances, and faces towards the right, the major on the right
faces towards the adjutant on the left, the guides of platoons
move out and dress by the major and adjutant, facing to the
pivoi flank which is now the right, and the whole move into
Jine as before.
In the lower division of this plate is Fig. 3. which is from
plate XXII. of the French system. The principle of the move-
ment by the guides is here the same. Fig. \, dis the first po-
sition. Fig. 2, shews an advance of the left wing, as in the pre-
ceding figures, c and g- shew the guides, and i and g the guides
in the oblique alignment, / the position of the major.... ^ shews
the serjeant-major dressing the line..../ the adjutant directing
the movement in front into the new alignment.. ..c is a line pa-
rallel to the second movement or oblique line.
§ 3. The plate No. VI. exhibits the application of the line of
science to several useful purposes, that is what is denominatecl
the loose order of movement ; which instead of wheeling ranks,
quarter faces the files, moving either in Jile or line or column.
Fig. 1, Plat© VI. represents a company in the order of three
deep faced to the right and wheeling by the head of the platoon
to the left. The guide leads at c, the captain on the wheeling
side at A, an officer at c directs the perpendicular line of the
right. The officers and sub-officers are at their stations on the
right of the column, the captain occasionally at their head.
Having reached a point at which they must wheel to the left,
they receive the command, and the officer at c directs the wheel-
ing. Having half wheeled to the left, and reached a further
point, they are wheeled into platoon in the loose order instead of
ranks of files at fig. 2.
Fig. 3, Plate VI. represents the platoon moving from a to a, in
column or head ot platoon in front ; the dotted lines on the rear
shew the original position of the column ; the darkened figures,
the men formed by a half face to the left.. ..the guide at the head
MILITARY DISCIPLINE. S7
of the column pursues the line marked for him ; the new line
perpendicular to the left of the old, is formed by the movements
of the single files, not directly after the guide but on oblique line^
to the left. The officers and covering rank are on the right of
the movement, as that side is the rear ; they are seen in the rear
of the new line.
The arrow in the plate is reversexl, but it way serve to shew
that the movement may be made in that direction also.
§ 4. THE COLUMN OF ATTACK.
The column contains the great secret of modern tactics^ it
is the most certain lever in the hands of a skilful (;fiiccr....its
advantages are found in its comprehending a large number
in a small compass, for various ends ; first, in order to be
displayed upon any required point at the moment that it may
be most effective. Second, that it deceives an enemy as to
your force and intention, an example of which was seen in the
battle of Jena. Third, that the evolutions of a close column
executed upon ground of small extent, are less liable to error
and better adapted to correct faults, than any other disposition.
Fourth, they render the movements of an army simple and
easy. Fifth, that there be an equal column in reserve^ at sus-
(ai7iing distance.
Columns of attack with the bayonet may be composed of
battalions of 500, 800, or 1000 men ; and two or more of these
columns may form a common front in column, or they may be
displayed into several columns in echellon to a centre column
advanced or to a flank column ; or so disposed that two flank
columns sustaining one, may advance upon the charge of the
advanced column and display upon the flank of an enemy.
It is to be understood that the use of the column for action, is
now preferred by a formation on the centre ; although forming
the column upon a flank platoon or battalion, is not laid aside,
because the position of the enemy may render a flank the most
proper ; but as a general rule, wherever there is a choice to be
made, the column should always be formed on the centre, and
reduced by the flanks.
The dispositions of the column, as laid down in Steuben's tract,
are known ; the principles are the same, and the only variation
is in the application of guides^ the quick fiace as the only pace
88 MBST pitiNCii^Es or
for mov«mcnt ; forming column at slow march is well enough
for a funeral but never for service ; and in order to escape the
derision of men of experience, it should not be permitted on any
occasion. No man who enters into the spirit of military disci-
pline will suffer it.
The elementary exercises of the column should begin with
the company, divided into half platoons and sections or fourths
of platoons.
The company being drawn up as usual, in the usual order,
receives the
Rufflc-ffor attention. J
Take cake to form column in open order upon the
right half platoon, right in front.
Left half platoon — right face.
Right quarter face — march.
Front face — halt.
The same movement by quarter platoons formed on the left.
Take care to form column of quarter platoons...
LEFT IN front.
Ruffie — ffor a caution. J
Mark time.
Right tections — left face.
March.
Left quarter fuce—tnardi.
Front — halt.
§ 5. After a front line has given a certain quantity of fire ; or
that an impre&sion has been premeditatedly made by the tirail-
leurs or riflemen in front, to cover the movement of the second
line as a fresh corps, to bring them to the charge of bayonet,
tbe following will convey an idea of tlie two operations advanc-
ing and retreating in column by the centre of battalions.
First line, centre half platoons thrown back.
Sbcond line advancing in columns formed upon the centre.
MILITARY DISCKPLINE, 89
-
The retreating line acts differently from the advancing- : for
the same reason that the echequier of platoons is exploded,
and as a retreat adnpits of no los« of time in formation, when the
first line indicates by a movement on its right or left the purpose
to retreat ; the second line will immediately form columns on
the centre of battalions ; meanwhile the first line retires in per-
fect order, and when it reaches the second line now formed in
columns, the first line throws back the two central half platoons
of each battalion in order to pass the columns, the first line is now
to become the second, and assumes a front towards the enemy,
forms columns to that front, and is ready to support the second
now in the position of the first.
The second line being in column when the first moved
through the centre, will act as ordered ; it will cither reduce
the column and display the line, or it will advance in column
and display, as may be ordered ; the dispositions to the eye in
this case are apparently similar ; the difference consists in this,
that in retreat, the moving line preserves that order and passes
with'only throwing back two half platoons, while the posted
second line forms column on its position.
On the other hand, in the advapce, the second line forms and
moves in column to the front and through the centre of the bat-
talion of the first line^ which remain displayed in line only
with its two central half platoons thrown back to admit the
passage of the second line in column.. ..the following fig;ure
exhibits the retreating first lin^ :
^0 riRSt 1*A1NCIPLB8 01
ia
The passage of lines, by alternate platoons, which Is laid
clown in the French regulations of 1791, and adopted from
thence by the English, has been superceded, in the French
system, wherever the movement is in the face of an enemy.
The exceptions to the old method are these : the line retiring, if
in retreat, is too much broken ; and the single company is not
sufficiently strong to sustain a sudden attack ; the second line
in like manner loses its compactness, which is essential to
repel the charge by being open at several points to admit the
passage of alternate companies ; the movements cannot be
made in good order when in such small bodies and under so
many detached commands, and the loss of a platoon or even an
officer of one of these detached parts, may endanger the whole.
The method adopted obviates all these objections ; instead of
echequier of companies, that formation is now coniii^.ed to bodies
not less than a battalion ; that is several battalions each main-
taining its Una of front, either in line or column, may move in
echequier, but no such movement, except for disciplinary exer
cise, must be made of any body less than a battalion.
The movement of a battalion advancing in a line, or retiring
through a second line, is by column of platoons formed on the
centre of the battalion ; that is the two central half platoons
form the head of the column, whether it be a second line ad-
vancing, from the rear of the front line posted, to charge bayonet,
or retiring through the first line to take a new position 200 yards
in the rear of the first line.
These principles being understood, it remains only to sup-
pose several battalions formed in line of battle.
§ 6. These ©perations apply to the largest bodies ; plate VII.
annexed, from the Military Library, exhiibits the formation of a
MILITARY DISCIPLINE. &1
column of eight battalions, of two platoons in front ; formed
ppon the fourth battalion.
The seventh plate is given (thongh it properly belongs to the
evolutions of the line") with a view to illustrate the various appli-
cations on the largest scale of numbers, to the same principles
developed in the exercises of a company. This plate represents
a line of eight battalions. It is required to form the whole into
a single column, right in front, \vith a view to such a movenvent
as was made hy the king of Prussia at Ro^dac/i and Koli?i ; the
object in view by the miOvement,andthe ground, determines the
formation to be on tjie second half wing of the fourth battalion.
The extent of ground covered by such a body, determines the
mode of movement. The oi der is issued through an aid to the
commander of each battalion on the right and left, which desig-
nates t\\Q front they are to preserve, and the battalion on which
they are^o form ; the officers on the left know they must pro-
ceed to the right, and in an obiique direction to the rear of the
fixed battalion, they calculate the depth of the column and the
angle it forms with their then line, and half wheeling their
quarter battalions on the right, face to the right, and march as
is seen on the left division of the line. The right battalions
also throv/- their quarter battalion* into echellon, by a wheel on
their right and face to tb.e left.
The guides posted in a line betwcee the two trees, determine
the prolongation ef the column. Manoeuvres of this kind are
intended to prepare for new dispositions. ...or for a nciarch.
In this plate the eight battalions are in line, and the order i^
^iven to form column two platoons in front; the right battalion
to lead.
The officer in command issues the following order, which is
taken down in writing by an aid for the right, and by another
for the left, who proceed rapidly, and deliver the order to each
commander of battalion.
The line will form column, upon the third anp
FOURTH platoons OF THE FOURTH BATTALION.
The trees in front and rear serve as guides of alignment or
formation of the column ; and the commanders of battalions, as
fast as they receive the order, throw their several battalions into
the disposition best adapted to reach the point upon wh^ch they
must form in the shortest time^
92 riKST PKINCIPLES Oi
The officer of the battalion repeats the order, aud follows ii,
thus....
Tie battalion — left face.
By double platoons — to the right incline.
Foruard-'-marcb.
Each battalion to the right pursues the same course, only
making its route to the right of the preceding battalion.
The battalions on the left face to the right, and pursue a cor-
responding course to the rear of the fourth platoon ; the proper
officers attending to the directness of the movement and the
cbrrectness of the formation,
§ 7. THE RALLY.
No system of discipline has laid down a method of accustom-
ing troops to retrieve the disorder of a sudden charge, or to rally
after being broken. The occasion occurs in almost every close
action, but no elementary instruction has made the occurrence
familiar....The following method is the result of a very success-
ful drill practice by the author.
After the company has acquired the habit of being moved in
cchellon with some dexterity, move the several sections, say of
8 or 12 files, in single rank, in different directions, wheel one
to the rig/it, face another to the right, ivheel a third to the left,
quarter ivheel a fourth, bring a fifth to the rightabout, and march
them so that they shall all be in apparent disorder.. ..then select
a section, say the third, and give the word :
The whole. ...take care to form columx on th«
THIRD section.
[Care then is taken to move the third section to the front required^ and
each leader of section moves his oiun section up t» its proper place in
front or rear of the third section.'}
To rally, when the ranks are broken, pursue the same course,
always apprising them that at a certain beat of the drum they
must rally, when the sections are all thrown into the different
directions as above.. ..beat a retreat and give the word disjierse^
the ranks break, and while retiring to their quarters, the rally Is
beaten... .the platoon or section leader should previously arrange
some signal to be known to the men of his section, a handker-
chief or the like, to which they should rally.
Afi soon as the drum beats the rally, the leaders of sections
or platoons should place themselves so as to display their sig-
nals, and each section vyrould then fall in, the w hole facing upon
hie first man posted by the officer, in whatever direction formed :
MILLTAHY DISCIPLINK. 9o
and as soon j^s formed in section, they should move so as to
form column in the same way as in the preceding movements.
This may be diversified greatly to the pleasure of the soldiers,
and military men will discern the utility of the habit thus ac-
quired Whenever troops are brought to action.
§ 8. FORMING COMPANY.
In § 1, of Chap. IX. the mode of forming by a wheel
outward of double files is described. The present purpose
is to describe the formation of a company with its officers of
both kinds attached, in the order in which they must go into
the battalion.
The order of two or three in depth makes no difference as to
the positions of any of the officers. The following general rule
should be constantly observed.
Wh;atever may be the position of the company in line or in
column, the captain should be posted at ail times on the right,
or at the head of his company ; and even when the left may be
in front, the capiain should still keep his position on the right of
the advanced front.. ..The motive for placing the captain and
other commissioned officers on the left flank of the company or
platoon, was because the ordination made the left the pivot un-
der the ancient discipline, and the captain acted as the guide in
those formations which are now performed by pivots and guides
of platoon.... But these modern and useful contrivances leave the
captain and other platoon officers free from othjer duties, and
they always will have ample employment beside; on the march,
in manoeuvre, and in action.
The corporals are comprehended in the rank and file, and
there should be one on each flank of the front rank, the other
two itiay be on the right and left of the half companies or half
platoons ; or on the left of the rear rank.
The company drawn up, ranked and sized, sliould, before any
movement with the battalion, be to'd off, and distributed in equal
portions for manoeuvre, the half company or half platoon,
Should be subdivided each into two parts or sections, so that each
company shall have eight established equal parts.
The company in close order, will then be placed in this posi-
tion, the strong lines represent the front of the ranks,
A a a A
A I I r -| 1 I r— I A
a
94 FIRST PRINCIPLES OF
The captain on the right, covered by an expert Serjeant in
the rear rank.
The first lieutenant on the left flank of the front rank covered
by an expert Serjeant in the rear rank.
The second lieutenant and ensign in a supernumerary rank
at three paces from the rear rank, a Serjeant on their right and
left in the same rank, the four at equal distance from each other.
Where the subalterns are more or less in number they must be
distributed equally.
The men will stand in rank so that on bending the elbow on
either side they each touch the man on that side ; the space
each man usually occupies in front is 22 inches, 2 inches are
allowed for the ease of movement; so that the front of each
file is equal to one military pace of 24 inches.
In the depth of the ranks in close order, the heel of the front
rank man stands two feet from the toe of the next rank, so that
taking the depth of the man to be 1 6 inches, and his knapsack 6
inches, the single man will occupy exactly 22 inches in depth
with the allowance of two inches for movement. So that a
single man in military order may be computed as occupying two
feet square.
In open order the ranks will stand two paces apart more than
in close order ; and the officers will be posted as annexed :
13 A
a a a a
The ranks may, for inspection or other purposes, take open
order at four or more paces distant, at command.
The supernumerary rank four paces in the rear of the com-
pany in close order, is for the purpose of keeping the rear
ranks well dressed ; and to render assistance of various kinds
in action. When marching in close colun^n this supernume-
rary rank, if there be not room on the flanks of its own com-
pany in the column, continues in the rear, but closed up to the
same distance as other ranks. The Serjeants of the rear rank
in open order must attend to the dressing of that rank and move
on the rear if necessary
§ 9. THE BATTALION.
The ordination of the distribution of companies in the battalion
rn the generality of systems, present^ such absurdities as could
IdlLlTA^^ DISCIPLINE. 95
hardly be expected from reasonable men. The prevailing rfotion
that governs the distribution of companies, is an imaginary im-
portance ^attached to the position of a company, deduced from
the analogy of the position of battalions in the line of battle. But
that may be real and infiportant in relaiion to the distribution
of battalions or colunins, which cannot be of any moment in
the position of companies either in line or column ; simplicity
should therefore supercede trifling vagaries.
The order of distribution of companies should be by a fixed^
simple and rational rule ; that of numbering from right to left,
and the battalion consisting of eight platoons, tlic 1, 2, 3, 4,
should form the right wing or half battalion. The 5, 6, 7, 8?
the left ; or if there must be a variation from the simple order,
let it be 1, 3, 5, 7, right wing; 2,4, 6, 8, the left wing. The
companies here shall be placed in a numerical order : and the
following is the ordination of the battalion with its staff. To
avoid confusion by a multitude of arbitrary characters, it is only
necessary to state here that the order cf every company in a
battalion in close order, conforms to the preceding view of the
company ; and so in open order every company presents its
officers, commissioned and non-commissioned, in the same
positions as in open order of company ; so that the views of tho
battalion to be here given exhibit only the positions of the regi-
mental staff, music, pioneers, in close and open order.
BATTALION IN CLOSE ORDER.
, , . Pioneers.
. . . Staff.
DrumsOoOoOo D D D D
n Lt.Col. 1st D MajoK
D Colonel,
n 2d Major.
BATTALION IN OPEN ORDER.
Adjt, D n Serjt. Major.
1-t. Col. Q fffi n l8t Major.
D Colonel.
n SdMaior
^^ FIRST PfilXCIPXES Ot
The artificers which should be attached to every regiment^
march in fiont when there is one corps only in column ; when
the battalion is in close order for exercise or line of battle, they
arc in the rear, together with the subaltern staff, as paymaster,
surgeon, quarter master, &c. ; when the battalion parades in
open order for inspection, the musicians are all formed on the
right, or in two divisions on the right and left of the battalion ;
in this order the pioneers parade still farther on the right of the
n^iusic ; if the music is all on the right, the pioneers parade on
the left.
The platooT) officers are paraded four paces in front of their
companies when in open order : as shewn in the company.
The colonel, when there is only his own regiment, takes post
in front equal to the length of a wing from the centre ; if more
than his own and the order is line of battle, his position is twenty
paces in the rear of the centre, the lieutenant colonel ten paces
fro«i the centre of the rear of the right wing ; the first major the
same distance from the centre of the left ; the secohd major,
adjutant, paymaster, surgeon, and mates, with the colonel. The
colonel may require the lieutenant colonel to remain with him,
and the majors to take charge of the battalions.
The battalion in close order for field exercise ; the colonel in
front, the lieutenant colonel ten paces from the right and in front
of the right wing, the major ten paces from the left. The ad-
jutant as aid to the colonel ; the serjeant major in the rear.
The colors on the right of the second wing in close order ; at
open order advanced in a line with the platoon officers four paces
in front. The colors to be carried by two ensigns or on a march
by four, who relieve each other, and who form the guard of the
colors, with four of the most respectable senior Serjeants of com-
panies ; the four ensigns form a rank with a serjeant on each
side, and are covered by the other scrjcants in the rear rank.
In open order the non-commissioned qfficers occupy the front
rank with arms advanced.
In column the colonel leads the first wing or battalion ; the
lieutenant colonel the second ; the major in the rear, with the
regimental staff; the adjutant and serjeant major on the flanks.
These dispositions are generally conformable to usage ; ex-
.cepting that the commander of platoon or company must at all
time^ be on the right, whether the left of the column or the
j'ight in front,
MILITARY DISCIPIIN?. 97
CHAP. xn.
THE MJl^UAL EXERCISE.
§ i. Jb OR several years the iDost important object of military
discipline was suppoi^ed to consist in the performance of certain
unmeaning and frivolous motions with the firelock in the hands,
which was called the Manual Exercise on that account. During
the last ten years this dangerous error has been in a great measure
corrected in the general judgment, and it is now perceived and
acknowleged, that beside the acquisition of exactness in the hand-
ling of the firelock, and loading and firing correctly, and with
skill. ...the knowlege of the different parts of the firelock... .the
name of each part and its use ; every thing else of the manual
exercise is superfluous, or at best ornamental for parades only.
The manual exercise properly consists of two parts ; a manual
of discipline, and a manual of parade.
In the manual of discipline should be comprehended all the
motions that arc required under all circumstances in the use of
the firelock for action. The second part would comprehend the
first, together with all those motions which are necessary for a
parade, for guard, for marching, for convenience, or for show.
The only effectual parts of the manual, are those which go
into action, they are the priming, loading and firing, the fixing
and charging of bayonets, and the manner of carrying the fire-
lock ; all other motions are motions o^ convenience, and therefore
proper to be observed. ...or motions oi fiarade or respect, which
may be preserved or rejected without disadvantage. Among the
motions of convenience are the slofie, trails advanccy su/ifiortj the
secure and the stackmg orjiling of arms ; motions have been in
use which are improper, such as grounding arms. It is strictly
in the spirit of good discipline, not to accustom men to any
motions which convey humiliating ideas ; an American citizen
must disdain submission to any invader. The laying down arms
being the last act pf subjection of a vanquished army, and like
passing under the yoke among the ancients, has been banished,
from our exercise.
Independent of the policy, there is also utility in rejecting the
motions of grounding apd taking up firelocks. On service in the
fi'eW jt J") never proper nor useful... .gn duty as ceminels, it is not
yS FIRST PRINCIPLES OF
admissible ; and as a matter of prudence and economy,it ought not
to be suffered. Iron acquires rust very rapidly in every part of our
country. Laying the firelock on the moist earth or grass, is
therefore destructive to arms and to ammunition. The stacking
of arms by two contiguous files in the order of two deep, or in
the order of three deep, is now the mode adopted ; stacking the
firelocks of the three is easy, by facing the centre rank to the
right, and stepping w ith the left foot six inches backward ; and
the front rank coming to the right about ; the firelocks stand in
regular order : they are secured fi om moisture, and are easily
resumed by the members on returning into the ranks.
§ 2. FIRST DRILL OF THE MANUAL.
The drill of the manual should comprehend all that is practi-
cal in the motions made in actual priming and loading, and Uie
carriage of the firelock in battalion ; and afterwards all that is
merely ornamental. The preliminary drill with the fij clock
should commence v/ith the priming and loading.
The soldier having taken his place in the rank for drill with
ordered arms, the precaution is given :
Attention /
The soldier stands firm, his eyes to the front, his left hand
down by his side, not constrained but straight ; his right hand
fingers on front of the firelock, the but of which is close to his
right foot and dressed with it ; the barrel rests against the right
shoulder, the thumb of the right hand behmd the barrel, the
arm a little bent.. ..and the following motions are executed io the
manner described :
1. Recover arms.
3. Open pan.
S. Handle cartridge.
4. Prime.
5. Shut pan.
G, Load.
7. Brarv ramrod.
8. Ram doivn.
9. Return ramrod.
10. Make ready.
11. Aim.
12. Fire.
13. Half cock.
1*. Shoulder arms.
15. Shut pan.
16. Order arms^
MIXITAHY DISCIPLIICB- 99
EXPLANATIONS.
Recoveb ARMS-.-riyo motions.. .A. The right arm, which
was somewhat bent, is straightened, and the firelock is seized as
low down as is practicable without stooping. 2. The firelock
is brought briskly up, perpendicular in front of the right arnn,
so that the left hand catches the stock at the swell, the right
hand holds the handle or small of the stock, the ramrod to the
front.
Open pan.... Three motions.... 1 . The firelock is now lowered to
the /zorr or priming position, the piece resting on the left hand,
the butt thrown by the right side, so that it rests about the hip,
with the person of the soldier half faced to the right. The
muzzles of the rank of the same elevation will all range to the
front ; on about a level with the top of the head. 2. As the fire-
lock is brought to the slope, the right footis raised, and the body
gently half faced to the right. 3. The hammer is thrown open
with the thumb of the right hand.
Handle C ARTRiDGE....rwo motiojis.... I . The right band opens
the cartridge box, seizes the cartridge, shuts the case of the
cartridge box. 2. Bite the top of the cartridge off.
Prime. ...rwo motions. ...\. Pour the priming into the pan.
2. Bring the two latter fingers of the hand before the hammer.
Shut pan..../71'9 motions. ...\. With the cartridge between the
two fore fingers and thumb, the pan is shut by the third and fourth
fingers hooked. 2. The but is then sulfercd to sink gently
through the left hand to the front, so that when it reaches the
ground the but shall rest on the ground opposite the toe of the
left foot, and the muzzle sloped so as to stand in front of the
right breast 10 inches from the body.
LoAD....on...l. The rammer is agai'n
briskly raised eight inches or a foot with the thumb and two fin-
gers, and as before seized with the reversed hand, drawn out,
and turned. 2. The ramrod is returned to its place with a
pressure of the palm of the hand ; the body still retaining its
half faced positions.
Make ready.... T'wo motions. ...\, The firelock is now brought
up to the same position as on the word recover arms ; the left
hand holding the firelock perpendicular opposite the left eye ;
the right hand holds the but at xXyq grasp. 2. The firelock is
cocked with the thumb of the right hand.
Aim.... Two viotions.,.. 1 . The firelock held by the right hand is
now thrown gently into a hoiizontal position to the front, and
caught on the palm of the left hand which is easily extended
with an elbow slightly bent to the front ; the sole of the but i^
placed against the right shoulder. 2. The right foot is thrown
back about six inches, and the left eye being shut the right eye
glances along the barrel.
Fire.... T'wo motions.,.A» The fore finger of the right hand
pulls the tricker ; and, 2. as soon as the fire is made, the iirelock
is again brought to the fiort or priming position ; or the word
recover arms is given when firing has ceased ; and it is followed
in either case by
[The use of the second finger at the tricker is recommended
where the structure of the hand will allow it ; the fore finger
will then be placed before the guard of the tricker and the
middle finger within ; this method prevents any jarring of the
firelock in the act of firing.]
Half CooK..,.Owe motion, ..If this be done as preparatory to
firing, it is done in the priming position, sloped to the front by
seizing the cock with the fore fingers and thumb of the righ^
hand; if it follows the recover^ then it is followed by Shoulder
arms ; but if the firing continues, then the position half faced to
the right is retained, and priming and loading goes on in that
position. When the firing is closed, then
Shoulder arms. .../our motions„..\. The left hand, which
held the firelock with the arm a little bent below,i8 now carried
as low down as possible without bending the body. 2, The fire-
lock is brought up to the stioulder st) that the left hand shall wit'i
>lIIiITARY DISCIPLINE. lOjL
the back in front be as high as the eyes. 3. The right hand
crosses the body at the same instant, and holds the but at the
grasp under the lock, and the left hand quitting its hold, is
brought down open and flat, and tells upon the but, the thurob
to the front, the sole of the but lying well on the half palm and
inner joint of the fingers forming a hollow in the hand, upon
which it rests so that the barrel shall be perpendicular. 4. The
body fronts as the firelock reaches the shoulder.
Shut Vk^... .Three motions.., A. Tlie firelock being at the
shoulder, the right hand open is carried across the breast.
2. The pan is shut with the palm. 3. The hand brought again
to the right side.
Order AB.Tsis...,Three motions. ..A. The firelock held on the
left hand with an elbow somewhat bent, not so much as to place
the but too low, is now lowered the whole length of the left
arm. 2. The right hand seizes the firelock aboVe the lock. 3.
Brings it across the body, to the right side, where it is suffered
to slide perpendicular to the first position on the outside of the
right foQt.
§ 3. MANUAL OF PARADE.
The soldier reaches parade with his arms trailed or sloped ;
and on falling in he comes to an order at ease without word of
command. On the beat of the drum as a preparative, or com-
mand of the officer. ...ar/en/fon, the ranks dress to the right or
left as required. The officer then gives the precaution.
Take care to perform the manual exercise oe
PARADE.
1, Fix bayonets.
In this motion, the firelock is seized with the left hand, about
the upper band, and without moving the but from the side of the
right foot, is thrown easily in front of the body in a sloping po-
sition ; the right hand is carried at the same moment between
the firelock and the body to the bayonet, which is seized and
fixed briskly on the firelock, which is then brought into the
position of the order.
2. Prime and load.
This comprehends the ten first motions' in the first drill of*
the manual ; here it is executed at one word of command, the
motions are....l. recover from the order.. ..2. open pan. ...3. han-
dle cartridge... .4. prime. ...5. shut pan. ...6. load. ...7. draw rani:^
i'0d....8, ram cartridge.. t..9. return ramrod.. ..10. make ready.
lOi! iriRST nilNCIPLES 01
3. Make ready*
4. Take aim,
5. Fire.
6. Half cock.
7. Charge hayoneL
8. Prime and load.
9. Present arms.
10. Advance arms.
11. Order arms.
12. Handle arms.
13. Un^o? bayonet,
14. Trail arms.
15. Shoulder ai'ms.
16. Support arms.
17. Carinjarms,
18. Secure arms.
19. Shouldei* arms.
20. Slope arm^.
The manual of parade consists of twenty words of command,
In the strict order of duty ia action, beside the firing motions of
the first drill ; the eighth is the precautionary load after a suc-
cessful charge, and the enemy has been defeated ; and the ad-
vance a motion of ease, on resuming the order of parade after
action ; the ninth, the salute to the commanding ofBcer after
victory ; and the trail and order, the movements of ease and rest
after action.
Here the repeated shouldering, the groundings and taking ufi,
are all omitted ; and no motion is repeated but the priming and
loading motions, which cannot be too often or dextrously per-
formed.
The manual of discipline should comprehend all these mo-
lions, and convey plain ideas of the duties to be performed.—.
The disciplinary and parade manual then might begin with the
motions indicative of this principle, as fixing bayonet, and prim-
inp and loading.
There remains but to explain the motions of the manual of
parade and discipline not before described.
EXPLANATIONS.
Fix bayonet. ...This operation is performed in two modes, at
the right and at the left side. At the right side, it is performed
at the order, by drawing the bayonet from the scabbard and fix-
ing it on with the right hand, and letting the firelock remain at
the order. ^This is the shortest and best method ; the other
MILITARY DISCIPLINE. 4*03^
method from the shoulder, may be performed from the shoul-
der, in five motions, in this manner : at the word Jix bayonets^
I. the right hand crosses the body and holds the grasp ; 2. the
left hand is carried up and seizes the firelock ; 3. it is brought
down with the left hand to the left side ; 4. the bayonet is there
fixed, which is followed, 5. by the shoulder.
Charge Bayonet.... 7 7yo motions.,. A. seize the firelock at
the handle. 2. Bring it lo a horizontal position in front, the but
on a level with the hip, the right hand thrown a little behind the
right side with the arm bent, and the left hand holding the fire-
lock firmly at the swell.
Prime and load — (As before.)
Present ARMs....i''owr motions... .\. Seize the firelock at the
handle with the right hand, bring it to the front of the left eye
with the lock in front. 2. Strike the firelock with the palm of the
left hand on the sling or ramrod, the cock on a level with the
nipple of the left breast. 3. With the right hand sink the but in
front of the left thigh, so that the cock may be on a range with
the navel ; the barrel in front of the left eye, the lock to the right
side and left hand gently grasping the firelock at the swell. 4.
The right foot drawn back so as that the heel of ^e left foot
shall be near the hollow of the right.
Advance Arms.. ..is the position in which Serjeants carry their
arms, in battalion ; it may be executed from the shoulder, the or-
der, the recover, or the present; it consists in bringing the fire-
lock to the right side, in such a way as that the barrel shall rest
against the right shoulder ; the right hand first and second fingers
shall be placed under the guard.. ..the third and fourth fingers
behind the stock. ...and the thumb on the top of the guard — and
the firelock thus suspended with an easy bent arm,
Order arms. ../owr motions. ..A. Carry the left hand across
the^ breast, and seize the firelock with the left hand firmly in its
place. 2. Carry the right hand up in front of the firelock and
seize it with the right hand in its place. 3. Withdraw the left
hand and bring it handsomely to the left side. 4. Bring down
the firelock with the but briskly to the ground at the same
instant ; fingers in front.
Handle ARMs....Tnis word of command may be used to
bring the rank to dress when the n^en are at ease, when they
usually hold the firelock with the right hand about the muzzle j
then it consists in bringing the hand down to the front, with th«
iO* FIRST PRHTCIPIES 0»
thumb behind the barrel... .in the case of the hand being already-
extended. down, it is tised as a preparative for fixing bayonet, or
as a corrective of an imperfect execution of the motion with
the hand down,. ..in both cases it consists of one mation only.
Unfix Bayonets. ...^owr motiQjis,...\. Throw the muzzle of
the firelock forward from the order with the right hand. 2.
Force the bayonet by striking the ball of the right thumb against
the shoulder and unscrew the bayonet. 3. Return the bayonet
to the scabbard. 4. Draw back the firelock to the position of
the order with the hand in front of the piece below. 5. Carry
the left hand to the left side.
This command may be executed from the shoulder in four
■motions, 1. Carry the right hand under the lock to the band of
the firelock. 2. Carry the left hand up so as to hold the fire-
lock easily. 3; Bring the firelock down to the left side, let the
muzzle rest against the left arm. 4. Unfix the bayonet and re-
turn it to the scabbard. In this case it may be followed by
shoulder or the recover, and Jiring motions.
TRArL Arms....^wo 7norzow 5.... May be executed from the order,
from the shoulder, or the advance : It consists, 1. In seizing the
firelock with the right hand, sufficiently low down on the swell.
2. Carry it down to the right side, so that the firelock shall slope
about eight inches in front of the body by the right side, and the
buts of the rank shall dress behind, and the muzzles dress in front.
Shoulder arms. ....(As before.)
Support \Kms....tTJo motions. ...\s a motion executed from
the shoulder, and is performed by, 1. Throwing the right hand
across the body, and seizing the firelock by the handle. 2.
Throwing the left hand over the right arm, so that the cock of
the firelock shall rest on the left arm.
Carry arms.. ..rwo motions.., .Is simply, 1. Carrying the left
hand to the but, and making it tell, and holding the firelock at
the shoulder. 2. The right hand at the same moment resum-»
ingits place by the right side.
Secure kvlus... .three motions. ..,Hh\s is a motion to secure
lUe arms against rain or weather ; it is performed from the
shoulder. 1. Carry the right hand across the body to hold the
firelock. 2. The left hand is thrown up in front of the barrel.
3. The muzzle of the firelock is brought on the left hand down
to the front, sloped towards the ground, and within from four to
six inches ; the lock comes under the left arm ; the toe of the
but is uppermost, and behind the left arm.
MILITARY DI3CIPLINE. 105
Slope ARUS..„o?2e /notion., ..Is performed from the shoulder,
and consists in throwing the firelock into a gent'e slope on the
shoulder, so that the but shall advance three or four inches in front.
The secure and the trail. ,..?sq never performed with fixed
bayooets.
§ 4. OF THE FIRE.
Of all the branches of the military art, none has undergone a
greater variety of changes, none has been so long ill digested
and complicated, as the mode of fire. It has been a matter of
dispute among the most distinguished officers for a century ;
each endeavoring to bring it to perfection in his own way ; by
charging carefully. ...by charging with given proportions of
powder.. ..by ramming down. ...by dispensing with the ramrod
and depending upon tRe weight of the bull and the shock of the
but against the ground ; then came the principles of extension,
or of giving a long line of fire. ...then the order of formation in
two, three, four ranks, one or two of which kneeling... .then the
volley firing ; firing by ranks, by sub-divisions and platoons ; the-
kneeling of front ranks ; and at last, the execution of the greatest
number of discharges of the firecock in a minute, as Guibcrt
very truly says, only encreasing the noise, smoke, and confusion
of action, without any other efii'ect.
P'or a long time it was not perceived, that in order to render
fire effective, the exercise of loading and firing should be plain
and unincumbered by useless motions ; that loading carefully
was essential to the regular effect ; and that excessive hurry, or
making a greater or lesser number of explosions, was not the
object, but to produce elTect by the shot. In time it came to
be discovered, that in act on not one shot out of 100 hit an ex-
tended object as high as the head of a horse, at three hundred
feet distance : and then distance became a consideration ; the
cool, deliberate and effective fire of the militia corps in the war
of our revolution^ tended to introduce into European warfare con-
siderations on the inefficacy of the fire, as then practised in their
armies. In real service it is impossible, after the first fire, to
keep up a regular volley, or even a platoon fire, modern tactics
has therefore exploded the old theorijLiS, and reserved the fire of
divisions, or platoons, only for special circumstances, instead of
being the general regulation ; the practice now in all armies is
the fire deliberate and composed as each man loads.
In like manner it was found, that in the tumult of action the
rear of the three rank.? killed more men of tjieir own front rank
±06 JIRST PRINCIPLES OF
than fell by the balls of the enemy ; the rear rank now loads its
firelocks for the centre rank ; and the centre rank men load their
own and fire their own firelocks, as well as those of the rear rank,
in the following manner : the order of formation being files
of three in depth ; the front rank man loads and fires his own
piece : the centre rank man fires his own piece, brings it
down in his left hand, and presents it to the left hand of
the rear rank man ; the rear rank man hands his own load-
ed piece with his right hand into the right hand of the centre
rank man who fires it, and loads the rear rank man*s piece and
fires it ; and then returns it and receives and fires his own, loads
and fires it, and returns it. Thus the centre rank man loads
only one of every two shots he fires; the rear rank man does
nothing but load.
Plate 10, presents to the eye these dispositions : the first or
three upper figures represent a file of three deep, the front and
centre rank men firing, the rear rank man priming. The second
group represents the same file of three, the front rank firing,
the centre rank priming ^fter his first fire, and the rear rank
loading ; the third group represents the front rank firing, the
second rank faced about delivering the firelock he had fired to
the rear rank man, who presents his firelock, loaded, to the
centre rank man.
Experience elso taught that in order to know the use of the
firelock, it was necessary to examine how the shot acts, in order
to obtain definite ideas.
First, on the line of levels that is to say, the straight line, from
the eye to the object at which the ball is directed.
Secondly, the line ofjire^ a straight line, which reprelsents the
axis of the musket.
Thirdly, the line of trajection described by the ball, which is
projected by the powder from the calibre of the piece to the spot
it is intended to strike.
The lineoflevcl^ and the line ofyfr^, are ijy no means parallel,
for according to the difierent weight of metal which the barrel
has at its breaching, and at its muzzle, they describe an angle
more or less acute beyond the tube ; the eye seeks its aim
along the exterior of the barrel, while the ball put in motion is
impelled from the interior part of the barrel, to the length ot
the line of fire ; but the line of level and tJie line of fire become
secant at certain distance, or in other words cross each other
MILITARY DiSCIPLINli. 107
On the delivery of the ball from the cylinder, its path be-
gins to trace a curve line ascending, which is begun by the
body in raotion, at a small distance from the mouth of the bar-
rel, and immediately cuts the line of level, passing it upward
at a certain distance ; from thence at a given distance it is
drawn to the earth by gravitation, and inclines to the level
line, cuts it again, and finishes its parabolic course to the end
of its fall ; it is this second point of intersection which is
called the fioint blanc ; and which in proportion to the incli-
nation of the angle which is formed by the line of level and
the path of the ball, is more or less distinct from the extremi-
ty of the barrel, and thus in the same manner they act in pro-
portion to the force which impels the ball, from its own vol-
ume, from that of its density, from the resistance of the air
in the space which it traverses, and the length of the calibre,
proportioned according to the diameter.
The fioint blanc or the ivhite spot, is so named from the French
who painted their targets black, and the central spot ivhite.
What is here said relates to a common property of all fipe
arms ; and all round shot from a smooth calibre proceed in
this curvilinear course. The horizontal shot of a musket
may be computed at 180 toises, or 1080 feet, yet where the
lire of infantry can have any great effect, it is seldom more
than at 80 toises, 160 yards, or 480 feet ; that is of infantry
arranged in battle, and in the tumult of an action. Beyond
this distance the shot is uncertain, for the soldier in his hurry
and confusien loads hastily, levels worse, trusts to chance in
his fire, and is usually devoid of that composure which could
insure execution.
The soldier having, by the manual exercise, acquired a per.
feet habit in his loading and in his fire, at first exercised alone,
then in file, afterwards in the front, centre and rear of the
file, in several files by division, and in company, he should
next be conducted by practice through the same gradations
to fire with ball at a target, «pon the principle of the course
of the ball ; and to know, that the ai7n must be taken high or
low according to the distance of the object fired at.
Particular attention to the quality and condition of the arms,
is an essential part of military duty ; the French consider it
ecoBomical to provide one serviceable firelock instead of five
or ten that will not stand a day's service.
APPENDIX.
Although the immediate (kities of officers in battalion belong rather to jv
5-ystem more than elementary, the concise enumeration of the duties of eveiy
officer in a regiment, cannot be useless where neither the American Militaiy
l.ibrary nor Military Dictionary arc at Jiand.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS OF BATTALION*
THE COLONEL.
THE colftneJ of a regiment should he minutely acquainted with eveiv
particular of the discipline, subsistence, quarters, arms, clothing, and the
character of every officer and private, in his regiment. He should be par-
ticularly attentive to the goodness of their provisions^ the cleanness of their
persons, their quarters, and their place of rest; and he is bound to require
the most minute attention to every particular on tht part of the officers, and
(hat they report to him promptly every neglect of duty, every abuse of
Subordination, or any injury done to any and every man, whether in person,
or in his property.
The colonel should be competent to mancenvre his regiment, and take the
parade, and perform all the functions of connmnnd in person. He is bound to
do it b}' duty, and his neglect would be a dangerous example, which might be
always pleaded by a subaltern for any omission of duty on his part. The
king of Prussia, who drilled his own battalions in the most minute and
laboriotis manner, was rewarded by numei'ous victories fbr his practical labor
and experience : he thus speaks of the duty of officers : " The affection and
** reciprocal confidence which is obtained by the officer M'ho performs his
*• duty diligently, rewards lus labor. It is not by overlooking their faults,
*♦ or indulging soldiers in negligence, or bad discipline, their confidence is
*' gained. The soldiers soon discover limited knowlege, incapacity, and a
** man in whom they could not cbnfide in action; in him who acts in such a
** manner. He who endeavors to convince the men that his purpose is to
** enlarge their knowlege, to make them worthy of distinction, to feel that
" their station is a dignified and howorable ong, and acts as if he himself
" thinks so, will obtain their atfection and their confidence ; and he will miss
■** his end with only a veiy few, wliich are to be found in all situations un-
*' worthy of any profession."
On the parade he attends t»> no concerns b)it his duty, and never suffers
his men to stand in idleness, \n order to listen to the prattle of those chat-
terers and flatterers, any more than those quarrelsome aud turbulent me«,
which will always be found scattcrad through military establishments.
In the exercise of his single regiment, his station is in front of the regiment*
distance half the length of his reginkcnt.
When there is more than one regiment, he is either on thfe right in frojit,
07 OD its retu* if iu Ime, or at its head if m column.
APPENDIX. iOi>
THE LIEUTENANT-COLONEL.
As his title declares, he is the second in command or substitute of the colo-
v.t\ vhen the former is absent, and is bound to be equally minutely acquainted
with the concerns of the regiment as his SHperior officer; if a regiment has
more than one lieuteDant-colonel, they will have separate battalions ; kut they
must be always qualified and prepared to perform the same duties tsj the co-
lonel. The lieutenant.eolonel may be called upon to exercise the tlpgiment
or battalion by the colonel, and should never be unprepared nor liken by
surprize.
THE MAJOR.
The major is the most important officer in a regiment ; and upon his skill,
activity, and assiduity, will its di8cii)line and internal economy principally
depend ; he is to the colonel what the chief of the staff is to the commander ia
chief; he is to the regiment wl\at the adjutant-general and the quarter-mas*
ter-general and the comm.ssary-gcneral are to an army. He must be a mas-
ter of military discipline, he must control and examine every department
appertaining to the regiment, he must he inflexibly exa«t and particular in
enforcing the performance of their duties by the platoon officers and subal-
terns; aud through him the adjutant superintends the e:(act performance of
duties by the non-commissioned officers; he must possess a register of returns on
every detail of duty — parades — drills— guards — picket guards — sick — fune-
rals — the roster of service of platoon officers, and the roster >f rank and file —
the police and judicial duties, all come to, and pass througlj him. He is the
centre of communication bo*h for orders to be issued and repa-ts to be received.
He must exercise and manoeuvre the regiment h;mself, and i: is his special care
and obligatory on him that the officers be not ignorant off thpir duty— nor suf-
fered to evade the performsmce of it. He is bound to se^ that the drills be
directed by officers. \
He has to see to the quality of provisions, and to the condition and manage^
ment of the hospitals, that the sick are not neglected, and thai the surgeons per-
form their duty personally. j
I{e has to see that the arms are good — to inspect them minutely — to examine «
the state of the ammunition and necessaries of eveiy kind in cjrap, or quarters.
To him the regimental quarter-masters apply, and from hioj they receive the
orders of the colonel, of which he keeps an exact registi^.
In evolutions of the line he has charge of the right, and maiks the alignment,
as the adjutant does on the left. In cohiran his post is in the ipav of the second
battalion. |
When there are two majors, they may diride the duties, eajh a battalion ; or
they execute it in rotation, month about. *l
The regimental books are under the immediate care of the /najor — and he «
the executorof every officer who dies in the service, and is boimd to take chst.rgQ
of his effects. All these duties are, however, conducted und^r the authority of
the colonel or commanding officer.
THE CAPTAIN.
The captain is to the company what the colonel is to the regiment ; he keeps
a company book, in which a daily entry is made «f evety transaction appertain-
ing to the aoropany— men joined or men removed«-clottiiDg receiftdorisiaed*-
110 APPiiNDIX>
pay received, due, or issued — arras — provisions— forage— sf ores of every kind
— medicine — sick — convalescent, and every incident concerning every person
in the company. He draws pay and issaes it, taking duplicate receipts — he
should T>e a father, friend, and protector to his men: duty should be infiexibly
enforced ; but kindness and care, in promoting the proper grati&cationi of his
soldiers, should be his eonstant study.
The driils should be superintended l)y him — and fatigue parties conducted un-
der his Jirection : he is bound to see that the subalterns understand and perform
their duty; and he should keep a strict register of their conduct on duty, an may expect with propriety, mili-
tary promotion.
SERJEANTS.
The non-commissioned ofHeers should be selected from among the most or-
derly and best qualified men — upon them will depend very much the order and
good conduct of the company. They should each have a squad compdsed Of aa
equal distribution ot the men, who should form messes, over which the Serjeants
and corporals should preside and be responsible for the good and orderly conduct
of the mess, the dressing of provisions, the cleaning of their persoss, arms, quar-
ters, and clothing.
The Serjeants in rotation should see the parties daily turn out far guards— in-
spect them and their arms — that their cbthing be clean — arms in good order —
ilints good and well fitted — ammunition suiKicient and in good condition.
The Serjeants make a morning report, one copy for the captain, the other for
the Serjeant major, who delivers them to the former.
The Serjeants make weekly reports of the company, men and arms — reports
are delivered to the serjeant major on a stated hour of the day every week ; but
they must be ready to make report at any hour required, and the corporals aid
the Serjeants in this duty.
At roll call they should report all who were absent — when upon guard ar-
range the sentinels, and never be absent from the he^d quarters of the guard.
The Serjeants perform orderly duty, once a week in rotation, of which the ser-
jeant major keeps a roster ; the duty of the orderly serjeant is to attend upon and
execute such orders as the officer to whom he is attached shall order. The ser
eants act as guides and pivots in the evolutions of battalions.
CORPORALS.
These are in fact deputy sei'jeants — they have the charge of squads in quarters
— there is an orderly corporal in qusftets always dressed, and whose duty it is
to execute such orders as the onlerly serjeant is required to have executed. The
corporals keep each a roll of the company, and they warn the men for duly.
I'hey teach the recruits the manual exercise, instruct them in cleaning arms and
accoutrements, and see that they perform tliis duty each for himself— they take
iheir share of duties io guards, fatigues, the care of ammunition and provisionf
*nd storage.
The Serjeants and corporals call the rolls at taptoo time — and are the first on
daily parade, and are exemplary in tlie neatness of their persons and ijieir so-
briety and good demeanor. v
The corporals plant the aentioels, the elder corporal has the choice of the route,
after an equal distribution.
FIMS.
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