REESE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. t &,u^ X ^ ^^ t J^ J^ llMli V^H.^^ t"^ -^^ay^j* IJ' Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/customsofserviceOOpowerich CUSTOMS OF THE SERVICE. THE ARMY, NATIONAL GUARDS, AND VOLUNTEERS. Compiled from Authentic Sources by COLONEL JAMES W. POWELL, United States Army. ^ OF iHB ' r ^ UNIVERSITY KANSAS CITY, MO.: TxlE HUDSON-KlMBERLY PUBLISHING CO. 1899. Copyright, 1899, by Hudson-Kimberly Publishing- Co. CONTENTS. Partial List of Aaclioiit'c'5 Consulted .* 5 Preface 7 Customs of the Service 9 Routine of Duty 12 Guard Duty 20 First Day 22 Second Day 22 Grades in Organization of the Army and Volunteers, with Monthly Pay for Less Than Five Years of Service. . . 30 Grades and Pay, Monthly, Enlisted Men, First Year, First Enlistment 37 Company 37 Regiment 37 Post 37 Hospital Corps 38 Infantry 40 Cavalry 41 Heavy Artillery 41 Field Artillery 42 Engineers 42 Signal Corps 43 Ordnance Department 43 The Captain '. 45 The Lieutenant 48 Non-Commissioned Officers 48 The First Sergeant 54 Post Non-Commissioned Staff 57 Musicians 61 Engineer Soldiers 62 The Infantry Soldier 62 The Cavalry Soldier 63 The Artilleryman 64 _85165 2 ^ Contents, Ordnance Soldiers 65 Subsistence 66 Commutation 69 The Ration 70 Cooking 71 Bread 75 Water 76 Spirituous Liquors 77 Coffee 78 Tea , 79 Meats 80 Beans and Pease 82 The Emergency Ration 82 Military Clothing 83 Field Uniforms, Canvas and Summer 87 Allowance of Clothing in Kind 93 Allowance for Clothing to Enlisted Men 94 Military Instruction 95 Troops in Campaign 98 Movements by Rail 104 Movements by Water 106 Battles Ill Marches 112 Army Sanitation and Camping 116 Wounds 123 Outpost Duty 125 Advance and Rear Guards 132 Army Correspondence ; 133 Rules for Indexing 137 Stationery 138 Telegraphing 139 Boards of Survey 140 Military Orders 143 Courts-Martial 145 Arrests 150 Form for Record of a Garrison Court-Mar tial 151 Contents. ^ Form for Sentences 153 Form of Brief 154 Desertion 155 Leave of Absence for Officers 157 Furloughs to Soldiers 159 Muster-Rolls 161 Final Statements 162 Clothing Account 165 U. S. Army Recruiting Circular 166 The Signal Code 169 Miscellaneous 170 Colors 170 Flags 171 Salutes with Cannon. 171 Soldiers' Home .172 Detached Service 172 Officers' Baggage 173 Deceased Soldiers 174 Public Quarters — Officers' 175 Loss of Private Property 175 Company Records 175 Transfers 176 Public Property 176 Mourning 176 Route Step 177 Manual of Arms 177 The Post Exchange 177 Visiting the Fortifications 178 The Trumpet Calls 178 PARTIAL LIST OF AUTHORITIES CONSULTED AND USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS COMPILATION. U. S. Army Regulations, 1895. (A. R.**») U. S. Army Manual of Guard Duty, War Dept., 1893. (M. G. D.**) Troops in Campaign, War Dept., 1892. (T. C.**) Manual for Cooks, War Dept. Subsistence Manual, U. S. Army, War Dept. Paymaster's Manual, U. S. Army, War Dept. U. S. Army Manual for Courts-Martial, A. Murray, 2d edition. War Dept.,. 1898. U. S. Army Drill Regulations, War Dept. The Service of Security and Information, by Lieut.-Col. A. L. Wagner, U. S. A. Notes on Military Hygiene, by Col. A. A. Woodhull, D. S. G. A Precis of Modern Tactics, by Col. R. Home, C. B., Royal Engineers. Tactical Deductions, Boguslawski. Infantry Tactics, Von Scherff. Organization and Administration, by Col. G. A. Furse, C. B. General Orders and Circulars, War Dept., A. G. O. (G. O.****, C.**»*) The context does not always admit of exact quotation. -1— PREFACE. These papers are only rudimentary outlines of duties which should be familiar to every man in the Army; they present few original views and do not pre- tend to be other than a compilation, with observations gained from long experience. This work is undertaken to assist our comrades, who at time of hurried prepara- tion have neither the leisure nor the books for refer- ence. We should all know ^'how it is done," or where the information can be found. Careful observance of the requirements here shown of the life military and what like is war will aid all soldiers. It is con eded that these matters would have been learned in time; nevertheless, it is an aid which the writer would have appreciated in his early service days. Drill is an essen- tial means of discipline, teaches promptness, attention, celerity of movement, and, well learned, proves its value on the battle-field. All the same, there are very, very many things not learned in the armory or ^^barrack square drilP^ which rise up from the instant we begin campaigning: how to feed, to clothe, to rest, to conserve the health, to have all of our men at the front at the decisive moment which wins or loses battles, and in fighting condition. ^^Nothing is so expensive as an un- healthy military force," and when we consider that 8 Preface, during the war, '61 to '65, 99,183 white troops died from the casualties of battle and 171,806 from dis- ease, the necessity of that discipline being exerted which cares for health of the troops is apparent, if higher considerations were absent. Sickness is not in general spontaneous, and to the able-bodied man, with cleanliness, absolute care both in eating and drinking, and true observance of the sanitary precautions herein set forth, there is no good reason why good health may not be maintained. Men of robust health often take unnecessary chances, injudicious eating and driiiking, lying on damp shaded ground when over-heated from drill, feel that they can stand anything and everything, and won't take care until down with disease — then too late. The importance and usefulness in our military world of knowing the fundamental principles and how things should be done from the start in military ser- vice is imperative; hence this compilation of Regula- tions and Customs of the Service. ^^ OF iHli ^ ^^BKSITY £iLCAUFO^^ CUSTOMS OF THE SERVICE. Military Law is derived from both written and un- written sources. The Written sources are the Arti- cles of War; Statutory Enactments relating to the mil- itary service; Army Regulations; General and Special Orders and decisions promulgated by the War Depart- ment and by department, post, and other commanders, and which do not contravene existing law. The Un- written source is the "Custom of War in like cases," consisting of the customs of the service both in peace and war. It is enjoined in the Army Regulations r^ All per- sons in the military service are required to obey strictly and to execute promptly the lawful orders of their superiors. Military authority will be exercised with firmness, kindness, and justice. Punishments must conform to law and follow offenses as promptly as cir- cumstances will permit. No person in the military ser- vice shall be punished by flogging, or by branding, marking, or tattooing on the body.^ Superiors are for- bidden to injure those under their authority by tyran- lA. R. 1-5. 2A. W. 98. —2- 10 Customs of the Service. nical or capricious conduct, or by abusive language. Courtesy among military men is indispensable to dis- cipline; respect to superiors will not be confined to obedience on duty, but will be extended on all occa- sions. Deliberations or discussions among military men conveying praise or censure, or any mark of appro- bation toward others in the military service, and all publications relating to private or personal transac- tions between officers, are prohibited. To bring the military forces to the highest state of efficiency^ and most speedily accomplish what is ex- pected should be the earnest effort and call forth the best energies of all its members of whatsoever station. All authority should be exercised with firmness, equity, and decorum on the part of superiors, and should be respected by implicit obedience and loyal support from subordinates. Every officer of whatever grade will, so far as may be in his power, guard and preserve the health and welfare of those under his charge. He must labor diligently and zealously to perfect himself and his subordinates in military drill, instruction, and disci- pline; and above all, he must constantly endeavor, by precept and example, to maintain the highest character, to foster and stimulate that true soldierly spirit and patriotic devotion to duty which must characterize an effective army. IG. O. 57, 1898. Customs of the Service, 11 The Articles of War shall be read and published,^ once in every six months, to every garrison, regiment, troop, or company in the service of the United States, and to all organizations and to every recruit within six days after entering the service. Ignorance does not excuse offenses nor acts done when drunk. Orders should be clearly given and seen to that they are under- stood. While drunkenness is no excuse for disobedi- ence of orders, an order should not be given a soldier who is from the condition of drunkenness incapacitated to understand it; in such case, he should be at once placed in confinement and brought to trial under the 62d Article of War. Voluntary drunkenness furnishes per se no excuse or palliation for criminal acts. It is so inexcusable in itself that the law has never recog- nized it as an excuse for crime. It may, however, be admitted in some cases, and as showing want of dis- tinctive intent. (See 1 Winthrop, 410-13.) lA. W. 2 and 128. 12 Customs of the Service. ROUTINE OF DUTY. The following illustrates ordinary daily routine and service calls. Army Regulations fix the time in the cases indicated, thus (A. R.***), the small marginal letters merely referring to explanatory notes following : General Orders^ ^Fort , No May , 1898. The following Hours for Serrice and other Calls are established: (a) Reveille (A. R. 383) 6:00 a. m. (h) BreaJifast (A. R. 384). 6:15 a. m. (Police of quarters and grounds.)^ (c) Sick 6:35 a.m. (d) Drill 7:00 a.m. Drill, re-call 8:30 a. m. (e) Fatigue, call sounded when fatigues are needed. (f) Guard-mount 9:00a.m. (g) Officer's Call .10:00 a. m. (h) First Sergeants 11:45 a. m. (j) Dinner (A. R. 384) 12:00 m. (d) Drill 1.00 p.m. Drill, re-call 2:30 p.m. lA. R. 770-783. 2A. R. 387. Customs of the Service. 13 (k) School Call, for non-com. officers 3:00 p.m. (s) Retreat and Parade (A. R. 386) Sunset (I) Supper (A. R. 384) 5:30 p. m. (m) Tattoo (A. R. 383) 9:00 p. m. (n) Call to Quarters (A. R. 383) . .10:45 p. m. Taps (A. R. 383) 11:00 p. m. Inspections,! Saturday and last day of each month 8:00 a. m. (o) Church, Sundays 10:00 a, m. and 7:30 p. m. (p) Warning Calls precede Assembly by ten minutes. (q) By order of Colonel Scott. (r) Edwin SchuyUvy 1st Lieut. 26th U. S. Infantry, Adjutant. Official. (r) (Signature.) (Rank, etc.) (a) ^Reveille roll-call in garrison will not ordinarily take place earlier than 5:30 a. m. in summer, or 6:30 a. m. in winter. Two roll-calls daily at Reveille and Retreat, and commanding officers may also order roll-calls in special cases at such times as they may deem necessary. The roll will be called on the company parade by the first sergeant, superintended by a commissioned officer. If companies are quartered together in lA. R. 266, 452, 200-1. 2A. R. 383. 14 Customs of the Service. contiguous barracks, one officer may superin- tend tiie roll-call of two or more of them, pro vided he can do so efficiently, the commanding; officer regulating the practice in this respect. (h) ^Fifteen minutes after Reveille; the men allowed at least twenty minutes for breakfast. (c) ^The enlisted men of each company who require medical attention will be conducted to the hos pital by a non-commissioned officer, who will give to the attending surgeon the Company Sick Report Book containing the names of the sick. The surgeon, after examination, will indi- cate in the book, opposite their names, the men who are to be admitted to hospital and those to be returned to quarters, what duties the lat- ter perform, with any other information in regard to the sick which he may have to communicate to company commanders. Men marked "Quarters" are required to remain at their quarters. Officers^ names, when sick, are borne on same book, and they confer with the surgeon at their quarters or the hospital, as circumstances require. (d) Drill hours are regulated by the commanding offi- cer; generally three hours daily, except Satur- days. And see notes on Drill, infra. lA. R. 384. 2A. R. 1431. Customs of the Service, 15 (e) Usually the men who have marched off guard the day previous, called "old guard fatigue," are marched in a soldierly manner (never permit straggling) to report to the quartermaster or other designated officer for fatigue work or general police (cleaning up the grounds), and on completion of the labor are then dismissed. Except in emergencies,^ no duty will be re- quired of the old officer of the day or the old guard until four hours after they have been relieved. (f) ^The men warned for duty fall in on their company parade-grounds, non-commissioned officers and supernumeraries falling in as file-closers; are verified and inspected by the first sergeants; as the band plays, following Adjutant's Call, are marched to the parade-ground. (See I. D. R. 257-264.) (g) Officers assemble at headquarters, for instruction in and discussion of drill and Army Regula- tions, battle exercises, and instruction in first IM. G. D. 26. 2At guard-mount (I. D. R. 715): "1. Officers and non- commissioned officers, front and center. 2. March." In the more military form, the adjutant then assigns their positions, as commander of the guard, etc., indicating also, with his saber, the person designated. The inspection ended (I. D. R. 719), the officer commanding the guard having taken his posi- tion, the adjutant announces selection of the orderly to the commander of the guard by name. 16 Customs of the Service. aid^ to the sick and wounded by the surgeon. It will be observed that Captain's Call is the first two bars of OfiQeer's Call with the Atten- tion added. (h) First sergeants repair to sergeant-major's oflSce and copy in their order books orders of the day (to be presented to the captain, and to the lieu tenants if affecting them) ; take notice of guard and other details. Copies of orders enterod- by first sergeants in company order books will be attested by the adjutant. ( j ) ^Not earlier than 12 m. nor later than 12:15 p. m. Thirty minutes allowed for dinner. ( k ) "Non-commissioned oflScers assemble by company, for instruction in military matters by an officer of the company. ( s ) ^There will be daily one parade, morning or even- ing, as the commanding officer may direct, which will not be dispensed with except on urgent occasions (this is no longer termed "dress parade")- All officers and men will be present unless specially excused or on duty in- compatible with such attendance. The flag will IG. O. 60, 1897. 2A. R. 264. 3A. R. 384. 41. D. R. 185. 5A. R. 449. Customs of the Service. 17 be lowered at the sounding of the last note of the Retreat, and while the flag is being lowered the band will play "The Star-spangled Banner." The troops will stand at attention while the flag is being lowered. (I) ^Not earlier than 5 nor later than 6 :30 p. m. Twenty minutes allowed for supper. (m) ^Ordinarily there will not be any formation for roll-call at Tattoo, but the prescribed signal will be sounded, and fifteen minutes thereafter lights in squad-rooms (and of course in tents) will be extinguished and all noises and loud talking will cease. ( n ) At Taps all lights not authorized by the command ing officer will be extinguished and the first ser- geant (or other non-commissioned officer, as the company commander may direct) will inspect each company and report to the officer of the day the names of all unauthorized absentees. (Call to Quarters, new music for, see Cav. Drill Regs., p. 476.) (o) The Orders of President Lincoln^ and Army Regu- lations^ prescribe that an orderly observance of the Sabbath by the officers and men in the lA. R. 384. 2A. R. 383. SExecutive Order, Nov. 15, 1862. 4A, R. 202. 18 Customs of the Service, military service is enjoined. Military duty and labor on Sunday will be reduced to the measure of strict necessity. (Cliurch Call in C. D. K. differs from this call as in I. D. R.) (p) ^Warning Calls are: First Call, Guard-mounting, Full Dress, Overcoats, Drill, Stable, Water, and Boots and Saddles; Mess, Church, and Fatigue may also be u^ed as Warning Calls. When full dress or overcoats are to be worn, the Full Dress or Overcoat Call immediately follows the Warning Call. Alarm Calls are: Fire Call; To Arms, the signal for the men to fall in under arms, dismounted, on their parade- grounds, as soon as possible; To Horse, the sig- nal for the men to proceed under arms to their horses, saddle, mount, and assemble at a desig- nated place, as quickly as possible; In Extended Order, this signal is also used to remount the troops. Boots and Saddles is the signal for mounted formations; it immediately follows the Warning Call. Stables and Water (C. D. R. 995-1000, pp. 468-469) are sounded at posts of mounted troops as directed. The General is the signal for striking tents, which fall at the last note; it is preceded by a Warning Call. ( q ) General oflflcers use the expression "By command" ; other officers, "By order." II. D. E. 769; C. D. R. 1130. Customs of the ^^rrricc. 19 (r) Tlie adjutant si^iis tlie original order in the order book only; all other coi)ies are made '^officiar' by his signature or of an aide to a general offi- cer. Orders from the War Department are authenticated^ with an impression seal. The adjutant also verifies the correctness of orders from his office which have been copied in tlieir order books by the first sergeants, by signing "Official'' and his signature. Orders^ issued by battalion and company commanders are simply denominated "Orders"; those of higher units, as posts, regiments; etc., are denominated "Gen- eral" or "Special Orders." IG. O. 21, 1894. 2A. R. 770. 20 Customs of the Service. GUARD DUTY. The most important work of the soldier and the method of its performance stamps efficiency of the troops. All details for guard shall be made by roster; a list of men for duty, with record of duty performed by each. Generally, details for duty are made so that the one longest off is the first for detail. In making details by roster, an officer or enlisted man is each day charged with the number of days that he has remained present and available sinee the beginning of his last tour. In the field, when the commanding officer deems it advisable, a company may be detailed to form the guard, the captain being the ofQcer of the day, and the lieutenants officers of the guard. The following are the usual rosters relative to guard duty : 1. Officers of the day. 2. Officers of the guard. 3. Sergeants of the guard. 4. Corporals of the guard. 5. Musicians of the guard. 6. Privates of the guard. The first two are kept by the adjutant; the third, fourth, and fifth, by the sergeant-major, under the su- pervision of the adjutant, or by the first sergeants of companies, as directed by the commanding officer; the sixth is always kept by the first sergeants. Customs of the Service. 21 The sergeant-major determines the number of pri- vates to be detailed from each company by the follow- ing rules: Take the number of privates for duty in each company from its morning report for the day next preceding that on which the tour of duty is to com- mence, deducting details for detached service of over twenty-four hours, made after the morning report has been received; the total of these gives the total num- ber of privates available. Then: the total strength is to the strength of a company as the total detail is to the detail from the company; multiply the total detail by the strength of the company, and divide the result by total strength; carry out to two places of decimals, dis- regarding all smaller fractions. This rule is applied for each company. The whole numbers in the results thus obtained are added together, and if the total is less than the total detail required, add 1 to the whole number in the result that has the largest fraction, and so on for each company till the required total is ob- tained. There will thus be a difference between the exact proportion and the number detailed from each company; this difference is carried forward to the next day's proportion, to be added if a company has fur- nished less, or to be subtracted if a company has fur- nished more than its exact proportion, thus: 22 Customs of the Service, FIRST DAY. ro CO o u u 5* d .S^S "& o ctf be -co bfl Q "u p- etail ing; ble a 2 CJ to Q H p. A 25 X 14 160 2.18 B 24 X 160 2.10 C 30 X 160 2.62 D 22 X 160 1.92 E 22 X 160 1.92 F(Cav ) 37 160 X 160 3.23 11 'd ^ {^ <1 Q P 2 .18a 2 .10a 1 3 .38s 1 2 .08s 1 2 .08s *3 .23a 14 ♦Troop F furnishes 3 stable guard and no post guard. SECOND DAY. H c« P. a o a A B C D E U) a CO o u u .,-1 t*H PJ ^co bo Q .2 ^ o o o bc_: ™ n3 ^ o 'd H . 4 Act of March 1, 1887. 5A. R. 694. 44 Customs of the Service, The President is authorized to appoint^ in the Vol- unteer Army not exceeding 1 major-general for each organized army corps and division, and 1 brigadier- general for each brigade. The IJ. S. Volunteer SignaP Corps consists of 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, disbursing offi- cer, and not exceeding 1 major for each Army Corps, and 2 captains, 2 first lieuterants, 2 second lieutenants, 5 first-class sergeants, 10 sergeants, 10 corporals, and 30 first-class privates to each organized division of troops, two-thirds of whom below the rank of major shall be skilled electricians or telegraph operators. lAct of April 22, 1898. 2Act of May 18, 1898. Customs of the Service. 45 THE CAPTAIN. Captains are the soul of the whole of instruction and care of the unit of organization — the company. The following extracts from ^'The Prussian Campaign, A Tactical Retrospect" (Captain May), translated by Colonel Ouvry, C.B., so entirely accord with the expe- rience of the compiler and based on sound observation they cannot be bettered by original change: "The cap- tain commanding a company is the only officer between whom and the soldier a personal relation subsists in peace-time. He knows every individual soldier in the most intimate manner, and the soldier on his part is aware that his captain so knows him. It is upon this relation that the uncommon influence rests which he, above all officers, has over the individual soldier, as well as over the whole company. The soldier . . . has under all circumstances a decided feeling for his cap- tain, even though it be one of hatred. In most cases, however, it is a feeling of love, confidence, and respect. They become accustomed to one another, have their fits of ill temper at times on both sides With regard to the higher grade of officers, .... he has respect for them according to regulation; otherwise, for the most part, he is indifferent. At the very most, he knows whether his general keeps him long at drill and annoys him or not, and particularly whether he has 46 Customs of the Service, any ridiculous habits The soldier looks on his captain as by far the most important personage; and should the colonel take to bullying the captain on parade, to show the soldier what a great man he is, the result usually is that the soldier respects the captain the less, but certainly the colonel not the more. The captain will find the attachment of his subordinates the most precious reward which will fall to him in his life- time." Captains have a very important part in war. They should be held absolutely responsible for every- thing relating to their company, especially as regards drill, discipline, contentment, without interference by superior authority. The captain should be alert in knowledge of sanitary precautions, observing with care the environments, and in sickly climates redouble his care for his men; see that they be compelled to care for themselves; he is required to daily inspect the kitchens, the sinks, the police of his company grounds, that every particle of foreign matter be removed; even the example of removing bits of paper and such trifles will have its good effects; insist that all kitchen waste be carried way, and then not simply buried, but cre- mated, not even permitting slops to be thrown on the ground; seepage from the latter has been known to contaminate wells many feet distant, with the natural sequence of typhoid and other diseases. All this in- volves labor on officers and men; it is work that will pay in health and possibly in life. Men heated and Customs of the Service. 47 exhausted after the drill will throw themselves on the ground in the shade; this is a cause of sickness, fevers; it may at the moment seem harsh to them, but do not allow such practices; caution the men, and see that the caution is obeyed. In the field, the result of the daily inspection re- quired by A. R. 26G should be reported verbally to the colonel at a designated hour, that he may clearly know of the comfort and needs of the men, the quality and kinds of the ration and service for the day; be assured that the sinks have been inspected, etc., etc. The sur- geon should also be required to inspect the sinks, etc., and report similarly, together with a statement of the health of the command, appearance or indication of undue endemic diseases, etc. Order and regularity in everything must be insisted upon; for example, at the company kitchens, even in camp, the kettles, cleaning utensils, etc., when not in immediate use, can be properly arranged with regu- larity; the wood (fuel) corded up, not thrown down any way, nor chips accumulated; attention to these appar- ently trivial matters all go to inculcate order and care in other matters. The captain will neither patronize nor coddle up his men ; they resent either mode. Looking always for their interests, with firmness in discipline and com- manding absolute obedience to orders, and this can be accomplished with kindness (harshness is wholly unnecessary), be the company father. 48 Customs of the Service. THE LIEUTENANT. Upon the lieutenants of the company the duties of the captain will often devolve, and, whether as com- mandant or serving with his captain, he will be gov- erned by the same system and share these duties and fatigues; and so he will or will not be an able support to his captain. Captains will require^ their lieutenants to assist in the performance of all company duties, including the keeping of records and the preparation of the necessary reports and returns. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.2 Sergeants and corporals are appointed by regi- mental commanders on recommendation of compariy commanders. Non-commissioned officers will be care- fully selected and instructed, and always supported by company commanders in the proper performance of their duties. They will not be detailed for any duty nor permitted to engage in any occupation inconsistent with their rank and position. Officers will be cautious in reproving them in the presence or hearing of private soldiers. They will be furnished with a warrant of rank, signed by the colonel, countersigned by the ad- lA. R. 255. 2A. R, 251-26X. Customs of the Service. 49 jutant; but a separate warrant as first sergeant will not be given. They take effect on the day of appointment. The captain will select the first sergeant from the ser- geants of his company, and may return him to the grad 3 of sergeant without reference to higher authority. A non-commissioned officer may be reduced^ to the ranks by sentence of court-martial, or by the order of the regimental commander on the recommendation of the company commander. The regimental^ commander appoints the non-commissioned staff, which consists of the sergeant-major and quartermaster sergeant; also the regimental non-commissioned officers, consisting of the chief musician and principal (2) musicians or chief trumpeter and saddler sergeant, according to arm. The ordnance, commissary, and post quartermaster sergeants and hospital stewards are appointed by the Secretary of War. The important duties in the field of active operations of non-commissioned officers have been greatly augmented by what we may term modern drill, responsibilities fall upon squad leaders in leading their sections into action not found in former days; to know the right thing to do; for the lessons taught on the drill-ground assume in actual service under fire various phases and need of quick judgment. Leading of squads is an important duty. The detail of a non-commissioned officer on extra lA. R. 261. 2A. R. 241. 50 Customs of the Service. duty other than that of overseer will not be made with- out the approval of the Secretary of War. A non-com missioned officer will not be detailed on any duty incon- sistent with his rank and position in the military ser- vice. Chiefs of squad will see that no dressing or pol- ishingi material on leather aecoutrem'/nts, equipments, or harness, except the preparations supplied by the Ordnance Department, are so used. The prohibition^ in A. R. 276 of attempts to beautify or change the finish of arms in the hands of enlisted men is not construed as forbidding the application of raw linseed oil to the w^ood parts of the arm. The application for such pur- pose of any kind of wax or varnish, including heelball, is strictly prohibited. They will also si e that all public property in use by their squads be marked with the letter of the company and number of aim of the regi- ment. Such articles issued to an enlisted man (arms and clothing excepted) will, as far as practicable, be marked with the number of the man (each man is origi- nally given a number,^ which remains constant whil:^ in the company), letter of the company, and number of th^ regiment. Haversacks and blanket-bags will be uni- formly marked^ on the outside as follows: cavalry, crossed sabers; artillery, crossed cannons; infantry, lA. R. 277. 2Cir. 26, 1897. 3A. R. 267. 4A. R. 279. Customs of the Service. 51 crossed rifles; with letter of company above and num- ber of regiment below the intersection ; the design sten- ciled in black, the device five inches long, and letters and numbers in full-faced characters one inch high; the design will be placed above letters ^^U. S." on equip- ments, and the number of the soldier, in characters one inch high, will be placed at the bottom, near the the lower edge of the blanket-bag. The canteen will be marked with the letter of the company, number of the regiment, and number of the man. Notice that the rifle or pistol is not permitted to be marked in any way; it is identified by its stamped ordnance number, and so recorded in the company records. Non-commissioned officers are entitled to respect at all times, and to strict and prompt obedience when in the discharge of duty, and in turn should so perform their duties as to de serve well of their comrades, while rigidly executing duty; as the non-commissioned officer governs him- self, so he can govern; laxity of discipline is not kind- ness; ill temper must be restrained; rever use language you would not use in the presence of your captain, nor violence or force except in extremity and when all other measures of restraint have failed; do not show favoritism or overlook neglect; don't be arbitrary; be governed by the regulations of the service; superior authority will always support a non-commissioned offi- cer in proper discharge of his duty. Non-commissioned officers are not, as a rule, permitted to confine soldiers, 62 Customs of the Service, unless the breach be serious or escape apprehended. The first sergeant exercises a sound discretion in these matters, and is usually authorized by the company commander to place, as by his order, soldiers in "arrest in quarters" or confine them, reporting the fact at once. An officer or soldier arrested will repair at once to his tent or quarters, and remain there until more extended limits have been granted by the commanding officer. Non-commissioned officers even have power to place officers in arrest under the 24:th of the Articles of War, which reads: "All officers, of what condition soever, have power to part and quell all quarrels, frays, and disorders, whether among persons belonging to h's own or to another corps, regiment, troop, battery, or com- pany, and to order officers into arrest, and non-com- missioned officers and soldiers into confinement, who take part in the same, until their proper superior officer is acquainted therewith." (Winthiop's "Military Law," p. 836, Vol. 1.) "All officers whatsoever" includes non- commissioned officers. Sec. 1342, R. S., enacts that the word "officer," as used in the Articles of War, shall be understood to designate commissioned officers. At other times important duties of non-commis- sioned officers are those of file-closers; they act in this capacity for good and sufficient and necessary reasons, not merely ornamental; when so marching, they see that the men in ranks near them observe strict atten- tion, march properly, preserve distances, and, if a re- Customs of the Service, 53 treat be ordered, as will even sometimes become really the only thing to do, see that the ranks are not broken or men allowed to run beyond their comrades, and will not get there himself the first man — in other phrase- ology, the movement, if it must be made, will be the exact reverse of the attack. See, if a man in ranks is absolutely obliged to fall out of ranks, that he is so authorized by an officer, and that the soldier gives his rifle to be carried by a comrade; that the men be not permitted to fall out of ranks to attend the wounded unless so ordered. The company is divided into four squads,^ each under charge of a non-commissioned officer. Chiefs of squads will be held responsible for the cleanliness of their men; see that they bathe frequently; the hair kept short and the beard neatly trimmed; see that arms are put and kept in proper order. Kitchens are placed under the immediate charge of the company quarter- master sergeant or other non-commissioned officer, who is held responsible for their condition, absolute cleanliness, the proper use of the ration, and that the meals are served at the precise hour ordered and at no other times, except to the guard and men whose duties call them away. Whistles^ will be furnished for such sergeants, cor- porals, or musicians as are required to use them. A lA. R. 267. 2A. R. 1202 and D. R. 54 Customs of the Service, whistle call indicates ^^Cease firing/' and is also used to fix the attention. They are issued by the Quarter- master's Department, and, attached with a small chain, should always be worn in the field and on drill, and can be heard during firing more clearly than the trumpet. THE FIRST SERGEANT. The first sergeant must have capacity, intelligence, and the welfare of his company always in his mind; he must possess and govern with quick, just, and clear perception; he knows intimately all that goes on in the company, and, next to the captain, the eflSciency of the company is dependent upon him; its military appearance, condition of the camp, management of the mess, promptness and unfailing regularity in parading the company and details; general comfort of the men; he is one of the most important enlisted men in the army, and hard- worked, and his pay is more deserving of increase than that of any other soldier in the Army. This paragraph is written with twenty-seven years' ex- perience as a captain. Receiving orders and instruc- tions from his captain, he is far more than a mere su- perintendent; the clerical records are in his keeping, assisted by the company clerk. At first sergeant's call, he goes, as previously stated, to receive orders, etc., and receive back the daily report book of the company, Customs of the Service. 55 which he handed in before 8 o'clock in the morning ;i he will be so familiar with the roll-call of names that the formation can be made by night, as by day; this can be easily memorized and the voices be recognized, that deception, if attempted, be discovered. At the Assembly, not before, nor after, the company fall in; at the last note every man must be in his place; as the roll is called, commencing with the sergeants and corporals, then alphabetically, the response "Here," given firmly, in even tone of voice, never permitting a yell or unseemly loudness. If with arms, the piece is brought to the order as each name is called, or with sabers drawn, returned to the scabbard. The first ser- geant, unless this duty is developed upon the new grade of quartermaster sergeant, superintends drawing of the rations; the savings and purchases; reporting the latter in each case to the captain and entering the transaction at once in the company fund book; he is directly responsible to the captain for all Government property, arms, ammunition, equipments, tentage, etc., etc. (this, however does not relieve the captain from responsibility to the Government) ; he posts details on the bulletin-board, additional to their publication at parade, usually Retreat. In keeping the Morning Re- port Book, correctness in every detail is imperative; very much may depend then, or perhaps years after- wards, on the accuracy, as absence, sickness, or injury, lA. R. 388. 66 Customs of the Service. etc., etc. "Duty" means all men for full duty, including those on guard. "Extra duty'' means those employed by superior authority in the staff departments as mechan- ics, laborers, etc., and for which extra duty pay is paid by the United States for constant labor for not less than ten days, at following rates: as mechanics and artisans, 50 cents per day; as overseers, clerks, team- sters, laborers, and all other extra duty, 35 cents per day.^ It is, however, provided that "in time of war'' no additional increased compensation shall be allowed soldiers performing what is known as extra or special duty. "Special duty" means those employed as com- pany cooks, clerks, gardeners, etc., and for which extra compensation is not made by the United States. Bak- ers and one company cook are paid extra pay from mess or bakery funds. It follows that there are no men to be reported as on "extra duty" in time of war. Absent sick are those left in hospital; an officer absent on sick leave is reported as "absent with leave," not as "absent sick."2 Absent sick are those left behind on account of sickness in charge of station or wounded and sent to hospital. "Total" present or absent refers to the enlisted men; "aggregate" present or absent refers to and includes both officers and enlisted men; all changes from the day preceding are shown in figures, and also on reverse side of the page by name, with notation of lA. R. 164-172. 2Cir. 11, 1889. Customs of the Service. 67 reason of change, and these figures must exactly prove ; the difference between all gains or losses to or from the company must balance to agree with the previous report. The muster-roll is prepared from the data in the Morning Keport Book, and careful study of the remarks on that roll will indicate the information daily to be noted. A monthly^ company return will be forwarded direct to the Adjutant-General of the Army from all detached or independent batteries, troops, or companies, in the field. In order that the War Depart- ment may be in possession of the latest information respecting the Army, all returns, muster rolls, etc., will be promptly forwarded^ when due. Commanding officers of volunteer^ regiments, inde- pendent battalions and batteries of heavy artillery, squadrons and light batteries will furnish to the adju- tant-generals of their respective States a monthly return, prepared on Form No. 23. (A. G. O. February 11, 1897.) POST NON COMMISSIONED STAFF. The sergeant-major is responsible for the accuracy of all records which pertain to his office; he must of necessity be thoroughly familiar with Army Regula- IG. O. 72, 1898. 2G. O. 72, 1898. 3G. O. 86, 1898. -5— 58 Customs of the Service. tions, War Department orders and decisions, Drill Reg- ulations; he maintains the roster of duty of the en- listed force, and will not permit any conversation on the part of his clerks or himself relating to the affairs of the office which come under notice, except to the com- manding officer and the adjutant; information of any such official matters must be refused. The sergeant- major attends parade, guard and drill formations. The quartermaster-sergeant,^ under the quarter- master, performs varied and responsible duties of the Quartermaster's Department; these duties are so im- portant, so multiform, that enumeration is almost im- possible: what supplies are furnished, how, in what proportion, form of requisition, how accounted for, which may be expended, forage, fuel allowances and sales, to whom, the purchase under contract or open market, the shipping of persons and things, transporta- tion requests, both over free, bond-aided, and full-pay- ment railways, and the movement of troops by rail; he must be a good accountant, know how to make out all these papers, etc., etc. These barely outline his duties, which experience, not books of instruction or orders, can teach the novice. The commissary sergeant^ is at established posts and subsistence depots only, and, under the commis- sary officer, has charge of all subsistence stores, re- lA. R. 91-104. Customs of the Service, 89 ceipts, issues, sales; he should be an expert account- ant, and have a clear knowledge of stores needed, com- ponent and exchangeable parts of the ration, wast- ages, gains, allowed, and issues so seen in advance that there be no deficiencies. Ordnance sergeants^ (are not sergeants of ord- nance) are employed at established posts, forts, etc., in charge of the ordnance and its proper preservation. The quartermaster and commissary sergeants are among the most meritorious assistants in army respon- sibility, and since their organization their pay has been saved many times over to the Government in care of public property and knowing all about just how requisi tions, returns, and vouchers should be prepared. In time of war, they will be the most vauable men from whom to make appointments in volunteer staff corps. Hospital stewards^ may be appointed from civil life, but are usually appointed from men already in ser- vice. A hospital steward must be well educated, capa- ble of keeping the records and making reports, have a good knowledge of drugs and their uses and dangers, be a compounder of prescriptions, and with sufficient knowledge of surgery to act in emergencies and to dress wounds, know the use of bandages and splints, and have a fair knowledge of dentistry; he has care of the sick in hospital, assisted by the nurses; during lA. R. 91-104. 2A. R. 1397-1411. 60 Customs of the Service. absence of the medical officers, he sees that the instruc- tions of the surgeon for the sick and their diet are rig- idly carried out; he should keep the air always sweet and clean, and permit no rubbish or unpleasant objects to remain in the sick ward, not for an instant; the steward is responsible that the nurses do their full duty; it will not do to report that he told them to do certain things; he will know that they are done, or the reason why, and never permit any neglects to pass with- out notice of the medical officers. Hospital stewards cannot be reduced to the ranks, but, like other soldiers, are subject to the Articles of War and Regulations. Signal sergeants are required to possess superior abilities and education ; in field service, they are mount- ed, and must care for their horses as in the Cavalry; similar knowledge of riding and care of horses is there- fore necessary and required. They must be expert teleg raphers and proficient in the exchange of both day and night signals by flag, torch, and heliograph. Official and military messages will have precedence. Communi- cations transmitted by telegraph or signals are always confidential, and will not be revealed except to those officially entitled to receive them. In war, signal men will often be left in exposed positions, and must be pre- pared to defend themselves, and, if escape is impos- sible, shall destroy all signal codes, records, and mes- sages, rather than permit capture by the enemy. The significant number for enciphering furnished com- Customs of the Service, 61 manders can always be memorized, and not committed to paper. In other organizations, as companies, con- stant instruction is maintained^ until at least one officer and four privates are proficient — ^that is, can send and receive five words per minute, each five letters of the written message to count as one word, the stations being four miles apart. The War code will be used for visual signaling in the Army, and for intercommuni- cation with the Navy. The American Morse code is discontinued, except for telegraphic purposes. MUSICIANS. The chief musician is leader of the band. The principal musicians are band sergeants. Chief trum- peters are of the Cavalry. The drum major acts as first sergeant of the band; the regimental commander will designate the company from which the sergeant is taken, and the number of men of each company to serve with the band. Vacan- cies thus caused will not be filled. The band will con- sist of one sergeant and twenty privates, in addition to the chief musician and principal musicians or chief trumpeter. Field musicians do not carry a sword; their guard duty is as musician of the guard to sound calls, and lA. R. 1544 and G. O. 4 and 32, 1896. 62 Customs of the S^vice^ as orderlies and messengers; remaining during their guard tour with the main guard or at the adjutant'^ tent, as directed. When sounding calls, don't walk or lounge to the point designated, but march there, and halt; assume a soldierly position while sounding the call. ENGINEER SOLDIERS. While enlisted as are other soldiers or transferred to the Engineers, they are expected to have better education and superior qualifications as mechanics and in general ability. Organized as the Battalion of Engineers, with headquarters at Willetts' Point, N. Y., where, while performing all garrison duties, they are practically instructed in torpedo service, construction of pontoons and other bridge-building, field fortifica- tions, etc. THE INFANTRY SOLDIER. "Infantry is undoubtedly the main stay and the backbone of all armies, whether it be viewed in the light of numbers, or its action on the field of battle. Its fire is more deadly than that of the artillery, its action sure . On the infantry of an army the brunt of the fighting falls." (Home's Precis.) "A good infartiy is doubtless the nerve of an army." (Na- poleon.) To the infantryman, cavalry may seem easy as Customs of the Service, 63 the mounted man rides past the tired foot soldier, but the cavalry soldier not only has his additional equip- ments, pistol, saber, horse equipments, and horse, to clean and care for, but is more often on vedette duty, reconnaissance, courier service, while the infantry sol- dier rests in camp. In all sorts of warfare, infantry is the arm to which must be assigned unqualified utility in battle and applicability to every kind of country." (Boguslawski.) THE CAVALEY SOLDIER. "PJ vents have shown that the duties of cavalry, not only as covering the advance of an army, as outposts or reconnoiterers, but also on the actual field of battle, is perhaps more brilliant than ever. True it is that the qualities and knowledge now required of cavalry are different from what they were, or, to put it more cor- rectly, the same qualities and a great deal more besides are needed. Quickness, coolness, and gallantry are now, as always, requisite in a cavalry soldier.'' (Home's Precis.) ^'So long as rapidity, boldness, and dash are active agents in war, cavalry will retain its importance. A cavalry devoid of these qualities, but merely possess- ing good intentions, obedience, with ordinary bravery, and a laudable modesty, is worse than none at all." (Captain May.) The cavalry are the eyes and ears of the Army. "It is a noble and right feeling for the sol- 64 Customs of the Service, dier to think that ^My comrades can sleep, as I am awake; my comrades have nothing to fear; I watch the enemy.' " (Von Mirus.) Cavalry must never wait for the attack, but always take the initiative; its strength is in its impetus; its pride is to be bold and daring; a sudden and bold charge which surprises the enemy is not only successful, but the loss is small in proportion to its success.^ THE ARTILLERYMAN. Artillery clears the way for the infantry attack or checks advance of the enemy, but no one arm is com- plete; the proper use of tactical maneuvers is in com- bination of the three arms, letting the special power of each develop its power, and especially so in the use of artillery. Artillery is nowadays brought or should be brought into action in more advanced positions; does not blaze away at enormous distances, but comes into action earlier and continues in action much later, even at the risk of loss of some guns. "They have got rid of the prejudice that the loss of guns must be avoided at any price.'' (Boguslawski.) "They concen- trate in masses and cannonade the enemy's position, preparing the way for the infantry which follows." (Boguslawski.) In action, supports are usually posted IC. D. R., p. 356. Customs of the Service. 65 on the flanks, rather than in front or rear of the guns. Light batteries in war have six guns, and, except drivers and chief of piece, are not mounted, but ride on the caissons and limbers. In horse artillery all of the men are mounted. Heavy artillery is employed in fortifications and with siege train with officers mounted. The Gatling gun of either two minor calibers is effective against troops in the open only, and, so em- ployed, a valuable auxiliary; it is helpless against artil- lery, has neither its range nor power. ORDNANCE SOLDIERS. Enlisted as other soldiers; have special work at arsenals; generally employed more as mechanics than strictly as soldiers. ^Q Customs of the Service. SUBSISTENCE. "Well, he was an ingenious man that first found out eat- ing and drinking." — Swift. The very, very important consideration of feeding our men will now be considered. The food supply and its cooking are factors un- known in the National Guards, whose superb drill and attention to military drill is otherwise recognized by all oflQcers of the permanent establi^liment. The ration affords abundance for three meals per day, and few men can readily consume their portion; many waste it; and, although not always possessing the variety de- sired, the components are best in quality and for sup- plying energy; all articles are rigidly inspected by the purchasing commissary and by the company com- mander as to quality, quantity, sufficiency, cooking, and service; no good results can be assured unless this officer gives it earnest personal attention. The Gov- ernment ration is also supplemented by purchases made from sales of surplus parts of the ration, savings on the bread and flour ration, and profits from the post Ex- change. At some of the larger posts the messing is coii- ducted for the whole command at the post mess-hall; experience has shown that better results and content- ment are obtained in the company mess, with the im- portant gain in better instruction of cooks for field Customs of the Service, 67 service and liow best to divide the several days' rations, acquired only by experience, that there be not too much cooked at first to find shortage the latter part of the ration period. It must be quickly learned how to appor- tion the ration so as to cover the entire period for which issued. Kations are issued on a ration return made by the captain, usually for a period of three or ten days, showing exactly the number of men present, and deducting for rations drawn on previous return for number of men who liave been absent from any cause, sent to hospital, detached, etc.; these returns are then consolidated by the colonel and sent to the commissary for issue to the company; the captain will learn when and where the issue is to be made, and see that his com- pany gets them. The ration is so abundant that with care and economy parts of it may be sold and purchases made from these savings of vegetables, dried fruits, syrups, pickles, etc. The Subsistence Department have always had sub- sistence supplies in abundance for feeding the troops, but of what avail is this, if officers do not prepare requi- sitions for the supplies, and not then leave it at that, but see that the rations are delivered where they belong, and be not content until their men have them? Somebody is responsible if the rations do not come; find out who is at fault. Reasonable allowance must be made on the field of battle, and there will be privations^ 68 Customs of the Service, but privations then expected must not be augmented at other times by remissness or neglect. The ration is not an emolument;^ if not drawn at the time and at the place where due, it cannot be subsequently drawn in kind or money (see ^^Furloughs'^ for exception). Issue of a fractional part of a day's ration for a fractional part of a day will not be made; men who join station at or before dinner hour of a given day will draw full rations for the day. Subsistence stores are sold at cost to officers and enlisted men for cash or on credit^ to those who have not been regularly paid or who are in the field. Many necessary articles may be procured in this way, as tobacco, pipes, cigars, stationery, brushes, combs, handkerchiefs, towels, canned goods, toilet soaps, etc., and at actual cost to the Government at place where purchased. When troops travel otherwise than by marching, or when for short periods they are separated from cook- ing facilities and do not carry cooked rations, they are issued the ^^travel ration''^ of soft or hard bread, canned beef, baked beans, and 21 cents each per day for pur- chase of liquid coffee. The company commander will inspect subsistence lA. R. 1258. 2A. R. 1285. 3A. R. 1266. Customs of the Service, 69 supplies issued to his company immediately on receipt thereof; should any of the supplies not be in good con- dition, a board of survey will be applied for at once to examine and report upon them.^ Fresh meats must be entirely fresh, and bacon sweet and without discol- oration; the Government does not permit issue of dam- aged food, and the company commander is directly re- sponsible that such food be not given to his men, but that he take the action indicated herein. In canned goods, if the top of the can shows press- ure of gases within the can, the contents are unfit for consumption, and if many such cans are found in a case, it might be reason to discredit the entire case. A very serviceable oven of galvanized iron is now supplied troops for use in camps of some duration, and good bread may be nicely baked therein, if the oven and bread-troughs be protected from winds and stormy weather. Commutation.^ To a soldier on furlough, rate per day |0 25 To soldiers on duty at station without other troops, per day 40 To a soldier stationed in a city or town, where subsistence is not furnished by the Gov- ernment 75 lA. R. 1241 and 708 et seq. 2A. R. 1272. 70 Customs of the Service, To enlisted men traveling over 24 hours under orders and it is impracticable to cairj' ratioiis of any kind, but not allowed in excess of two men, or three men if one be an insane patient under guard (and see A. R. 1272 and Circular 3, A. G. 0. 1896, in forwarding recruits), rate per day |1 50 An order directing travel of an enlisted man will state that the journey is necessary for the public service. Medical officers of alU hospitals are allowed to commute^ the rations for diet of enlisted men under- going medical treatment at the rate of GO cents per day per man. The Ration, The established daily ration, allowance for one person, is now composed as follows (same ration in gar- rison and camp): Fresh beef, 20 ounces, or pork, 12 ounces, or salt beef, 22 ounces, or bacon, 12 ounces, or (when meat cannot be furnished) dried fish, 14 ounces, or pickled fish, 18 ounces; flour, 18 ounces, or soft bread, 18 ounces, or hard bread, 16 ounces, or corn meal, 20 ounces; potatoes, 16 ounces, or potatoes, 12 4 5 ounces, and onions, 3 1-5 ounces, or potatoes, 11 1-5 ounces, and canned tomatoes, 4 4-5 ounces. The other components are, to the one hundred rations: Bears or pease, 15 pounds, or rice or hominy, 10 pounds; IG. O. 116, 1898, and G. O. 130, 1898. Customs of the Service. 71 coffee, green, 10 pounds, or roasted coffee, 8 pounds, or tea, 2 pounds; sugar, 15 pounds, or molasses, 2 gallons; vinegar, 1 gallon; salt, 4 pounds; pepper, black, 4 ounces; soap, 4 pounds; candles, 24 ounces; baking powder for troops in the field, when necessary to enable them to bake their own bread, 4 pounds. Canned sal- mon^ is added as one of the meat components of the ration, at the rate of 16 ounces to the ration. Ordi- narily fresh beef will be issued six days in ten; salt meats, three days in ten; and canned salmon, one day in ten. These proportions of the meat ration may, bow- ever, be varied^ by commanding officers, according to the necessities of the service. Coohing, *** * * and the devil sends cooks." — John Taylor, 1630. Cooking the ration, so important and on which the health and contentment of the men rest, cannot be completely treated upon in these pages. A Manual for Army Cooks is distributed by the War Department for their instruction; each company commander is re- quired to see that his company is furnished with two copies.2 Preparation of the food is of vital importance in conserving health. The Act approved July 7, 1898, au- thorizes and directs that there be enlisted for each com- pany a competent cook, who shall take rank and pay IG. O. 65, 1898. 2G. O. 94, 1898. 72 Customs of the Service, of a corporal. ^Colored cooks may be enlisted for white regiments of Volunteers. Examination^ of qualifica- tions required. Cooks required to attend drills, etc., to qualify them for duty as soldiers when necessity arises. The head cook may be allowed 25^ cents per day from the company fund; he is assisted by a suflfi- cient^ number of men as assistant cooks, and daily details, to chop wood, carry water, clean cooking uten- sils, etc.; they are known as the "cook's police." The company commander is required^ to supervise the cook- ing and messing of his men, and management of the cooking, so that the best possible use be made of the food supply; if rations have been drawn for a speci- fied period and do not hold out, the captain is the responsible man. Constant, unremitting attention is demanded. Make changes of diet as frequently as possi- ble; combinations of potatoes with carrots, turnips, cabbage, etc. Soup is easily made if you have meat, bread, and camp-kettles (but always have the grease taken off before serving). Fresh vegetables should be obtained whenever possible, potatoes and onions espe- cially (this is part of the regular issue); tomatQes are a better anti-scorbutic than potatoes; lime juice is desirable, as well as vinegar. iCir. 30, 1898. 2G. O. 94, 189& 3A. R. 302. Customs of the Service, 73 The writer, as long ago as September, 1870, urged enlistment of cooks, through the columns of the Army and Navy Journal, in the following words. Congress having provided that cooks be detailed to serve ten days: "The result of their culinary labors is seen in the enormous waste of food, the unsatisfactory manner in which it is served, the burnt or half raw coffee, and the endless sameness of diet. Do men so detailed as cooks know or care that the proper temperature for boiling meat should be about 160°? Do they not invariably apply an excess of heat — "hard boiling," as it is termed — which renders the meat tough, dry, tasteless, and indigestible? Surely such a state of things is a power- ful argument in favor of reform. The remedy is simple and inexpensive. Enlist men whose proclivities or pur- suits qualify them especially for employment as cooks. Let them be thoroughly instructed at the general recruiting depots by such men as Pierre Blot, or like competent chefs, in the preparation, cooking, and ser- vice of the Army ration and such other articles as are commonly purchased with the company savings. . . . The superior knowledge of this corps would con- vert the U. S. Army ration, now the largest, into the best in the world. The French realize the value and importance of a proper cuisine. During that terrible Crimean winter the celebrated Soyer visited and in- structed the armies of the Empire in his .art, and largely contributed to the health and comfort of the 74 Customs of the Service, troops It has been truly said: ^Give a French- man a bone, a morsel of salt, pepper, an onion, a bay leaf, the result will be an elegant potage.^ " The fore- going has since been advocated, in and out of season. "Everything comes to him who waits." In cooking, while some seasoning is desirable, remember that it is better to add salt and pepper than to have too much already in. Hucksters having for sale pies and cakes should be driven out of camp. Good, sound, simple food and plenty of it, with coffee and tea, that is all a man needs. The unavoidable pri- vations incident to war are multiplied many times if the captain is remiss in attention to the cooking for his company. In the field, the utensils are of a primitive char- acter, consisting of camp-kettles, mess-pans, and Dutch ovens: the usual and most simple cooking-place is a trench 18 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and from 4 to 6 feet long. At each end place a forked stick, or iron bar with a hook and a stout sapling or iron bar, from which to suspend the kettles. The Buzzacott field oven, the invention of one of our soldier cooks, is not without merits; it is practically a large baking-pan of sheet- iron with a similar pan inverted over it as a cover; better results are obtainable than from thp open pan; it is issued by the Quartermaster's Department. Customs of the Service. EXTEMPORIZED COOKING-PLACE-THE TRENCH. 76 The Dutch ovens, of two sizes, cast-iron, with a cover, are also supplied by the Quartermaster's Depart- ment, about half a dozen to the company; they are cum- bersome to carry, but very useful in roasting, baking biscuits, etc. Care should be taken that they are quite hot before the subsistence is placed in them for cook- ing. It should then be imbedded in the coals and the lid covered with coals and hot ashes. Bread, Every effort made, when troops are in canton- ments, to construct field ovens for bread-baking, or to construct ovens, except when the troops are in a fixed camp, is waste of labor; we must also try to have the general issue of bread manufactured conveniently close to where used, as it soon becomes mouldy and unfit for food. Colonel Furse, C.B., writes: '^Bread is the basis of all nutriment; it is the food to which man is most ac- customed. With sufficient bread, the soldier can for a certain period of time, when necessity demands it, do without other nutritious substances. As the manufact- ure and carriage of bread on service is attended with 76 Customs of the Service. considerable difficulty, we are driven to use biscuit as a substitute for it. . . . Such medical officers are op- posed to a continuous consumption of biscuit [which we call hard bread. — P.], as being indigestible on ac- count of the avidity with which it absorbs water or other liquids. They argue that, once introduced in the stomach, it absorbs all the liquid it finds there; if that is not sufficient, it abstracts from the mucous mem- branes certain fluids, which the latter borrows from the blood. For these reasons they recommend that its issue be restricted to every third day.'' Soldiers soon tire of hard bread — perhaps without knowing why; the cause may be thus explained. " Water. Water should always be boiled before drinking; it will be more palatable if aerated by pouring from one vessel to another; boiling is especially necessary in tropical countries; it is a means for removing noxious matter and destroying microbes; a filter of some sort should also be used, whether the water is boiled or not. Pocket or tank filters are a necessity for the preserva- tion of health. ^"The perfect portable filter has yet to be invented. Those in use now, although in many respects satisfac- tory, have drawbacks that to a large extent nullify iMedical Record, August, 1898. Customs of the Service, 77 their efficiency. As has been recently pointed out by Dr. Sajous, a filter, thoroughly to answer the purpose required by a soldier in the field, should be strong, portable, capable of turning out a large quantity of water in a short time, and so constructed that it can be easily taken apart and cleansed. No filter at present in the market fulfills all these conditions. Undoubt- edly the most certain way of sterilizing water is by boiling, and it is the best method of combating the dis- eases incidental to a tropical climate. Nevertheless, this mode of sterilization is open to objection, not the least of which is that unless the water so treated is sub- sequently oxygenated it is a tasteless fluid/' Spirituous Liquors, Medical authorities dispute on the use^ of alcoholic beverages. Some still hold that they are at times inval- uable. Many a frame exhausted and sinking has been sustained by the stimulus of brandy till Nature had time to rally. Others contend that their daily consump- tion tends to weaken rather than invigorate; that alco hoi is not desirable in health, and certainly to be avoid- ed in hot climates; that its use is injurious both to health and to discipline, and while at first stimulating, depression follows. "Intoxicating liquors are the curse of an army," was the verdict of one of our surgeons. iWoodhulFs "Army Hygiene." 78 Customs of the Service, who had had plenty of war experience. ^The history of other armies has demonstrated that in a hot climate abstinence from the use of intoxicating drink is essen- tial to continued health and efficiency. ^The fact ha^ been conclusively proved that, when men are under- going severe exertion in extremes of temperature, alco- hol in any fonii is not only unnecessary, but is abso- lutely injurious. It was observed that, in Cuba, while the lower classes indulged in rum, which is made from the waste of the sugar-cane and sold very cheaply, ale and beer, instead of stronger alcoholic beverages, are greatly preferred, and to drink brandy or whisky after eating a banana may induce yellow fever. Coffee. Dr. Banders remarks: "Twenty years of campaign- ing experience has demonstrated that no other beverage is so wholesome, so efficacious and beneficial, and also, what will surprise, so palatable, in marches undertaken under excessive heat, as unsweetened coffee largely diluted with water. The liquid is a tonic, and at the same time refreshing, and has a thirst-quenching prop- erty which is not found in an equal degree in any other beverage; it arrests thirst, and diminishes greatly the perspiration, which so fatigues and enervates the marching man," It is a grand relief to the fatigu :d IG. O. 87, 1898. 2Medic(U Record, August, 1898. Customs of the Service, 79 soldier on his return from picket or other trying duty to find that at his company he will get a refreshing cup of coffee. At night, if within reach of the guard, coffee and bread should always be sent there for refreshment when men come off post. Tea. Tea is a good and useful article of diet, but sol- diers generally do not like it; probably because of its bitterness, caused by boiling instead of steeping; it is a stimulative and restorative and most reinvigorating in hot climates; a soldier with canteen filled with cold tea, only slightly sweetened, finds himself far better sustained on a hard and hot march than he who fills and refills his canteen at every passing creek, not o^ly with warmish water, but water impregnated with offen- sive matter. ^"Tea infused in boiling water is certainly much more palatable than insipid boiled water, as well as being practically harmless. Therefore there would seem to be no reason why our army in Cuba should not follow the example of their British brothers in arms in India and Egypt, and march and fight re- freshed and invigorated by cold tea." ^"The late Mr. Ernest Hart was a strong advocate of what he termed ^the doctrine of the teakettle,' and many distinguished Indian commanders have testified iMedical Record, August, 1898. 80 Customs of the Service. in favor of tea as a means of quenching soldiers' thirst when on a long march in equatorial lands. The men under the leadership of Sir Herbert Kitchener during the recent campaign in the Soudan were allowed no alcoholic stimulants whatever, but performed their long journey through the desert, ending with the victory at Atbara, on cold tea." i"One of the most efficacious ways of quenching thirst, when there is a strong pressure for uninter- rupted action on the part of the soldier, is to fill his canteen with tea. Of course this would be made from boiled water, and the addition of a few drops of lemon juice would increase its power of exciting the salivary glands to greater activity, and it is an expedient often resorted to when it is desirable that the least possible amount of liquid should be ingested." Meats, Meat is an essential to replace the losses of bodily strength after severe exertions. Herds of cattle sent with the troops are very burdensome, but fresh meat carried in wagons soon becomes uneatable, or, if cut up and carried by the^ soldier in his haversack, is unfit to eat after twenty-four hours. Fresh pork and veal are never issued; liable to cause diarrhea. Bacon is easily transported, but not acceptable in hot climates. If the fat of the bacon is yellow and the taste is strong, the iScientiflc American, July, 1898. Customs of the Service, 81 meat is rusty or tainted; neither is it in condition for issue if the lean parts have brown or black spots. Stale mixed dishes or hash prepared the night before it is eaten are liable to induce sickness. If hash is to be served for breakfast, the meat and potatoes, etc., may be prepared the night previous, but never mixed together until ready to be cooked, as fermentation — sour hash, and bowel troubles — will otherwise result. Observe the constant attention essential if health would be saved. Boiling meat is one of the most abused methods of cooking it as boiled in the Army. For example, rapid boiling should be avoided; after having first been put in boiling hot water for about eight or ten minutes, so as to coagulate the albumen on the surface and pre- vent escape of the juices, then reduce the furious boil to about 170° (hot as a finger can bear). If, however, it be intended to make soup, then the meat would be put in cold water at the start. The tendency among inexperienced cooks is to boil or roast too rapidly. While soldiers do not like meats cooked rare, they are more nutritious than with all the juices cooked out. Boiling in fat, which is practically frying, is very ob- jectionable and the least wholesome of all cooking — that is, as it is done in the Army, and especially so in out-of-doors cooking; it absorbs the grease, and this, in turn, is an irritant in the stomach. 82 Customs of the Service, Beans and Pease. These constitute a nutritious diet, but must have careful cooking or be wholly indigestible; soak over night, and use soft water in boiling; to make it so, add a teaspoonf ul of bicarbonate of soda to each two quarts of beans; cover, and boil slowly for six or eight hours. Vegetables need careful washing to rid them of insects and soil. Potatoes boil for twenty minutes; when the skins break or seem soft when tested with a fork, they are cooked; then check the boiling with a dash of cold water, heat again, pour off the water, and leave uncovered. The foregoing is in no sense an attempt to teach how to cook; it may serve to invite thought to this vitally important matter, the preparation of the food supply. The Emergency Ration, This ration, composed of bacon, pea meal (for soup), coffee, saccharine, and hard bread (this in small cubes), has not as yet been freely issued to the Army, although found in limited quantities at army posts. In the German Army, each soldier carries in his pack a three-days ration, called the "iron ration," a^d to be used when all other means for feeding the sol- dier fail, and then only by direction of superior au- thority. This also means discipline. Customs of the Service. 83 MILITARY CLOTHING. Military clothing should be adapted to the eiiinate in which serving; that heretofore furnished the Army will not meet the necessities of field service in trop- ical countries; however, some admirable changes are recently ordered; but with the khaki or cotton drill- ing outer clothing, great care must be taken that proper wool underclothing be also worn, that sudden cooling off of the body may be tempered and the perspiration absorbed. Brief reference and only the field uniform, and fighting clothing will be here considered. The object of clothing is attained in proper protection of the body, regard being had to heat and cold, and for military clothing the essential of uniformity, nor should slouchiness and neglect with respect to uni- forms be permitted, as they simply had to abuses, and do not contribute to comfort. It is conceded that hard campaigns will cause hard usage, but there is neither necessity nor sense in permitting the march or arrival of troops some in the blue shirt, others with the blouse, and others in khaki, some with caps, some with the felt hat; such things usually indicate disorder and want of discipline. Soldiers should wear the uniform prescribed, without addition or change, and, discard- ing State uniforms, conform strictly to the undress of 84 Customs of the Service. the U. S. Army. "On campaign one very quickly i>er- ceives the inconvenience of the garments which in garrison or city military life were required to fit so snugly, of the boots ordered to be made so tight. When marching, the cramped limbs find no repose; when the boots, dried by the fire, shrink still more on the feet already swollen by fatigue, when their thin soles have broken through, one would give a great deal to be able to exchange his natty uniform for easy-fitting clothes and shoes. In war only the useful and durable are the elegant." Cotton and linen are cool, but, with the cessation of hard exercise, the body is chilled too rapidly and there is danger of "taking cold." On the other hand, heavy woolen clothing is horribly uncomfortable on a hot day; it, however, absorbs the perspiration. The prices below indicate the cost at which issued, taking effect July Isit. The blue flannel shirt (|1.95) should never be dis- carded wholly; this and the knit undershirt (40 cents), taken off at close of the day's march, hung in the wind and sun and beaten, thus cleansing them of disagree- able and unhealthy particles. The sweater now so popular has been found very serviceable. Drawers, even in hottest weather, are necessary for cleanliness, health, and to prevent chafing; knit wool (40 cents). Canton flannel (48 cents). Customs of the^t1v%vvr ^^^ 85 The campaign hat as issued is of drab felt (85 cents). Forage cap, with ornament (89 cents). The undress coat is a loose flannel sack, to be worn buttoned, not in a slouchy manner (|3.48). The trousers as issued are of sky-blue kersey (|2.75); should fit easily over the lower pelvis. Leggings, of brown canvas (64 cents), are a very desirable article, rendering marching easier by avoid- ance of the flapping at bottom of trousers; support the ankles; keep gravel and dirt out of the shoes. Don't be without them; the dirt which without them would collect under the trousers is avoided, and they have the advantage of being easily removed on arrival in camp, and of being cleaned separately. Stockings, cotton (6 cents), woolen (23 cents); the latter better for the marching shoe. Observe the need of removing and drying out lest chilled feet cause chilled bodies and sickness. In the German Army a square woolen rag is substituted for the stocking. Shoes, most important, imperative, to conform to or to wear the shoes issued by the Quartermaster's Department; low broad heels, thick wide soles, to pro- ject beyond the upper leather; while fitting easily, no- where too large; the friction would cause shoe blisters; unauthorized shoes not to be permitted; few things in campaign sooner disable men than being foot-sore, and campaigns ai*e won by marching. The Army shoe 86 Customs of the Service. of calfskin costs |2.25. Barrack shoes (82 cents) for in- door wear. The feet should be well soaped or greased to prevent chafing; at close of the day's march they should be washed or wiped very clean and dry; very important. Blankets, woolen (|3.33), burdensome to carry on a hot day, but never throw away. Can best be carried as a blanket-roll worn over the shoulder. Overcoats, light blue kersey ($11.49). Ponchos, rubber, a good article (|1.41), not only as a rain-protector, but excellent for use if obliged to lie on the ground. Abdominal protectors, a wide elastic woolen band, worn next the skin over the bowels, are not issued, but their use is highly commended by medical men as a preventive of abdominal diseases and bowel dis- turbances arising from sudden changes of temperature, especially in tropical climates. Cost from 40 cents to 11.00 each. Trousers stripes, infantry, sergeants', 26 cents; corporals', 12 cents; musicians', 24 cents. Chevrons, infantry, cloth, sergeants', 18 cents; corporals', 14 cents. Gloves, white Berlin, 10 cents. Customs of the Service, 87 Field Uniforms^ Canvas and Summer. The following described garments, in addition to the prescribed uniform, are authorized:^ For general officers: A blouse of dark blue cloth or serge, with four outside pockets with flaps, rolling col- lar, double-breasted, with two rows of buttons, as on the dress coat. For all other officers: A blouse of dark blue cloth or serge, with four outside pockets, falling collar, sin- gle-breasted, five buttons. The shoulder-straps will always be worn with this coat. Collar device,^ same as on the standing collar; in the case of the Volunteers, the letter V. will be added to the U. S., and the desig- nation of the State, in abbreyiated form, will be worn below the intersection of the crossed sabers, cannon, or rifles, as the case may be. For all commissioned officers, field service: A blouse of cotton drilling or khaki,^ five buttons, light brown color, standing collar, a strap on each shoulder from sleeve to collar seam, with small regulation but- ton at upper point, straps 1^ inches wide at sleeve and 1 inch wide at collar; on each sleeve a false pointed cuff; the cuffs, straps and collar of same material as coat; the facings^ shall be worn by officers and enlisted IG. O. 38, 1898. 2Cir. 18. 3G. O. 39, 1898. 4G. O. 112, 1898. 88 Customs of the Service, men upon the shoulder-straps^ only. Officers below rank of colonel wear insignia of rank on the strap; between the insignia of rank and the collar will be worn the coat of arms of the United States. The crossed sabers, cannon, or rifles will be worn on the collar^ of the khaki blouse. Officers of the rank of colo- nel and above will have the coat of arms on each side of the collar, together with the insignia of the corps or arm. The color of the facings^ for the field uniform will be: General officers and officers of the staff corps, dark sky blue. Infantry, light sky blue. Artillery, scarlet. Engineer troops, scarlet, piped with white. Post quartermaster sergeant, white, piped with buff. Ordnance, crimson, piped with white. Post commis- sary sergeant, white, piped with cadet gray. Sergeant Signal Corps, black, piped with white. Hospital Corps, emerald green. Trousers,^ same material as the blouse or cloth, of usual colors and facings, except that no^ stripes will be worn with the khaki trousers. For dismounted offi- cers, to fit loosely above and at the knee, and follow the shape of the leg from above the calf to the top of IG. O. 112, 1898. 2Cir. 25. 3G. O. 51, 1898. 4G. O. 39, 1898. 5Cir. 22, 1898. Customs of the Service, 89 the shoe, fastened by buttons, etc. For mounted ser- vice, to be made loose above the knee, fitting close at the knee and below, extending to the top of shoes, and fastened with buttons ; to be worn with shoes and leg- gings or boots. Shoes^ or boots, fair or russet leather. Prices^ of field uniforms (canvas), as issued by the Quartermaster's Department : Coats, |2.27. Trousers, 11.26. Hats, canvas, 40 cents. Helmets, cork, $1.38. Summer clothing, sack coats, |1.14; trousers, $1.07. When troops are in the field^ during extremely warm weather and the officers and enlisted men do not wear their blouses on drill, the chevrons may be worn on the sleeve of the blue shirts and the ordinary insig- nia of rank on the collars of the blue shirts by com- missioned officers. Shoulder-straps for chaplain,^ dark blue cloth, with a plain Latin cross^ of silver in the center. Acting assistant surgeons^ will be permitted to wear the uniform of an assistant surgeon, with the rank of first lieutenant, the shoulder-straps to be in silver instead of gold. IG. O. 39, 1898. 2G. O. 88, 1898. 3Cir. 26, 1898. 4G. O. 59, 1898. 5Cir. 22, 1898. GG. O. 127 and Cir. 25, 1898. 90 Customs of the Service, Chevrons :i company quartermaster sergeant, in- fantry, cavalry, and light artillery, three bars and a tie of one bar; corporal Signal Corps, two bars; first- class private, crossed flags; veterinary sergeant, bat- tery field artillery, three bars and a horseshoe. Recruits^ will not be required to^ draw full-dre^s uniforms, as during the war now existing field or un- dress uniforms only are worn by the enlisted men in the field. Issue of full-dress uniforms to Hospital Corps^ dis- continued, and an equivalent allowance in money valus of white cotton duck clothing, and to those entitled to wear them will be issued, free of charge, two pairs of service chevrons per annum. With care, and keeping articles cleanly and in repair, the allowance is ample, and generally the best- dressed soldier is not under the necessity of drawing his full allowance; he then receives credit therefor and payment in money at expiration of enlistment for such balance. If, on the other hand, he draws more than his allowance, it is charged against his pay on settle- ment at the payment for June or December following. Soldiers are not permitted to sell or barter any article of clothing issued while in service. Clothing is re- quired for on a clothing schedule by the company com- IG. O. 106, 1898. 2Cir. 28, 1898. 3G. O. 62, 1898. Customs of the Service, 9 1 mander, and, after approval by the commanding offi- cer, issued by the quartermaster, charged at the com- pany on the company clothing book, receipted for by the soldier, and also entered in the soldier's ^^hand- book'' for his information and guidance. This little book can be obtained from the adjutant general's office on requisition by the company commander; it also con- tains instructive advice to the soldier. Mattresses, knapsacks, sheets, pillow-cases, accou- trements, and saddle equipments are issued for use, marked with the number of company and regiment, and charged if lost. The arms are not so marked, but the ordnance stamped number is recorded in the prop- erty book, opposite the name of the soldier to whom issued. Inexperienced officers who permit property to go from them, beyond their immediate control and super- vision, without the protection of taking receipts, little realize the difficulties which will beset and harass them at close of the war, when, if mustered out of the ser- vice, the Treasury Department requires that every ar- ticle, the smallest as the largest, shall be accounted for, for which they have ever given a receipt, and final payment will not be made until the Department is fully satisfied as to these requirements; but, regardless of this, and though discharge from the service is not contemplated, never let a thing go beyond your control for which you are accountable unless you are secured 92 Customs of the Service, by a receipt in some form, memorandum or otherwise; this is purely business, and before receipting for prop- erty, see and verify by counting or measurement all articles; this is no reflection upon the uprightness of any other person, but mistakes may occur and short- age be entirely unintentional. It will be understood that the articles issued the men for use and return are simply charged on your company books. Keep some sort of record of all stores received and issued, with names, etc., for future reference. Articles will get lost or damaged; note at the time circumstances and wit- nesses, and, as soon as possible, ask for a board of sur- vey, to investigate and report on the case. ^In cases where clothing has been issued by the State authorities, note on Final Settlement, "In the settlement of for clothing is included the sum of $. . . ., the total value of articles issued him by the State." If none issued by the State, note the fact. IGir. 31, 1898. Customs of the Service, 93 ALLOWANCE OF CLOTHING IN KIND, (The aggregate cost of same constituting the annual monfey allowance of the enlisted men.) ARTICLES. Blankets, woolen No. • Blouses No . . Boots for mounted troops pairs . . Caps, forage, and trimmings No- • Chevrons, cloth pairs • • Chevrons, gold lace pairs . . Coats, canvas fatigue No-- Coats, uniform dress No • • Collars, linen No • • Drawers pairs.- Gauntlets, leather pairs . . Gloves, Berlin, for foot troops pairs. . Gloves, Berlin, for mounted troops, pairs . . Hats, campaign No . . Helmets and trimmings, complete- -No • Overalls for engineers and mounted troops pairs . . Overcoats No.. Shirts, dark-blue flannel No . . Shirts, wool-knit under No.. Shoes, barrack pairs. . Shoes, calfskin, for foot troops. . . pairs. . Shoes, calfskin, for mounted troops, pairs.. Stable frocks for mounted troops. . . No. . Stockings, cotton. pairs . . Stockings, woolen pairs.. Suspenders pairs . . Trousers, canvas fatigue pairs . . Trousers, kersey pairs . . Trousers stripes pairs , . Band Musicians authorized by law are ' entitled to mounted helmets, and in addition to the foregoing to the fol- lowing articles : Aiguillette and shoulder knots No. . Music pouch No.. Trousers, white pairs.. YEAR. First. 1st 6 Mos. 2d 6 Mos. 12 94 Customs of the Service, •S9:jBAIJJOOOOC • ('^naui!jUTOd i~ -<* t- Oi t— «c CMOCOO 3 •((jnaui^uTod -dBou) stBJodJOQ aouBq CM -+ i-H -^ ^ c^ to CJOOOOO •S(^UB9SJ9S »n oj XI «o 30 rj r-t OJ QO C^ - .2 0) TS T3 +3 43 CP MCMCO-^ iC p^ p^ t^ >^ t^ p^, rt r5 ctf oj cc cC t^ Ul t-l U h U ® 0) 03 ® © Oi PuiPhPIhPhPhCLi Customs of the Service, 95 MILITARY INSTRUCTION. Drill is the means to discipline and quite as much for discipline as for maneuvers in battle; it trains the mind and body to sharp obedience, attention, and alert- ness, and according to the methods and earnestness of instruction, so will be the results attained; for exam- ple, in teaching the manual of arms explain slowly and clearly, illustrating each part of each movement, apply- ing the words of explanation given in the book (the different instructors will then have explained the same thing in the same way), and from the start give the commands in a firm, sharp tone of voice; insist upon this also for the non-commissioned officers. Precisely as the command is given, so will the movement be exe- cuted; if in a conversational way or languidly, the man- ual will be ragged, unsatisfactory, and hands will be allowed to fall, instead of being dropped in a sharp military manner. Hands must not be raised to the face or to adjust uniform when at attention, nor expectora- tion then permitted; rests are needed and should be afforded; brief rests repeated are better than a long one. Have them often go through the manual of arms, each man counting the numbers aloud; follow the book; if the book says, "Lower the piece gently to the ground in 'order armsV' don't bring it down with a bang for 96 Customs of the Service, the effective noise; it is not "in the book/' and loosens the screws and mechanism. Rapid-fire guns and arms of precision have done away with mass columns in battle formations. Ex- tended order is the rule, heavy lines, "swarms of skir- mishers," and supports for reinforcing and thickening the firing-lines. What is commonly called "loose order" requires discipline the most strict. Drill Eegulations, par. 503, requires that this instruction on account of its impor- tance will be given as soon as the recruits have had a few drills in close order; this training at the very com- mencement of service is of great importance, that it be learned the "loose order" means not loose discipline. As against a well-led, well-fed, well -officered, and de- termined enemy, blind elan won't do, always. "The expression ^loose order^ has been often employed to describe the mode of attack, but the expression is an inaccurate one. The attack is not loose, which rather means a careless, haphazard action, but it is the in- dividual action of the soldier fighting in extended lines The word ^loose' is one that has a very dangerous application; its use should be carefully avoided Further, the word ^loose' gives an impression to young officers that any kind x)r descrip- tion of drill is good enough, and that neither thought, care, nor study are required. Now, the moment when troops are hotly engaged, and suffering much from fire, Customs of the Service. 97 is the very time that looseness, or anything like irregu- larity, must be as much as possible avoided; then is the time that discipline and training enable men to obey and follow their leaders." (Home's Precis.) Squad leaders should cultivate the habit of observ- ing the ground, to take advantage of the smallest acci- dents of the terrain; to gain cover or other advantage; they must control and direct the fire, correct the little unsteadinesses which will arise, see that connection with adjoining squads is not lost, and, if a retreat becomes absolutely essential, let it be done orderly and retire firing. The old rule is a good one, '^Don't go away; then the enemy will go away." On going into action, the men should not be tangled up with any impedimenta, as blankets, extra clothing, rations; such articles will always be discarded sooner or later; it is therefore far better, when fighting draws near, to pile these sort of things in one heap and leave a sentinel or perhaps two sentinels to guard them ; the duty is not desirable, but necessary fcr the benefit of the whole; it may be, and probably will, that close of the day's work finds the troops far away, eventually to be comforted in recovering their property, otherwise lost if hasty and individual throwing away were per- mitted. Every man in the fighting-line is all right, but if in the next fight half of your men are disabled from disease caused by exposure and lack of blankets and 98 Customs of the Service, rations which might have been obviated or at least lessened, there won't be every man in the fighting-line. The knapsack has not yet been , discovered which will remove its weight wholly; practically no soldier carries his knapsack on his back on campaign; the system usually adopted is the "blanket-roll" of th^^ woolen blanket, within which is rolled a rubber poncho, extra pair of socks, soap, and towel; man needs no more. TROOPS IN CAMPAIGN. Nothing new, and no orders more explicit or more clear, can be given or are required, than will be found in "Troops in Campaign," published by the War Department, 1892, and in which "The President of the United States directs that the regulations for troops in campaign be published for the govern- ment of all concerned, and that they be strictly observed." But of what avail are such regulations if they are disregarded, even disobeyed? The inspection alone of transports, if followed as herein directed^ would have ofttimes saved harsh criticisms in trans- porting troops and supplies — in any army, in any clime. Observance will save life, health, property, and also conserve the temper. A few of the leading require- ments, taken principally from "Troops in Campaign," Customs of the Service, 99 are here incorporated. The book is small, but is so important. The functions of a chief of staff are: to transmit the orders of the commanding general and to attend to the execution of orders directing movements and other necessary labors, as the construction of works and lines of defense; the opening and repair of roads and com- munications; the construction of bridges and the es- tablishment of camps and posts; to see that directed reconnaissances are properly made, and that all the branches of the service are efficiently conducted. He will be assisted in the performance of these duties by as many officers of the Adjutant-GeneraPs Department as may be necessary. The train of each regiment will be under the con- trol of the regimental quartermaster. When the sev- eral trains of a division, corps, or army are united, the senior officer of the Quartermaster's Department pres ent shall have charge of the whole. Each quartermaster, with his assistants, must be with the train. He will require it to take and keep its appropriate place in the column, and will see that his wagons do not check the march of the troops or move- ments of trains in the rear. None but authorized wagons are allowed to move with the train. Those of the several headquarters, the regimental wagons, and those of traders will be con- spicuously marked. 100 Customs of the Service, In every case where practicable, generals who have headquarter guards will detach sentinels there- from to protect their baggage during the night, rather than cause a distinct detail to be made for the purpose. The time and period for the issue of rations will depend on circumstances, and will be regulated in orders. When a command is not moving, they will be made for the period of three or four days. Issues to the companies of a regiment will be superintended by an officer detailed for that purpose. All property, public or private, lawfully taken from the enemy, or from the inhabitants of an enemy's country, by the forces of the United States, instantly becomes the public property of the United States, and must be accounted for as such. Property captured, or taken by way of requisition, belongs to the United States, and can not, under any circumstances, be appro- priated to individual benefit. OJBficers will be held strictly responsible that all property taken from alleged enemies by' them, or with their authority, is inventoried and duly accounted for. If the property taken can be claimed as private, receipts must be given to the claimants or their agents, and it must be accounted for in the same manner as public property. When a foraging party is sent out for provisions or other stores, the commanding officer will be held Customs of the Service, 101 accountable for the conduct of his command, and that a true report is made of all property taken. No officer or soldier shall, without authority, leave his colors or ranks to pillage, or enter a private house for that purpose. All such acts are punishable with death, and any officer who shall permit them will be held equally guilty with the actual pillager. It is forbidden to purchase horses without ascer- taining the right of the party to sell. Stolen horses shall be restored. Estrays in the enemy's country, when the owners are not discovered, will be taken for the Army. Neither officers nor soldiers are allowed to make use of their positions or power in the enemy's country for private gain, even for commercial transactions otherwise legitimate. Offenses to the contrary, com- mitted by commissioned officers, will be punished with cashiering or such other punishments as the nature of the offense may require; if by soldiers, they shall be punished according to the nature of the offense. A victorious army appropriates all public money, seizes all public movable property; private property can be seized only by way of military necessity, for the support or other benefit of the Army of the United States. All captures and booty belong, primarily, to the Government of the captor. Money, jewelry, and extra clothing on the person of a prisoner are regarded by the American Army as the private property of the 102 Customs of the Service, prisoner; if large sums of money are found, they may be appropriated for the use of the Array of the United States and for its support. (Lieber.) Prizes in the Navy are, after adjudication by the courts, given to the captors. This procedure seems to have had its origin in a letter to Robert Morris, Presi- dent of the Marine Committee of Congress, written by Paul Jones, in which he suggests that all the profits from prizes by naval vessels should be given to the crews; and he further says, ^^We enlist men, but the privateers entice them away." (Captain Mahan, in Scribner^s Magazine.) The principle being recognized that the medical officers, stewards, nurses, attendants, and chaplains should not be held as prisoners of war, they will be immediately and unconditionally discharged, unless the enemy has previously failed to take like action in like cases. Every prisoner of war will be treated with the con- sideration due his rank. He is required to obey the necessary orders given him, and upon being duly inter- rogated, is required to disclose his name, rank, and designation in the military service. Prisoners of war are subject to such confinement or restraint as may be deemed necessary, but they are to be subjected to no other intentional suffering or indignity. The confinement of a prisoner may be varied Customs of the Service. 103 during his captivity, according to the demands of safety. A prisoner of wap, while attempting to escape, may be shot; but if recaptured, neither death nor any other punishment shall be inflicted upon him simply for his attempt to escape, which the laws of war do not con- sider a crime. More rigorous methods of confinement may be resorted to after an unsuccessful attempt. On the march, as tending to prevention of escape of prisoners, all buttons, straps, or other fastenings are cut off and taken from them; running away will not be facilitated or comfortable if a prisoner has to hold up all of his garments. The parole is a promise, given by an individual of the enemy, by which, in consideration of certain privileges or advantages, he pledges his honor to do, or refrain from doing, certain acts. The pledge of the parole is an individual but not a private act. No paroling on the battie-fiald, no paroling of en- tire bodies of troops after a battle, and no dismissal of large numbers of prisoners with a general declaration that they are paroled, is permitted. In capitulations for the surrender of fortified places, the commanding officer may, in case of urgent necessity, agree that the troops under his command shall not fight again during the war, unless exchanged. When paroles are given and received, there must be an exchange of two written documents, in each of which the conditions of the parole and the name and 104 Customs of the Service. rank of the paroled individual are accurately and truth- fully stated. Commissioned ofiScers only are allowed to give their paroles; and they can give them only with the permission of their superiors, so long as a superior in rank is within reach. An enlisted man can not give his parole except through an officer. Paroles not given through an offi- cer are void, and subject the individuals giving them to punishment. MOVEMENTS BY RAIL. It is the duty of the Quartermaster's Department to make suitable arrangements for transportation of the command. As soon as the transportation is provided, it will be carefully inspected, by the commanding officer, to see that the cars are in proper condition, and suffi- ciently supplied with fuel and water. In the transportation of organized commands, the following regulations will be observed: The cars will be assigned to the several companies by the command- ing officer, who will cause to be marked, with chalk, on the steps of each passenger car, and on the side of each freight or stock car, the designation of the company or detachment to which it is assigned. Freight cars car- rying supplies should have conspicuously painted signs, noting in general their contents. Customs of the Service. 105 The field baggage will be loaded by details from the several companies, under the direction of the quar- termaster of the detachment or command. The rations, forage, and a sufficient number of buckets to water the animals of each company will be so loaded as to be readily accessible. Artillery carriages, army wagons, and other vehicles will be transported on platform cars, and will be lashed, if need be, to keep them in place. After the field baggage and animals have been loaded, the companies will be formed each one opposite the car or cars it is to occupy, and will enter the same under the direction of its company officers, retaining possession of its arms. During halts, the cars will, if practicable, be thoroughly policed and water and fuel placed on board. Make it obligatory that, at least once in each twenty-four hours of railroad travel, all the men should leave the cars, taking with them all equipments, blankets, etc.; form company near their car, arms then stacked, and the railroad authorities required to thor- oughly clean the cars, ventilating them, etc.; especially observe that the spittoons are cleansed; tanks filled with ice water (fuel in boxes when necessary); then reembark. Coffee is obtained on request to railroad conductor to wire at intended meal-stop stations, for number of pints required, one pint per person, at 7 cents per -8— 106 Customs of the Service. pint, including milk and sugar. As 21 cents per day is authorized per man, it may be found best to have coffee only twice each day, or a pint and a half at each of two stops. The men may well be permitted to leave the cars at stops, remaining strictly near the cars, unless this privilege be abused; then discipline. MOVEMENTS BY WATER. Military commanders charged with the embark- ation of troops, and officers of the Quartermaster's Department entrusted with the selection of transports, will see that the vessels employed are entirely sea- worthy and proper for such service, and that suitable arrangements are made in them for health and comfort of the troops. If, in the opinion of the officer commanding the troops to be embarked, the vessel is not proper or suit- ably arranged, the officer charged with the embarka- tion shall cause her to be inspected by competent and experienced persons. In inspecting water transportation for troops, the inspector must be governed by circumstances and necessities, but not to the extent of endangering life. Ordinarily, and especially in voyages of any length, ves- sels which would furnish reasonable comfort to pas- sengers must be provided. If there be anything to indi- Customs of the Service. lOT cate necessity for a critical inspection, the services of an expert will be employed. The inspector will call for the written contract, if there be one, and see that its stipulations are complied with. He will report whether the vessel is adapted to the purpose and voyage designed, or in what particular, if any, she may be defective, and whether any repairs or alterations are necessary before sailing. The inspector will ascertain how the vessel is rated at the underwriters', the apparent age of the hull and machinery, and their existing condition. He will inquire when the vessel was last in dock, the condition of the engines and boilers, and ascertain when they were put in. He will examine whether the pumping machinery, outfit of tackle, spare spars, etc., are suffi- cient; whether there is an ample provision of boats, life-buoys, and spare parts of machinery, and whether there is sufficient deck room for quarters for officers and enlisted men, and will see that the limit of tonnage and passengers prescribed by law is not exceeded. He will see that the vessel's crew is large enough for her proper working, and inquire into the competency of the officers; he will see that the proper instruments of navigation, compasses, etc., are provided. He will re- port if the chronometers have been rated, and if there is a supply of charts. The distilling apparatus, water tanks, and butts will be examined to see if there is sufficient water for passengers and crew. He will espe- 108 Customs of the Service, cially inspect the cooking arrangements, see that the vessel is clean, and that the portion occupied by troops is dry and well ventilated. To secure and preserve discipline, provide against disaster from the elements, or attack by the enemy, the senior officer in the military service present upon any transport will assume command of the troops (unless he finds, on going on board, a commander already desig- nated by proper authority), and he will take all neces- sary measures to put his command into the best state of efficiency to meet any emergency, and will enforce an observance of the requirements of the following paragraphs : At the earliest moment after the embarkation, the troops will be inspected, organized into detachments or companies, officers and quarters being assigned to each organization. So far as practicable, the men of each company will be assigned to the same part of the ves- sel, and squads to contiguous berths. No officer will quit the ship without the permis- sion of the officer commanding on board. At sea, the guards will mount with side arms only. Sentinels will be kept near the fires, with buckets of water at hand. Smoking not allowed between decks. All the troops will turn out for inspection at a prescribed hour in the morning, without arms (in warm weather, without shoes or stockings), when every individual will be clean — hands, face, and feet washed and his hair combed. Customs of the Service, 109 The same personal inspection will be repeated thirty minutes before sunset. The cooks may be exempted from one of these daily inspections, if necessary. Offi- cers will enforce cleanliness. The weather permitting, bedding will be brought on deck every morning for airing. Between decks will not be washed oftener than once a week, and only when the weather is fine. The boards of the lower berth will be removed once or twice a week to remove the straw. Under the direction of the surgeon and the officer of the day, frequent fumi- gations will be performed between decks. During voyages in hot weather, the master of the vessel will be required to provide wind-sails, which will be constantly hung up, and frequently examined, to see that they draw well and are not obstructed. During cooking hours, officers of companies visit the galley, and see that the food is properly prepared. The coppers and other cooking utensils will be regu- larly washed, both before and after use, and frequently scoured. The bedding will be replaced in the berths at sunset, or at an earlier hour when there is prospect of bad weather. At Taps every man on duty will be in his berth. To insure the execution of this regulation, the officer of the day will inspect between decks. Lights will be extinguished at Taps, except such as are placed under sentinels. The officer of the day no Customs of the Service. will attend to thi^ requirement, and report to the com- manding officer. Officers' lights will be extinguished at 10 o'clock, unless special permission be given to con- tinue them for a longer time. For the sake of exercise, the troops will occasion- ally be called to quarters by the call To Aims. Those appointed to the guns will be frequently exercised in their use. The arms and accoutrements will be fre- quently inspected. The metallic parts of the former will be often wiped and oiled. The men will not be allowed to sleep on deck in the sun. They will be encouraged, and required, to take exercise on deck in squads, in succession when neces- sary. If practicable, exercise in double time by the companies — around the vessel, on deck, fore and aft — will be found of great benefit. Recruits, and all en- listed men requiring it, will be freqneutly drilled in the setting-up exercises. At morning and evening parades the surgeon will examine the men, to obsrve whether they exhibit any indications of disease. A good supply of hospital stores and medicines will be taken on board each vessel, and used only for the sick and convalescent The surgeon will warn the men against costiveness on approaching a hot climate. In passing the West Indies to the southern coast, for instance, and for some weeks after landing in th:it latitude, great care is required in the use of fruit, as strangers are not competent to judge of its effects, and Customs of the Service, 111 most kinds after long voyages are injurious. Stores and supplies should be placed on board so that they may be readily reached in the order in which they may be required. Every storeship should be marked at the bow and stern and on both sides in large characters, with a distinctive letter and number. A list of the stores on each vessel, with the place they are to be found, should be prepared and a copy sent to the chief officer of the proper department, whether he accompanies the expe- dition or is at the place for which the stores are destined. When officers of the Army are embarked with troops in a ship in charge of officers of the Navy, the latter will occupy the apartments allotted to them, and separate accommodation will be provided for officers of the Army and those under their command. The offi- cers of the Army will mess together, and not with the officers of the Navy, unless otherwise agreed upon with the sanction of the commanding officers of the vessel and troops. BATTLES. Before the action, the generals indicate the places where they will be; if they change position, they give notice of it, or leave a staff officer to show where they have gone. During the action, the officers and non-commis- 112 Customs of the Service. sioned officers keep the men in the ranks and enforce obedience if necessary. Soldiers must not be permitted to leave the ranks to strip or rob the dead, nor even to assist the wounded except by express permission, which is only to be given after the action is decided. The highest interest and most pressing duty is to win the victory, by winning which only can a proper care of the wounded be insured. MARCHES. The first duty of the commander is to inspect his troops before marching, to know that the arms and horses are in condition, cartridges supplied, clothing and shoes in proper condition, blankets provided, and food supply with cooking facilities prearranged for. The length of the full step in quick time is 30 inches, and the cadence 120 steps per minute, covering 2J to 3 miles an hour; the average march for infantry is from fifteen to twenty miles per day, beginning with short marches, say ten or twelve miles, and gradually in- creasing. When long distances have to be overcome rapidly, occasionally change gaits; special care taken not to exhaust the troops immediately before engag- ing the enemy. Marching in double time, breathe as much as possible through the nose, keeping the mouth closed. After marching about half an hour or less, halt to allow for adjustment of equipments and that the men may relieve themselves; thereafter halt after Customs of the Service. 11 3 each march of fifty minutes, halting in the vicinity of water and shade if possible; if other halts are caused from head of the column, encourage the men to rest, rather than holding them in ranks, because the stop is uncertain. Have all canteens filled with water which has been boiled, or, l3etter yet, with weak tea, slightly sweetened, before starting; on the march drink as lit- tle as possible, taking only small swallows of water at a time; better to drink only at time of eating; don't drink spirits, and especially do not before exertion — they only give transient strength; danger of sunstroke is lessened by wearing a wet cloth or wet grass in your hat. Leaving the ranks on the march to get water or on other pretexts is a serious evil, directly indicating lack of discipline, and must be stopped in the very inception; every man reporting sick is at once inspected by a medical officer, and, if necessary, allowed to ride, being provided with a ticket to this effect; a soldier, before going to relieve himself, leaves his arms with his comrades until he rejoins them; they are thus bur- dened with their carriage if his return is not hastened. On the march, no one shall fire a gun, or give the sig- nal for halt or march, unless ordered to do so. The pre vent straggling, with all its attendant evils, command- ing officers of regiments require the rolls to be called and the results reported to them, after the troops are formed for and before recommencing the march; at the halts the captain may count the files, to ascertain if 114 Customs of the Service. there are absentees; the men must keep their relative places in ranks while marching, not permitted to bunch up nor open out distances; such want of discipline makes the march no easier, and it wouldn't make any difference if it did. Discipline and order. Captains will cause an officer to march in rear of their compa- nies, with instructions not to allow any man to leave the ranks without written authority. In route marches, organizations usually alternate in leading, the rear of the column having annoyances and more fatigue, dust, stoppages, etc.; if the head be delayed by obstacles, their step should then be shortened, so as to avoid hurry in closing up those in rear. Habitually the route march is in column of fours; when the roads are unsuitable for this formation, the column of twos is permissible. When the day's march is to be prolonged unusually, a halt should be made when about two-thirds of the distance has been cov- ered, and near water if convenient. Forced marches and night marches are at times necessary, but should be resorted to only when imperative. A trooper must not be dismounted that an officer may use his horse (T. C. 50), nor be employed to lead a private horse, nor allow a soldier to drive a private vehicle. A compe- tent person, preferably a commissioned officer, will be detailed to make field sketches and notes and a jour- nal for the later preparation of a map of the route traversed. Customs of the Service, 115 In camping, tentage may be dispensed with en- tirely or shelter tents provided or bivouac made with- out tents; if not imposing hardship, the less impedi- menta the better. Campaigns are most frequently won by rapidity of movements. In camps of duration, short practice marches are profitable, additional to the regular drills, in teaching the necessity for regularity on the march, and while in route step, and not required to preserve silence nor keep the stej), the ranks must cover and preserve their distance; the tendency being to close together and crowd to the front. An officer and non-commissioned oflScer should on all marches be designated to make topographical sketches. If blanket-rolls are worn, have them rolled uni- formly, not an irregular bundle of varied lengths, with the blanket extending below the shelter tent. It is quite as easy to require system and military appear- ance in these seemingly minor matters; results will be shown in greater matters. 1 1 6 Customs of the Service. ARMY SANITATION AND CAMPING. Recent sad events have not developed anything new or original in sanitation. The vital necessity of enforcing sanitary laws is known in the Army from long experience, the long lists of casualties having merely emphasized their importance. Location of the camping-ground and care of the body internally a^ d externally are the foundation-stones. Lax enforcement of sanitary laws must not, can not be permitted. We commence with camping: our guides, safety, water, wood; health follows the two latter, and next, considerations of convenience for receiving supplies. Troops will encampi in strictly military order, ready at any instant to form in order of battle or march; places for each organization indicated and understood before permitting arms to be stacked or tents pitched; confusion and disaster, especially at night attacks, are otherwise more than likely to occur. On arrival at place for the night, the commander quickly reconnoi- ters the best points for outposts, and, before ranks are broken, has the outposts details formed and sent to occupy these points; the advanced guard form the out- posts at all halts, and, until relieved by the regular out- posts, hold these positions. If the march is not to be re- IT. C. 59.. Customs of the Service. 117 sumed the next day, among the first duties on arriving in camp will be the designation of places to attend to calls of Nature, to post sentinels over the water supply, that water be not wasted or riled, that the water near the troops be guarded for their use, that next be- low for the animals, and further down for washing pur- poses. It is much better to dig a greater number of sinks than a few long ones, and of suflflcient depth to admit of free covering with dry earth every day. The sinks must be closely inspected every day. The sinks should be 100 yards beyond the kitchens, both on ac- count of soil emanations and currents of air and that flies be avoided, which would else carry disease germs to the kitchens. Have the kitchen set up without delay, with a pit convenient for liquid refuse (it is even better to use barrels and have them carried away daily, the barrels always having covers); solid matter to be car- ried to a distance and burned; burying garbage in pits or trenches is a temporary expedient, but all such stuff should be taken to a cremator}^ Never permit slops to be thrown on the ground. To return to the selection of the camp-ground, a position on the slope of a hill is warmer than one on the summit or in the valley; the ground should be firm, cer- tainly not marshy or near a marsh, no matter how short the camp; examine the subsoil; is it too hard to absorb moisture? is it too rocky at shallow depths for sinks? will the gradient assist natural drainai'e? Convenient 118 Customs of the Service. proximity to water should not be at the sacrifice of military advantages and security. The water supply, so important, is it adequate? is it wholesome? from whence derived and its characteristics? if near houses, how far does it pass from privy vaults and from cow and horse stables? Old wells may sow the seeds of typhoid, and even springs may be equally contami- nated by seepage from the sinks. Always camp in the open, even though it trench on the drill- and parade-ground; the shade of the near- by trees will be tempting, but the bright sunlight is needed on the camp. To pitch a wall tent: with the ridge-pole lay off a square; these points indicate the corners of the walls, to which attach corresponding loops of the tent; put ridge-pole in position inside of tent, insert upright poles, and raise tent; the fly can be put on either after or before raising; drive the outer line of pins sloping with the roof (hold better in wind). "A" or "common wall" : pitched on same method. Conickl wall : describe a circle with the pole from where it will rest, drive pins on this radius at 24 inches apart; attach loops of tent; adjust pole and raise. Hard-wood mallets for driving the wooden pins are better than an axe, which breaks the pins; if ground be very hard and stony, iron pins are best. The wagons should always be parked in regular Customs of the Service. 119 order at indicated place, and not permitted to be scat- tered about the camp. Have tent walls raised for several hours each fair day, and tents taken down and the ground scraped and exposed to the sun once a week. Rigorous police of the grounds insisted upon; it is just as well to habituate the men to neatness around the grounds as in their person. Before marching out in abandoning camp, have all the fires, even smouldering embers, extin- guished or covered with earth, and so damage and destruction of grass, timber, and fences be avoided (the return march may be over the same ground), unless, of course, the enemy would profit by this care. After the men are rested, a shallow ditch will be opened around each tent and connecting with a ditch along the rows of tents; this will ensure much comfort. For sleeping, if the bed or blankets be raised from the ground, the number of camp diseases will be materially decreased; any contrivance^ is better than to lie on the ground in malarial and tropical countries; if without bed-sacks, for which an allowance of thirty pound^^ of straw per man per month is authorized, use loose straw, hay, boughs, leaves. New men hardly realize the im- portance of these matters in conserving health, and the captain will not be at ease until he has seen to this. OflScers' camp cots as sold are generally made sacri- ficing strength to lightness. The most serviceable, and lA. R. 1048. 120 Customs of the Service. used by the writer on many campaigns, is constructed of hard wood as indicated: Two end pieces, 33x2x2 (1 1) Closed. Open. a End-piece, b Iron loops on ends, c Legs, d Hooks to hold in place. inches (iron band extended to form a loop — 3 inches at each end), with legs 18 inches high, to fold under on strap hinges. Two side poles, any desired length, the ends to fit easily in the loops on end pieces; strap hinge joint in middle of each to facilitate rolling up in the bedding; a piece of strong canvas with wide seam on each side to receive these poles, and there is a com- plete unbreakable camp bed. A light hair or wool mat- ti^ss is a great addition to comfort. Never go to sleep without some covering. Never lie or sit down on the bare earth or grass ; the more weary the more easily are colds contracted, and a mere cold may be the beginning of a fever. Do not indulge in fruit, especially new kinds; a very moderate indulgence in ripe fruit may do no harm, but eat guardedly. Don't eat bananas; the sea voyage for this fruit seems to be necessary to insure wholesomeness to people not natives of the country. Oranges and lemons are safe, but don't experiment on your stomach with new and unknown tropical fruits. Avoid excessive drinking of water when coming in overheated from the drill- Customs of the Service. 121 ground; don't cool off too suddenly. When possible, take a plunge in the water every morning, or wash the body all over. Gymnastics are good things, but should be used with discretion. The gymnast need not dislocate his limbs nor practice inverted walking; easily acquired calisthenics, as training for army life, have many and manifest advantages. The drill in calisthenics with use of the rifle, adopted by the War Department, is excel- lent in every way. Athletics, when carried to excess, do not furnish the best preparation for service in the field. In camp, at Retreat and Reveille officers and men habitually fall in under arms; arms are inspected at Retreat, the men having been cautioned to have them at hand in case of alarm. In closing the subject of Camping, let it be added: Never occupy an old camp-ground if by any possibility it can be avoided; it is more than likely to be the foci of disease. '^Tenting on the old camp-ground," however beautiful as a sentiment, is not healthy. The following extract from recent orders^ of the War Department emphasize the foregoing necessities of rigid camp sanitation : "In order to prevent as far as possible the dis- eases incident to encampments of large bodies of men — namely, typhoid and malarial fevers, diarrhea and IG. O. 117, 1898. — y— 122 Customs of the Service, dysentery, and the further spread thereof where these diseases have already gained more or less headway, all officers, from the commanding general to company commanders, will exercise the utmost vigilance to en- force proper sanitary conditions in camp and strict cleanliness of the person. "The speedy destruction or removal with safety of all decaying substances present and future, and the rendering innoxious the feculent matter of the camp, must be accomplished. "No effort will be spared to carry this order into effect to the fullest extent, and to this end those con- cerned will not rest content with the issuance of or ders upon the subject, but they or their representa- tives, duly impressed with this grave responsibility, will immediately see to the commencement, continu- ance, superintendence, and practical accomplishment, day by day, of the instructions imposed upon the command." Lord Wolseley, in a recent memorandum, says: "It will be the duty of company officers to point out to the men under their control, and particularly to young sol- diers, the disastrous effects of giving way to habits of intemperance and immorality; the excessive use of intoxicating liquors unfits the soldier for active work, blunts his intelligence, and is a fruitful source of mili- tary crime. The man who leads a vicious life enfeebles his constitution Even those who do not Customs of the Service. 123 entirely break down are unfit for service in the field. .... Company oflScers should exercise a salutary influence in these matters, more particularly over the younger men Officers should do their utmost to promote a cleanly and moral tone among the men and to ensure that all rowdyism and obscenity, in word or action, is kept in check. ... . . Under no cir- cumstances should public acts or expressions of inde- cency be tolerated." WOUNDS. If from any wound the blood spurts out in jets, instead of a steady stream, you will die in a few min- utes, unless it be remedied, because an artery has been divided. To stop this instantly, tie a handkerchief or other cloth very loosely detween the wound and the heart, put a stick, bayonet, or ramrod between the skin and the handkerchief, and twist it around until the bleeding ceases, and keep it thus until the surgeon arrives. Practice this; then you will know how to do it if needed. If the blood flows in a slow, regular stream, a vein has been pierced, and the handkerchief must be on the other side of the wound from the heart — that is, below the wound. The greatest physical kindness you can show a severely wounded man is to place him on his back, the head being elevated three or four inches only, and then give him a drink of water. 124 Customs of the Service, All officers and soldiers are supplied with a packet of Esmarch's "first help for wounds" in time of war in the field of active operations; this package contains four antiseptic compresses and bandages of sublimated cloth; the package should not be opened except when needed, as its antiseptic value would probably be lost. Customs of the Service. 125 OUTPOST DUTY. Outposts are very important. Their purposes are to cover approaches to the main body; to discover move- ments of the enemy and give timely warning; to pre- vent surprise and to give rest and quiet to the army, and, in the event of the enemy's advance, to resist him until the main body are able to make proper disposi- tions for battle. The duty is of the highest importance, that security and rest be given to the other troops and their rest undisturbed by false alarms; dire disaster has often resulted from neglect of simple precautions. The outposts must cover the front of the camp and ex- tend beyond the flanks, unless protected by absolutely impassable obstacles; observe the ground thoroughly as to obstacles and what ought to be done if an attack be made. All outlying pickets are to be held under arms for at least an hour before dawn, with the supports and reserves also under arms. Just as day is breaking and at nightfall are especially times for extra vigilance. The preliminary vedettes posted, the commander thor- oughly reconnoiters the ground and improves or cor- rects positions. The pickets should be in view of each other, say from 100 to 300 yards apart, depending on the topography, forming a chain, and where they can see everything without being seen by the enemy more than is absolutely necessary, but ability to see things 126 Customs of the Service. is the more important function than concealment; take advantage of a tree, a rock, a ditch, and do not move about; the distances apart of the pickets are to be gov- erned by circumstances of the ground and available number of men; if posted on a hill, take position just below and overlooking the crest. Naturally the pick- ets would be in stronger force near roads or practica- ble routes of advance. Hasty intrenchments are a good thing. If fires are permitted, they must be very small and hidden from the enemy. While the supports are allowed to rest, they are not permitted to sleep, but must be on the alert and constantly observing the posted sentinels; even the slightest sound may be sig- nificant; to turn up the coat collar even may interfere with acute hearing. The pickets must distinctly under- stand their orders, have arms and ammunition in read- iness for instant use, permit no trifling, report every- thing that is seen; dust rising may indicate moving troops, or as a ruse — let the chief determine its impor- tance; better report too much than too little; persons approaching and representing themselves to be desert- ers must be required to lay down their arms before coming near; they may not be deserters. At night a vedette should be posted on lower ground, so that per- sons approaching may be outlined against the horizon; changes of position are best made after dark, so that the enemy cannot discern the change; let scouts see that ambuscade is not fallen into in any change made COSSACK POSTS. SeNTlNELS. 7« LI * L! n MAIN BOOV ADVANCE GUARD rtANKERS FLANKERS • — •- - RESERVE -^ MAIN COLUMN. Customs of the Si in advance. With Cossack posts there is economy in number of men required; each post consists of three sentinels and a non-commissioned officer; one of the sentinels is posted 15 or 20 yards in advance and con- stantly on the lookout, the others allowed to rest (not to sleep) arms at hand. No compliments are paid by the outposts, except that the relief stands at attention when the commander visits them.i Cavalry patrols are better for this work than infantry ; they can be and are sent out further, cover more ground, constantly mov- ing and naturally on the alert to avoid personal dan- ger, and can give earlier warning; in fact, the eyes and ears of the army and more valuable on this service than in battle, since in our country open plains for cavalry charges are not often found. Patrols should march in absolute silence; avoid conversation or smoking; the carbine and saber so arranged that no noise is made by motion of the horse; move along under available screens, trees, ravines, etc. If the enemy are discov- ered and orders or their strength (don't be deceived about this) compel return, skirmish in retreating, delay his advance, and afford the reserves time for formation. Outpost duty and advance guards can only be out- Jined in these papers, but require important considera- tion. (See Wagner's "Security and Information.") Outposts, sentinels, or pickets are not to be fired^ lA. R. 392. 2"Govt. Armies," Lieber, and G. O. 100, 1863. 132 Customs of the Service. upon, except to drive them in, or when a positive order, special or general, has been issued to that effect. ADVANCE AND KEAE GUARDS. In the enemy's country, or where the enemy might penetrate, troops on the march, whether in large or small bodies, must always be preceded by an advance guard ; there will then be neither surprise to throw the main body into disorder, nor fear from "Quaker guns.'' Advance guards afford time for deployment and taking of positions by the main body, and seizing and holding important positions and gaining information. Rear guards, in a forward movement, protect the rear of the column from raiding parties, arrest strag- glers, etc. In retreat, its functions are vitally impor- tant, and should have the best troops, checking pur- suits and at every opportunity forcing the enemy to deploy and prepare for attack, and, having caused this delay, move on to next good ground and repeat these maneuvers. Every hour's delay caused to the pursuers may be of the greatest value in saving a retreating army. Customs of the Service. 183 ARMY CORRESPONDENCE. Use letter size paper only (not note size); a half- sheet only when the single page is sufficient; fold the letter in three equal folds parallel with the writing; the first fold (on the reverse side of this fold is the begin- ning of the communication, P. O. address, date, etc.) will be used exclusively for showing date and place of letter, as inside, office or name of writer, and a brief analysis of the contents, the office marks, in red ink, and note of inclosures. Communications should refer to one subject only; be signed or authenticated with the pen, and not by fac- similes; signatures plainly written, with rank annexed; be briefed (on first fold) at the first office at which it is received and entered. Indorsements commence at the top of the second fold, and are numbered serially, as "1st Indorsement," etc., in order of dates, on the suc- cessive folds, leaving room after each for office marks. Additional space for indorsements will be provided by pasting slips of paper on the under side of the last fold (the right edge of the original paper), each slip, when attached, to have the same length and width as the original fold, and to turn back on the last fold like the leaf of a book. The first fold, on which the brief is made, is always outside. Printed labels, by way of 134 Customs of the Service. indorsements, will not be pasted on official papers. In no case will a loose wrapper be placed around an offi- cial paper, except as a mere covering. All inclosures will be numbered, ard will be given tlie proper office marks. Inclosures to the original communication are noted on the first fold, just below the brief. Officers who forward communications will indorse thereon their approval or disapproval, with remarks. Commu- nications to superior authority are addressed to the adjutant or adjutant-general of the command, and are "Respectfully forwarded" or "Returned," with appro- priate remarks. All communications on official mat- ters intended for the Secretary of War, or the com- manding general of the Army, will be in writing and addressed to the Adjutant-General of the Army. Com- munications, whether from a subordinate to a superior or vice versa, will, as a rule, pass through intermediate commanders. The use of colored inks, except for nota- tions of numbers, office marks, etc., is prohibited. The use of the typewritter is permitted, except in recording fi,ndings and sentences in proceedings of courts-martial. Note especially that communications are addressed to the office, not to the officer by name; e. g.: "The Assistant Adjutant-General, "3d Brigade, 2d Division, etc., "Tampa, Florida." Customs of the Service, 135 Not to "Lieut.-Colonel. . , "Asst. Adjutant-General, "Etc., etc." (The oflQcer holding this position at geographical departments is addressed as "Adjutant-General.") Or "The Commanding Officer, "26th U. S. Infantry, "Etc., etc." Not "Colonel , "Commanding 26th U. S. Infantry, "Etc., etc." The briefing will be the same in effect; i. e,, in name of the office held by the writer, except the com- munication affects him in a semi-personal-official man- ner; for example, an application for a leave of absence, a resignation, etc.; then brief and record in name of the writer. All communications received or sent are recorded, with date (and telegrams, the hour), in B. L. R. (Book of Letters Received) or B. L. S. (Book of Let- ters Sent), with indexes. "Letters Sent" consist of written or printed com- munications (other than "Orders," which appear in the Order Book) issued from the office, whether a formal letter, an endorsement upon a letter, a memorandum, or important verbal communication. To save time, communications which are simply forwarded with a brief "Forwarded approved" or "Forwarded disap- 186 Customs of the Service. ■^ ^ - be 00 OS >> w 06 .2 1-3 OS - I-I Pu w 'S - s T— 1 < % a u 2 a U .* • • tH S ■4-t o (M p p 1 4-1 Vh a o a; < ^ fl. U^ 0. (A 2" <1 P. en P^ CJ C T— » Q< CN 4 ^ ^ ^ P ^ P^ ^ m bo .2 % CO a pa CO CO S3 d ''d U a (L> o a >S t: ^ 4> ci a ■4-* b u u a Ph 1> a a 1 a U < a, 'd s pj Customs of the Service. 137 proved/' without other material remarks, are fre quently thus noted in the B. L. R. only. This seems to be a sort of custom. When a reply or action on the communication is known, note of this should be made in red ink in first column of B. L. S., as ''See K R. No. . .," etc. "Letters Received'' consist of written or printed communications coming into the office. Bules for Indexing. Index under the office, unless the writer's commu- nication pertains to himself, and not directly to his organization. The example here shown would be en- tered under "I," Infantry, and read ''Infantry, 26th, Co. M.," with serial number of the communication in black ink; subjects or names appearing in the body of the communication will also be given an entry, the number in this case being in colored (red) ink. As soon as the indexing is made, underscore in the B. L. S. with red ink the names and subjects indexed. Index com- mences with the first communication received or sent in the year, and terminates with the last entry of the year; it contains names in black ink of all persons and things appearing in the record book, as the writers, receivers, or the subjects of the communication, no name being entered more than once; this followed by the number of the communication in black ink, but —10- 138 Customs of the Service. the number is in red inh if it is a name which only appears in the tody of the letter. In Index of Letters Sent (L. S.) the numbers refer to the pages of the record book. In the Index of Letters Eeceived (L. R.) the num- bers refer to the number of the communication, and not to the page. Stationery, Issues of stationery are made quarterly; quanti- ties fixed in A. R. 1023. Necessary stationery for courts^ and boards will be furnished on requisition of the judge-advocate or recorder, approved by the presid- ing officer. The act approved June 6, 1898,^ authorizes estab- lishment by the Postmaster-General of a temporary postoflQce at any military camp or post. The Secretary of War has approved the suggestions of the Postmaster- General. Under the system^ outlined, the Postoffice Department would keep the supervision and manage- ment of the mails; the Quartermaster's Department would undertake their transportation within the camp to and from the point of departure and arrival; and the adjutants would be responsible for the regimental and company collection and distribution. lA. R. 1027. 2G. O. G9, 1898. 3G. O. 89. Customs of the Service, 139 Officers and men are advised that on communica- tions^ addressed to them the number of the regiment and the letter of the company to which the soldier be- longs should be given. Official communications and other mailable matter relating exclusively to the public business will be transmitted through the mails free of postage if in- closed in the ^'penalty envelope." Letters written by officers and enlisted men will be transmitted without prepayment^ of postage if plainly marked "Soldier^s letter" or "Marine's letter," as the case may be, and signed thereunder with the name and official designation of the officer command- ing the company, etc. Letters so certified will be sent with postage due at single rate only, to be collected on delivery. TELEGRAPHING. The telegraph will be used only in cases of urgent and imperative necessity. Prescribed forms are used in transmission, not the ordinary commercial blank, and, having been properly certified to, are to be re- garded by the receiving operator as "Paid, Govern- ment." When it is questionable whether the tele- grams are on official business, full explanations will iCir. 13, 1898. 2Postal Regs. 1^0 Customs of the Service, be required. Telegrams making application for leave of absence or of that character will not be sent or paid for as public dispatches. Omit unimportant words. The last name of the officer addressed, or his title, and the last name of the sender are generally sufficient. Address and signature are counted and charged for. Rates are fixed annually by the Postmaster-General. The latest tariff is published in G. O. 132, War Depart- ment, A. G. O. 1898. Approximately, it may be said that day messages are, with modifications, charged at 20 cents for twenty words, not exceeding 1000 miles dis- tance. A lesser rate for night messages. BOARDS OF SURVEY. If the public property is found damaged, except from fair wear ard tear, or deficient, a board of sur- vey,^ usually of three members, is asked for by the officer accountable for the property; the board will inquire thoroughly into and report upon all the facts, and if possible fix the responsibility, determine the value of the articles deficient, lost, or damaged, and make recommendations. In case of theft, will show the precautions taken. A board of survey cannot con- demn property. All persons who seem responsible must have opportunity for explanation, unless the lA. R. 708 it seq.; G. O. 10, 1897. Customs of the Service, 141 record shows that this was impracticable. Identifying marks, if any, on the stores, initials or name of pur- chasing officer, date, etc., will be stated. Testimony should be in the form of certificates of an officer, or affidavits of other persons. All documents used as evi- dence will be appended to the proceedings. All the facts and circumstances must also appear in the body of the proceedings. The junior member, as recorder, will prepare the record, reciting the order in full convening the board meetings, names of members present, etc. The record will be made in triplicate, on legal cap paper, and joined at the top, with a blank sheet between the last page of the proceedings and the appended evidence for action of the reviewing authority; the last page will be used on the outside for the brief, as follows : Post of , , 1898. Proceedings of a Board of Survey, convened by S. O. No , Fort , , 1898. Pwrpose, To report upon (loss) (subsistence stores), for which Lieut is accountable. President: Captain , 27th U. S. Infantry. Recorder: 2d Lieut 9th Regt U. S. Vols. The proceedings will be folded in four equal folds. A separate set is required for each of the staff depart- 142 Customs of the Service, ments concerned. A board of survey cannot condemn property, they are called merely to determine adminis trative responsibility. Nor can they swear witnesses; if oral testimony be taken before the board, it will be reduced to writing by the recorder and sworn to be- fore a person competent to administer oaths. The proceedings are complete with approval of the convening authority, but are subject to revision by higher authority. Customs of the Service, J 43 MILITARY ORDERS. The observance of all lawful orders given by any competent authority is strictly enjoined, and their non- observance strictly punishable. ^Any officer or soldier who disobeys any lawful command of his superior officer shall suffer death, or such other punish- ment as a court-martial may direct. ^"Obedience to command is the chief military virtue, in relation to which all others are secondary and subordinate; the obedience must be complete and undeviating." "The vital principle of the military — the fundamental rule, in peace and war, for all inferiors through all the grades, from the general of the army to the newest re- cruit." ^"The order must of course be understood."* The orderly and proper course in all cases is to obey orders and afterwards, if any hardship or oppression is practiced, appeal to superior authority for redress."^ The orders^ of commanders of armies, corps, divi- sions, brigades, regiments, posts, territorial depart- ments, and districts are denominated "general" or lA. w. 21. 2Samuel, 266, 283, 287. 3Winthrop*s Digest, 812. 4G. O. Div. Atlantic, 1875. 5G. O. Army Potomac, 1862. 6A. R. 770. 144 Customs of the Service, ^^special" orders of such army, corps, etc. General and special orders are numbered in separate series, each beginning with the calendar year or at the time of the establishment of the headquarters. General orders announce the time and place of duties, roll-calls, and in general matters of importance and interest to pub- lish to the whole command, and results of trial by court-martial (same series). Special orders relate chiefly to individuals or to matters that need not be made known to the whole command. An order will state at its head the source from which it emanates, its number, date, and place of issue; at its foot the name of the commander by whose authority it is issued. Files of orders received will be kept by each regiment and company and at each headquarters. In camp or garrison, orders that affect a command will, as a rule, be read to the troops at the first regular parade after they are received, or during a halt may te read to the troops. The precise hours of departure and the rates at which they are to be conveyed will be Written clearly on the covers of all dispatches transmitted by mounted orderlies. Circulars are a form of order frequently misused; their proper purpose is in explanation of rul- ings on orders or decisions, not as original orders in themselves. They should also be serially numbered. Note that A. R. 771 prescribes the results of trials by gereral courts-martial in all cases of officers or of enlisted men involving matters of general interest and Customs of the Service, 145 importance be aiinoimced in general orders. The Man- ual for Courts-Martial, page 135, gives the form for announcing unimportant trials, not of general interest, in special orders. COURTS-MARTIAL. A general court-martial can be ordered by any general officer commanding an army, a territorial de- partment, or colonel commanding a separate depart- ment. The general court-martial consists of not more than thirteen nor less than five members (commissioned officers). If less than thirteen are detailed, the conven- ing authority will state in the order that "no greater number can be assembled without manifest injury to the service." This statement is conclusive^ of the fact. If by sustained challenges or from any other cause the number be reduced below five members, no further busi- ness, except adjournment, can be transacted. General courts have exclusive jurisdiction over capital cases and trials of commissioned officers. Courts can only sit between the hours of 8 o'clock a. m. and 3 o'clock p. m., unless the convening authority direct that they sit without regard to hours,^ when necessary for the sake of immediate example. A court may sit on Sun- day, but should not do so unless demanded by exigen lA. R. 917. 2A. R. 918. 146 Customs of the Service, cies of the service. The senior member present will act as president of the court. The judge-advocate is not a member of the court; he conducts the case for the United States, and, if the accused be unrepresented by counsel, will act as his friend in the legal sense; he administers the oath to the members and witnesses, and is himself sworn by the president of the court; he keeps the record and withdraws^ when "the court is cleared" — that is, sits in closed session. The accused may be sworn as a witness in his own behalf. Couns?l are permitted to represent the accused, and, if he de- sires, an officer may be detailed for this duty.^ The 84th Article of War, as amended by the Act of July 27, 1892, recites the oath to members, and the 85th Article of War to the judge-advocate. Regular officers^ may now sit on courts-martial for the trial of Volunteer oflScers and soldiers. The former summary-court act is supplemented'* and amended in the Act of June 18, 1898. Its action is no longer limited to time of peace; it consists of one officer to be designated by the commanding officer of each garrison, fort, or other place, regiment or corps, detached battalion or company, or other detachment in the Army, or, in his discretion, for each battalion lA. R. 921. 2A. R. 926 and G. O. 49, 1898. 3Cir. 21, 1898. 4G. O. 80, 1898. Customs of the Service. 147 thereof. The accused shall be brought to trial within twenty-four hours of the time of the arrest, or as soon thereafter as practicable; the summary court may be appointed and the officer designated by superior author- ity when by him deemed desirable. Punishments shall conform to the limits prescribed by the President of the United States (publishedi in G. O. 16, A. G. O. 1808); said punishment shall not exceed confinement at hard labor for one month and forfeiture of one month's pay, and, in the case of non-commissioned officer, reduction to the ranks in addition thereto. Record shall be kept of all cases heard and determined and the action had thereon; and no sentence adjudged by said summary court shall be executed until it shall have been ap- proved by the officer appointing the court, or by the officer commanding for the time being. 2The present summary-court act does not give the accused the right to object to trial by summary court and to demand trial by another court, nor does it re- quire that when the trial officer is the accuser the case shall be tried by ar other court. The repeal^ of the 80th and 110th Articles of War abolishes the former field officer's court, and the sum- mary court is substituted for it. Non-commissioned officers^ shall not, if they object thereto, be brought to IM. C. M., pp. 44 et seq, 2M. C. M., p. 65. 3Act of June 18, 1898. 148 Customs of the Service. trial before summary courts without the authority of the officer competent to order their trial by general court-martial, but such cases shall be brought to trial before garrison, regimental, or general courts-martial, as the case may be. The garrison court-martial consists of three mem- bers and a judge-advocate; the commanding officer of a garrison, fort, or other place, where the troops con- sist of different corps, is competent to appoint such court. The presence on duty at the place of a medical officer or ordnance sergeant, etc., covers the clause "different corps." The regimental^ court-martial is composed of three members and a judge-advocate; officers of the regiment or corps of the accused are only eligible for detail on this court. Practically the regimental court is only convened to investigate a wrong by an officer to a sol- dier on complaint made by the latter under the 30th Article of War. Excluding the general court-martial, the minor courts named shall not have power to try capital cases or commissioned officers, or to inflict a fine^ exceeding one month's pay, or to imprison^ or put to hard labor any enlisted man for a longer period than one month; and see G. O. 16, A. G. O. 1898, limiting punishments for enlisted men. Punishments must conform to the lA. W. 81 and 30. 2A. W. 83; G. O. 16, 1898. Customs of the Service, 149 law; "carrying a log," "standing on a barrel/' etc., are not permitted. Minor offenses are, subject to the con- trol of the commanding officer of the post, authorized to be disposed of by requiring extra tours of fatigue, un- less the soldier demands a trial. This right^ to demard a trial must be made known to him. Commanding officers will, before forwarding^ any charges for trial by general court-martial, personally investigate them, and, by indorsement on the charges, certify that they have made such investigation, and, whether, in their opinion, the charges can be sustained. Commanding officers are not required to bring every dereliction^ of duty before a court for trial, but will endeavor to prevent their recurrence by admonitions, withholding of privileges, and taking such steps as may be necessary to enforce their orders. Charges submitted for trial must be accompanied by evidence of ^previous convictions, if any. Sentences^ imposing tours of guard duty are for- bidden. Reading of newspapers or other evidence of inat- tention^ by members of a court-martial during its ses- iCir. 5, 1898. 2A. R. 928. 3A. R. 930. 4A. R. 929 and G. O. 94, 1898; M. C. M., p. 18. 5A. R. 939. fiM. C. M. 20. 160 Customs of the Service. sions constitutes a violation of duty to the prejudice of good order and military discipline. Solitary confinement, or confinement on bread-and- water^ diet, shall not exceed fourteen days at a time, nor be again enforced until a period of fourteen days has elapsed. A court-martial cannot direct a forfeiture to reim- burse any person; forfeitures can only be directed in favor of the United States. A soldier cannot be re- quired to receipt for money paid without his consent. Arrests, Commanding officers only have power to place officers^ in arrest, except as provided in the 24th Article of War. An officer in arrest remains at his tent or quarters until more extended limits have been granted, and will not wear a sword (the surrender of his sword at arrest is usually waived). Medical officers need not be placed in arrest until the meeting of the court- martial, unless the charges are of a flagrant character. Non-commissioned officers^ in arrest will not be required to perform any duty in which they may be called upon to exercise command, and, if in confine- ment, will not be sent out to work with prisoners under sentence. IM. C. M. 42. 2A. R. 897 to 900. 3A. R. 904. Customs of the Service. 161 Privates against whom charges may be preferred for trial by summary court will not be confined^ in the guard-house, but will be placed in arrest in quarters, before and during trial and while awaiting sentence, except when in particular cases restraint may be nec- essary. If a soldier in arrest in quarters shall break his arrest, the offense would be charged under the 62d Article of War. Form for Record of a Garrison Court-Martial. Case Proceedings of a garrison court-martial con- vened at , pursuant to the following order: "Camp , , 1898. "Orders No "A garrison court-martial will convene at this post at . . o'clock a. m., on , , 1898, or as soon thereafter as practicable, for the trial of such prisoners as may be properly brought before it. "Detail for the Court. "Captain , Regiment, "First Lieutenant , etc. "First Lieutenant , etc. "Second Lieutenant , Regt. " , Judge-Advocate. "By order of Colonel (Signed) " , "First Lieut , Regt, Adjutant. "Camp , , 1898." The court met, pursuant to the foregoing order, at . . o'clock . . m. lA. R. 936. J 52 Customs of the Service, Presefit (Give names of members present and judge-advocate.) The court then proceeded to the trial of Private , Co , Regt., who was brought before the court, and, hav- ing heard the order convening it read, was asked if he had any objection to being tried by any member named therein; to which he replied in the negative. The members of the court and the judge-advocate were then duly sworn, and the accused was arraigned upon the following charge and specification: Charge: Specification: (in full). To which the prisoner pleaded: To the specification — "Guilty." To the charge — "Guilty." (Or, if the plea be "Not guilty," witnesses are examined for prosecution and defense.) The judge-advocate announced that the prosecution here rested. The prisoner stated that he had no testimony to offer or statement to make. The accused and judge-advocate then withdrew, and the court was closed and finds the accused. Private Co , Regt.: Of the specification — "Guilty." Of the charge— "Guilty." The judge-advocate and the accused were then recalled and the court opened; the judge-advocate stated that he had no evidence of previous convictions to submit (or read the evi- dence of previous convictions hereto appended and marked A, B, etc.). The accused and judge-advocate then withdrew, and the court was closed, and sentences him. Private Co , Regt., etc. The judge-advocate was then recalled, and the court, at . . . .. m., etc. (Signed by th(3 prcs^ident and the judge-advocate.) Customs of the Service, 163 The decision and orders of the convening author- ity, dated and officially signed, follow at close of above. Form for Sentences. Reduotion of Non-commissio7ied Officer.— And the court do therefore sentence him, Sergeant , Co , .... Regi- ment, to be reduced to the ranlis. Confinement.— to be confined at hard labor, under charge of the post guard, for (. .) days. Forfeiture.— to forfeit (. .) of his pay, or months of, etc. Forfeiture and Confinement.— to forfeit . . (. .) dollars of his pay and to be confined at hard labor for days. In order to facilitate business before general courts-martial, the reading of previous proceedings and of testimony for approval will be dispensed with, un- less for special reason considered necessary by the court, or a witness desires to have certain testimony read for correction. (Decision Acting Sec. War, Decem- ber 28, 1897; Cir. 27, A. G. O. 1897.) The Orders of the President limiting punishments in certain cases published in G. O. No. 16, War Depart- ment, A. G. 0. 1898. For decisions respecting mail matter for prisoners, see Cir. No. 8, A. G. O. 1896. For sentences of confinement, general prisoners, see Cir. No. 10, A. G. O. 1896. For clothing issues to general prisoners, see Cir. No. 5, A. G. 0. 1896. —11— 154 Customs of the Service, Officers of the Army, other than a judge-advocate of a department or a court-martial, or the trial officer of a summary court, are not^ authorized by law to administer oaths, excepting of course the president of a court-martial the oath of the judge advocate, and to the judge-advocate if the latter be called as a witness. An inspector-general may be authorized in special cases to administer the oath in investigation of matters. Form of Brief, The papers forming the complete record will be fastened together at the top, and the record folded in four folds, and briefed on the first fold as follows: Private, Co Trial by general (or garrison) court-martial at Commencing , 1898. Ending , 1898. President: Colonel , Judge- Advocate : Lieut , Every court-martial will keep an accurate record of its proceedings. The record will be complete in itself in each case, and will contain a copy of the order lOir. 23, 1898. .5 o .-^^ 'c ^ ^ SnOlAQJJ JO 'O^ •SaipuT^ o2 Pm It" CO S 02 •pot^BxoTA JB^ JO QpT^^av < . Pm h ;^z o w og "gs 23 o5 E-.2o o : t* ;a ■ o •jeqcan^ij p w Ph H H tf rn P W O X o S M >^ H W D5 <5 |x< »"e lis in o« T3 o 6 :fi2 .So HO ^^ CO £5 o 05 a eg i •c^onpaoo pooS q!^iA\ S9Jidxa: •raj9X 1 1 1 i d .a Is 0-" •S9TJ9S •(^U9ra!^JB(l9(I •o^^a 1 •J9qranN •I^SO^J C^B p9AT808a |i •:jn9ra]S9a •^UBdmoQ 1 05 •jequin^ :5S •o M o ® « d o d -si Customs of the Service, 155 appointing the court, authenticated by the signatures of the president and the judge-advocate, the latter affix- ing his signature to each day's proceedings. The record must show that the prisoner was asked if he wished to object to any member, and his answer to such ques- tion, and that the members of the court and the judge- advocate were duly sworn. As indicating curiously the manners of the age, during the reign of William and Mary (1689), Macaulay notes that in the Mutiny Bill was added a rider, provid- ing "that no court-martial should pass sentence of death, except between the hours of six in the morning and one o'clock in the afternoon. The dinner hour was then early, and it was but too probable that a gentle- man who had dined would be in a state in which he could not safely be trusted with the lives of his fellow- creatures." Desertion. Desertion is a grave offense and deserves condign punishment in peace-time, and is punishable with death in time of war. A deserter forfeits all rights of citizen- ship. A deserter will not be restored to duty without trial except by authority competent to order his trial. No man is dropped^ as a deserter until after the expira- tion of ten days, unless the company commander has conclusive evidence of the absentee's intention not to lA. R. 133. 156 Customs of the Service, return. A reward of ten^ dollars is paid for apprehen- sion, and a description of the deserter sent to marshals, sheriffs, etc., and to civil officers in the vicinity of the deserter^s home and place of enlistment. When a soldier deserts,^ a board of survey will be called by the regimental commander to ascertain whether he has lost or abstracted any articles of Gov- ernment property, and if so, to determine the money value of the same The board will also fully investigate the circumstances attending desertion, es- pecially the causes which induced it. While awaiting^ trial, deserters will receive no pay, nor sign the pay-rolls. In no case will his per- sonal effects^ be turned over to his relatives. A post commander will promptly notify^ the surgeon of every desertion from his command. When a deserter sur- renders^ at a military post, the post commander will cause immediate inquiry to be made as to whether trial is barred by statute of limitations and examined^ by a medical officer lA. R. 124. 2G. O. 45, 1898, A. R. amended. 3A. R. 129; G. O. 75, 1897; C. 27, 1897. 4G. O. 75, 1897. 5A. R. 123. 6A. R. 120. 7A. R. 121. Customs of the Service. 157 LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR OFFICERS. A division commander may grant^ leaves for ten days, a corps or department commander may grant leaves for one month, and the commanding general of the Army for four months. Leave of absence will not be granted during the season of active operations, ex- cept in case of urgent necessity. A leave of absence commences^ on the day following that on which the officer departs from his proper station. The day of departure, whatever the hour, is counted as a day of duty; the day of return, as a day of absence. An offi- cer granted leave of absence for more^ than seven days will, before taking advantage thereof, report to his post and regimental or corps commander and to the Adju- tant-General of the Army the probable date of his de- parture and his new address, and thereafter he will immediately report any change in his address to the same officers. Applications for sick leaves must be accompanied by report of the surgeon. (A. R. 60.) ^The expiration of an officer's leave must find him at his post, excepting that if, under orders to change station,^ he takes advantage of a leave before joining IG. O. 46, 1897, and G. O. 78, 1898. 2A. R. 54. 3A. R. 57. 4A. R. 54. ; 5A. R. 1331, 168 Customs of the Service, the new station, the leave merely suspends the execu- tion of the order for change of station, and at the expira- tion of the leave he comes under the operation of the order and is entitled to travel allowances to which he would be entitled had he not availed himself of the leave, and is entitled to full pay for the time necessary to perform the journey from his old to his new station. ^An officer who starts to join his station at the expiration of a sick leave will be reported as "m route to join station from sick leave of absence," during the time necessarily consumed in making the journey to his post. No^ leave granted leaving a company without a commissioned officer, nor during the season of active operations, except in urgent necessity; nor exceeding seven days, until an officer has served with his regi- ment at least two years, except under extraordinary circumstances; nor to go beyond sea, without permis- sion from the War Department. In tipie of peace, com- mander of a post may grant seven days' leave, or take similar leave, in one month. Verbal permits for less than twenty-four hours are not counted as leaves. Per- mission to hunt not considered a leave under the re- strictions of A. R. 58. Full pay allowed during absence on account of sickness^ or wounds and during the time consumed in making the journey to his station. An lA. R. 63. 2A. R. 44-45, 50-51, 58. 3A. R. 1315. Customs of the Service. 169 officer receives full pay if on leave not exceeding thirty days in each year, or this may become accumulative for four successive leave years. The leave year is reck- oned from June 20th.i Acting^ asistant surgeons are not entitled to pay while on leave. Leaves of absence granted to officers of the Army serving at stations beyond the limits^ of the United States, for the purpose of returning to this country, will be regarded as taking effect on the dates they reach the United States, respectively, and as terminat- ing on the respective dates of their departure there- from in returning to their commands. The dates of arrival in and departure from the United States will, in every case, be reported to the Adjutant-General of the Army. FURLOUGHS TO SOLDIERS. Furloughs for twenty days^ may be granted by commanding officers of posts or by regimental com- manders, if the companies to which they belong are un- der their control. A furlough will not be granted to a soldier about to be discharged. Department command- ers may grant furloughs to sergeants of the post non- lA. R. 1317. 2G. O. 49, 1890. 3G. O. 167, 1898. 4A. R. 106. 160 Customs of the Service, commissioned^ staff for one months, to other soldiers for two months; the commanding general of the Army for four months. Arms or accoutrements not taken on furlough, and no payments made while on furlough. Full pay^ is allowed for the period of absence on furlough and com- mutation of rations at 25 cents per day, provided the soldier does not overstay his furlough, and under re- cent orders^ sick and wounded soldiers sent to United States general or field hospitals may be granted one month's furlough and transportation and commutation of rations to the soldier's home and return to his sta- tion. On the application^ of a soldier on furlough, made at the nearest military station and showing clearly the urgency of his case, a department com- mander may order transportation and subsistence to be furnished to enable him to rejoin his proper station, to be charged against the soldier's pay. A soldier who has returned from furlough to the station from which f urloughed, his company having in his absence changed station, is entitled to transportation at the expense of the Government to the new station of his company. lA. R. 108. 2A. R. 1272. 3G. O. 114, 1898. 4A. R. 110. Customs of the Service. 161 MUSTERROLLS. Read and follow carefully the explicit notes on the muster, and muster- and pay-rolls; accuracy very important now, and in establishing in future years the status of officers and men in back pay, pension, and other claims. The roll must be folded evenly in three folds,^ with brief on the outside. It will not be folded or creased to fit an envelope, but will be mailed in an envelope of the proper size or in a wrapper made especially for the purpose. Company commanders will economize space by close writing and utilizing every line. If additional space be found absolutely neces- sary, the roll will be enlarged, before using, by stitch- ing into the middle of it an extra sheet from another roll. Pieces of paper will under no circumstances be attached to the roll. Enlisted men belonging to different^ regiments or distinct organizations will not be mustered on the same roll. Separate rolls must be prepared for the members of each regiment or organization. A soldier on duty or in hospital^ where his company is not mustered will be mustered on a detachment roll, a separate roll being prepared for each regiment. Calculations on the pay- ICir. 4, 1896. 2G. O. 56, 1898. 3A. R. 785. 162 Customs of the Service, roll are made by the paymaster. Retained^ rolls will not be changed without authority from the Adjutant- General of the Army. Companies will be designated on the rolls by let- ters and regiments, and by the names of their captains, whether present or absent. For requirements in preparation of muster-out- rolls, see G. O. 24, 1898. FINAL STATEMENTS. Final Statements, in duplicate, are given soldiers on discharge (unless dishonorably discharged by sen- tence of general court-martial, with forfeiture of all pay and allowances). The Final Statements show date and place of enlistment, and discharge, with reason for; amounts due to or from soldier. In the case of deceased soldiers, the Final Statements are sent direct to the Adjutant-General of the Army. ^It should he home in mind that overpayments caused hy erroneous Final Statements will he charged against the officer who signed the Final Statements. ^The officer who prepares the Final Statement of a soldier will, at least one day before the discharge takes effect, send by mail, to the paymaster to whom the sol- lA. R. 788. 2Cir. 31, 1898. 3A. R. 150. Customs of the Service. 16' 3 dier may wish to apply for payment, a notification in his own handwriting, in form as follows: Major , Paymaster, U, 8, Army, Washington, Sir: I have the honor to advise you that Private will be discharged the service of the United States on , 1898, by reason of -. (Here state the reason.) The soldier was last paid to , 1898, and has pay due him from that date to date of discharge. There is due him for clothing not drawn in kind, $ , (or, He is indebted to the United States for clothing overdrawn, $ ). He is indebted to the United States for C. & G. E., $ . For court-martial forfeiture, $ . The soldier is (or is not, as the case may be) entitled to traveling allowances. His signature appears below. (Soldier's signature:) Very respectfully, Com'g Co. , Regt. , Vols. ^Soldiers are discharged for the following reasons: 1. By order of the President or the Secretary of War. 2. By sentence of a general court-martial. 3. On surgeon's certificate of disability by direc- tion of the commander of a territorial department or army in the field. Department and corps commanders are authorized to order discharge on certificates of dis- lA. R. 140 and G. O. 100, 1898. -12— 164 Customs of the Service, ability, such orders to be carried out by the regimental, independent battalion, battery, or detachment com- mander, as the case may be, and the Final Statements should show the authority for discharge and whether or not the disability was caused by the soldier's own misconduct. The requirements of G. O. No. 100, A. G. O. 1898, should be carefully observed. 4. In compliance with an order of one of the United States courts, or a justice- or judge thereof, or on a writ of habeas corpus. 5. By expiration of term of service. Under the head of "Remarks," the notation, "Ser- vice honest and faithful," or "Service not honest and faithful," as the case may be, must appear. Travel-pay is forfeited: 1. By dishonorable discharge, per sentence of court-martial. 2. When a soldier is discharged as a minor, or for other cause involving fraud on his part in the enlistment. 3. When, at date of discharge, the soldier is in the hands of the civil authorities and undergoing im- prisonment. 4. When discharged before expiration of term of enlistment through fault of his. 5. When discharged by order of the Secretary of War, or by corps or department commander, for disa- bility, caused by his own misconduct. Gustams of the Service. 165 6. When discJiarged by way of favor, as, "to en- able him to accept a commission." If for any of the above causes the soldier is not en- titled to traveling allowances, the notation, "Not en- titled to traveling allowances," must appear, and the authority for the same must be stated. Clothing Account Settlement must be made by the company com- mander, and the balance "due the United States," or "due the soldier," must be stated. In cases where clothing has been issued by the State authorities, the following remark will be made on the Final Statements: **In the settlement for cloth- ing is included the sum of | , the total value of articles issued him by the State." In cases where no clothing was issued by the State, a remark to that effect will be made. ^"By direction of the Secretary of War, enlisted men discharged in Cuba, Porto Rico, Hawaii, the Philip- pines, or other places outside of the United States, will be provided free transportation to the United States on Government transports upon direction of the command- ing officers in the several localities^, and will be sub- sisted by the Subsistence Department to the [ort of destination. They will not be entitled to travel pay iG. o. 5, 1899. 166 Customs of the Service, from port of embarkation to the United States, nor to commutation of rations for the time so subsisted on the transports. The fact that such transportation and subsistence have been furnished must be noted on the Final Statements. Paymasters, when paying Final Statements of soldiers discharged under above condi- tions, will include in such payments travel allowances from station to port of embarkation and from port of arrival in the United States to place of enlistment or enrollment." U. S. ARMY RECRUITING CIRCULAR. The following instructions will govern recruiting for the Regular Army in time of war: Applicants for enlistment must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years, of good character and habits, able-bodied, free from disease, and must be able to speak the English language. Married men will be enlisted only upon the ap- proval of a regimental commander. Minors must not be enlisted without the written consent of father, only surviving parent, or legally appointed guardian. Boys between the ages of 16 and 18, who may be needed as musicians, may be enlisted as such, with the approval of the proper commanding oflQcer. Customs of the Service. 167 Original enlistments will be confined to persons who are citizens of the United States, or who have made legal declaration of their intention to become citizens thereof. Applicants will be required to satisfy the recruit- ing officer regarding age and character, and should be prepared to furnish the necessary evidence. For Infantry and Artillery the height- must be not less than Q^ve feet four inches, and weight not less than one hundred and twenty (120) pounds and not more than one hundred and ninety (190) pounds. For Cavalry the height must not be less than five feet four inches and not more than five feet ten inches, and weight not to exceed one hundred and sixty-five (165) pounds. No minimum weight is prescribed for Cavalry, but the chest measures must be satisfactory. It is not necessary that an applicant should con- form exactly to the figures indicated in the table of proportions, the variation of a few pounds in weight either way, and of a fraction of an inch in chest meas- ures, being permissible. Applicants must defray their own expenses to the place of enlistment. Their fitness for the military ser- vice can be determined only upon examination at a military post, or other recruiting station. The term of service is three years. All soldiers receive from the Government (in addi- 168 Customs of the Service, tion to their pay) rations, clothing, bedding, medicines, and medical attendance. Whenever a soldier is honorably discharged at the expiration of his enlistment, or on account of disability not caused by his own misconduct, his travel-pay is ample to carry him to the place of enlistment. By care and economy, a soldier can save from his clothing allowance a considerable sum, payable to him on his discharge. For soldiers who have served honestly and faith- fully twenty years, or who have been discharged for wounds received or disease incurred in service, a com- fortable Home is maintained in the city of Washington. The sum of 12| cents per month is deducted from each soldier's pay, to be applied toward the support of the Home. ^After thirty years' service, enlisted men are entitled to be retired, and upon retirement receive three-fourths of the monthly pay allowed by law to them in the grade they held when retired, and |9.50 per month as commutation for clothing and subsistence Length of war service, with the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps during the War of the Rebellion, will be doubled in computing the thirty years. lA. R. 135 et seq. Customs of the Service. 169 THE SIGNAL CODE. Flags are used, according to the light or shade or background, as may be best adapted to surrounding conditions. Wave to the right is signal for one; to the left, for two; to the front, for three. Important messages are sent in cipher, and are, of course, unintelligible from the Myei's code here given. Letters. A., ,.. 22 J.... 1122 S.. . . 212 B.. ..2112 K....2121 T... ,. -2 C. .. 121 L.... 221 IT... . . 112 D.. .. 222 M....1221 V... .1222 E.. .. 12 N.... 11 W... ,.1121 F.. ..2221 0.... 21 X... .2122 G.. ..2211 P.... 1212 Y... . Ill H.. , .. 122 Q....1211 Z... .2222 I.. .. 1 R....MGG Numerals. ti3n. ..1112 1.. ..nil 4.... 2221 7... .1222 2.. ..2222 5.... 1122 8... .2111 3.. ..1112 6.... 2211 0....2112 9... .1221 Abbreviations. a... after b... before c.ean h...have ii...not r..are t the u you ur.your w . . .word wi..with y. . yes End of word. .3 End of sentence. .33 End of message. .333 170 Customs of the Service, MISCELLANEOUS. Colors, The national color of stars and stripes, made of silk, 5.6x4.4 inches, for regiments and the battalion of Engineers. The battalion color will be of scarlet silk. The regimental color, for artillery, of scarlet silk; for infantry, of blue silk; the regimental standard for cavalry will be of yellow silk. The silken national color or standard will be carried in battles^ campaigns, and on all occasions of ceremony at regimental head- quarters in which two or more companies of the regi- ment participate. A national color of bunting will be furnished for use at drills and on marches. Each troop of cavalry will have a silken guidon, the upper part red and the lower whit^; each battery of light artillery, a like guidon of scarlet silk. Service guidons are for use at drills and on marches. Camp colors, printed upon bunting, 18x20 inches. For the Secretary of War the flag will be of scar- let bunting, 12x6.8, having upon it an eagle with out- stretched wings, .... in each corner a white star. The colors will be of scarlet silk, 5.6x4.4, trimmed with white knotted fringe. ... Customs of the Service, 171 Flags. The national flags are in three sizes: the garrison, issued to certain designated posts only; the post, 20x10; the storm, 8x4.2. Hospital and ambulance flags, of white bunting, with a red cross. Salutes with Cannon. Salutes will be fired between sunrise and sunset only, and, as a rule, not on Sunday. The salute to the Union consists of 1 gun for each State, and is fired at noon on July 4th. The national salute is 21 guns. Same to a national flag. The President, both on his arrival at and departure from a military post, or when its vicinity, receives a salute of 21 guns. The Vice-President, the President of the Senate, and ambassadors receive 19 guns. Members of the Cabinet, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, committees of Congress oflicially visiting a military post, and governors within their respective States or Territories receive 17 guns. The Assistant Secretary of War, 15 guns. Envoys and ministers, 15 guns. Ministers resident, 13 guns. 172 Customs of the Service. Charges d'affaires, 11 guDS. Consuls-general, 9 guns. . The major-general commanding the Army, 15 guns. A major-general, 13 guns. A brigadier general, 11 guns. For other details of honors, see A. R. 405 et seq. Soldiers^ Home, A deduction of 12^ cents per month is made from the pay of soldiers for support of the Soldiers' Home at Washington, D. C. Detached Service. Enlisted men, when detached from their compa- nies, will be provided with descriptive lists showing pay due them, condition of clothing allowance, and all other information necessary to receiving pay and set- tlement of accounts if discharged. This descriptive list should be sent by mail, or it may be intrusted to the oflScer or non-commissioned officer in charge of the party. The following enlisted men are entitled, at public expense, when traveling under orders on public busi- ness without troops, to a double berth In a sleeping-car or to the customary state-room accommodations on steamers where extra charge is made for the same: ser- geant-majors, ordnance, commissary, and quartermas- ter sergeants (post or regimental), hospital stewards, Customs of the Service. 173 chief musicians, principal musicians, chief trumpeters, saddler sergeants, and sergeants of the Signal Corps; also invalid soldiers when so traveling, on the certifi- cate of a medical officer showing the necessity therefor. Officers^ Baggage, The baggage to be transported at public expense, including mess-chests and personal baggage, upon change of station, will not exceed the following weights '} Major-General . , Brigadier general Field officer Captain. First lieutenant . . Second lieutenant Acting assistant surgreon Veterinary surgeon Post and regfiraental non-commissioned staff offi- cer, hospital steward, chief musician, and ser- geant of the Signal Corps, each In the Chang- Field. ing- vStation Pounds. Pounds. 1,000 3,500. 700 2,800 500 2,400' 200 2,000 150 1,700 150 1,500' 150 1,200^ 150 500" 500 ^For officers, when embarking under orders for extended service over the sea for duty, the allowance of baggage to be transported by the Quartermaster's Department from initial point to port of embarkation and from port of destination to garrison station will be lA. R. 1119. 2G. O. 7, 1899. 174 Customs of the Service. three times the allowance prescribed above for change of station. There is no public necessity demanding that the allowance and excess be separated and shipped in dif- ferent cars. It would be a hardship if the goods would not be found to arrive together. If an officer changing station elects to make a shipment of his entire belong- ings in a car in the interests of economy to himself, he can make claim for reimbursement of the amount accru- ing on his allowance, at the car-load rate paid by him. G. O. 46, A. G. 0. 1897, has withdrawn the prohibition heretofore contained in A. R. 1118. Deceased Soldiers. Upon the death of a soldier, his immediate com- mander is required to secure all his effects, and, in the presence of two ofiScers, make inventory of the same, to be forwarded with Final Statements to the War Department. If the effects are not claimed within thirty days, they will be sold by a council of administra- tion and the proceeds transferred to the company com- mander and by him deposited with a paymaster to the credit of the United States. ( A. W. 126-7; Cir. A. G. O. No. 27, 1897.) The remains of deceased soldiers will be decently inclosed in coffins and transported by the Quartermaster's Department to the nearest national cemetery, unless otherwise ordered. The other ex- penses of burial are limited to |35.00 for each enlisted man. Customs of the Service. 175 Public Quarters — Officers^ ^"Regarding occupancy of public quarters at mili- tary stations by families of officers ordered to duty abroad, the Secretary of War has remarked that offi- cers belonging to the garrison at any post must be allowed to choose quarters as prescribed by the Regu- lations, and thereafter any unoccupied quarters remain- ing may be assigned in such manner as may be arranged by the post commanders to families of officers absent in the field or serving abroad. It is impossible to pre- scribe any definite method to be pursued as to the dis- tribution of quarters, but it is expected that families will make use of them in such neighborly manner as to accommodate the greatest number. Families availing themselves of this privilege will be allowed to purchase stores from the Commissary and Quartermaster's Departments for their own use.'' Loss of Private Property. See paragraph 723, Army Regulations, G. O. No. 35, A. G. O. 1896, and Circular No. 1, A. G. O. 1897. Company Records, The company records will consist of: a company order book, a book of letters received and of letters sent, with indexes, council book, sick report book. iCir. January 19, 1899. 176 Customs of the Service, clothing book, morning report book, descriptive book of the officers and men who have ever belonged to the company, a duty roster, and, for the mounted service, a descriptive book of public animals. A record of vac- cinations will be entered in the descriptive book. The records will also contain orders and instructions re- ceived and retained copies of all rolls, reports, corre- spondence, etc. Transfers. Transfers will only be made for cogent reasons: from one company to another of the same regiment, not involving change of station, by the colonel; if in- volving change of station within the department, with consent of the department commander. From one regi- ment to another, by the commanding general of the Army. Public Property. Public property, expended, lost, or destroyed, must be accounted for by affidavits, or other satisfactory evidence. Mourning. The badge of military mourning is a knot of black crape worn upon the sword hilt for a period not to ex- ceed thirty days. As family mourning, officers may Customs of the Service. 177 wear a straight band of crape five inches wide around the left arm above the elbow. Route Step, Signal for: see G. O. No. 69, A. G. O. 1897. Manual of Arms (Modified). Adaptation of the manual for the service maga- zine rifle, cal. 30, to the Springfield rifle, cal. 45, is pub- lished in Circular No. 16, War Department, A. G. O. 1897. The Post Exchange. The Post Exchange is established by Army Regu- lations (A. R. 325), and the experience of probably every commanding officer in the Army has been that it en- courages temperance, contentment, and good behav- ior. Its main object is to provide comforts and neces- sities for the men and to regulate the sale of beer to them under army restrictions, so that no man is allowed any excess; no whisky or strong liquors are ever sold. The sales are made nearly at cost, instead of the old sutler's exorbitant prices. A commissioned officer of the Army is in charge of the business, and buys only the best articles. Two of the captains, with the Ex- change officer, further supervise the workings of the 178 Customs of the Service, Exchange, and any profits at close of each month are divided equitably among the companies for the exclu- sive benefit of the soldiers' mess. A point to be remem- bered is that where there is no Canteen, temptation is held out to the soldier to buy poisonous stimulants in the groggeries outside the camp, with the usual results. The War Department has not yet extended this system to troops in the field. Visiting the Fortifications. No persons, except officers of the Army and Navy of the United States and persons in the service of the United States employed in direct connection with the use, construction, or care of these works, will be allowed to visit any portion of the lake and coast de- fenses of the United States, without the written author ity of the commanding officer in charge, and he will exercise great care in acting upon the applications to visit the works, and will grant such only as may be warranted for good and sufficient military reasons. THE TRUMPET CALLS. Rhyming words have been so cleverly fitted by the soldiers themselves that the very notes seem to speak the meaning expressed by the call. For instance, for Reveille we have the rousing refrain : Customs of the Service. 179 I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up in the morning; I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up at all; Corp'rals worse than the privates; Sergeants worse than the corp'rals; Lieut'nants worse than the sergeants, And the capt'ns the worst of all. Chorus — I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up, etc. For Dinner or Mess call the bugler says: Soup-y, soup-y, soup, Without a single bean; Pork-y, pork-y, pork, Without a streak of lean; Coffee, coffee, coffee. The meanest ever seen! The military version of ^^Gabriel's trump," or Res- urrection call, has taken the place of the old drum and fife jingle: Come and get your quinine, come and get your pills, Oh! come and get your quinine, come and get your pills. Which summons the halt and lame to the ^'sick bay" and the doctor's tender mercies. In the Army the new horses have to be carefully trained to accustom their ears to strange noises, espe- cially the clanging trumpet notes, which inseparably accompany the "pomp and circumstance" of a military life. That they may be even better accustomed to the meaning of these sounds than the soldiers themselves —13— 180 Customs of the Service, is evidenced daily in the life of a cavalry troop-horse. They soon learn to distinguish the calls which affect them individually, especially the Stable call. Come all who are able and go to the stable And get out your horses and give 'em some corn; For if you don't do it, the col'nel will know it, And then you will rue it, sure as you *re born. That the sound of this martial refrain conveys a distinct meaning to them other than the oft-recurring calls in which they have no special interest is evinced by the impatience of horses out on herd to return to the picket line if the Stable call is sounded in camp some distance away. Their restlessness, raised heads, and eager neighing give indisputable evidence of the fact that they recognize this call above all others. Like- wise when turned out to graze the herd starts towarS camp of their own accord at the sourd of the Recall, and if at squadron maneuvers, and the drill is pro- longed a trifle beyond the sounding of the Recall, the troop-horses manifest much greater impatience to leave the ranks than do the troopers, seeming to know, like their riders, that the regulation drill hour has passed and that the troops should be dismissed. They soon learn to recognize the Skirmish and Squadron Drill calls, and to distinguish them apart; Trot, Gallop, Halt, Dismonnt, Deploy, Lie Down, Rise, are frequently understood and obeyed as readily by the horses as by their riders, and whether or not the troop- Customs of the Service, 181 horse is guided by the hand on his bridle-rein, his sagac- ity is such that he rarely or never loses his place in the ranks. The signal Taps, the final call at 11 p. m., is cred- ited to Major Truman Seymour, Fifth United States Artillery. If sounded with prolonged notes and expres sion, the effect suggests "lights out," and custom has established it at military funerals as a finale on the trumpets to the firing salute. EXTINGUISH LIGHTS-TAPS. .o^''''^'^. TRADE The Warnock ^ew Uniform Co. ^ork 19 & 21 WEST 31st ST. Makers of Reliable Goods only Military Aiguilettes. Army Hats. Blouses. Navy Blouses. Belts. Braids. Yachting Golfing Belts. Busbies. Buttons. Clothing. Caps. Buttons. Caps. Cap Devices. Cocked Hats. Collar Devices. Cycling Shooting Riding Cap Covers. Clothing. Cap Cords. Cloaks. Chapeau. Dress Coats. Buttons. Corps Badges. Epaulettes. Braids. Capes. Collar Devices. Embroideries. Coats. Gloves. Capes. Chevrons. Gold Braids. Caps. Campaign Hats. Gold Cords. Clothing. Dress Coats. Gold Laces. Cap Covers. Drill Regulations. Japanned Cases. Cap Devices. Epaulettes. Overcoats. Club Emblems. Embroideries. Shoulder Knots. Cap Ribbons. Gauntlets. Shoulder Straps. Embroideries. Gloves. Swords. Monograms. Gold Cords Sword Cases. Riding Breeches. Gold Braids. Sword Knots. Specialties. Gold Laces. Sleeve Stars. Trousers. Helmets. Trousers. Uniforms. Helmet Cords. Uniforms. Vests. Leggins. Overcoats. Pompons. Plumes. Riding Breeches. Estimates Sabres. Swords. Designs Cheerfully Shakos. Spurs. Submitted Shoulder Knots. Shoulder Straps, Sashes. Samples Sword Knots. Sword Cases. Saddle Clothes. Service Trunks. Trousers. Trouser Stripes. Uniforms an d Equipments Tactics. Uniforms. altered to pro motion changes International Military Series. EDITED BY LIEUT.-COLONBtv ARTHUR L. WAGNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army; formerly Instructor in the Art of War at the U. S. Infantry and Cavalry School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. MILITARY LETTERS AND ESSAYS. By Captain F. N. Maude. R.E., author of "Letters on Tactics and Organization," "The Evrolution of Modern Drill-Books," Etc. 1 volume, 8vo, handsomely bound in blud cloth. Sent postpaid on receipt of $1 50. CAVALRY STUDIES FROM TWO GREAT WARS, comprising the French Cavalry in 1870, by Lieutenant-Colonel Bonie (French Army). The German Cavalry in the Bitttle of Vionville— Mars-la-Tour, by Major Kaehler ^German Gen- ei-al Staff). The Operations of the Cavalry in the Gettys- burg Campaign, by Lieutenant-Colonel George B. Davis, U. S A. Illustrated; full blue cloth. Sent postpaid on receipt of $1.50. TACTICAL STUDIES ON THE BATTLES AROUND PLEVNA. By Thilo von Trotha, Captain of the Grenadier Regiment Frederic William IV. (Attached). 1 volume, Svo, hand- somely bound in blue cloth Sent postpaid on receipt of $1.50. CAVALRY rs. INFANTRY, and Other Essays. By Captain F. N. Maude, R.E. 1 volume, Svo, handsomely bound in blue cloth, postpaid, $1.50. EXTRACTS FROM AN INFANTRY CAPTAIN'S JOURNAL ON THE TRIAL OF A METHOD FOR EFFECTIVELY TRAINING A COM- PANY IN SKIRMISHING AND OUTPOST DUTY, by Major von Arnim of HohenzoUern Fusilier Regiment No. 40; trans lated by Major C. J. East, 41st Regiment, D. A. Q M. G. Full blue cloth, $1.50. INQUIRIES INTO THR TACTICS OF THE FUTURE. Deve oped from Modern Military History By Fritz Hoenig. Trans- lated from the Fourth German Editio i by Carl Keich- mann, 1st Lieut. 9th Infantry. The Author unites the qualities so de^^irable in a tactical writer; namely, a deep knowledge of his subject and of hu- man nature, a facility of expression, fearlessness In s tting forth his views, and a spirit of philosophical justice, which is shown in giving credit to his enemies as well as bestowing praise upon hi? friends. Full Blue Cloth, 420 p ges, price, $2 00. Hudson-Kimberly Pu^^'shing Co. 1014-1016 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. Military Publications. THE ttlTLING GUNS AT SANTIAGO. By Lieut. John II. Parker. 13tli U. S. Infantry, uomtnander of the Gatling Gun De- tacliuieiit at Santiago. Introduction by Col. Theodore Hojsevelt, 1st U. S. Volunteer Cavalry. (Rough Riders.) 300 pages, cloth, octavo, $1.50. QUESTIONS. Tuis pamphlet compi-ises Appendix III. of ()r;'S FIELD HOLDER, with blanks for Road and l»osi- tion Sketching on Practice Marches, Advance and Hear Guard Duty, Outposts, Relay Lines, and with In^itruc- tions for the Men in the Duties of Orderlies and Mes en- gers. Price, 75c; additional Books or Fillers, 25c THE CONDUCT OF WAR. By Lieat.-General von derGoUz, Prussian Army. Full blue cloth, $2 00. MANUAL OF MILITARY FIELD ENGINEERING, for the use of Offi- cers and Troops of the Line. Prepared at the U. S. Infan- try and Cavalry School by the Department of Engineer- ing. Captain Wm. D. Beach, Third Cavalry, Instructor. Price, $1.75. MILITARY TOPOGRAPHY AND SKETCHING, a Revised Edition, prepared for the Use of the Department of bJngiiieer- ing, United States Infantry and Cavalry School of Fort Leaveaworth, by Lieut. Edwin A Root. 280 pages, full cloth, $2.50. THE WAR GAME SIMPLIFIED, after the method of General Verdy du Vernois. Designed for the use of beginners as well as advanced study of the Military Art. Published with full-sized Mops and complete apparatus for conduct- ing an exercise of the Three Arms Combined. The trans- lation and arrangement are the work of Captain Eben Swift, Fifth Cavalry, formerly in charge of the conduct of the War Game at the United States Infantry and Cavalry School. Price. $5.00. AFIELD MESSAGE-BOOK, for the use of Signalists and Army Officers in the field. Designed by Major Howard A. Gid- dings. Brigade Signal Officer Connecticut Nationa. Guard. Cipher disk, pencil, blanks, tiansfer sheets, and filing pockets, all in a compact water-proof cover. Com- plete, 75 blanks in pad, compressed-lead pencil. Sent post- paid to any address upon receipt of price, $1 00. Extra puds, 25 cents. INFANTRY FIRE; ITS USE IN BATTLE, by Jos. B. Batchelor, Jr., First Lieutenant Twenty fourth United States Infantry. Handsomely bound in leather and complete with tables and illustrations. Sent post-paid upon receipt of price, $2.00. Hudson-Kimberly Publishing Co 1014-1016 WyatidoUe St., Kansas City, Mo. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY, BERKELEY THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW Books not returned on time are subject to a fine of 50c per volume after the third day overdue, increasing to $1.00 per volume after the sixth day. Books not in demand may be renewed if application is made before expiration of loan period. , SEP t »«W lJun'55lW t/fivi. -mni -^ I3Jan'60PMZ RECEIVED Bf JULl Z \^0L CIRCULATION DEPT. t^>'^^' T^f'^^^m J^p ys 03952 ?^ , >'/ ' mM'^>"''c^^^^^^' ^rt