MANUAL

FOR

VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

ARTICLE I.

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

1.    EVERY thoroughly-organized army consists of one or more army corps, made up of infantry and cavalry, with an artillery equipage of one or more batteries, depending upon the strength of the corps, engineer troops, bridge trains, etc.

2.    The infantry, from its powers of endurance, its capability of operating successfully in almost every position, its entire independence of the various casualties which sometimes completely paralyze cavalry and artillery, ranks first in importance in the organization of any army. The strength of the other arms is always based upon that of the infantry, which long experience has shown should be about four-fifths of the entire force.

The troops which compose the infantry are usually divided into heavy and light; these distinctions arise partly from the nature of its weapons, and partly from their different destination on the field of battle. The former is known as the infantry of the line, the latter as light infantry and rifles.

The only arm of the infantry of the line of the present day is the musket, usually the rifled musket, provided with the bayonet, which, in all the manoeuvres, is fixed to the piece. This arm possesses all the essential qualities of the rifle, together with the

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MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA,

advantages peculiar to the musket, making it a most efficient, weapon in the hands of well-disciplined troops.

The infantry of the line should be so disciplined as to act as one mass, which knows no breaking; it should be prepared to deliver its fire in line, in the face of an opposing foe; to form in columns to attack with the bayonet; form into square to resist the charge of cavalry; or stand unmoved under the fire of artillery. To it must be confided everything in the conduct of a battle which requires unyielding firmness—as the attack and defence of strong points, the formation of attacking or supporting columns, the re­serves, etc.

The habitual formation of the infantry of the line of our service is in two ranks; the men of each rank being side by side, with an interval of thirteen inches between the backs of the men of the front rank and the breasts of those of the rear rank.

3.   Light infantry may be armed with the musket, the same as the infantry of the line, the bayonet being worn by the side, except upon rare occasions, when it is fixed; or, it may be armed with rifles, when light infantry-men become riflemen. The rifle now used is short, light, easily carried on long or rapid marches, and possesses the additional advantage of’ the sword bayonet, which, in a charge, may be used like the ordinary bayonet, or as a sword in a hand-to-hand engagement.

The duties of light troops are to open an engagement, and to do their part during its continuance. They should cover the front and flanks of the infantry of the line, in the advance of the latter, driving the enemy out of all covers, etc., only retiring upon the main body when too strongly pressed to maintain their position. Upon them usually devolve advance post, detachment, and advance and rear-guard service.

Light troops form as other infantry when occasion requires, but the habitual order of battle is the dispersed order, in which each man is separated some distance from his neighbor, and must depend in a great degree upon himself.

They should be expert marksmen, cool, circumspect, skilful in taking advantage of their position to secure cover, etc., and should

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

be prepared to keep an enemy occupied for many hours at once, and maintain their ground inch by inch.

All infantry now receives very nearly the same instruction, so as to enable it to perform all the duties that may be required of the infantry soldier, making the distinction between heavy and light troops much less.

The volunteers and militia of our country possess, in an eminent degree, all the qualities requisite for both heavy and light troops, and were they disciplined and well instructed, as all must be to be truly formidable, might serve in either capacity with as much efficiency as any other troops, let them come from whatever quarter they may.

4. “In all countries where military art is justly appreciated, the cavalry arm is placed in the second rank to infantry. To it an army is often indebted for turning the scales of victory, and giving a decisive character to the issue. To it the infantry, when exhausted by fatigue, or broken, often owes its safety, and through the respite gained by its charges, finds time to breathe and re-form. Without it, much of advanced-post duty, patrols, and detachment service re­quiring great activity, would be but badly performed.

“But the arm of cavalry by itself can effect but little; and, in many circumstances, does not suffice for its own safety. The smallest obstacles are sufficient to render it powerless; it can neither attack nor hold a post without the aid of infantry; and at night is alarmed, and justly so, at every phantom. The proportion borne by the cavalry to the infantry should vary with the features of the seat of war; being greater in a champaign than in a broken, or mountainous country. The proportion of one-fourth of the infantry for the first, and one-sixth for the last, is generally admitted by received military authority as the best.” — (MAHAN.)

Tue essential qualities of cavalry, which distinguish it from all other troops, are that of celerity, and the irresistible force with which, under favorable circumstances, it bears down all opposition making it, when properly handled, a truly formidable arm.

Cavalry, to be efficient, should unite several essential conditions; horses and weapons in good condition; sufficient ground to gather speed for the charge, and space for rallying; to have its flanks

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

covered to prevent a surprise; to be led boldly into action; and to be followed by a support or reserve sufficient to cover a retreat, oi secure it from confusion if brought up unexpectedly by the enemy.

In European armies there is a marked distinction between heavy and light cavalry, but in ours the distinction is more nominal than real; all cavalry being called upon alike for the discharge of the duties of both heavy and light troops.

When acting as heavy cavalry its duties are usually confined to the field of battle; there, placed in reserve, it is held in hand until the decisive moment arrives, when it is sent forth to achieve vic­tory, or prevent defeat.

To the light cavalry are entrusted the duties of securing the heavy cavalry from surprise; to watch over the safety of the field artillery; to perform the services required of them by infantry divisions; and those pertaining to out-post and detachment service in general.

In our service all cavalry is armed with the sabre, with Colt’s revolving pistols, and with breech loading rifles, or carbines, of which there are several different patterns now in use, as Sharp’s rifle and carbine, Burnside’s and Maynard’s rifles, etc.

5. “The artillery is placed third in rank among the arms. Its duties are, to support and cover the other arms; keep the enemy from approaching too near; hold him in check as lie advances; and prevent his debouching at particular points. To perform these duties it is considered that an allowance of oar piece for each thou­sand inch’ of the other arms, and one in reserve from the proper quota of this arm. It is to be remarked, however, that this pro­portion supposes the other arms in an excellent state of organization and discipline. In the contrary case, the quota of artillery must be increased for it inspires poor troops with confidence, as they rely upon it to keep off the enemy, and cover their retreat.”—(MAHAN.)

Artillery is incapable of defending itself, and must always be protected by a sufficient force of cavalry or infantry.

Field artillery, like the other areas, is divided into light and

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

heavy,; a division which results from differences in the calibre of the pieces, and the manner in which they are used. The heavy field artillery comprises the 12-pounder gun, and the 24 and 32-pounder howitzer; they are generally reserved for batteries in position, and are seldom shifted during an action.

The light-field artillery is composed of the 6-pounder field gun, and the 12-pounder howitzer. When the cannoneers are mounted upon horses during the evolution, it is called horse artillery; when they follow the pieces on foot, it becomes mounted artillery.

To the heavy artillery are assigned the duties of occupying posi­tions for strengthening the weak points of the field of battle; for securing the retreat of the army; for defending all objects whose possession might be of importance to the enemy, as villages, defiles, etc.; and for breaking down all obstacles that protect the enemy, or check the progress of the other’s arms.

The light pieces, serving as mounted artillery, follow the move­ments of the infantry; covering the flanks of its position, preparing the way for its advance, and arresting that of the enemy. When well disciplined and skilfully handled, mounted artillery, by having the cannoneers mounted upon the ammunition boxes, may be moved with great celerity, and made almost, if not quite, as efficient as horse-artillery.

The horse-artillery, besides performing the same duties as the mounted batteries, may be used with great effect at the decisive moments of an action. “When launched forth, its arrival and exe­cution should be unexpected and instantaneous. Ready to repair all disasters and partial reverses, it, at one moment, temporarily re­places a battery of foot, and at the next in another point of the field, to force back an enemy’s column. In preparing the attacks of cavalry, this arm is often indispensable, and always invaluable; brought with rapidity in front of a line, or opposite to squares of infantry, within the range of canister, its well-directed fire, in a few discharges, opens a gap, or so shakes the entire mass, that the cava­lier finds but a feeble obstacle, where, without this aid, he would in vain have exhausted all his powers.”

6. Engineer troops constitute a fourth arm of service; as, com­-

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

pared with artillery, their relative numbers are about as two to three. They are divided into the staff, guards, or fort-keepers, arti­ficers, sappers and pioneers, miners and pontoneers.

The officers constituting the staff are charged in time of peace with planning, constructing, and repairing all fortifications and other defensive works, etc.; in time of war, engineer troops are charged with the attack and defence of military works, the laying out and construction of field defences, redoubts, intrenchments, roads, etc. in the attack they form a part of the advanced guard, to remove obstructions; and in retreat they form a part of the rear-guard, to erect obstacles, destroy roads, bridges, etc., so as to retard an enemy’s pursuit.

ORGANIZATION OF INFANTRY.

7. In the organization of infantry, the smallest number complete in itself is the company, which varies in number from 50 to 100 rank and file.

A captain, two or more lieutenants, from four to six sergeants, and as many corporals, are attached to every company. The captain and lieutenants arc the officers, and the sergeants and corporals the non-commissioned officers of the company.

The captain is responsible for the instruction, discipline, general efficiency, and moral tone of the company.

The lieutenants assist the captain in the maintenance of disci­pline, and in the instruction.

The company is divided into two equal parts, which are desig­nated as the first and second platoon, counting from the right; and each platoon is, in like manner, divided into two sections.

The company is formed into two ranks in the following manner:

the corporals on the right and left of platoons, according to height; the tallest corporal and the tallest man from the first file on the right, the next two tallest men from the second file, and so on to the last file, which is composed of the shortest corporal and the shortest man.

The odd and even files, numbered as one, two, in the company, from right to left, form groups of four men, who, when they act as light troops, are designated comrades in battle.

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

8. The officers and non-commissioned officers of the company are posted in the following manner:

The captain on the right of the company, touching with the left elbow.

The first sergeant, in the rear rank, touching with the left elbow, and covering the captain. In the manoeuvres he is denominated covering sergeant, or right guide of the company.

The remaining officers and sergeants are posted as file-closers, in the rank of file-closers, two paces behind the rear rank.

The first lieutenant, opposite the centre of the fourth section.

The second lieutenant, opposite the centre of the first platoon.

The third lieutenant, opposite the centre of the second platoon.

The second sergeant, opposite the second file from the left of the company. In the manoeuvres he is called the left guide of the company.

The third sergeant, opposite the second file from the right of the second platoon.

The fourth sergeant, opposite the second file from the left of the first platoon.

The fifth sergeant, opposite the second file from the right of the first platoon.

The corporals are posted in the front rank, as directed in No. 7. (See Fig. 1.)

The Regiment.

9. A REGIMENT is composed of ten companies, which are habit­ually posted from right to left, in the following order: first, sixth, fourth, ninth, eighth, third, fifth, tenth, seventh, second, according to the rank of the captain. With a less number of companies the same principle will be observed, viz.: the first captain commands the right company, the second captain the left company, the third captain the right centre company, and so on.

The companies thus posted are designated from right to left, first company, second company, etc. This designation is observed in all the manoeuvres.

The first two companies on the right, whatever their denomina-

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

 

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

tion, form the first division; the next two companies the second division; and so on to the left.

In all exercises and manoeuvres, every regiment, or part of a regiment, composed of two or more companies, is called a battalion.

Every regiment is provided with a color, which is posted with its guard, to be designated hereafter, on the left of the right centre company; that company, and all on its right belong to the right wing of the regiment, or battalion; the remaining companies con­stitute the left wing.

To each regiment are attached a colonel, who commands it, and is responsible for its general discipline and instruction, a lieutenant­ colonel, two majors, a quartermaster, commissary, paymaster, surgeon, and frequently an assistant surgeon, an adjutant, sergeant major, quartermaster sergeant, and commissary sergeant. The four first named of these officers are the field officers of the regiment; the others constitute its commissioned and non-comntissioned staff

Posts of Field Officers and Regimental Staff

110. The field officers are supposed to be mounted, and on active service must be on horseback. The adjutant, when the battalion is manoeuvring, is on foot; when on the march, or in action, he is mounted.

The colonel’s post is thirty paces in rear of the file-closers, and opposite the centre of the battalion. The lieutenant-colonel and senior major are behind the centres of the right and left wings re­spectively, the junior major behind the centre of the battalion, al. twelve paces in rear of the file-closers.

The adjutant and sergeant major are opposite the right and left of the battalion respectively, and eight paces in rear of the file­closers. They assist the lieutenant-colonel, and major, respectively in the manoeuvres.

The quartermaster, surgeon, and other staff-officers, are in one rank on the left of the colonel, and three paces in his rear. The quarter-master sergeant is on a line with the front rank of the field music, and two paces on its right. (See Fig. 2.)

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

Pioneers Field Music, and Band.

11. The pioneers (one for each company) are drawn up in two ranks, and posted on the right, having their left four paces from the right of the first company. A corporal of pioneers, selected from the corporals by the colonel, is posted on the right of the pioneers.

The field music (two musicians to each company) is drawn up in four ranks, and posted twelve paces in rear of the file closers, the left opposite the centre company. The principal musician is two paces in front of the field music. The regimental band (not to exceed sixteen musicians), if there be one, is drawn up in two or four ranks, according to its numbers, and posted five paces in rear of the field music, having a principal musician at its head.

Color- Guard.

12. The color-guard of a regiment or battalion is composed of eight corporals, posted on the left of the right centre company, of which company, for the time being, the guard forms a part.

The front rank is composed of a sergeant selected by the colonel, who is called the color-bearer with the two ranking corporals on his right and left; the rear rank is composed of the three corporals next in rank; the three remaining corporals are posted in rear in the rank of file-closers. The left guide of the color company, when the three last named corporals are in the rank of file-closers, is im­mediately on their left.

In battalions of less than five companies, there should be no color-­guard, and no display of colors, except at reviews.

General Guides and Markers.

13. There should be two general guides in each battalion, selected by the colonel from among the sergeants (other than first sergeants) for their accuracy in marching. These sergeants are denominated right and left general guide, respectively, and are posted in the line of file-closers; the first in rear of the right, and the second in rear of the left flank of the battalion.

Three markers are required to every battalion; they are posted

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

behind the first company in the rank of file-closers, when the bat­talion is in line, and behind the leading company or division when­ever it is in column.

The Battalion in Column.

14.  For the march, in many of the manoeuvres, etc., the battalion is in column. The column may be one of companies, or of divisions, in rare instances it is one of platoons. It may be a column right in front, in which case the first company, or division, is in front, all the others being behind it in regular succession; or it may be a column left in front, in which the last company or division leads, the others following in the inverse order of their numbers.

When the right is in front, the guides of the column are habitu­ally to the left, and to the right when the column is left in front.

The column may be one at full distance, at half distance, or closed in mass; in the first case the distance between the guides of any two consecutive companies of the column is equal to the width of one of the companies or divisions; in the second case it is one-half the width of the company or division; and in the last ease, that of the column closed in mass, the distance between the guides is six paces.

Posts of the Officers when the Battalion is in Column.

15.  The colonel is on the directing flank, fifteen or twenty paces from the guides, and abreast the centre of his battalion; the lieu­tenant colonel is on the directing flank, abreast with the leading company or division, and six paces from the guide; the majors are on the same flank, the senior abreast with the rearmost company or division, and six paces from the guide, the junior in a correspond­ing position abreast the centre company; the adjutant is near the lieutenant-colonel, and the sergeant major near the senior major.

In a column of companies, the captains arc two paces in front of the centres of their companies; the right guide of each company is on the right of the front rank, the left guide in a corresponding position on the left; the lieutenants, and remaining sergeants, are in the rank of file-closers.

 

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

In a column of divisions, the senior captain of each division is two paces in front of the centre of his division, the junior captain in the interval between the two companies; the right guide of the right company is on the right of the front rank of the division, the left guide of the left company is in a corresponding position on the left; the right guide of the left company is in the rear rank, be­hind the junior captain, and the left guide of the right company is in the rank of the file-closers.

Brigades and Divisions.

16.  Two or more regiments serving together constitute a brigade, under the command of a brigadier-general.

Two or more brigades serving together constitute a division, com­manded by a major-general.

Two divisions serving together constitute an army corps.

The army corps, when supplied with a due proportion of cavalry, artillery, etc., comprises within itself all the elements of a complete army, ready for any emergency.

The interval between two contiguous regiments in the same brigade, division, or army corps, is twenty-two paces.

As often as one or more brigades or divisions, united in the same line, manoeuvre together, each battalion will be designated by its number, according to its position in the line. The battalion on the right of the whole is denominated first, that next on its left second, the following one third, and so on to the battalion that closes the left of the line.

In line of battle, the general (the senior major-general present) has no fixed position; he goes whithersoever he may judge his presence necessary.

In column, he will hold himself habitually at its head, in order to direct it according to his views. In the evolutions, he will place himself at the point whence he can best direct the general execu­tion of the movement.

In line of battle, generals of division place themselves at about seventy paces in rear of the centres of their divisions.

In column they hold themselves on the directing flank, abreast

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with the centres of their divisions, and at thirty or forty paces from the guides.

In line of battle, generals of brigade place themselves at about forty paces in rear of the centre of their brigades.

In column, they hold themselves at fifteen or twenty paces out-sides the guides, and abreast with the centre of their brigades.

ORGANIZATION OF CAVALRY.

The Company.

17. The company in cavalry is denominated the troop; it is or­ganized upon the same principles as that of infantry; its habitual formation is in two ranks.

When the company is in line, and acting singly, the officers and non-commissioned officers are posted as follows:

The captain in front of the centre, one pace from the front rank.

The first lieutenant in rear of the centre, in the rank of file-closers.

The second lieutenant commands the first platoon ; in the absence of a third lieutenant, the second platoon is commanded by the senior sergeant. The chiefs of platoons are posted one pace in front of the centres of their respective platoons.

The first sergeant in rear of the right, in the rank of file-closers. The second and third sergeants on the right and left of the com­pany, and denominated the guide of the right, and guide of the left, respectively.

The fourth sergeant is on the left of the first platoon, in the front rank, and counted in the rank; the fifth sergeant is in a correspond­ing position on the right of the second platoon.

Corporals on the flanks of platoons.

Buglers twenty paces in rear of the centre.

The Squadron.

18. Two companies united constitute the squadron. Each squad­ron is composed of four platoons, distinguished by the denomination of first, second, third, and fourth, commencing on the right.

The first and second platoons form the first division, the third and fourth form the second division.

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

 

The senior captain of the squadron is denominated the captain commanding, the junior captain the second captain.

When the squadron is in line, the officers and non-commissioned officers are posted as follows:

The captain commanding at the centre of the squadron, the croup of his horse one pace in front of the heads of the horses of the front rank.

The second captain three paces in rear of the centre of the squad~ ron. He is charged with the alignment of the rear rank and line of file-closers.

The senior first lieutenant commands the first platoon; the junior first lieutenant commands the fourth platoon.

The senior second lieutenant commands the second platoon; the junior second lieutenant commands the third platoon.

Each of these officers is posted at the centre of his platoon, with the croup of his horse one pace in front of the heads of the horses of the front rank.

The senior sergeant is posted behind the first file from the right of the first platoon; he is the principal guide when the column of squadrons is left in front.

The second sergeant is behind the third file from the left of the fourth platoon; he is principal guide when the column of squadrons is right in front.

The third sergeant is posted on the right of the front rank of the squadron; he is the guide of the right, and is not counted in the rank.

The fourth sergeant on the left of the front rank; he is guide of the left, and not counted in the rank.

The fifth sergeant on the left of the first platoon, and counted in the rank.

The sixth sergeant on the right of the second platoon, also counted in the rank.

The seventh sergeant on the right of the third platoon; the eighth sergeant on the right of the fourth platoon—both are counted in the rank.

The heads of the horses of the file-closers are at one pace from the croup of those of the rear rank.

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

The corporals are in the front rank. n the right and left of their respective platoons, and supply the places of sergeants when necessary.

When guidons are used they are carried by the non-commissioned officers on the left of the first and third platoons.

The Regiment in Line.

19. The Regiment is made up of five squadrons, distinguished by the denomination, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth; they are formed on the same line, in the order of these numbers, commencing on the right, and with an interval of twelve paces.

This is the primitive and habitual order of the squadrons in regiments.

When a regiment is to mount, boots and saddles is sounded; at this signal the horses are saddled, bridled, and prepared to be led out.

At the signal to horse! the first sergeants direct the men to lead out.

The sergeants, corporals, and privates being in two ranks, in the order of their platoons, at the head of their horses, the orderly sergeant calls the roll.

The captain directs them to call off by fours and to mount (see No. 354), and on reaching the regimental parade, reports all absentees to the adjutant through the orderly sergeant.

In case of alarm, or surprise, to horse is sounded; the men then saddle, bridle, and mount with the utmost celerity, and repair to the place of assembly, which is always previously designated.

The officers and non-commissioned officers of the field and staff of the regiment are posted as follows:

The colonel twenty-five paces in front of the centre of the regi­ment, having a chief bugler behind him.

The lieutenant-colonel twelve paces in advance of the centre of the right wing.

The major twelve paces in advance of the centre of the left wing.

The junior major, when there is one, twelve paces in front of the centre of the regiment.

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

The colonel moves where his presence may be necessary.

The adjutant on a line with the front rank, two paces from the right of the regiment. When the regiment marches in line with the guide right, it is his duty to give the points of direction, and superintend the guides and the direction of the march.

The sergeant major on a line with the front rank, two paces from the left of the regiment. lie is charged with the same functions as the adjutant, when the march is in line with the guide left.

The adjutant, assisted by the sergeant major, is also charged with tracing the lines.

The standard-bearer is placed at the last file but one from the left of the front rank of the platoon on the right of the centre of the regiment.

General staff-officers (surgeon, paymaster, etc.), serving with the regiment, twenty-five paces in rear of the right of the first squadron, according to rank.

The quarter-master sergeant behind the adjutant, on the line of the rear rank.

The general guides of the right and left are placed in the rank of file-closers, in rear of the Sergeant-major, and Quartermaster sergeant.

The trumpeters, formed in two ranks, are twenty-five paces in rear of the center of the regiment.

The trumpeters of a squadron acting separately, are posted in the same manner, but in one rank. (See Viz. 3.)

Order of the Regiment in Column.

By Two or by Four.

20. In this order the squadrons preserve an interval of twelve paces between each other; the same as in line. This distance is measured from the groups of the horses of the last files of one squad­ron, to the heads of the horses of the first. files of the next squadron.

The colonel marches at the centre of the regiment, on the side of the guides, twenty-five paces from the flank of the column, having behind him a chief bugler.

 

 

 

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

 

The lieutenant-colonel on the side of the guides, twelve paces from the flank of the column; he marches on a line with the lieutenants commanding the first platoon of the first squadron.

The major marches in the same direction of the lieutenant-colonel, and on a line with the guide of’ the left of the 11th squadron.

The adjutant marches on the side of the guide, two paces from the flank, and on a line with the leading files of the column, to observe the guides and the direction of the march.

The sergeant-major marches on the side of the guides, two paces from the flank of the column, and on a line with the guide of the left of the fifth squadron; if the left is in front, he executes on the side of the guides what is prescribed for the adjutant when the right is in front.

The quartermaster sergeant having the right general guide behind him, marches on the side opposite the guides, two paces from the flank, and on a line with the first files of the column.

The captains commanding march on the side of the guides, and four paces from the flank, and abreast of the centre of their squadrons.

The second captains march on the side opposite the guides, four paces from the flank, and abreast of the centre of their squadrons.

The first lieutenant of each squadron marches at the head of the first platoon, one pace in advance of the first files, having the guide of the right on his right,.

The chiefs of the other platoons march on the side of the guides, one pace from the flank of the column, and abreast of their first files; the file-closers march on the side opposite the guides, one pace from the flank, and on a line with the centre of their platoons.

They all march in a similar manner on the flanks of the column when the left is in front; and, in this case, it is the junior first lieutenant who marches in the column at the head of the fourth platoon of each squadron.

The guide, who in line is posted on the left of the squadron, marches behind the last file ₀f the squadron; when the column is left in front, be takes post on the left of the officer commanding the fourth platoon, one pace in front of the left file.

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

Order in Column of Platoons.

21. In this order, the distance from one platoon to another, measured from the men of one front rank to those of another front rank, is equal to the front of a platoon; that is to say, it is twelve paces if the platoons are of twelve files, subtracting the depths of two ranks, which is six paces, there remains six paces from the croup of the horses of the rear rank of one platoon, to the heads of the horses of the front rank of the next platoon, a distance which is equal to half of the front of a platoon.

The colonel marches at the centre of the regiment, on the side of the guides, twenty-five paces from the flank of the column.

The lieutenant-colonel marches on the side of the guides, twelve paces from the flank of the column, and on a line with the lieutenant commanding the first platoon of the first squadron.

The major marches in the direction of the lieutenant-colonel, and abreast of the file-closers of the last platoon of the column.

The adjutant marches behind the left file of the first platoon, to direct the guide of the column; he should occasionally place him­self in front of this file, to satisfy himself that the guides of each platoon preserve the same direction.

The sergeant-major marches on the side of the guides, two paces from the flank of the column, and abreast of the file-closers of the fourth platoon of the fifth squadron; and, if the left is in front, he executes on the side of the guides that which is prescribed for the adjutant when the right is in front.

The quartermaster sergeant having the right general guide behind him, marches on the side opposite to the guides, two paces from the flank of the column, and on a line with the front rank of the first platoon.

The captains commanding march on the side of the guides, four paces from the flank of the column, and habitually abreast of the centre of their squadrons.

The second captains march on the side opposite to the guides, four paces from the flank of the column, and abreast of the centre of their squadrons.

 


 

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

 

The first and  second lieutenants march at the centre of their pla­toons, one pace from the front rank; those who command the platoons at the head of squadrons, preserve, besides their distance, the ground necessary to enable each squadron, in wheeling into line, to maintain its interval.

The sergeants, who are file-closers, march on the aide Opposite to the guides, behind the third file of their platoons.

When the column marches right in front, the guide at the right of each squadron marches on the right of the first platoon; and the guide of the left places himself as file-closer behind the second file from the left of the fourth platoon.

The post of these sergeants is the reverse when the left is in front. (See Fig. 4.)

Order in Column of Division.

22.  The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, and adjutant, are posted as in the column of platoons.

It is the same for the captains commanding, and the second captains.

The senior first lieutenant commands the first division, the other first lieutenant the second; they remain, however, at the centre of their platoons.

All the other officers and sergeants of each division are posted as prescribed in the order in column of platoons, the file-closers re­maining in their places, on whatever side the guide may be. (Fig. 5.)

Order in close Column of Squadrons.

In this order, the distance from one squadron to another is twi races, measured from the croup of the horses of the rear rank one squadron, to the heads of the horses of the front rank of their  squadron.

Thu colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and major, are posted as in column of platoons.

The adjutant marches behind the left guide of the first squadron, on the alignment of the file-closers, to superintend the direction of the march.

 

 

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

The sergeant-major is posted as in column of platoons, and when the left is in front, he performs the same duties as the adjutant when the right is in front.

The quartermaster sergeant marches on the side opposite the guides, as in column of platoons.

The guide of the left of the left wing of the first squadron moves to the front on the alignment of the officers; he is replaced by the sergeant file-closers of the fourth platoon. If the left is in front, the guide of the right of the fifth squadron places himself on the alignment of the officers to serve as guide; he is replaced by the sergeant file-closer of the first platoon.

All the officers of the squadron, and the file-closers, remain posted as in the order of battle, except the captains commanding, who march on the sides of the guides, four paces from the flank, and on a line with the officers of their squadrons. (Fig. 6.)

Cavalry Brigades and Divisions.

24. Two or more regiments of cavalry constitute a brigade; and two or more brigades constitute a division. They are officered in the same manner as infantry brigades and divisions.

Mixed brigades and divisions, composed of regiments of infantry and cavalry, arc sometimes formed.

ORGANIZATION OF FIELD ARTILLERY.

25.  Field artillery is always formed into batteries. A battery may be composed of four, six, or eight pieces; the pieces may be all 6-pounder or 12-pounder guns, or it may be composed of 6-pounder guns and 12-pounder howitzers, or 12-pounder guns and 24 or 32-pounder howitzers.

The number of guns should be double that of the howitzers; for a defensive war, from 1/4  to 1/5  of the pieces should be 12-pounder guns, and 24 or 32-pounder howitzers. For an offensive war, from 1/7 to 1/8  only should be of these calibres, otherwise the batteries could not be moved with sufficient celerity.

Each piece is followed by a caisson for ammunition; each piece and caisson is drawn by four or six horses.

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

 

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

26.  A battery of six pieces will be supposed; it is divided into three sections, the right, centre, and left; each containing two pieces and two caissons. In each section, the pieces are denominated right pieces and left pieces.

The battery is also divided into half batteries, denominated right and left half batteries.

The word piece applies to the gun or howitzer, either with or without its limber; and sometimes to the piece and caisson together.

The officers and men required for the service of the battery, are as follows:

One captain, who commands the battery.

Four lieutenants; the first in rank commanding the right section (of two pieces), the second the left, the third the centre, and the fourth the line of caissons. When half batteries are formed, the first commands the right, and the second the left.

Six mounted sergeants; each charged with guiding and superin­tending a piece.

Twenty-four or thirty-six drivers, being one to each pair of horses.

Six detachments of cannoneers; each containing nine men in mounted batteries, and eleven in horse artillery, including the chief of the caisson, and the gunner who commands the detachment. In each detachment of horse artillery, the two last extra men are horse­-holders, who hold the horses of the detachment while it is serving the piece.

Two trumpeters or buglers. One guidon.

Order in Line.

27.  The order in line is that in which the carriages are formed in two lines; the horses all facing the same direction (to the front), the pieces limbered, and each followed or preceded by its caisson.

The interval between the carriages in a mounted battery is four­teen yards; in a horse-artillery battery it is seventeen yards.

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

The distance between the two lines, in a mounted battery, mea­sured from the rear of the carriages of one line to the heads of the horses of the second, is two yards; in horse artillery the detach­ments being two yards in rear of their pieces, the second line is two yards in rear of them.

In a mounted battery the cannoneers are at their posts.

The captain is four yards in front of the centre; but, during the manoeuvres, he goes wherever his presence may be most necessary, and where his commands may be best heard.

Each chief of section is in line with his leading drivers, and mid­way between the leading carriages of his section.

The chief of the line of caisson., is opposite the centre, four yards behind the rear line of carriages.

Each chief of piece is on the left, and near the leading driver of his leading carriage. In horse artillery, when the chiefs of caissons are mounted, each chief of carriage is near its leading driver oa the left.

The trumpeter is near the captain. (See Fig. 7.)

Order in Column.

28. The order in column is that in which the battery is formed by sections; the carriages being in two files, and each piece being followed or preceded by its caisson.

In a mounted battery, the interval between The two pieces of each section of the column is fourteen yards; the distance between the carriages is two yards. The cannoneers are in file, on each side of their pieces.

In horse artillery, the interval between carriages is seventeen yards. The distance between the carriages and detachments is two yards. The detachments formed in two ranks, are two yards in rear of their pieces.

The captain is generally fourteen yards from the column, and opposite the centre.

Each chief of section is in line with his leading drivers, and mid­way between his leading carriages.

The chief of The line of caissons is in line with the captain, on the

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

 

 

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

 

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

same side of the column, and four yards from it; but he does not change his position to conform to that of the captain.

The chiefs of pieces and caissons are posted as in line. (See Fig. 8.)

Order in Battery.

29. The order in battery is that in which the pieces are prepared for firing; the pieces, limbers, and caissons being turned towards the enemy, and formed in three parallel lines.

In a mounted battery the interval between the carriages is fourteen yards. The distance between the lines of pieces and limbers is six yards, measured from the end of the handspike to the heads of the leading horses. The distance between the lines of limbers and caissons is eleven yards, measuring from the rear of the limbers to the heads of the leading horses of the caissons. The cannoneers are at their posts.

In horse artillery the interval between the pieces is seventeen yards. The distances between the lines are the same as for the mounted battery. The eannoneers are at their posts, and the de­tachments of horses are four yards in rear of the limbers.

The captain is generally on the left of the chief of the centre section; but he may go wherever his presence is required.

Each chief of section is habitually in the centre of his section, half way between the lines of pieces and limbers.

The chief of the line of caissons is opposite the centre, four yards in rear of the line of caissons.

Each chief of piece is outside the file on the left of his piece; but near it, and opposite the middle of the trail handspike. During the executions of the firings, he habitually dismounts and gives the reins of his horse to the driver of the wheel horses of the limber.

Each chief of caisson is on the left, and four yards in rear of the limber of the piece. In horse artillery he gives the reins of his horse to the driver of the wheel horses of the caissons. (See Fig. 9.)

Two or more Batteries united.

30. When necessary, two or more batteries may be united; they may be formed by sections in one or more parallel columns, or in

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

two columns joined, and presenting a front of four pieces with the same intervals as in line. Sometimes they are formed in close column with a front of four or six pieces, and the batteries being spaced a distance apart equal to the interval between two pieces. When the batteries are in line, the intervals between them are twice the intervals between the pieces.

The position of Artillery.

31. Artillery seldom or never acts in an independent capacity, but in conjunction with either infantry or cavalry, or both.

The positions usually assigned batteries, are on the flanks, or in the intervals between regiments and brigades, these intervals being increased sufficiently to admit them. When a battery is brought into action, it is usually thrown forward some 60 paces in front of the main line.

Two mounted batteries are usually assigned to each division of infantry, and one of horse artillery to every division of cavalry. iBesides for each army corps of infantry there is a reserve of several batteries.

THE STAFF.

32. The well being and efficiency of an army must depend in a large degree upon the thorough organization of the various departments of the Staff

These are

An Adjutant- General’s Department.

An inspector- General’s Department.

A Quartermaster’s Department.

A Commissary Department.

An Engineer Department.

An Ordnance Department.

A Pay Department.

A Medical Department.

33. The officers of the Adjutant-General’s Department are, an adjutant-general, with such rank as may be assigned him by legisla­-

 

 

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

tive enactment, usually that of colonel or brigadier-general, with as many assistant adjutant-generals as the exigencies of the service may require.

The adjutant-general should be the chief of the staff of the com­mander-in-chief. He is the regular channel through which com­manders of corps and chiefs of departments communicate with the commander-in-chief; and all orders, special instructions, and general regulations, issued by the commander-in-chief relative to the organization, discipline, and instruction of the forces, are prepared and published by the adjutant-general, conformably to the direction of the commander-in-chief.

When the commander-in-chief takes the field the adjutant-general should accompany him; when an army in the field is in command of any general not the general-in-chief, an assistant adjutant-general is assigned to him as chief of his staff.

An assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of captain, is assigned to the commander of each brigade, and one with the rank of major is assigned to the general of every division. In each case the assistant adjutant-general is the chief of staff of his general, and his duties are of the same general nature as those of the adjutant-general.

An adjutant is the chief of staff of his regiment.

34. The officers of the Inspector-General’s Department are one or more inspector-generals, with a division inspector for each division, and a brigade inspector for each brigade.

To the inspector-general, and the division and brigade inspectors, are assigned the duties of inspecting the troops, fortifications, camps, etc., at stated times; and division and brigade inspectors are specially entrusted with the instruction of regimental officers. The militia laws of Virginia, and some of the other States, impose all the duties of this department upon that of the adjutant-general, in which case the division and brigade inspectors become the chiefs of staff of their divisions and brigades, and discharge all the duties which usually devolve upon the assistant adjutant-general.

85. The officers of the Quartermaster’s Department are, a quartermaster-general, who has the control of the department; one or

 

 

ARMY ORGANIZATION.

 

more assistant quartermaster-generals, quartermasters, and assitant quartermasters.

The duties of this department are, to provide quarters and trans­portation for the troops; storage and transportation for all army supplies; clothing for the troops; camp and garrison equipage; cavalry and artillery horses; fuel; forage; straw, and stationery.

36. The officers of the commissary department are, a commissary general, one or more assistant commissary generals, and as many commissaries and assistant commissaries as the exigencies of the service may require.

To this department are assigned the duties of providing all the supplies necessary for the subsistence of the troops.

37.  The officers of the engineer department are, a chief engineer, and as many officers of engineers as may be necessary to give effi­ciency to the department.

The duties of this department usually relate to the construction of permanent and field fortifications; works for the attack and de­fence of places; for the passage of rivers; for the movements and operations of troops in the field; and such reconnaissances and surveys as may be required for these objects.

38. The ordnance department is officered in the same manner as that of the engineers.

This department has charge of all arsenals and armories; all cannon and artillery carriages and equipments; all apparatus and machines for the service and manoeuvres of artillery; all small arms and accoutrements and horse equipments; all ammunition; and all materials for the construction of munitions of war.

39. The officers of the pay department are, a paymaster general, one or more deputy paymaster generals, and one paymaster, ordi­narily, to every regiment. When large bodies of troops are serving together, the number of paymasters may be very much reduced without detriment to the service.

To this department belong all the duties pertaining to the pay­ment of the troops when they are in the service of the State.

40. The officers of the medical department are a surgeon general, with one surgeon to each regiment, and such other surgeons and

 

 

 

 

 

 

MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

 

assistant surgeons as a proper attention to the health of the troops may require.

The senior medical officer, on duty with any corps in the field, unless otherwise specially ordered by the commanding officer, will be, ex-officio, the medical director; and will have the general con­trol of the medical officers, and the supervision of the hospitals under their charge.

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