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Th sh Til wl Ml dif en bei rig rec mi This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document eat film* au taux da reduction indiqui cl-deaaoua 10X 14X 1IX 22X 26X aox V 12X 1«X 20X 24X 28X 32X Th* copy fllfiMd fmn hat bMn r«produc«d thanks to tho gonorotity of: Ubrary of tha Public Archives of Canada Tha imagas appearing hara ara tha bast quality possibia consMaring tha condition and lagibllity of tha original copy and in Itsaping with tha filming contract spacifications. Original capias in printad papar covers ara filmad beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the beck cover when eppropriate. All other original copies ere filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the laat page with a printed or illustreted impression. The lest recorded frame on eech microfiche shell contein the symbol -^> (meer Each ill to conquer, every death to dare ; > It^o ru»h undaunted in ttie advent w'Btu van. And meet the Britons, man opiiosed to man. With suHsn aim Hdmpurets. PHILADELPHLi. PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 1813. 1 1 n p *"^ p, c n H m^- A 'if if, < "' ' ; s: ; ffs r I. . .11- > I. » !.0) i.l' .^' lO'l I ■• ti{^er8....General Lloyd....Baron Gross.,.. Colonel Macdonald....General Howe....Gene* . ral Williamson. CHAP. II. On the Drill of Riflemen, 9 ^ 1. How it should be conducted....Prejudices which prevent rifle discipline....The opinion of an enemy....Colonel Ehwald of the Hes- sians,. ..Fatal effects of sycophancy in ob> structing military knowledge. § 2. The first drills exactly as infantry of the line ,, ^ ....ranking and sizing.,..telling off. ...marking time. §3. Facing with moving feet....Indian file.,. .In- dian pace. § 4. Marching and facing. § S. Marching and wheeling in single files. CHAP. III. Movements by half platoons or half com- panies, . IS § 1 . Use of dividing into sections....in what consists -> the difference of the movements of riflemen and the infantry in line, applied to drills.... telling off from right to left by the voice, and ."'. wheeling in sections. § 2. Movements in files by the centre. ' § 3. Movements from the flanks. § 4. Countermarching. $ 5. Movements in sections of three. § 6. Movements in sections of three from half pla- toonjs. tl . n. . i'iiiy' M \ ./" IV CHAP. III. COSTEKTS. jifs ^ 7. Sections of five, and movements by heads of sections, in open order to the rear. § 8. Movements in echellons to the front in ranks of sections. ...rule for determining this move- ment accurately... advancingbyechellonsfrom the centre, and by heads of sections....retiring i in tlic same order. § 9. Augmenting and diminishing front.... man- ner of executing it.... first uie of the indispen- sible oblique, or line of science. ...rules for augpmenting and reducing front. CHAP. IV. The Fire of Rifle Corps, ' . . 37 § 1. How their discipline is rendered effective, ''' introductory to the use of the rifle. ' § 2. Manual exercise of the riflemen....the firing motions to be minutely practised....none omit- ted nor slurred over. • $ 3. Of firing on the spot. § 4. Another method. ■!!■• -V> I \ CHAP. V. Formation of the Company, " $ 1 . Corresponding with the infantry in every particular. % 2. The pivot. ...its use in wheeling. ;•' •• $ 3. Duties of light infantry... .how to proceed in particular circumstances. ...retreating across a plain.. ..how they manosuvre. $ 4. Offensive evolutions... .coup de main....advan- ced parties.. ..occupy defiles....surpri8es.. .bar- rass convoys....coverforagers... occupy bridges ....ambuscade8....coveringmana:u>Tes in action. CHAP. VI. Formation of the Regiment, § 1. Of what number it should consist., .how offi- cers are posted, in close and open order. 5 2 Of advancing, .ind firing advancing ...signals by tliu whistle. § J. Fonuatlon of tlic chain... .liow executed. s 4. Skirniishinjj. $ J. Tirailleurs. i . .- § 6. Retreating. w ., 4 7. Duties in engagements. " - "' '' ^ 8. Crossing rivers.,.. Phites illustrating .sucli movements. 47 ' ^ >"^ * u ' T ..•t CONTEKTB. iV CHAP. VII. Duties of Light Troops on actual service, 75 § 1. Maxim of Lafayette, that aa efiective tyitem ^ of defence must be oSenuve. $ 2. Conduct on a coast' '.' " § 3. Manner of retreat from a superior force. § 4. Duties of advanced guards and outposts. §5. Escorting a convoy. § 6. Attack of a convoy. , CHAP.VIII.Ofthe Rifle, and Rifle Equipments, . . 95 § 1. Properties of the riflp. § 2. Of loading the rifle. § 3. Of cleaning the rifle. ^4. Of the lock. § 5. Of Gunpowder. § 6. Of the patch. § 7. To preserve the rifle from the wcatlicr. ^ 8. Dress and equipments of riflemen. ^ 9. Of evolutionary bugle signal. ^ IQ. Music for the signals 103 § 11. Musical signals by the whistle for out posts at night, lOS THE PLATES. Some mistakes in numbering the plates having taken place, owing tu their being in the hands of the engi-aver while the first edition was prin- ting, the following explanation is given to prevent errors ; and it has been deemed proper, for unifurmity sake, to let this edition preserve the text in the same form. The four first plates in order, arc illustrations by human figure;, anJ are numbered, No. 1, 5, 6, 4. No. 1. is an illustration of the movements from both flanks cS a ph- toon, by an outward facing and wheclin^j to the front, and tlu; re/uytiiw tion of the platoon by the new ubll([Uv; movement. No. 5, originally intended for No. 2, and which is arranged iu that or- der, presents the advat\cc of the right half-platoon, a given number ot' paces, and the quarter platoon again advanced and extended, lor skir- mishing en tirailleur. No. 6, intended tor plate 5, exhibits four ditVei'ent dispositions of firing in retreat, as described on the plate. No. 4, is the advance from the centre of half companies. ...and the final restoration of tli«; platoon by oblique movement. :i. :i i yl C0KTEKT8. The next four plates are Nos. 1, 2. 3. 4, and wpUin the movement, of riflemen in different modes. These pUtes are from the American Mi- litary Library. _,,... _ . The remaining four plates are also from the American Military Li- brary, and are numbered in the following order : No X. Three illustrations of movements in action. No. XI. Two movements, one in an open country, the other in a close country. No. XII. Intercepting a fleet of boats on a river. No. XIIL crossing rivers. nj ■■ ■i I,; n f.j -i • J \<- '*jv,'"ij .'J tnm ■f;-^:- .»: t*t;i v-ii*i ;;>'i A HMtB BOOK FOR BIFLEMEJ^. 'L 'tij'- . I..'. K ■-■•is: n M». ♦.•••c> • CHAP. I. •."■»,ji if< 1^ .1 , S 1. OF DISCIPLINE. 1 HE discipline of armies, il must never be forgotten^ is intended to produce an unity of force.. ..a consentaneous impulse of all their parts.. ..to bring into action^ with the greatest effect, and in a suitable manner, every description of troops which compose an army, according to the received principles of tac* tics, and to the design of the commander in special cases. This is the sole purpose of discipline, and the better any system of discipline is adapted to produce these effects, the more perfect it is. ...'.., ."', "..„.. : . Whoever undertakes the military profession, whether as a practical soldier or as a teacher, will do well to consider... ^r«r, what is to be accomplished by military means.... Mcond/y, what are the means by which military power is rendered successful ....and thirdly, whether he who undertakes, comprehends the duties which he is bound to perform the moment he makes his engagement with his country. He will perceive that all men are nearly alike when educated alike, that there is, indeed, no other difference between men in all nations, but what arises out of superior and inferior health and their educated habits ; and that, therefore, there must be some cause, which enables the men of the same country, as well as the men of different countries, to resist and triumph over equal or superior numbers. That in short, an army may be formed of 9000 men out of a mob of 10,000 men ; the same men who composed the mob of 10,000 men on the first of January, may on the first of March, by means of military discipline, be rendered perfectly competent to face and defeat a mob of 40,f00, without difficulty and almost without danger. He will perceive in this fact, that military discipline must possess some principles or properties, very important in B m m 3 riRST PBXRCIPLKS Of themselves, when they give to one man the power of four, six or ten men. The great secret of the failure of mobs consists in this, that mobs act without confidence, from various causes ; the diversity of opinions and judgments among a multitude of disconnected men, leaves them without any common rule of individual or general action ; they may all wish to accomplish the same pur* pose ■•••they may ail be equally fervent, resolute and disinter- ested ; but they cannot know the shades of judgment 'or the extent of the discretion of each other.. ..one man may conceive a plan, and another a different plan, either of which properly executed might be proper, but there are no means by which others can be brought to adopt and execute their conceptions, nor to direct them to one object ; and there may be a thousand plans among ten thousand people ; and the authors of a l)ad plan may have more influence than the authors of a good plan....and thus mobs always fail, if resisted by a body actuated and directed by one purpose and to one object, in which opinion is surren* dered in order to produce continued action, and that the whole concur in one common design and manner of action. Thus the great secret of military discipline consists in cor- recting and providing means to remedy the causes of fiulure in mobs. It commences ostensibly with teaching men how to fi;a//t:....but at the same time it teaches them hoto to obey. The soldier learns to walk so that the whole of an aitny may walk in a given time an equal number of paces.. ..and these paces of equal length The soldier learns to obey, because unity of action towards a single end, is necessary to remedy the weak- ness which is found in a mob. ...and an army without discipline, without subordination, without officers competent to lead them, and to lead them properly, is no better thun a mob. The whole of military discipline then consists in producing on a body of men an uniform habit of acting and thinking ; or executing movements in any manner, time, and place, as they may be commanded to do. Unless this habit of motion and obedience be acquired, there is no discipline ; and that discipline which renders these objects most certain, simple, and effective, isthebest. '- ..,.,:, These principles are universal... .they apply to every part of an army.. ..and although there are various kinds of troops, anel BITLK UISCmilTE. '6 each kind has something peculiar lo its own particular kind ; the principles of obedience, and the exact and uniform execa> tion of movements, are common to the whole of an NPmy. Every species of troops should first acquire the in&ntrj dis- cipline of marching, evolution, and exercise. They should ac- quire the equal pace of 24 inches, as the uniform extent of their step in marching, and be able to keep that pace a whole day i they should know the method in which infantry move and mai;ceuvre ; and they are then able to join a rifle corps, a corps of artillery or cavalry ; for as the infantry compose the mun body of every army, and as riflemeny ortiUery^ and cavalry^ are only auxiliaries of 'the Hne t^ battle^ those who understand infimtry movements, will the better understand their own duties; which they cannot so well understand, unless they first learn infantry duties. This Hand Book being for rifiemen only, it is proper to state that they ought first to learn the duties of the infiintry drill, and their immediate drill then becomes easy to them. > - .»' .'-Wnorj--, § i. ORIGIN OF RIFLE CORPS. y- r,.>mv of knil Rifle corps, called al»o SAarfi-ahootera and Tirailleurai some- times Chaaaeura a fiitdf and Yagera^ and also VoUiguera and Eclaireura, according to the service uix>n which they are employed ; owe their rise and importance to the American revolution. They were the creation of accidents, but of acci- dents proceeding from natural circumstances, and became important from actual experiment, before they were adopted into military establishments. In the war of the American revolution, the use of riflemen was demonstrated, and soon improved upon by those European officers, who had, by being alKes or enemies of America in the contest, witnessed the effect of the desultory and direct fire with smooth barrels at Bunker Hill, with rifle barrels at Sara- toga, and in all the subsequent actions of the revolutionary war. The habits of life of the American farmer, and the early necessity of self defence against the rude men of the wilderness and the beasts of the forest ; gave the rifle gun or grooved carabine a preference over the plain fusil or gun ; it was found more certain in its execution than the smooth bore of the ibwl- -„,Jf FIRST PBIHCIPLES OV \ ing piece and firelock, by those who were always armed. The habits which s^ew out of the state of early settlement, in a country j'^t uncultured and uncivilized, made every man a good ahef' The dangers from the Indians and the wild beasts of the desert, were then the first -incentives to expertness, and the causes of skill in the use of the rifle. The pursuit of the deer and other animals, and all the various birds which furnish what is understood by the comprehensive term tfiortj administered to the habits which were necessary to defence, and each to the other. No game laws, nor religious jealousies, retarded or checked the alacrity of the American farmer. The youth, at the moment he was able to pull a trigger, was educated to the sport of the field, and the expertness of the American farmer became proverbial, as the use of the rifie was an indispensible qualification ti. every man who had occasion to defend himself, or taste for the sports of the field and the forest. In this situation of the country the American revolution com- menced. A foreign veteran army, led on by generals schooled in the tactics of Prussia, appeared amongst a people strangers to the concert of battalions or brigades ; to whom the tactics and manceuvres of the scientific soldier, and the arts of the engineer* were alike unknown. But there was not a man in the country who could not hit a space of a foot diameter, at one hundred and fifty yards, with a single ball. Tlie great mass of the settlers remote from cities could shoot a squirrel, and shoot it in the head from choice, and with confidence and certainty. From such materials, ready prepared, the sagacity of the first founders of American independence, formed a force ne»v in its character, and more fatal in its tactics to the armies of Britain, than the Hungarian hussars had been to the opponents of Aus- tria, the Prussian artillery to the enemies of Frederic, or the French echellons to the coalesced powers of Europe. The first operations of the new species of light corps, were conducted and regulated by the mode of Indian warfare, by the judgment of the citizens wuo associated together, and agreed to act on particular points of the British lines, on their columns of march, and on tlieir outposts and foraging parties, and in such numbers as accident brought together. '' The momentary experience of the Massachusetts yeomanry in their pursuit of the British corps at Lexington and Conco.«'d in April 177(1, and the effect of their spirit and perseverance in K KIFLV DISCIPLINE. & on uy >rd in pursuing and routin{»a moie numerous body of disciplined sol* dierS) inspired an auspicious confidence in this new mode of warfare; subsequent events confirmed these early preposses- sions, and the application of this species of action to oiierations of the line, at the battid of Bunker Hill, where the British suf- fiired in the loss of officers and men to an extent unexampled, inspired the British during the remainder of the war, with such constant apprehension, that the officers were thenceforth clad and accoutred like the rank and file, to evade, if possible, the dextrous fatality of the expert sharp-shooters. The confidence of the Americans was encreased in proportion to their success....and soon after the campaign which was fatal to Burgoyne, corps of riflemen assumed a more consistent organization ; they were formed into companies, embodied into regiments, and placed under skilful and intrepid officers..>^and in the course of the war were eminently distinguished by their gallantry under a Morgan, a Mifflin, a Steele, and other brave officers. The British endeavored to collect bodies of tories and refu- gees, t» form similar corps to counteract this species of force » and the auxiliaries from Hesse and other parts of Germany, brought some who were employed under the denomination of Yagers or hunters^ in an analogous warfare. The French who had been engaged in the wars of the revolu- ti«n, had seen the effects produced by these light troops ; they had not forgotten them ; and on the first movements of the French revolution, endangered by the defection of so many military men of the old school, they saw the necessity of a new organization for raw troops; experience pointed out to the French the fitness and utility of these detached corps, who were called tirailleura { a term significant of one who fires at random, or at his own discretion, and without a special command ; in a desultory manner, but with deliberation. To give them the consistency of infantry they were disciplined as infantry of the line, or were selected from the most expert of the whole army ; various corps were embodied under the denomination of Chas' aeura d /tied) or foot hunters ; Voltigeurs or Vaulters, from the agility acquired in a particular branch of exercise on service. < The Austrian and Prussian, and other German armies, have adopted the system of rifle corps ; and veiy soon after the Bri- tish engaged in the war on the European continent against France, they found the necessity of adopting them likewise. ;n^ 6 YIBST PUINC1PI.BS Of (/ r The celebrated general Lloyd, during his services in tlie Austrian army, particularly in the wars in Saxony, Bohemia, and Silesia, against Prussia ; very sagaciously perceived the defects of the prevailing military dispositions, and although he did not immediately organize any corps upon the principles which he recommended, he very plainly points out those services, for which some troops were required, to which rifltTnen have been since applied with all the success which his judgment anticipated. General Lloyd frequently, in the progress of his work called Military Reveries, points out the uses of this species of light troops, particularly in these terms : " Armies,*' he says, ^ are now usually formed in two or three *' lines ; between their lines and the enemy, light /roo/t«, often " amounting to twenty thousand, form a chain of observation, to " prevent the enemy from attacking unexpectedly. Frequently " they are sent out on detachments, to cover or cut off convoys, " while the main army is acting in a certain line of operation. " These light troops are considered as mere scouts, which " seldom take a part in the battle. When you advance, or « when the enemy advances, these light troops retire by files " to the right and left, and are no more heard of till the action *' terminates. Whij they do not farm on the enemy*9 Jianka, ** and create a diversion there^ haa been qften a matter of " aur/irise to judicious military characters. Small bodies of " light troo/is stationed betiveen hedgtsy near the high roads, '' and behind clumfis of trees, or in loooda, would observe and '* harrass the enemy and annoy his columns, and aid a decisive " attack by the army, more effectually than ten or fifteen thou- " sand men acting in a straggling chain of observation. A '< regular chain is easily observed by the enemy who manoeu* " vres under cover of it, whereas a broken chain of detached " parties unites or disperses in an instant, becomes as it were " invisible, and gives immediate infvrmation of the minutest " movement made by the enemy." This little extract gives a perspicuous view of the duties of riflemen . • > ^r >i:^' t ;■' a > i . ' Baron Gross, an able officer, who has published an useful tract on the duties of an officer in the field, thus illustrates the utility of the American discovery in the art of war, and shews the effects which were realized by the French through this means. - v »{*!• »*t r-vrtji^aaii?:. • ■ . ■ !•>. I-. •.'•1,' :■■:'.'"*i'' * unut msciPLiKE. " The French since the revolution, have so 8uccessfull3r in- '< troduced a new militarx system, tliat it becomes impossible to " oppose them effectually, by any other mode than adopting " one founded < imilar principles. They send a number of « riflemtn in j .'of their Hne to annoy their adversary, and " conceal behind them the different movementa qf their columns. ^' Nothing can be effected against this disposition but by oppo- " sing light tixwps of a similar description." It is here obvious, that the means recommended by Lloyd upon theory, and adopted from the American practice, have been momentous. An English writer, who blends more asperity than becomes an officer, in a didactic work, gives very strong evidence of the truth whicli he reluctantly admits in the successes of the French rifle corps, and the causes which gave rise to them ; in th^ following remarks : " The art of war during tiie French revolution hte under- " gone a considerable change. Pitched battles and regular en^ " g&gements are now in a great measure avoided, and a con- " stant series of unremitting operations are directed against the " flanks and rear of an enemy, to retard or prevent his progress " in front. To light movements the French are indebted for " much of their success in the war ; and they adopted them " more from necessity than choice. Their numberless con* ** scripts, undisciplined, marched raw to the armies, were " thrown in swarms on the flanks of the Austrian columns to ^ act irregularly, and their success answered the expectation. " The Austrian columns, unaccustomed to this novel spe- '* cies of attack when they looked for a regular battle, fell into " confusion and retreated before an undisciplined rabble. Such '< is the origin of the war of posts which the French found it *' convenient to carry on, till tactical habits rendered their << troops capable of acting in the line. Nations adopt from <* each other what sad experience proves to be an obvious ad- ^ ventage in carrying on war. The action of rifle corps and ^ light troops is now much depended on, and not unfrequently « decides the contest. The lactics of light troops have now " necessarily btcome an important branch of general discip- '♦ line." This short sketch of the origin and character of rifle corps waii a necessary preface to their mode of discipline and exercise. >r- 8 FIHST PRINCIPLES OF ) ( After their introduction into the armies of Europe, they were first formed into companies, and subsequently into regiments, in the campaigns of Switzerland and Itidy, against the Austrians and Russians, and subsequently in the battles which deter- mined the war against Austria, Russia and Prussia- The French corps susceptible of being formed as riflemen, amounted to forty thousand men in the grand army, and greatly contributed to the victory in tlie memorable battle of Jena. They were composed of men selected from the line, and denominated cor^« rf'«?/»Ve, or select troops. .■J i>aB. .yi European nations being our imitators in this branch of military force, renders it necessary in America to pay the more atten- tion thereto, because should a war occur on our shores, we shall be opposed by the weapons which we have ourselves invented. Upon rifle corf 18, and horse or fiying artillery^ artillery iegire, we shall have to rely much in conducting war, because these are the means best suited to the nature of our country. '■' " The service of rifle corps is properly a branch of the service of light troofia, generally so called, as well as the cbaaaeura of the French, and what is called light infantry. In the old esta- blishments of Europe, prior to the American revolution, light infantry consisted of a single flank company attached to each regiment. The French had embodied before the revolution a few corps wholly of that description. They now have grenadier riflemen as well as battalion ; and they select men of particular expertness and form them into distinct companies of the same half brigade; such as «7tf/»i»ier*, vaMfttr*, &c. .il'w'v v^ni . During the American revolution, some of the roost active British officers had suggested the employment of the flank corps of the regiments in a collective manner. Among these were general Howe, general Williamson, and general Gray, memorable for their midnight expeditions. Since the French revolution, the European nations generally have pursued the system, and whole regiments and divisions of armies have lieen formed oi infant er it Icg^rc, or light infantry, chasseurs ^ filed, tirailleurs or sharp shooters, or rifle corps, all of which bear some analogy to each other. ..Vfii U..'< '■iiiiv"*,-) ..■■''' t ■ ll ^ - ii! 1 ■. * . CHAP. n. ON THE DRILL OF RIFLEMEN. $ 1 . I HE drill of the rifle company should be conducted in the same manner as the drill of the infantry. They should be capable of forming and displaying the column, advancing and retreating in line.. ..in open and in close order ; in single and in double files ; and the whole detail of the battalion evo- lutions. The generality of officers as well as men, do not form an adequate idea of the importance to be derived from a previous discipline of riflemen in the common evolutions of the infantry ; and although as marksmen, the American riflemen surpass all others ; in what regards diacifiline and the strength and con- fidence arising from discipline, they are inferior to the riflemen of other nations, and for this reason, that in European armies the riflemen are selected out of infantry corps already disciplined, and it is by the skill which they display in the target practice as infantry, that they are chosen for the tirailleura or riflemen ; so that their appointment to rifle corps takes place only after they have had an infantry discipline. On the other hand, the American riflemen are not made acquainted with infantry movements.... very little care has been bestowed on any part of the rifle discipline but what relates to the mere firing, while the importance of discipline is never made known, and therefore remains unknown, and they have consequently no ideas of the eflect of discipline, and are led to believe that all their military eflect is in distinct military action, and not at all dependent on action combined. The drill cannot be better introduced than by the coun* sels of an enemy, by an officer who gained his experience in arms against the United States. It is from the second chapter of the treatise on the duties of light troops, by colonel Van Ehwald, who commanded a company of Hessian Yagers in the war of our revolution- " Light corps," says colonel Ehwald, I. ft f! 10 FIRST PSINCIPLBS OV ] I * I ! 'Li " are in general negligently drilled, and are supposed not to require any knowledge of manoeuvres ; their movements therefore are inconsistent and incorrect ; nay, I have seen several vrhich were hardly able to face at the command to the right about, or to march in sections. " The principal cause of this evil is, that these corps are frequently raised in a hurry, and that in inatructing them an im- profier method i» fiuraued ; for the instruction, as in so many other branches of military affairs, begina vthere it ahould end. The whole attention is turned to a uaeleaa manual exerdaey and to trifiea of the aame kind, while w^hat is truly useful to such a corps is left untaught. The officers commit the labor of drills to noncommissioned officers, one of the latter is posted on the right, and the officer gives the word, Fall in, ' » . ' The recruits take their places successively on the left side of the non-commissioned officer, in an easy and unconstrained position ; the feet neither too close nor too distant, toes turned out ; the face to the front, and eyes so directed as to see about 18 or 20 yard> on the ground in front ; the hands suspended by the side without pressure, so that the middle finger may be placed opposite the seams of the pantaloons ; and the breast thrown so easily forward as to leave respiration perfectly free. .> ' in FIRST PBINCIPUes OF I !■( '•I The non-commissioned officers should at first aid the men in sizing, so that the rip^ht man shall be the tallest, and that they shall descend regularly to the left.. ..as soon as the whole are formed in this disposition, the officer of the drill gives the precautionary wordf Attention. The company for squad J will take care to tell off IN DOUBLE FILES. Tell off. The first man tells ontt the second twof and so on to the left ....in the following order: e u o > g ft O 4.1 i O 4) 9 *• O -f o «) e > S ^ MNMMMMMHttHMNNHHMHHNN The officer in charge of the drill will then proceed to inform them: The comfiany (filatoon^ or squad) are next to form double filet faced to the right. ...the front rank •will then be faced to the right aboutf and countermarched upon the left of the rear rank ; while the flea composing the rank who have called oncy move up to the right hand file^ still facing to the right. They will be then taught that every movement from the moment the rank is formed, until the word halt is given, must be conducted at marked time ; and marking time is explained to be the alternate raising of the feet, in musical time, which will at first be taught by the sound of the voice. .. .one.. ..^wo.... one....^wo....and that oil moving from the line it must be ac« complished in even paces of 24 inches, in the same time. The officer will then give the words of precaution : The files which have named one, will keep their ground^ but face to the rights when they hear the word right ; the even files^ or those w/iich have named two, will not move until they hear the ti'ord wheel. Attention, r '.■""' :^ ' ;•"■■''-' '^ ■*-.; ;'-;; "■ Take cake to form double files by wheeling upon thk right....or odd files. »}Iark time. Bouhlc filcs....right.... u:!. ' » ii '..)* BITLB DISCIPLIirii. U At this word the odd files face to the right, and the company piv r :nts the following disposition : 31212121212121212121 HSnSNSMSHSMSHSHSnSMS On the second vfotd....v>heel.,..the squad will present -the fol* lowing disposition: Whed. / * • jl^ta j{(o 3^ 3*^ 9*^ 9*^ 9^ 9^ 9*^ 9*^ 8m 8m 8m 8m 8>- 9^ 9^ 9^ 9^ 9- The even files now forming the front rank, and it being the object to bring them all into one rank, the front rank must be counlermarrhed by the following words : .Front rank„»,right abovt,*„face. Upon the left countermarch„.,mareh. They will then move, and exhibit the following movement : SSS88S33S3SS3 When the whole have farmed on the left of the odd files they will present this disposition, or faced to the right, when they receive the word, Caver. '• • 3338 33333 33 333333338 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 marked time, and that attention must be constantly paid to this, and from the time any movement is begun until the time it is completed, the men will be kept with moving feet. The officer will then give the word : Front face.,*.haU, flMttMMNMNHNHMMttHHHnHH '111 ill r i« FIRST FBIircIPLBS OF M II ^M I The whole having assumed this position, now look to the right, and dresH by the right hand man. But after a few drills, there should be no halt, until a conside- rable number of marches or evolutions shall have been executed. ■ih § 3. They are next brought to marked /tme....and faced to the rigfit several successive times.. ..then to the left several succes- sive times.. ..and then to the right about,...and to the left about, until they have acquired the habit of attending to the exact word of command without mistake. They must be taught to face to the right by three short steps, beginning with the leji foot and ending with the left foot ; and in going to the right or leJi about, it must be done also with three ttepa, always beginning with the left foot ; and they must next be accustomed daily for several days to be faced to any side without preparation, and at the word as ordered ; and as often as they mistake, they must be continued at the alternate facings until their attention is so well 6xed that they will no longer mistake. It must never be lost sight of, that all movements must be at marked time ; no turning upon a fixed foot, nor marching at slow time, which is adapted only to funeral service. After they have been well practised in the facings, they must be marched in »ingl* fitea, or Indian file ; as this mode of marching is particularly adapted to riflemen ; the drills in marching by single files, mv.st be practised with great diligence, exactness, and perseverance. The officer will, before they are marched, and dressed to the front, instruct them as to the meaning of the terms, such as file and depth of ranks; he will tell them that a file consists of the number of men in a rank faced to the front.. ..that if it be a single rank of twenty men in front, it is a rank of twenty files ; and that if there are two ranks of twenty men in front, that still there are only twenty files ; for a file may consist of one, two, three, or four men, if there are so many ranks. That Indian file is a term adopted from the usage of the Indians, who move in one rank only, and step in each others' paces. That when there are two ranks they are called double files, when three ranks triple files ; but in the ordinary duties ofrifie- men, they rarely move in any other order than that of tmio ranks or double files, or in one rank or single files. N HITLE DMCmiNE. 15 So they must be told that they will have to march at the Indian fiacci when they have to form company ; and thin pace or half trot must be explained. $ 4. To commence the exercise in marchingt they should be first marched in rank entire to the front ; faced to the right about, moved to the ground they moved from, and brought to the right about ag^in ; but the words of command must be given in this manner.... the company being already ranked and sized : Jltlention. The compahy will take care to advance to the THONT. Mark time, One....tv>o....one....two. The officer here repeats the words one....tv>o....XYie men lifting the left foot and striking the ground at onCf and lifting the right foot at twot and so altemately....but in marking time in this manner, they must not move off the ground they are paraded' upon, without another word, that is tither..../br%oard.„.w marcA. Take care to advance in rank. March. One.,..two,„.(me....two.... Bight ah(ntt.„ifaee, Mark time.„.dre88, Forward„„niarch, One....^wo....one....fwo....when they have reached the ground they moved from, Mark time. Bight db(yiUfaee*»JiaU» § 5. The next movement will be facing to the right, and this must be practised until satisfactorily executed, with precision and correctness. Attention* The compant vnhh take cars to moti in sinoi,b FliblS. ilMJ r- ' y 16 riRST FBUVCIPLBS OF I 4 H S ! i( H I i II JUarktime, One.„jfoo,,..one,.,.tvto, Right faee.,..forward. They then present this disposition.... Having marched in that direction equal paces and in equal tinie> as far as is convenient, they receive the word> Bight....wheeL And then appear in the following position : SS8S8SS33S38S83 M The squad is wheeled several times by the right, and at 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 Left,»,.face. II Lfjt.,..wh€eL M The difference between facing and loheeUng is to be explain- ed ; that facing always applies to each individual ; wheeling always to more than a single individual ; or that in facing every man turns on his own centre ; in wheeling every man moves in a common centre with the rest of the rank : that several wheel, and several face, but one only never wheels alone, unless a rank is marched in single files, when it implies that every file which follows, must wheel in the same direction, and at the same point ; if the word of command be right face, every man must face to the right, and it would then be a rank faced to the right; but in wheeling to the right, the direction that the leading file takes, the whole of the files take. >■... tawLA DisciPLims* 17 999 d in equal SS3 *%•• M M M W ht, and at nd then it the follow- e explain- voheeUng ing every an moves It several ;ls alonei )lies that direction^ ightfaccy tea rank direction The squad being marched and wheeled by the leftt return to the original position, and face to the front, as before ; the drill now requires to mix the movements, by facing and wheeling in different directions. The words are given with an interval.... which produce the following disposition : BighU,„face. Left.,.,wheeh S8S8SSS3S88SSSM He then changes his flank) and commences the opposite disposition with) Left.,.^ace. Iiight.,»v}ht€L H H H ,: , Z9ZZZtT9ZZZ9Z99 The company is now marched into the firtt position, and re- ceives the word.... HaU,.,.re8t, 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 £ice in three short curved steps, and to face to the right 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 impos8ible,'well taught, that these effects ars not produced. These instructions and the method of movement, correspond in every particular with the infantry movements, as do all the movements in the rank ; and are therefore literally the same ; but as the Infantry Hand Book may not fall into the same hands, it will be necessary to adopt so much of chap. VII. of the Infantry Hand Book as is necessary to render this Hand Book complete in itself. I, ; c 1 I 18 VIBST FBIKCIPLKS or f ■ {i I'-i H I ■ i! '1' ■ |l -,'.. ,!'*-•. CHAP. in. §1.1 HE object of moving infantry of the line in small sections or platoons, is either to pass some object with facility} to render a movement easy and rapid, or to accommodate the order of the battalion to the ground which is to be moved upon. The same princi]iles apply in similar circumstances to riflemen ; but the movements of the battalion in Ime have always refer- ence to comfiactnesa, and consistency in action ; they are never open in action ; while on the other hand, riflemen on their peculiar service, always move in a loose order ; not so open as to lose their mutual support and dependence, but they always present to an enemy an open and constantly moving order ; a rifleman in the face of an army never tarries on one spot longer than while he fires ; he moves in front on a line parallel with the line of the enemy, and retires in an indirect line ; and he retires the moment he fires, when his place is supplied by another file who pursues the same course. It was necessary to explain this, in order to show how the same method of instruction applies to two different modes of practice. , -;'; The riflemen on the wings or in the front of the line, opening an action, or covering the manoeuvres of the columns or the line, always move to the front in Indian file, or by the heads of sections of single files or of double files, at two paces apart, flank and front.. ..either from the flanks, or from an inter- val made in a battalion by a temporary quarter wheel of a platoon or half platoon ; it is therefore particularly necessary that they be at all times ready to move in any number of sections re- quired ; for this reason it is necessary to practise the move- ments by heads of sections, with great perseverance and dexte- rity ; and by one word of command ; here we find the great uses if the simple but invaluable contrivance of telling off", wl ich the men themselves should be accustomed to do. This wi" be round in tlie progress of the drill, anti of the more enlarg- ed rrovements, of the greatest iinporlance, as it will at length become a habit in the minds of the men to know their place in : k "^., HIVIE DIICIFXINK. 19 e line in small t with facilityi onimodate the B moved upon. IS to riflemen ; always refer- hey are never men on their ot so open as t they always ^ing order ; a ne spot longer ; parallel with line ; and he s supplied by how how the :ent modes of of the line, f the columns lie, or by the , at two paces from an inter- :el of a platoon jary that they sections re- se the move- ce and dextc- nd the great of telling off, to do. This more enlarg- mll at length llieir place in the rank, and they will with ease be capable of formations on any front, without previously telling off, or in any other direc- tion that is required by the general word of command. The officer will give the word, Attention. And he will follow it by the precautionary information of what movements are proposed to be made. The company will tell off its number of files fiiom right to left. Tell off. i = c w S B V 0) « 5- c a «3 «< « ■ U a c V O t) w O HHHtlHftttMttllffMMffMMMMMN The officer then states as precautionary : There are twenty fileay which will form two aectiona. JVo. 1, is the right. ...JVo. 10, the left of the first aection. JVo. II, i» the right. ...M). 20, the left rf the second aection. The two sections will now take care to execute ihe same move menta by one word of command. Tlie whole....mark 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 alternately, 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 co time.... one, 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 for rear) BY HEADS OF SECTIONS. The whole...HgM face. JBy heads of 8Cctions....right wliecl. This presents the first disposition, of single flics, and the fust movement in broken ranks. MHi m ■*•«•..-.. .jd§ : '■-f ^1 1 1 ' in ^) 1 ./ , I i I : .^ ' 'I If • ; i 'i ! ( 30 ¥IRST PBINCIPLES OF 88988S8SS ■ % The sections are now marched and wheeled to the right, and again brought to their first ground and fronted; when thejr receive the precaution: The ^hole witi. takb cars to face to the left, AMD WHEBf. TO THE LEFT* The whole,..deft...^ace. Heads of 8ection8.„.left,„»w1ieel. SSS8S zzzz zzzzz M M zzzz The whole being repeatedly wheeled by the left, and brought into their first position in single rank, will proceed to move- ments on the centre. $ 2, The squad will now proceed to execute facings inward from the flanks, and movements by the centre. The sections will take caue to face inward (or to the centre) and advance in double files to the FRONT. This operation will be performed by the right section facing to the left, and the left facing to the right, and the left 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 doable files from the centre to the front ; they should remain faced to the front; when the following command is given : fieclions».do the cmtre....in7vard....face. From the ceutre....heads of sections. To the front v}h€el,..murch. i BIFI.B DI8CIPLINK. 2i THE LEFT, ed to move- n MM MM ^/M Mv^ 999999999ZZZZZZZZZ The next position shows this column of double files faced to the right about, marching to the same ground they had left, on the following words of precaution and command : The whole,.,j^ht ahout,»^ace. Heads of 8ection8,»„outward„.»wheel. MM M M MM J^M M^ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ9ZZZ The whole will resume the first position on reaching the ground, on the word.... Mark time....frotitface,..,halt. The teacher of the drill may require to be here again remind- ed, that though the course of movements, or the different 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 present to the memory, until they become a habit^ until the language of the exercise and the mode of movement in exercise become pre- dominant over every other habit. § 3. The next movement will be from the outward flanks oF 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 its former position by corresponding wheels. The whole.„,mark time. From tlie centre...,right and ltft.,»outward,;iface. Ihuds of sections..,.to the rear rvhecl. U mi\ / •'!' l\ I! 1^ (I i J 1 V )i i If !.i II '! I i 1 ; !-H 22 FIRST FBIlfOIPLES OF The right section here faces and wheels to the right....the left, to the left» •i^ ssssss 333388 II M By another wore . i " Jnward.,.,w1ieeL , .1 . , ■ -'i V ZZZZ 3338 If ^•1 8SSS8SII They move towards each other, where they may be dressed and fronted, or execute any of the former movements at the dis« cretion of the officer. When, in order to be brought to their first position, they are faced from the rigfit about and wheeled again into their first position. Mark time.... The wlwle....right about....face, ' Heads of 8ection8..,.front....rvh€el. * ; .' '* n ■ _,.,/ ••-' , f.-\.- ' n n I ..'':■■ » M H^e • J^ zzzzzzzzz 333333833 These movements are illustrated in a perspicuuus manner, in plate I. annexed, which will be further illustrated in a sub- sequent stage of the drills. , , These movements should be followed by countermarching ; which means only the act of the two extremes of the same rank changing places by military marching. § 4. The practice of countermarches in drill may be employed to the greatest advantage in fixing the exactness of time^ and the length of the pace ; in habituating the men to wheeling without 'r^rc* I RIFLE DISCIPLINE. O cun fusion in the midst of varied movements and ranks, each file always attending to the evolution in which each is particularly engaged, and not attending to the movements of others. The rank is now supposed to be divided at the centre, and the object in view is so to march them that the files on the right shall be brought to the left ; and those on the lefl brought to the right. Being in one rank and faced outward, if they both wheel about on the same line, they must meet, and cannot pass each other without deviating ; it must be so ordered that the sections move one by the front and the other by the rear ; this will be accomplished by the fiiUowing precaution and commands.... Mtentiotu The sections will take care to counteemarch UPON THEIR FRESENT GROUND, AND FORM FACED TO THE REAR. Section8,..,ovtward faxe^ t- ;* v. Heads of 8ecHon8„^right ahout....wheel. V'* Countermarch....march, **' They will then move in this form. ^* li*'; U>: SSSSCSSSS 333333333 When they have so marched as that the rear of each section covers, in this form.... SSSSSS33SS ' ' ^' ' '" 3333333333 They receive the words of command.... Mark time. Bear face...,dre88.,.JiaU» As soon as they receive the M'ord rear face^ they perform that motion ; on the word dreus^ the section on the left being a fiuce out of the line, steps up and dresses by the left, and pre- sent this position.... iiii«iiifiiiiiiiiiii«iiie9fii§iifififiii m !i 'Wf^ - "^ ^^* !Mrl 1 i li" 1 w Mi 1 i lii (:|!i, .ff: 11 ^vi 9k FIRST PSIirOIPIJSS ov The company is then brought by the right about /ace, to its former position, dressed and halted : and is informed that it is intended to take a position to the rear of the present ground twenty paces, faced to the rear, and that this will be executed by countermarching. Mtmtion, . Take care to take post in the hear twbntt paces by countermarch from the flanks. Section8,.„oulward face, Mear„..w1ieeL .^ ': [ Inward,...wh€€L Rear face, Mark time. Right alout,„faee„„dre88„,.ha1t, M/^ ..,•.. 99Z9999999Z w •• II »^ 4.B II MMIIMIIIIMWIIIIIIMIIMMMMMII The company is brought to the right about and halted. There will be only two more movements of countermarch here specified ; the officer of the drill, preserving the main princi- pies of cadence, length of /lacCf wheeling upon fiivota, cannot Yary his exercises of countermarching too much ; he may form squares, orbs, and other figures, by wheeling round any number of a section, and facing the whole to the right about, unfold the figure, and display his rank ; it is a great object in discipline to render exercises amusing to the men ; exercise becomes then a recreation which never tires, and by which discipline is better established than by cruelty or abuse, or ungenerous treatment. These drills will have prepared i'ne men for the next stage of the drill, that of forming larger sections. % 5. The next progression of formation will be into files of three, or sections of three in front. \ '-,i^i ^^": •■ \„A■■■^ Left...,wheel. », ,. . r.?i.;i I I E if J6 flBlT PRINCIPLES OF (.' At the word marchy the first section steps out with the left foot, and continues to mark time in that position, until the word le/i is given, at wliich word the left hand man, who is the pivot of the section, faces to the left, and marks time till the word wheel is given, when the other two men step off and wheel upon their pivot.... and the sections step /orwarc/ at the word, and so each section of three in succession. "■ S SHMM MNHMHttHMMHttftHMH The same course of movements is now to be pursued, as in the first lessons of single files ; and the wheelings are to be exe- cuted upon the same principles from the left flank to the front an ' rear. The first formation of the rank by reducing the co- lumn is made by left wheelings from the preceding position, as exemplified in the following figure ; the company being by re- peated wheelings brought to its first position, so that the left files shall stand on the ground from wliich they first moved. They receive the precaution : Take care to form front, by wheeling on the LEFT of sections. Mark time. Sections,..,ltft,...wheel. H • • ft H 8 S if ^ 3 ft M 3 M 3 3 3»^ s..( Upon the word le/i, the left hand man, or pivot of the section, faces to the left, which is the original front.... the rest wait for the word wheel, when they move into their positions, as before. The rank may be brought into column of three in front, by the following command : Take care to form column of sections of three. left in front. * ■ Sections of tkree:..left.,..whecL ■X '"'rf ff rn t I ■ >■ '-■>•—- ■ '■aaii^^jn .■■>*..j«Jf-»i-a.'. '"^i'^T- 1^- RIIXE DISCIPLINE. 27 ING ON THE S OF THREES s s s z z Z"Z SHNSMMSHM The left half of this figure describes the position after the command is accomplished ; the right half, as at the word lejt. They may now be marched left in front, faced to the right, and marched by heads of sections ; faced again to the right, when the right will be in front; and wheeled into line and halted. § 6. Tlie drills are now to be continued by single rank, but with sections formed from the division of the rank. The company being paraded as usual, ranked and sized, tliey will be told that the rank is now to be divic.t- d into two parts, each of which will be called a division, or half platoon, ui order to distinguish the half of the squad from lesser sections; he centre will be told off, and the whole will receive the word of precaution. Attention* The company will move by sections of threk from THE right of half PLATOONS. By sections of three....from tlie right of divisions.*.. Forward....'march. Left. ...wheel. « «1j z Z^ z zznn z zzhn fftlifMftM MftHHHH This movement, it will be^perceived, differs from the move- ment from the right of the rank, only in the division of the rank into two parts, which, if the drill be full, may be called first and second platoon instead of divisions ; or, right and left platoon ; if small, they may be called half platoons. From the sections of three, the progress may be to sections of five, which will be executed in a single rank in the same manner, and all the corresponding evo utions will be practised as in the formation and movements in single file. 7 f t ■ |. i 1^ 1-1 ' I ' ill' H .(^f: ,1 1 1 1 1 I'M •(;,; !^ . , 38 fIR8T PRINCIPLES OF $ 7. 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 ; as it secures the dress of the rank, and determines the time of stepping ofi*, for every succeed- ing section, in a manner much better adapted to assure correct- ness 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. As the rifle corps will have to move in sections, particularly by heads of sections in Indian tile, both in advancing in front or on the flank of the battalion in line of battle, und in retiring upon their line, or in passing woods or thickets, it is inciispensi- ble that they learn the method of infantry formation of sections, in order to arrive at correct ideas of the method of forming and reducing sections. The drill must therefore i)egin as in the in- fantry, with the smallest sections, that is sections of 'hree and ^ve^ as the same principles upon which they are executed, ex- tend to sections of larger number in front. The officer will explain these principles, and she^>v that as it is easier to pass through woods with a siiigle man mi front, than •with two or a whole rank ; it will be necessary to be prepared at all times to move in sections of any required number. The drills will then proceed to movements from the flanks, that is from the right or left ends of the ranks or half ranks ; two sections moving at the same time, by one word, as in the following : tlttetition. Thb company will take care to move by sections of five from thk right of half platoons, The company being divided into two half platoons, say of ten files each ; the first five files on the right of the whole rank, and the first five files on t/.e right of the second half platoon, will move at the same moment and on the same word ; and they will tell ofl* in the following manner : 5 4 4 3 2 1 15 4 3 M i^ §f If £1 ft ft §i if if If IS $f f$ §t §1 if it «i ft They will then receive the Avord, RIFLE DISCIFLINK. Mark time. By sections of pivb from rioht of half platoons, Fotnx>urd....march. Left»...wheel. S S . S S S S S S S SSMtftIM C SSflffffHIl ffltftftffil MNftlftf The number of files here given in the sections wheeled are for the purjwse of presenting the form of the movement in a more striking manner. The whole should be moved in two columns, in the manner of infantry, and wheeled in various directions ; faced to the right about, and to the left, and sections countermarched by their heads and brought into their proper positions again. In rifle discipline, the practice must be constant of moving by heads of sectiQns....thus the whole being now formed into two columns of five in front, they will exhibit this disposition : K?- ff tt it td if it it ii ii it it it it it it it it it it ft ft it if ft ft ft if if ft ft It is required to take ground in that order to the right, and the wor4 is given, The whole.... ' Bighl....face. They present the following order : 33333 33338 3c»<»33 33333 3 3 3 3 >» 33333 It is required to retire ; and, as the primitive order, or the order in which the ranks originuUy stood, must be kept in view ■whertn'cr the niovement is not impeded by adhering to it, the ^, 30 FIB8T PRINCIPLES OF . M . I. > \ }> 'i V (IV 1 ! proper course will be to wheel by their right, by heads of sec- tions, as that will bring them into their first order, with only the necessity of countermarcl ng each section to the right about.... they then receive the w ord, Sections of five, • By heads of 8ection8..,.right wheel. The sections on the left as now laced, will each advance a number of paces equal to the number of sections on their right, and wheel in the following manner : »^ 33333 33333 21. : 333M ^M 3333 M •»333 • • 4 S333M • • fM ♦m fM *M fM fM fM fM *M *M M M M M M M M M M / w M M M M M M M M The sections are now in their original position, only faced to the rear. ...to bring them to their first position, they receive the word. By heads of sections.... Count€rmarch..,.march. § 8, At this period, if they have not already acquired the in- fantry discipline, they should learn the principles oi ec/iello isy a species of movement which is well adapted to the advance and retreat of rifle corps ; after they have performed the perpendi- cular echellons, they must be accustomed to move by single file from the /(•/?, or from the right of secdons to the front or rear, to countermarch and fire in echellons of Indian files. The first instructions in the practice of echellons may begin with secdons ofhve.. .It is understood, that the company is already ranked, sized, told oJ7\ and that all the movements must be in marked time. Attention. Thk company will take care to form echellons upon the left section of five. !!• »A^ *• - ■ -^iv.j RITLB DISOIPLimB. SI The left tection will keefi if ground. The third aection vdll advance a number qf ftaeea equal to itt front. The tecond aection will advance a number qf pacea equal t9 double ita front. And the frat aection will advance a number of pacea equal t9 triple ita front. Upon the left form eehdhma, Forwavd..,.march. They, thereupon, form the following disposition : iHHHMH ^nnnnn N M H 11 n I ^ tt ft tt tt f§ As the sections are to advance perpendicularly to the front, a number of paces equal to the i'ront of the sections from right to left ; there being four sections, and one of them remain ng on its position, the right section will have to move a number of paces equal to the front of three sections of five files, so that the right will have to &< Mice 15 paces, the second 10 paces, and the third 5 paces ; these principles should be inculcated every opportunity ; and the echellon is particularly adapted to teach it accurately aiul test it by wheeling on the right or lefl of sections, which ^vjn present echellons on the front faced to ; but in single movements, they are to present as small a front as possible ; they n^ust, therefore, be moved by heads of sections at all timr n within point blanc distance ; the company must be ')rr .d of this, and that the formation in parallel ranks is di Unary, and intended to teach what infantry do, so that when seen it may be known what they are doing- 32 FlAST PRINCIPLES 0¥ !■■,-•! ] I In order to shew the mode in which they must move, it will be important to practise them at this point of the drill, in ad- vancing by heads of sections in echellon, advancing the right and left flanks alternately, then advancing the centre, reserving both flanks ; thv; front or leading file of the advanced section making the motions of firing to the front, and retiring by the left... .and they must be told here, that in all instances of retiring after firing, whether in extended order, or in file, tliey must advance by the right and retire by the )eft....the following dispo- sition will convey some idea of the manner : ^Iteniion. The company will advance in echellons from thk cen1re, by heads of sections in indian file.. ..the flank sections thrown back. Mark time. Sections.„.from the i'ight....hy Indian file..., ¥orward....march. They present this order : ! If 1 II M M t » '., / ' M ' # II H # 4 M •■ ■ ■W: . , ■'- ' # - .;: : . -■#■:■■ •^#' -■" *'/■ M ft -#:-■' '# n 5 ■# .- M «a ■ • '■' w II •■ . J "n. It w i% t III M move, it will e drill, in ad- ig the right re, reserving need section tiring' by the es of retiring ;, they must owing dispo- LLONS FROM IN INDIAN BACK. It If H !l o it •1 ft 1 ft 1 • • • • RIFLE DI9GIFLIKE. $a There &re seven secticms shown here, for the purpose of ex- plaining the various movements : in the preceding movement, the fourth section advances by files from the right ; and the sections 3 and 5 on its right and left, advance directly in the same order, but their heads not so far advanced, and in succes- sion 2 and 6,.Mand 1 and 7 are On an 6qtial fh)nt. > The SBCnONS Vfltt FIttb, and RBflRE fiY THE LEFT, .■' THE FLAMit SBCTIOMtf ADVANCED. : .mt < •• >'M>'^, y, ■-,. Centre 8ecti(m8,...hy the 1tft.,..retirei f n :v,^u March. They then present th6 following dispositions ; the centre hav- ing retired, countermarch to its original ffoiit : ' ; ' '; 7 /^ /^ •. , J Wit ■?^?f ■ f -j;?* i ,.<] ' r: •ill 7 •f H .,U ., i '■■•. '!.} liM Hit 1 H 6 it •-:',. ' >i- - all Hi 2 it H H •n's« . ; ■.!..-, r, tr This principle consists in augmenting or diminishing front from the proper flank, and to the proper flank when moving in open or in close column. The movements are to be acquired nlways in open order. The principle consists in this rule ; that the position of every file in he line shall maintain its correspondence through every evolution. This may be understood, by counting the files, be- ginning on the right, and supposing the whole to be formed int* sections of seven ; the sections being then wheeled upon their right into column of seven files in front, the disposition shall be such as that, proceeding from right to left, the files shall be con- tiguous as they first stood ; the first file of the 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. HMMHttHM Ist section. 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 li liMt-'i jiif.[i HflHMMnM 2d section. 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 , 1 ''•; ; T'<(-: . ;:i' Sl!l?f!f?f!f? 3d section. Iff it If M it . 2^ 27 26 25 24 2 4th section. f augment- I ; and they being.... thh cumscribed there is no shing front moving in be acquired on of every ough every he files, be- formed int* I upon their ion shall be hall be con« ond section} lird section^ irth section, e supposed, RIBLE DISCIPLINB. 36 It is required to augment the front from seven to nine filesj so as to make a column of nii e files in front. The column being in motion, the word is given : Take care to augment column to sections of NINE IN front. To render the first formations easy, until the hc^bit is brought 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, tor which purpose, after Uic pi-ccaution is given, the word 'v. ,!.■« rl-> Mark time. Farm sections of nfne....ntarcfc. NHHMHHH '•>M'l' -lli f" :.-(: ■■'-■■■■ J h:.'.' ; :'-":, 1 1.'; 1 ;:f i:' )fl-_ • ^■^," , ■ ' HHHHIt ^«^ ..» ■ u HHH'^«^<^'^ H ^<^^^^ This view represents only th^ 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 direct facing to the right, when on the ground, without advancing ; or by a quarter facing and advancing on a diagonal I>nc so as to cover the ri^ht hand file of the leading section, wlien in motion, which must be performed in every section from front to rear. The diagonal facings must be by every single man from his 3tf FIB9T PRINGIFLEI OF " I / h' •III front to the direction in which he is to march and occupy^ his left shoulder in the rear of the man moving before him. So that the augmentations shall always come from the right of each sue* cessive section to the l^ft of the section in its front. The augmentation here presents an appearance^ which, by anticipation, unfolds the nature of the Line qf Science or diagonal movemeqt ; as the front section must be necessarily augmented by the files that would count next to it in the rank, the two right hand iilon of thn sprnnd auction necessarily must march diagonally from the right of the second to the left of the first, so that No. 9 becomes the left file of the first section, in the place of No. 7; and No. 10 becomes the right of the second sec- tion ; 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. 3 must obtain four men from the right of the third secUon, 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 out of sight an instant, that all these chan- ges arc to be executed on the march at the quick time of a lively dance. As the effect of riflemen depends very much on the use of their arms, they should be brought to that branch of discipline if not already taught the infantry movements, at an earlier stage than infantry of the line ; the drills must therefore begin with arms at this stage. . RIFLE DISCIPLINE. tccupX) his a. So tliat )f each suc- I -which, by or diagonal augmented ik, the two nust march of the first, tion, in the second sec- )aces to the two men on No. 3 must , which four the right of e from the isary to give g constantly e left of the these chan- ne of a lively the use of discipline if earlier stage begin with -I-..' ■i:'- ■1!) 1.' ! Mi/f'..' 1 CHIP IV. J", f !<• r' <'.j i;... fflr- ■,ni Ml ■;.li;r $ 1. THE FIRE OF RIFLE CORPS. X HE duties and discipline of rifle corps are determined by the nature of the country in which they are to act. They should be so well disciplined in the movements of infantry gene- rally, as to be susceptible of action, either in compact or detach- ed bodies ; in small or large coi-ps ; the effect of their force de- pends on the activity and skill of every individual. In particu- lar positions they must act and manoeuvre according to the rules of discipline of infantry of the line. In other positions accord- ing to rules peculiar to their own distinct branch of service in extended order. A skilful commander will know the means by which they may be employed with the v;reatest advantage ; ju- dicious officers will be ready to accommodate their movements to the general design, and a co-operation with the other des- criptions of force. If circumstances demand that they act with closed ranks, conjunctly with other troops, their movements are made on the common principles of the movements of the line, and it is essential that rifle corps should be so disciplined, because without it their value would be in some measure dimi- nished, especially if opposed by riflemen who are possessed of that disciplinary experience. , -. ,., - '--. Rifle corps should on their first instruction in military discip- line pass through the ordinary drill and movements of a compa- ny, and afterwards of a battalion of infantry. This is essential : 1st. As it familiarizes them with the habits and movements of troops wherewith they act in conjunction on real service. 2d. It enables them to come at once into battalion service, if exi- gency demands their incorporation. 3d. It renders familiar the movements of an enemy. During a campaign, light troops, when not formed in regular battalions and in a populous country, are usually cantoned in villages or farm houses ; and are generally without any camp equipage ; their ammunition, ams, and provisions, being drawn J.i n. ' I 1 i; I 1 1 ; U •H k \ l^lf 3& TJKST PS1NCIPXE8 OF fi-om the stores of the division to which they are attached. If, however, li}jht infantry or rifle corps are embodied in battalions or regiments, or if rifle corps are attached in companies to regi- ments permanently, they may be occasionally encamped on the flanks of their regiments, or in camps either in the line or ad- vance of the line, or largely on a flank in a right angle with the line. It is considered as conformable to the spirit of rifle corps that they do not carry camp equipage into the field on actual service, but that they construct huts with boughs of trees, and that in the intervals of actual service they t ke a tour of duty and comply in every respect with the discipline and duties of infantry. It can never be repeated too often, nor attended to too much in the discipline of every species of troops, that uniformity in mat-ching in the length of pace, and the unity or cadence of the step, and in quick time, is the most important part of military discipline. With riflemen, celerity of movement is of great importance, and in projiortion to its importance it is essential that it should be precise as well as rapid, and invariable under similar circumstances. The time of movement and the length of the step is the same in every description of troops that move on foot, and is to be referred to the practice of light infantry and the line. All move- ments to 1)6 made in paces of 24 inches ; the riflemen musty however, be accustomed to take a greater number of paces in a minute than the troops of the line ; tlie infantry ordinary pace is 76 in a minute ; the riflemen when acting independently, should be accustomed to 90 paces in a minute, and more often 120. There is one pace, however, peculiar to the rifle corps, which is better understood by Americans, under the denomination of the Indian fiace, or Indian file step. This step or pace is re- quired only when riflemen act alone, or are detached from the main body of the army. The rifle is then carried on the hori- zontal or sloped trail, and a word of command suitable to rifle- men, and which is applicable to all light infantry corps in simi- lar situations, has been adopted. It is the word "Change HANDS," by which it is intended that the rifle or firelock at the trail should be thrown adroitly from the hand in which it is then carried into the o: her, and there held, till the same word of command returns it lo the original hand. Bins DISCIPLIKB. t9 iched. If) n battalions lies to regi- iped on the line or ad- rie with the f rifle corps d on actual if trees, and tour of duty nd duties of to too much iniformity in idence of the rt of military t is of great It is essential ariable under The trail step, or Indian Jiie pace^ is usually made without any violence of the body, a regular constant even mcvemeni of the foot twenty-four inches at a step ; and after practice, is to be performed in every position, whether in single or double ranks, in Indian file, or in open or extended order. The drassing in file to be always by the leading file. The lines dressed by the centre. Riflemen are formed into companies of equal numbers with the battalions or regiments of the establishment- After being taught to stand, march, face, wheel, direct and oblique, and manoeuvre, and to exercise with the firelock as in the infantry, they are taught the particular exercise of the rifle, which is varied in a few particulars, and bears some analogy to their im- medii:te s^ rvice. A rifleman is never supposed to leave his rifle unloaded, and contrary to the rule of the infantry, who always carry their arms on the left shoulder, the rifleman car- ries his, unless when he shifts it for rest, on his right side^. either trailed or at the advance. ■J !' p is the same and is to be e. AUmove- flemen must, of paces in a linary pace is ently, should often 120. corps, which lomination of or pace is re- ;hed from the I on the hori- itable to rifle- :orps in simi- •d " Change irelock at the n which it is le same word ^ 2, MAJ>rUJlL EXERCISE. POSITION ON PARADE. ■ . . - _'',•>■'•■',. ', ,. •, • .. . ■ ... The company being ordered to Jail in, or to form, either in one rank or in two, as the ofiicer may direct, it appears dressed and sized as in infantry, with rifles at the order. If paraded on the flank of a battalion and in close order, the riflemen exercise like infantry of the bjittalion ; if drawn up in the extended order, they perform their own manual ; the only dHTerence being in the single motion of the advance, which the riflemen in open order always execute at the word ahoulder. The company drawn up with ordered arms, and looking well to the front ; feet near two inches apart at the heel and separated about the length of the foot at the toes, so that if a foot were placed parallel to the front of each man, their feet should form a triangle with open points of two inches brocd. In this position they receive the precaution, . \m ' : vj ■ f> V * H 40 IflBST PAINCIFXES OF •Attention. 1. At this word the eyes are thro^vn briskly to the front without moving the body. If the ofRcer requires it, a fugleman advances far enough in front to be seen without difficulty by the whole company, ".'rv.;.; . ' •' , ■' '"■ ■ • ■'--■ i '•- Advance arms. ■' .'■'■• ' ^'" The right hand seizes the rifle at the swell, raises and brings it to the position called the advance in infantry exercise ; that is, the right hand, with the two first fingers under the guard, and the thumb over the guard ; the third and fourth fingers behind the slock, so that the cock may rest upon the two lateral fingers ; the right arm hangs at ease, not so much as to incline the body ; and yet so free that it may be sunk two inches if required ; the left arm hangs at ease with the fingers extended, so that the middle finger may feel the seam of the breeches. The barrel of the rifle rests in a perpendicular position against the shoul- der, and the but pressing gently against the thigh. The company will prepare to load. Riflemen must be at first accustomed to make ready and take aim, methodically, and thoroughly practised in it ; because they are seldom in a situation in action to fire by word of command. The officer will now order out the fugleman, if he thinks fit, and then caution the company to wait for the words of command. On which the fugleman (if any) steps forward ; if the loading is to be with cartridge, it will be so ordered ; if with loose pow- der, the word will be, , . ,. , , J, , Prime. 1 . The rifle is thrown by the right hand into the position of the recover in battalion exercise, and held with the right hand at the small ; the left hand in front of the swell, gently support- ing the rifle in its perpendicular position. 2. Quarter face to the right, a segment of about four inches from the parade front, and at the same moment the rifle is brought down by the side, the muzzles in a range something above horizontal ; the but resting against the right hip ; the left palm supporting the rifle at the swell ; the right thumb is placed against the hummer, tlie hand with the knuckles upward, and the right elljow close to the but ; the lock inclining a little to- Hard the body to receive the priming. bod resf thel MtriE DISOiniNC. 41 to the front it, a fugleman fficulty by the Jill ses and brings Tcise ; that is, he guard, and fingers behind ateral fingers ; ;Une the body ; required; the ;d, so that the 5. The barrel inst the shoul- 1. M J V'f" ready and take t ; because they •d of command, if he thinks fit, ds of command. I; if the loading with loose pow- t the poMtion of the right hand gently support- bout four inches lent the rifle is »nge something ;ht hip ; the left thumb is placed les upward, and lining a little to- t i I 3. The hammer is pushed up bf the right thumb ; the right hand seizes the cartridge with the three first fingers. 4. The cartridge is brought to the mouth, and the end twisted 6ffwith the teeth. 5. The priming is then shaken into the pan, with the thumb and first and second fingers ; the pan is shut by the third and fourth fingers ; and the right hand slides behind the cock) and holds the small of the stock freely. 1 . The rifle is gently canted in front of the body by the right hand, the but is brought to the ground between the two feet, by sliding gently through the left hand, barrel to the front. 2. The left hand seizes the rifle near the muzzle, the thumb stretched along the stock; the but is placed between the feet, the barrel and stock at the swell between the knees ; the powder is put into the barrel, and the wa ' 1 1 1' :tl(U ^2 FIRST PRINCIPLBS •! it II the piece at the small, whik ht fote finger is placed on the trigtjer. As soon as the rifleman has fixed on his ol}ject, he fires. In exercise he fires at the word only, uniil well practised in the firing motions ; but as soor as perfect he fires without waiting for the word of command. ,, ,i:t be considered as a command to recover arms and fuUf cocky which is followed by ,. ;, ,. , , Advance arma. u\\ '.".r This motion is the advance of the battalion exercise- At the same moment that the right foot is brought to its first position, witii the right hand, brmg the rifle briskly from the recover to the right side ; the fingers going at the same instant under the guard ; the thumb over the guard i the left hand keeps an easy hold of the rifle and aids in crossing the body with the rifle till it is placed in the proper position, the hollow of the shoulder. .- r i ,; *: . .1 0rAer.,.,arm8, 1. 1..; . !>;-.• r; ♦ Seize the rifle with the left hand briskly across the body even with the shoulder, raising it aijout two inches wii>. the right' hand, which is then disengaged from the guard below, and grasp the rifle firmly round the muzzle. The left hand is then dis- engaged and brought to its former position on the left thigh ; while with the righi, the rifle but is brought to the ground in a line wi'.h the point of the right foot. The Mrist gracefully bent and Uie elbow easily pressing the rifle against the body ; the right hand is hen thrown in front of the rifle, the fingers ex- tended straight downwards, the thumb behind the barrel. Riflemen are never required to fire with cartridges but when actihg in « lose order, which, though it often happens, is not precisely their province in acUon. Whenever it is practicable^ riileiiien will load with powder measure and luuse ball. They must be first taught to loud and fire with cartridge like infantry ; after which the principal instructions for recruits will be how to load with loose bali, and to fire at the target. I \ IIFLE DlSCIPLimS. 43 iced on the s ol}ject, he ell practised res without W I r in priming po« le signal to id to recover ise. At the irst position, the recover nstant under nd keeps an ady with the lollow of the he body even iCt the right }W, and grasp 1 is then dis- te left thigh; e ground in a racefuUy bent he body ; the le fingers ex- bur rel. Iges but when ippens, is not is practicable, e ball. They like infantry ; will be how to •t § 3. PRACTICE PraiNG. The firings of rifle corps may be divided upder three heads: Jixed or standing fire— advancing-^retreatinif. Fixed or standing fire is practised not by platoons, nor in ranks, as in battalion, but in a mode peculiar to the uses of rifle- men, and calculated to obviate the disadvantages discovered in platoon firing. When the recruits are sufficiently perfect in firing by the dis- tinct and separate words of commani, they should be accus- tomed to go through the firings with the following words of command only: .' , - •Attention. ■fM' •.T'lj.rj Fire, No single motion should be omitted in the firing exercises, as it is of more consequence that a rifle should be properly than expeditiously loaded. Half cock, ' ' ■ The rifle is brought to the recover, and half cocked. • 8hutpan. ! This mot'on is executed in the position of the recover. '■' TraiL,„ami8, • • ''' "'■' The rifle is thrown handsomely into the right hand to the right side, caught at the swell; and the arm lowered to its length without straining ; the rifle is held balanced upon the four fingers, the muzzle as high as the breast, but direct to the front.. ..the hand by the right side. ...elbow slightly bent. 0rder.„.arm8. The right hi>iid performs thi^ motion, by gently but briskly throwing the lifle into a perpendicular position, in a line with the point of the right foot, and there gently suffering the vreight of the rifle to bring the but to the ground... -the fingers thrown in front, the thumb behind the barrel, the arm gently bent. After the young rifleman has perfected himself in the fore- going parts of discipline) he must be constantly taught firing at i ■"Vi j^ y« -A. t f H i Ml ■■■: \ : ■1 :, '1 1 li Vl&ST PIUNCIPI.£it OF a target, >vhich should be at least five feet diameter. If smaller, the unpractised man would be at first discouraged, as some may miss it at first ; it is also necessary to have it so large that the range of the rifle may be known whether it throws the ball to the right or to the left ; and if it were too narroWi he could not ascertain this. A target of proper Mze and painted in circles, is easily hit, the rifleman sees the fault he has made, and learns to correct it. He must be taught to fire at a target without a rest, for if he accustoms himself to make use of a support, he ivill rarely fire true without one ; but as this method will be rendered easy by practice, he should begin by firing at fifty yards distance, and increase it by degrees to 100, 150, 200, and 300 yards. Many of the Pennsylvania rifle corps practise firing as they advance in single file, in the following manner : A hat, or any other object of similar size, is placed on a staff or fence post, four or five feet high. The rifle company are fornied into In* ^ian file, and are put into the short pace of the Indian, with the rifle at the horizontal trail. They pass the object in a circle, leaving it on iheir left and firing successively as they pass in that direction. They move in a circular course, and after firing a number of rounds, they are faced to the right about, and pass and fire at the object on their right side. The firing from the right is from a halt ; the firing from the left is practised with- out halting. The rifleman must be made acquainted with the nature of sights, and the aim of the rifle j how to load with loose ball, to force it dextrously into the barrel, so that it shall lie close upon the powder without bruising the grains; he must be taught how to use the plaistery which is a piece of greased flannel, fus- tian, or soft leather, to facilitate the passage of the ball into the barrel, and clean it. '*' '■ ■■•"•''•''•'^* He must be taught to mark every shot fired at the target Mhich strikes it, and to observe whether it be pointed too high or too low.. ..too much to the right or to the left, so that he may correct his fire accordingly. He should weigh his powder, and jiote the difference of effect with a greater or less quantity of jiowder, and how far the quantity of the powder affects the shot. The officers of rifle corps should be as expert as the privates, and should be competent to instruct, as well as correct error. Bins DISCIPLINE. 4S If smaller, some may e that the the ball to could not in circles, and learns without a upport, he lod will be ag at fifty 0^ 200, and ng as they lat, or any fence post, ed into In- Q, with the in a circle, ley pass in after firing It, and pass ig from the :tised with- e nature of )ose ball, to close upon be taught nannel, fus- )all into the the target :d too high hat he may towder, and quantity of ts the shot, le privates, Tect erroi*. i The proper charge of the rifle must be particularly attended to ; a measure provided to contain nn exact charge, attached to his powder flask. And riflemen must be practised to load and to fire as they lie on the ground, and to fire from behind trees and stone fenceS; and in every species of covered g^und. „ $4. OF FIRING ON THE SPOT. In the c1o«e and extended order, the ranks fire dternately, it being a rule, that the whole are never to be unlov dfd at the same time. -r'j- ( The signal being given to fommmr^'^mtjr, the field oflic'^rs and stair, retire to the rear ; the subalterns remain in the line ; the captain or first lieutenant always on the right. In close order, the senior officer in the rear of the company or division which is ordered to fire, gives the word. On the signal for commencing ^ring being given, the two right hand files of each platoon or section, according as the company may be told off, are immediately to take three paces to the front ; the two in their rear stepping to the right of their file leaders, and each take aim and fire ; come about by the left and resume their positions ; and so on through the whole company. This mode of discipline is necessary to prevent the whole from being unloaded at the same time ; and the uniformity and con- tinuity of fire are thus made incessant. When it is required that the firing should ceasej the signal of the bugle previously determined for that purpose, is given ; and after this not a shot should be heard fired. The oflicer must remsdn invariably in the line during this firing, and on no account to stir from the spot. When the signal for ceasing fire is given, and every man loaded and shoul' dercd (or at the advance) the oflicers di'eas their platoons. tAttention, ^ At this word the right hand file (that is the man on the right in the font rank, and the man on the right of the rear i*ank) of each platoon, take three quick paces forward and halt, the rear roan steps out ten inches to the right of his file leader, but on a line with his own position. When he has fired, he quits his hold with the right hand, lind in fiicing to the left about; swings the rifle in an horizontal : '( 'A-i\ ^ * h 46 TIRST PRIIVCIPLBS'OF ■■; \! ;/: ' I^J (hjO'h'An AOKf: t'./'eaif) J/ti;.! position with the barrel downwards, and steps briskljr into his ori|rinal position in the rank, and fronting by the left about, he brings the' rifle into the position of prime and load ; half cocks, and proceeds to load, going through the motions as before with- out further word of command, -iirtjrjf. r.-ynhi huu .H'jf-ni. sd-ji--: The practice of exercise of rifle corps is usually regulated by the bugle horfiy for which there are certain staves of musical notes within the Compaq's of that instrument, determined by the commanding officer to be the signals for performing or ceasing to perform the several parts of discipline. A scheme for this purpose is annexed to this work in musical notes, £(nd new sig- nals may be ea&ily added. ;.j, ,.,, ; i.s-,T7>!JUl 5.;«'Jf t>-fih: ):: § 5. ANOTHER METHOD. ' ,' ' As soon a& the rifleman is perfect In the flrings, he is in- structed in the signals by the bugle, so that he may know when to commence or cease firuig. Front raiik....ready...,aim. ' The fire may commence from right or left, and continue to the opposite end of the rank ; each loading after his fire ; as soon as half a rank has fired the word is given ; and they then continue to Are with deliberation, loaduig carefully, and firing without perturbation. Eear rank.f.,ready....aim. Every man selects his separate object, and fires at his own discretion ; when he has loaded, he touches his front rank man as a signal for him to do the same ; and as soon as the front rank man has fired and loaded, the rear rank man fires agMn ; and thus the fire is kept up briskly, but without hurry or con- fusion, until they cease Jiring. This method is, by some, considered preferable to another whicli has been practised by some corps, of moving a few files forward, noted as a matter of discipline in the preceding sec- tion ; as in this mode the line is preserved in better order and the impression is greater. But both are proper in suitable cir- cumstances. In extended order the signal to commence Jiring being made, the front rank begins without waiting for the word from the eflicer ; but the men observe the same rules of alternate firing and loading as in closed ranks. 'v. tflrja !v»|J6l.>iIi^< ^llCJii ■: (■. •ill RIFIX DISCIFLINS. «!r Aj into his t about, he half cocks, lefore with- :gulated by of musical ined by the ; or ceasing ne for this [id new sig- i, he is iji- know when J galfi Jin:,- continue to !iis fire ; as id they then ', and firing at his own It rank n^an as the front (ires again ; .irry or con- to another g a few files eceding sec- :r order and suitable cir- being made, ■d from the ernate firing .innliv.iVii, CHAP. V. w , . .» FORMATION OF THE COMPANY. ' § 1 . IT now becomes necessary to treat of the order of depth. The company being drawn up in single rank, as usual, and the parade being dressed and steady, the whole ranked and sized, as in Chap. II. receive the precaution : Attention, ' * '" * ' The company will prepare to exercise in double FILES. Tell off. One, two. ...One two. . .■:. , , The right hand man speaks cut in a clear quick voice, one, the second /w^', the third one, the fourth ^wo....and so on to the left. The order of formation is, that the tallest men shall be on the right and left of the rank, and that the files of the rear rank shall be successively taller than those of the same file in front ; this must be accomplished in a soldierly manner. A moment's reflection will show that if the files be now form- ed out of the company, ranked and sized from the flanks to the centre, the common way, that the men of the front rank on the left half of the company, will be taller than the men in their rear, while the contrary will be the case on the right ; it will be necessary to obviate this by a more accurate method. The company being told off, the centre is found, and the following instructions and commands will be' given : The company will wheel into double Jilea from the centre outward ; the odd files will in this movement be the pivots of the right half platoon ; the even files the pivots of the left half platoon ; so that when the words.. ..r/^-A? and lejl^ are given, the even files of the left half platoon face to the left, and the odd files of the right half platoon face to the right. They receive the precaution : V \ 'I III', rn I 1 I tU I II i; 48 VIRST PRINCIFLK8 0> •A^tenfion. Take cark to wheel into double files from the centre outward. Mark time, Section8,...hyJile8..,. Right and left.„.ouhjoard.,:Wlieel, ^,,^ ■ This will be the disposition at the word right and left ; at the word vtheeli they will present this disposition : i . .^ s s « s s s « S S S £ S 3 3 S 3 S 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Thereupon they will receive the word, * ' Front face. And they will present this disposition : islfflflffMNIfltfflflflffM ffttfliffltttffttttffftff This position places the two sections with an interval: t« bring the rank to consistency, they must be closed to their pro- per distance by the side step. ; By the side step, ; . >.m ' i .; h '' ' To the centre..»close Jile8»..march, -v > - ^^ . t '' This is performed by lifting the left foot, moving that foot on the side towards which the file closes six inches at a time. Thus the files on the right step six inches to the left, and bring the right foot close up to the left ; the files on the left, step six inches to the right and bring up the left foot. § 2. The company is now formed in double file faced to the front, and it is necessary to put it in motion. They present the following disposition ; and are put in mo* tion in the same manner as in single file. The principal dif- ference in modern discipline is, the care that is required in making all wheelings upon the principle of the /livot, by which •> \ •'ROM THE 3 eft ; at the nterval: tf 3 their pro- g that foot I at a time. :, and bring; :ft, step six teed to the put in mo« incipal dif- equired in ) by which BIFL£ DISCIFIIITB. h» is to be understood, that every man who is at the point upon which a wheel is to be made, is called the pivot ; and so must every man be, whatever be the number of men in the rank, section, or platoon, above one. This will be exemplified in the two views of a wheel to the right. A\XenXion* Thb company will take cabe to wheel to the RIGHT. '' Mark time.... \^ .-^ ^ , ,_ , ^, ^^ ' ^ ^. ,. The I'ight.... ,. ! ,. , " ,,,;;,. ,. This word is to the single man on the head of the cohimn, and on the right, the word of execution ; he must, as is repre^ sented, face to the right, while all the rest wait for the word . Wml. Iit1»i:fi> Qi u ' i ! ■>■ • r.<.j fcV 3 8 S S 3 3 S S S 8^ ' ' 33333 33 3311 ^-';;^ '-^-^ ^^: Upon this word the mian who had faced steps out, and his left hand man wheels up on his left side ; and so every right hand man, on coming to the same ground on which the first man stood; fav 3 briskly to the right, and marks time a pace till his comrac''H . :k left gains the same front by a wheel on his left; the . i.;",!, dress and advance. The following figure ex- emplifies the operation of the wheel, conformably to this rule. The ofiicer will signify that all the movements now are to be made in two ranks or double files ; and that the intimation of double JiUsy will now cease to be used. Uig1tt...,wheel. }■'■' Fanvard...,mareh. .)!•• W. if ••! ■ . . t .' ■ ■; , J 1 •;^, • ,.'•"'" '•■ •»!/ arch. • i ' *^ "t. : ' i.' !.i ( 'ij't.'l ■ " i:/c'i,ii'} ;w 33333 ^ 3 3 3 3 3 M^ J •■ » '' ^•m It r •:•.' 1. lH'i » ifi> i| •• •• .■ 'U ■ 1 'u'xm '• MM . ,, Jill ' 'Mi- »» »» , . 1 [ ...... •; = -! |,;.. i-f., A! ,-- if If '.ii r ■ . yj. ... V,-* ' II W ,•.'!,;.. :.. ••j:; tf,,.:V ;..' ! . ,^ II II ■• J.. ' .^ »♦ '• i m H FIB9T FBHromiSS OF \ V n f? $ 3. After the young riflemen are sufficiently exercised in marching) wheeling, and shooting with cartridge, and then with loose powder and bdl, in small sections, they are formed into companies in two ranks, and told off by the voice in the same manner as infantry, and they are taught the duties to be performed in larger bodies.. ..extending front....advancing.... retreating....closing either in front or a flank file... .or firing in their position. '• ^ "' " ' •" ' The file may extend from right, left, or centre, according to circumstances, in any number of paces, and of which the com- manding officer must be the judge. When in two ranks the men of the rear rank conforiQ to |he movements of their file leaders. v- ■■ ^ V:-r .i.-- The usual distance of extended order is one or two paces, according to the front to be covered and the number to cover theiii. If it be required to extend to a greater distance, either to cover the front of a corps, to mask a manoeuvre, or any other purpose, it is intimated by the officer before the signal is given for performing it. In extending to a flank, upon a signal or word of command for that purpose, the whole face to that flank except the first or last file, and step off in quick time with arms trailed; the front rank being well closed up, and the rear rank looking over the left shov'^df^r in order to halt their file leaders ; for on the latter will depend tnat they halt at the proper distance. The platoon or company being formed in close order, in two ranks, and is required to extend from the right, and the distance to open is smalli the words of command will be given, preceded by the order for the aide ste/if but if the side step is not mentioned, the whole company excepting the right hand tile (that is the right hand man of each rank) face to the left, and the number of paces at the extension is mentioned at two or more paces distance. II at iwo paces, each of the files that are faced to the left, step out :ih(>rtly in time, and casting an eye over the right shoulder, measures with his eye the two paces distant from the file be- hind him. H'lving reached the point, they either face sucr.es- sively or mark time and front together. Being faced to the front extended, the rear rank will step out one pace to the tight, so that they cover the interval of the front rank. Two paces is BIFLB S1SCIPI.71IK. 61 more paces the most usual distance for the extent of ;ifle corps ; the inter- val affords the rear rank an opportunity to march up and fire without impediment. AVhere riflemen are numerous* thej should be formed in three ranks, and the third rank composed of the men most expert at loading.... the third rank might in action load for the two ranks in front. The following will convey a more distinct idea of the com> pany at the close and extended order. The rank and file con- sists of 34 men, drawn up two deep.... 12 files being in front. 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 i S 2 1 ' •.<'•'!»' MMf§NMIiilMltttitM./» tQ'o,''^ ii jii'f To the left....extend, . : At this word all but the right hand fileyor^ivof) step out six inches to the left, and present the following disposition : NflfNItttMttMMNliM ttfttffffffftfttfltffitfllp As soon as the company is perfect in extending with preci- sion, the extension may be performed by signal ; if there be no bugle, signals of another kind are easily devised with the drum, colors* or flags. Closing may also be performed by word or signal, every man facing to the point ordered, and shouldering rifles as they come up and dress. Care must be taken at all times that the files do not intermix, and that every man knows and follows his leader. See plates 6 and 7. On the signal to halt, the whole halt and dress. If the chain is to fire, the signal to commence ^ring is given ; on which the firing is carried on in the mode prescribed in the preceding part of this chapter ; till the signal is given to ceaaejiring. ,,i § 4. To fire upon the spot, or by the signal, the practice of some corps is for the right hand man of each division to advance three paces, select his object, and having fired, return to his place. The other three men perform the same successively, and by this means the fire is kept up without intermission as long as required. Another mode is for the ranks to lire alternately advancing and retreating as when skirmishing, two (.len of the iVont rank of each division of the chain always moving together. i I W' ». ^ ; ii ■> « 52 VIKST PBIMCIPXfiS Of The rear rank steps two paces to the right in order to be able to fire between the intervals of the first rank if necessarjr* and without impediment. The officers and non-commissioned officers, in giving com- mands and signaU? never tnove out of their proper places ; they are at all times the points upon which the ranks must dress. In every other respect the rules which relate to firing in ad- vancing must be followed. ..;, i;;iKtJ.K. When the companjr or platoon extends from the leftj the wordisgiven: ,. ,, . ., ^ :, . , j ii . To the right....cixiend, ■ t : . The whole, except the left hand file, step six inches to the right ; and the rear rank acts as in the corresponding movement. When the platoon extends from the centre, the word is given : ^ ' From the cc«frre....ca?feiitF. ' ■ ■'^" ' *''''' *^'" The centre file, front and rear, stand steady , the files on the right step to the right ; those on the left step to the left ; as in the corresponding movements. The following shows the front rank in close order, the rear rank extended : MMffffffft§0iti9 tt It It It tf ft ft <;«!o:? fi"i H If the platoon is extended at the common open distance ot two paces and no more, the arms are brought from the trail to the shoulder; but if extended more than two paces the trail is preserved. . . ;v.. . : • Both ranks dress, as soon as they are fronted, by the point from which they extended ; and the rear rank men take half a pace to the right, if necessary, to fire. In marching to the front, however, they again cover correctly in the manner of infantry. The charge ot the rear runk in extending in this kind of ser- vice is important, as should they not halt their front rank men properly at a due distance, the line may be too extensive, or not enough extendec). Some parts may become too weak, and the design of the conjmanding officer may be defeated by this neglect, or by any periinaciousness of a subordinate person in deviating from the strict letter of the order given. See plates f), 7, 8, and 9. , ,, . RIFLE DISCIPLINE. 53 At the signal to retreat^ the whole chain faces to the right about and retreats in ordinary time. On the signal to halt^ the whole chain halts and fronts. If the signal is givea to ircHne to the lefty they face to the left, and take ground accordingly ; if to incline to the right, they obey the si^;nal likewise. Should the ground require it, or any other proper cause, an oblique movement to the right or lett in such cases is proper. On the signal to close, the whole closes to that point from which the signal is given. Should the two flank platoons of a corps be ordered to form the chain, or extend themselves, as circumstances may require, in order, by that means, to mask the formation of a battalion, or to keep the enemy at a distance, in a country where his front is difficult of approach, the two flank platoons will: vjv c in quick time the distance which may be directed) and when ar- rived at the spot, the right flank platoc n forms the chain to the left, and the left flank platoon to the right, proceeding according to the directions already given for extending and forming the chain. At the signal given to close, the platoons close to the point from which they extended, and both resume their position on the flank of the corps as quickly as possible. See the plates. The chain may change in front, previously facing to either flank, and forming a new alignment ; the reserves at the same time filing from the right or left to the front, and taking up a parallel position in its rear. Skirmishers may do the same. m § 5. The movements of riflemen, it has been observed before^ are conducted in a method more open, or in a looser or more extended order, than the movements in the column of attack, column of march, or the line. Their habitual order is in two ranks, or files of two deep ; and their distance, when not manoeuvring in the close order, is 36 inches front and depth for each man. This is their uniform parade distance ; which gives each file a front of three feet, and a clear interval to each file of six inches on each side. The distance of the rear rank from the front will be two feet ; sn that the two ranks of a rifle corps, or the flank of a battalion formed in the order of three in depth, the rifle ranks will dress with the fiont and rear rank of the battalion, and 50 files of riflemen will occupy a front of £•?<■'■'' ,'•/ u JfiKST PKINCIFLKS OJi- H 1 \ { :•; it V- (' i; 1 i^ i 150 feet ; ori 18 feet more than the front of two companies ot infantry in the order of three deep ; and equal to one third more than the front of a company of infantry two deep. . < Forward march. : . Mark time...front....dres8....halt. At the word quarter facCf the company will present this dis* position : . SIVLK DlflCIVLIini. H Mnies ot me third • ging the n paradci officer to es more >rps ; the oopsi that surprise ; flash and • .}•;,• i' ick, thejr o the ob- Iheni) that > the new tion of the tends with I. and IV. ;rams : be brought tdi....Right node, each ct line dia- e as follow : IT BY THE int tbis dls' The following diagrams show the different modes of wheel- ing ; and this new oblique method} fig. 1) shewa the curved tine upon which each file moves in the old method ; fig. 3. the quarter facing movement) shows the diagonal lines upon which each file moves to the point at which it is directed to mark tme...Jront..,.and drets. u;»,.-;,/i.j ij in fj>»' >T Fro. 1 Fig. 2 'i''iy> 1 •»' •VtHl a '. .■• ■( •/ ao-i c"'' This diagonal movement enables riflemen to fire, as thejr come to the required point, and in succession ; so that instead of waiting until a whole rank is wheeled, as in the old mode, a single file may commence the fire the moment it gains its new front....an advantage which requires only to be stated tv be seen. ,U- § 6. The importance of this quarter and half fating will be perceived the more it is studied and practised ; and it is suscep- tible of application to formations of every description. In the preceding drills, the advancing by files from the flanks of companies, and by heads of sections, have been illustrated; these evolutions should be now practised by eblique move- ments, or quarter facing and moving on diagonal instead of curved lines. The plates I. and IV. in their third dispositions, each show the operation. "... / • ; Fig. I . represents the company in two ranks as faced out- wards, all but the front flank men of each rank, who act as the pivots. Fig. 2. represents the company as advancing to the front by the heads of sections. ' % FIBST PBIN01PLE8 OT iV H Fig. 3. repretcnts the company as forming to the front by rjuarter facing inward, and moving on the oblique line to their original position, in double ranks, f siti '$**•- ■.;.i»/ii n ^''^^ Retiring by the flanks is only reversing this evolution ; and the movements into perpendicular rank, or into horizontal rank, may be formed in the oblique line. The words of command given in these movements are as follow. Jlttention* Bl" ■■'"'■- i^ The company will move from both flanks, by ^, DOUBLE FILES, TO THE BUONT. '-^-sl^*, ., • , From the centre....oulwardface, *,*-"" '"vO' •'• The right hand man and the left hand man only keep their posttions....and when the sections move to the front, the rear rank will form the outward ranks in file. When they are to form front again ihey receive the precaution : Take care to form front by oBLiquB movement TOWARD THE CENTRE. ';!./,,- i/i';. .; ' ' .r.;i- • 1 Inward..».quarter face. J}Iarch.,..mark time....halt. I.' § 7. The next will be movements from the centre. The principle is precisely the same here as in the preceding, and is illustrated in plate IV. The words of command are given in the following form : tlttention. The company will advance by double files froj^ the centre of half platoons. To the eentre....face. . . , if ,''10 The whole face to the centre of half platoons, excepting only the left hand file of each right section, and the right hand file of each left section, who become the' pivots, and accordingly do not face to the centre, but keep their places faced to the front, asinfig. 1. •, w" ^ '.V ■> /iM ?• .: •ii As soon as they receive the word /orwardi these two centre flank men, or pivots, quarter Jaw to their outer flanks, and move a pace, so as to admit the rear rank files to advance upon the same front, and then front with them, a& may be seen in fig. I, plate 4. BIFLE DI8CIFLINB. 67 Its are as Fig. 3, in the same {rfate, shows the mode of fornung to the front by an oblique or quarter facing, ami moving on the diago- nal lines, to the same front as the heads of the columns of half platoons previously formed. In all movements, the light corps must be accustomed to augment or diminish front with rapidity ; the rule with light corps differing in this particular from the battalion, that the in- fantry of the line never lose the tact or toucfiy while light infan- try move in a looser order, and do not so much depend on the touehj as on a perfect knowlege of this method of movement, and a practical habit of executing it ; a difference which clearly shows that if there ought to be any difference, the discipline of rifle corps should be more laboriously studied and practised than that of the infantry. Riflemen must be accustomed to form double flies from the rank in Indian files, while on the ma.ch, and to reduce double to single files. They must be accustomed to break off* into sections from double or Indian file, marching upon the named flank, and to either the right or the left ; so that, if a rank of double files were on its march, the word being given. Advance by sections of ten nv the right.... at FORMING DISTANCE.... , . Sections of (en....t%/it quarter face.,.»march. In this operation the first ten files would pursue their course as before, the next ten files would quarter face to the right, and move to a point ten yards, or the front of ten files, on the right of the first section, the third section would move to a point tvfeti' ty yards upon the right, and so on every section a distance on the right equal to the front of its depth or ten files ; the dispo- sition of the corps thus moving wpuld exhibit the same appear., ance as a column of infantry of ten files front, in open order, faced to the right ; for the left section would then be its head in the original order, in rank entire, the method to be pureued would be found in the following commands.... The whole will take care to resume tjie ori- ginal Disposniox and front. Jftrrfe ffmr. T I i\ ■!*". 1 li 18 VIRST PRinCIFLES OP The right sections will move by the rear of THE left section IN INDIAN FILE, AND FORM UPON THE LEFT. Left 8ection..,.lcft quarter face. Upon your right Jile form front.,., JiIarch.,..dre88..„haU. In all movements of light troops, and particularly in those in ^vhich ranks are broken, and the order at times reversed, as in the above instance, much vrill depend upon the skill and quick- ness of the Serjeants, one of whom must always place himself at the head of any leading section ; and all sections must be equalized without reference to the Serjeants ; who will lead one or another section as it advances ; but there must always be a Serjeant on the flank of every company, unless when the order is reversed, when the Serjeants must take the lead of the tempo> rary head of file in section. The captain of riflemen must be at all times on the right of the leading flic, whatever may b' the disposition of his company. § 8. DUTIES AS UGH r INFANTRY. The movements of rifle corps with an army are in advance or on flanks, and in various dispositions analogous to the opera- tions of the line, but in their own peculiar mode of movement. On the parade drill they learn the side step, after the manner of the infantry, by which the rank or ranks are opened from the centre on either flank, or closed to a flank or centre as occasion may require. This step is performed* if the opening is to the right, by keeping the left foot firm, throwmg the right foot six inches to the right, and bringing the left foot close up to the heel ; then stepping out to the right again with the right foot until the proper opening is obtained ; and so with the left foot if the extension is to the left. If the opening between the files is exceeded two feet, it is preferable to face the men towanls the points they are to open to, and from (hence from either as they reach the required distance, or keep them at marked time and front them all together. As tirailleurs they extend to six or eight feet distance. The inspection and the review of riflemen are conducted upon the same principles as if they were infantry of the line. UIFLE DISCIPLINE. The method of posting ofiicers varies nothing from the in- fantry practice, but in the posting of the ofiicers in action ; the reason of tliis is to be found in the peculiar character of the troops, and its necessity is pointed out by the more frequent advance of the rifle corps in long and extended lines. Each captain of a company is the point upon which the se- veral companies must respectively regulate their movements. A battalion or a strong body of riflemen, marching through a country unattended by other troops, must look to their oyrn safety. In such circumstances they should pursue the mode of march of infantry of the line, by proceeding in orderly co- lumns, preceded and Ibllowed and flanked by detachments, in the nature of advance guard, rear guard, and skirmishers, and they must take every precaution to avoid surprise. Their manoeuvres on the defensive, if forced to resort to it, should be upon the principle of infantry; but they should thi vr out larger parties, and at more numerous points, than is usual with infantry, both to deceive the enemy by attacking in an unusual manner, and because their particular discipline is better cal" culated to be impressive in that way than in columns ot ma- noeuvre. In retreating across a plain, the ground, their own force, and the force that attacks, must regulate their dispositions, and their success will depend on the skill of the commander. There are various modes of conducting a retreat, in such circumstances. 1. Inline. 2. By double order of files from the flanks to the rear. 3. By the order of four files from each flank to the rear : and, 4. By the various dispositions of the hollow square, or the wedge. For example: 1. A regiment or battalion may advance in line, halt, and the right platoons or companies may fire in close or alternate order, as directed. , 2. A battalion may retire in line, halt, front, and fire by left platoons in the loose order or tirailleur fire. 3. A battalion may break into open columns, and Uien take any position, in any given mode. 4. The echellon movements, always so essential to light troops, should be constantly practised. 5. The right and left grand divisions may extend, and fire in that order, and any parties deemed convenient, detached to *;J il' r V ! i Hi, (" I h' ( y surprise ; and to turn a flank by rapid and bold enterprists in action. 5. To harrass an advancing enemy on a march, seize maga- zines and convoys. 6. To forage and cover the movements of cavalry foraging.'; parties. " ■;•• ' ': ■ I ' :f\, .':■!-'• • '? ,:^^i:;. SIXI.E DISCIPLINE. ei 7. To form ambuscades, and other bold enterprises. 8. To occupy bridges and passes in advancing, and to de* stroy bridges on a retreat. 9. To harrass an enemy on his retreat. 10. To rally from a dispersed order in cases of exigency, and act as solid columns or lines of manoeuvre, like infantry. It is a general rule in relation to light infantry, that they are to act whenever required with light cavalry or hussars ; and that the movements of light infantry and light cavalry should be co-operative, and reciprocal ; their services on so many oc- casions being essential to each other. If the signal be given them to cloaey the skirmishers close to the position in the reserve, and retreat in order to their proper point ; from which, on the second signal to cloacy they all fall back on the rear body in good order, and take the station as- signed them in the line or order of battle. Should the skirmishers meet with a superior force, which prevents their retreating in good order, and according to estab- lished rules, they must of course resort to the most effective expedients to make good their junction ; taking the precaution to clear the front of the main body towards which they are re- treating, in order to render their movements easy and more secure. The moment the rifle corps clear a portion of the frant line, that portion fires, to cover their further retreat ; and the whole line opens to secure them. The arms of reserves are usually either ordered^ alungy or sufi/iortedf while those of the acting skirmishers are usually ^rat/f(/. When covering the front of a line to mask its movements, their fire must be incessant and heavy ; and, when practicable, the whole of a company should concentrate their fire on some single point of the enemy's line, so as to make a heavy impres- sion, and thereby disturb its order, and divert attention from the actual manoeuvre thus intended to bo covered. I* t\ I X ti 62 I-IBST FRINCIPLES (^f '-'i', !i ", .;■.;, ',i.'i.' I't'C ;■• >i '. J y«;'Kl\ .... , .)■■ . .-> Ci I CHAP. \I. / I . . J . 1 > - li.. i 'r.-t $ ». FORMATION OF A RIFLE REGIMENT. l:t^ l\ I 1 ik !iH:i i! i L I I I I! ' JL HE rifle corps, for the observance of ordet in military arrangement, shonid be organised on the same principles as a regiment of the line. The French, who have carried military arrangements to the greatest perfection, have half brigades of riflemen, vrith a grenadier company to each battalion, who act as flankers to every description of militai'y men on foot. This organization is founded on the power and principles of emula- tion, and the graduated esfirit de corps. An American rifle regiment should on this plan consist of two battalions, or ten companies, on the war establishment, consisting of one thousand men. Two of these companies should be select^ and it should be an object of emulation in the regiment, to be enrolled in these companies. The stafl* of every description the same as the infantry ; each company one captain^ one first, one second, and one third lieutenant j t,he re- gimental «tafl'a colonel, lieutenant colonel, major, aiul adjutant. A regiment is disposed according to some established rule of precedency, which is in itself a matter merely arbitrary ; but companies as they join are ranged in numerical order from right to left ; and when all on the ground, they are counter- marched, the even companies by the rear, the odd numbered companies by the front, to their proper positions in the ordina- tion of the regiment. The two battalions being formed, are told oifinto four grand divisions, excluding the two select which may be, at the discretion of the commanding ofiicer, formed into a fifth grand division on the right or left. In which case the compc.iiy that belongs to the left should be posted on the left of the company that belongs to the right, if marched to the vight ; and the company that belongs to the right, should be on the left of the whole if curried to ihc left. ■ M RIFLE DISCIPLIIf£. 6S The five grand divisions should be told into ten sub-divisions, and twenty platoons, and forty sections ; but no other sub-divi- sion is necessary unless files of march, or ranks in front. BATTALION IN CLOSE OBDER. ._ ,,_ ... Pioneers. ... Staff. Bugles.^ A £2 □ Music. S Si a Lt Col. I A Serjt Maj. O Major. □ Colonel. . ', , n Adjutant. ■"'' ' * '^ ' ■-' ^'''' ft Bugle! At close order they are formed in two ranks at one pace distant. In the absence of the officers of the first class, the serjeants of companies take post as follows : the senior serjeant on the right of his company, which is divided into two half platoons ; one serjeant on the flank of each front rank ; the remaining non-commissioned officers on the rear flanks, supernumeraries form an extended rank in the rear, at four paces distance. Captains and subalterns are present.. ..the position of the captain is on the right of his company, covered in the rear rank by a serjeant. The first lieutenant on the left of the front rank, covered by a serjeant.. .the serjeants are posted with regard to merit in the first instance, and where of equal merit, according to seniority of appointment. The officers commissioned and non-commissioned not in the ranks, form a separate rank extended at four paces in the rear, when halted or marching in line... .one pace only on the right of the line, the serjeants on the left of the column. The field officers and adjutant are always mounted and in front, when engaged in firing.. ..the lieutenant colonel ten paces on the right and front....the major ten paces on the left and front... .the adjutant as aid to the colonel, and a bugle on the rear and right of the colonel.. ..the serjeant major in the real' of the supernumerary rank or on the left. The quarter master, pay master, surgeon, and mate.. ..with such artificers as may be attached to ilic regiment, are twelve m i 1 if mff' «4 VIBST PBINCIPLSS Of 0. \\ ■•: / !! ;'tl ( ! ; . - ! ',> .. \ i paces behind the music. A bugler with the colonel or com* mandant. Buglei. AS2 Music. S S b;.ttalion in open order. Adjt. G a Serjt. Major. Pioneers. Pioneers. Lt. Col. D O Major. □ Colonel. Q Bugle. When a regiment of riflemen takes open order, the field officers, excepting the commandant and adjutant, dismount. The captains advance two paces in front of the centre of com- panies, and the subalterns take post dressing in front of their respective platoons, in a rank with their captains. The line of ofPcers is dressed by the senior field officer on the right, who takes care to dress the front rank ; the adjutant takes care of the rear rank with the aid of the serjeant major. The music moves through the centre and forms one pace in front of it, in rank entire. The buglers take post on the right of the battalion, unless otherwise directed by the field officers. The artificers move into the former position of the music. § 3. GENERAL RULES FOR EVOLUTIONS. With a view to the operations of a regiment or battalion, it is not practicable to define with precision the number of men that may be required for a given service, as it depends on local cj^rcumstances and the judgment of the commanding officer. The same is to be said of the proper distance to advance. It is better generally to detach from the flanks, than from the centre ; the practice of advancing the left or right half pla- toons of companies, and thus leaving intervals, is bad upon principle, and ought to be avoided, though necessity may some- timos authorise it. But the interval made should not be long left open. This evolution is required only when the battalion or regi- ment is to attack, or may have occasion to use the whole of its five ; the skirmishers tlicrefore will not wait for another, but m RIFLB DISCIPLINE. « will retire as fast as is practicable through the intervals ; but the quarter platoons will continue formed, and move with a quick but firm step to their proper positions. ' ' * - ' The officers of the detached platoons must direct their prin- cipal attention to combine in such a manner, the movements of their half platoons and skirmishers, with those of the battalion or corps, as always to keep parallel with themt and to preserve the proper distances of the extended order which they have been directed to take. It may happen that an entire company shall be required to extend itself for the purpose of covering the front of a corps, without leaving any part formed as a reserve. In this case the company will trail arms, advance in close order, and when ar- rived at the fioint bianc distance, will extend itself with due celerity. If the company is detached from the right wing, it will extend to the left ; and so of the contrary wing, or centre; as is directed in § 3. of chapter V. and illustrated on the plates 1, 2, and 3. When a company, battalion, or regiment, has been formed for an attack in the above manner, and the alarm signal given, the skirmishers retire with celerity, through the intervals ; in the rear of which they form and wait orders. Should it be necessary to retire across a plain ; on the bat- talion or company going to the left about, the right and left flanked files of each platoon remain fronted. In retreating the battalion will carefully preserve the intervals made by the above files, whose business it is to extend themselves to cover the retreat, following at the distance of twelve or twenty paces, and by their fire endeavoring to keep the enemy's flankers off. For this purpose riflemen should be practised in the Pennsyl- vania method of priming and loading, and firing on the march. During such manoeuvres of retreat, it will be particularly ne- cessary that coolness and firmnessbe inculcated with riflemen, that they may render their fire cff^ect've, prevent a waste of am- munition, and avoid leaving the whole unloaded at the same time. If attacked by cavalry, the signal for halt being first given, the battalion or regiment fronts ; the signal for retreat being given, the skirmishers fall into their respective places in the line ')5 6S VIRST PRINCIFXB8 Ot I! f ir the corps is to continue its retreat, it will face to ttie right about ; the skirmishini; files remain fronted as before. When the retreat has been effected to the proposed point, the signal to Aait being given, the corps fronts, the skirmishers are called in, and the whole dress by the centre. - '• i; 5 3. OF ADVANCING. In advancing, the signal being given to advance^ it is follow- ed inur<:i tract of country, by ni cans of a detached body more or less numerous as occusion may require; to clear woods, thickets, morasses, and enclosures, to show the way to- wards the advance posts of an enemy and counteract their out- BIIXE DISCIPLINE. 67 scouts, and report both their position and movements ; to oc« cupy as far as circumstances will admit, every advantageous spot or position in front, either for annoyance of an enemy, to prevent the enemy's occupying it, or to form ambuscades. In skirmishing the men are dispersed from each other, and therefore, require a stronger reserve to guard against accidents, than a chain which consists of small divisions ; small divisions must be never less than four men each, whose mutual depen- dence give strength and energy to their operations. Posts and detached parties must ever keep up a communication or be within view of each other. The duty of a chain is conse* quently more permanent than mere skirmishing parties. Where one company only Is employed* one half or three fourths may be advanced one hundred paces, to form the chain; when arrived at their ground they extend to the right, left, or from the centre* in divisions of two files each, at from six to ten paces distant from each other right and left ; and the front rank man with hi^ comrade in his rear two paces. The remainder of the company is formed in the rear, as a support, as nearly in the centre of the chain as may be. See plate VI. fig. 9. When seve<'al companies are employed, such a proportion may be detacherl for this, and generally speaking for any useful purpose* as is consistent with the views of the commander. The disposition of the chain in front being made, the signal is given to march. The chain moves forward in ordinary time, preserving the due distance or alignment. The section of re- serve follows at fifty or sixty paces distance, to support if necessary. § 5. OF SKIRMISHING. It is a good rule, that no more than half of a company of rifle- men must be advanced to skirmish at one time. The other half is reserved, and formed ready to support those advanced. Where there is only one company* the right or left half pla- toon according to the direction of the commanding officer, ad* vances quick sixty paces, from whence a fourth of the pi tcion is advanced sixty or eighty paces more ; anci extends its files so as to cover completely the main body from which it is detached. See plate VIII. figures 6 and 7. Whenever the right half platoon advances to skirmish, the right quarter platoon must be pushed on their front and extend 'i(' , I u 1 1 fni'*i m. ■ ! . i 68 FISST PBINCIPLB9 OF themselves to the left, and so the contrary half platoons ex- tend to the right. If the signal to Tnarch is given, the platoons which remain in close order, and the half platoons in advance, moire forward in ordinary time and cadence with the line, and keep their intervals perfect. The skirmishers that have been pushed forward in front, conduct themselves in the same manner as in firing, advancing upon the spot and retreating. ; The signal for Aait being given, the whole halt, face the enemy, keep their positions, and cease firing. If the signal for retreat is given, they retreat in ordinary time in good order, and their distances will be preserved. 5 0. DUTIES AS TIRAILLEURS. Light troops, having performed their duties in advanced posts, previous to the commencement of an engagement, are to be posted at the will of the officer in command, and employed at his discretion. The duties of all light corps when thus advanced, have been particularly described in the preceding sections and the next chapter ; and the mode of service is common to all descriptions of light troops on Toot, in this department of duty. If they are advanced upon the front of the line, they according to the modern tactics accompany the fiying artillery and light cavalry^ or hussars, which co-operate with them. The light infantry (or rifle corps) acting as tirail- leurs, or irregular shooters. Unevenness of ground is always in favor of riflemen thus advanced, and it is their duty to take advantage of every means that offers to cover themselves from tke enemy's Are while they can perform their duty in annoying the enemy. They must not be detained from taking their proper positions by any avenues or openness of ground where they may chance to be placed. If the main body to which they are attached is about to advance to action, the proper signals will be given for the light corps to retire to their proper stations. If the enemy advances, the light corps williikcwise retire in steady order, keeping up the retreating tire without intermission till they are within fioint bUmc shot of their own line, when they will retire through thie ituervals and take the post assigned thcni. See plate VII. fig. 4. RIIXB DISOIPLINE. •• If the light troops should happen to be in front of the artil- lerjr of their own line, which their oiRcers should ever take care to guard against, the artillery of the line may be embar- rassed, and timely care should be taken to incline from that direction. The general duties of rifle corpt apply to every description of light infantry, and the attentive and judicious military 8tu> dent will be able to combine the instructions for both where they are analogous. Their movements are perspicuously explained in the several plates attached to this work. The general duties of riflemen are also comprehended under the other remaining heads....but all the duties of light infantry will much depend upon locality, the nature of the countryi the force and composition of the enemy's troops, and the activity tnd intelligence of your own officers. An enomy must be approached as long as possible unper> ceived....but tirailleurs roust not be so far distant as not to be able to unite promptly, if required. A knowledge of the country and of the customs and dispositions of the people, will much serve the purposes of advanced light corps. ,1 $ 7. OF RETREATING. , , When it is determined to retreat, the signal for^inn^ being given, it is followed by the signal for retreating. The rank which happens to be then in front, immediately fires, goes to the left about, and marches to the rear through the intervals, twelve or twenty paces, as may be directed, fronts and^loads. When the leaders of the next rank see the rank that has re* tired formed, and loading in their rear, they give the whistle signal for their rank to fire ; and on firing come to the right, pursue their retreat through the intervals, the given distance, come to the left about, load and dress ; and so on alternately. Both in advancing and retreating, arms are trailed^ and when the signal for halting is given, each rank preserves the ground which it is upon, facing towards the enemy. See plate VII. figs. 4 and 5. § 8. DUTIES IN ENGAGEMENTS. In the heat of battle, light corps often decide the conflict. They annoy the enemy by a galling fire on his flanks. They form In various small but compact bodies on numerous points, and sustain c&valry or horse artillery. They gain the rear lV;ii •f-'i'; ■ 1 m k i ■-*•>-»., II III .1.. I I I ;' I \ i I i^ 70 FIRST PBINOIPLVS OV of an enemy in force) and attack his rear, hii baggage, or his aronnunition. They attack a general officer and carry him or his suit off prisoners. They intercept the aids-de-camp, and then tend the orders they intercept to their own head quarters, or to the quarters or post of the most contiguous chief officer of division of their own army. They carry off as prisoners commissaries or other intelligent persons, who appear com< petent to give intelligence of the enemy's affairs. They seize all papers and send them unopened to head quarters. § 9. CROSSING RIVERS. Light troops being always in advance, and being the most hardy, they are usually dextrous in passing rivers. If it should be necessary for an army to pass, and the construction of bridges occupy much time, light infantry are sent across in advance, to reconnoitre, to report on all that is interesting, to establish themselves if requisite in good positions, to occupy posts near the rivers, woods, hedges, houses, villages, and to prevent any communication with an enemy, so that in the passage of the river the main army may be unmolested, The occupation of the positions also comprehends the guarding against and the prevention of ambuscades. If it is rendered necessary by the want of positions naturally strong, light troops should also construct small redoubts ; and if the enemy should attempt to dislodge the light troops, they should form ambuscades, and resort to suitable modes and stratagems to impede the march of the enemy. To illustrate to the eyct a few examples are given of the positions, and mode of going into action with light troops, of the mode of march, when they act as outposts, and advanced or rearguard, advancing or retreating, ws jJ- iUi;frs.f^^''>p3 in a weak position. To provide against emergencies, into which necessity majr force an army, is a proper consideration in the study of tactics. In retreats the choice of ground is rarely at the discretion of the retreating army ; and how to make choice of the best means to defend the weakest place, is not only most important in itself, but it also unfolds the means of de« fence generally. The ground into which the army on the defensive is forced, is supposed to be flitoked by hills or mountains ; such are many of the positions recorded in the retreat of the ten thousand Creeks, of Championnet in Italy, and of Moreau from Swabia to the Rhine. ■ -. ^ Having performed a severe day's march in retreat, the troops from fatigue occupy a defile. The light corps of rifle and light infantry cover the rear ; and as soon as the lines are posted, and such works as may be necessary for artillery thrown up, the light corps have formed as the ground will admit on the flanks. The weak points of the position are shown by the letters A A. B, shows the first line, formed three deep, with the artillery of the three lines in the intervals of corps. C, The second line, formed three deep, forming column of battalion, their heads opposite the intervals of the front line ; ready to advance in column or in echellon ; should the first line be shaken or need support. D, The third line, formed three deep, to support the second line. £, Ground marked for the position of the first line, should it be found necessary to retreat, while the second line ad- vances ; either from the usefulness of a succession of troops, or through severe service. F, Cavalry in reserve. G G, Flying artillery in reserve to cover the advance of the second line ; and the third Ime. The foregoing sketches of the service of lii;ht corps are given, to induce a more intimate enquiry into the principles of discipline. k IV Bifus DiiciminB. 73 f 10. ILLUSTRATIONS OF MOVEMENTS. Plate X. Fig. 1. repreienti a march advancing in en open country. A. a amall detachment of mounted light troopSj opening the route. B. a strong advanced guard, with an cicort of stores. C. the park of artillery. D. the main body in column. £. the engineers and artillery equipage, with the artillery of the line. F. the cavalry in column. G. the baggage of the army and camp equipage. H. the rear guard. 1. 1. 1. 1, shew the position of the fldiikers; which, in a close country, must be riflemen ; but in an open country, should be mounted light dragoons, mixed with mounted riflemen) or in alternate troops. Fig- 3. a movement of the same nature, in an intersected country, after passing a defile, and entering a valley with a river on their left flank, and thick woods on their right. The dispositions of the front must be here strong, because formation in order of battle is not so easy as in an open coun- try ; the artillery battery must, therefore, be powerful with the advanced guard, which must be strong itself; and the riflemen in numerous strong advanced parties, particularly in the advanced flanks. A. is the corps of light troops in advance, as ecMreura. B. the advanced guard, with its strong battery of fitid artillery, and some light artillery ; the magazine and park equipage. C. the main body of infantry in column of march. D. the cavalry. £. the park and baggage, just passed through the defile. F. the rear guard, about to pass the defile. G. G. G. G. the riflemen, as out posts and flankers. Plate XI. Fig. 1. represents an ambuscade laid in an inter- sected woody country, for an enemy on its march. A. A. describe the route which the enemy is pursuing. B. the position of the principal corps destined to take the enemy in ambuscade. C. C. two other detachments, intended to take advantage of the ambuscade upon the enemy and attack his rear, or if he should push forward, to intercept his retreat by the road on his left. D. a corps posted to intercept the ene- my, if it should attempt to retreat by the road on its right. £. the advanced guard of the enemy. The enemy's rear guard is in front of A. and C. the main body moving In column towards E. Light corps are concealed, during such b ^ i\ M ff ill l'' '»l II ir i r 74 FIRST FRTXCIFLES OF ii V: '. J '\ ■\ K 'i r ■ i f V !:!i i l:hl ambuscadeS) and they mubt make such precautionary arrange* mentS) as not to reach each other in any cross fire. Plate XI. Fig. 2, represents the interception of a convoy of boats passing down a river. B. B. represents the fleet of boats passing down. A. a party stationed in concealment, with bat- teries of artillery, masked on the shores, by bushes cut and placed so as to be suddenly removed and leave the battery open. C. the guns placed so as to produce a cross fire, and the line oi fire described. D. small islands in the river lower dotrn, behind which such of the boats as have escaped, seek to hide. £. and F. troops. ...so.ne of which have previously passed, in anticipation of such an event, and who seize the fugitives. Plate XII. Fig. 1. shews the dispositions for crossing a river in the face of an enemy. The enemy is supposed to be entrenched on the high grounds at D. The army intending to pass the river at A. B. C. detaches its cavalry and light troops to occupy the strongest ground on the opposite side » while the artillery of the right and left wings, B. and C. cover the passage of the river, by the centre, A. in two columns ; their movement is oblique to the current. £. the riflemen occupying the hedges and skirts of the woods, after crossing. F. the cavalry of the advance forming on a piece of open ground. G. the route of the right column of the centre, as it passes the river ; the left column pursues the route of £. E. Plate XII. Fig. 2. represents the dispositions made for pass- ing a river in retreat. An island is preferred, where access is, in the first instance, easy ; as afibrding also some defence as a ditch, to repel assault. The position chosen on the opposite branch of the river, will be governed more by the nature of the bank upon which the landing is to be made, which is the principal object, and must be so calculated as to the ofi'set of the current, when many vessels are launched and passing. A. the place chosen for the embarkation. C. the position taken by the first division of light troops, cavalry and artiUery,which have passed, with artillery posted so as to cover the landing lower down. D. D. the cavalry and baggage posted and masked while the main body is passing the river. £. £. the rear guard and picket of cavalry and of rillemen, posted to cover the retreat. F. the ground upon which the army is to encamp after pasing the river, G. the high ground occupied by the enemy. H. H. redoubts with tioops to serve them to rover the passage of both streams and the retreat. Jl KIFLE DISCIPLINE. 75 CHAP. vn. m § I. DUTIES OF LIGHT CORPS ON SERVICE. As the United States cannot be attacked but from the sea, or from Canada, Florida, or Louisiana, attention should be particularly paid to the duties of those who would have to guard the sea coast, and to repel, annoy, impede, or watch an invading enemy. In every instance regarding the service as defensive, we must always keep in mind the solid maxim of the general La Fayettey " that there is no effective system of defence which does not act on the offensive ;" light corps being always preferred in advanced service, their duties apply to every corps employed in the like service. An officer commanding a strong detachment on the coast must consider two things as equally important : first, that he should be able to maintain his post, by preventing a landing ; or, secondly, that should he be obliged to fall back, he should not be overpowered by the superior force of the enemy. The first thing he ought to do, is to choose some strong position or commanding ground, where he can place a steady officer to look out, with a good telescope, and obtain timely information of the number, size, and strength of the vessels, in the road or bay, or if any cruizer is thereabouts who could give him proper intelligence or act in defence in common with him. He must keep a good intelligence with the beat disposed inhabitants, particularly with the seafaring people, in his neighborhood, from whom he may learn the nation and number of ships, 8cc. He ought Jto be capable of distinguish* ing a transport or merchantman from a man of war, frigate, bomb vessel, or gun boat ; not only for the sake of his own safety, but that he may be able to deliver a true and correct report of the enemy's strength, to the general or superior offi* cer neatest to him, or under whose orders he may be placed. As soon as an enemy is in sight, the commai^ding officer must immediately be informed of their strength ; the number and size of the vessels. He ought to reckon by the tide, at n A inr Ki I): /■V i ;♦ : (ii 76 FIBST FBINOIPLBS Of what hour, by day and night, a landing can be effected, and judge, by the form of the coast, and depth of the water, in what place the troops can be disembarked. Having made these observations, he mustsenda circumstantial report of the whole to his commanding general, and an advice to the posts nearest to him ; after this he will transmit a further account of the most probable schemes or progress of the enemy. If an enemy's fleet be discovered, or any signal given of its approach, late in ihe evenmg, an officer commanding on the coast must never light a fire during the night, except it be specially ordered by his instructions, for fear of affording the enemy a facility in sounding, or the mvans of landing some small parties, who might fall unexpectedly upon his outposts, and cut off the communication between them ; a complete landing being very unusual and difficult during the night. However, a third part of the troops may remain on duty, and contmual patroles be sent out from one place to another; besides this the remainder of the men should be quartered in such a manner that they may be collected together in a short time. If on the break of day, the enemy should attempt to land any troops, the commanding officer, who is supposed to be in force, must have his army on a point from whence he can best obstruct or prevent it. With respect to artillery, ir he has pieces of a large calibre, and a sufficient number of horses cannot be procured to re> move them, they should be buried, or concealed In a river or marsh. Small ordnance, such as 6 and 12 pounders, although they do not carry so far as those of a heavier metal, are undoub.edly more useful, on account of the facility with which they may be transporied to any place, according to the movements of the enemy. The best places for the erecting of batteries, are, in general, capes cr projecting lands; they must, if possible, be chosen near to each other, so that from any two ot them a ctoss fire may be kept upon such of the enemy's sloops or small vessels as are filled viih troops. Points which are too elevated, though they muy roniiitanti a better view o{ the sea, arc not so well adapteid for erecting batteries for defence, as low places, from whence the surface of tlic water can be completely swept. BIVLB DISC^ -T.INE. 77 As the saliant angles will of courf>e be provided with ord« nance, the other points which itppeai- to be accessible must be barricadoed with large trees, cut fer that put pose enabatia^ or defended by breastworks ; here riflemen and light infantry may be posted, m small parties uf half a dozen, under a cor- poral or serjeunt, supported by the pikemen and miliiia of the place, in a second line, commanded by their oiticers jointly with thobe of the riflemen, in order to repulse any cavalry the eneniy may attempt to put on shore. The remainder of the infantry may be drawn up in two ranks, at some small distance from the shore, with field pieces on a central point, from whence every landing place can be reached immediately. The cavalry may be divided into two or three bodies of troops, according to its number, and placed, if possible, behind some height or rising ground, not only to be sheltered from the enemy's fire, but also to surprise him the better by a sudden and unexpected attack. In case the enemy should land any forces, notwithstanding the grape shot of the cannon, and the fire of the riflemen, the commanding ofHcer must suddenly oppose themi and being with his infantry at fifty or sixty paces distant, he will order the riflemen to fall back on the flanks, and commence a brisk discharge of artillery and small arms. Should the enemy continue to advance, a signal previously agreed on, should be given to the ofiicer commanding the cavalry ; and he must, without losing a moment, fall into two different corps upon the enemy's wings ; the infantry with fixed bayonets, and the pikemen, will support this attack. The third corps of cavalry will always be kept in reserve to favor a retreet^ if the enemy should prove too strong, or be reinforced with other troops, effecting a second i.nding in some place where less resistance has been madti; or if he should become able to maintain himself on shore with a dou- ble or triple number of men, and endeavor to cut otf the main 'jody of our troops. l;nder these circumstances, and after having tried every m sthod of defence, if the commanding ofiicer finds the ene> ir.y's superiority, he will send some ordtriy cavalry in full {;allop to each of his batteries and posts, to draw off the pieces o.' ordnance, if horses can be procured ; and he will keep a > Iff H H 1/ I \M'i 78 yiRST PRINCIPLES OF llijV' steady and constant Are, till all his posts and artillery can join in such place as has been previously and confidentially agreed uponi by the respective commanding officers of each corps, battery} or outpost. In the mean time, he will send advice of his retreat, mentioning at what place he means to rally his troops, to both the commanding officers on the coast, on his right and on his left, in order that they may not be surprised nor cut off; and also to the next general, under whose orders he may be, or who is appointed to support him. Some of his light horse must be dispatched to the magazines of forage or ammunition, which it may be necessary according to his instructions to remove or burn. His corps of reserve cava!* ry, with a good number of light infantry or riflemen, will be ordered to cover his retreat in the manner explained in the next section. All cattle and provisions will be ordered far- ther into the country, and small detachments sent where it may be necessary to cover and protect their dispositions. § 2. CONDUCT IN A RETREAT. Another event which may possibly happen, is, that an offi- cer on the coast commanding only a look-out post, and not having sufficient means of defence, either in men or artillery, will be obliged, according to his instructions, to quit the place, on account of the enemy landing with a superior force. An officer thus situated ought to take every possible pre* caution before hand to secure his retreat (keeping, however, the strictest secrecy with regard to his intentions and instruc- tions :) and after having properly observed the strength of the enemy, and seen their landing put in execution ; he must send a correct and circumstantial report to the general under whusc orders he may be placed, and an advice to the posts on the shore to his right and left, in order to prevent their being surprised ; he will also inform the principal magistrates and inhabitants, in time, of the place of his retreat; to prevent being cut oil', he ^vill send his infantry before, and retain the militia or volunteers of tlie place with him. But if old or married men or heads of families should decline to march, he will disarm them to save them frem the violence of the enemy, who may carry off the arms. Ho must order majja- zines to be burnt, which cannot be transported towards ihc RI7I.E DISCIPLINE. r# interior, and see his orders executed before his departure ; while this is doing he will keep a watchful eye over the mo- tions of the enemy ; and having obtained a perfect knowlege' of his strength, will finally follow his infantry. The public cash, and all belonging to the public In his neighborhood, must be taken particular care of; as must also, if possible, the money belonging to the inhabitants or individual merchants, which may have been entrusted to the military. Such property may easily be sent in good time in- to the interior ; and if the commanding officer has not orders to enforce these salutary measures, he must use every argu- ment to persuade the proprietors to adopt them, but linder no circumstances roust they fall into the hands of the enemy. Having done this, the commanding officer will close his retreat with some picked young men of his infantryi who are to break up the roads, and destroy the wooden bridges between the enemy and his corps, to prevent his being pur- sued. Ir there should be any place where the progress of the enemy can be opposed with a probability of success, his cavalry may halt and remain there some hours, particularly if some small detachments have been cut off, and are expect- ed to join the main body. The infantry, which began to retreat, having carefully taken the firelocks from those inha- bitants who were unwilling to leave their dwellings, every soldier, who is able, will carry two of these firelocks, if no carts or waggons can be had. A commanding officer who is obliged to retreat from a place, or to fight the enemy at the oatside of it, will do well to leave behind, as long as possible, a small detachment of infantry, and half a dozen cavalry, under a steady serjeant or corporal, to prevent any disorders which ill-disposed men might commit during the affair. The commanding officer should never confide too implicitly in the inhabitants of a place where he is quartered, unless he has a perfect know- lege of their disposiuons towards their country and dislike of the enemy ; if suspicious, iheir conduct must be jealously watched : the least intelligence with the enemy, disaff i;cted sentiments, cowardice, or fear oi an invasion, may, in the moment \vhen an attack is cxpeeted, discover dispositions which had hitherto been concealed ; and precaution is always \ ;^ I % ■ ■ i ' 'i'i I! Ml: 'f': ■■''i i ■m '..I SO VIBBT PRINCmES oir the surest' road to security. Above all tbings^ the care of setting fire to the ammunition, stores, or forage, vhich can* not be carried offy must never be left to the inhabitants, but be performed bjr the troops just before the retreat. § 3. HOW THEY ACT IN CONCERT WITH HORSE. To make a retreat in good order and with security, re* quires the greatest skill of all military movements. To effect this, it is necessary that a prudent and well informed commanding officer should remain in the rear, the care of leading the column being entrusted to some officer whose abilities can be equally relied on. It is a general rule (except when acting in a plain), that cavalry ought to retreat first ; after it the infantry ; only a sir.ail number of cavalry remaining behind, chiefly to convey orders to ihe head of the colunm when it may be requisite to close its files, or increase its pace. The rear i^uard must endeavor, as often as possible, to block up the way, especially in the most narrow passages, where the pursuit made by the enemy may be much obstruct- ed. This can be done by felling large trees in the dcfites, or placing waggons from which the wheels have been taken away, and will considerably delay the enemy's approach. If the retreat lies over a wooden bridge, the commanding officer may order some men at the head of the column to take out the nails btid disjoint the pbnks, after which the rear guard will take them off and burn or otherwise destroy the bridge. Should there be many trees or thickets on the bor- ders of the river, some riflemen or light infantry may be left behind, with a small body of cavalry in a second line to sup> port them....these will check the enemy, by a constant and well directed fire, till the whole of the oolumn get out of reach. But if the borders of the river are steep, and the country flat and open, cavalry may be placed at some distance from the river just opposite those parts which are fordable, where they will be ready to cha''f;e the enemy immediately upon his cross* ing, and thtr >/ aaord the infantry time to make good their retreat; aftci which the caval ' may rfi:reat, and join them. If the ret out should be across un extensive plain or heath| where mai^y roads meet, the infantry may begin the retreat by KIILE DlfiCIFLINS. 81 double files, with M the artillery in the front which may not be necessary to protect this movement, and which must be placed before the cavalry, who must march also by double files from the centre. In case the enemy should attack, the com- mander of the artillery must order it to halt, and turn his guns towards the enemy ; the two first files of the cavalry wheel about and face the enemy ; and the right files wheel suddenly to the left, and the left files to the right ; the centre slowly and the wings in full gallop, forming a line which fronts ihc enemy. The infantry must be ordered to halt also, and to form, if necessary, a second line behind the cavalry, by the same movement in a contrary way ; to perform which, the two last double files halt and front, and the otr. ^rs wheeling backward to the right and left, form the line with a front formed to the rear ; after which they may be ordered in close column, to be directed, as occasion may require, in support of the cavalry. Should there be any defile at the end of the plain, through which the cavalry are compelled to pass in the presence of the enemy, they must perform it with all possible speed, and form a line at a small distance beyond it ; the artillery will then follow ; while the infantry keeping up a constant fire, will retire from the right and left wings by files, each file, after having fired, falling in the rear, in the same manner as is practised in passing bridges. The riflemen or light infantry are to form a rear guard, but should not follow the main road; they ought rather to cross the woods or thickets at both sides, by which means they can, without exposing themselves, keep up a cross fire upon the enemy, if he should pursue the infantry. If the roads are very go^d and broad, a skilful ofiiccr of cavalry may be ordered to the rear guard with a party of cavalry, which he will form in three or five troops, accorcing to the ground ; if he forms them in three, the centre troop will remain in the second line ; if in five, the right, centre and left troops will form the first line. They must advance 100 or 200 paces towards the enemy, and open their files, and extend in the manner practised by riflemen, in order to skirmish with the enemy till the retreat is made to join the reserve, which must be extended time enough in the same way. This may be continued till the infantry has retreated far enough, when the cavalry may join it in full trot. This vll i:i> .'Mttvv: I! i'M i' ' r I i| r IV tifrni^i 8S riRST FKINCIFLE8 OF movement may likewise be perlormed with two iincB con- taining an equal number of troops, as two or four in each line. If some thickets or woods favor the light infantry or rifle- men, they may be placed upon the wings of the cavalry, to protici or follow its motions of retreat in the same mjsnner. Horse artillery and howitzers are chiefly of use when sup- porUng the cavalry by a cross fire. If the country should be flat and open, and the cavalry are not provided with them, some cavalry flankers may be Bent out from both wings to skirmish with the enemy. . ■• > A Ranker on horseback ought always to observe, that when he has fired his rifle or one of his pistols at the enemy, and means to retreat, he should turn to the left ; if it should be necessary to face again, on being pursued by one of the enemy's flankers, he must turn to the right, in order to have his right arm at liberty to defend himself. If he bhould be separated or cut off from his corps he must not give himself up, but, on the contrary, try to make his way through bushes and thickets, that he may rejoin his corps. The flankers of the infantry may act in conjunction with cavalry in the retreat, as well as in any other manoeuvre. If the retreat should lie across the plains or fields, the cavalry must seize any favorable opportunity to fall vigorously upon the pursuers, and thereby give the infantry time to retreat in order ; after having routed the enemy, they will follow the column and bring up the rear. § 4. CAVALRY KIFLEMEN. This description of light troops is, in every respect, except^ ing being mounted, the same ai^ riflemen on foot. They are peculiar to the United States. French Voltiguera bear a close resemblance to them. (i 5. DUTIES OF ADVANCED GUARDS AND OUT POSTS OF INFANTRY IN THE FIELD. Supposing the enemy to have eifected the disembarkation of a numerous body of troops, vi.iich by superiority of num« bcrs, or by surprise, may have been able to drive back the posts and detachments stationed along the coast, and that such dciiichment» had a^'uin juined the ntain body to which they belonged : in this case these united divisions must RIFLE DISCIPLINE. •8 endeavor to advance a{;ainst the enemy, in order to prevent his further progress towards the interior of the country. It next becomes necessary to consider what conduct should be pursued by the advanced guards and out posts in reconnoi- tring the roads, passes and defiles between them and the> enemy, and preserving the communication between their own detachments. Another important consideration is, in what manner their centries must be placed, in order to prevent any person going to or coming from the enemy without leave. The nature of (he ground or extent of the country must determine whether these posts are to consist of cavalry or infantry ; but the same general rules will serve for either horse or foot. For example, where there are woods or thickets, along the front towards the enemy, the infantry must line the outsides of the woods, and the cavalry be encamped behind them in the plain. If, on the contrary, there should be a plain between the out posts and the enemy ; if such plain is crossed by a river, by rivulets, canals, or marshy ground, the cavalry may be placed behind them, and the infantry be posted behind the broken bridges, or at openings through which the enemy would most probably endeavor to advance. If there are villages inclosed between the out posts of the army, they cannot be guarded by cbvalry ; therefore some infantry with cannon ought to form the principal force, espe* cially if these villages hava orchards, gardens, or alleys of trees, which cross them, and are surrounded by hedges or walls. If a chain of out posts is to be formed along the woods, every spot which is much elevated, and evety salient angle, ought to be occapied by a ccntry or two at least. The vallies and hollow ways through which the enemy's spies might approach, must also be attended to ; and if the strength of the out posts does not allow of a sufficient number of fixed sentries, some of them may be ordered to keep moving from one post to another For instance, between two fixed centries, one moving continually from the right to the left, and from left to right, may serve in&tead of two : this precaution is peculiarly necessary whCi'e the inequality of the ground, or any other obstacle, may prevent the centries from easily ceeing Is i U i,. ! m n V.T} i'.'h 8« FIRST 1 aiKCIFLES OF I? i 'i f iiiyij i ': ! 1 ^ ilif '')l::§l each other. The Gentries, however^ which are nearest to the enemy, or upon any roads, ought to be ddubleil. About 300 paces, or less, distant from each other, some small posts will be placed, according to the ground ; each commanded by a Serjeant or corporal, and, if possible, in sight of one another, with a number sufficient to relieve four or six centries every two hours. These out posts may be changed every twelve hours if ne- cessary ; but this must be done about the evenings or at day break in the morning, the latter being the most probable time for an attack, and the night being improper for it. The main guards, on which three, or four, or six small posts are dependent, will always have an officer or two to defend them. These main guards will be placed, in preference, upon he most important posts, roads, or openings of the country. If they cannot see one another, they will sometimes in the day, and often during the night, send patrolea from one to the other. The eldest captain will therefore be placed in the centre of them, to receive the advices or reports of the others. The officer commanding at each of these posts, must know the quarters of the general or field officer of the day, or of the commanding officer named for the out posts, if there is ote, that he may send information to him, by some orderly men of the cavalry, of any matter of importance which may happen during the day or night. Everv one of these guards will be covered by an abatis or parap&v, where in some instances cannon may be plac..^^ ./.^ A* ::^ ^ L1>^ v <^ ■\ 33 WIST MAIN STMIT WIUTIIt,N.Y. USSO (71«)a7a-4S03 o^ se irittST tRINCIFLES OF ! r ■ j !^ r Mil ....The example of Paulding^ WilUams^ and Vanwertt the im mortal American militia men, can never be too frequently related and impressed upon the minds of Americans. Nor can the seizure of general Lee by the strataf;em of the enemy be too often noticed as a precaution. The gallant exterprise of colonU Barton, of the Rhode Island militia, in seizing the British general Prescot, should be kept before the minds of those who embark in gallant enterprises ; and an officer in his military reading, which ought to be the leisure occupa- tion of every officer, will find numerous matters of precaution as well as of counsel in gallant undertakings. The prince of Hesse Philipsthal, who commanded a corps of Prussians in the Silesian war, had relied too much on hia. supposed security ; but general Wurmaer^ well known in the war of the French revolution, was too vigilant for the Prus- sian, he surprised and carried him off. It should be ever kept in mind by an officer who is entrusted with an advanced guard or a patrol, that the very best soldiers are often negligent in bad weather ; and that the enemy's officers also know it. Good discipline, however, will over- come this; and a good tempered and well disposed officer, who does not mistake indolence and arrogance for duty, will always find in the good disposition and pride of the soldier, the sure means of enforcing discipline and duty, in such situ- ations, without resorting to severity, unless in an extreme case. In European armies negligence in a vidette is punished with death ; because, on the negligence of a vidette may depend the fate of an army, a campaign, or a nation. C'ases arise in which, therefore, the heaviest punishment cannot but be infiicted as a measure of example, and to guard against surprizes. During a high wind, a snow storm, or a fog, enterprizcs are ofien undertaken by active officers. To counteract them a like activity is required on the part of the officer of every corps. When the wind blows towards a post, the officer on. that post should take it as a warning to become vigilant whether it rains or snows, and if it is during the night, double care must be taken and double preparation made. The de- struction of the American troops at PaoU and the Billcty and the massacres at Egg Harbori during the revolution, could HF "'- — RIFLE DISCIPXINiB. 87 not have been accomplished, had there been a good look out by videttes ; or had due precaution been taken to watch traitors and disaffected persons. Alarms being given fre- quently by an enemy without any actual attack following, should not be considered as an indication of attack being relinquished ; the alarms may have been purposely nume« rous, in order to lull into a false security, and to attack at a time little expected. Corps of American cavalry have fre- quently entered the lines of the enemy, during the revolution) after repeated false attacks, and carried off horses and bag* gage. This has been effected in noon day on some occasions. It is not to be supposed that at home, where magazines may be removed towards the interior of the country, and secured in time against any invasion, that the army may be obliged to forage in order to get provision for their horses. Such an undertaking will rather be necessary to an army endeavoring to invade the country, and who, not having been able to transport by sea every requisite, will be .driven to it by neces- sity, not regarding the ruin of inhabitants or the land. It is therefore useful to know how to prevent the enemy from succeeding in so essential an object. A general or field officer being ordered to attack the enemy's chain of foragers, will, in the first place, examine his dispositions, and chiefly endeavor to discover where most of the enemy's reserve troops are placed. Having reconnoitred the weakest part of the enemy's chain, he will station his own reserve, under cover of some elevated ground, where the enemy may not expect it, and from whence the officer commanding it may be able to overlook the success of the vanguard, to judge of it, and to make a steady and effectual attack upon the enemy where the line is most ex< posed, or where it may be mo'st easily broken and routed. Should the vanguard succeed inanypointoftiie attack what- ever (which is very probable if conducted by a skilful and re- solute ofllcer, who possesses the confidence of his troops) this vanguard will then be immediately followed by a body of rifle- men and select infantry, supported by a sufficient number of skirmishers belonging to the light cavalry, in order to mingle with the foragers and throw them into such confusion as may prevent their rallying again for the remainder of the duy. *: M mi! h • '^ u J' !! -^T-*^ -7^'' J i3F,.- »:r ! !) 4 i ' '., i !! m b h. ts flSST PBIKCIFLES OF The first body of the reserve, however, must follow up this brisk attack in good order, and should be commanded by a prudent officer, who will keep a watchful eye upon the enemy, and be ready to attack his reserve, which will doubt' less support its own troops if possible. The riflemen and light cavalry must give the enemy no time to pause, but harrass them by constant attacks directed through their centre, in order to keep them in continual confusion. The second line of reserve may be drawn up in a single rank, and thereby appear to the enemy a greater force than it really is ; and be prepared either to complete the rout, or to rally its own riflemen and the skirmishers of cavalry, which may have been formed either from a part of the whole or the whole of the second line. If the iirst attack made by the riflemen, flankers, or skir- mishers, should fail, they must be rallied by the second body of reserve, and an entire fresh rank of cavalry sent to renew the attack with greater fury. Experience having often proved that although a first attack may have been repulsed, a second will annoy the enemy much more, and sometimes become much more effectual than the former. The chief object, however, must be to prevent the forage from being completed, and to rout the enemy's foragers in such a m jiner that they cannot reassemble. If the cavalry should fall in with them before they have separated to begin their work, there will be no harm in beginning the attack immediately ; but cavalry going out to attack a foraging party ought to avoid passing through villages or woods, where the enemy may have laid an ambuscade. § 8. DUTY OF AN OFFICER OF LIGHT TROOPS, DETACHED IN FRONT OF THE LINE BEFORE AN ENGAGEMENT. An officer of light troops '. c nd in front of the line of the army (at the very moment waen the enemy meditates an attack) whether to cover an important manoeuvre or a deploy- ment, will first receive clear orders from the general com- manding. His own discretion must determine how far he ought to advance in front of the line, according to what kind of troops the enemy may offer to his view. His conduct must also be regulated by the nature of the ground ; if t „.^-'-v.. BIVLE DISCIFLUTB. 89 cavalry with flankers are opposed to hiiD) he will be cautious that hit retreat be not cut off. He will form his chain of riflemen in the best manner, and will station several small parties in reserve behind him, in order to support his ad- vanced platoon, or to relieve them when their ammunition is nearly exhausted. / . r;-^ '? When the commander of the line begins to open a fire of artillery, or has completed his manoeuvre, he will give a signal for the officer commanding the riflemen tc fall back (which must be done quietly, and with steadiness and good order) by the sound of the bugle, as is usual with light troops. If the officer of riflemen should be ordered to cover the movement of a body of horse, he ought, during its attack, to profit of every cover which thickets or bushes may afford him, to gain the flank of the enemy's cavalry, and if it be routed, to pursue it in the same manner. Should circumstances render it impossible for him to avoid being attacked by & body of cavalry, he will form his men in two ranks at close order, and form a crotchet or potence on each wing, in which position he will wait for the enemy, the front rank presenting bayonets : should the enemy advance to the charge, the rear rank only will fire at the instant he is at twenty-five paces distance ; the front rank will then fire in the face of the enemy's cavalry, and after that present their bayonets to his horses. It will, however, be much better to form in three rsaks when thus opposed by cavalry, and to keep the fire of the third rank in reserve. These remarks are only intended to remind an officer commanding riflemen of the cautions which are requisite when acting against ca- valry ; and to evince the necessity of keeping his men within such a distance of each other, that he may be able to reas> semble them in time, and the propriety of having a reserve behind him, to form a third rank, in case it should be wanted. A rank of pikes to oppose cavalry in such a position, would be powerfully effective. ' .;: * ' Should an officer, commanding some troops of light caval> ry, be ordered to cover an attack made in a plain by a body of cavalry ; in this case, when the first line appears to have succeeded in the attack, the first flank troop of cavalry may follow, and the officer covering the flank of the second line |v ! ill \ 1 • ;' 1 ! ' 'I i\ ■i-: I, p i V t ^ riM 90 FIB8T PBINCIFIES OF ■I ' ;r.s .k-: ' «i i'-J\ 1/ ' \ may do the same, provided the enemy has no second line ; in which case, he ought to be exceedingly cautious, and keep at least half of his men in reserve, that he may not be out* flanked himself. If the enemy succeeds in out-flanking the first line, the officer who covers the second will make every exertion to fall upon his wings, and to throw him into disor- der, by a bold and rapid manoeuvre. // The best way of covering a body of cavalry which stands in line, is to have one of its wings protected by a wood, which is entrenched, or lined with light infantry and cannon. The horse artillery may likewise be of infinite use to secure the other wing ; especially if it can be placed behind some ele- vated ground, and so disposed as to fire in an oblique direc- tion on the enemy's flank. § 9. OF ESCORTING A CONVOY ■Mil t^Hu J- • The escort of a convoy is commonly divided into three parts ; one at the bead, one at the centre, and one at the rear ; besides which, two armed soldiers may be placed at the side of each waggon, to watch the conduct of the drivers, prevent purloining of stores, Sec. Such escorts are seldom composed of cavalry, except when the country through which the convoy is to proceed, is level and open ; in which case, some cavalry will of course be or- dered to precede the convoy, cover the flanks, or form a rear guard, and to attack an enemy on every side who may attempt to stop the march of the convoy. To pursue an enemy very far, in such service, would be imprudent, lest it should be a stratagem of the enemy to draw off* the escort, and in the mean time attack the convoy, whose march should be continued, if possible. For this reason, cavalry is useful to ascertain the exact number of the enemy, and whether he is in sufficient force to be dangerous, or only comes to reconnoitre the march. A convoy having a van and rear guard, with patroles of cavalry upon its flanks, and the commanding officer disco- vering, either by means of his scouts, or from his own cbser- vaiion, that the enemy is within a couple of miles, and pre- paring to attack him with both infantry and cavalry, will, if, the roads be narrow, and the country full of woods (begin- \ BIVLB DISOIPLIini. ' 91 ning only at the head), turn the first waggon round towards the second, so that the head of the fore horse may be brought close to the other waggon : and as the rennainder continues to advance, every odd number will be turned with its front from the enemy. If, for example, the escort of the convoy consist of 200 men, and the waggons 50 in number, the whole will occupy from 900 to 1000 paces before the waggons are turned in the manner above described. But after that, the extent from front to rear will be only between 150 and 160 paces, and the last waggon will of course have more than 750 paces to advance to its place. If the country be rather open, or the road broad, and the convoy more numerous than that stated above (consisting, for instance, of 100 waggons or more), and it is apprehended that an attack will be made before they can have time to close, they must be stopped just at the centre ; and a fourth part of the waggons from the front, with another fourth part from the rear, ordered to close up to the centre, so as to form two pa- rallel lines of waggons, with the horses turned hatf one way and half the other; between these the infantry will be placed to act as riflemen, if there are no other riRemen with the party. The cavalry may be divided in^o two parts, of two troops each ; one troop in the front, one on each side, and one in the rear. It has been already observed, that at least two armed sol- diers are necessary to each waggon, to prevent confusion. Sec. to see that the drivers do not on the first alarm cut the traces, and make off with the horses, and also to assist in turning them inwards, and bringing the waggons close to each other. It would likewise be of great service to order a couple of ar- tillery waggons at the head of the convoy, and at the rear, each carrying a dozen of chevaux de frize, constructed with hinges to fold up, and which could be easily opened again. Such chevaux de fiize being eight or nine feet long each, would nearly cover the front, rear, and flanks of the convoy ; and would serve as a parapet, behind which the infantry of the van and rear guard will be enabled to make a strong re- sistance, placing their canuon (if they have any) on each side. There is another method sometimes adopted, which is to form an ordinary square, turning the heads of all the horses i I ' 'I rif I i| m § 1 H^; I i ;l 1,1 /' 'i'lii ^11 i h^ i I « u !i if ■* IV ^ flHST PRIKCIP£SS OF inwards, and the backs of the waggons outwards. This is very proper, if the convoy is to pass a night in a plain { but to do this efiectually, it will be necessary to go out of the road, and will take a long time either to form 'he square, or to put the convoy in motion next morning ; and as the enemy will not always give sufficient time to perform this manoeu^ vre, the attempting it may create confusion. It may be hardly necessary to mention, that before the convoy sets off, every driver ought to be provided with a pail or bucket to water his horses, and with oats in propor- tion to circumstances. If the commander of a convoy has occasion to pass through a narrow passage or defile, he will send a troop of horse some time before him, to take post at the farther end of it, and also some patroles to examine the ground on each side for the security of the flanks. Small detachments from the main guard should likewise be advanced about three miles in front, before he enters the defile, which he ought not to do until he is certain that he can pass it with safety. While the patrole is sent out, he can (if there is a plain before the defile) draw up his waggons in two rows ; and after his van guard has passed the defile and sent forward to reconnoitre, then his centre will begin to move, followed by a row of wag- gons. The rear guard, which remains behind, will order the second row to follow the Grst, very close, and seeing that it is not pursued by an enemy, will close the march. If a waggon break down, it must be drawn on one iide ; lorses, or exertion ed by the the front tnvoy will pen place, ; and will I and ele- ;amped at lould any 1 must be BIIXE DISCIPXINB. 93 If there should be a narrow pass or defile in his route, near where he intends to halt, the commanding officer will endea- vor to pass it before night, that he may, if possible, have it in his rear. Every one, even every private soldier, who has the care of or conducts a waggon, ought to be instructed in this part of bis duty by his commanding officer. ;.i3u § 10. OP THE ATTACK OF A CONVOY. An officer who is ordered to attack a convoy will go him- self with a strong patrole or proper escort, and reconnoitre the enemy's motions and number, avoiding being discovered by him if possible. The more numerous the convoy is, and the more extensive the space it occupies, so much greater will be the probability of the attack proving successful. Some general rules are therefore to be considered. In the first place, it is necessary to examine on which side the convoy could be supported by the enemy, in order to at- tack it on the opposite side ^ unless the officer commanding the attack has sufficient force to place a strong body of troops between the convoy and the enemy, and is certain of being able to keep him off by that means until he has effected his purpose. . If the escort of a convoy be in three divisions, one at the head, another at the centre, and the third in the rear; the ground and nature of the country through which it has to pass, will determine which of these parts should be attacked by choice. If the attack is directed towards the head, a detachment ought to be sent round to annoy the troops in the cent'^e and rear of the escort, and prevent them from advancing io '^up- port those in front ; and the slow pace of the convoy will give plenty of time to adopt this measure. When the command- ing officer perceives, by firing at the centre, and In the rear of the convoy, that his detachments are engaged with the enemy, he will fall upon the troops at the head with the re- mainder of his forces, and having succeeded in routing them, will order half his men to pursue them, during which the other half will destroy and burn the waggons, having first cut the traces, and sent the horses away in charge of a small party. =;; 1^ m 11 i 1 ^ ) I' ' I m I r\ ■i\ ;■ ( 1 1 ; U' ll: UI^M 94- YIRST PRIirCIPLES OV No time must be lost ; and if any reinforcement to the enemy should come up, the horses which cannot be brought avaj must be destroyed, and the waggons broken ; those contain* ing ammunition may be blown up. * '*''^ ..737.; /i/svf ■>:' -r- If from the nature of the road, or other local circumstan- ces, it should be deemed most eligible to attack the convoy in the centre, and cut it in two, in order to carry away the foremost waggons, and destroy the remainder, the greatest confusion may be occasioned in it by means of a superior number of riflemen. The commanding officer ought there- fore to Bfiultiply his attacks, by dismounting a number of his cavalry, if the country is not too level, and ordering them to act as riflemen. In some instances, a detachment of riflemen may act as voltigeurat that is, they may be mounted behind the horsemen, 10 annoy the enemy's force in various parts, and spread terror and disorder through the whole line, both of the escort and convoy. The above method of attacking a convoy on all sides with light infantry and cavalry intermixed, will succeed the best when the enemy is confined in a narrow pass, or the country abounds with woods. In a plain, or an open country, some horse artillery, or a couple of howitzers, will do great exe< cution i and both destroy the waggons and throw the drivers and escort into the most terrible and unavoidable confusion, especially if the attack with cavalry, acting as skirmishers, with a good number of riflemen between them, be vigorously repeated, and accompanied by loud shouts and a dreadful noise ; and if it has been possible in some part of the ground, where there are woods or thick bushes, to conceal an am- buscade, which cannot be discovered by the patroles of the enemy. t« * •r^" . f nf .)..,' ---i - r .-(■'; .«r If «. . ;< r i ',■' ' M?; '\'i :■ ..fi "i-: ■-..■>.:■ -v: : , 15. i"--! ,-«<.-*'j^j I !; ItlVLE DISCIPLimS. 95 .t ait> .1 ilif. Hi ,.r ,iW "■. '' .i>t^:f.V.v.:,*P'f^2»,'fA.': CHAP. VIII. ■•;^ • t'^r. -/. / ' ' ' ^ 1. PROPERTIES OF THE RIFLE. X HE superiority of the rifle consists in carrying the ball with more directness to the object aimed at, than the smooth barrel ; this is attributable te the action of the atmosphere upon the ball, after it is exploded from the muzzle of the piece, which operates differently on the line of direction and the manner of the motion of the ball. The smooth barrel throws the ball in such a manner that its motion resembles that of the wheel of a carriage, which constantly turns on an axis of its own, and still proceeds along a prolongued line ; while the ball of the rifled barrel, being indented or channel* ed by the grooves of the barrel, proceeds not like the wheel of the carriage rolling forward ; but in a spiral direction, or in a path resembling the motion of a cork>screw forced hori- zontally forward. The course of the smooth ball is also considerably deflected above the horizontal line of the barrel when aim is taken, so considerably that it becomes necessary to aim lower than the level line when the objects are near, and to aim higher than the level line when beyond a given distance; but though there is some elevation of the rifle ball in its course, it is yet relatively so small that it is not requir- ed to aim lower than the object at any distance, though when at a considerable distance, say 500 to 700 yards, it is neces> sary to take a higher aim, in order to countervail the power of gravity upon the weight of the ball. The operation of the air upon a rifle ball, will be clearly understood, by viewing the spiral motion of an arrfvf, which has three feathered wings; the air passing belweei) the feathers causes the arrow to spirl along or move like a screw ; the same eiTcct is pro« duced by the impression made in the sides of a bullet by the grooves of the rifle. , , ^^ .v- z^. . § 2. OF LOADING. Some hold that a quantity of powder equal to three times the full of the mould in which the ball is cast, is the proper charge ; others four times the full of the mould ; on this plan a ball of twenty to the pound would he fired with nearly a :i It! r * H ( u i 'K m f I # VIRST PRUrCIPLES OF >!' fourth of the weight of the btll. But some say that one third of the weightof the ball is not too much; experience shews that to shoot at 350 to 300 yardsi one fourth or a fifth is enough. The backwoodsmen of the western frontier, place the ball in the palm of their left hand, and cupping the hand as much as possible, cover the ball with powder,androake that their charge. The ball should be just of that size as to rest on the grooves, and require not much trouble to force it down, but yet not to pass without being forced. The grooves should not be cut too deep. § 3. CLEANING THE RU'LE. 'trf: , The greatest care should be taken in preserving the interior of the barrel clean, and the lock. ...careful shooters wipe out with flannel or a clean cotton rag, at every 8 or 10 shots, others 20; no iron instruments should be used in cleaning; the spiral brush of hog's bristles should be used to scour with hot water ; the woollen brush composed of layers of wool, alter* nately placed across the openings of a piece of hickory, split four times to a length of about six inches ; the ends of the wool make an excellent brush. After washing clean and drying, the inside should be lightly touched with good oil. \.; . w .. § 4. LOCK. > ,.,,... The lock of the rifle should be of the best kind. It is a great extravagance and waste to provide rifles without locks of the best workmanship, for they should not only be made so well as to go off* easy, but to last and endure severe service. The best marksman cannot preserve a just level, if he is obliged to tug with his finger at a trigger restrained by a spring unnecessarily stiff; nor can there be safety in move- ment if the workmanship be so bad as to leave no certainty whether it will fire or not. The rifle lock should have a check bolt upon the cock to prevent accidents, and this bolt should be set when after firing they come to half cock, the pan shut while loading. The furniture and barrel of the rifle should neither of them be bright, a glaze made of camphor should be gently brushed over them after a proper cleaning, and this glaze would resist weather apd prevent rust or glare. BmS DISOiniNE* 97 V 5. GUN.POWDER. The chief difficulty with powder is to \ c* nt its becoming damp from the atmosphere ; it should the> . rare be kept in • ressel perfectly close— and the charge should be encreased in damp weather— the powder should be of even gruns ; and if not mix it well. Glazed powder is not so liable to be affected by damp. Chargers should be very small at the nose, or where the finger presses. § 6. THE PATCH, Is a small piece of green shammey) or buck skiU} or kid skuij put round the ball before forcing it into the barrel....care should be taken it be not too thick and defeat its purpose....itis used to take off from the windage) to retain the air» and the grease is used to facilitate the passage of the ball by ^minishing the friction. A method has been usefully resorted to of providing a punch made of steel) which by means of a hollow barrel equal to the calibre, cut either /lat or leather pieced to serve as wads, which are forced down immediately on the powder, after the powder is levelled well by a stroke of the but against the ground. This punch is made in the manner of those punches used by sad- dlers to cut large holes in stirrup leathers, &c. ; hats, leather of all kinds, even linen, cotton or woollen cloth, or paper, might be cut with this punch with great advantage for wads ; the ball should be laid over this kind- of wad, and followed by another well forced in, when it is intended to march loaded. S 7. TO PRESERVE THE RIFLE FROM RUST. It must be obvious that the rifle barrel should not be bright ; that the equipments of riflemen should be free from every thing that is glittering or of a striking color, must be perceived upon every consideration of their duties. Great care, however, must be taken, in the frequent inspection of the rifle, to guard against any neglect of keeping it in order, when it has been browned, greened, or blacked. The barrel may be secured against external rust, by the following means :....If it be intended to give the barrel a clean black color, take half an ounce of camfihor, a gill of oil of turpentine, a gill of Florence oil, and a clean earthen cupi simmer them over a fire without flame, until the whole shall be incorporated, and in an uniform liquid state, putting the ramphor in last ; add to this liquid an ounce of clean white bcfs o 'I II t !1 i !i ■ i: I.. 1. d: '^ ■■ 1 ' i ll. , 1 m.' ■ 1 1 ; W U I ell •9 ri&sT FKiNciPiBs or ■waX) and melt the whole) adding a little sweet oil or turpentine to preserve its consistency to the state of honey; add an ounce of powdered black lead to this composition, and the barrel of the rifle being perfectly clean, the composition may be put on like paint, very thin, laid by to dry, and polished to a smooth surface. : • i, /,«, > To give the barrel a red or brown color, add red lead or ochrcf instead of the black lead. To make the barrel green, add verdigrease, which must be first ground in oilj to make the barrel blue, pulverised Prussian blue. '{,. ■... .I'.irii^ V ■iUi^i\^ iu.v.i i4«;<' "'iJJ in: The barrel may be preserved bright and safe from rust by this varnish, without adding any color to it ; but it must be laid on very thin, and with great care ; and the lock plate and parts open to the air, muy be protected from rust by this cam- phor varnish. ■- • Vi- ■ ■•■jiu. Every rifle should have a stopper for the muzzle, and a leather cover with two returning straps to go round the lock and stock two or three times, and cover the whole lock, and so formed as to buckle complete to it. § 8. DBGSS AND EQUIPMENTS. ,«MI' Uniformity is essential, so is simplicity, there should be no- thing glaring or bright about the rifleman or his equipments. Warmth, durability and sufiiciency, so that the body may be neither exposed to unnecessary inclemency of weather nor con* strained in the free exercise of limbs and muscles, but at ease in all its motions. His arms, shoulders, elbows, ribs, his knees, the calves of his legs and feet, should be entirely free from pressure or restraint ; for this reason breeches should not be permitted to riflemen, nor to any other soldier, neither should they wear low quartered shoes or buckles on the instep ; they should wear either the hunting or Jeflerson shoe, with a flat halt inch strap to wind once round the small of the leg above the ancle, and with u very neat buckle on the outside of the leg ; or with a lace to be laced, the pantaloons reaching the ancle, faced with leather for six inches, and open lour inches on the outside but so as to lie close if required. ! . i\. :»': ■-•*;*- ' I . >r turpentioe ley; add an nd the barrel 1 may be put d to a smooth I red lead or hich must be ised Prussian from rust by ut it must be lock plate and t by this cam- muzzle) and a ound the lock »le lock) and so should be no- i equipments. ie body may be eat her nor con- leS) but at ease he calves of his lire or restraint; lo riflemen, nor • low quartered wear either the h strap to wind iclt, and with a or with a lace ced with leather side but so as to itiFLE DiscmnrE. 99 The coat should be short and well fitted, the skirt reaching to the line of the fork ; the color dark green, pantaloons the same } buttons yellow ; waistt oat of the same color, or at least not white on service ; color black. The head covering, a black cap of leather with a vizor in front, and an oil cloth of 24 inches square, folded within the crown, to be let down on an emergen- cy of rainy weather to cover the neck behind ; a green or black plume....thecord of the cap and the regimental letters plain and not shewjr. The knapsack square) with a square case for a blanket form- ing the cover) and the cap of the knapsack to contain necessaries. His arms should be the rifle) with a short sword of 30 inches, worn close to the left ude, perpendicular to the body) and susr ceptible of being used as a bayonet, he might have a small axe and a knife in his powder belt. A cartridge box of flexible leather contunlngtwo rows of tin unsoldered cases, to contain 30 or 36 rounds ball cartridge ; a double pouch slung over his right shoulder and under his left arm, one partition containing 60 loose well smoothed balls, and in the other partition his turn screw, knife, scouring brush, oil rag, patches. Over his left shoulder and under his right arm hang his powder horn with the best powder. Three white shirts, two flannel shirts with sleeves reaching four inches below the elbows, and opening like a coat at the front, closed by two pair of tape strings at the breast and about the waist ; two pair of flannel drawers reaching to the calf of the leg ; two pair of socks for winter only ....none tor be worn from June to October The feet to be washed in cold water every morning as a rule of discipline ; Would preserve health, assure vigor, and render stockings and socks totally unneces- ■. . The hair cut close to the head onc6 a thonith. ' The pantaloons for winterj woollen cloth ; for summer grey unbleached linen or duck ; and for an undress an unbleached hunting shirt with green fringe ; the pantaloons by boiling with vegetable substances may be made a dark green ; or with bark a dark brown ; but the discipline should rigidly guirrd against dirt with such colors, ""■'t''"-^- • i-AV b^ifp 'I ■' i '\ \¥ % 1,^ 1 1 1 1 '? I .1 ■I i H -"S-tf.^ ^ ■■fii '4 ; ' ■I 'Sf mi I. i ! i I! il \-f 1 ."* ^ i| lao fUUT ?BINPIPL£S OF $ 9. OF EVOLUTIONS PY BUGLE SIGNALS. ^ It now remuns tp explain a very important object in the discipline of light corps* that of signals, by yrhich the various dittoes may be performed beyond the range of the voice by sig- nals of command. The infantry of the line have for a great length of time heen exercised by the lie^t of the drum ; and cavfdry manoeuvres have been performed hy the trufnpet. Ki^e porps have been moved by bugle horn signals ; but no perfect or adequate sys« tem has yet been adopted in our service. The present is an attempt to introduce tl^e system of exer* else and movement by signal to public attention ; and to adapt it to th^ convenience of troops* however remote from each other. To this chapter is annexed, a series of sixty^one dgnals adapted to the bugle, on a regular scale of musical notation and time. Wh^re buglers are not acquainted with music so as to play at sight, the notes may be performed on a violin or flute, and the bugler taught from the ear, by freq«ent repetition. An cAcer ^oing into service n^ay by a series of signals by the bugle eorrespond urith a distant party, having previously arranged the signi0catlon to be given to each ugnal. ,,{', ' . ' :^ i . . A review of troops in ordinary discipline may also be con- drifted by signal in the same manner ; a previous order being m^dp, an^ the signals arranged to the signals as numbered. A bM(;le,horn yi;e\i blown may be distinctly. heard in any kind of country by day three mU^a Its, importance for a medium of communication between an army and its out posts, is there- foi;e obvious, sf^nce the human voice cannot be distinctly, heard even in a clear, day, from one flank to another of a large bat- talion. This bugle has been universally used for light troops, and it is therefore proper to provide some method by which there may be a determined system of bugle signals. The following explanatioi^s and rule^ are therefore laid down, and a series of musical signals is proyided and tmmderedf or objects to be accomplished corresponding in number thereto are annexed. As signals of the bugle are intended to supply the insuffi- ciency of the voice to communicate at a distance ; it is only naed where the voice cannot be so well heard. .,.„. SIFItE DISCIFLIKE. iOl |ect in the he various ice by 8ig- timeh^en i hftye been equate sys* ita of exer* knd to adapt I each other. naU adapted m and time, as to play at lutei and the , An cAcer >y the bugle arranged the also be con* 8 order being lumbered. •d in any kind or a medium ostS) is there* stinctly heard a large bat* It troopS) and which there The following and a series r objects to be re annexed. )ly the insuffi- ;e ; it is only Another method for out posts acting at night» where the voice 'm required not to be heard} is supplied by a whistle, for which a sch^ " of musical signals is also annexed. Signals I ic bugle should be simple and figniiicantj and the signals ior contrary orders should be as dissimilar, so that an ear not the least musical cannot mistaHe one for the other. No command executed by the bugle should be begun to be executed until the bugle has finished the signal. The signals should be classed into two descriptions....The first class to consist of all the signals, which being given from the place of superior command, should be repeated by all the buglers of the line, or that wing or division of the line ; such &te....rouae,...aaaemble..,.march,..Mdvance.,..akirmi*h...^re....halt.... retreat..,.cea»e ^ring....dufierse,..,to annul a firevioua aignal.... Other signals may not be repeated as they appertain, only to a corps detached or to the whole, and when understood require no repetition. All bugle sounds are to be considered as referring to the actual state of the body for which the signal is made, at the moment it is sounded. For example....the word halt being signified by the bugle, while a corps or company is retreatingy the halt mi^st be understood in the very position they then are ; or if the signal be to the right about^ while retreating, or if advancing, it must be executed as ordered. The retreat is to be considered the same as coming to the right or Itft about, but if the word retreat be the signal, the ofiicer advanced may choose and order the mode of retreat, whether in sections^ by alternate files, or by single files, firing and retiring. The actual front of formation need not be attended to so par* ticularly in the advanced ordfr ^ only that it must be taken care that co7»fianie$, extending^ do not intermix and carry oiF eac) other's files, ^ ^dT -i ' ^ ;.u'v>i„t>. ; --U The halt is considered as annulling every previous signal. When there are buglers with advanced parties, if the men hear a sound from the main body, they must not change their disposition by that sound, until their officer has ordered it to be repeated, or ordered it to be obeyed. As this scheiVie ma^ be accommodated to the various move- ments of every description of troops, only by selecting the , I iM ■^*'i»( 11 %\ ^1 '■•n.*- «■ :•■) ■I fc' fcw^ ^*^*fen"t ■■»»«i'': Fire retreating. Retreat and extend. Retreat and close. lis I ; -.i' ■ f. •it 33. 34. 35 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 4t 42. 43. 44. 45. 46 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. ST. 58. 59. 60. 61. Form the chain. Form sections. Form cchellons. Form companies. Form line. Form column. Form square. Interrogative. Affirmative. Negative. Annul. The enemy is infantry. The enemy is cavalry. The enemy has riflemen. The enemy has artillery. The enemy is moving. To the right. To the left. To the centre. Adjutants eall for orders. Buglers cad. Onll. Fatigue, j mhi j^'x Forage. RaUong. Prepare to parade. Officers assemhie. Officers* dinner. The Uttoo— 1st post. The Uttoo— 2d post. The tattoo— 3d post. Setting the watch. ' t i Hi ill ■ ' I ; ■.5Jil,flJf i'-i'U "Lx! .s«*J*« y»f* (fifili''; . .; . ' I*- 8.; I0.| 12.: 14. 18. r-o.'i X , I" i ! i GAMUT. BUGLE HORN SIGNALS. [)ting the ts exactly iignals in gnalsmay nt modem nted, if it int of the ••' •' jv • i.. 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Jo -f I'nfft >' ,,.^*''*^" '■^^^Wfc^; »J| *.c '"%. ..'!!iSi»"*?" 'I 1 ! * i". .*\ ni^ I ?:<3 S 31 !^ 3 IM:. "3 ■ ^ -^ -^ -^' ' J I' » i, ;^ t^'^ I ■■^ I Si ! II i 1 ■ } '^ 1 M j) i. 1 ^.^^, *:. «-.;■ ii»^^ Hifie. ForynaUatv of Uw Oi ' n Pl.-f. Ji^/fl. \ ^1 : ! .. :4 r.v- C? ■Kl . ■".... I W W S< i! ■.is Al :iA The fornvevtion a*id. dUnosiUmv of a. i-oinfuuiy of' Riflemen, or IvgTit Infmury whi^ie to form, an advanced. ^luircL «« l^e *♦ *■* ** 1,|<4i7 •♦•♦■ i i 4> •P»i- ■**■■ fig It. -^==^==^=S=^Pacc. •*-*-ci:it- ** ** ■%.: A -■ '-1 -^-, ,^.^*.- '"•^ i, * - -::zi^. J I ■«.T vy. it i 1 'i ■ • .« « (m t i. i '> il ■I V ^ 4j ! I' • ^ iV. * « ^-^i t/^ >^ •\ y^ :<^^ %. ., , ••>.• .. «.!. * ^ *^., n'.- j. *' ■tt » RXFL # / ** E ' M • '•-4fe»^'»ifi;- ■'H,^- ^'■*t»-«w-' ♦;■ ■ jiiB^it- .•.■^*ft-^-,*tt,.*f:0*?N^-»*i"i Mursu'Vi'i** ■■ *■= iv*.- : w^ i^i: ■«,-.¥ -iJ»r. .;.)W»II?« -.Vv^. '■ ■P- ':' si ■fe a .'w .Ji A :4 *i .■'I*"' ^i^'':Vii Ma'- (»: * i'.| ^ ; ! i * I> -•^ . « .' V, ' , K ' _-(,ii««"t i >. ,'».,)' I/' I: i: t -xr-^'i !! -VJtT ' 1 jsasiiJife., ■ , i ■ t 4> f • . "> '. ■ I J ^■% *' ■I 'A ^( ^ iassivsa ^^>rsa ■M:^;;' ■.<*' .-n^a iWfl ' ffci'sl r;,a ^li^ ^^»*'*^ * *,.-tJT^«- ll 'J » ' r.. jj^jg;,-,' '^j--'^.i.,.-,if^.^ .', -MS i^Ul i .'<'»*S.4:f*.«i,.:!^t^,r-K**if ;*^-. V ,'^11 f !- *'S.?¥« ■ ^'mm- i \ %^"-Mi. ^*-i'i 'iJM**:^ 'I ■I f'% ■■i 'r ; ;* w ;- ''1 ; ?, 1 -'■■■ «;:* : /;%3 :* :-,J ijff'- a ■^ •W-v. -v-f,^^;.,,,,^,. •^_, .*>><*» ,1 ■I 'T I ! ( ■' 1 \ V u I i ^i u •»-!» ^~» PLATR XI. Riflemen. ' ^SfTii*"^!^^^ "W*^^ '•^,. Riflemen. I t... 'm-^ 'K' It*. Riflemen. PLATE Xn jrt^.-/. Jfu^.2. n i }i ■% f ■h t ; i: ' 1 ■» « t l« 1 I T ■^./'^ W \ Mi* V, 'h. VJS '■■ ' ■ '"'^ -f !f ■ !l ! r ll ^^' I4ii'f'>' .^ 4.4Ju^ M^ ' ii».-Wviwi^( .-jf^^.... ,.^'^.i ^i<^* .V] /,J', ■ ^.■'"^'■■^••irtfcr.^^itov. -**9 ti'»»j^ t.~^j J fl- Nl*' ili 'J .f'-S i« , i^r ► •! i V 1r I PLATE Xm. Riflemen. A h^< \ 'I ■4*"' f I I c M^.2 ■•Hi.. 3j ^'^'%,,^8^l# D X> ^-T^' Riflemen-. &^