Light Infantry

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EXERCISES AND MANOEUVRES

FOR

LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLEMEN.

    1573. BATTALIONS of infantry will be required to execute the light manoeuvres both in closed and extended order; for this purpose, and in order that any battalion, or company of a battalion, may act as light troops, colonels will cause their battalion to be principally instructed in the exercises and movements of light-infantry and riflemen.

    1574. When the commander intends to manoeuvre as light-infantry, he will cause the battalion to unfix bayonet, and command, 1. As light-infantry; 2. Shoulder-ARMS. (see No. 1585.)

    1575. The men and officers are always to understand, when this order is given, that they are to manoeuvre as light-infantry.

    1576. The object for light-infantry and riflemen, whether in battalion or company, is to protect the advance or retreat, and to cover and assist the manoeuvres of large bodies; and these particular instructions arc laid down to establish uniformity of movement, and to afford such details as will, under all circumstances, contribute to produce unity of action:

    1577. The first principle essential to this object is the utmost rapidity of movement consistent with order and regularity. When shifting from one position to another, the officers will always move in double quick time; and, when no particular time is specified, all light-infantry movements in close order, except formations from file, will be in quick time, (of one hundred and twenty paces per minute.) All formations from file, and from extended order, and all extensions, will be executed in double quick time, (of one hundred and sixty paces per minute.) A just discretion, however, is necessarily vested in every commanding officer on actual service; when the double quick time must be sparingly used. In broken grounds, or when rapidly advancing to seize an advantageous point, or in cases of great danger in retreating: or assembling, it may always be resorted to; but for common skirmishing, it is liable to exhaust the men. Whenever the company or battalion is to be put in motion in double quick time, or when double quick time is to be assumed on the march, the previous order to trail arms will be understood, and arms trailed accordingly.

    1578. The organization and habitual formation of light-infantry and rifle companies will be, in all respects, the same as of companies of the line, substituting only two buglers, in lieu of a drummer and a fifer, to each.

    1579. The files will he numbered from right to left, and the men particularly instructed to recollect their respective numbers. The right and left file of platoons and sections will be particularly designated as such.

    1581. The same order of instruction will be observed as prescribed, Section II.

    1582. The bayonets of light-infantry companies will, when acting in close order, be fixed by command, No s. 267, &c.; in open order, whenever the soldier finds it necessary for attack or defence, at his discretion.

    1583. Every officer will make himself perfectly acquainted with the bugle signals, and it is suggested that all officers, serving with light corps, should, by practice, enable themselves, if necessary, to sound them. Every soIdier will he carefully instructed in the use and application of the sig-

108 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RlFLE.-COMPANY.

naIs, and in all their combinations; and should anyone, after being thus instructed, forget or be unmindful of them, he will merit the severest reprehension.

1584. The buglers of each regiment or corps, under the direction of the adjutant, will be carefully taught to sound and explain the signals, with all their combinations. As a neglect or disobedience of the above may involve the most serious consequences, too much care cannot be bestowed on these injunctions.

Manual Exercise.

Shouldered Arms.

1585. The firelock in the right hand, nearly against the point of the shoulder; the barrel perpendicular, and to the rear; the ramrod to the front; the right arm almost at its full extent, the right hand embracing the cock and guard; the butt fiat along the right thigh, and the left hand hanging by the left side.

Present-ARMS.

1586. ONE MOTION. The firelock is raised with the right hand, opposite to the centre of the body, the ramrod to the front, the cock as high as the lowest coat button; at the same time, the firelock is grasped with the left hand, so that the little finger may touch the hammer-spring, the thumb upward, along the stock, the fore-arm kept close to the body without constraint; and the soldier remains steady to the front, with the right hand grasping the small.

Shoulder-ARMS.

1587. FIRST MOTION. The firelock is brought quickly across the body to the right side, the left hand seizing the firelock smartly as high as the shoulder; the right, slipping round into the original position when shouldered.

1588. SECOND MOTION. The left hand quits the firelock, and is promptly brought, as before, upon the left thigh.

Order -ARMS.

1589. FIRST MOTION. The left hand seizes the firelock even with the right shoulder, and raises it by the right hand about two inches.

1590. SECOND MOTION. The right hand quits its hold, grasps the firelock round the muzzle, and brings it gently to the ground, the beak even with the toe of the right foot, the wrist pressing against the side, and elbows close to the body.

Shoulder-ARMS.

1591. FIRST MOTION. The firelock is thrown at once to the right shoulder, by a jerk of the right hand; the left catches it till the right seizes the firelock at the proper place.

1592. SECOND MOTION. Bring the left hand quickly to its position on the left thigh.

Support-ARMS.

1593. ONE MOTION. The firelock is brought (by bending the right arm) across the body with the guard upward, and opposite the middle of the body; the barrel resting in the joint of the right elbow; the left hand bid across the right.

Carry-ARMS.

1594. ONE MOTION. The firelock is brought smartly to the right side, the left hand to its position.

Trail-ARMs.

1595. ONE MOTION. The left hand seizes the firelock at the second pipe; the right seizes it about six inches above the lock, and trails it to the right side at arm's length, the butt a little lower than (he muzzle.

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Order-ARMs.

1596. FIRST MOTION. Raise the muzzle till the firelock is nearly perpendicular .

1597. SECOND MOTION. Let it slide gently through the right hand to the ground; slip up the right hand to, and seize it by, the muzzle.

Trail-ARMs.

1598. FIRST MOTION. The right hand seizes the firelock as low as possible, without constraint, then raises and catches it about six inches above the lock.

1959. SECOND MOTION. Raise the butt till the firelock is nearly horizontal.

Shoulder-ARMs.

    1600. FlRST MOTION. Raise the muzzle till the firelock is perpendicular.

    1601. SECOND MOTION. The firelock is thrown at once into the right shoulder, by a jerk of the right hand; the left catches it till the right seizes the firelock at the proper place.

    1602. THIRD MOTION. Bring the left hand quickly to its position on the left thigh.

To Load as Riflemen.

1603. The instructer will command,

Load by eight commands.

1. LOAD.

1604. ONE MOTION. Carry back the right foot, making a half-face to the right, turning on the left heel; let fall the firelock, seizing it, with the left hand at the swell, the elbow resting against the left side; the right hand quits its hold, placing the thumb against the top of the hammer.

2. Open-PAN.

1605. ONE MOTION. The pan is pushed open with the right thumb; the right hand seizes the cartridge with the three first fingers, carries it to the mouth, which tears off the end, whence it is brought close to the pan.

3. PRlME.

1606. ONE MOTION. The priming is shaken into the pan; the pan is shut by the third and little finger; the right hand then slides behind the cock, and holds the small of the stock between the third and little finger and ball of the hand.

4. Cast-ABOUT.

1607. FIRST MOTION. The soldier fronts, bringing the right foot to its original position; the rifle is brought, will, the barrel outwards, (sliding it with care through the left hand,) to the ground, the butt placed between the heels, the barrel between the knees, which must be sufficiently bent for that purpose; the left hand takes hold near the muzzle, the thumb stretched along the stock.

1608. SECOND MOTION. The cartridge is put into the barrel, and the ramrod seized with the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand.

5. Draw-RAMROD.

1609. ONE MOTION. The ramrod is drawn by the right hand; the left quits the rifle and grasps the rod, the breadth of a hand from the bottom, which is sunk one inch into the barrel.

6. Ram-CARTRIDGE.

1610. ONE MOTION. The cartridge is forced down by both hands; the left then seize. the rifle near the tail-pipe; the soldier stands upright, and seizes, with the thumb and fore-finger, the small end of the rod.

7. Return--RAMROD.

1611. ONE MOTION. The rod is drawn out, and returned by the right hand, which remains with the ball resting on the head of the ramrod-elbow square.

110 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-COMPANY.

8. Shoulder-ARMS.

1612. FIRST MOTION. The left hand carries the rifle to the right shoulder, turning the guard outwards, the right receiving it in its proper position at the small.

1613. SECOND MOTION. The left hand is carried quickly to the left thigh.

To Load as Light-Infantry.

1614. The instructer will command,

Load by eight commands

1. LOAD, 2. Open--PAN. 3. PRIME.

1615. These commands will be executed, respectively, as prescribed, Nos. 1604,1605 and 1606.

4. Cast-ABOUT.

    1616. ONE MOTION. Without moving the shoulders or feet, press down the butt of the firelock, letting it slide through the left hand, to the ground, the heel of the butt resting on a line with the left toe, the ramrod towards the body, and the muzzle inclined towards the rear, and opposite the right shoulder; the right hand carried as high as, and opposite to, the muzzle; enter the cartridge, and seize the ramrod with the thumb and fore-finger.

    5. Draw-RAMROD.

    1617. ONE MOTION. Draw the ramrod, extending the right arm; seize it at the middle, turn it into the barrel, as far as the hand.

6. Ram-CARTRIDGE. 7. Return-RAMROD.

1618. These commands will be executed, respectively, as prescribed, Nos. 189, 190, 191.

8. Shoulder-ARMS.

1619. FIRST MOTION. Raise the firelock (with the left hand as high as the shoulder) to the right side; seize it with the right, as prescribed for Shoulder-ARMS, turning, at the same time, on the left heel, and bringing the right foot in position.

1620. SECOND MOTION. Carry the left hand quickly to its place.

1621. After the company shall be fully acquainted with the mechanism of loading, the instructer will cause it to execute the whole in quickest time, by the command prescribed, No. 288.

Firings.

1622. The inslructer will cause the company to fire by company, by the commands and means prescribed, No. 486, and following, and by file, as prescribed, No. 492, and following.

1623. Light-infantry and rifle companies will be particularly instructed in file-firing, as in open order, as this will be the mode usually adopted by them in the field. In this fire, the soldier will not be required, as heretofore prescribed, to aim direct to the front, but will be allowed to select his object to the right, left or front. The instructer will command,

1. Company (Platoons or sections.) 2. Fire by File, as in open order. 3. Commence-FIRING.

1624. At the third command, the right file of the company (or, it may be, the right files of each platoon or section) will take three paces to the front; the rear rank man of the file will take the last step, obliquely, to the right: each man will then raise the firelock by the right hand, in front of the centre of the body; with the left, seize it, so that the little finger will rest upon the hammer-spring, the thumb extended along the stock, and all high as the mouth; the right thumb on the cock, and the fingers under the guard.

1625. When cocked, (which must be done gently,) the right hand will grasp the small; the soldier will half-face to the right, and place the butt

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in the hollow of the right shoulder, move the right foot about eighteen inches in rear of the left, the left knee bent, the body brought well forward; the left hand, without having quitted its hold, supporting the firelock near, and in front of, the lock; the right elbow raised even with the shoulder; the fore-finger on the trigger; the head bent forward, and the check resting against the butt; the left eye shut, the right taking aim through the sight: as soon as the soldier has fixed upon his object, he will fire, without waiting for any command.

1626. When the soldier has fired, he will bring the firelock, steadied by the left hand, to the position of Shoulder-ARMS ; and, facing to the right-about, resume his place, and front; he will then bring the firelock into the position to load, half-cock and proceed to load, as prescribed above.

To Fire and Load, Kneeling and Lying.

1st. Kneeling.

    1627. The instructer will cause this to be executed by the commands prescribed, No. 1623, substituting for the second command, therein directed, 2. Fire and load, kneeling.

    1628. At the third command, the right file (or files) will step forward, as indicated, No. 1621, and assume the kneeling position, as in No. 211, except that, instead of placing the piece on the ground, it will be raised in front of the centre of the body, as prescribed, No. 1624.

    1629. Each will then aim, bringing the body well forward, and fire, conforming to what is prescribed, No. 1625.

    1630. After firing, the soldier (remaining on his knee) will bring the piece, supported by the left hand, to the right side; the left elbow resting on, and the barrel in a line with, the left thigh; he will half-cock, and then open pan and prime, as prescribed, Nos. 1605, 1606; bring round the fire-lock with the left hand to the left side, the butt well to the rear, the barrel between the left arm and the body, and held thus, (or by the left hand, as circumstances require,) the muzzle as high as the breast, and three inches in rear of the left knee; he will then insert the cartridge with the right hand, draw ramrod, as prescribed, No. 1617, and ram forcibly home, with one or both hands, as he finds necessary; after which he will return ramrod, as prescribed, No. 1611, and quickly assume the position prescribed, No. 1628: this file will then rise, face about, and resume its place in line .

    1631. The second file will then conform to what is prescribed above, and so on, throughout the company, (platoons or sections.)

2d. Lying.

    1632. To cause the company to fire lying, the instructer will give the commands prescribed, No. 1623; substituting for the second command, therein directed, 2. Fire and load, lying.

    1633. At the third command, the fIrst file will step forward as prescribed above; and each man of that file will place himself lying flat on his belly, his feet to the rear; in this position he will cock his firelock, holding it (with his left hand) diagonally across and under his breast, aim and fire.

    1634. As soon as he has fired, he will turn upon his left side, and rest upon his left elbow; throwing back his piece with both hands until the lock be opposite his breast, the butt resting on the ground; in this position he will half-cock, take out his cartridge with the right hand, prime, and shut pan; he will then, still holding the piece with his left hand, turn upon his back, and throw it to the rear, placing the butt between his heels, with the barrel up, and the muzzle raised above a horizontal position. During this time, he will ho1d the cartridge, with the utmost care, in the right hand; he will now put it into the barrel, draw ramrod, ram home with the right hand, and return ramrod. After this, he will resume his former position.

112 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-COMPANY.

lying on his belly, and resting on both elbows, again prepared. to fire. This file will then quickly spring up, face about, and resume its place in line.

1635. The second file shall then conform to what is prescribed for the first, and so on, successively, through the company, (platoons or sections.)

Remarks on Firing as in Open Order.

1636. In the above cases of firing as in open order, the men will only fire and load once at the command; but, when they shall have been taught to extend, the instructer will inform the company that they are to fire (after extending) either standing, kneeling or lying: he will then cause the signal to extend to be given (see No. 1722) ; after which, that to fire; and the men (thus extended) will commence and continue firing and loading, as directed by the instructer, until the signal to cease firing.

1637. In all firings in extended order, whether at a halt, advancing, or retreating, the fire lock will be brought to the position to cock it, from a trail.

File Movements

To March by a Flank, to the Right or Left; to Change Direction, Marching by a Flank; to Halt the Company, Marching by a Flank; to Front, and Align it.

1638. These will severally be executed, as prescribed Nos. 556 and following, 562 and following, and 565 and following.

To Advance by Files from the Right or Left.

1639: To effect this, the instructer will command,

1. Advance by right 2. Company, right-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1640. (Pl. XXIV. Fig. 1.) At the second word, the company, except the first file, (the rear rank man of which will step oblique1y to the right and front, placing himself on the right of his file-leader,) will face to the right; the captain will place himself on the left of his first sergeant, who will step in front of the leading man of the front rank.

    1641. At the third word, the whole will step off together, each file changing direction on the same ground; the captain will, unless otherwise ordered, be careful to lead, so that the new direction may be at right angles with the original line.

    1642. To advance by file from the right of platoon, or sections, would be performed on the same principles; the instructer commanding,

1. Advance by right of platoon (or section.)

2. Company, right-face. 3. MARCH.

    1643. At the second word, the captain will place himself as prescribed in advanceing from the right of company, and each chief of the other named divisions will pass to the front, by the right of his own division, through the interval occasioned by the right file disengaging to the front, and place himself on the left of his guide of the right, who will have followed, and taken post in front of the leading front rank man of the division.

    1644. At the word MARCH, the whole will step off together, each division, led by its chief, aligning its head by, and preserving distance from, the right; and conforming to what has been prescribed for the whole company, Nos. 1639, 1640.

    1645. Advancing by file from the left of company, platoons or sections, will be executed by inverse means. In all cases, the heads of divisions will align themselves by the proper right of the whole.

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To Retire by File, from the Right or Left.

1646. To effect this, the instructer will command,

1. Retire by right. 2. Company, right-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1647. (PI. XXIV. fig. 2.) At the second command, the company, except the first file, will face to the right; both men of the first file will face to the right-about; the rear rank man will disengage, and the front rank man, by the oblique step, will place himself on his left; the covering sergeant will place himself in front of the latter, and the captain, on the left of the covering sergeant, to lead.

    1648. At the word MARCH, the whole will step off together; the captain leading the company directly to the rear, and each file following and changing direction all the same ground.

    1649. Retiring by file from the right of platoon or section, would be executed on the same principles; the instructer substituting the commands

1. Retire by right of platoons (or sections.)

2. Company, right-FACE. 3. MARCH.

1650. Each named division will execute precisely what has been prescribed above for the whole company, and each chief and guide of division will conform to the instructions for the captain and covering sergeant.

1651. Retiring by file from the left of company, platoons or sections will be executed by inverse commands and means; the captain always proceeding; by the rear to the left of his company or division.

To Form Single File.

1652. The company supposed marching by a flank, to form single file, the instructer will command,

1. Single file. 2. MARCH.

    1653. At the second word, each rear rank man, by an oblique (or side) step, will cover his proper file-leader.

    1654. If the company were at a halt. and the instructer wished to put it in march by single file, on the above command, the whole would face to the right: at the word MARCH, rear rank men would conduct themselves as prescribed above.

    1655. To resume the order of double files, the instructer will command.

1. Double file 2. MARCH.

1656. At the word MARCH. the rear rank men will advance the left shoulder, and move up, in double quick time, till abreast of their respective file-leaders.

Remarks on Single File.

    1657. (Pl. XXV. Fig. 2.) If a company, advancing from the right or left in single file, were ordered, as will be hereafter prescribed, 1. Into line 2. MARCH; the first file would halt; each man would, in succession, move on in the track of the first; when arrived to within one or two paces of that file, turn at right angles to the left, move on till opposite his place in line, then face to the right or left. and move up to his rank in line, thus forming line of battle in two ranks from the march in single file, the rear rank men taking special care to cover their file-leaders.

    1658. The company will also he practised, when advancing and retiring by single file, to form in line of single rank .. in which case, the instructer will command, In single rank; 2. Into line; 3. MARCH; and it will be executed on the same principles, except that each proper rear rank man lakes his place in the single rank on the left of his proper file-leader.

    1659 It will be observed, that the above movement is intended to be executed in thick woods, narrow paths, or marshy and difficult grounds. Whenever the ground admits, and the intention is to form line in two ranks,

114 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-COMPANY.

the files will first be doubled, and, at the command, Into line-MARCH, each file will move up in echel1on, as prescribed, No. 1661, and following.

Formations in Line from File.

To the Front.

1660. The company marching by the right flank, the instructer will command,

1. Into line. 2. MARCH.

    1661. (Pl. XXIV. fig. 1.) The front rank man of the leading file will halt, the man of the rear rank will cover him by a side step to the left and rear; the other files will advance the right shouhler. and form upon the leading file, moving over the shortest space to the new line.

    1662. The captain will shift to the right, and his first sergeant will cover him; the former will correct the alignment of each file as it comes on the line, adding the command, FRONT.

    1663. Forming line to the front (the company marching by the left flank) would be executed by inverse means; the captain resuming his place on the right, on commanding FRONT.

On the Right.

1664. The company marching by the right flank, and the instructer wishing it to form line on the right, he will command,

1. On right into line. 2. MARCH.

    1665. At this word, the captain and covering sergeant will turn quickly to the right, advance two paces. and halt, the latter stepping in the rear, so as to cover the former. Each file will turn in succession to the right. advance two paces, and align itself on the men who preceded them.

    1666. The whole being aligned, the captain will command, FRONT.

    1661. The company, marching by the left flank, would form line on the left by inverse commands and means; the captain shifting to the right after giving the last command.

Faced to the Rear.

1668. The company, marching by the right flank, would be formed facing to the then rear, by the commands,

1. Rear into line. 2. MARCH.

    1669. At the second word, the front rank man of the leading file will halt, and face to the left-about; his rear rank man will wheel to the left about and cover him.

    1670. The other files will advance the left shoulder, and pass over the shortest space to, and cross the new line; halt, and turn to the left-about, cast their eyes to, and dress by the right.

    1671. The captain will shift to the right, superintend the alignment, an add, FRONT.

    1672. (Pl. XXIV. Fig 2.) Marching by the left flank, this movement would be performed by the same commands, and by inverse means.

To Advance by Files from the Centre

1 673. To effect this. the instructer will command,

1. Advance by Centre.. 2. Company, inwards-FACE. 3. MARCH.

1674. (Pl. XXV. Fig. 1.) At the second word, the men will face inwards. except the two centre files, (the left of the first and right of the second platoon.) who will advance one pace obliquely to the right and left, to admit their two rear rank men between them, who will advance for this

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purpose; the first sergeant will take post in front of the left man of the two in the centre, and the captain in front of the other.

1675. At the word MARCH, the whole will step off together, the captain conducting the four leading men directly to the front; each file of the first platoon will change direction in rear of, and follow the two right hand leading men, and the files of the second platoon in like manner will follow the two left; the company thus marching, its two platoons side by side; the first platoon by the left, and the second by the right flank, and the whole in four files, the two exterior files formed by the front rank: so soon as the company shall have advanced the front of a platoon, the file-closers (who will have run to the centre, at the commencement of the movement) will take the step, and follow the march of the company.

Advancing by Files from the Centre, to Form Line to the Front.

1676. To effect this, the instructer will command,

1. Into line. 2. MARCH.

1677. At the second word, the two centre of the four leading men will halt; the two of the front rank will step obliquely to the left and right, covering them in front.

1678. The men of the first platoon will advance the left, and those of the second the right, shoulder, and move over the shortest line to the front; cast their eyes to, and align themselves on, the two centre files; the captain will proceed tu the ri~ht of the company, superintend the alignment. and at the command, FRONT, when the alignment is complete; the file-closers will resume their places in rear of the line.

Advancing by Files from the Centre, to Form Line on either Flank.

1679. The instructer, wishing the company (advancing by file from the centre) to form line on the right flank, will command,

1. Right into line. 2. MARCH.

    1680. (Pl. XXV. Fig. I.) At the last word, the right hand files (those of the first platoon) will halt and face to the right, the captain and covering sergeant proceeding by the front rank, to their post on the right, whence the former will align the company. The first of the left files (those of the second platoon) will pass the rear of the left of the first platoon, turn to the right, and form line on it; the remaining files will turn, successively, and form line on the right, the whole casting their eyes to the right flank; the file-closers will conform to the movement, and resume their posts in rear of the line.

    1681. The captain will then command, FRONT.

    1682. Forming line on the left will be executed by inverse means, the left files halting- and facing and those of the right forming line on the left; the captain will proceed to the left flank, to align the company and resume his post, on giving the word FRONT.

To Retire by Files from the Centre.

1683. To retire by files from the centre, the instructer will command,

1. Retire by centre. 2. Company, inward-FACE. 3. MARCH.

1684. At the second word, the men will face inwards, except the two centre files.

1685. The two centre files will face about; the two rear rank men will advance one step obliquely to the left and right; the two front rank men step between them. The captain and first sergeant will shift by the rear, and take posts in advancing-the former on the left of the latter.

116 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-COMPANY.

1686. At the word MARCH, the four leading men will be conducted by the captain directly to the rear, and the remaining files of the company will follow, as in advancing by files from the centre.

Retiring by Files from the Centre, to Form Line faced to the then Rear.

1687. The instructer, wishing the company, retiring as above, to form line faced to the original front, will command,

1. Rear into line. 2. MARCH.

1688. At the second word, the two front rank men of the leading four will halt, and face about; the two rear rank men will turn about, inwards, and cover the former; the men will advance, those of the first platoon the right, and those of the second the left, shoulder, move over the shortest space, cross the line, face about, and dress by the centre.

1689. The captain will shift to the right, followed by his covering sergeant, correct the alignment, and add, FRONT.

Countermarch.

1690. The company, standing in line, would be countermarched by the commands and means prescribed, No. 717, and following.

Change of Front.

1691. To change the front of the company, halted in line, the instructer will command,

Change front to the right

1692. At this word, the captain will step one pace to the front, face to the men, and command,

1. Company, right-FACE. 2. Into line. 3. MARCH.

1693. At the first command, the men will face to the right. At the word MARCH, the front rank man on the right will stand fast, and the rear rank man of the same file cover by a side step to the left and rear; the remaining files will advance the right shoulders, and move over the shortest space to their places in the new line, and dress by the rIght as they come up ; the rear rank men will carefully conform to the movement of their respective file-leaders.

1694. The captain (who has, after giving the above command, resumed his place on the right of the company) shall carefully superintend the alignment of the men, as they arrive on the line, and then promptly command,

FRONT.

1695. It is a rule, to be invariably observed by the men, in all manoeuvres, that, on coming into line, they arc to close in upon, turn their head. towards, and fix their eyes on, the dressing point, align themselves without further command, and steadily maintain that position of the head, until the command FRONT.

1696. The change of front to the left would be executed by inverse commands and means; the captain, on hearing the command from the instructer, will run quickly to the left of his company. face towards its right, and give the commands prescribed above, substituting left for right, align the company by the left, and proceed promptly to the right on ordering,

FRONT.

To Break into Column.

1697. The company standing in line: and the instructer wishing it to break into column of platoons, right in front, he will command,

1. Column of platoons to the right. 2. Company, right-FACE.

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LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-COMPANY. 117

1698. At the second word. the whole will face to the right; the captain will step one pace to the right, and face to the left; the first lieutenant will run quickly round the left flank of the company, one pace In front; each will then give the caution, Platoon, into line.

1699. On hearing the cautions of the chief of platoons, the instructer will add,

3. MARCH.

    1700. At the third command, each platoon will execute what bas been prescribed for the company in the preceding.

    1701. At this command, also, the captain will pass rapidly to the point where the left of his platoon will rest, quickly post his first sergeant (who will move from the right) as guide of the left; the first lieutenant will run to the point where the left of his platoon will rest, and post his guide of the left.

    1702. Each chief, after aligning, will command, FRONT, and take his place in front of the platoon.

    1703. Column of sections will be formed by similar commands and means, substituting sections for platoons, with this difference, that, at the second command from the instructer, the chiefs of the second and third sections will each place himself in rear of the right file of his section, whence he will give the caution; at the word MARCH, he will run through the interval caused by the movement of the rear files of the division on !lis right, to the point where the left of his division will rest.

    1704. A column, left in front, will be formed by inverse commands and means.

To Resume the Formation in Line.

To the Left.

1705. The instructer will command,

1. Left into line. 2. Column, left-FACE.

1706. At the second command, all the divisions will face to the left: the instructer will then add,

3. MARCH.

    1707. The captain will instantly proceed to the point where the right will rest, and each of the other chiefs of division, by the left, to his place in the rank of file closers; the files of each division will advance the left shoulders, and form to the front. as in No. 1693, and then align themselves by the right: the captain will then command, Company, FRONT.

    1708. At this word, the guides will resume their position in line.

    1709. The open column would be put in march, execute the various change of direction, and be halted, by the means prescribed, No. 609 and following, No. 623 and following, and No. 641 and following.

On the Right or Left.

1710. The column, right or left in front, would form line on the right or left, in the manner prescribed, No. 726 and following, except that the commands to halt or dress will be omitted; the men halting and dressing on coming into line, and remaining with their eyes to the right, until the word FRONT, given by the captain, when he sees the company aligned.

Diminishing and Increasing Front, by Platoons and Sections.

Diminishing.

1711. The company, marching in line, the instructer will command;

1. Break into platoons.

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118 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-COMPANY.

1712. At this word, the chiefs will place themselves in front of their respective platoons; the chief of the first will caution his platoon to march steadily forward; the chief of the second will command, Platoon-by the right flank; the instructer will then add.

2. MARCH.

1713. The fifth platoon will march steadily to the front. the first sergeant shifting to the left; the second platoon will face to the right on the march; and march by its right flank. until its left file arrives opposite its chief, who will have halted on the line of direction of the guide of the first, and who will command. 1. FRONT; 2. MARCH; 3. Guide left.

1714. The company. marching by platoon, would be broke into section on the same principles; the instructer substituting, in the commands, sections for platoons.

Increasing.

1715. The company marching by section, the instructer wishing to increase its front. would command.

1. Form platoons 2. MARCH.

    1716. At the first word, the chiefs of the first and third sections will command Section, by the right flank; and the chiefs of the second and fourth will caution their sections to march steadily forward.

    1717. At the word MARCH, the first and third sections will face to the right, on the march, and file past their respective chiefs, who will have halted opposite the inner flanks of the second and fourth sections; and who will, when the rear file shall have passed. command, 1. FRONT, and, when his section has united with its corresponding one, he will add. 2. MARCH; 3. Guide left: the chiefs of the second and third sections will resume their places in the rank of file-closers.

    1718. A further increase to company front would be executed on the same principles.

    1719. The front of a column. left in front. would be diminished or increased on the same principles, but by inverse means.

Column of Route.

    1720. The company, marching in column, would assume, if necessary, the route step. by the commands and means prescribed, No. 682. and following:.

    1721. Partial diminution of front.,by breaking off files. and increase, by forming them up, would also be executed as prescribed, No. 663. and following

To Extend.

    1722. A company may extend in file, or in single rank, from any part and with any interval between the ranks and between the files.

    1723. The habitual interval between extended files will be six paces in open grounds; but in woods or broken grounds, it may be increased; though, under no circumstances, is it advisable to extend more than twelve paces. When the instructer wishes the extension to be at a greater or less interval than the habitual one, he will prefix to the command EXTEND, the words four (ten or other) paces.

    1724. The extension will always take place from the point where the bugle sounds, or whence the command issues.

    1725. The instructer, wishing the company to extend to the right, would repair to the left file, and command,

Right-EXTEND, (or, Right; .......... paces-EXTEND.)

1726. (PI. XXX. Fig. 4.) At this word, (or, it may be, signal,) the men, except the the left file, will face to the right, trail arms, and move in double quick time; the front rank man of the first file will immediately take up

LIGHT INFANTRY AND RIFLE-COMPANY. 119

points in prolongation of the line, to which he will conform as far as the ground will admit; each file will follow the trace of that in front, halt, and front when at the requisite distance from that in rear. The rear rank man of each file will caution his front rank man, in an under tone, when to halt; and he will judge of the distance by casting his eye over the shoulder. It will thus always be the duty (in extending in file) of the front rank man to preserve the direction, and the rear rank man, the distance.

1727. If the extension were to be to the left, it would be effected by inverse commands and means.

1728. If from the centre, or any central point, the instructer will repair thither, and command,

To the flanks-EXTEND, (or, To the flanks ..............paces-EXTEND.)

1729. (Pl. XXX. Fig. 3.) At the command (or signal,) the files, except that opposite the instructer, or bugle, will face outwards. and conduct themselves as prescribed above.

1730. To extend in single rank, the instructer will command,

Right, ( or left, or to the flanks,) in single rank-EXTEND.

1731. At this command, the whole will face, as prescribed, and the rear rank men immediately, on the march, by a side step, cover their file-leaders; the whole thus forming one rank. In this case, each man will regulate the distance of the one in his front, and caution him to halt, when at the prescribed number of paces.

1732. In elementary instruction, the distance will be frequently varied, in order to accustom the men to judge accurately by the eye.

Supports and Reserves.

    1733. Supports and reserves will be designated previous to extending, and the total of these will vary according to circumstances, a platoon or section for a company, as the ground may be more or less open or enclosed.

    1734. (Pl. XXX. Fig. 3.) When a company approaches the ground where it is to extend, it will halt with one section, or any other proportion of the company; this section will constitute a reserve, and remain imbodied at a convenient distance in rear of the line of skirmishers. The captain will designate the number and strength of the supports, each to be commanded by an officer, if practicable; these supports will advance, with the sections to which they belong, about one hundred paces, and halt: the remainder of each section will continue to advance to about the same distance farther to the front, whence. on a signal to that effect from the reserve, or a command from its own chief, take extended order. The captain will previously have designated the file from which the execution will be made.

    1735. The supports will, by a movement to the right and left, place themselves opposite the centre of their respective lines of skirmishers, and remain imbodied.

    1736. The reserve and supports will mutually support and reinforce the line.

    1737. When the signal to relieve skirmishers is sounded, the reserve will advance; the supports will unite with the reserve, and the whole will extend preparatory to the relief; the relieved line will form a corresponding number of supports and reserves.

    1738. The officer in command of the company will usually remain with the reserve to give the necessary signals, or, by means of trusty men of the reserve, and supports, communicate with his parties in front, and, by the rear, will the commander of the column. In like manner, the habitual posts of chiefs of divisions, in extended order, will be with their supports.

    1739. In. extending, officers will move opposite the particular file they cover in closed order; when extended they are not to confine themselves

120. LIGHT INFANTRY AND RIFLE-COMPANY.

to any spot. but will be in constant activity along the rear, within the limits of the ground covered by their particular section or platoon.

    l740. (Pl. XXX. Fig. 3.) If the object be to mask the deployment of a column. or the movement of the line, the extension should embrace such a space as to envelope the flanks of the party covered; and the better to effect this, the flanks of the chain will be slightly thrown back; If the officers towards the flanks discover that this obvious object is not attained by the specified distance, (although no order to that effect may have been given,) they will cause the files at the extremities to extend, and those towards the centre will conform to the movement.

    1741. When a party, in close order, is directed to extend in advancing upon a given space, the commander will immediately select objects at the extremities of this space for the two flank files, and equidistant for the centre file; the flank and centre files will, upon the above order, (or signal,) move upon the selected points. In this manner, the whole will be extending gradually as they advance, and regulate their distance. on the march; in this case, the reserve and supports will, from the commencement, conform to the movement of the line.

    1742. The combined command (or signal) to advance, and extend, will given in the above case.

    1743. If a company, marching In close order, find it necessary to retreat and extend, the combined command (or signal) would, in like manner, be given and executed.

To Fire in Extended Order.

1744. In extended order, on the signal being given to fire, at a halt, whether in double or single rank, every man will take deliberate aim at his object, firing at will, as prescribed. No. 1624 to 1637, inclusive.

Advancing.

1745. 1st. At the command (or signal) for the whole line to fire advancing, the men of each file will keep together, preserving their distances, and align themselves as accurately as may be, in the direction from which the command is given, loading and firing as rapidly as is consistent with order and execution; the moment the man in front has fired, he will commence loading, and the other man of his file will pass to the front by the right.

1746. (PC. XXX. Fig. 1.) 2d. When the command (or signal) is given to advance and fire by ranks, the front rank of each file will fire; the rear rank man will then move forward the designated number of paces, in the manner which will be prescribed, and fire at will: as soon as he has fired, the front rank man will advance again the prescribed number of paces, and, in his turn, fire; and so on, alternately.

Retiring.

    1747. 1st. When ordered to fire retiring by the whole line, the men of each file will not separate, but face about, and fire deliberately at their object, alternately, covering each other while loading, and then retiring together with the line.

    1748. 2d. On the signal to fire retiring, by alternate ranks, the man of the front rank will fire deliberately, and run to the rear by the left of the rear rank man. to the designated number of paces, and instantly load. When he has nearly accomplished this, the man of the other rank will fire as soon as an object presents itself, and run in like manner by the right, and to the designated number of paces, in rear of the other; and so on, alternately.

    1749. Firing, advancing or retiring in single rank, the odd and even men would advance alternately, preserving their distances of extension.

    1750. As a general rule, one of the men of a file should be always loaded

LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE-COMPANY. 121

Intervals between Ranks.

    1751. For elementary instruction, and at all times when the distance is not specified, the intervals between ranks, when firing, advancing or retiring by ranks, will be twelve paces, although the commander may vary it according to circumstances. When practicable, the commander will, previous to extending, give the number of paces of interval which is to separate the ranks in advancing or retiring after extension. If he wish the interval between ranks to be greater or less than the habitual one, in advancing or retiring, he will add, after the order to advance or retire, (so many) paces when each man, in advancing or retiring, will pass his file-leader, the designated number of paces.

    1752. In firing in extended order, the skirmishers will be governed by circumstances, and fire standing, kneeling or lying, as they may require, and take advantage of any object which presents itself to shelter the person; and for this, they may advance a few paces, more or less.

    1753. In occupying fences, or the edges of hills, whether in close or extended order, the line will always follow the direction of these objects, provided the salient angles are not too acute; but the men must be very careful to fire clear of each other.

    1754. In relieving a line of skirmishers, the new line will extend in the rear, out of reach of the enemy's fire, and afterwards run up rapidly to the old line; each file of the former, proceeding straight in rear of the latter, so a. to keep them between themselves and the enemy's fire.

    1755. If the relief is to take pIace when halted, each file of the old skirmishers will run straight to the rear, the instant that a file of new skirmishers reaches the line of defence; and, whenever the former is out of reach of the enemy's fire, they will close in upon their supports; should an immediate advance be intended, the relieved skirmishers ought to remain in the line, if covered, instead of exposing themselves to a fire while retiring.

    1756. If the relief take place while advancing, the new skirmishers will run up in the same way, and pass briskly in front of the others; the old skirmishers will lie down till they are out of the enemy's fire, after which they close upon their supports as before.

    1757. If relieving while retiring, the new skirmishers will extend a considerable distance in the rear, and each cover himself with an object, if practicable. The old line of skirmishers will retire gradually, until within twenty paces of the new; they will then run through the intervals, until out of reach of the enemy's fire, and close.

To Cease Firing.

1758. At the signal or command to cease firing, which will be repeated, particularly in extended order, by every officer and file-closer, every man will re-load and maintain his position, if in his proper rank: if not in his proper rank, it will instantly be assumed, the men in the rear passing quickly to the front of their file-leaders.

To Close.

1759. When the command or signal is given to close, all the files will face towards the point whence the signal is given, if in their own line, or, if a file has been previously designated, on which to close, they will face towards it, and run in double quick time until they are closed. If the signal is sounded from the supports or reserve, and no file has been designated as above, they will close on the supports.

1760. As each file reaches the closing point, it will halt, shoulder arms, and align itself; if the close be upon the centre, the alignment will be to the centre; if to a flank, towards that flank. When the close is ordered, the rear men may be in front, in which case they will shift as they conform to the line.

122. LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE-COMPANY.

To Recall.

1761. The commander of a column, wishing to recal1 his skirmishers, would cause the recall to be sounded, and this signal would be repeated by the bugle of the reserve; the extended line of skirmishers will instantly run in upon the supports, with them rapidly retreat to the reserve; then, together with the latter, retire to the column. Should the officer commanding the reserve wish to recall his skirmishers, he will simply give the signal, and they will cease firing and run in, as above.

To Halt.

1762. At the command or signal to halt, every man will halt in his position; but if they are advancing firing, the firing is not to cease, unless the order to that effect be given.

To Annul.

1763. When this signal is sounded, all previous commands are annulled. Each man will remain in his position, re-load, if unloaded, correct his distance and interval, and give attention for the succeeding commands or signals.

To Incline.

1764. When the incline sounds, preceded by the signal to the right or left, each file will advance the reverse shoulder, and gain ground laterally, to the designated flank, preserving, carefully, his distance from the next file toward the point of inclination.

To Throw Forward a Flank.

    1765. When the signal is sounded of left or right, and the advance, the men will advance the reverse shoulder, and gain to the front and flank; when the advance again sounds, they will resume the direct step. In obeying the above signal, the men will take shorter steps in proportion as they are near the pivot flank.

    1766. By the above means, the front of a line of light troops may be changed.

    1767. When a line of skirmishers, masking the movement of troops, is compelled to fall back, they will do it with perfect deliberation, disputing every inch of ground: when the assembly sounds, it is an evidence that the troops are prepared to act, and the skirmishers will unmask the front with the greatest despatch, reassemble in rear of their respective corps, re-form, and take their positions in line, or such other position as may be designated.

Too fast, (or, too slow.)

1768. When this signal sounds, it will be answered by the bugles of the advanced or flanking parties, to whom It may be directed; the latter will only the signal, and increase or accelerate their rate of march accordingly.

Signals

1769. Simple Signals

No. 1. To extend
        2. To close
        3. To advance.
        4. To halt.
        5. To retire.
        6. To fire.
        7. To cease firing.

No. 8. To annul.
        9. To relieve skirmishers
        10. To recall.
        11. To assemble
        12. Too fast
        13. Too slow

No. 14. To incline
        15. Right
        16. Left.
        17. Centre.
        18. Double quick march
        19. Alternate ranks

124. LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE-COMPANY.

1770. The following combinations of the above signals will be required under various circumstances, viz :

Nos. 1 and 15. To extend from right.
        1 and 16. To extend from left.
        1 and 17. To extend from centre
        I and 3. To extend, advancing.
        3 and 6. To advance, firing.
        2 and 5. To close, retiring.
        5 and 6. To retire, firing.
        7 and 3. To cease firing and advance.

No. 9 and 3. To relieve, advancing.
        9 and 6. To relieve, retiring.
        15 and 14. To incline to the right.
        16 and 3. To throw forward the left.
        16 and 3. To throw forward the right.
        3,6 and 19. To advance, firing, by alternate ranks.
        16 and 13. The left is too slow.

BATTALION.

1771. The habitual order of battle of a battalion of light infantry or rifle-men, is the same as that prescribed for a battalion of the line.

1772. The general course of instruction will be the same as that prescribed for a battalion of the line; and the general duties of the field-officers, in the instruction and manoeuvres, will also be the same. Hence, the particular posts of the field-officers, in the following manoeuvres, will not be designated.

To Open Ranks; the Alignment of Open Ranks; and to Close the Ranks.

1773. The manner of opening and aligning the ranks, is the same as prescribed, No 824, and following; to c1ose the ranks, will be executed as prescribed, No. 832 .

Firings.

1774. A battalion of light-infantry or riflemen, in close order, may be caused to fire by battalion, by wing, by company or by file, by the commands and means prescribed, No. 833, and following. But the fire by file, as in open order, will always be conducted by each company, as prescribed, No. 1623, and following.

File Movements.

To March to the Right or Left Flank.

1775. The battalion, standing aligned, will be marched in file to the right or left, by the commands and means prescribed, No 1393, and following.

To Change Direction, marching by a Flank.

1776. This will be executed as prescribed, No. 1400, and following.

To Advance by the Right (or Left) of Companies.

1777. To effect this, the colonel will command,

1. Advance by right of companies. 2. Battalion, right-FACE. 8. MARCH.

1778. (Pl. XXVI. Fig. 1.) At the second command, the battalion will face to the right; captians, first sergeants, and the rear rank man on the right of each company, will place themselves as prescribed, No. 1640, and following.

1779. At the word MARCH, the whole will step of; the captain of the

LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION. 125

first company will move steadily, upon a line perpendicular to the original line; the captain of the second will conduct his company parallel to, and with its leading file accurately aligned on, the first; the other captains will carefully preserve the distance and parallelism, and align the heads of companies on the two first.

1780. The battalion may be caused to advance from left of companies by inverse means; always, however, aligning themselves by the proper right.

To Retire by the Right (or Left) of Companies.

1781. The colonel will command,.

1. Retire by right of companies. 2. Battalion, right- FACE.

3. MARCH.

    1782. (Pl. XXVI. Fig. 2.) At the second word, the battalion will face to the right, and each company conforms to what is prescribed, No. 1641.

    1783. At the command MARCH, the whole will step off; each captain aligning by the proper right, and conducting as prescribed above.

    1784. The battalion may retire by the left, on the same principles.

To Advance by the Centre of Companies.

1785. The colonel will command,

1. Advance by centre of companies. 2. Battalion, inwards-FACE.

3. MARCH.

1786. At the second command, each company will conduct itself as prescribed for a single company, No. 1674, and following.

1787. At the word MARCH, the whole will step off, as prescribed, No. 1675; captains carefully preserving distance from, and aligning by, the right.

To Retire by the Centre of Companies.

1788. The colonel will command,

1. Retire by centre of companies. 2: Battalion, inwards-FACE.

3. MARCH.

1789. At the second command. each company will conform to what is prescribed for a single company, No. 1681, and following.

1790. At the third word, the whole will step off, preserving intervals and alignments as prescribed above.

Formations in Line, from File.

To the Front.

1791. The battalion, advancing: by the right of companies, to form line to the front. the colonel will command,

1. Battalion, into line. 2. MARCH.

1792. (Pl. XXVI. Fig. 1.) At the second word, the leading front rank man of each company will halt; each first sergeant will halt, face to the right, his right elbow pressed gently against the breast of the front rank man of the rIght file, and, bringing his firelock before the centre of his body, will carefully cover the guide in his front, on the alignment; the second sergeant of the left company will run up rapidly, and place himself on the line of guides, and near where the left of his company will rest. Each company will then conform to what is directed for a single company, Nos. 1661, 1662; and the captains, after correcting the alignment, will command, FRONT.

1793 The colonel will command,

3. Guides-POSTS

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126 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION.

    Which will be obeyed as prescribed, No. 1141.

    1794. Advancing by the left of companies, the line would be formed by inverse means; the first sergeant of the right company conducting himself as prescribed above for the second sergeant of the left, and together with all the second sergeants acting as guides; captains who would have aligned their companies from the left shifting to the right at the command, Guides-POSTS

    1795. If necessary, the whole battalion might form as above, on the same principles, advancing from the right or left of platoons, or even sections, as prescribed, No. 1643, and following.

    1796. Were the battalion advancing by file from the centre of companies, the colonel, to form line to the front, would give the same command as for forming line, when advancing by the right: the captain and c:overing sergeant would spring to the point where the right will rest, at the second word, whence both would conform to what has been prescribed, No. 1792. as would the second- sergeant of the left company: the companies would conduct themselves. each as prescribed for a single company, No. 1677, 1678.

On either Flank, or at any Angle forward of the Original Line,

1797. The battalion, advancing by the right. left or centre of companies. may be formed in line at any angle with the original line. For example, advancing by the right of companies, the colonel, to form line to the right, will command,

1. Companies- RIGHT.2. Battalion, into line. 3. MARCH,

1798. (Plate XXVII.) At the first command, the captain of the first company will wheel by file to the right, at the angle prescribed by the colonel, who will have placed himself, or a field-officer, at the whce1ing point, for that purpose; when arrived at the point where the right is to rest, (also indicated by a field or staff-officer,) the captain will command. 1. Into line; 2. MARCH; establish his right and left guides, and align his company. Each of the other captains will change direction, conducting his company in such manner, as that it shall regain its parallelism with, and distance from, the company on its right, at least the length of a company from the line to he formed on; and thus, each will arrive perpendicularly on the new line: the captain will then command, 1. Into line; 2. MARCH; and each left guide will spring on the line, face towards its right, and cover the guides of the first company; the companies will conduct themselves, in the formation, as prescribed, No. 1792; the captain. after aligning his company, will command. 3. FRONT.

1799. When the manoeuvre is completed, the colonel will command.

Guides-POSTS.

1800. The line may be formed by the same means to the left, the battalion advancing by the right of companies. In this case, each captain will recollect, that the space between the head of his own company and that of the company on his left, is to be occupied by his own men, instead of those of that company, as in the other case, The right guide will halt on the line facing to its left, and the captain will spring to the left to align.

1801. In like manner, the new line (at any angle in advance of the original line) may be formed on the same principles, when advancing by the left or centre of companies.

Faced to the Rear of the March, Retiring.

q1801. The battalion, retiring by the right of companies, will form line faced to their (then) rear, and parallel to the original front. On arriving where the new line is to be formed, the colonel will command,

Battalion, rear into line. 2. MARCH.

LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION. 127

1803. At the second command, the leading file of the front rank of each company will face to the left-about; the covering sergeant will step quickly to his front, face to the left, and touch the breast of the former with his right elbow; each captain will quickly assume his post on the right to align his company, and each rear rank man of the right file will spring to the left-about, covering his file-leader, and facing to the new front: the remaining files of each company will run by the shortest space to their places in the new line, cross that line, face to the left-about, each in his proper rank, and quickly align by the right; the second sergeant of the left company will cover on the line of the guides, conforming to what has been prescribed; each captain, seeing the alignment of his company complete, will command, FRONT.

The colonel will then command,

Guides-POSTS.

1804. Retiring by the left of companies, the line would be formed as above, by inverse means; the first sergeant of the right company facing to the left, and conforming to what is prescribed above for the second sergeant of the left, and together with all the second sergeants acting as guides: the captains who would have aligned their companies from the left, shifting to their post. at the command, Guides-POSTS.

1805. The same principles would govern in similar formation, if retiring by the right of platoons or sections.

1806. The battalion, retiring by the centre of companies. would be formed in line faced to their then rear, by the above command: the captain and covering sergeant would spring. at the second word, to the point where the right of the company will rest, whence both will conform to what is prescribed for them in similar formations, retiring by the right; and will also the second sergeant of the left company. the remaining files conform to what is prescribed for those of a single company, No. 1633.

On either Flank, retiring, at any Angle in Rear of the Original Line.

1807. Retiring by the right, left or centre of companies, the battalion may form line at any angle with, and in rear of, the original line. If, (for instance,) retiring by the right, the formation were to be on the left, and fronting towards the right of their then direction, the colonel would command,

1. Companies left. 2. Battalion, rear into line. 3. MARCH.

1808. (PI. XXVI. Fig. 2.) At the first command, the captain of the first company will cause it to wheel by file to the left, at the angle prescribed by the colonel, who will have placed himself, or a field-officer, at the wheeling point for that purpose; when arrived at the point where the right is to rest, (which the colonel will also have caused to be indicated,} the captain will command, 1. Rear into line, 2. MARCH; and the company will conform to what is prescribed. No. 1669, and following; the right and left guides will place themselves on the line, and the company will align itself by the right. Each of the other captains will change direction to the left, conducting his company in such manner, that it shall regain its parollelism with, and distance from, the company which preceded it, at least the length of a company, before arriving at the new line. on which line each company will then arrive perpendicularly: each captain will, on arriving, command, 1. Rear into line, 2. MARCH: the left guides will quickly cover on the line the guides of the first company; and the companies will conduct themselves as prescribed No. 1662, and following; after the word FRONT. by the captain, the colonel will command.

Guides-POSTS.

1809 On the same principles, but by inverse means, the line may be

128 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION.

formed (when the battalion is retiring by the right) on the right, and faced to the left of the line of direction.

1810. In like manner, the new line may be formed on the same principles, when retiring by the left or centre of companies.

1811. Lastly, if, retiring thus, it were necessary to form the line on either flank, but faced outwards, the colonel would command,

1. Companies left (or right;) 2. Battalion, by inversion, Into line,

3. MARCH.

When the companies would form on the above principles, by inversion.

Different Methods of forming Open Column.

1812. A battalion of light-infantry or riflemen (like infantry of the line) will break habitually into column of companies, though, should it be deemed necessary, the principles which govern in the following manoeuvres, will be applied in forming column of platoons or sections. In this latter case, chiefs of divisions would conform to what is prescribed for them, No. 1698, and following.

To Break into Column.

1813.The battalion being aligned, and too colonel wishing it to break into column of companies, right in front, he will command,

1. Column of companies to the right. 2. Battalion, right-FACE.

3. MARCH.

    1814. At the second command, the whole will face to the right; each captain will step one pace forward, face to the left, and command, Into line.

    1815. At the command MARCH, each company will execute what is prescribed, No. 1693; the captain, after giving the command, will pass rapidly to the point where the left of his company is to rest, quickly post his second sergeant on his arrival, align his company, and command, FRONT; he will then place himself two paces in front of the centre of his company.

    1816. A column, left in front, will be formed on the same principles, and by inverse means.

To File into Column.

1817. The column will be formed from line, by filing from the right of companies to the rear, by the command's and means prescribed, No. 877, and following; except that the captain will omit the command., 3. FRONT; 4. left-DRE88; the company fronting and aligning itself, at the word HALT, from the captain.

By Filing in Front or Rear of the Company, on either Flank or on any other Company.

1818. To form open column of companies, right in front, on any named company, the colonel will command,

1. Open column of companies, right in front, on (such) company. 2. Battalion, right (left, or inwards)-FACE. 3. MARCH.

1819. If on first company, at the second word, the first company will stand fast, and its captain command, Guide-left; the remaining companies will face to the right, and the heads disengage to the rear; captains and first sergeants will take post to lead by the right; and the movement will be executed at the word MARCH, on the principles prescribed. No. 915. and following, except that the men front and align themselves at the word!. 1. Company; 2. HALT; the captain adding the word, 3. FRONT, after the company is aligned.

LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION. 129

1820. The column would be formed on any other company of the battalion, by the above command; and means, on the principles prescribed, No. 889, and following.

1821. A column, left in front, may be formed on similar principles, but by inverse means.

To Put the Column in March; to Change Direction; and to Halt it.

1822. The column will be put in march by tho means prescribed, No 932, and following; prefixing, if necessary, double quick to the command MARCH. It will change direction, and be halted, by the means prescribed, No. 1001, and following, and No. 1026, and following.

Closing and Opening the Column, and the Countermarch.

1823. The open column will be closed as prescribed, No. 1038, and following. In like manner, the close column will be opened, by the means prescribed, No. 1221, and following.

1824. The countermarch of open or close column, will be executed as prescribed, No. 1081, and following, and No. 1083, and following; except that, in all cases, no order to front or dress, when faced, will be given; the men facing and aligning themselves at the command HALT.

Different Methods of forming Line from Column.

To the Left.

1825. The column of companies halted, right in front, the colonel, wishing it to form on a line passing through the left flank, will command,

1. Left into line. 2. Column, left-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1826. At the second command, the whole, except the left guides, who will stand fast, will face to the left

    1827. Each captain will instantly proceed to the point where the right will rest, placing himself by the left man of the company on his right, and thence align his company: the left man of the front rank of each company will stand fast, and the rear rank man will cover him by a side step to the right; the remaining files will throw forward the left shoulder, move over the shortest space to the new line, and dress by the right.

    1828. The captain will then command, FRONT, and the colonel,

Guides-POSTS.

1829. A column, left in front, would form on a line passing through the right flank, by inverse commands and means.

1830. Lastly, were it necessary to form line to the right flank from a halted column, right in front, it would be done by inversion; the colonel commanding,

1. By inversion, right into line. 2. Column, right-FACE. 8. MARCH.

1831. The companies will face to the right, and, on the command MARCH, advance the right shoulder, and, with the guides, and captains, form line by inversion on the above principles.

1832. The column, left in front, would also form line by inversion, by inverse commands and means.

On the Right or Left.

1833. The colonel, wishing the column on the march, right in front, to form line on the right, or, left in front, to form line on the left, will cause it to be executed by the commands and means prescribed, No. 1151. and following.

130 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION.

Faced to the Front on any Company.

1834. The column right in front, to form line faced to the front, on the leading company, the colonel will command,

1. Front into line. 2. Column, left- FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1835. At the second word, the first company stands fast; the right and left guides of this company place themselves in its front, facing to the right, opposite the exterior files; the other companies face to the left, captains taking post on the right of their respective guides of the left.

    1836. At the third word, all the companies, except the first leading by the left, will move towards the point on the line where their left is to rest, and advancing, for at least the length of a company, perpendicular to the new line, as prescribed, No. 1798. When arrived to within two paces of the line, the captain will command, 1. Into line; 2. MARCH.

    1837. At the second word, the leading file will halt, tho rear rank man of this file covering his file-leader by a side step; the guide of the left will step on the line, face to the right, and align himself on the guides in front; the captain will spring to the point where the right will rest, align his company, and command, 3. FRONT; each file will advance the left shoulderr, move up to the line, and dress by the right.

    1838. When the line is formed, the colonel will command,

Guides- POSTS.

1839. To form in line, faced to the front, on the rear company, the colonel will command,

1. Into line on rear company, faced to the front. 2. Column, right-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1840. At the second command, the rear company standing fast; its right and left guides will take post on its front-the remaining companies will face to the right, and their captains and covering sergeants will place themselves as prescribed to lead by the right flank.

    1841. At the third word, the whole, except the rear company, will step off; each captain will conduct his company towards the rear, and over the shortest space, to where its right will rest in the new line, and, when the first file crosses that line, command, 1. Rear, into line; 2. MARCH.

    1842. The captain will then spring to the left of his company, and place himself to align it.

    1843. At the command MARCH, the company will conform to what is prescribed, No. 1669, and following, for a single company, and then dress by the left; the first sergeant will quickly place himself on the line of guides facing to its left, and opposite one of the three right files of his company; the captain, after aligning his company by the left, will command, 3. FRONT, and resume his post on the right of his company.

    1844. The colonel will then order,

Guides- POSTS.

1845. The column, right in front, may also form line facing to the front on any central company. For example, right in front, the colonel, wishing to form line, thus, on the fourth company, will command,

1. Into line on fourth company, faced to the front. 2. Column, outwards-FACE. 8. MARCH.

1846. (Pl. XXVIII) At the second command, the fourth company will stand fast, and its right and left guides move quickly to the front; the captain will place himself on its right. The companies in front of the designated company will face to the right, and those in rear to the left; captains and sergeants will post themselves to lead those of the former by the right, and those of the latter by the left, flank.

1847. At the command MARCH, the whole will step off together; the front companies, by the right, inclining their heads to the rear, and, to-

LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION.131

gether with their captains, conforming to what is prescribed, No. 1841 , and following. The captains in rear of the designated company, will conduct their companies by the left flank towards the front, and conform to what is prescribed, No. 1836, and following.

1848. In this, as in all other cases of formation to the front or rear, the captains, both of the front and rear companies, lead, so that their companies may be perpendicular. to the new. alignment, for at least the length of a company before arriving on it.

1849. When the alignment is completed, the captain will command, FRONT; and the colonel,

Guides-POSTS.

1850. A column, left in front, would form line faced to the front, on the first, the rear, or any central company, on the same principles, but by inverse means.

Faced to the Rear on any Company.

1851. The battalion in column, right in front, to form line faced to the rear, on the leading company, the colonel will command,

1. Into line on first company, faced to the rear. 2. Column, right-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1852. At the first command, the captain of the first company will rapidly countermarch his company, establish its two guides in front, and post himself on its right.

    1953. At the second, the other companies will face to the right, and their captains will place themselves to lead their companies by the right flank.

    1854. At the word MARCH, each company will be conducted by its captain towards the new line, (on which it is to arrive perpendicular;) the leading file will cross the point where the right is to rest in line, and the captain will instantly command, 1. Rear into line; 2. MARCH; and place himself on the right, to align his company.

    1855. At the word MARCH, from the captain, the left guide will spring on the line, face to the right of the line, and cover the guides in his front; each file will advance the left shoulder, and conform to what is prescribed, No. 1669, and following.

    1856. Captains, after completing the alignment, will command, FRONT; 1851. On which the colonel will command,

Guides-POSTS.

1857. The column right in front, to form in line on the rear company, faced to the rear, the colonel will command,

1. Into line on rear company, faced to the rear. 2. Column, left-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1859. At the first command, the rear company will be rapidly countermarched by its captain, who will promptly establish the right and left guides in its front, and take his post on the left of his company.

    1860. At the second, the other companies will face to the left, and their captains will place themselves by the side of their guides of the left.

    1861. At the word MARCH, each company, led by its captain by the left flank, will gradually change direction to the rear, and approach the line at right angles, and at the point where the left will rest: when arrived within one pace of the line, captain. will command, 1. Into line; 2: MARCH. The guide of the right will run up rapidly to the line, and face to the left of the line, covering the guides in his front; each file will advance the left shoulder,move up to the line, and dress by the left; the captain; who has placed himself on the left, will correct the alignment of each file; as it arrives on the line, and add, 3. FRONT.

    1562. When the last captain, after aligning, has given this command. the colonel will command,

Guides-POSTS.

132 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION.

1863. The column, right in front, may form in line on any central company, faced to the rear. To execute this on the fourth company, the colonel will command,

1. Into line, on fourth company, faced to the rear. 2. Column, outwards-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1864. (Pl. XXIX. Fig. 1.) At the first command, the named company (fourth, in this example) will be rapidly countermarched by its captain, who will post its right and left guides in its front;

    1865. At the second, the companies in front of the designated company will face to the left, and those in rear, to the right; the captain of each will take post, as prescribed in file movements.

    1866. At the word MARCH, captains of the front companies will lead their companies by the left, approach the line perpendicularly, and form upon it as prescribed, No. 1836, and following; captains of the rear companies will lead their companies by the right flank towards, and arrive perpendicularly on, the line; these captains and companies will conform to what is prescribed, No. 1854, and following.

    1867. At the word FRONT, from the captain last arrived on the line, the colonel will command,

Guides-POSTS.

1868. A column, left in. front, would form line en any company, faced to the rear, by inverse means, and on the same principles.

Changes of Front.

Forward, on the Right (or Left.)

1869. The battalion aligned, to change its front, forward on the first company, the colonel will establish two markers on the new line which the battalion is to take, (at any angle forward;) the first opposite to the first file, and the other opposite one of the three left files of the first company; he will then command,

1. Change front forward on first company. 2. Battalion, right-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1870. At the first command, the captain of the first company, stepping a pace forward, will command, 1. Company, right-FACE; 2. Into line; 3. MARCH.

    1871. At the word MARCH, from the captain, the first company will form to the front, and be aligned as prescribed, No. 1693, and following.

    1872. At the second command from the colonel, the other companies will face to the right; their captains will place themselves beside their respective guides of the right, (to lead by the right flank,) and disengage the heads of their companies to the front.

    1873. At the command MARCH, each captain will conduct his company towards, and form on, the new line, as prescribed, No. 1793, align by the right, (the left guides having promptly covered the markers on the alignment,) and command, FRONT.

    1874. On which the colonel will command,

Guides--POSTS.

1875. To change front, forward on the left company, would be executed by inverse commands and means.

On a central Company, either Wing forward.

1876. To effect this, left wing forward, and on the fourth company, (for example,) at any angle, the colonel will establish two markers on the new line which he wishes the battalion to assume; these will be placed in front

LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION. 133

of the named company, the first opposite its right file, and the other where one of the three left files of that company is to rest; he will then command,

1. Change front on fourth company, left wing forward .

2. Battalion, inward-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1877. (Pl. XXIX. Fig.2.) At the first command, the fourth company will face to the right, by command of its captain, who will step one pace forward, and form his company to the front, on the markers, the captain of the third will command, 1. Company, left-FACE; at the same- time, spring to the left of his company, disengage its left to the rear, and. command, 2. Rear into line; 3. MARCH; which is executed as heretofore prescribed: he will then instantly place himself on the right of the fourth company, (whose captain, after aligning his own company, has stepped back,) and align his company on his right guide; who shall have placed himself facing to the left; and covering, on the new line, the markers of the fourth company.

    1878. At the second command, the remaining companies will face inward; the captains of the second and first companies will move quickly to the left of their companies, and disengage the left to the rear, posting themselves to lead by the left flank; the captains of the left companies will post themselves to lead their companies, by the right flank, to the front.

    1879. At the word MARCH, the whole will step off; the captains of the right leading to the rear, to where the left of their companies will rest, and forming on the rear, on the new line, establishing their right guides, and aligning their companies by the left; the left companies will be led to the front, to the point at which their right is to rest, by command of their captains, form to the front into line, and align themselves by the right.

    1880. When all the captains have commanded FRONT, the colonel will order,

Guides-POSTS.

1881. In like manner, the change of front, left wing forward, at any angle, may he executed on any central company of the battalion.

1882. To change front of the battalion, right front forward, at any angle, may be executed on the same principles, but by inverse means.

To the Rear, on either Flank

1883. To change front to the rear on first company, at any angle, the colonel will establish two markers in rear of the first company; the first, in rear of the right file, and the other, on the new alignment, in front of where one of the three left fIles of that company will rest when thrown back; he will then command,

1. Change front to the rear, on first company 2. Battalion, right-FACE. 3. MARCH.

    1884. At the first command, the captain of the first company will command, 1. Company, right-FACE; 2. Rear, into line; 3. MARCH.

    1885. The company will pass the markers, and form line faced to the rear, as heretofore prescribed; the captain aligning it from its right, on the markers.

    1886. At the second command from the colonel, the remaining companies will fare to the right, and disengage their head, to the rear; their captains will promptly post themselves to lead by the right flank.

    1887. At the word MARCH, from the colonel, the companies (except the first) will be lead to the rear of the right flank, and toward their places in the new line, which they pass, and form about as prescribed; their captains aligning from the right on the left guide, who will have covered on the line of the markers, and faced to the right.

    1888. When the colonel hcas3 the last captain order FRONT, he will command,

Guides-POSTS.

134 LIGHT-INFANTRY AND RIFLE.-BATTALION.

1889. The colonel, wishing the aligned battalion to change front to the rear on the left company, will cause the movement to be executed by inverse commands and means.

Column of Route.

1890. The general principles and methods of increasing and decreasing front of a column of route, as prescribed. No. 966, and following, for battalions of the line, will govern in similar marches of a battalion of light infantry.

1891. One method of decreasing from company front, by advancing in files from the centre of companies, will, as often as circumstances admit, be resorted to, in preference to another. The column supposed at a halt, and the colonel wishing to effect this, he will command,

1. Advance by centre of companies. 2. Column, inwards-FACE.

3. MARCH.

    1892. (PI. XXX. Fig.2.) At the second command, the platoons of each company will face inwards, and their captains and covering sergeants will post themselves to lead by the centre.

    1893. At the third command. each company will conform to what is prescribed for a single company, No. 1674, and following.

    1894. Each captain will carefully preserve company distance between himself and the captain of the preceding company.

    1895 If, on the march. a further diminution of front were rendered necessary, the colonel would command,

1. Column. 2. Single-FILES.

1896. At this word, each front rank man (now marching on the exterior line) will move by a side step to the right or left inwards, in front of his rear rank man; the file-closers will conform to the movement. decreasing to the same front. and the company marching by the centre, thus occupying the same front, as if by a flank.

1897. To increase the front, the colonel will command,

1. Column. 2. Double-FILES.

1898. Each front rank man will step outward, join his rear rank man, and the companies will march as before.

l899; To increase to company front, the colonel will order,

1. By companies, into line. 2. MARCH.

    1900. Each company will promptly conform to what is prescribed, No. 1677, 1678, except that the leading file will not halt, but continue the march as before; and the battalion will thus march in column of companies.

    1901. If the colonel wish the increase to be made by companies in succession, he will order the first captain to execute it; and each succeeding company conforms to the movement on the same ground; each captain giving, when be arriving at the proper place, the commands prescribed for the instructer, No. 1670.

    1902. It is believed that this column possesses peculiar advantage for the route march, whereby the danger and inconvenience of opening the column is avoided; the interval of platoons, between the rear of one company and the front of the succeeding, enabling the men to march with all requisite openness of files. To take close order, and resume platoon intervals, as preparatory to a formation to the right, left, or front, the colonel will command,

1. By companies, close order. 2. Column--MARCH.

1903. At the word MARCH, the leading files of companies will continue the march; the other files will close up.

1904. The column may be rapidly formed in line, to either flank, by the commands and means prescribed, No. 1679, and following; in the case of forming to the right by inversion, the reserve platoon would form in the

PARADE AND REVlEW.

interval between the first platoon, which has halted and faced, and the corresponding platoon of the company in front.

To Extend.

    1905. The battalion extends, in open order, upon the principles prescribed for the company.

    1906. The necessity will rarely occur for extending a whole battalion; therefore. one platoon of each company may be held in reserve, to support, relieve, and as a rallying point for its own particular line of skirmishers.

    1907. Where a battalion, operating singly, throws out one platoon of each company en tirailleur, the remaining platoons will move in closed order to the right and left, to place themselves nearly opposite their respective lines of skirmishers.

    1908. Skirmishers thus thrown out, should, inasmuch as the duty is very fatiguing, be relieved as often as the proximity of the enemy or other circumstances permit.

    1909. When a company is ordered to skirmish in the immediate vicinity of the column. it is not material whether it be furnished with supports and reserves; but when at a distance beyond prompt support, one half, in general, should he held as supports and reserves.

    1910. Should a company of light infantry, in extended order, and without cover, be menaced with an attack from cavalry, they will be ordered to close, form column of sections, and retire with steadiness towards the main body. If necessary, the column of sections would close entirely, and the two interior sections (united for that purpose) face outwards, on the principles prescribed, 1551, and following.

To Close

1911. When a battalion, advancing or retiring in extended order, is ordered to close, the file on which the close is to be made, will move in ordinary time till the files are well closed, when, by order of the commanding officer, the whole will assume double quick time.

1912. When a line of skirmishers, covering the head of an advancing column, meets with a defile or bridge, the commander of the line will sound the close, the defile will be passed in double quick time, and the extended order resumed.

PARADE AND REVIEW.

    1913. A BATTALION being in the order of battle, the commander will give the caution, Battalion, prepare for review; when the ranks will be opened in the manner prescribed. No. 824, &c.

    1914. At the word MARCH, the field and staff officers dismount; all the company officers, and the color-rank. will advance four paces to the front of the first rank, and place themselves opposite their respective positions in the order of battle; the assistant surgeons, the surgeon, paymaster, quartermaster and adjutant, will place themselves on the right of the rank of company officers , in the order in which they are here mentioned, at intervals of a pace from each other; at the same time, the band (if there be one) will advance through the centre, and place itself in one rank midway between the colors and the line ; the color-guard will replace the color-rank, and the quartermaster-sergeant and sergeant-major will place themselves on the right of the front rank of the battalion.

    1915. The field-officers shall superintend the execution of these move-

136 PARADE AND REVIEW.

ments, and, on giving the word FRONT, the colonel will place himself eight paces, the lieutenant-colonel and major six paces each, in front of the front rank, opposite their respective places in the order of battle.

    1916. With a view to an increased front, when the battalion is to be reviewed singly, the division of drummers, with the drum-major on its right, may be formed on the right of the battalion; next, the division of pioneers, with the corporal on its right; and, lastly, the quartermaster-sergeant and sergeant-major on the right of the whole.

    1917. In this parade order, the battalion will await the approach of the personage who is to review it, for whose guide a camp color will have been placed 80 or 150 paces in front of the colors, according to the extent of the line and the plain in front of it. .

    1918. When the reviewing personage is midway between the camp color and the colonel, the latter will face about, and command, Battalion, present-ARMS; assuming immediately his proper front when the whole will salute, the last motion of the sword to correspond with the last motion of the firelock. The drums or band will beat or play, according to the rank of the reviewing personage; if it be the president or vice-president of the United States, or the governor of the state, a march; if the secretary of 'war, or a major-general, two ruffles; if a brigadier-general, one ruffle. The regimental color alone will be dropped to a brigadier-general; both colors to the secretary of war or a major-general; and all colors and standards to the president or vice-president of the United States, or the governor of the state.

    1919. If the reviewing officer be under the rank of brigadier-general, no compliment will be paid by either the color or music; neither will arms be presented to him. if he be junior in rank to the commandant of the parade. In the latter case, he will be received with arms carried.

    1920. When the reviewing personage, who has halted till the proper compliments are paid, advances., the colonel will bring his sword to a carry, face to the line, and order, battalion, shoulder-ARMS; when the whole will remain perfectly steady, except the colonel, who resumes his proper front.

    1921. The reviewing personage now turns off to the right of the battalion, passes thence, in front of all the officers to the left; around the left, and behind tbe rank of file-closers, to the right again. Whilst he is passing a round the battalion, no matter what his rank, the drums or band will play, and when he turns off to take his station near the camp color, the music will cease. .

    1922. When the music ceases, the colonel will face about, and command, Battalion, rear rank, close order-MARCH. At the third word, all persons except the colonel, who are in advance or their proper places, in the order of battle, will face about, and, at the word MARCH, the whole battalion will return to that order, the proper officers remounting.

    1923. If a brigade is to be reviewed standing, the battalions composing it will, from the order of battle, assume the parade order, as above. The brigadier and his staff, on foot, will place themselves as follows: -the first, two paces in front of the rank of colonels, opposite the centre of the brigade, his aid on his right, one pace retired: other brigade staff officers, if field officers in rank, will place themselves in the rank of lieutenant-colonels and majors, behind the brigadier; if below that rank, behind him in the rank of company officers. If there are bands of music with the brigade, they will be united with the drums, and formed in the interval between the two battalions. If there be more than two battalions, and no interval in the line behind the brigadier, the music may be placed in any other situation that he may designate.

    1924. A brigade, thus formed, will receive the reviewing personage in the same manner that he would be received by a single battalion, with a slight difference in the words of command, and the repetition of them, which need not be here noticed.

PARADE AND REVIEW.

    1925. If several brigades are to be reviewed together, or in one line, this further difference will be observed; the reviewing personage, joined by the general of the division, on the right of bis division, will proceed down the line, parallel to its front, and, when near the brigadiers respectively, will be saluted by their brigades in succession. The music of each, after the prescribed salute, will play whilst the reviewing personage is in front or in rear of it, and only then.

    1926. The reviewing personage having taken a position near the camp color, previously placed at a proper distance, the colonel, or other commander of the line, will cause it to break into column of companies, right or left in front, and command, Pass in review.

    1927. This command having been repeated by the colonels, if more than one battalion, the band and drummers of each will repair to the head of the battalion column, six paces in front of the position of the colonel; the division of pioneers will precede the drum-major four paces; the quartermaster-sergeant will be on a line with the pioneers two paces from the side opposite the guides; and the quartermaster, paymaster, surgeon and assistant surgeons, from right to left, in the order in which they are mentioned, in one rank, four paces in rear of the rearmost company. The colonel's position in the column will be four paces in front of the chief of the leading divison of his battalion.

    1928. The column will then be put in march at the cadenced pace, arms supported, with the guides of direction on the side next to the reviewing personage.

    1929. The column will first pass in common time, and afterwards, if required, in quick time; in both cases with closed ranks; but, in passing in quick time, no particular salute or compliment will be paid.

    1930. The battalions will take, in marching, intervals between them of about forty paces.

1931. When the head of the column arrives within fifty paces of the reviewing personage, the colonel of the first battalion will cause it to carry arms, when the music will commence playing.

    1932. The drummers and musicians of the first battalion having passed, the drum-major will cause them to wheel out of the column, and take position opposite to the reviewing personage; the music will continue to play till the last division of the battalion has passed; it will then cease, and follow with the drummers in the rear of their battalion.

    1933. Passing in common time, the colonel and all the officers will, as they successively arrive within six paces of the reviewing personage, salute with the sword.

    1934. The colors, according to the rank of the reviewing personage, (see No. 1918,) will again salute at the same distance. When the colors salute, the music will cease playing, in order that the drums may give the prescribed number of rolls or ruffles; after which the music will resume the same march or air.

    1935. The music of each succeeding battalion will not commence playing until the music of the preceding one has ceased in order to follow its battalion.

    1936. Each succeeding battalion will pass in review in the order prescribed for the leading one.

    1937. A major-general would pass in review four paces in front of the brigadier and the colonel of the leading battalion, his staff on the then reverse side. .

    1938. A brigadier-general will pass, side by side, with the colonel of his leading battalion, the brigadier on the staff of the reviewing personage, and the staff of the brigadier on the opposite side.

    1939. The lieutenant-colonel of each battalion will be opposite to the leading division; the major opposite to the rear division; the adjutant opposite to the division next to the front; and the sergeant-major opposite to

PARADE AND REVIEW.

the division next to the rear: each six paces from the flank opposite the reviewing personage.

    1940. All other officers and non-commissioned officers will march past in the places prescribed for them in the march of an open column.

    1941. The guides and the soldiers will keep the head well to the front in passing in review; generals, field and other officers, who salute with the sword, will throw back a little the shoulder next to the reviewing personage and fix their eyes upon him in saluting.

    1942. The color-bearers will remain in the ranks whilst passing and saluting.

    1943. The commander of the column, if of more than one battalion, will send forward two aides-de-camp, or two mounted officers, who will place themselves in front of the column, at the distance of about one hundred paces from each other; they will face the directing guides of the column, and remain in position until the whole shall have passed the reviewing personage.

    1944. If the column be composed of a considerable number of battalions, the general who commands it may put it in march by the route step; the colonels will cause the ranks to be closed, the cadenced pace to be taken, and arms to be carried as their battalions shall respectively arrive within fifty paces or the reviewing personage, and they will cause the route step to be resumed when their battalions shall respectively have passed the same number of paces.

    1945. If the reviewing officer be junior in rank to the commander of the column, the ruffles or rolls, the color and the sword salutes, will be omitted in the passing as in the standing salute; but the troop. would march past with arms carried.

    1946. When the column has marched past, it will return to its original ground, and be wheeled up into line. From this position, such further exercises and manoeuvres will be performed as may be required by the reviewing personage, verbally, or according to a card wh1ch he will previously have handed to the commander of the battalion or line.

    1947. In performing the required manoeuvres, the camp color, previously placed in front or the parade, shall be as far as is practicable, the point on and from which they are to be executed, although the reviewing personage should, occasionally, be absent from that point.

    1948. A number of companies less than a battalion would be reviewed as a battalion; and a single company would be reviewed, the captain, &c. in the same position, both in the standing and passing salutes, as if the company were with the battalion. But the company would pass in column of platoons or sections, according to the order of the reviewing personage.

END.

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