Poinsett's Cavalry Manual Part I

C A V A L R Y T A C T I C S.
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FIRST PART.
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SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER, OF THE PLATOON AND

OF THE SQUADRON, DISMOUNTED.
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PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT.

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PHILADELPHIA:
J. B. LIPPINCOTT, & CO.
1862.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
February 10, 1841.
The system of Cavalry Tactics, adapted to the organization
of Dragoon regiments, having been approved by the Presi-
dent of the United States, is now published for the govern-
ment of the said service.
Accordingly, instruction in the same will be given after the
method pointed out therein; and all additions to, or depar-
tures from the exercises and manoeuvres laid down in this
system, are positively forbidden.
J. R. POINSETT.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
__________
FIRST PART.
__________
TITLE FIRST.
BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.
ARTICLE I. Formation of a regiment of five squad-

rons in order of battle (or in line)...............1
Posts of the officers and non-commis-
sioned officers of the field and staff
of a regiment in order of battle...................2
Posts of the officers and non-commis-
sioned officers of a squadron in line ..........3
Posts of the officers and non-commissi-
oned officers of a company acting
singly ..........................................................5
Assembly of a regiment mounted..................6
Assembly of a regiment dismounted .............7
Formation of the escort of the standard.........7
Reception of the standard ..............................8
Salute with the standard.................................9
Salute with the sabre ....................................10
i
ART. II. Formation of a regiment of five squad-
rons in column ..........................................10
Order in column by twos or fours................10
Order in column of platoons........................13
Order in column of divisions .......................15
Order in close column..................................16
Compliments by cavalry under review........17
Form and course of inspection.....................22
ART. III Duties of instructors.....................................25
ART. IV. Division, order, and progression of in-

struction ....................................................27
ART. V. Gradation of instruction...............................29

Recruits ........................................................29
Recapitulation of the time necessary to
instruct a trooper to the school of the
platoon mounted, inclusive ......................31
Corporals......................................................33
Sergeants ......................................................33
Officers ........................................................34
ART. VI. Instruction to mount without saddle, to

pack up, to saddle, and to unsaddle..........35
Manner of vaulting ......................................35
Manner of packing up the effects ................35
Manner of rolling the cloak .........................36
ii
Manner of adjusting a saddle.......................37
Manner of saddling ......................................39
Manner of packing the effects on the
horse .........................................................42
Manner of bridling .......................................45
Manner of unbridling...................................46
Manner of unpacking ...................................46
Manner of unsaddling ..................................47
ART. VII. Of the bit ......................................................48
ART. VIII. Manner of training young horses.................55

lst Lesson .....................................................56
2d Lesson .....................................................60
3d Lesson .....................................................63
4th Lesson ....................................................64
Manner of accustoming the horses to
leap the ditch and the bar .........................64
Assembly of the young horses in a pla-
toon ...........................................................66
Manner of accustoming young horses
to firing and military noises .....................68
Horses that are difficult to train...................70
Lesson of the longe ......................................72
ART. IX. Definitions and general principles...............74
ART. X Signals..........................................................85
iii
TITLE SECOND.
INSTRUCTION ON FOOT.
SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER, DISMOUNTED............87
1ST LESSON ...........................................88
lST PART. Position of the trooper, dismounted.............89

Eyes right, eyes left......................................91
Right face, left face, about face, right-
quarter face, left-quarter face ...................92
2D PART. Common step ...............................................94
To mark time................................................97
To change step .............................................98
To face to the right or left when march-
ing .............................................................98
Quarter-face to the right or left when
marching...................................................99
Quick step ..................................................100
Backward step............................................101
2D LESSON ...........................................102
1ST PART. Principles of carried arms ..........................103

Instruction with carried arms at a halt,
and marching with carried arms.............103
2D PART. Manual of arms ..........................................104
iv
Loading in ten times ..................................112
Loading at will ...........................................118
Firing, position of the front rank ...............119
Firing, position of the rear rank .................122
Principles of carried lance .........................125
Manual of the lance....................................125
3D LESSON ...........................................130
1ST PART Manual of arms, the sabre being worn ......130

Inspection of arms......................................132
2D PART. Marching with arms at the different
steps ........................................................140
4TH LESSON ........................................141
1ST PART. Sabre exercise ............................................143

Lance exercise............................................154
2D PART. Target practice ...........................................168
SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON, DISMOUNTED .........171
ART. I General principles of alignment ................172

Successive alignment of files in the
platoon, and alignment of the platoon....173
To open and close the ranks ......................173
To march the platoon backwards...............174
Direct march in single file .........................174
v
Change of direction....................................176
Individual oblique march...........................177
The platoon marching by a flank, to
form it front or on right into line............178
To form the platoon left into single
rank .........................................................181
To form the platoon right into two
ranks .......................................................182
Manual of arms ..........................................183
ART. II. The platoon being in line, to break by

fours to the right .....................................183
Direct march in column of fours................185
Change of direction....................................187
The platoon marching in column of
fours, to form it to the front or on
right into line ..........................................189
Manual of arms ..........................................191
Firing..........................................................191
Sabre and lance exercise............................194
ART III. March of the platoon in line ......................195

Counter-march ...........................................197
Wheelings ..................................................198
vi
The platoon being in line, to break by
fours to the right, and to move off
after the wheel. .......................................200
To form the platoon ...................................200
The platoon marching in line, to break
by fours to the right, and to form in
line again without halting.......................201
The platoon marching by fours, to form
column by the flank without halting ......202
The platoon marching by the flank, to
face it to the front without halting..........203
The platoon being in line, to face it to
the rear ....................................................204
Manual of arms ..........................................205
ART. IV. Rallying and skirmishers ...........................205
SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON, DISMOUNTED......207
vii
CAVALRY TACTICS.
__________
TITLE FIRST.
BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.
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ARTICLE FIRST.
FORMATION OF A REGIMENT OF FIVE SQUADRONS

IN ORDER OF BATTLE, (OR IN LINE.)
The squadrons of a regiment in order of battle are dis-

tinguished by the denomination of 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th;
they are formed on the same line, in the order of these
numbers, commencing on the right, and with an interval of
12 paces.
This is the primitive and habitual order of the squad-
rons in regiments.
Each squadron is composed of four platoons, distin-
guished by the denomination of lst, 2d, 3d, and 4th, com-
mencing on the right.
The lst and 2d platoons form the lst division, the 3d
and 4th form the 2d division.
The formation is in two ranks; the oldest soldiers in
each platoon are placed in the front rank, and from right to
left in each rank.
1
When the squadron is to be exercised, it is composed
habitually of 48 files; consequently, each division is com-
posed of 24 files, and each platoon of 12; if the squadron is
increased to 64 files, the platoon is then divided into 2
sections; that on the right is the first, and that on the left the
second.
That which is prescribed for the formation when
mounted, is applicable to the formation on foot.
Posts of the officers and non-commissioned officers of the

field and staff of a regiment in order of battle.
(Pl. 1.) The colonel 25 paces in front of the centre of

the regiment, having a chief bugler behind him.
The lieutenant-colonel 12 paces in advance of the cen-
tre of the right wing.
The major 12 paces in advance of the centre of the left
wing.
The colonel moves wherever his presence may be nec-
essary.
The lieutenant-colonel and major move wherever the
colonel may think proper to direct them.
The adjutant on a line with the front rank, 2 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.
2
The sergeant-major on a line with the front rank, 2
paces from the left of the regiment. He 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 the tracing of 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 serving with the regiment, 25
paces in rear of the right of the 1st squadron, according to
rank.
The quartermaster-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 posted 25
paces in rear of the centre of the regiment.
The trumpeters of a squadron acting separately, are
posted in the same manner, but in one rank.
Posts of the officers and non-commissioned officers of a

squadron in line.
The captain commanding is posted 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.
3
The 2d captain 3 paces in rear of the centre of the
squadron. He is charged with the alignment of the rear rank
and file-closers.
The senior 1st lieutenant commands the 1st platoon,
the other 1st lieutenant commands the 4th platoon.
The senior 2d lieutenant commands the 2d platoon, the
other 2d lieutenant commands the 3d 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 1st sergeant is posted behind the 3d file from the
right of the 1st platoon; he is the principal guide when the
column of squadrons is left in front.
The 2d sergeant behind the 3d file from the left of the
4th platoon; he is principal guide when the column of
squadrons is right in front.
The 3d sergeant is posted on the right of the front rank
of the squadron; he is not counted in the rank.
The 4th sergeant on the left of the front rank; he is not
counted in the rank.
The 5th sergeant on the left of the 1st platoon.
The 6th sergeant on the right of the 2d platoon.
The 7th sergeant on the right of the 3d platoon.
The 8th sergeant on the right of the 4th platoon.
The heads of the horses of all the file-closers are of
one pace from the croup of those of the rear rank.
4
The corporals are posted in the front rank, on 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 1st and 3d pla-
toons.
Posts of the officers and non-commissioned officers of a

company acting singly.
The captain in front of the centre, one pace distant

from the front rank.
The 1st lieutenant in rear of the centre, in the rank of
file-closers.
The 2d lieutenant commands the 1st platoon; in the ab-
sence of a 3d lieutenant the 2d platoon is commanded by
the senior sergeant. The chiefs of platoons are posted one
pace in front of the centre of their respective platoons.
The 1st sergeant in rear of the right, in the rank of file-
closers.
The 2d and 3d sergeants on the right and left of the
troop not told off.
A non-commissioned officer is posted on the left of the
1st platoon, and on the right of the 2d.
corporals, next to the sergeants who are on the flanks
of platoons.
5
The saddler and farrier in rear of the left of the troop 8
paces retired from the line of file-closers; and the buglers
20 paces in rear of the centre.
Assembly of a regiment mounted.
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 lst sergeants direct the men
to lead out.
The sergeants, corporals and privates, being in two
ranks, in the order of their platoons, at the heads of their
horses, the orderly sergeant calls the roll.
The captain directs them to call off by fours and to
mount, and on reaching the regimental parade, reports all
absentees to the adjutant through his orderly sergeant.
The colonel detaches the troop which is to escort the
standard; if the standard is too far from the parade ground,
the colonel detaches this troop before the regiment mounts.
In camps, or when the colonel lodges in the barracks,
the standard-bearer goes for the standard escorted only by
two sergeants.
In case of alarm or surprise, to horse is sounded; the
men then saddle, pack up, bridle, and mount with the
utmost celerity, and repair to the place of assembly, which
is always previously designated.
6
Assembly of a regiment dismounted.
When a regiment is to turn out under arms on foot, to

arms will be sounded; at this signal, the men are formed
and inspected, and the reports are made as is prescribed.
Formation of the escort of the standard.
(Pl. 2, fig. A.) The squadrons of a regiment, com-

mencing with the first, furnish in turn the escort of the
standard.
The captain commanding and the 2d captain alternate
in the command of this escort.
It is composed of two platoons.
Each squadron, successively, furnishes first its two
first platoons, and then its two last.
The 1st platoon of the escort furnishes the advanced
guard, composed of two men in Front with the carbine
advanced or pistol raised (according to the corps;) a cor-
poral and four men with drawn sabres (or lances at a carry)
march 10 paces from them.
The trumpeters, formed by fours and conducted by the
adjutant, march 10 paces from the four men who precede.
The rest of the platoon, with drawn sabres, (or lances
at a carry,) having the lieutenant at its head, marches by
fours 10 paces from the trumpeters.
The standard-bearer follows immediately after be-
tween two sergeants.
7
The 2d platoon, with drawn sabres, (or lances at a
carry,) having the 2d lieutenant at its head, follows the
standard-bearer, marches by fours, and furnishes the rear
guard, composed of a corporal and two men, who march
with drawn sabres, (or lances at a carry,) 10 paces in rear
of the 2d platoon.
Two other men, with the carbine advanced or pistol
raised, (according to the corps,) march 10 paces in rear.
The captain marches 4 paces from the left flank oppo-
site to the standard-bearer.
This detachment having arrived where the standard is
kept, without sounding the trumpets, is there formed into
line.
The adjutant dismounts, takes the standard, and gives
it to the standard-bearer.
Reception of the standard.
As soon as the standard appears, the captain orders the

sabres to be presented; the trumpets sound to the standard.
After this signal has been twice repeated, the captain
orders the sabres to be carried, and breaks in the same
order in which he came; the trumpets sound the march.
When the standard arrives, the colonel orders the sa-
bres to be drawn; the trumpets cease to sound, and, with the
escort, take their place in line, passing behind the regiment.
The standard-bearer, accompanied by the two ser-
geants, moves towards the centre of the regiment, parallel
8
to the front, and halts before the colonel, fronting the
regiment; the colonel then orders the sabres to be pre-
sented, and the trumpets to sound to the standard; he
salutes with the sabre. The standard-bearer then takes his
place in line, and the colonel orders the sabres to be car-
ried.
The field officers salute with the sabre when the stan-
dard passes before them.
The standard receives the same honors on its departure
as on its arrival, and it is escorted to the colonel's quarters
in the order prescribed above.
On foot, the escort is composed in the same manner,
and the standard receives the same honors.
Salute with the standard.
When the standard is to pay honors, the standard-

bearer salutes in the following manner, in two times:
1. At 4 paces from the person who is to be saluted,
lower the lance gently to the front, bending as near to the
horizontal line as possible.
2. Raise the lance gently when the person saluted has
passed 4 paces.
9
Salute with the sabre.
When the superior and other officers are to salute,

whether on horseback or on foot, at a halt or marching,
they do it in four times.
1. At 4 paces from the person to be saluted, raise the
sabre perpendicularly, the point upwards, the edge to the
left, the hand opposite to and one foot from the right shoul-
der, the elbow 6 inches from the body.
2. Lower the blade, extending the arm to its fall length,
the hand in quarte, until the point of the sabre is near the
foot.
3. Raise the sabre quickly, the point upwards, as in the
first time, after the person saluted has passed 4 paces.
4. Carry the sabre to the shoulder.
_____
ARTICLE SECOND.
FORMATION OF A REGIMENT OF FIVE SQUADRONS IN

COLUMN.
Order in column by twos or by fours.
(Pl. 2, fig. B.) In this order, the squadron preserve an

interval of 12 paces (12 yards) between each other, equal to
their interval in line.
10
This distance is measured from the croups 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, 25 paces from the flank of the col-
umn, having behind him a chief bugler. He moves wher-
ever his presence may be necessary.
The lieutenant-colonel on the side of the guides, 12
paces from the flank of the column; he marches habitually
on a line with the lieutenant commanding the lst platoon of
the 1st squadron.
The major marches in the direction of the lieutenant-
colonel, and on a line with the particular guide of the left of
the 5th squadron.
The adjutant marches on the side of the guides, 2 paces
from the flank and on a line with the first files of the col-
umn, to observe the guides and the direction of the march.
The sergeant-major marches on the side of the guides,
2 paces from the flank of the column, and on a line with the
particular guide of the left of the 5th squadron; if the left is
in front, ho executes on the side of the guides what is
prescribed for the adjutant when the right is in front.
The quartermaster-sergeant having the general guide
of the right behind him, marches on the side opposite to the
guides, two paces from the flank, and on a line with the
first files of the column.
11
The captains commanding march on the side of the
guides, and 4 paces from the flank and abreast of the centre
of their squadrons.
The second captains march on the side opposite to the
guides, 4 paces from the flank, and abreast of the centre of
their squadrons.
The 1st lieutenant of each squadron marches at the
head of the 1st platoon, one pace in advance of the first
files, having the particular 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 to 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 lst lieutenant who marches in the column at the head
of the 4th platoon of each squadron.
The particular guide, who in line is posted on the left
of the squadron, marches behind the last files of the squad-
ron; when the column is left in front, he takes post on the
left of the officer commanding the 4th platoon, one pace in
front of the left file.
When the nature of the ground obliges the officers and
file-closers to enter the column, the movement is made
successively; the superior officers, the captains com-
manding, and the chiefs of platoons, place themselves at
12
the head; the second captains, and the file-closers, in rear
of their respective troops.
The major marches in rear of the column; and also the
sergeant major.
The primitive order is resumed as soon as the nature of
the ground will permit.
Order in column of platoons.
(Pl. 3, fig. A.) In this order, the distance from one pla-
toon 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 12 paces if the platoons are of
twelve files. Subtracting the depth of two ranks, which is 6
paces, there remains 6 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, 25 paces from the flank of the col-
umn, having behind him a chief bugler; he moves wherever
his presence may be required.
The lieutenant-colonel marches habitually on the side
of the guides, 12 paces from the flank of the column, and
on a line with the lieutenant commanding the lst platoon of
the 1st squadron.
13
The major marches in the direction of lieutenant-colo-
nel, and habitually abreast of the file-closers of the last
platoon of the column.
The adjutant marches behind the left file of the lst
platoon, to direct the guide of the column; he should occa-
sionally 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,
2 paces from the flank of the column, and abreast of the
file-closers of the 4th platoon of the 5th 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 general guide
of the right behind him, marches on the side opposite to the
guides, 2 paces from the flank of the column, and on a line
with the front rank of the lst platoon.
The captains commanding march on the side of the
guides, four paces from the flank of the column, and ha-
bitually abreast of the centre of their squadrons.
The second captains march on the side opposite to the
guides, 4 paces from the flank of the column, and abreast
of the centre of their squadrons.
The 1st and 2d lieutenants march at the centre of their
platoons, one pace from the front rank; those who com-
mand 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.
14
The sergeants, who are file-closers, march on the side
opposite to the guides, behind the third file of their pla-
toons.
When the column marches right in front, the particular
guide of the right of each squadron marches on the right of
the lst platoon; and the particular guide of the left places
himself as file-closer behind the 2d file from the left of the
4th platoon.
The post of these sergeants is the reverse when the left
is in front.
(Pl. 3, fig. B.) The squadron being composed of 64
files, when it is broken into sections, the 1st lieutenant of
each squadron marches at the head of the 1st section of the
1st platoon; the chiefs of the other platoons remain on the
side of the guides, one pace from and on a line with the
front rank of their lst section.
The file-closers who command the 2d sections, march
on the side opposite to the guides, one pace from and on a
line with the front rank.
The posts of the commandants of sections are the re-
verse when the left is in front.
Order in column of divisions.
(Pl. 3, fig. C.) 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.
15
The senior 1st lieutenant commands the lst division,
the other 1st lieutenant the 2d; 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 whatsoever side
the guide may be.
Order in close column.
(Pl. 4.) In this order, the distance from one squadron to

another, which is 12 paces, (12 Yards,) is measured from
the croup of the horses of the rear rank of one squadron, to
the heads of the horses of the front rank of the next squad-
ron.
The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and major, are posted
as in columns of platoons.
The adjutant marches behind the left guide of the 1st
squadron, on the alignment of the file-closers, to superin-
tend the direction of the march.
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 oppo-
site to the guides, as in column of platoons.
The particular guide of the left wing of the lst squad-
ron moves to the front on the alignment of the officers; he
is replaced by the sergeant file-closer of the 4th platoon. If
16
the left is in front, the particular guide of the right of the
5th squadron places himself on the alignment of the offi-
cers to serve as guide; he is replaced by the sergeant file-
closer of the lst platoon.
All the officers of the squadron and the file-closers
remain posted as in order of battle, except the captains
commanding, who march on the side of the guides, 4 paces
from the flank, and on a line with the officers of their
squadrons.
Compliments by cavalry under review.
The regiment being in line, the captains one pace in

advance of the centre of their companies, the lieutenants
commanding platoons one pace in advance of the centre of
their platoons, the colonel commands:
1. Attention.
2. Prepare for review.
3. Rear rank, open order.
4. MARCH.
5. Right—DRESS.
6. FRONT.
At the fourth command, the ranks are opened after the

principles prescribed No. 436, all the officers in the rank of
the file-closers advancing to the front, and placing them-
selves on the line of officers, opposite to the positions they
17
before occupied. The staff officers place themselves on the
right of the rank of company officers, according to their
relative rank, one pace from each other. The quartermaster-
sergeant and the sergeant-major, are on the right of the
front rank of the regiment.
The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, and adjutant,
are posted as in order of battle.
The music is formed at the same time in one rank on
the right of the regiment, and ten paces from it.
After the ranks are opened, the colonel commands:
1. Attention.
2. Draw—SABRE.
In this parade order, the regiment awaits the approach

of the personage who is to review it; for whose guide a
camp-color will have been placed eighty or one hundred
and fifty paces in front of the centre, according to the
extent of the line and the plain in front of it.
When the reviewing personage is midway between the
camp-color and the colonel, the latter turns his horse to the
right-about on his ground, and commands:
1. Attention.
2. Present—SABRE.
And resumes immediately his proper front. The offi-

cers all salute.
18
When the reviewing personage, who has halted until
the proper compliments are paid, advances, the colonel
brings his sabre to a carry, turns about as before to the line,
and commands:
1. Attention.
2. Carry—SABRE.
When the whole line remains perfectly steady, except

the colonel, who resumes his proper front.
The reviewing personage now turns off to the right of
the regiment, passes thence, in front of all the officers, to
the left, around the left, and behind the rank of file-closers,
to the right again. While he is passing around the regiment,
no matter what his rank, the music will play; and when he
turns off to take his station near the camp-color, the music
will cease.
When the music ceases, the colonel turns about, and
commands:
1. Attention.
2. Rear rank, close order.
3. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, all the officers from the

rank of file-closers return to their position in that rank.
The reviewing personage having taken a position near
the camp-color, previously placed at a proper distance, the
19
colonel causes the regiment to break into column of com-
panies, right or left, in front, and commands:
Pass in review.
At this command the band and trumpeters repair to the

head of the regimental column, 6 paces front of the colonel.
The quartermaster-sergeant places himself 10 paces in front
of the colonel, 2 paces from the flank opposite to the
guides.
The quartermaster, surgeon, and assistant-surgeon, are
in one rank, in the order in which they are named, 4 paces
in rear of the last division.
The colonel is 6 paces in front of the captain of the
leading company.
The lieutenant-colonel on a line with the first com-
pany, 6 paces from the flank opposite to the guide.
The major on a line with the last company, 6 paces
from the side opposite to the guide.
The adjutant on a line with the second company, 6
paces from the flank opposite to the guide.
The sergeant-major on a line with the company next to
the rear, 6 paces from the flank opposite to the guide.
captains, 2 paces in advance of the centre of their
companies.
Chiefs of platoons, 2 paces in advance of the centre of
their platoons.
20
Officers of the rank of file-closers, on the side opposite
to the guide, on a line with the chiefs of platoons.
The column is then put in march, at a walk, with the
guide on the side next to the reviewing personage.
The column first passes at a walk, and afterwards, if
required, at a trot.
The regiments take, in marching, intervals of about 40
paces from each other.
When the head of the column arrives within 50 paces
of the reviewing personage, the music commences to play.
The band having passed, the chief musician causes it
to wheel out of the column and take position opposite to
the reviewing personage; the music continues to play, until
the last company has passed, when it ceases, and follows in
the rear.
Passing at a walk, the colonel and all the officers salute
with the sabre as they successively arrive within six paces
of the reviewing personage, turning the heads towards him.
The standard does not salute, except to the President or
Vice-President of the United States, Governors of States,
Heads of Departments, or the Commander-in-Chief; when
the trumpets are to flourish in passing, the band ceases
playing, and resumes the same air or march when the
flourishes have ceased.
The guides and the men keep the head well to the front
in passing in review.
21
Form and course of inspection.
The regiment being in line as prescribed for a review,

on an intimation from the inspector, the colonel causes the
companies to wheel to the right. He then orders the ranks to
be opened; at which the standard-bearers, under the direc-
tion of the adjutant, are posted about 20 paces ahead of the
column.
The colonel seeing the ranks aligned, commands:
1. Officers and non-commissioned officers.

2. To the front of your companies—MARCH,
on which the officers form themselves in one rank, 12

paces, and the non-commissioned officers in one rank, 6
paces, in advance, along the whole front of their respective
troops, in the order of rank, the highest on the right, and the
lowest on the left; the trumpeters of each company, at the
same time, take post on the alignment of the front rank, 6
paces from the right; and the farriers in the rear on the
alignment of the rear rank.
Seeing the last order in a train of execution, the colonel
commands:
22
1. Field and staff.
2. To the front—MARCH.
The commissioned officers thus designated, form

themselves in one rank, 12 paces in front of the standards,
in the following order, beginning on the right: lieutenant-
colonel, major, adjutant, quartermaster, surgeon, and
assistant-surgeon. The non-commissioned staff in a similar
manner, 6 paces in rear of the preceding rank. The band is
formed in one rank, 10 paces in rear of the column, the
chief musician 4 paces in front of it.
The colonel now takes post on the right of the lieuten-
ant-colonel; but each of the field officers as may be supe-
rior in rank to the inspector, do not take post as above.
The inspection commences in front. After inspecting
the dress and general appearance of the field and commis-
sioned staff, the inspector, accompanied by these officers,
passes down the column, looking at every rank, in front
and in rear, with a view to the same objects. He afterwards,
in a like manner, passes and inspects the arms; as he
successively approaches each company for this purpose, its
captain commands:
1. Attention.
2. Inspection—(of) ARMS,
which is executed as prescribed No. 405.
23
The inspector then dismounts with the field and com-
missioned staff, for the purpose of inspecting horse furni-
ture, and valises, preparatory to which, the colonel causes
the column to dismount. The men being then in the position
of stand to horse, the colonel commands: REST, for the
whole column; when the inspector proceeds to make a
minute inspection of the several ranks, in succession com-
mencing in front.
On approaching the non-commissioned staff and the
band, the adjutant gives the necessary orders for the in-
spection of boxes and valises; and in a like manner as to
the standard-bearers. To enable the latter to display their
valises, after dismounting, the standards are planted firm in
the ground. This division being inspected, the adjutant may
direct the standard-bearers to link and to disperse, until the
standards are to be escorted back to the place from which
they were taken. The non-commissioned staff may be
dismissed as soon as inspected.
As the inspector successively approaches the compa-
nies, each captain commands:
1. Attention.
2. Unstrap valises.
3. Open boxes,
when the valises are placed at the feet of the men, with
the flaps from them. In this position the inspector may
examine the contents of the whole, boxes and valises, or of
24
as many as he may think necessary, beginning again with
the non-commissioned officers, noticing, in passing, the
tools, &c., of the farriers, and the trumpets of the musi-
cians.
As the inspector passes each company, the captain or-
ders the valises to be repacked and restrapped, and the men
to file off to their tents or quarters, except the company
which is to escort the standards, which awaits the orders of
the colonel.
In an extensive column, some of the rearmost compa-
nies, when dismounted, after the inspection of dress, gen-
eral appearance, horses and arms, may be permitted to link,
awaiting the approach of the inspector. In this case, such
companies resume the position above supposed, before the
minute inspection.
_____
ARTICLE THIRD.
DUTIES OF INSTRUCTORS.
The colonel is responsible for the instruction of the

regiment, and he shall not change, under any pretext, the
dispositions contained in this book.
He will be present, as often as his other duties permit,
at the theoretical and practical instructions, and especially
at that of the officers assembled together.
25
The lieutenant-colonel, and major, are especially
charged with the supervision of the instruction of their
respective wings.
Individual instruction being the basis of the instruction
of squadrons, on which that of a regiment depends, and the
first principles having the greatest influence upon this
individual instruction, the classes of recruits should be
watched with the greatest care.
The instructors place themselves habitually at such a
distance that they can see their whole troop at a glance, and
make themselves distinctly heard by it. They leave their
place as seldom as possible, and only to make the correc-
tions which are indispensable in the position of the men
and the execution of the movements.
They repeat, in a few clear and precise words, the ex-
planations which have not been well understood; and, not
to overburden the memory of the men, they always use the
same terms to demonstrate the same principles.
They should often join example to precept, should
keep up the attention of the men by an animated tone, and
pass to another movement as soon as that which they
command has been executed in a satisfactory manner. In
fine, they should become every day more exacting in
regard to precision and unity.
When at rest, the instructor questions the men, to sat-
isfy himself that their lessons have been well understood.
In the theoretical instruction, he requires the commands
and explanations to be given as if they were on the ground.
26
ARTICLE FOURTH.
DIVISION, ORDER, AND PROGRESSION OF

INSTRUCTION.
As instruction cannot be established on a solid basis

without joining theory to practice, there is in each regiment
a theoretical instruction, independent of the exercises in the
field.
From the 1st of November to the 1st of May, the colo-
nel assembles the officers at least twice a week, for the
theory of the different parts of their instruction.
The major and adjutant assemble, in a like manner, the
sergeants and corporals.
From the 1st of May to the lst of November, these
theoretical exercises occur once a week for all, and oftener
if necessary.
The practical instruction is divided into instruction on
foot and instruction mounted.
The instruction on foot, as well as the instruction
mounted, includes the school of the trooper, the school of
the platoon, and the school of the squadron.
The school of the trooper is divided into four lessons,
and each lesson into two parts.
The school of the platoon is divided into four articles.
The school of the squadron is divided into four arti-
cles.
27
Instruction.
Each lesson lasts one hour and a half, without includ-

ing the rests.
When the weather is bad, the men are exercised in the
riding-house. They are conducted to the riding ground
whenever the weather will permit.
The horses of the orderly sergeants, and trumpeters,
cannot be excused on any pretext from participating in the
different classes of instruction.
The horses which have not been trained, are sent out
with a snaffle bridle at least three times a week; and, as far
as possible, they are all saddled and ridden.
The colonel causes the squadrons, divisions, and pla-
toons, to be commanded by all the officers in turn, in order
to satisfy himself of their instruction, and to instruct those
who are not already sufficiently instructed.
During the summer, and until the end of October, the
regiment is exercised alternately at the evolutions and in
the details of the service in war. For this purpose, whenever
it is practicable, the colonel takes the regiment into the
country, in order to accustom it to pass over all kinds of
ground, and to apply the evolutions to the different locali-
ties.
The remount horses are sent out every day for two
hours, saddled, and bridled, with a snaffle.
28
The non-commissioned officers and privates, who are
negligent in the different exercises, either on foot or
mounted, are put back into the lower classes.
When the regiment is assembled, the colonel should
direct the superior officers to command, occasionally, in
the different evolutions, in order to judge of the progress of
their instruction. He should also require the other officers
to exercise a command superior to that of their grades,
when the instruction is sufficiently advanced.
_____
ARTICLE FIFTH.
GRADATION OF INSTRUCTION.
Recruits.
The recruit commences his instruction on foot. The

first week after his arrival at the regiment is employed
exclusively in instructing him in all the details of disci-
pline, police, and interior service, and in those relating to
his dress and the grooming of his horse.
He is taught to mount without saddle, on both sides of
the horse.
He is taught the name and use of the principal parts of
the arms and equipments, and the manner of keeping them
clean; the manner of rolling the cloak, of folding the ef-
fects, and of placing them in the valise.
29
These different instructions are given by the corporal
of the squad, under the superintendence of the sergeant and
officer of the platoon.
At the end of this week, the recruit commences the
first lesson on foot; he continues to be instructed in the
above-mentioned details.
The recruits are drilled on foot twice a day, when pos-
sible, and an hour and a half each time. Half an hour of this
time is employed in teaching them the duties of guards.
At the end of six weeks or two months at most, the re-
cruits should be able to mount the quarter guard, and,
consequently, they should have commenced the fourth
lesson on foot.
Before the recruit mounts guard, he learns the different
parts of a complete equipment, and the means of preserving
it; and, also, the manner of saddling, bridling, unsaddling,
and unbridling, and of packing his effects on the horse.
After he has mounted his first guard, his instruction on
horseback is commenced, care being taken to give him a
gentle and well-trained horse.
30
Recapitulation of the time necessary to instruct a trooper to
the school of the platoon mounted, inclusive.
DISMOUNTED.
School of the trooper.
1st part, 4 lessons

1st lesson 12 lessons.
2d " 8 "
1st part, 6 "
2d " 18 "
2d " 12 "
1st part, 5 "
3d " 10 "
2d " 5 "
1st part, 15 "
4th " 30 "
2d " 15 "
Total, 70 lessons.
School of the platoon.
NOTE.—As the school of the platoon, dismounted

should progress conjointly with that of the trooper
mounted, the number of lessons will be such as may be
judged necessary.
31
MOUNTED.
School of the trooper.
1st part, 5 lessons

1st lesson 20 lessons.
2d " 15 "
1st part, 20 "
2d " 40 "
2d " 20 "
1st part, 15 "
3d " 30 "
2d " 15 "
1st part, 15 "
4th " 30 "
2d " 15 "
Total, 120 lessons.
School of the platoon.
1st article, .. .. .. 15 lessons.

2d " .. .. .. 15 "
3d " .. .. .. 15 "
4th " .. .. .. 15 "
Total, 60 lessons.
32
It results from this gradation, that the trooper, after 180
lessons or days of instruction, should be able to enter the
school of the squadron.
Corporals.
The corporals should be capable of executing all the

lessons mounted and dismounted, and should be qualified
to teach at least the two first lessons dismounted, and the
first lesson mounted.
Their theoretical instruction should include, in addition
to these lessons, all the details relative to the functions of
their grade in the interior service, both in garrison and in
campaign.
The colonel selects, in each squadron, a certain num-
ber of privates, who may be admitted to the theoretical
instruction of the corporals.
Sergeants.
The sergeants should be capable of executing, dis-

mounted and mounted, all that is prescribed by this book;
and should be able to teach the lessons of the school of the
trooper. They should likewise know all the details of the
service, so as to have it in their power to conduct their
troop and replace the chiefs of platoons if necessary.
The theoretical instruction of the sergeants should in-
clude the basis of instruction, the school of the trooper, the
33
school of the platoon, and the school of the squadron; also,
the regulations for the interior service in garrison and in
campaign, so far as their grade is concerned.
The colonel selects, in each company, those among the
corporals whom he judges fit to be admitted to the theoreti-
cal instruction of the sergeants.
Officers.
Every officer, from the colonel to the 2d lieutenant,

should be able to command according to his rank. No one
will be considered fully instructed, unless he can also
explain and execute all that is contained in this book.
The theory of the officers should include this book and
all the regulations which prescribe their duties in their
different positions, either in peace or war.
Every officer who joins the regiment for the first time,
must be examined on his theoretical and practical instruc-
tion by the colonel.
If the faults committed on drill by an officer of any
rank whatsoever, arise from negligence or want of instruc-
tion, the commandant of the regiment shall cause him to be
immediately replaced.
If the colonel thinks proper, he may excuse from the
theory, every other time, those officers whose instruction is
completed.
34
ARTICLE SIXTH.
INSTRUCTION TO MOUNT WITHOUT SADDLE, TO PACK

UP, TO SADDLE, AND TO UNSADDLE.
Manner of vaulting.
Seize the mane with the left hand, hold the reins of the
snaffle in the right hand, and place it on the withers, the
thumb to the left, the fingers to the right; raise yourself
lightly on the two wrists, the body straight; pass the right
leg extended, over the croup of the horse, without touching
him, and seat yourself gently on horseback.
To dismount, pass the left rein of the snaffle into the
right hand; place this hand on the withers; seize the mane
with the left hand, raise yourself gently on the two wrists;
pass the right leg extended over the croup of the horse,
without touching him; bring the right thigh near the left, the
body straight, and come to the ground lightly on the toes,
bending the knees a little.
Manner of packing up the effects.
The uniform pantaloons, folded the length of the va-

lise, should be well spread out in the bottom.
The white pantaloons, folded in the same manner,
placed on the uniform pantaloons.
The shirts, unfolded, are laid on the white pantaloons.
The soldier's book on the shirts.
35
The cap-cord on the book.
The shaving case, the pocket-handkerchiefs, the
gloves, and the socks, divided equally in the ends.
The second pair of boots under the flap of the valise.
The plume in its case, along with the boots.
The stable jacket in the valise-wallet; and also, the for-
age cap, which is placed in the middle.
The stable frock rolled the length of the cloak, in the
forage-sack.
The things used in grooming, the brushes, grease-box,
and other cleaning utensils, in the holster-pouch.
Manner of rolling the cloak.
The cloak being entirely unfolded, the sleeves are laid

flat and extended parallel to the two front edges of the
cloak; each one is then turned up and folded near the
elbow, so as to give a length of 3 feet 6 inches from one
elbow to the other, the middle of the cloak remaining
uncovered. The cape is then turned down over the sleeves,
in such a manner that the front edges may exactly cover
those of the cloak.
The lower extremity of the cloak is turned up about ten
inches; the skirts are likewise turned towards each other, so
that they may touch the fold of the sleeves, and that being
folded a second time upon themselves, they may give to the
cloak the form of a rectangle; the lower extremity of the
cloak is then turned up about 7 inches, and it is rolled as
36
tightly as possible, commencing at the collar and pressing
the knee upon it as it is rolled, to hold it. The part of the
cloak which is rolled is then introduced into the sort of
pocket formed by the part which was turned back.
Manner of adjusting a saddle.
HEAVY CAVALRY. LIGHT CAVALRY.
The saddle should be The saddle, should be

placed on the horse without laid on the horse without a
a blanket, in order to see blanket, in order to see
clearly whether its shape clearly whether its shape
agrees with that of his agrees with that of his
back. back.
In order that the saddle In order that the saddle
may be well placed, it is may be well placed, it is
necessary that the point of necessary that the front end
the bow should be three of the bare should be three
fingers in rear of the point fingers in rear of the point
of the shoulder; that the of the shoulder; that the
gullet leave sufficient room bows be sufficiently
on the withers and loins to elevated above the withers
permit the hand to be and loins to allow the fist
passed easily between to be passed under the rear
these parts and the saddle, bow, and almost as much
when the trooper is under the front one, when
mounted; that the front part the trooper is mounted; that
37
of the gullet be sufficiently the ends of the bars do not
wide to prevent the pad bear upon the back, and
from pressing on the side that the finger can be
of the withers; that the bars passed under them; that the
bear equally upon all parts rest of the bare bear flatly
without touching the back- on the back, in such a way,
bone, and that the points of however, that the finger
the bow do not press upon may be passed between
the back. The breast-strap their upper edge and the
should be placed above the back, and that they may be
point of the shoulders, so at least two finger's breadth
as not to interfere with from the backbone. The
their movements, and the breast-strap should be
crupper should not be placed above the point of
stretched for fear of the shoulders, so as not to
wounding the horse under interfere with their move-
the tail. ment. The leathern heart
should be in the middle of
the breast, and the crupper
should not be stretched for
fear of wounding the horse
under the tail.
To attach the stirrups to the saddle run the stirrup-

leather through the eye of the stirrup, pass it through the
loop, and draw it up until the loop touches the eye of the
stirrup: then, holding the stirrup-leather in such a manner
that the buckle may be turned towards the horse, run it
38
through the hole or staple in the saddle from above, and
draw it down; fasten it at the proper length by means of the
buckle, run it through the loop which is under the buckle,
and pass the end twice through the same loop.
When the stirrup is arranged in this manner, and hangs
naturally, the buckle will be on the inside next the horse.
Manner of saddling.
Approach the horse on Approach the horse on

the left side, and lay the the left side, and lay the
blanket, folded in four blanket, folded into 12 or
equal parts, on his back; 16 thicknesses, on his
the edges on the left side, back; the edges on the left
the large fold on the with- side.
ers. Seize it, then, with the
Seize it, then, with the left band on the withers,
left hand on the withers, and with the right on the
and with the right on the loins; slide it once or twice
loins; slide it, once or twice from front to rear, to
from front to rear to smooth the hair, taking
smooth the hair, taking care to raise it in carrying it
care to raise it in carrying it forward, so as not to brush
forward, so as not to brush up the hair. The blanket
up the hair. should be so arranged as to
The blanket should be project one finger's breath
39
so arranged as not to pro- beyond the bars in rear.
ject beyond the bars in Seize the saddle at the
rear. Throw the girths over pommel with the left hand,
the seat of the saddle, and at the cantle with the right
also the crupper, which is hand, and place it gently on
held with the left hand. the horse's back, bringing it
Seize the saddle with from the direction of his
the same hand at the croup, in order not to
pommel, the right hand frighten him, and place it a
under the cantle, place it little in rear, that the crup-
gently on the horse's back, per may be put on without
bringing it from the direc- drawing it back. Let down
tion of his croup, in order the girth, breast-strap, and
not to frighten him, and crupper; step behind the
place it a little in rear that horse, seize the tail with
the crupper may be put on the left hand, and twist the
without drawing it back. hair around the dock with
Let down the girths and the right, which then seizes
crupper, step behind the the crupper and passes the
horse, seize the tail with tail through it, taking care
the left hand, and twist the that none of the hair re-
hair around the dock with mains under it, which
the right hand, which then would hurt the horse.
seizes the crupper and Step to the right side
passes the tail through it, of the horse, and, seizing
taking care that none of the the saddle at the cantle
hair remains under it, with the left hand, and at
which would hurt the the pommel with the right
40
horse. hand, raise it and carry it
Step to the right side forward, without moving
of the horse to let down the the blanket; see at the same
right stirrup, return to the time that there are no
left side, raise up the straps caught under the
saddle, carry it forward, saddle; place the girth flat,
taking care that the blanket and pass it through the
is smooth, and that it does loop of the false martin-
not compress the withers, gale; return to the left side
which is avoided by raising by the head of the horse;
it up over this part; see that run the left hand between
there are no straps caught the withers and the blanket;
under the saddle; begin by raise it up a little so that it
fastening the first girth, will not compress the
which is passed through withers; buckle the girth
the loop of the breast-strap; and the breast-strap.
the second girth less tight
than the first girth and
surcingle, because it is the
one which most impedes
the respiration of the horse;
then buckle the breast-strap
and let down the left
stirrup.
41
Manner of packing the effects on the horse.
The schabraque being The schabraque being

on the saddle, the front part on the saddle, the front part
turned back on the seat, turned back on the seat, the
and the straps run through surcingle passed through
their holes, fasten the cloak the loop of the false mar-
and the forage-sack con- tingale, the packing straps
taining the stable-frock, run thro' their holes, fasten
drawing the middle-strap the cloak and the forage-
very tight, that the cloak sack, containing the stable-
may be on the pommel. frock, drawing the middle-
With the cloak straps, strap very tight, that the
fasten the ends of the cloak cloak may be front of the
and forage-sack in such a pommel, falling down in
manner that the ends shall front of the holsters. With
not project beyond the the cloak straps, fasten the
schabraque. Place the ends of the cloak and
pistol in the holster in front forage-sack, in such a
of the cloak, and fasten the manner that the ends shall
strap in the ring of the butt. not project beyond the
Place the hatchet in its schabraque. Place the
case, and turn down the pistol in the holster inside
front of the schabraque. of the cloak, and fasten the
Extend the right and strap in the ring of the butt.
left packing-straps upon Place the hatchet in its
42
the croup; place the wallet case, turn down the front of
flat upon the pillion; lay the schabraque, and pass
the middle packing-strap the gun-strap through its
over the wallet; place the hole.
valise with the buckles Extend the right and left
towards the saddle; fasten packing-strap upon the
it tightly with this strap; croup; place the wallet flat
fasten the wallet and valise against the cantle; lay the
together with the side- middle packing-strap over
straps; then attach the the wallet; place the valise
forage-cord, rolled and with the buckles towards
twisted into a circle, to the the saddle; fasten it tightly
left pack-strap, under the to the peak with this strap;
schabraque; in the same fasten the wallet and valise
manner, attach the water- together with the side-
ing bridle on the right side; straps; then attach the
see that there is no fold in forage-cord, rolled and
the valise, and that it lays twisted into a circle, on the
flat. left side, under the
When nose-bags are schabraque; in the same
used, they will be attached manner, attach the water-
to the pommel, on the off ing bridle on the right side
side. to the straps which are
fixed to the saddle for that
purpose; see that there is
no fold in the valise.
Fasten the lock-cover
to the cloak-strap on the
43
right side, the buckles
against the schabraque.
When blankets are used instead of schabraques, they

will be folded twice, with the edges placed on the off side.
To have the effects well packed, the three straps must
be tightly buckled, and must come up straight 3 inches
from each other; the three buckles on the same line in the
middle of the valise; the valise and wallet square, so that
both can be seen from behind. (Light cavalry, the wallet
placed in such a manner that it cannot be seen from be-
hind.)
The valise and wallet should not incline to either side.
The cloak and other articles in front should be so ar-
ranged, as to raise the bridle-hand as little as possible.
Nothing should project beyond the schabraque.
If a bundle of forage is to be carried, it is placed on the
valise, a little to the rear, and tied to the packing-straps.
When the carbine is in the boot, it is so placed that its
end may be 4 or 5 inches from the horse's shoulder, without
projecting beyond it; it is fastened to the saddle by the gun-
strap, which makes two turns round the small of the stock.
The carbine must never be left in the boot, when the horses
enter or go out of the stable.
44
Manner of bridling.
Stand on the left side of the horse, the reins of the snaf-
fle and of the curb-bridle in the bend of the left arm, the top
of the head-stall on the fore arm. Seize the curb-bridle and
the snaffle by the top of the head-stall with the right hand,
the nails downwards; pass the arm over the horse's neck, so
that the hand may be in front of his head; seize the snaffle-
bit with the left hand near the ring, and the curb-bit near the
boss, taking care that the snaffle-bit is above the curb-bit;
place them together in the horse's mouth, pressing the left
thumb upon the bars to make him open it; pass the horse's
ears between the front and top of the head-stall, com-
mencing with the right; run the nose-band through the
square rings of the halter, so that the part of the halter over
the nose may be covered, and buckle it, leaving the cheek-
pieces of the snaffle outside; hook the curb, buckle the
throat-strap, passing it under that of the halter; fasten the
button-hole of the halter to the button on the top of the
head-stall; clear the forelock; pass the reins of the snaffle
and curb-bridle over the horse's neck; attach the halter-
strap, with the end wound up, to the holster-strap on the left
side; (Light cavalry, to the cloak strap.)
If the horse is properly bridled, the buckles of the
cheek-piece, and of the throat-strap, on the right side, will
be at the same height, and those of the cheek-piece, throat-
strap, and snaffle, on the left side, will form a kind of
crow's foot; the throat strap will not be so tight as to im-
45
pede the respiration; the cheek-pieces will be in rear of the
temples, and the snaffle-bit will be above the curb-bit.
Manner of unbridling.
Unhook the curb, unbuckle the nose-band, then the

throat-strap, unbutton the halter, unroll the halter-strap, and
fasten the horse to the rack until he is unsaddled; bring the
reins of the snaffle and curb-bridle on the top of the head,
pass them over the ears, let them fall into the bend of the
left arm; take off the bridle from the horse's head, begin-
ning with the right ear; make two turns around the bridle,
with the reins below the front piece, and pass them between
the front and top of the head-stall, so that the bridle may be
hung up.
Manner of unpacking.
Unbuckle the packing-straps, ending with the middle

one; take off the valise and wallet; unbuckle the front
packing straps; take off the lock-cover; turn back the front
of the schabraque on the seat; unbuckle the cloak-straps,
ending with the middle one; take off the cloak and the sack:
free the pistol from its strap, and take it and the hatchet out
of the holsters; take off the forage-cord and watering
bridle; unbuckle the surcingle, and take off the schabraque,
or blanket; double the schabraque or blanket; lay all the
46
effects on it, roll them up in it, and fasten them with the
surcingle.
The trooper then rolls up all the straps, and unsaddles
in the prescribed manner.
Manner of unsaddling.
Strap up the stirrups, Unbuckle the breast-

unbuckle the breast-strap, strap, pass the end of it
the surcingle, the first girth through the holster-strap to
which is freed from the hold it up. Unbuckle the
loop, then the second; girth; step to the right side,
carry the saddle a little free the girth from the loop
back to free the tail from of the false martingale;
the crupper; raise the turn up the girth and
saddle, passing the left arm breast-strap if they are
along the gullet; take the clean, and if not, after
girths in the right hand to having wiped them; then
put them on the saddle if throw over the right stir-
they are clean; if not, they rup, carry the saddle a little
will be wiped before being back to free the tail from
put up; take off the blanket, the crupper, throw over the
double it with the wet side left stirrup and take off the
inwards, lay it on the saddle with both hands, the
saddle and fasten it there left hand hold of the pom-
by means of the crupper, mel, the right at the cantle;
47
which is turned up and take off the blanket, double
attached to the cloak-strap. it with the wet side out-
wards; lay it on the saddle
and fasten it there by
means of the crupper,
which is turned up and
attached to the cloak-strap.
_____
ARTICLE SEVENTH.
OF THE BIT.
(Pl. 6, fig. A.) The bit is composed of seven principal

pieces in iron, viz:
The mouth-piece (1), the branches (2), the rings (3),
the curb (4), and the cross-bar (5).
The other pieces are the S (6), and the hook (7).
The mouth-piece is fixed to the branches by the fon-
ceaux (8), and is divided into barrels (9), and crook (10).
The barrels act upon the bars and render the horse
obedient, with the assistance of the curb.
The crook forms a place for the tongue.
The branches cause the mouth-piece and curb to act.
Each one is divided into eye of the cheek-piece (11), eye of
48
the hook or S (12), banquet (13), bow of the banquet (14),
tongue of the banquet (15), and ring eye (16).
The eye of the cheek-piece serves to pass the cheek-
piece through. The eyes of the hook or S serves to hold the
hook or S of the curb. The banquet and tongue of the
banquet serve to unite the mouth-piece to the branches.
The bow of the banquet serves to strengthen the branch,
and the ring eye is to hold the rings for the reins.
The object of the cross-bar is to strengthen the bit, and
to prevent the branches from hooking the reins of the other
horses.
(Fig. B.) The curb is composed of links (1) and rings
(2); the links act upon the horse's chin, and the rings serve
to fasten the curb to the S and the hook; they are three in
number, two on the side of the hook, and one on the side of
the S.
The S serves to fasten the curb to the bit, and the hook
to hook the curb.
The bosses (17) are ornaments to cover the fonceaux
there are holes in them by which they are riveted to the
branches.
(Fig. C.) The snaffle-bit is composed of five pieces of
iron:
The right side (1).
The left side (2).
The uniting ring (3).
The rings (4), to receive the cheek-pieces and reins.
49
(Fig. D.) The bit of the watering-bridle is composed of
four pieces of iron:
The right side (1).
The left side (2).
Two rings with wings (3), to receive the reins and
cheek-pieces.
To bit the horse properly, it is necessary to understand:
lst. The effects of the bit.
2d. The horse's mouth.
3d. The conformation of the horse.
The bit is medium, (fig. E.) when the branches (1) are
straight, that is, when the eye of the ring is in the prolon-
gation of the line passing through the centre of the fon-
ceaux and the eye of the cheek-piece; and when the mouth-
piece is mean, that is with the barrel (2) large and rising,
and the crook not much elevated.
The bit is mild (fig. F.) when the branches (1) are short
and the eye of the ring in rear of the line; and when the
mouth-piece is straight, that is, when the barrel (2) is large
near the branches, slopes upwards a little, and is almost
without crook.
The bit is severe (fig. G.) when the branches (1) are
long, with the eye of the ring in front of the line; and when
the mouth-piece is powerful, that is, when the barrel (2) is
straight and small, and the crook elevated.
The Position of the eye of the branch renders the ac-
tion of the bit more or less powerful. If the eye is high, the
bit resists the motion of the branches and produces a
50
stronger impression on the mouth and chin. If, on the
contrary, the eye is too low, the bit yields to the motion of
the branches, and produces less effect.
It is necessary to consider the interior and exterior
parts of the horse's mouth.
The interior parts are the tongue, the canal in which
the tongue rests, the tusks, the bars, and the inside of the
lips.
The exterior parts are the bones of the lower jaw, the
canal between these bones, the slit of the lips, the outside
of the lips, and the chin.
The most sensitive parts of the horse's mouth are the
bars and the chin; the tongue and the lips are leas so. Bars
which are elevated, sharp, and without flesh, denote sensi-
bility; it diminishes in proportion as the bars become lower,
round, and covered with flesh, and as the chin becomes
thick and fleshy.
When a horse is well-made, and free in his motions
and gait, it is to be presumed that he has a good mouth.
When a horse has a heavy head and limbs, and is lazy
and clumsy in his gaits, it is to be presumed that he has a
bad mouth.
When a horse has long slim legs, a long body, and is
loosely put together, great care is requisite in the choice of
a bit, as he submits with difficulty to the action of it, not
being able to endure its effects without pain, or without
endeavoring to avoid them.
51
When a horse has the bars elevated, sharp, and without
flesh, the tongue thin, and the canal sufficiently large to
hold it, he should have a straight bit (fig. F, No. 2), that the
barrel being thicker near the branches, may press upon the
tongue and lips, and ease as much as possible the other
parts of the mouth. The tongue and lips, from their slight
degree of sensibility, being able to sustain the bit, prevent it
from producing too great an effect on the bars, and pressing
on them in such a manner as to cause pain.
When a horse has sensitive bars, a thick tongue, and
the canal too small to hold it conveniently, he should have
a medium bit (fig. E, No. 2), that the tongue, having a little
liberty, the bit may press at the same time on the bars and
tongue, without causing inconvenience. A straight bit, in
such a mouth, would deprive the tongue of its liberty, and
would bear entirely upon that part which is the least sensi-
tive; the mouth would be incommoded, the horse would
bear upon the hand, and would resist.
When a horse has low, round, and fleshy bars, he
should have a severe bit (fig. G, No. 2), because bars of this
kind possessing little sensibility, can only acquire it from
the action of the bit, which presses upon them.
When a horse has too large a mouth, he should have a
bit with long branches.
When the horse has a small mouth, he should have a
light bit; but as the small quantity of iron might be unpleas-
ant to him, from the delicate and sensitive bars which these
52
horses usually have, it is necessary to use the straight
mouth-piece with short and mild branches.
When a horse throws out his head to the front, he
should have, to prevent it, long and severe branches (fig. G,
No. 1); if at the same time he has a sensitive mouth, which
is frequently the case, he should be given a straight mouth-
piece (fig. G, No. 2).
When a horse carries his head low, and against his
breast, he should have short branches (fig. F, No. 1); if at
the same time his mouth is not very sensitive, which is not
uncommon, he must have a severe mouth-piece (fig. G,
No. 2).
Horses which are lower before than behind, are rarely
well upon the haunches; they feel the extra weight which
the croup throws on the shoulders, want confidence in their
legs, and seek the aid of the bit. They generally have a bad
mouth, and bear upon the hand They should have a severe
bit with powerful branches (fig. G, No. 1 and 2). When the
mouth is very sensitive, which is rare with this kind of
horses, a straight mouth-piece (fig. F, No. 2) is arranged
with powerful branches (fig. G, No. 1). This mouth-piece
moderates the effect of the branches.
Horses which are lower behind than before generally
have a fine neck and shoulders; but their proportions show
little strength in the hinder parts. They are light in their for-
parts, and apt to rear; they should have short and mild
branches (fig. F, No. 1).
53
The bit should bear upon the bars one finger's breadth
above the lower tusks; if it bore higher, it would wrinkle
the lips and hurt the bone of the bar, which is sharper there;
lower down, it would touch the upper tusk. In no case
should the top of the mouth-piece touch the palate.
The bit should be neither wide nor narrow; in the first
case; it becomes displaced and does not fit; in the second
case, it compresses and wounds the mouth, and may cause
the horse to contract the habit of seizing the branches with
his lips, or of taking one of them between his teeth.
The curb should be arranged so as to produce its effect
upon the chin, and not to compress it when the bridle hand
does not act. It should be neither long nor short; in the first
case, it would permit the bit to swing, which would destroy
its effect; in the second case, it would restrain the horse too
much, and lead him to resist.
When young horses are bridled for the first time, a
piece of leather or felt may be placed between the curb and
chin, as their chins are often very sensitive. These means
are no longer used after they have become accustomed to
the effect of the bit.
A bit which is well adjusted should act upon all parts
of the mouth, according to their sensibility.
Horses resist the bit when it causes pain; the most sen-
sitive are the most impatient: when the bit hurts them, they
rush forward to escape the pain, which they imagine to be a
punishment. The more they are restrained by an unskilful
hand, the greater the compression of the bars becomes; it
54
increases the evil instead of allaying it, and gives the horse
a bad mouth.
When a horse shakes his head, it is a sign that the bit
incommodes him. There are horses which persist in the
habit of shaking the head after the bit has been properly
arranged; the hand alone can then correct this vice, and not
the martingale, which is improperly supposed to be a
remedy.
As a general rule, all horses should have a mild bit;
and, as it is impossible that each horse in a regiment should
have a particular bit, they are furnished of three different
patters: there is one-sixth of mild bits, four-sixths of me-
dium bits, and one-sixth of severe bits.
_____
ARTICLE EIGHTH.
MANNER OF TRAINING YOUNG HORSES.
The remount horses are not mounted immediately after

their arrival at the regiment; they are merely led out by men
mounted on trained horses; in winter, the warmest part of
the day is chosen for this exercise. They must be led some-
times on the right and sometimes on the left side.
When the horses have perfectly recovered from the fa-
tigues of the journey, they are ridden out.
They move always at a walk, the men merely requiring
their horses to follow those which precede in the column.
55
The horses being thus habituated to carry the weight of
a man, they are taught in the stables to suffer themselves to
be saddled, to have the foot taken up, the shoe struck, &o.;
observing always, if the horse objects, to make use of
gentle means to remove his fears.
It should be borne in mind that nothing must be re-
quired of young horses beyond their strength, and that
punishment is to be resorted to only at the last extremity,
and when well assured that the faults arise from vicious-
ness and not from ignorance.
The horses should be gentle to mount, should march
on a straight line and circular line at all paces, should back,
make a few side steps to the right and left, suffer pressure
in the ranks, leap the ditch and bar, and should not be
alarmed at the noise of arms and drums, or the waving of
standards and the flags of lances.
To avoid repetition, this article presents only those
details which regard the horse, and that which is prescribed
in the schools of the trooper and platoon is conformed to
for the commands and execution of all the movements,
observing to follow the progression of these schools from
point to point, but always with a view to the instruction of
the horse.
FIRST LESSON.
The horses saddled, and with snaffle bridles, are

placed in one rank three paces from each other.
56
The lesson in mounting is given to each horse sepa-
rately, the instructor holding him by the reins of the snaffle;
the trooper caresses the horse, on coming up to him, puts
his foot carefully in the stirrup, raises himself without
abruptness, seats himself in the saddle, and caresses the
horse again; he pauses longer on the stirrup in proportion
as the horse becomes more calm, and he mounts and
dismounts successively on the right and left side, to render
the horse more submissive.
To teach the horse the effect of the reins, they should
be opened without abruptness, but freely, so as to leave no
doubt of what is required of him.
To teach him the effect of the legs, the trooper has two
switches, one in each hand; they must be of a pliant wood,
sufficiently long to reach the horse behind the girths, just
where the legs close. The legs are closed gradually, and if
the horse does not obey, the switches are used, the force of
the blow being increased progressively, until he learns to
move off at the sole pressure of the legs. The switches are
afterwards used only when he hesitates.
To make the horse turn, open freely the rein on the
side toward which he is to turn, and close the leg on the
same side; if he does not obey the pressure of the leg, use
the switch on that side; when the movement is nearly
finished, diminish the effect of the rein and leg, sustaining
him with the opposite rein and leg.
57
At the commencement, the horse is made to describe
large arcs, and he is brought by degrees to turn upon the
arcs prescribed in the first lesson.
When all that is above prescribed is perfectly under-
stood, the instruction commences.
The instruction is not given at a halt, as is required in
the first lesson of the school of the trooper, but the march
in column is performed on the track, as in the second part
of that lesson; the instructor places a trained horse at the
head, and the men preserve an interval of three paces, that
they may conduct their horses more easily.
The troopers should, at first, preserve great suppleness
in their position, and pliancy in their movements, that they
may not discourage the horses, already annoyed by a
weight to which they are not accustomed. The horses
should not yet be required to march very straight; it is
sufficient that they are made acquainted with the reins and
legs by bringing them back to the line when they are too far
from it, and by using the means prescribed for the passage
of corners.
This first instruction is given at a walk, to render it
easier to the horse.
It is especially in the execution of the right wheel, left
wheel, right about wheel, and left about wheel, that the
troopers should use the reins and their legs with precision,
in order that the horse may become well acquainted with
them.
58
To make the horse back, the instructor having dis-
mounted, places himself in front of the horse, seizes one
rein with each hand, and bears upon the snaffle.
If the horse refuses to back, the instructor having taken
both reins in one hand, with the other touches him gently
on the fore-legs with a switch, caresses him when he obeys,
and stops him after two or three steps. He is not required to
back straight.
During the first days, the instruction should be short,
and interrupted by frequent repose.
During the moments of repose, the lesson in mounting
is repeated; and when the horse no longer stirs, the trooper
mounts and dismounts without his being held by the in-
structor. If the horse is still unquiet, the instructor holds
him again until he becomes calm, seeking to give him
confidence, and being very careful not to ill-use him, which
would only render him more restive.
After a few days instruction, the horse is taught to hold
himself straight, and more precision is exacted in the
passage of the corners, as well as in all the movements and
changes of direction, but always at a walk.
The trooper begins to lessen the movement of the reins
a little, and to make less use of the switches, that the horse
may become more and more accustomed to obey the aids
alone.
When the horse has learned to hold himself straight,
and when he obeys the hands and legs tolerably, the in-
59
structor causes him to take a moderate trot; but he is not
kept long at this pace.
At a trot, the same precision is not at first required in
the position and movements of the horse as at a walk; it is
acquired by degrees.
The horses are practised in backing when mounted; the
troopers should act with great gentleness, contenting
themselves at the commencement with making the horse
take two or three steps to the rear, without requiring him to
back straight.
Whenever a horse has obeyed, the hand should be held
lightly, and he should be caressed.
SECOND LESSON.
The horses, saddled, and bridled with a snaffle, are

placed in one rank 3 paces from each other.
When the horses obey the aids sufficiently, the
switches are no longer used, but they are then made ac-
quainted with the spur; it is only used when the horse does
not obey the legs. In this case, the trooper having con-
formed to what is prescribed No. 315, applies both spurs
vigorously, at the moment when the horse commits the
fault; at the same time the bridle hand is slackened, unless
the horse should have left the track, when he will be re-
placed on it. The spurs should never be applied unrea-
sonably, in a spiritless manner, or one after the other, for
fear the horse may acquire a habit of kicking.
60
The horses are now required to move perfectly straight
on a straight line, and to bend themselves a little. in turning
to the right or left. They are afterwards made to trot
alternately to the right and to the left hand, great attention
being paid to give them a free and regular gait.
When the horses have acquired suppleness and cour-
age, the trot becomes more frequent and lasts longer; and
all the movements and changes of direction which have
been executed at a walk, are repeated at this gait.
The oblique march from a halt is not executed.
When the horses perform well on a straight line, they
are placed in the ring, and made to take a few turns in each
direction, first at a walk, and then at a trot. When the horses
are in the ring, they should have the position described in
No. 327.
The horses are made to execute the right wheel, left
wheel, right-about wheel, and left-about wheel, and they
are thus confirmed in their knowledge of the reins and legs.
At the end of the lessons, the horses being more calm
and obedient, are made to pass successively from the head
to the foot of the column, which is done with great care,
and those which leave the track in spite of all precautions,
are brought back to it with great gentleness.
This lesson is repeated, the horses being taken indis-
criminately from the centre of the column.
The trot is not yet commenced from a halt, nor are the
horses halted when moving at that pace.
61
When the horses trot well, the pace is increased, but
only for one or two turns at the most.
They then take one or two turns at a gallop, merely to
give them a first knowledge of this gait, to try their
strength, and to increase their suppleness, without requiring
them to start correctly.
Young horses are apt to run away in starting at a gal-
lop; the troopers should endeavor to calm them, and should
especially avoid exciting them too much.
Finally, they are taught to take a few side steps, as it is
prescribed No. 342.
This exercise, being difficult for the horse, requires
great mildness and patience on the part of the instructor; a
few movements of the shoulders to the right and left, and
one or two side steps, are sufficient for the first time.
When a horse refuses to obey, the instructor shows
him the whip, and, if that is not sufficient, he touches him
lightly with it behind the girths; the horse is caressed after
he has obeyed.
The lesson in backing is repeated, but with more
strictness, and if the horse throws himself out of the line, he
is cautiously replaced on it.
During the moments of repose, the troopers being in
column, or in one rank at 3 paces from each other, the
instructor causes them to mount and dismount alternately
on the right and on the left side.
62
THIRD LESSON.
For this lesson the horses are bridled with the curb bri-
dle.
The instruction at a halt, which is prescribed No. 354,
is not given.
The horses marching on the track, the first thing is to
accustom them to the weight of the bit; to effect this, the
trooper guides his horse with the snaffle only, which he
holds by the middle in his right hand, taking care to hold
the reins of the curb-bridle so loose that the bit will not act.
When the horse no longer shows any uneasiness, he is
taught the effect of the bit.
Whenever there is a corner to pass, the horse is gath-
ered by making use of the snaffle; the horse having obeyed,
and having begun to turn to the right or left, the snaffle is
slackened, and the movement is completed with the bridle
hand; if the horse still shows hesitation, the bridle is slack-
ened and the snuffle is again used.
The snaffle, used in this manner in passing the corners,
and in all changes of direction, teaches the horse by de-
grees the effect of the bit, and the use of it is insensibly
diminished until he can be guided with the left hand alone.
The effect of the bit being much more powerful than
that of the snaffle, the movements of the left hand should
therefore be more progressive.
63
In all difficult movements, such as to go out of the col-
umn, to passage, &c., if the instructor finds some of the
horses undecided, he will make the troopers use the snaffle.
FOURTH LESSON.
The horses being perfectly gentle to mount, and

knowing how to back properly, the troopers mount and
dismount in two ranks, as in Nos. 268, 292, and 293.
The instruction is the same as in the preceding lessons,
but the troopers are armed. The carbine is in the boot, and
the sabre in the scabbard; in proportion as the horses be-
come accustomed to it, the carbines are slung and the
sabres drawn.
The manual of arms is then executed, first at a halt,
afterwards when marching at a walk and at a trot, as in the
4th lesson of the school of the trooper, the greatest gentle-
ness being always used to accustom the horses to it by
degrees.
Manner of accustoming the horses to leap the ditch and the

bar.
At the end of the lesson, and before the horses return

to the stable, they are practised in leaping the ditch and the
bar.
64
This instruction demands many precautions and great
care. The ditch is leaped before the bar, which is more
difficult.
At the commencement, the ditch should be narrow and
not deep, and the bar should be quite low.
The horses are always led at first, care being taken to
put at their head a horse already used to this exercise.
To prevent the horse from stopping short, as it often
happens, he is made to pass by the side of the ditch, and
over the bar, which has been let down, in order that he may
see beforehand the obstacles which he is to leap.
After these precautions have been taken, the trooper
holds the end of the bridle, reins in the right hand, and runs
to the ditch or bar, which he leaps the first; the instructor
follows the horse, Shows him the whip, and cracks it at the
same time, to make him follow; the trooper caresses him
after he has leaped.
If the horse refuses, the instructor forces him with the
whip, using great patience, but never suffering him to
return to the stable until he has leaped.
The horses should leap only once, or at most, twice a
day; were it repeated too often, they would at last become
discouraged.
The horse should not be made to leap mounted, until
he has leaped without hesitation when led. For this pur-
pose, each trooper, on arriving at the ditch or bar, follows
what is laid down in No. 415, and the following para-
graphs.
65
When a horse refuses to obey, it is necessary to take
room and try again to make him leap, placing him, when
necessary, a few paces behind another horse which leaps
freely; the instructor follows, to compel him with the whip,
and, if in spite of all precautions, he still refuses to leap, the
trooper dismounts, leads his horse, and does not mount
again until he leaps without hesitation.
Assembly of the young horses in a platoon.
To accustom the young horses to the pressure of the

ranks, and to the movements which they must execute
together, the progression of the four articles of the school
of the platoon is followed, conforming to what follows.
The successive alignments at a halt, are not practised
at first with the young horses, because they are not gener-
ally sufficiently calm.
In the formations, the troopers should keep their horses
straight, and align themselves as they arrive on the line; but
once in the rank and halted, they should no longer seek to
put them straight, or to close, as the young horses are
impatient when too long gathered, and almost always
resist.
In beginning to march, by twos, by fours, and by pla-
toon, to troopers should preserve sufficient space, taking
care not to close; they should relax the thighs and legs,
require little from their horses, and calm those which are
excited by stopping and slackening the bridle.
66
When the horses are calm and march quietly, the
troopers approach boot to boot, without, however, pressing
each other, and it is not until then, that more exactness is
observed in the distances, directions, and alignments.
The horses which suffer most from pressure, are
placed on the flanks, and they are taken gradually towards
the centre, where the pressure is more felt.
In the march in column and in line, attention is paid to
the gaits, to render them equal and regular: without chang-
ing the formation too often, until the horses are perfectly
trained.
Wheeling by platoon is practised; but these movements
are frequently to be interrupted by direct marches, to calm
those horses to which the pressure sometimes becomes too
severe. The pace of the horses near the pivot being slack-
ened, they become impatient at being thus restrained by the
hand of the rider, and they almost always resist, when they
are made to wheel for a long time, and often.
They execute, at a walk only, the right wheel, left
wheel, right-about wheel, left-about wheel by fours, taking
care not to repeat them too often.
They are made to gallop by twos, by fours, and by
platoon, but not long at a time; no other movements are
executed at this pace.
The young horses are not practised at the charge.
On the last day of their instruction they are mounted
with arms and baggage; should any horse be rendered
uneasy by the valise, and kick and resist, he is separated
67
from the troop, and is accustomed by degrees to the valise
by mounting him apart, and by letting him stand packed in
the stable an hour or two each day.
When the horses are sufficiently trained, and some
weeks before they enter the squadron, they are practised in
the different formations of the school of the platoon, at the
quick paces, the gallop being used with great moderation.
Manner of accustoming young horses to firing, and mili-

tary noises.
A few trained horses accustomed to the firing, are

mounted with the young horses; towards the end of the
lesson, the troopers who mount the former separate them-
selves a few paces from the others and fire pistols, while
the others continue to march on the track; the troopers
taking care to quiet and caress those which are excited or
frightened.
This method is continued during some days, the troop-
ers approaching nearer and nearer, and finally firing inside
of the square; they fire afterwards when returning to the
quarters, at first in rear of the column, then near the centre,
and at last at the head, facing it at the distance of a few
paces.
There will be an interval between the shots at first, and
they will be fired more frequently in proportion as the
horses become more calm, taking care not to burn them
with the grains of powder.
68
When the young horses are somewhat accustomed to
the noise of arms, the troopers who ride them having
loaded their pistols between the lessons, fire one after
another at a signal from the instructor.
This lesson should be given with care, the firing being
stopped when the horses become excited; after they have
become more calm, the shots are repeated with shorter
intervals. The carbines are afterwards used.
Should there be any horses so restive as to throw the
others habitually into disorder, they must be sent back to
the stable; they are then taken out separately, every morn-
ing and evening, to accustom them to the noise of arms.
For this purpose they are led to the riding-ground, where
pistols are fired while they are caressed, and a few oats are
given them. The shots are first fired from a distance, and
approach gradually. After the horses become accustomed
to them, they are joined to the others, to receive the same
lessons when mounted.
When the horses are no longer frightened at the suc-
cessive carbine or pistol shots, they are formed at the end
of the riding ground; they are marched gently towards
some dismounted men placed at the other end, who fire
together several times in succession; when the horses are
within fifty paces the firing ceases, and they are marched
on until they come up to the men, where they are halted
and caressed.
An officer is always present at this lesson, to see that it
is given properly and without disorder.
69
The young horses are likewise accustomed to the man-
ual of arms, the waving of standards, colors, and the flags
of lances, to the noise of drums, and finally to all military
noises. This is always done at the end of the lessons, the
same progression being followed, and the same gentle
means used.
Horses that are difficult to train.
Young horses often offer a resistance, the cause of

which should be known in order to apply a remedy.
Some jump from gaiety or too much spirit; they should
be brought back gently to the track, without ill-using them,
and should be calmed by stopping and slackening the
bridle, very little use being made of the legs.
Others jump from viciousness, and to throw their rider;
they must be made to feel all the degrees of the aids to
quiet them, punishment being employed as a last resource,
as it would make them worse were it too prompt or too
frequent.
In regard to horses which stop and refuse to advance,
this may arise from weakness, from fear, or from obsti-
nacy.
If it be from weakness, which may be readily seen
from the conformation of the horse and the manner in
which he moves, the work must be proportioned to his
strength.
70
If it be from fear, he must be taken up gently to the
object which frightens him, stopping occasionally before
arriving at it, slackening the bridle, encouraging him by the
voice, and using all means to give him confidence. When
he has at last come up to the object, he is permitted to smell
it, to show him that he has nothing to fear, and he is then
caressed. In no case should a timid horse be punished, as
that would only increase the evil.
Finally, if it be from obstinacy, after all gentle means
have been tried, the whip must be resorted to; as the spur
often induces the horse to resist still more, it is for the
instructor, who knows him, to prescribe or forbid the use of
it.
There are some horses which have a habit of rearing.
The rider must throw the upper part of the body forward,
without deranging his seat; he must slacken one rein, and
draw upon the other.
There are other horses which kick. The rider must
throw the body a little to the rear, without stiffness, raise
the bridle hand to prevent the horse from putting his head
between his legs, and force him to move off by closing the
legs.
It is rarely that a horse kicks up straight; he almost al-
ways throws the croup to the right or left. While conform-
ing to what has been said above, the trooper should bear
harder upon the rein on the side towards which the horse
kicks, in order to oppose the shoulders to the haunches.
71
When a horse intends to kick up while in motion, it
may be perceived from the slackening of the pace of his
fore-legs. In the same manner, his intention to rear may be
known, by the slackening of his hind-legs.
If the horses have resisted both gentle means and pun-
ishment, recourse is had to the longe.
Lesson of the longe.
This lesson requires great caution, in order not to in-

jure the horse in trying to subdue him; the lesson should
last but half an hour, or three-quarters at most, and there
should be frequent repose.
The cavesson serves to moderate the pace of the horse,
and to bring him near the centre when he is in the ring. It
likewise serves to drive him from it, by shaking the longe.
It may also be used to repress his faults.
With the whip, the pace of the horse is increased, he is
driven from the centre, and he is corrected.
The instructor uses the whip and the cavesson alter-
nately, to overcome the resistance of the horse; but he is
very careful not to use both at once, nor to use them im-
properly, the abuse of the cavesson inclining the horse to
resist, and throwing him on his haunches; that of the whip,
tending to discourage him and make him restive.
The longe should be held so long as not to tire the
horse by forcing him to move on too small a circle.
72
The horse should have a watering-bridle, and the
cavesson should be arranged in such a manner as not to
impede the respiration.
An instructor and an assistant are necessary to give this
lesson; the assistant holds the longe and places himself at
the centre. To start the horse upon the ring, the instructor
leads him by the inner rein, holding the whip behind him-
self with the other hand; he walks with the horse as long as
necessary; in proportion as the horse moves with more
confidence, he separates from him, holding the longe in the
right hand (when moving to the right) and the whip in the
left hand, until he is at an equal distance from the horse and
the person who holds the longe. He follows the movements
of the horse constantly, and uses the longe, or the whip, as
may be necessary, to keep him on the ring, or to maintain
the pace.
If the horse stops short when the instructor leaves him,
if he backs, or pulls upon the longe, and refuses to move on
at the cracking of the whip, he is again led upon the ring,
that he may better understand what is required of him.
On leaving him again, the instructor shows him the
whip, and even touches him with it between the shoulder
and the belly, if necessary; he gives the horse more liberty
in proportion as he moves with confidence.
If the horse gallops instead of trotting, the instructor
shakes the longe lightly by a very gentle horizontal motion
of the hand.
73
After a few turns, the instructor diminishes the ring
and tries to stop the horse by the voice, and to make him
come to him; he caresses him when he has obeyed, makes
him take a few steps to the rear, and leads him upon the
ring to the other hand, with the same precautions.
At the end of the lesson, and when the horse has be-
come more docile, he is mounted, not to work in the longe,
but to obtain from him that which he has refused to do; if
he is submissive, little should be required of him, he should
be caressed, and the cavesson should be taken off.
If, in spite of all the precautions and patience of the in-
structor, the horse still refuses to obey, he is again put in
the longe before being sent away, and these lessons are
continued until no more resistance is offered.
The longe may also be used (but with great caution) to
give suppleness to those horses which are in want of it.
_____
ARTICLE NINTH.
DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
A TROOP is composed of ranks and files.

A RANK is composed of men abreast of each other.
A FILE is composed of two men, one behind the other.
FILE-LEADER is a man of the front rank of a troop,
relatively to the one who is behind him in the rear rank.
74
FILE-CLOSER is an officer or sergeant posted behind
the rear rank.
FRONT is the direction perpendicular to the alignment
of a troop and before it, either in column or in line.
CENTRE is the middle of a troop.
WINGS are the two grand divisions into which any
body of men is divided, when in line.
FLANK is the right or left side of a column, or line.
INTERVAL is the vacant space between two troops, or
between the fractions of a troop in line. It refers more
particularly to the space which the squadrons of a regiment
in line should preserve between each other.
This interval is 12 paces (12 yards,) measured from the
knees of the sergeant (not counted in the rank) on the left
of a squadron, to the knees of the sergeant on the right of
the squadron which follows in order of battle.
On foot, it is measured from the elbows of the same
sergeants.
DISTANCE is the vacant space from one troop to an-
other in column, or between the ranks of a troop, either in
line or in column.
The distance between the open ranks, when mounted,
is 6 yards, measured from the croup of the horses of the
front rank to the head of the horses of the rear rank; on
foot, this distance is 6 paces.
When the ranks are closed, the distance, if mounted, is
2 feet, measured from the croup of the horses of the front
rank to the head of those of the rear rank; on foot, it is 1
75
foot, measured from the breast of a man in the rear rank to
the back of his file-leader.
When a troop is formed in column of platoons, or divi-
sions, the distances prescribed are measured from the men
of one front rank to those of another front rank; on foot,
they are measured from the elbows of the men of one front
rank, to the elbows of the men of another front rank.
DEPHT is the space included between the head and the
rear of a column.
The depth of a column of platoons is equal to the front
which the troop occupied in line; it is measured from the
head of the horse of the officer commanding the first
platoon, to the croup of the horses of the file-closers of the
last platoon.
To estimate the front of a troop, and the depth of a col-
umn, it is necessary to know that a horse, when mounted,
occupies in breadth one-third of his length; this breadth is a
little less than a yard. To avoid fractions, and arrive at the
same result by a more simple calculation, having regard
also to the room which the men must always preserve in
the ranks, it is supposed to be one yard. The length of a
horse being 3 yards, the two ranks occupy 6 yards, with a
distance of 2 feet between the ranks; a space which is
necessary to prevent them from interfering on the march.
Taking the above dimensions for a base, the front of a
squadron will consist of as many yards as there are files,
plus the two sergeants on the flanks. There will be a differ-
ence, however, according to the corps, and the manner in
76
which the regiment is mounted; commandants of corps
should satisfy themselves of it, by causing the front of their
squadrons to be measured.
ALIGNMENT is the placing of men, or troops, on the
same line. There are two kinds: individual alignment, and
alignment by troop.
Individual alignment is when men are placed abreast
of each other, in a parallel direction, and without one being
in front or in rear of another.
Alignment by troop is when a troop places itself on the
prolongation of a line already formed.
Every troop which is to form and align itself on an-
other, halts on a line with the file-closers, parallel to the
line of formation, to place itself afterwards on the align-
ment of the troop which is already formed.
The commandant of a troop places himself, to align it,
on the side indicated by the command; it is the same if the
troop which he commands serves as base of alignment to
another troop. But the commander of a troop which aligns
itself on another, moves to the opposite side to align it.
A PLATOON is composed habitually of 12 files; it
may also be increased to 16; in that case, it is divided into 2
sections.
A DIVISION is composed of 2 platoons.
A SQUADRON is composed of 2 divisions, or 4 pla-
toons.
A REGIMENT IN ORDER OF BATTLE (OR LINE)
is composed of its squadrons disposed on the same line,
77
with their intervals; it is in NATURAL ORDER when the
squadrons are placed in the order of their numbers from
right to left.
It is in INVERSE ORDER when the first squadrons
are on the left of the line, and the last on the right, or when
the subdivisions of each squadron are inverted. This order
should be used only when circumstances require it.
A COLUMN is the disposition of a troop which has
broken, and of which the fractions are placed one behind
another.
There are three kinds of column: column in route, col-
umn with distance, and close column.
COLUMN IN ROUTE is formed of men by twos, or
by fours.
COLUMN WITH DISTANCE is formed of platoons,
having between them the distance necessary to form in line
in every way. This column may also be formed of divi-
sions; but the proportion of a platoon front is the most
advantageous for all movements.
CLOSE COLUMN is formed of squadrons with a dis-
tance of 12 Yards from one to another; the object of this
disposition is to give the least possible depth to the column.
The column has the right in front when its fractions are
disposed according to the order of their numbers, from
front to rear.
The column has the left in front when the last fractions,
in the order of their numbers, are in front.
78
FIXED POINTS, OR POINTS OF DIRECTION, serve
to point out the direction in which a troop in line, or in
column, is to march; or else to mark the right and left of a
line.
INTERMEDIATE POINTS are those taken between
the fixed points. They are used to preserve the desired
direction during the march, or to ensure the rectitude of the
formation of the lines.
GENERAL GUIDES are the two sergeants who, in the
formation of a regiment, mark the points where the right
and the left are to rest.
They are selected in the first and last squadrons, and
are under the orders of the adjutant and sergeant-major, for
the tracing of lines.
PRINCIPAL GUIDES are the sergeants who serve to
mark the intermediate points in the formation in line.
The sergeants, file-closers of the 1st and 4th platoons,
are the principal guides of their respective squadrons.
PARTICULAR GUIDES are the sergeants who place
themselves on the line of formation, to mark the front of
their squadrons as they arrive.
The two sergeants of the flanks, who are not counted
in the rank, are the particular guides of their respective
squadrons.
GUIDE OF THE MARCH IN LINE is the sergeant
file-closer of one of the wings, who, in the march in line,
replaces the particular guide in the front rank, when the
79
latter places himself on the alignment, to ensure the direc-
tion of the march by serving as an intermediate point.
GUIDE OF THE COLUMN is the man on one of the
flanks of the front rank of a column; he is charged with the
direction of the march.
The guide is always left when the right is in front; the
exceptions to this general rule are pointed out in the title of
the evolutions.
In the oblique march, the guide is on the side towards
which the march is made and when the primitive direction
is resumed, after having obliqued, the guide is where it was
before having obliqued.
In a column composed of cavalry and infantry, the
guides of the cavalry cover the second file of the subdivi-
sions of infantry on the side of the guides. In line, the
officers who are in front of the squadrons, align themselves
on the rear rank of the infantry.
WHEEL is a circular movement executed by a man, or
troop, returning to the point of departure.
When a troop makes a wheel, it turns upon one of its
flanks; each of the men composing it describes a circle,
larger in proportion to his distance from the central point.
ABOUT FACE, or WHEEL, is the half of a wheel.
RIGHT, or LEFT FACE, or WHEEL, is the fourth of a
wheel.
RIGHT HALF, or LEFT HALF FACE, or WHEEL, is
the eighth of a wheel.
80
RIGHT QUARTER, or LEFT QUARTER FACE, or
WHEEL, is the sixteenth of a wheel.
PIVOT is the front rank man of the flank on which the
wheel is made. There are two kinds: the fixed pivot, and the
moveable pivot.
The pivot is fixed whenever he turns upon himself; he
is moveable when he describes an arc of a circle.
The arc of a circle described by the pivot of a rank of
two, of four, of eight, or of a platoon making the fourth of a
wheel, is 5 Yards; for a division it is 10 yards; and for a
squadron it is 20 yards.
PLOYMENT is the movement by which a regiment
forms from line into close column.
DEPLOYMENT is the movement by which a regiment
forms from close column into line.
FORMATION is the regular placing of all the frac-
tions of a troop either in line or in column.
PACES. There are three kinds: the walk, the trot, and
the gallop.
On foot there are two kinds of step: the common step
and the quick step.
When the command does not indicate the pace, the
movement is always made at a walk, if the troop is halted;
if it is marching, the movement is made at the pace at
which it was already marching.
On foot the movements are executed habitually at the
quick step, without the command being given. When they
81
are to be executed at the common step, the command
should signify it.
The pace, when used as a measure, is 3 feet. On foot it
is 2 feet 4 inches.
A horse passes over about 100 yards per minute at a
walk, 240 at a trot, and 300 at a gallop.
On foot the common step is at the rate of 90 per min-
ute; the quick step is at the rate of 120 per minute.
THE DIRECT MARCH is that which is executed by a
troop in line or in column, to move off perpendicularly to
its alignment.
THE MARCH BY A FLANK is that by which ground
is gained to the right or left, after having made the fourth of
a wheel.
THE DIAGONAL MARCH is thus called in relation
to the front from which it commences by changing direc-
tion by the eighth of a wheel to the right or left, in order to
arrive at a given point on the right or left.
THE OBLIQUE MARCH is that by which, when
moving forward, ground is gained towards one of the
flanks without changing the front. There are two kinds; the
individual oblique march, and the oblique march by troop.
The individual oblique march is that which is executed
by an individual movement of each man.
The oblique march by troop is that which is executed
by the movement, at the same time, of each of the subdivi-
sions of a troop in line.
82
THE CIRCULAR MARCH is that which is executed
by describing a circle or portion of a circle.
COUNTER MARCH is a movement by which the men
of each rank, after having made successively the fourth of a
wheel to the right or left, form themselves facing the rear,
parallel to the first formation.
THE CHARGE is a direct, quick, and impetuous
march, the object of which is to reach the enemy.
SKIRMISHERS (OR FLANKERS) are men dispersed
in front, in rear, or on the flanks of a troop, to cover its
movements or its position.
OBSTACLE is any thing in the nature of the ground,
which obliges a troop in line to ploy a part of its front.
DEFILE is a passage which compels a line to ploy into
column, or a column to diminish its front.
EVOLUTIONS are the regular movements by which a
regiment passes from one order to another.
Evolution of line are these same movements executed
by several regiments, on one or several lines. Their appli-
cation, combined with the position or movements of the
enemy, is called manoeuvres.
COMMANDS. There are three kinds:
The command of caution, which is attention. It is the
signal to preserve immobility, and to give attention.
The preparatory command. It indicates the movement
which is to be executed.
It is at this command that the horses are gathered.
83
The command of execution, which is MARCH or
HALT.
The tone of command should be animated, distinct,
and of a loudness proportioned to the troop which is com-
manded.
The command attention is pronounced at the top of the
voice, swelling on the last syllable.
The commands of execution are pronounced in a
firmer tone than the preparatory commands. They are
prolonged, because the movement which is to follow them
being communicated from the man to the horse, all jerking
or abruptness is thereby avoided.
In the exercise on foot, and the manual of arms, the
part of the command which causes an execution should be
pronounced in a firm and brief tone.
The commands of caution, and the preparatory com-
mands, are distinguished by italics; those of execution, by
CAPITALS.
These preparatory commands which, from their length,
are difficult to be pronounced at once, must be divided into
two or three parts, with an ascending progression in the
tone of command, but always in such a manner that the one
of execution may be more energetic and elevated—(the
divisions are indicated by a hyphen - ). The parts of com-
mands which are placed in a parenthesis are not pro-
nounced.
TIME, in the detailed instruction, is an action of exer-
cise which is executed at a command or part of command,
84
and which is divided into motions, to demonstrate the
mechanism and facilitate the execution of it.
SOUNDINGS are the trumpet signals, which make
known to the troop the movements or details of service
which are to be executed.
_____
ARTICLE TENTH.
(The book of signals is at the end of the work.)

1. The general.
2. Boots and saddles.
3. To horse.
4. The assembly.
5. To arms.
6. To the standard.
7. The march. (It also answers for a quick step on
foot.)
8. The charge.
9. The rally.
10. Reveille.
11. Stable call.
12. Watering call.
13. Breakfast call.
14. Assembly of the guard.
15. Orders for the orderly sergeants.
16. Assembly of the trumpeters.
17. Retreat.
85
18. Fatigue call.
19. Dinner call.
20. Distributions.
21. Drill call.
22. Officer's call.
23. Common step.
24. To cease firing.
25. For officers to take their place in line after the fir-
ing.
26. Sick call.
27. Tattoo.
For the service of skirmishers.
1. Forward.
2. Halt.
3. To the left.
4. To the right.
5. The about.
6. Rallying of skirmishers on their chief.
7. Trot.
8. Gallop.
9. To commence firing.
10. The disperse.
Note.—To change to a walk from a trot, halt and for-

ward are sounded.
86
TITLE SECOND.
INSTRUCTION ON FOOT.
_______________
SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER,

DISMOUNTED.
1. The object of this school being the individual and
progressive instruction of the recruits, the instructor never
requires a movement to be executed until he has given an
exact explanation of it; and he executes himself the move-
ment which he commands, so as to join example to precept.
He accustoms the recruit to take by himself the position
which is explained, touches him to rectify it only when
required by his want of intelligence, and sees that all the
movements are performed without precipitation.
Each movement should be perfectly understood before
passing to another. After they have been properly executed
in the order laid down in each lesson, the instructor no
longer confines himself to that order; on the contrary, he
should change it, that he may judge of the intelligence of
the men.
2. The instructor allows the men to rest at the end of

each part of the lessons, and oftener if he thinks proper,
87
especially at the commencement; for this purpose he com-
mands REST.
At the command REST, the trooper is no longer re-
quired to preserve immobility, or to remain in his place. If
the instructor wishes merely to relieve the attention of the
recruit, he commands, in place—REST; the trooper is then
not required to preserve his immobility, but he always
keeps one of his feet in its place.
3. When the instructor wishes to commence the in-

struction, he commands, ATTENTION; at this command,
the trooper takes his position, remains motionless, and
fixes his attention.
FIRST LESSON.
FIRST PART.
4. The first principles of the position and those of the

march, are taught, as much as possible, to each man indi-
vidually, or, at most, to four at a time. In the latter case,
they are placed on the same line, one yard from each other,
without being required to align themselves.
The trooper is in his stable jacket and forage cap.
88
Position of the trooper dismounted
5. (Pl. 7, fig. A. & B.) The heels on the same line, as

near each other as the conformation of the man will permit;
The feet turned out equally, and forming with each
other something leas than a right angle;
The knees straight without stiffness;
The body erect on the hips, inclining a little forward;
The shoulders square and falling equally;
The elbows near the body;
The palm of the hand turned a little to the front, the
little finger on the seam of the pantaloons;
The head erect and square to the front, without
constraint;
The chin near the stock, without covering it;
The eyes fixed straight to the front.
When the trooper is armed, the left hand hangs by the
side over the sabre.
6. The heels on the same line: because, if one were in

rear of the other, the shoulder on that side would be thrown
back.
The feet turned out equally: because if one were turned
out more than the other, the shoulder on that side would be
thrown back.
Forming with each other something less than a right
angle: because, if the feet were too much turned out, the
89
upper part of the body could not be inclined forward with-
out rendering the position unsteady.
The knees straight without stiffness: because, if stiff-
ened, constraint and fatigue would result from it.
The body erect on the hips: because it is the only
means of establishing a perfect equilibrium. (The instructor
will observe that most recruits have a bad habit of dropping
a shoulder, of drawing in a side, or of advancing a hip.)
The upper part of the body inclining a little forward:
because recruits are disposed to do the reverse, to project
the belly, and to throw back the shoulders. It is important to
prevent this fault in the position, or to remedy it, as it
throws the recruit out of equilibrium. (To ascertain that the
upper part of the body is well placed, the instructor will
press his finger against the breast of the recruit; if his
position is good, he will resist the pressure.)
The shoulders square: because, if the shoulders are
thrown forward, and the back arched, which are the com-
mon faults of most recruits, the man cannot align himself,
or use his arms with ease. (In correcting this defect, care
must be taken not to throw the shoulders too far back,
which would cause the back to be hollowed.)
The elbows near the body, and the palm of the hand
turned a little to the front: because this position is equally
important to the carry-arms, and to prevent the man from
occupying more space in a rank than is necessary for a free
use of his arms; it also has the effect of throwing back the
shoulders.
90
The head erect without constraint: because, if it in-
clined to either side, the corresponding shoulder would be
lowered; and if there were stiffness, it would be communi-
cated to all the upper part of the body, the movements of
which would be constrained.
The eyes fixed straight to the front: because, if the eyes
were turned, the head would at last be turned in the same
direction. Too much pains cannot be taken to accustom the
men to this position, as it is the surest means of keeping the
shoulders in line.
Eyes right, eyes left.
7. The instructor commands:
1. Eyes—RIGHT.
2. FRONT.
(Pl. 8, fig. A.) At the last part of the first command,

which is RIGHT, turn the head gently to the right, so that
the corner of the left eye, next to the nose, may be on a line
with the buttons of the jacket.
At the command FRONT, turn the head gently to the
front.
8. (Pl. 8, fig. B.) The movement eyes left is executed

after the same principles and by inverse means, at the
commands:
91
1. Eyes—LEFT.
2. FRONT.
9. The instructor will take particular care that the

movement of the head does not derange the squareness of
the shoulders, which would happen if it were too sudden,
or if the head were turned more than is necessary.
As the trooper should turn the head only to align him-
self, and in the wheelings, it is important that he should be
accustomed to turn it but very little.
Right face, left face, about face, right-quarter face, left-

quarter face.
1. Squad right (or left).

2. FACE.
1 time.
(Pl. 9, fig. A. & B.) At the second command, which is

FACE, raise the right foot slightly, turn on the left heel,
raising the toes a little, and then replace the right heel by
the side of the left, and in the same line.
92
1. Squad about.
2. FACE.
2 times.
(Pl. 9, fig. C. & D.) 1. At the first part of the command,

which is squad about, make a half face to the right, turning
on the left heel, place the right foot square behind the left,
the hollow of it opposite to, and three inches from, thee left
heel.
2. At the last part of the command, which is FACE,
turn on both heels to face to the rear, raising the toes a
little, the knees straight, and bring the right foot by the side
of the left.
1. Squad right oblique (or left oblique).

2. FACE.
1 time.
(Pl. 9, fig. E. & F.) At the second command, which is

FACE, raise the right foot a little, turn upon the left, raising
the toes slightly, and then replace the right heel by the side
of the left, on the same line, taking care not to make more
than a quarter face.
93
13. The instructor pays particular attention that the po-
sition of the body shall not be deranged by these move-
ments.
SECOND PART.
Common step.
14. The length of the common step is 2 feet 4 inches,

measured from heel to heel; its quickness is at the rate of
90 per minute.
15. To explain the principles and mechanism of the

step, the instructor places himself 8 or 10 paces in front,
facing the squad; he executes the step slowly himself.
He commands:
1. Squad forward.
2. MARCH.
(Pl. 10, fig. A.) At the command, squad forward, throw

the weight of the body on the right leg.
At the command MARCH, carry forward the left foot,
smartly and without a jerk, 2 feet 4 inches from the right,
the knee straight, the toe a little depressed, and, as well as
the knee, slightly turned out, the upper part of the body
inclined forward: pause an instant in this position; plant the
left foot flat, without a shock, precisely at the distance at
94
which it is from the right, the whole weight of the body
being thrown on the foot which is placed on the ground;
carry forward the right leg, smartly and without jerk, the
foot near the ground; plant it at the same distance, and in
the same manner as has just been explained for the left
foot, and continue to march without crossing the legs or
turning the shoulders, and with the face always to the front.
16. The weight of the body on the right leg: to prepare

the man to take his first step smartly.
The toe slightly depressed: because the depression of
the toe extends the ham, and prepares the foot for coming
flat to the ground.
The toe slightly turned out: because, if the feet were
too much turned out, the body would become unsteady, and
the men would hook themselves with their spurs.
The upper part of the body inclined forward: in order
that the weight of the body may be thrown on the foot
which is planted on the ground, that the foot which is in
rear may be raised easily, and that the step may not be
shortened.
The knee straight: because a troop cannot march as if
each man were isolated, without constraint and without
being disunited; it is therefore important that the recruits
should learn to march with a marked and cadenced step,
without which there will be no unity of movement.
Plant the foot flat without a shock: to avoid the
swinging of the body and the shortening of the step, which
95
would take place if the heel came first to the ground, or if
there were a shock in planting the foot.
The foot near the ground: because, if the men raised
the leg too much they would lose time, would fatigue
themselves uselessly, and their feet would not be planted
together.
The head erect and square to the front: because this
position of the head prevents the shoulders from turning,
and causes the men to march squarely.
17. To halt, the instructor commands:
1. Squad.
2. HALT.
At the command HALT, bring the foot which is in rear

by the side of the other, without shock.
The instructor gives the command HALT at the mo-

ment when one of the feet is coming to the ground.
18. The instructor marks the cadence of the step from

time to time by the command one, at the moment when the
foot is raised, and by the command two, when it should be
planted; this cadence being regulated at the rate of 90 steps
per minute. To judge whether all these principles are
exactly followed, he often places himself in front, facing
the squad. When the recruit begins to take the step prop-
96
erly, he is made to march sometime without halting, in
order to confirm him in these principles.
To mark time.
19. The squad marching, the instructor commands:
1. Mark time.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, bring the heels by the side

of each other, and mark the cadence of the step by raising
each foot alternately without advancing.
The instructor gives the command MARCH at the

moment when the foot is coming to the ground.
20.To move forward, the instructor commands:
1. Squad forward.
2. MARCH
At the command MARCH, the squad resumes the step

of 2 feet 4 inches.
97
To change step.
1. Change step.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, bring the foot which is in

rear by the side of that which is in front, and step off again
with the foot which was in front.

In this manner the men are taught to take the step when
they have lost it.
To face to the right or left when marching.
1. Squad to the right.

2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, turn the body to the right,

and step off with the right foot in the new direction, with-
out losing the cadence of the step.
moment when the left foot is coming to the ground.
98
When it is to the left, the command MARCH is given
at the moment when the right foot is coming to the ground.
By this means the new direction is always commenced with
the leg on the side towards which the turn is made.
Quarter-face to the right or left when marching.
1. Squad right oblique (or left oblique).

2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, the men make a quarter

face to the right (or to the left), and mach in the new direc-
tion.
24. To resume the primitive direction, the instructor

commands:
FORWARD.
At this command, the men make a quarter face to the

left, if they have obliqued to the right, and a quarter face to
the right, if they have obliqued to the left, and march
straight to the front.
The right or left oblique is commanded and executed
according to the principles prescribed No. 22.
99
Quick step.
25. The length of the quick step is the same as that of

the common step, and its quickness is at the rate of 120 per
minute.
26. The squad being at a halt, the instructor com-

mands:
1. Squad forward.
2. Quick time.
3. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, step off smartly with the

left foot, and march at the rate of 120 steps per minute.
27. The impulsion of the quick step disposing the re-

cruit to band the knee, the instructor should regulate the
cadence and measure of it, and accustom the man to
preserve his balance.
28. The squad is exercised, when marching at the

quick step, to halt, mark time, move on, change step, face
to the right and left, half face to the right and left, and
move off again, at the commands and according to the
principles laid down in Nos. 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24.
100
29. The squad marching in quick time, to change to
common time, the instructor commands:
1. Common time.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, the squad takes the com-

mon step.
30. To resume the quick step, the instructor com-

mands:
1. Quick time.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, the squad resumes the

quick step.
31. In all changes of step, the instructor commands

MARCH, at the moment when one foot is coming to the
ground, in order that the men may have time to take with
the other foot the step which is commanded.
Backward step.
32. The backward step is 14 inches, measured from

heel to heel.
101
33.The squad being at a halt, the instructor commands:
1. Squad backwards.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, carry the left foot 14 inches

to the rear; then bring the right foot likewise to the rear,
and so on successively until the command:
1. Squad.
2. HALT.
At the command HALT, bring the foot which is in

front by the side of the other.
The instructor requires only a few steps to be taken to
the rear; he observes that the men step straight to the rear,
that they do not hollow the small of the back by throwing
back the shoulders, and that they always preserve the
equilibrium and the position of the body.
_____
SECOND LESSON.
FIRST PART.
34. This lesson is given, when possible, to each man

individually, or at most to four men at a time. In the latter
102
case, they are placed in one rank, three feet from each
other.
35. The trooper, armed with the carbine, is in his sta-

ble-jacket and forage-cap, and has his cartridge-box and
gun-sling; the sabre is not worn. The lancer is armed with
his lance; the carabiniers and cuirassiers, being without
carbines, wear their sabres.
Principles of carried arms.
36. (Pl. 10, fig. B.) The carbine in the right hand,
against the hollow of the shoulder, the barrel perpendicular,
the guard to the front; the arm slightly bent, without sepa-
rating the elbow from the body, the right hand around the
small of the stock, the thumb under the guard.
37. The recruit being inclined to throw back the body,

to lower the right shoulder, or to separate the elbow from
the body, the carbine should sometimes be taken from him
to correct his position.
Instruction with carried arms at a halt, and marching with

carried arms.
38. The instructor requires the men to execute the

movements of the first lesson, observing that the position
of carried arms is always perfectly maintained.
103
The carabiniers and cuirassiers execute the movements
laid down in Nos. 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, and 105; they
are afterwards exercised with the sabre at a carry, at all the
movements of the first lesson. The instructor observes that
the sabre is always properly carried.
SECOND PART.
39. The carabiniers and cuirassiers continue to be ex-

ercised at the manual of the sabre.
Manual of arms.
40. The execution of each command, or part of com-

mand, forms a time; but this time is divided into motions,
to show the mechanism and facilitate the execution of it.
The last syllable of a command, or part of command,
causes the quick execution of a time of exercise, or the first
motion of this time, when it is divided. The commands two,
three, &c., cause that of the other motions.
When the trooper understands perfectly the motions of
a time, he executes them without stopping at each one; but
he observes the mechanism of them, in order to avoid what
is called slighting his motions.
The instructor is very particular that the manual does
not derange the position of the body; he devotes to this
exercise only half the time of the lesson, and the rest to the
marching.
104
To REST, he commands order arms, and ground arms,
which is executed as prescribed in No. 53.
To REST IN PLACE, he first commands order arms;
but if the arms are loaded, he commands support arms.
41. The squad being at carry arms, the instructor

commands:
Order—ARMS.
1 time, 3 motions.
(Pl. 11, fig. A.) 1. At the last part of the command,

which is ARMS, detach the carbine with the right hand
perpendicularly, and 4 inches from the shoulder, seizing it
at the same time with the left hand, half-way between the
two bands.
2. Seize the carbine with the right hand above the left.
3. Let go of the carbine with the left hand, which in
dropped smartly by the side; extend the right arm, bring the
carbine to the ground, without shock, the toe of the butt 2
inches from, and on a line with the right toe, the elbow near
the body, the barrel between the thumb and the three first
fingers extended, the little finger behind the barrel.
105
Carry—ARMS.
1 time, 3 motions.
42. 1. At the last part of the command, which is

ARMS, raise the carbine perpendicularly with the right
hand, the barrel 4 inches from the shoulder; seize it with
the left hand half-way between the two bands.
2. Seize the small of the stock with the right hand, the
thumb 1½ inch below the guard.
3. Press the carbine against the shoulder with the right
hand, and drop the left hand smartly by the side.
Present—ARMS.
1 time.
43. (Pl. 11, fig. B.) At the last part of the command,
which is ARMS, carry the carbine with the right hand
opposite to the middle of the body, the barrel perpendicu-
lar, the guard to the front, the fore-arm pressed against the
body without being constrained; seize the carbine with the
left hand, the little finger touching the upper part of the
guard, the thumb extended against the swivel-bar, the band
as high as the elbow; reverse the position of the right hand
on the small of the stock, the fingers extended.
106
Carry—ARMS.
1 time.
44. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS,

shift the position of the left hand, bringing the thumb to the
front; place the carbine against the shoulder with the right
hand, the barrel perpendicular, and drop the left hand at the
same time by the side.
Support—ARMS.
1 time, 4 motions.
45. (Pl. 12, fig. A.) 1. At the last part of the command,
which is ARMS, detach the carbine with the right hand
perpendicularly, 4 inches from the shoulder, seize it at the
same time at the lower band with the left hand.
2. Raise the carbine with both hands, turning the barrel
to the front, and place it opposite to the hollow of the left
shoulder, the left hand as high as the neck, the thumb
extended; reverse the position of the left hand on the small
of the stock, the flat of the stock against the hip.
3. Place the left fore-arm on the breast, the cock rest-
ing on the fore-arm, the hand extended on the right breast,
the fingers joined, and the thumb separated from them.
4. Drop the right hand smartly by the side.
107
Carry—ARMS.
1 time, 4 motions.

ARMS, seize the carbine with the right hand at the small of
the stock.
2. Detach the carbine 4 inches from the shoulder, place
the left hand at the lower band, the thumb extended, the
fore-arm along the stock.
3. Bring down the carbine with both hands, turning the
guard to the front; place it perpendicularly opposite to, and
4 inches from the right shoulder, the left hand a little above
the right hip, the right hand shifting its position at the small
of the stock.
4. Place the carbine against the shoulder with the right
hand, and drop the left hand smartly by the side.
Arms—AT WILL.
1 time, 1 motion.
47. Carry the carbine at pleasure, on either shoulder,

with one or both hands, the muzzle always up.
Carry—ARMS.
1 time, 1 motion.
48. Retake smartly the position of carry-arms.
108
Secure—ARMS.
1 time, 2 motions.

ARMS, raise the carbine about two inches, seize it with the
left hand at the right shoulder, grasp it with the right hand a
little below the lower band, the thumb extended along the
barrel.
2. Lower the muzzle, bring the butt under the right
arm, the guard resting on the hip, the barrel uppermost; at
the same time drop the left hand to its side.
Carry—ARMS.
1 time, 2 motions.

ARMS, throw up the carbine with the right hand, seize it at
the right shoulder with the left hand, and shift the right
hand to the small of the stock, as in carry-arms.
2. Drop the left hand to the left side.
Order—ARMS.
As prescribed, No. 41.
109
Sling—CARBINE.
1 time, 2 motions.
51. (Pl. 12, fig. B.) 1. At the last part of the command,
which is CARBINE, raise the carbine perpendicularly with
the right hand, and place it in the left hand, which seizes it
below the lower hand, the thumb extended, the barrel to the
front; incline the carbine to the right, that the rings may
hang down, the left hand as high as, and opposite to the
neck; slip the swivel to the Front with the right band, the
thumb pressing upon the short side to open it, insert it in
the rings.
(Fig. C.) 2. Seize the carbine at the small of the stock
with the right hand, let it go with the left hand, which is
dropped by the side; pass the carbine behind the back,
lowering the muzzle, push the butt to the rear, and drop the
right hand by the side.
Unsling—CARBINE.
1 time, 2 motions.
52. 1. At the last part of the command, which is CAR-

BINE, seizes the carbine at the small of the stock with the
right hand, raise it, seize it again with the left hand below
the lower band, the thumb extended, the hand as high as,
and opposite to the neck; incline the carbine to the right,
free the swivel from the rings with the right hand, and push
the swivel to the rear.
110
2. Seize the carbine with the right hand, above and
near the left hand; bring it down, turning it at the same
time, and resume the position of order-arms, No. 41.
Ground—ARMS.
1 time, 2 motions.

ARMS, turn the carbine with the right hand, the swivel-bar
to the front; bend the body, advance the left foot, lay the
carbine on the ground in front of the body, lay the guard
near the ground, the toe of the butt on a line with the right
toe, the right knee slightly bent, the right heel raised.
2. Rise up, bring the left foot by the side of the right,
and drop the hands by the sides.
Raise—ARMS.
1 time, 2 motions.

ARMS, bend the body, advance the left foot, the heel
opposite to the lower band.
2. Raise the carbine, bringing the left foot by the side
of the right; at the same time turn the carbine with the right
hand, the guard to the front.
When the men have their sabres at the same time that
they execute the 1st motion of Nos. 53 and 54, they seize
111
the sabre with the left hand, the point to the front, the hand
closed, the thumb extended, and touching the lower ring of
the scabbard.
To break the ranks, the instructor commands:
1. Break ranks.
2. MARCH.
Loading in ten times.
55. The squad being at carry arms, the instructor com-

mands:
1. Load in ten times—LOAD.

1 time, 2 motions.
(Pl. 13, fig. A.) 1. At the command LOAD, make a half

face to the right on the left heel, carrying the right foot
square behind the left, the hollow of it opposite to, and
three inches from, the left heel; detach the carbine perpen-
dicularly 4 inches from the shoulder with the right hand,
raising it a little, and seize it with the left hand opposite to
the right breast, the thumb extended on the stock; change
the position of the right hand at the small of the stock, turn-
ing the thumb to the rear.
2. Throw the butt under the arm with the right hand;
the left hand two inches below the right breast; the left
112
elbow close to the body; the muzzle is high as the chin;
half cock, remove the old cap if there be one, and carry the
hand to the cap-box.
2. PRIME.
1 time.
56. At the command PRIME, place a cap on the nipple,

press it down with the thumb, let down the cock, and carry
the right hand to the cartridge-box.
3. Handle—CARTRIDGE.
1 time.
57. At the last part of the command, which is CAR-

TRIDGE, take a cartridge between the thumb and the two
first fingers, then place the end of it between the teeth.
4. Tear—CARTRIDGE.
1 time.
58. At the last part of the command, which is CAR-

TRIDGE, tear the cartridge to the powder, holding it near
the opening between the thumb and two first fingers; carry
the right hand to the small of the stock, and seize it with the
two last fingers and the palm of the hand, the wrist against
the body, the elbow to the rear and slightly separated from
the body.
113
5. Cast—ABOUT.
1 time, 2 motions.
which is ABOUT, bring the carbine vertical with both
hands, extending smartly the right arm; pass the carbine in
front of the body, turning it in the left hand, the lock out-
wards; at the same time face to the front, turning on the left
heel and carrying the right foot in front, the heel 8 inches
from the hollow of the left foot.
2. Let go the carbine with the right hand, bring it down
with the left hand along and near the body, the left arm
extended, the guard touching the left leg, the muzzle in the
direction of the right eye, four inches from the body; seize
the carbine with the two last fingers of the right hand, one
inch from the muzzle, the cartridge being still hold between
the two first fingers and the thumb.
6. Charge—CARTRIDGE.
1 time.
60. (Pl. 14, fig. A.) At the last part of the command,
which is CARTRIDGE, cast the eyes upon the muzzle, turn
the back of the right hand towards the body, raising the
elbow as high as the wrist, and pour the powder into the
barrel; shake the cartridge, push it in with the fore-finger,
and keep the right hand in its position, the back of it to-
wards the body, the fingers joined and extended.
114
7. Draw—RAMROD.
1 time.
61. At the last part of the command, which is RAM-

ROD, seize the ramrod, draw it, and insert it about six
inches into the barrel.
8. Ram—CARTRIDGE.
1 time, 2 motions.
which is CARTRIDGE, push the cartridge to the bottom.
2. Strike it twice smartly with the ramrod, the fingers
underneath, the elbow separated from the body.
9. Return—RAMROD.
1 time.

ROD, draw the ramrod out of the barrel, and return it, the
thumb and fore-finger still holding the end of it.
115
10. Carry—ARMS.
1 time, 2 motions.

ARMS, raise the carbine vertically with the left hand,
turning it at the same time, the barrel four inches from and
opposite to the right shoulder; the left hand as high as the
hip; place the right hand at the small of the stock, and carry
the right foot by the side of the left.
2. Press the carbine against the shoulder with the right
hand, and drop the left quickly by the side.*
______________________________________________
* FOR HALL'S CARBINE.
Loading in five times.
The squad being at carry arms, the instructor com-

mands:
1. Load in five times—LOAD.

1 time, 3 motions.
1. At the command LOAD, make a half-face to the

right on the left heel, placing the hollow of the right foot
opposite to, and three inches behind the heel of the left;
seize the carbine at the right shoulder with the left hand.
116
2. Slip the left hand down to the lower band, and raise
the carbine vertically in front of the centre of the body, the
barrel towards the right eye; seize the lever with the thumb
and fore-finger of the right hand.
3. Spring open the chamber, and carry the hand to the
cartridge-box and open it.
2. Handle—CARTRIDGE.
1 time, 1 motion.
Draw the cartridge, tear it to the powder with the teeth,

and carry it to the right side of the muzzle of the chamber,
holding it carefully between the thumb and two first fin-
gers.
3. Charge—CARTRIDGE.
1 time, 1 motion.
Shake the powder well into the chamber, force the pa-
per and ball upon it with the little finger; shut down the
chamber with the thumb, half cock, remove the old cap,
and carry the hand to the cap-box.
4. PRIME.
1 time, 1 motion.
Fix the cap, let down the cock, and seize the piece at
the small of the stock with the right hand.
117
5. Carry—ARMS.
1 time, 2 motions.
1. Carry the carbine to the right shoulder, the bar-

rel to the rear; reverse the position of the right hand, at the
same time face to the front, and bring the right heel by the
side of the left.
2. Drop the left hand to its side.
______________________________________________
Loading at will.
65. When the men load properly in ten times, they are
practised to load at will; the instructor commands:
Load at will—LOAD.
At the second command, which is LOAD, they execute

the times of loading without stopping at any one, and
without waiting for each other.
The instructor should require the men to load calmly

and without hurry, to preserve the proper position of the
body, and to execute all the motions with precision, espe-
cially those of prime, charge cartridge, and ram cartridge.
118
Firing.
66. The instructor should always place himself behind

the troop to command the firing.
Position of the front rank.
The instructor commands:
READY.
1 time, 2 motions.
(Pl. 15, fig. A.) 1. At the command READY, make a

half face to the right on the left heel, carrying the right foot
square behind the left, the hollow of it opposite to and three
inches from the left heel ; detach the carbine with the right
hand vertically four inches from the shoulder, seize it with
the left hand below the lower band, the thumb upon the
barrel; raise it with both hands, the left as high as the neck;
place the right thumb upon the head of the cock, the fore-
finger upon the guard, the others under it, the elbow as high
as the hand.
(Fig. B.) 2. Cock the piece by lowering quickly the
right elbow, and seize the small of the stock.
AIM.
1 time.
119
67. (Pl. 16, fig. A.) At the command AIM, lower the
muzzle quickly, slip the left hand to the lower band, hold-
ing the carbine with the thumb and fore-finger of this hand,
the other fingers closed, press the butt against the shoulder,
the muzzle a little lowered, the elbows down without being
pressed against the body; place the face against the stock,
shut the left eye, direct the right eye along the Barrel to
aim, and place the fore-finger of the right hand on the
trigger.
68. To recover arms before firing, the instructor com-

mands:
Recover—ARMS.
1 time.
At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, take

the finger from the trigger, raise the carbine quickly, and
resume the position of the second motion of READY,
No. 66.
69. To carry arms without firing, after having made

ready or recovered arms, the instructor commands:
CARRY—ARMS.
2 times.
120
1. At the first part of the command, which is CARRY,
place the right thumb upon the head of the cock, the fore-
finger on the trigger, the others under the guard ; pull back
the cock; press the fore-finger on the trigger to uncock,
holding the cock with the thumb, let it down until the
hammer touches the cap.
2. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS,
bring down the carbine with both hands, the right one at the
small of the stock; press the carbine against the shoulder,
drop the left hand by the side, face to the front, and bring
the right foot by the side of the left.
70. The squad being at the position of AIM, to fire, the

instructor commands:
FIRE.
1 time.
At the command FIRE, press the fore-finger against

the trigger and fire, without lowering the head or turning it,
and remain in this position.
71. If, after having fired, the instructor does not wish
to load, he commands:
CARRY—ARMS.
2 times.
121
bring back the carbine quickly, and place the butt under the
right arm, the left hand on the lower band, the left wrist
two inches below the right breast, the elbow against the
body, the muzzle as high as the chin; seize the small of the
stock with the right hand.
2. At the last part of the command, which is
ARMS, carry arms, facing at the same time to the front,
and drop the left hand quickly by the side.
72. If, after having fired, the instructor wishes to load,

he commands:
LOAD.
1 time.
At the command LOAD, bring down the carbine to the

position of load, load at will, carry arms, and face to the
front.
Position of the rear rank.
READY.
1 time, 2 motions.
122
(Pl. 17, fig. A.) 1. At the command READY, execute
the first motion of ready, No. 66; at the same time step off
six inches to the right with the right foot, carrying the left
foot 3 inches in front of the hollow of the right, so as to be
placed opposite to the interval on the right of the file-
leader.
2. Execute the second motion of ready, No. 66.
AIM
1 time.
74. (Pl. 17, fig. B.) At the command AIM, carry the
left foot six inches to the front, without bending the right
knee; lower the muzzle quickly in such a manner that it
small project beyond the front rank, press the butt against
the right shoulder; execute the rest of the motion as it is
prescribed, No. 67.
Recover—ARMS.
1 time.
75. As it is prescribed, No. 68, remaining opposite to

the interval, and bringing the left foot 3 inches from the
hollow of the right.
CARRY—ARMS.
2 times.
123
76. 1. At the first part of the command-, which is
CARRY, execute the first motion of carry arms, No. 69.
2. At the last part of the command, which in ARMS,
bring down the carbine with both hands, the right hand on
the small of the stock, press the carbine against the shoul-
der, drop the left hand quickly by the side; at the same time
return behind the file-leader, by stepping six inches to the
left with the left foot, face to the front, and carry the right
heel by the side of the left.
77. The squad being at the position of AIM, to fire, the

FIRE.
As it is prescribed, No. 70.
78. If, after firing, the instructor does not wish to load,
he commands:
CARRY—ARMS.
2 times.

execute the first motion of carry arms, No. 71.
2. At the second command, which is ARMS, execute
the second motion of carry arms, No. 76.
124
79. If, after firing, the instructor wishes to load, he
commands:
LOAD.
1 time.
At the command LOAD, bring down the carbine and

load as in No. 65, carry arms, face to the front, and resume
the position behind the file-leader.
Principles of carried lance.
80. (Pl. 18, fig. A.) The lance perpendicular in the right
hand, which holds it 2 feet from the butt, the arm nearly
extended, the wrist turned in, the thumb in front of the
staff, the fore-finger extended on the side, the others in
rear, the butt of the lance 2 inches from the ground, the
staff against the hollow of the shoulder, the left hand
hanging by the side.
Manual of the lance.
Present—LANCES.
1 time.
which is LANCES, bring the lance with the right hand four
inches from, and opposite to the left eye, the right arm
125
nearly extended; seize it quickly with the left hand at the
height of the elbow, the thumb extended along the staff;
change the position of the right hand, extending the fingers
in front of the staff, the thumb behind it.
Carry—LANCES.
1 time.

LANCES, change the right hand to the position of carried
lance, No. 80; bring the lance to the right shoulder with
both hands, and drop the left hand by the side.
CHARGE—LANCES (as front rank).

2 times.
83. (Pl. 19, fig. A.) 1. At the first part of the command,
which is CHARGE, make a half-face to the right on the left
heel, carrying the right foot square behind the left, the
hollow of it opposite to, and 3 inches from the left heel;
detach the lance with the right hand perpendicularly, four
inches from the shoulder.
2. At the last part of the command, which is LANCES,
bring down the lance with the right hand into the left,
which seizes it 18 inches from the right, the left elbow near
the body, the upper part of the body inclining forward, the
right hand resting upon the right hip, the point of the lance
as high as the eyes.
126
CHARGE—LANCES (as rear rank).
2 times.
84. 1. At the first part of the command, which is

CHARGE, execute the first time of No. 83, and step off 6
inches to the right with the right foot, bringing the left foot
3 inches in front of the hollow of the right, so as to be
placed opposite to the interval on the right of the file-
leader.
2. At the second part of the command, which is
LANCES, bring down the lance as prescribed for the front
rank, No. 83, in such a way that it shall fall between the
file-leader and the man on his right, without touching them.
Carry—LANCES (front and rear ranks).

1 time, 2 motions.

LANCES, turn on the left heel to face to the front, carrying
the right heel by the side of the left; bring up the lance with
the left hand, carrying it to the right shoulder, and place the
right hand as in the position of carried lance.
2. Let go of the lance with the left hand, which is
dropped quickly by the side.
The men of the rear rank resume their places behind
their file-leaders.
127
Order—LANCES.
1 time.
which is LANCES, let the lance slip to the ground through
the right hand, which seizes it immediately at the height of
the stock, the elbow and fore-arm pressing against the staff,
which is held perpendicularly, the butt on a line with, and
one inch from the right toe, the left hand hanging by the
side.
Carry—LANCES.
1 time.
87. At the last part of the command, which in

LANCES, let go of the lance with the right hand, letting it
rest against the hollow of the shoulder; extend the right arm
downwards to its full length; seize the lance, the wrist
turned inwards, the thumb on the front of the staff, the fore-
finger extended on the side, the others in rear; raise the butt
of the lance about two inches from the ground by slightly
bending the arm.
Shoulder—LANCES.
1 time.

LANCES, raise the lance with the right hand, and place it
128
on the right shoulder, the point upwards and directed
towards the rear and left; change the position of the right
hand, placing the thumb underneath, the fingers on top, the
arm half extended, the elbow down, without being pressed
against the body.
Carry—LANCES.
1 time.

LANCES, bring up the lance perpendicularly, placing the
right hand in the position of carried lance, No. 80.
Order—LANCES.
REST.
1 time.
90. Let go of the lance, resting it against the shoulder,

and replace the right hand extended on the staff.
At the command ATTENTION, resume the position of
order lances, No. 86.
129
THIRD LESSON.
FIRST PART.
91. This lesson is given to from 4 to 8 men at a time.

They are in stable jackets, and schakos, or helmets, and
have their cartridge-boxes and gun-slings. They are armed
with carbines (or lances), and sabres, and are placed in one
rank, three feet from each other.
Manual of arms, the sabre being worn.
92. [Pl. 5.] The troopers, having the sabre hooked up

with the hilt to the rear, are exercised at the manual of arms
after the principles laid down in the second part of the
second lesson; they are then taught to draw the sabre, to
present it, and to return it.
The squad being at the position of order arms, the in-
structor commands:
Sling—CARBINE.
DRAW—SABRE.
2 times.
130
93. (Pl. 20, fig. A.) 1. At the first part of the command,
which is DRAW, turn the head slightly to the left, without
deranging the position of the body; unhook the sabre with
the left hand, and bring the hilt to the front; run the right
wrist through the sword-knot; seize the gripe, draw the
blade 6 inches out of the scabbard, pressing the scabbard
against the thigh with the left hand, which seizes it at the
upper ring, and turn the head to the front.
(Fig. B.) 2. At the last part of the command, which is
SABRE, draw the sabre quickly, raising the arm to its full
extent; make a slight pause, carry the blade to the right
shoulder, the back of it against the hollow of the shoulder,
the wrist resting against the hip, the little finger an the
outside of the gripe.
This position is the same when mounted, except that

the wrist then naturally falls upon the thigh.
Present—SABRE.
1 time.
94. (Pl. 21.) At the last part of the command, which is

SABRE, carry the sabre to the front, the arm half extended,
the thumb opposite to, and 6 inches from the neck, the
blade perpendicular, the edge to the left, the thumb ex-
tended on the right side of the gripe, the little finger by the
side of the others.
131
Carry—SABRE.
1 time.
95. At the last part of the command, which is SABRE,

carry the back of the blade against the hollow of the shoul-
der, the wrist resting against the hip, the little finger on the
outside of the gripe.
RETURN-SABRE.
2 times.
96. (Pl. 21.) 1. At the first part of the command, which

is RETURN, execute the first motion of present sabre,
No. 94.
2. At the last part of the command, which is SABRE,
carry the wrist opposite to, and 6 inches from, the left
shoulder ; lower the blade and pass it across and along the
left arm, the point to the rear; turn the head slightly to the
left, fixing the eyes on the opening of the scabbard; return
the blade, free the wrist from the sword-knot, turn the head
to the front, drop the right hand by the side, and hook up
the sabre with the hilt to the rear.
Inspection of arms.
97. The squad being at the position of order arms, the

132
Inspection—(of) CARBINE.
1 time, 5 motions.
(Pl. 22, fig. A.) 1. At the last part of the command,

which is CARBINE, raise the carbine with the right hand,
turning the barrel to the right; pass it into the left hand,
which seizes it below the lower band, the left arm ex-
tended, the guard touching the left leg; the muzzle in the
direction of the right eye, 4 inches from the body, the right
hand seizing the end of the ramrod.
2. Draw the ramrod, insert it into the muzzle, and let it
slide in; seize the carbine with the right hand above and
near the left, bring it down, turning it at the same time, and
resume the position of order arms, No. 41.
3. Raise the carbine smartly with the right hand, turn-
ing the barrel to the right; place it in the left hand, which
seizes it below the lower band, the thumb extended along
the stock, the hand opposite to the left shoulder, and as
high as the chin, the elbow against the butt.
4. Bring down the carbine with the left hand, draw out
the ramrod and return it, raise the carbine again, turning the
barrel to the front, the guard as high as, and opposite to the
left shoulder; incline it to the right, so that the rings may
hang down, the left hand as high as, and opposite to the
neck; bring the swivel to the front with the right hand, the
thumb pressing on the short side to open it, and insert it
into the rings.
133
5. Seize the small of the stock with the right hand, let
go with the left hand, which is dropped by the side, pass
the carbine behind the bar, lowering the muzzle, push the
butt to the rear, and drop the right hand quickly by the
side.*
______________________________________________
* With Hall's carbine, the squad being at the position

of order arms, the instructor commands:
Inspection—(of) CARBINE.
1 time, 3 motions, (which correspond to 3, 4, and 5, with
the other carbine.)
(3.) 1. Raise the carbine smartly with the right hand,

turning the barrel to the right, place it in the left hand,
which seizes it below the lower band, the thumb extended
along the stock, the hand opposite to the shoulder, and as
high as the chin, the elbow against the butt; carry the right
hand to the lever, spring open the chamber, and drop the
right hand by the side.
(4.) 2. Bring up the right hand to the chamber, place
the thumb upon it and shut it, turn the piece in the left hand
to a horizontal position, the muzzle to the right, the barrel
to the front, and swivel it.
(5.) 3. Seize the piece with the right hand at the small
of the stock, let go with the left hand which is dropped by
134
the side, lower the piece to the right side, push the butt to
the rear, and drop the right hand.
______________________________________________
Inspection—(of) SABRE.
1 time, 7 motions.
which is SABRE, execute the lst time of draw sabre,
No. 93.
2. Execute the 2d time of draw sabre, No. 93.
3. Present the sabre as it is prescribed, No. 94.
4. Turn the wrist inwards, to show the other side of the
blade.
5. Carry the sabre to the shoulder, as it is prescribed,
No. 95.
6. Execute the first time of return sabre, No. 96.
7. Execute the second time of return sabre, No. 96.
Unsling—CARBINE.
99. When the men execute the inspection of arms cor-

rectly, to exercise them without the details, the instructor
commands:
Inspection—(of) ARMS.
135
At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, the
men execute the first and second motions of the inspection
of carbine, No. 97. (With Hall's carbine, remain steady.)
Each man, as the instructor passes before him, exe-
cutes the third (first, with Hall's carbine) motion of inspec-
tion of carbine, No. 97. (The instructor takes the carbine to
examine it, if he thinks proper, but the trooper does not
carry it forward to present it to him.)
As soon as the instructor has passed by two files, the
man who has been inspected executes the fourth and fifth
motions of inspection of carbine, No. 97, and draws the
sabre, first and second motions of inspection of sabre,
No. 98.
Each man, as the instructor passes before him, presents
the sabre, and turns the wrist inwards to show the other
side of the blade, third and fourth motions of inspection of
sabre, No. 98.
man who has been inspected carries the sabre to the shoul-
der, returns it, fifth, sixth, and seventh motions of inspec-
tion of sabre, No. 98; unslings the carbine, and resumes the
position of order arms, No. 41.
100. If, instead of inspecting the arms, the instructor

merely wishes to ascertain after firing that no arms remain
loaded, the squad being at the position of order arms, he
commands:
136
Spring—RAMRODS.
1 time, 3 motions.

RODS, execute the first motion of inspection of arms,
No. 97.
Seize the ramrod with the thumb and fore-finger of the
right hand, draw it, and insert it in the muzzle, let it slide
into the barrel, and place the right hand near the end of the
barrel, the thumb extended one inch from the muzzle.
When the instructor has passed, draw out the ramrod
and return it; seize the carbine with the right hand above
the left, bring it down, turning it at the same time, and
resume the position of order arms, No. 41.
To satisfy himself that the carbine is not loaded, the in-

structor takes the ramrod by the end, and springs it in the
barrel.
(LANCERS.)
101. The lancer being at the position of order lances,

the instructor commands:
Inspection—(of) LANCES.
1 time, 4 motions.
137
slip the right hand down along the staff to the height of the
hip; raise the lance perpendicularly, the end six inches from
the ground.
2. Lower the point to the front, the staff pressing
against the elbow, and placed horizontally 2 inches below
the right breast; the lance supported under the arm, the
thumb extended on the staff, the fingers closed.
3. Turn the hand, the nails downwards, to show the
other side of the blade.
4. Bring up the lance, and place the butt of it near the
right toe, the hand at the height of the stock.
Inspection—(of) SABRE.
1 time, 7 motions.
102. (Pl. 22, fig. C.) 1. At the last part of the command,
which is SABRE, pass the lance to the left, the butt of it
near the left toe, the staff resting against the left shoulder
and supported by the left hand ; turn the head slightly to the
left, without deranging the position of the body; unhook the
sabre, and bring the hilt to the front with the left hand,
which holds the scabbard below the upper rings; support
the lance with the same hand, by extending the thumb in
front of the staff; run the wrist through the sword-knot,
seize the gripe, draw the blade 6 inches out of the scabbard,
and turn the head to the front.
138
2. Execute the second motion of inspection of sa-
bre, No. 98.
3. Execute the third motion of No. 98.
4. Execute the fourth motion of No. 98.
5. Execute the fifth motion of No. 98.
6. Execute the sixth motion of No. 98.
7. Execute the seventh motion of inspection of sabre,
No. 98, and carry the lance with the right hand near the
right toe, in the position of order lances, No. 86.
103. When the lancers execute the inspection of arms

correctly, to exercise them without the details, the instruc-
tor commands:
Inspection—(of) ARMS.
At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, the

lancers execute the first and second motions of inspection
of lances, No. 101.
Each lancer, as the instructor passes before him, exe-
cutes the third motion of inspection of lances, No. 101.
lancer who has been inspected executes the fourth motion
of inspection of lances, No. 101, and draws the sabre, first
and second motions of inspection of sabre, No. 102.
Each lancer, as the instructor passes before him, pre-
sents the sabre, and turns the wrist inwards to show the
139
other side of the blade, third and fourth motions of inspec-
tion of sabre, No. 98.
lancer who has been inspected carries the sabre to the
shoulder, returns it, fifth and sixth motions of inspection of
sabre, No. 98, and places the lance in the position of order
lances, No. 86.
SECOND PART.
Marching with arms at the different steps.
104. The troopers, having the sabre hooked up, are ex-
ercised at the different steps and movements explained in
the second part of the first lesson; those armed with car-
bines are taught, in addition, to support arms and to carry
arms when marching, and to fire with cartridges. The
lancers are exercised in a like manner, with the lance
carried or shouldered.
105. The instructor orders the arms to be carried before

executing an about-face.
106. Whenever the command HALT is given, the

troopers will carry arms smartly.
107. When firing with powder, the instructor directs

the men to observe, in half-cocking the piece, whether any
140
smoke comes from the nipple, which is a sign that it has
fired. If the smoke does not come out, the man, instead of
loading, will pass behind the rear rank, holding the muzzle
upwards; he will face to the rear to prick and prime anew.
If the trooper, under the impression that his carbine
had fired, has put in a second load on the first, he will
perceive it from the size of the charge.
_____
FOURTH LESSON.
FIRST PART.
108. For this lesson the squad is composed of from 8

to 10 men, armed only with sabres; they are placed in one
rank, 9 feet from each other. They are in stable jackets, and
schakos, or helmets, with their cartridge-boxes and gun-
slings. When all the motions of the sabre exercise begin to
be executed with regularity, the carabiniers and cuirassiers
are exercised with the cuirasses, and the dragoons, chas-
seurs, and hussars, with the carbine slung.
The object of the moulinet is to render the joints of the
arm and wrist supple, and as it adds to the confidence of
the men when isolated, by increasing their dexterity, they
should first be exercised at it, as a preparation for the other
motions.
Each lesson is therefore commenced and ended with
moulinets, executed with a quickness proportioned to the
141
progress of the troopers. The instructor pays particular
attention that the men do not employ a degree of force in
the sabre exercise, which not only is less necessary than
skill and suppleness, but which is even prejudicial. He
observes, also, that they do not lean to one side, in such a
manner as to lose the seat, when mounted; he requires more
especially, in the motions of the sabre to the rear, that the
blade shall not fall too near the body, for fear of wounding
the horse. In describing a circle, the flat of the blade should
be to the side, and the edge to the front, and it should be so
directed as not to touch either the horse's head, or his
haunches, or the knees of the rider.
When the troopers execute all the motions with regu-
larity, the instructor requires each cut to be given without
decomposing it; the last syllable of a command is the signal
for the quick execution of it. All the cuts are then termi-
nated by a half-moulinet, which brings back to the position
of GUARD.
Thrusts should always be used in preference, as they
require less force, and their result is more prompt, sure, and
decisive. They should be directed quickly home to the body
of the adversary, the sabre being held with the full grasp,
the thumb pressing against the guard in the direction of the
blade.
The parries against the lance are the same as against
the point.
142
109. The instructor explains what is meant by right
and left side of the gripe; by tierce, and by quarte.
The right side of the gripe is the side opposite to the
guard.
The left side of the gripe is the side next to the guard.
Tierce is the position in which the edge of the blade is
turned to the right, the nails downwards.
Quarte is the position in which the edge of the blade is
turned to the left, the nails upwards.
To rest, the instructor conforms to what is prescribed,
No. 2. In this case, he causes the sabre to be returned.
Sabre exercise.
110. The troopers being placed as prescribed, No. 108,

the instructor orders the sabres to be drawn.
111. He commands:
GUARD.
1 time.
(Pl. 23.) At the command GUARD, carry the right foot

2 feet from the left, the heels on the same line; place the
left hand closed, 6 inches from the body, and as high as the
elbow, the fingers towards the body, the little finger nearer
than the thumb (position of the bridle hand); at the same
time, place the right hand in tierce at the height of, and 3
143
inches from, the left hand, the thumb extended on the back
of the gripe, the little finger by the side of the others, the
point of the sabre inclined to the left, and 2 feet higher than
the hand.
Left—MOULINET.
1 time, 2 motions.
112. (Pl. 24.) 1. At the last part of the command, which

is MOULINET, extend the right arm to the front to its full
length, the hand in tierce and as high as the eyes.
2. Lower the blade in rear of the left elbow; graze the
horse's neck quickly, describing a circle from rear to front,
and return to the position of guard.
Right—MOULINET.
1 time, 2 motions.

is MOULINET, extend the right arm to the front to its full
length, the hand in quarte, and as high as the eyes.
2. Lower the blade in rear of the right elbow; graze the
horse's neck quickly, describing a circle from rear to front,
and return to the position of guard.
114. To execute the moulinet without stopping, if the

instructor wishes to begin by the left, he commands:
144
Left and right—MOULINET.
1 time, 2 motions.
115. If he wishes to begin by the right, he commands:
Right and left—MOULINET.

1 time, 2 motions.
At either of these commands, the troopers, commenc-

ing from the position of GUARD, execute alternately what
is laid down in Nos. 112 and 113, without stopping at any
motion.
Rear—MOULINET.
1 time, 2 motions.

is MOULINET, raise the arm to the right and rear to its full
extent, the point of the sabre upwards, the edge to the right,
the thumb extended an the back of the gripe, the body
slightly turned to the right.
2. Describe a circle in rear from left to right, the hand
as far as possible from the body, and return to the position
of guard.
When the troopers execute the moulinets well, the in-

structor requires them to execute several in succession,
until the command GUARD.
145
In tierce—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.

is POINT, raise the hand in tierce as high as the eyes,
throw back the right shoulder, carrying the elbow to the
rear, the point of the sabre to the front, the edge upwards.
2. Thrust to the front, extending the arm to its full
length.
3. Return to the position of guard.
In quarte—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.

is POINT, lower the hand in quarte near the right hip, the
thumb extended on the right side of the gripe, the point a
little higher than the wrist.
2. Thrust to the front, extending the arm to its full
length.
Left—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.

is POINT, turn the head to the left, draw back the hand in
146
tierce towards the right, at the height of the neck, the edge
upwards, the point directed to the left.
2. Thrust to the left, extending the arm to its full
length.
Right—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.

POINT, turn the head to the right, carry the hand in quarte
near the left breast, the edge upwards, the point directed to
the right.
2. Thrust to the right, extending the arm to its full
length.
Rear—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.

is POINT, turn the head to the right and rear, bring the
hand in quarte opposite to the right shoulder, the arm half
extended, the blade horizontal, the point to the rear, the
edge upwards.
2. Thrust to the rear, extending the arm to its full
length.
147
Against infantry left—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.

POINT, turn the head to the left, raise the hand in tierce
near the neck, the point of the sabre directed at the height
of the breast of a man on foot.
2. Thrust down in tierce.
Against infantry right—POINT.

1 time, 3 motions.

is POINT turn the head to the right, carry the hand in
quarte near the right hip, the point of the sabre directed at
the height of the breast of a man on foot.
2. Thrust in quarte.
Front—CUT.
1 time, 3 motions.

is CUT, raise the sabre, the arm half extended, the hand a
little above the head, the edge upwards, the point to the rear
and higher than the hand.
2. Cut, extending the arm to its full length.
148
Left—CUT.
1 time, 3 motions.

is CUT, turn the head to the left, raise the sabre, the arm
extended to the right, the hand in quarte, and as high as the
head, the point higher than the hand.
2. Cut diagonally to the left.
Right—CUT.
1 time, 3 motions.
126. (Pl. 36, fig. A.) 1. At the last part of the com-
mand, which is CUT, turn the head to the right, carry the
hand opposite to the left shoulder, the point of the sabre up-
wards, the edge to the left.
2. Extend the arm quickly to its full length, give a
back-handed cut horizontally.
The cuts Nos. 124, 125, and 126, are also used against
infantry, observing to direct them vertically.
Rear—CUT.
1 time, 3 motions.
149
which is CUT, turn the head to the right, throwing back the
right shoulder; carry the hand as high as, and opposite to
the left shoulder, the sabre perpendicular, the edge to the
left.
2. Extend the arm quickly to its full length, and give a
back-handed cut horizontally to the rear.
Right, in tierce and quarte—CUT.

1 time, 4 motions.
128. 1. At the last part of the command, which is CUT,

execute the lst motion of right cut, No. 126.
2. Execute the 2d motion of right cut, No. 126.
3. Turn the hand in quarte, and cut horizontally.
Left, in quarte and tierce—CUT.

1 time, 4 motions.

execute the lst motion of left cut, No. 125.
2. Execute the 2d motion of left cut, No. 125.
3. Turn the hand in tierce, and cut horizontally.
150
Rear, in tierce and quarte—CUT.
1 time, 4 motions.

execute the 1st motion of rear cut, No. 127.
2. Execute the 2d motion of rear cut, No. 127.
3. Turn the hand in quarte, and cut horizontally.
In tierce—PARRY.
1 time, 2 motions.
131. (Pl. 37, fig. A.) 1. At the last part of the com-
mand, which is PARRY, carry the hand quickly a little to
the front and right, the nails downwards, without moving
the elbow; the point inclined to the front, as high as the
eyes, and in the direction of the right shoulder; the thumb
extended on the back of the gripe, and pressing against the
guard.
In quarte—PARRY.
1 time, 2 motions.
132. (Pl. 37. fig. B.) 1. At the last part of the command,
which is PARRY, turn the hand and carry it quickly to the
front and left, the nails upwards, the edge to the left, the
point inclined to the front, as high as the eyes, and in the
151
direction of the left shoulder; the thumb extended on the
back of the gripe, and resting against the guard.
For the head—PARRY.

1 time, 2 motions.

is PARRY, raise the sabre quickly above the head, the arm
nearly extended, the edge upwards, the point to the left, and
about 6 inches higher than the hand.
The hand is carried more or less to the right, left, or
rear, according to the position of the adversary.
Against infantry right—PARRY.

1 time, 3 motions.

is PARRY, turn the head to the right, throwing back the
right shoulder, raise the sabre, the arm extended to the right
and rear, the point upwards, the hand in tierce, the thumb
tended on the back of the gripe, the edge to the left.
2. Describe a circle quickly on the right, from rear to
front, the arm extended ; turn aside the bayonet with the
back of the blade, bringing the hand as high as the head,
the point upwards.
152
Against infantry left—PARRY.
1 time, 3 motions.

is PARRY, turn the head to the left, raise the sabre, the arm
extended to the front and right, the point upwards, the hand
in tierce, the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, the
back of the blade to the front.
2. Describe a circle quickly on the left, from front to
rear along the horse's neck, the arm extended; turn aside
the bayonet with the back of the blade, bringing the hand,
still in tierce, above the left shoulder.
When the troopers begin to execute correctly the above

cuts, thrusts, and parries, the instructor requires them to
make the application of them by combined motions, as
follows:
136. In tierce—POINT AND FRONT CUT.

137. In quarte—POINT AND FRONT CUT.
138. Left—POINT AND CUT.
139. Right—POINT AND CUT.
140. Rear—POINT AND CUT.
141. Against infantry right—POINT AND CUT.
142. Against infantry left—POINT AND CUT.
CARRY—SABRE.
153
143. As it is prescribed, No. 95, and carry the right
foot by the side of the left.
Lance exercise.
144. The squad is composed of from 8 to 10 men,

armed only with the lance; they are in stable-jackets,
schakos, and cartridge-boxes, and are placed in one rank,
15 feet from each other. After they have executed all the
motions several times, they are exercised, having the sabre,
which is unhooked at the command, LANCE EXERCISE.
145. The lancers being at the position of carry lance,

No. 80, the instructor commands:
LANCE EXERCISE.
1 time.
At the command LANCE EXERCISE, carry the right

foot 2 feet from the left, the heels on the same line; let the
lance slip to the ground through the right hand, which
seizes it at the height of the neck, the elbow and fore-arm
pressed against the staff, the staff held perpendicularly, the
butt on a line with, and one inch from the right toe; place
the left hand closed 6 inches from the body, as high as the
elbow, the fingers towards the Body, the little finger nearer
than the thumb.
This position is the same as that of the lancer mounted.
154
Rest—LANCES.
1 time.

LANCES, throw the lance into the left hand with the right
hand, without removing the butt of it from the ground
(mounted, without taking it from the boot); seize it with the
thumb and fore-finger of the left hand, the other fingers
closed (to hold the reins); pass the right arm through the
sling above the elbow; then let go of the lance with the left
hand, throw it in rear by a motion of the right arm, and
drop the right hand by the side.
After this motion, adjust the reins.
Carry—LANCES.
1 time.

LANCES, bring the lance to the front by a motion of the
right arm, seize it with the thumb and fore-finger of the left
hand, the other fingers closed (to hold the reins); free the
arm from the sling, seize the lance quickly with the right
hand, let go of it with the left, place it perpendicularly, the
right hand as high as the neck, the elbow and fore-arm
pressing against the staff.
155
CHARGE—LANCES.
2 times.
148. (Pl. 42.) 1. At the first part of the command,

which is CHARGE, slip down the right hand along the staff
opposite to the hip, raise the lance perpendicularly, to free
it from the boot.
lower the point to the front, the staff pressing against the
elbow and held horizontally 2 inches below the right
breast, the lance well supported under the arm, the thumb
extended on the staff, the fingers closed.
When mounted with closed ranks, the rear rank exe-

cutes only the first motion of charge lances, and remains in
that position.
FRONT—POINT.
2 times.

which is FRONT, carry the right arm to the rear to its full
length, throwing back the right shoulder, the staff resting
above the hip, the point as high as the right breast.
2. At the last part of the command, which is POINT,
carry forward the upper part of the Body, throw forward
the lance with force, bringing the arm to the front, the wrist
passing near and a little below the right breast, extend the
156
arm to its full length, the hand in quarte, the point directed
at the height of a man's breast; make a slight pause, and
resume the position of charge lances.
RIGHT—POINT.
2 times.
150. The same as to point to the front, except that the

lancer, in throwing back the right shoulder, carries the right
arm over the horse's croup, in rear and a little to the left,
the point of the lance directed to the right, taking care not
to lower the hand, for fear of hooking the sling on the
cantle.
LEFT—POINT.
2 times.
151. The same motions as to point to the front, except

that the lancer draws back the arm to the right and rear, and
that he directs the point of the lance to the left.
RIGHT REAR—LANCES.
2 times.

RIGHT REAR, raise the point of the lance as high as, and
opposite the left eye.
157
At the last part of the command, which is LANCES,
lower the point of the lance along the horse's neck, raising
the right elbow, the arm half extended; make the point
describe a semi-circle, grazing the right leg, place the lance
horizontally under the right arm, the point to the rear; press
the staff under the arm-pit, and change the position of the
right hand, placing the thumb on the staff the fingers closed
under it.
REAR-POINT.
2 times.

which is REAR, turn the head to the right and rear, extend
the right arm in front to its full extent, the hand in tierce
and as high as the neck, the fore-finger extended on the
staff, the staff touching the arm-pit.
carry the arm quickly to the rear to its full length, throwing
back the right shoulder, thrust with force, the point directed
at the height of a man's waist; make a slight pause, and
resume the position of right rear lances.
RIGHT REAR—POINT.
2 times.

which is RIGHT REAR, turn the head to the right, extend
158
the arm in front to its full length, the hand in tierce, as high
as the neck, and opposite to the left shoulder, the fore-
finger extended an the staff, the staff touching the elbow,
the point directed to the right.
carry the arm quickly to the rear to its full length, thrust
with force, the point directed at the height of the waist of a
man; make a slight pause, and resume the position of right
rear lances.
This motion, above all others, requires the lancer to

preserve his seat with care.
TO THE GROUND—POINT.
2 motions.

which is TO THE GROUND, turn the head to the right,
raise the arm to its full extent, lower the point of the lance
towards the ground, the staff pressing against the fore-arm.
thrust with force towards the ground, and resume the
position of right rear lances.
FRONT—LANCES.
2 times.
159
FRONT, raise the butt of the lance as high as the eyes.
separate the arm from the body, make the point of the lance
describe a semi-circle, the end of it grazing the right leg,
replace the lance and the hand in the position of charge
lances.
Left rear—LANCES.
1 time.

LANCES, separate the elbow from the body; make the
point of the lance describe an arc of a circle, above the
horse's ears, the staff falling into the bend of the left arm,
the hand opposite to, and 6 inches from the right breast, the
butt of the lance as high as, and on the right of the horse's
head, the point to the rear; change the position of the hand,
turning the nails upwards, without taking the thumb from
the staff.
LEFT REAR—POINT.
2 times.
158. (Pl.48.) 1. At the first part of the command, which

is LEFT REAR, turn the head to the left and rear, extend
the right arm to its full length towards the right, the wrist in
160
quarte, as high as the neck; the staff resting lightly above
the bend of the arm.
thrust with force to the rear, the point directed at the height
of a man's waist; make a slight pause, and resume the
position of left rear lances.
TO THE GROUND—POINT.
2 times.

which is TO THE GROUND, turn the head to the left, raise
the arm to its full length, lower the point of the lance
towards the ground, the staff pressing against the left fore-
arm.
thrust with force to the ground, and resume the position of
left rear lances.
Front—LANCES.
1 time.

LANCES, change the position of the left hand, turning the
nails downwards, without taking the thumb from the staff;
make the point of the lance describe an arc of a circle
above the horse's ears, and resume the position of charge
lances.
161
LEFT REAR—LANCES.
2 times.

LEFT REAR, lower the butt of the lance on a line with the
horse's nose.
raise the arm to its full length, describe a circle with the
lance, the point of it passing near the right leg of the lancer
and along the horse's neck; the staff then falling into the
bend of the left arm, the hand opposite to, and 6 inches
from, the right breast, the butt of the lance as high as, and
on the right of the horse's head, the point to the rear.
BY MOULINET FRONT—LANCES.
2 times.
162. 1. At the first part of the command, which is BY

MOULINET FRONT, raise the butt of the lance towards
the left, the right hand one foot from, and opposite to the
left shoulder, the staff still resting on the left arm.
hold the lance squarely in the hand, describe a circle and a
half with the point of it, the butt grazing twice the right side
162
of the horse's neck and the lancer's right leg; replace the
lance and the hand in the position of charge lances.
BY MOULINET LEFT REAR—LANCES.

2 times.
163. 1. At the first part of the command, which is BY

MOULINET LEFT REAR, carry the point of the lance a
little to the right, and 6 inches higher than the head, change
the position of the hand, the thumb downwards, the fingers
upwards.
lower the point of the lance to the left, along the horse's
neck; carry the hand to the left, as high as .the stock; de-
scribe a circle and a half with the point, grazing the left leg
twice, and resume the position of left rear lances.
2 times.

RIGHT REAR, raise the butt of the lance towards the left,
the right hand one foot from, and opposite to the left shoul-
der, the staff still resting on the left arm.
lower the butt of the lance to the right along the horse's
neck, grazing the right leg, and carrying the hand to the
163
right; describe a circle with the butt of the lance, and
resume the position of right rear lances.
FRONT—LANCES.
LEFT PARRY—AND RIGHT POINT.

2 times.
165. At the first part of the command, which is LEFT

PARRY, raise the point of the lance towards the right 6
inches higher than the head; lower the lance with force
from right to left, grazing the horse's neck, and extending
the arm to the left, so as to strike forcibly the weapon or
body of a man on foot, and bring the lance quickly back
under the right arm.
2. At the last part of the command, which is, AND
RIGHT POINT, draw the right arm back to its full extent,
to the rear and a little to the left, throwing back the right
shoulder, the staff resting above the hip, the point a little
lower than the hand; throw forward the upper part of the
body, thrust with force, bringing the arm to the front, the
wrist passing near and a little below the right breast; extend
the arm to its full length, the hand in tierce, the point
directed to the right at the height of the breast of a man on
foot, and resume the position of charge lances.
164
RIGHT PARRY—AND LEFT POINT.
2 times.

RIGHT PARRY, raise the point of the lance towards the
left, 6 inches higher than the head; lower the lance with
force from left to right, grazing the horse's neck, and
extending the arm to the right, so as to strike forcibly the
weapon or body of a man on foot, and bring the lance
quickly back under the right arm.
2. At the last part of the command, which is AND
LEFT POINT, draw the right arm back to its full extent,
throwing back the right shoulder, the staff resting below
the right breast, the point little lower than the hand; throw
forward the upper part of the body, thrust with force,
extending the arm to its full length, the hand in quarte, the
point directed to the left at the breast of a man on foot, and
LEFT AND RIGHT PARRY—AND FRONT POINT.

2 times.

LEFT AND RIGHT PARRY, raise the point of the lance
towards the right, 6 inches higher than the head; lower the
lance with force from right to left, above the horse's neck;
describe a circle on the left with the point, bringing it back
to the front; then lower it with force from left to right, to
165
turn aside the adversary's weapon, and bring the lance
quickly back under the right arm.
2. At the last part of the command, which is AND
FRONT POINT, extend the right arm to the rear to its full
length, throwing back the right shoulder, the staff resting
above the hip, the point a little lower than the hand; throw
forward the upper part of the body ; thrust with force to the
front, extending the arm to its full length, the hand in
quarte, the point directed at the breast of a man on foot, and
RIGHT AND LEFT PARRY—AND FRONT POINT.
168. The same principles and inverse motions.
If the parries and thrusts are to be used against cavalry,

it is necessary to parry horizontally, and thrust at the height
of the waist.
AROUND—PARRY.
2 times.
169. 1. At the .first part of the command, which is

AROUND, carry the point of the lance towards the right, as
high as the eyes.
2. At the last part of the command, which is PARRY,
move the lance with force from right to left, and from left
166
to right, still holding it under the arm, until one of the
commands, FRONT, LE.FT, or RIGHT—POINT.
Carry—LANCES.
1. time.

LANCES, bring up the lance; place the butt of it on a line
with the right toe, one inch from it, the right hand as high
as the neck; (mounted, the butt is placed in the boot at the
stirrup.)
171. To terminate the lesson, the instructor commands:
1. As dismounted.
2. Carry—LANCES.
1 time.
At the last part of the command, which is LANCES,

bring the right foot by the side of the left, and the butt of
the lance by the side of the right toe; let go of the lance; let
it fall against the hollow of the shoulder, and seize it again
with the right hand, as it is prescribed for carried lance,
dismounted, No. 80; hook up the sabre, the hilt to the rear.
167
SECOND PART.
Target practice.
172. Officers and instructors should thoroughly under-

stand the theory of firing, to be able to teach the men to use
their fire-arms in the most advantageous manner.
In firing, three kinds of lines are considered.
(Pl. 16, fig. B.) The line of sight (A B) is the visual ray,
which, passing through the highest points of the breech and
muzzle, is directed towards the object which is to be hit.
The line of fire (C D) is the axis or middle of the bar-
rel; this line represents the direction which the bell is
inclined to follow at the moment it is forced from the
muzzle.
The curve (or trajectory), C E F G, is the one which
the bell actually follows, as the force of gravity operates
constantly to sink it farther and farther below the line of
fire, which is the primitive direction.
As the barrels are generally made, the line of sight and
that of fire form, beyond the muzzle, an angle (A o C) more
or less acute according to the relative thickness at the
breech and muzzle. The ball on leaving the barrel, first cuts
the line of sight (at E) a short distance from the muzzle,
passed above this line, approaches it again, cuts it a second
time (at G), and describes a curve until its fall. This second
point of intersection is called the point blank. The point
168
blank range is the distance from this point to the muzzle,
when the line of sight is horizontal.
To accustom the men to fire with accuracy, they are
practised at the target. This practical instruction is divided
into two parts. For the first part, the target is a plank 5 feet
6 inches long, by 1 foot 9 inches wide. There is a black
band 3 inches wide across the middle of it, at which the
shots are aimed. A similar band is painted one foot and a
half below the first.
The point blank range of Hall's carbine is about 90
yards, at which distance the aim is directly at the middle
band. Within that distance the aim must be below, and
beyond it above this band.
The squad being assembled, the instructor requires the
men to go in succession to the point from which they are to
fire. He places himself by the side of the man, to explain to
him the manner of aiming so as to hit the mark. Each man
fires three times in succession at each distance, in order to
apply the principles thoroughly.
After the men have been sufficiently instructed, they
are made to fire with the carbine slung, and the legs sepa-
rated as if mounted.
When the men have learnt how much the balls vary
from the line of sight, at the different distances, they are
practised at a target of the same dimensions as the first, but
having only one black band in the middle.
In this second part of the instruction, the men judge for
themselves of the height at which they must aim to strike
169
the middle band; they are practised, if possible, on uneven
ground.
The instructor requires them to press the butt firmly
against the right shoulder when aiming, to support the
carbine well with the left hand, to habituate themselves to
take sight quickly; finally, to press upon the trigger with
the forefinger to fire, without moving the head, or changing
the direction of the piece. He occasionally gives the com-
mand, recover arms, that the men may acquire the habit of
aiming promptly.
All the non-commissioned officers and privates pass
through this school each year.
The best shots are noted down.
The greater part of the ammunition furnished for the
exercise is used for target practice.
To fire with the pistol, the instructor follows the same
progression as with the carbine. The men commence at 10
yards from the target, and remove progressively to 30
yards. They are practised to fire to the front, to the right, to
the left, and finally, to the rear.
The instructor observes that the men do not put more
powder than is necessary in the pistol.
In the position of aim, the arm should be half extended
(except in firing to the rear,) and the fingers should not be
tightly closed; by this means, the shaking of the hand is
diminished; the finger should be pressed gradually on the
trigger, without a jerk, which would destroy the aim.
170
SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON,
DISMOUNTED.
ARTICLE FIRST.
173. The troopers composing the platoon are in un-

dress, schakos or helmets, and are armed; the sabre is
hooked up to the belt.
When the platoon is in line, the assistant instructor is
posted one pace in front of the centre; he marches at the
head of the column, when the platoon is by file or broken
by fours.
The troopers regulate the step by that of the assistant
instructor, the file-closer attending especially thereto.
Each movement is executed first in common time, then
in quick time.
All movements are made in two ranks, except the
march by single file, and the wheelings, which are at first
by rank. All movements of breaking and formation are,
moreover, executed from a halt, decomposing them that
their mechanism may be better understood.
The instructor requires the men to change ranks every
day, and places those in the rear rank who the day before
were in the front, that they may become equally accus-
tomed to both ranks.
Each movement must be repeated by the left, after it
has been correctly performed by the right.
171
The instructor directs the men to count by fours, as
soon as the platoon is formed. They do not count again
during the instruction; but if any man should change his
place, his new number is given to him, and if a man of the
front rank should be wanting, he is replaced by one from
the rear rank, whose place remains vacant.
174. The platoon being formed in two ranks, close or-

der, the arms carried, the instructor commands:
In each rank—Count (by) FOURS.
At the last part of the command, which in FOURS, the

men count in each rank, from right to left, pronouncing in a
loud and distinct voice, in the same tone, without hurry,
and without turning the head: one, two, three, four, ac-
cording to the place which each one occupies.
General principles of alignment.
175. In order to align themselves, the troopers must

regulate their shoulders by those of the men next to them
on the side of the alignment, and must fix their eyes on the
line of eyes, so as to see the breast of the second man of
their rank on that side; for this purpose, they must turn the
head, remaining square in the ranks, and must feel lightly
the elbow of the man next to them on the side of the align-
ment.
172
The men of the rear rank, independently of the align-
ment, must be exactly behind their file-leaders, preserving
a distance of 13 inches, measured from the shoulders of the
front rank men to the breast of those of the rear rank.
Successive alignment of files in the platoon, and alignment

of the platoon.
176. The instructor causes the different alignments to

be made, conformably to what is prescribed in No. 426,
and the succeeding articles, with this difference: that the
right or left files move only 3 paces to the front, and in the
alignment to the rear, 3 steps to the rear.
The arms will always be carried before the alignment
is commanded.
To open and close the ranks.
177. As it is prescribed, Nos. 436, 437, except that the

rear rank takes 12 steps to the rear, and the assistant in-
structor moves 6 paces to the front.
The assistant instructor faces the platoon and fronts by
right-about face.
The arms will always be carried before the ranks are
opened or closed.
173
To march the platoon backwards.
178. As prescribed, No. 438. The men take the back-

ward step.
Direct march in single file.
Each rank is at first practised separately in marching in

single file; for this purpose, the ranks being opened, the
instructor directs the assistant instructor to command the
rear rank, and he commands the front rank himself.
179. The command is given:
1. Platoon right.
2. FACE.
The command is then given:
1. Column forward.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, the men step off together

with the left Foot. Each man preserves, as far as possible,
the same distance from the one who precedes him, and
174
remains exactly behind him, that his head may conceal
those of the men in front.
The men must not turn their heads or look at the feet of
the man who precedes, as they would thereby lose their
distance; they must keep the shoulders square in the direc-
tion, must not turn out the toes too much, and must march
without swinging.
180. To halt the column when marching, the command

is given:
1. Column.
2. HALT.
At the command COLUMN, the man who is in front

marks time, and the others close up to the proper distance.
At the command HALT, all the column halts, and no
one moves afterwards.
The instructor observes that the men do not close too
much in regaining their distances.
181. To face the platoon to the proper front, the com-

mand is given:
1. FRONT FACE.
2. Right (or left)—DRESS.
3. FRONT.
175
At the command, FRONT FACE, each man faces to
the front by a right or left face.
At the command, FRONT, turn the head to the front.
182. When the men have faced to the right, at the

command FRONT FACE, they face to the left; when they
have faced to the left, they front by a right face.
When the platoon faces to the front by a left face, the
alignment is to the right ; when it faces to the front, by a
right face, the alignment is to the left.
Change of direction.
183. Each rank marching separately, the command is

given:
1. Right (or left)—TURN.

2. FORWARD.
At the last part of the first command, which is TURN,

the first man turns in the direction indicated, without
shortening the step; the others turn in succession on the
same ground where the first one turned.
At the second command, which is FORWARD, the
first man marches straight to the front in the new direction:
he is followed by the others.
176
Individual oblique march.
184. Each rank marching separately, the command is

given:
1. Right (or left) oblique.

2. MARCH.
The movement is performed as prescribed, No. 23.

To resume the primitive direction, the command is
given: FORWARD, which is executed as prescribed,
No. 24.
The oblique march is practised from a halt, before be-
ing executed while marching, conforming to what is laid
down in No. 12, for the command.
185. When each rank executes properly all these

movements, the two are united, and are taken through them
again together.
186. The men of the front rank are guides, when

marching by a flank. They preserve the proper distance,
and keep in the direction of those who precede; the men of
the rear rank march on a line with their file-leaders, touch-
ing the elbow lightly, and yielding to pressure.
187. In the changes of direction, the man on the side

towards which the wheel is made, turns as prescribed,
177
No. 183, and the one on the opposite side lengthens the
step in turning, touches the elbow of the man next to him,
and yields to all pressure.
188. In the oblique march, the men on the side towards

which they oblique are guides, and conform to the princi-
ples laid down, No. 460. The men on the opposite side
regulate their movements by those of the guide of their
rank, casting their eyes in his direction to keep on a line
with him; their shoulders, on the side towards which they
oblique, are in rear of his.
The men no longer touching elbows in this movement,
they can only preserve the alignment by taking perfectly
parallel directions, and maintaining the regularity of the
step.
The platoon marching by a flank, to form it front or on

right into line.
189. The column marching with the right in front, to

form it front into line, the instructor commands:
1. Front into line.

2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
4. Right—DRESS.
5. FRONT.
178
At the command MARCH, the first man of the front
rank continues to march straight forward. The first man of
the rear rank, who is marching on a line with his file-
leader, shortens the step and places himself behind him by
obliquing to the left; the other men oblique immediately to
the left, and form in succession on the left of the first; each
man halts on a line with the rank to which he belongs,
carries arms, and dresses to the right.
At the command FRONT, turn the head to the front.
The instructor commands HALT, after the first man
has marched 20 paces.
He gives the command right DRESS, immediately af-
ter that of HALT, and does not command FRONT, until
after the last file is aligned.
190. When the column marches with the left in front,

the movement is executed after the same principles and by
inverse means, at the commands: 1. Front into line;
2. MARCH; 3. HALT; 4. left DRESS; 5. FRONT.

form it into line on the prolongation to the front of its right
flank, the instructor commands:
179
1. On right into line.
2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
4. Right—DRESS.
5. FRONT.
At the command MARCH, the two first men turn to

the right and march in the new direction ; immediately after
having turned, the first man of the rear rank, who is
marching on a line with his file-leader, shortens the step
and places himself behind him, by obliquing to the left.
The other men continue to march straight forward, and turn
successively one pace beyond those who precede, the rear
rank men shortening the step after having turned, to place
themselves behind their file-leaders; each file places itself
on the left of those already formed. Each man halts on a
line with the rank to which he belongs, carries arms, and
dresses to the right.
In giving the commands HALT, right DRESS, and
FRONT, the instructor conforms to what is laid down in
No. 189.
192. When the column marches with the left in front,

the movement is executed according to the same principles
and by inverse means, at the commands: 1. On left info
line; 2. MARCH; 3. HALT; 4. left DRESS; 5. FRONT.
180
193. These movements are first executed from a halt.
The instructor requires the men to march well together until
after they have turned, and the rear rank men not to slacken
the step until then, to place themselves behind their file-
leaders.
The instructor remains on the side of the formation, in
rear of the new line, until the last file is formed; he sees
that the men execute the movement correctly, and that they
do not mistake their ranks.
To form the platoon left into single rank.
194. The platoon being formed in two ranks with car-

ried arms, the instructor commands:
1. Left into single rank.

2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
4. FRONT FACE.
5. Right—DRESS.
6. FRONT.
At the command MARCH, the men of the front rank

do not move; the rear rank men face to the left, and step off
together.
At the command HALT, they all halt.
At the command FRONT FACE, they face to the right.
181
At the command right—DRESS, the rear rank men
advance to the line of the front rank, and align themselves
on it.
The instructor does not give the command HALT, until
the man on the right of the rear rank arrives opposite the
left elbow of the man on the left of the front rank.
To form the platoon right into two ranks.
195. The platoon being in one rank, with carried arms,

the instructor commands:
1. Right into two ranks.

2. MARCH
3. Right—DRESS.
4. FRONT.
At the command MARCH, the men of the front rank

step one pace to the front; those of the rear rank, face to the
right and step off together ; each man halts behind his file-
leader, and fronts without command.
At the command right—DRESS, the men align them-
selves to the right.
182
Manual of arms.
196. The platoon is exercised in line at the manual of

arms, first with open, then with closed ranks. The instructor
endeavors to make the men execute the motions together,
and if he thinks proper, he takes them through the manual
of arms by times and motions, giving the commands, 2, 3,
4, &c., but without explanations.
197. When the ranks are closed, at the first part of the
command, draw sabre, or return sabre, the rear rank steps
back 6 steps to the rear, and after having carried the sabre
to the shoulder, or returned it to the scabbard, closes again
without a command.
During this movement, the assistant instructor moves 3
paces to the front, and the file-closer 6 steps to the rear.
When the movement is finished, they both resume
their places.
_____
ARTICLE SECOND.
The platoon being in line, to break by fours to the right.
183
1. By fours right wheel.
2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
At the first command, the assistant instructor places

himself one pace in front of the four right files.
At the command MARCH, numbers 1 of the front
rank, who are the pivots, turn on their own ground, marking
time; numbers 4, who are the marching flanks, step out
smartly and wheel to the right, turning the head towards the
pivot, that they may neither separate from, nor approach it;
numbers 2 and 3 turn the head towards the marching flank,
and regulate their step by it, keeping up the touch of the
elbow towards the pivot, so as not to separate from it.
The rear rank men follow those of the front rank, in-
clining towards the marching flank as soon as it has bro-
ken.
At the command HALT, the men halt; the rear rank
men resume their places behind their file-leaders, at their
proper distances.
The instructor commands HALT at the moment when
the wheel is about to finish.
In this column, a distance is maintained between all
the front ranks equal to their front.
199. To break the platoon by fours to the left, the

movement is executed according to the same principles and
184
by inverse means, at the commands: 1. By fours left wheel;
2. MARCH;; 3. HALT.
200. The column being halted, with the right in front,

to form the platoon into line, the instructor commands:
1. By fours left wheel.

2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
4. Right—DRESS.
5. FRONT.
Which is executed as prescribed, No. 198, and by in-

verse means.
Direct march in column of fours.
201. When a column of fours marches with the right in

front, numbers 4 are guides; when the left is in front,
numbers 1 are guides.
The guide of the first rank of fours, who is the guide of
the column, should march straight to the front, and should
regulate his step so that the first rank of fours which
dresses on him, may be always one pace in rear of the
assistant instructor who marches at the head of the column.
The guide of each rank should keep the head to the
front, and remain always at his proper distance, and in the
direction of the guide of the front rank of the four files
185
which precede him. The three other men of each rank of
fours dress upon the guide of their rank, touching the elbow
lightly, and casting their eyes occasionally towards him;
they yield to the pressure which comes from his side, and
resist that from the opposite side.
In marching in column of fours, the instructor sees that
the guides of the front ranks preserve their distances, in
order to be able to form into line by a general movement.
202. To put the column in motion, the instructor com-

mands:
1. Column forward.
2. MARCH.
3. Guide left.
At the command MARCH, the men step off together,

regulating by the guide.
After having given a point of direction to the column,
the instructor allows it to march some time without chang-
ing direction, in order to give the men an opportunity to
practise the principles of the direct march.
203. To halt the column, the instructor commands:
1. Column.
2. HALT.
186
At the command HALT, the men all halt, and do not
stir even to regain their distances.
The men are practised to pass from the common step
to the quick step, and from the quick step to the common
step.
Change of direction.
204. The column marching, the instructor commands:

Head of column to the left.
At this command the assistant instructor commands:
1. Left—TURN.
2. FORWARD.
At the last part of the first command, which is TURN,

the first rank of fours turns to the left; the pivot, without
slackening the pace, describes an arc of 5 paces; the man
on the marching flank lengthens the step in turning. Num-
bers 2 and 3 touch the elbow towards the pivot, and turn
the head towards the marching flank so as to regulate their
pace by it.
At the last command, which is FORWARD, the first
rank of fours marches straight forward, and the men all
resume the step at which they were marching before having
turned.
187
Each rank of fours turns in succession on the same
ground where the first turned.
The assistant instructor gives the command FOR-
WARD at the moment when the first rank has nearly
finished its turn.
In these changes of direction, the instructor requires all
the ranks of fours to march straight, without towards the
side opposite to the turn, and he sees that the pivot man,
and the one on the marching flank, do not shorten or leng-
then the step before arriving at the turning point.
To change direction to the right, the movement is exe-
cuted according to the same principles and by inverse
means, at the command: head of column to the right.
205. The column marching, the instructor commands:
1. Left (or right) oblique.

2. MARCH.
Bit the command MARCH, each man makes a quar-

ter-face to the left; the man on the left of the first rank of
fours, who is the guide of the column, marches in the new
direction, and parallel to the assistant instructor.
The man on the left of each of the other ranks, who is
the guide of his rank, marches also in this direction, casting
his eyes upon the guide of the column, to remain on a line
188
with him while following a parallel direction. The other
men of each rank, no longer keeping up the touch of the
elbows, give a glance to the line of the shoulders of the
men next to them on the side of the guide, and regulate
their step so that their shoulders may always be in rear of
that of the man next to them on that side, and that his head
may hide those of the other men of that rank. The men
should, moreover, preserve the regularity of the step, and
should oblique in the same degree.
To resume the primitive direction, the instructor com-
mands:
FORWARD.
At this command each man makes a quarter face to the

right, while advancing, and marches to the front, conform-
ing to the principles of the direct march.
The platoon marching in column of fours, to form it to the

front or on right into line.
206. The platoon marching in column of fours, with

the right in front, to form it front into line, the instructor
commands:
189
1. Front into line.
2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
4. Right—DRESS.
5. FRONT.
Which is executed as it is prescribed, No. 462, the in-

structor commanding HALT, when the four first files have
marched 20 paces.
207. The column marching left in front, the movement

is executed as prescribed, No. 463, at the commands:
1. Front into line; 2. MARCH; 3.HALT; 4. Left—DRESS;
5. FRONT.

form it into line on the prolongation of its right flank, the
1. On right into line.

2. MARCH.
3. HALT
4. Right—DRESS.
5. FRONT
Which is executed as it is prescribed, No. 466.
190
209. The column marching with the left in front, to
form it into line on the prolongation to the front of its left
flank, the movement is executed as prescribed, No. 467, at
the commands: 1. On left into line; 2. MARCH; 3. HALT;
4. Left—DRESS; 5. FRONT.
Manual of arms.
210. The platoon is exercised in line at the manual,

with open and with closed ranks.
Firing.
211. The platoon being in line, the instructor com-

mands:
1. Fire by platoon.
2. COMMENCE FIRING.
At the first command, the assistant instructor moves

quickly behind the centre of the platoon, 6 paces in rear of
the file-closer.
At the second command, the assistant instructor com-
mands:
191
1. Platoon.
2. READY.
3. AIM
4, FIRE (or recover—ARMS.)
5. LOAD (or carry—ARMS.)
Which is executed as in the school of the trooper dis-

mounted [No. 66, and the succeeding paragraphs].
212. The arms being carried, the assistant instructor

recommences the firing by the same commands, and it
continues until the signal to cease firing; if there is no
trumpet, the instructor commands: CEASE FIRING.
At the signal, or at this command, the men finish
loading their pieces, and carry arms; the assistant instructor
resumes his place in line.
213. To fire to the rear, the instructor commands:
1. Fire to the rear.

2. PLATOON ABOUT—FACE.
At the first command, the file-closer passes quickly by

one of the flanks of the platoon, and places himself one
pace in rear of the front rank, which has now become the
rear rank, and opposite to his place in line. The assistant
instructor also moves to the rear, to command the firing.
192
At the second command the men face about and the in-
structor commands:
1. Fire by platoon.
2. COMMENCE FIRING.
Which is executed as prescribed, No. 211, the rear

rank taking the position pointed out for the front rank, and
the front rank that prescribed for the rear rank.
The instructor stops the firing as prescribed, No. 212.
214. To face the platoon to its proper front, the in-

structor commands:
PLATOON ABOUT—FACE.
During this movement, the assistant instructor and file-

closer resume their places.
215. The instructor observes that the men of the rear

rank place themselves exactly opposite to the intervals to
fire, and that they resume their places in rear of their file-
leaders, when they carry arms. He cautions the assistant
instructor to leave between the commands AIM and FIRE,
only the interval which is necessary to permit the men to
aim properly. He places himself where he can see both
ranks, to observe their faults.
193
The instructor cautions the men to be perfectly cool
during the firing, without, however, rendering them less
active in the execution of it.
When the men fire correctly and together, they are
practised with powder.
Sabre and lance exercise.
216. For the sabre and lance exercise, the instructor

opens the ranks and commands:
1. By the left (or by the right)—OPEN FILES.

2. MARCH.
4. FRONT.
At the last part of the first command, which is OPEN

FILES, all face to the left except the first file.
At the command MARCH, the men step off together.
The second man from the right, alter having marched, for
the sabre exercise 5 paces and for the lance exercise 7
paces, halts, fronts by a right-face, and dresses on the right
file who has not moved. The others march on, and each one
glancing over his right shoulder, halts in succession and
fronts when he has arrived at his place. The rear rank men
regulate themselves by their file-leaders, and remain ex-
actly behind them.
194
When the third man from the right has fronted, the in-
structor dresses the front rank the assistant instructor
dresses the rear rank, and the instructor commands
FRONT.
217. When the instructor wishes to form the platoon,

he commands:
1. To the right (or to the left)—CLOSE FILES.

2. MARCH.
At the last part of the first command, which is CLOSE

FILES, the men all face to the right (or left), except the file
on which they close.
At the command MARCH, they step off together, and
each one fronts in succession by a right face (or left face),
when he has closed up to the man who precedes him.
After the ranks are formed, the instructor closes and
dresses them.
_____
ARTICLE THIRD.
March of the platoon in line.

mands:
195
1. Platoon forward.
2. Guide right (or left).
3. MARCH.
Which is executed as prescribed, No. 498, the men

stepping off together at the command MARCH.
The men regulate the step by that of the assistant in-
structor, who marches in front of the platoon; if they lose it,
the instructor commands: STEP.
219. While marching in line, the men are practised to

mark time, change step, pass from quick to common time,
and from common to quick time.
The instructor conforms to what is laid down in
No. 494 and the succeeding articles, to open and close the
ranks, to teach the men to open the files when too close,
and to close when too open, and to align themselves when
they are in advance or in rear.
220. To halt the platoon, the instructor commands:
1. Platoon.
2. HALT.
4. FRONT.
196
Counter-march.

mands:
1. Counter-march by the right flank.

2. Platoon right.
3. FACE.
4. By file right.
5. MARCH.
At the first command, the file-closer moves 3 paces in

rear of the left file, and a little to his left, turning his back
to him.
At the third command, the men face to the right; the
instructor moves opposite to the first file, and directs him
to make a half face to the right.
At the command MARCH, the men step off together;
the first file turns immediately to the right, and guided by
the instructor, passes in rear of the rear rank. The other men
turn in succession on the same ground where the first file
turned.
When the head of the column arrives opposite to the
guide who is placed on the new alignment, the instructor
commands:
197
1. HALT.
2. Front—FACE.
3. Right—DRESS.
4. FRONT.
At the command FRONT, the assistant instructor, and

the file-closer, resume their places in line.
222. The counter-march is executed by the left, after

the same principles and by inverse means, at the com-
mands: 1. Counter-march by the left flank; 2. Platoon left;
3. FACE; 4. By file left; 5. MARCH; and, 1. HALT;
2. Front—FACE; 3. Left—DRESS; 4. FRONT.
Wheelings.
223. The platoon is exercised at the wheelings, first by

rank, and afterwards with the two ranks united, according
to the principles laid down in No. 511, and the succeeding
articles.
In wheeling on a fixed pivot, the pivot man turns on
his own ground, marking time.
In wheeling on a moveable pivot, he describes an arc
of a circle, taking steps of six inches.
The man on the marching flank lengthens the step as
much as possible when turning.
The other men take steps proportioned to the place
which they occupy in the rank, that is, shorter as they are
198
nearer to the pivot. At the command, FORWARD, the men
all march straight forward with the step which they were
taking before the wheel commenced.
224. In all the wheelings, the men are careful not to

turn the head too much, to keep the shoulders square in the
ranks, to touch towards the pivot without separating the
elbow from the body, and to rectify mistakes without
precipitation.
225. The platoon marching in line, the instructor

commands:
1. Right (or left) oblique.

2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, each man makes a quarter

face to the right or left, and marches in the new direction.
As the men no longer touch elbows, they must regulate the
march in such a manner that the head of the man next to
them towards the guide, may hide the heads of the rest of
the rank; the alignment is preserved by taking equal steps,
and by obliquing in the same degree. The rear rank men
preserve their distance and follow the man next to their
proper file-Leader. To resume the primitive direction, what
is prescribed, No. 205, is conformed to.
199
The platoon being in line, to break by fours to the right,
and to move off after the wheel.
226. The instructor breaks the platoon to the right by

fours, as prescribed, No. 198, and when the wheel is nearly
finished, he commands:
1. FORWARD.
2. Guide left.
At the first command, which is forward, the men

march to the front, conforming to the principles of the
direct march by fours.
227. The movement is executed by the left, after the

same principles, and by inverse means.
To form the platoon.
228. The platoon marching in column of fours, right in

front, the instructor commands:
1. Form platoon.
2. MARCH.
3. Guide right.
200
At the command MARCH, the movement is executed
as prescribed for front into line, No. 206, except that the
four first files continue to march straight forward, shorten-
ing the step, until the last files arrive on a line with them;
the men then all take the step at which they were marching
in the first place, and conform to the principles of the direct
march.
The instructor does not command the guide until the
platoon is formed.
When the platoon is formed from a column marching
left in front, the guide is given to the left.
The platoon marching in line, to break by fours to the right,

and to form in line again without halting.

2. MARCH.
3. FORWARD.
4. Guide left.
And to form into line again:

2. MARCH.
3. FORWARD.
4. Guide right.
201
These movements are executed as prescribed, No. 198.
If the instructor wishes to halt, instead of marching after
the wheel, he commands:
3. HALT.
4. Right—DRESS.
5. FRONT.
230. The movement is executed by the left, after the

same principles and by inverse means.
The platoon marching by fours, to form column by the flank

without halting.
1. Fours to the right—and by file left.

2. MARCH.
3. FORWARD.
4. Guide left.
At the command MARCH, each man faces to the right,

and the first file of each rank of fours turns immediately to
the left, and places itself in file behind the men of the rank
of fours which precedes it. They are then in column of
twos.
202
In this movement the four first files should lengthen
the step, so as not to retard the other ranks of fours which
enter the column behind them.
232. When the column is left in front, the movement is

executed after the same principles and by inverse means.
The platoon marching by the flank, to face it to the front

without halting.
233. The column being right in Front, the instructor

commands:
1. Platoon to the left.

2. MARCH.
3. FORWARD.
4. Guide right.
At the command MARCH; each man faces to the left,

and at the command FORWARD, marches straight to the
front.
If the instructor wishes to halt after the movement, in-
stead of marching to the front, he commands:
3. HALT.
4. Right—DRESS.
5. FRONT.
203
234. When the column is left in front, the movement is
made by the same principles and by inverse means.
235. The platoon marching in line, to form column by

the flank without halting, the instructor commands:
1. Platoon to the right.

2. MARCH.
3. FORWARD.
4. Guide left.
At the command MARCH, each man faces to the right

and moves off in the new direction.
236. To form column by the flank, with the left in

front, the movement is executed after the same principles
and by inverse means.
The platoon being in line, to face it to the rear.
When the platoon has faced about, if the instructor

wishes to march, after having aligned it he commands:
204
1. Platoon forward.
2. Guide right.
3. MARCH.
Which is executed as prescribed, No. 218. To face the

platoon to the proper front, the instructor commands:
After the platoon has faced about, the instructor com-

mands, right dress.
Manual of arms.
238. The platoon is exercised at the manual of arms

with open and with closed ranks, and the two ranks are
practised in firing both as front and as rear rank, by facing
to the rear as in the preceding article.
_____
ARTICLE FOURTH.
Rallying and skirmishers.
239. The platoon is exercised in line after the princi-

ples laid down in the school of the platoon, mounted,
No. 571, and the succeeding paragraphs.
205
The movements are made at a moderate pace, with
arms at will.
At the commencement, the platoon is not marched to
the front after having rallied; but the instructor sees that
each man has taken his proper place and rank. When the
men are accustomed to these movements, the platoon is
marched to the front as soon as a portion of it has rallied;
the other men rally while marching.
The instructor takes pains to teach the men the rallying
signals, and the movements which they are to execute.
They are practised, most especially, to rally with order at
the point where the instructor is.
206
SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON,
DISMOUNTED.
240. The squadron is always exercised at the quick
step, which, in this school, is the habitual step without
being commanded; if it is wished to march at the common
step, the indication of it should precede the command
MARCH.
The principles of the breaking and formation being the
same as when mounted, that which is prescribed for the
school of the squadron, mounted is conformed to, to exer-
cise the squadron on foot, with the following modifica-
tions.
241. The squadron being formed in two ranks, close

order, the men at carry arms, the officers and non-commis-
sioned officers posted as prescribed in Title 1st, art. 1st, the
captain commanding orders them to count by fours.
For the alignments, what is laid down in the school of
the squadron, mounted, is conformed to; and to open and
close ranks, what is prescribed, No. 177.
242. The squadron is exercised at the manual of arms,

first with open, then with closed ranks; firing by platoon,
by division, and by squadron, is also practised, both to the
front and rear.
The platoon firing is executed alternately, by the first
and second platoon of each division; the first platoon fires
207
first; the chief of the second does not give the command
until he sees one or two carbines carried in the first; the
chief of the first platoon, in his turn, observes the same rule
towards the second, and they continue to fire thus alter-
nately.
The same rule is observed in firing by division; and by
the even and uneven squadrons, when several squadrons
are united for firing by squadron.
243. To fire by platoon, the captain commanding

commands:
1. Fire by platoon.
2. COMMENCE FIRING.
At the first command, the chiefs of platoons move to

the places pointed out in No. 211, the officers of the first
division passing by the right flank, and those of the second
by the left flank.
At the second command, the uneven platoons com-
mence firing, their chiefs giving the commands prescribed
in No. 211, and observing to prefix always to that of pla-
toon, the number first or third, as the case may be.
The chiefs of the even platoons give the same com-
mands in their turn, prefixing the number second or fourth.
The chiefs of the uneven platoons, for the first fire
only, command FIRE, one after the other. Thus the chief of
208
the third platoon does not command AIM and FIRE, until
he has heard the fire of the first platoon.
244. To fire by divisions, the captain commanding

commands:
1. Fire by divisions.
2. COMMENCE PIRING.
At the second command, the uneven divisions com-

mence to fire; each lieutenant commanding prefixes to the
command division the number first or second, and con-
forms for the rest to what is prescribed, No. 242.
245. To fire by squadrons, the captain commanding

commands:
1. Fire by squadron.
2. Squadron.
3. READY.
4. AIM.
5. FIRE.
6. LOAD.
When there are several squadrons, each captain pre-

fixes the number of his squadron to the second command,
and conforms to what is prescribed above for the order of
firing by the even and uneven squadrons.
209
246. The captain commanding observes that the body,
the feet, and the carbine, are always in their proper posi-
tions; that the commands are executed with life, and that
the men do not slight their motions.
247. The squadron being in line, to break by fours, the

captain commanding commands:

2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
At the first command, the chief of the first platoon, and

the particular guide of the right, place themselves in front
of the four right files.
as prescribed, No. 198.
If, instead of halting, the captain wishes to move off
after the wheel, he conforms to what is laid down No. 226.
The officers and sergeants, except the chief of the first
platoon, and the particular guide of the right, post them-
selves on the flank of the column.
248. The squadron being in column of fours, the men

are exercised to step off and to halt together, to change
from the quick step to the common step, and from the
common step to the quick step.
210
249. The squadron being in column of fours, with the
right in front, either halted or marching, to form it into line
on its left flank, the captain commanding commands:

2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
4. Right—DRESS.
5. FRONT.
Which is executed as prescribed, No. 200.
250. The squadron being in column of fours, with the

left in front, to form it into line on its right flank, the
movement is executed after the same principles and by
inverse means, at the commands: 1. By fours right wheel;
2. MARCH; 3. HALT; 4. Left—DRESS; 5. FRONT.
251. In the alignment, the particular guides touch with

their elbows the breasts of the sergeants who are placed on
the line.
Before the squadron moves off, the command is given
to support arms, unless there should be a contrary order.
At the command HALT, the men carry arms without a
command.
After the command FRONT, the command is given to
support arms.
211
252. The squadron marching in column of fours, right
front, to form platoons, the captain commanding com-
mands:
1. Form platoons.
2. MARCH.
3. Guide left.
At the first command, the chiefs of platoons command

at the same time: Form platoon.
At the command MARCH, repeated by these same of-
ficers, all the platoons are formed as prescribed, No. 228.
The captain does not announce the guide until all the
platoons are formed.
253. When the platoons are formed from the squadron

marching by fours with the left in front, the guide is com-
manded right.
When the squadron is marching in column with dis-
tance, each platoon regulates the step by that of its chief,
and each chief of platoon by that of the chief of platoon
who precedes him.
254. The squadron being in column with distance, with

the right in front, either at a halt or marching, to break the
platoon by fours, the captain commanding commands:
212
1. By fours right wheel—and in each platoon—head
of column to the left.
2. MARCH.
3. FORWARD.
4. Guide left.

as it is prescribed, No. 198, each chief of platoon com-
manding at the moment when the wheel is nearly finished:
FORWARD; and then, 1. Left—TURN; 2. FORWARD.
The captain does not command the guide until the head
of each platoon is on the new direction.
255. The squadron being in column with distance, left

in front, the movement is executed after the same princi-
ples and by inverse means.
256. The squadron being in column of fours, right in

front, either at a halt or marching, to form it into column by
the flank, the captain commanding commands:
1. Fours to the right—and by file left.

2. MARCH.
3. FORWARD.
4. Guide left.
Which is executed as it is prescribed, No. 231.
213
257. The squadron being in column of fours, left in
front, the movement is executed after the same principles
and by inverse means.
258. The movement of about face is substituted for the

right about wheel by fours of the school of the squadron,
mounted [No. 670].
259. The counter-march is executed as it is prescribed,

Nos. 221, 688, and 689.
260. The oblique march by troop is executed after the

same principles as when mounted, except that each
chief of platoon marching one pace in front of the centre of
his platoon, keeps himself two paces in rear of the rear rank
of the platoon which precedes him.
261. The squadron marching in line, to pass a defile by

the head of each platoon, the captain commanding com-
mands:
1. By fours right wheel—and in each platoon—head

of column to the left.
2. MARCH.
3. FORWARD.
4. Guide right.
214
At the command MARCH, repeated by the chiefs of
platoons, the movement is executed in each platoon as
prescribed, No. 254; the chiefs of platoons march by the
side of the head of their column to direct it, and to preserve
their intervals from the right.
The platoons being broken by twos, or by fours, with
the right in front, to form them again, the captain com-
manding commands:
1. Form platoons.
2. MARCH.
3. Guide right.
At the first command, the chiefs of platoons command:

Form platoon.
At the command MARCH, repeated by these same of-
ficers, each platoon forms as prescribed, No. 228.
262. The squadron is exercised in rallying and in the

service of skirmishers, after the principles prescribed,
No. 239, and those of the school of the squadron, mounted
[No. 735, and the succeeding paragraphs].
END OF VOLUME I.
215

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C A V A L R Y T A C T I C S.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER, OF THE PLATOON AND

PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT.

ARTICLE I. Formation of a regiment of five squad-

ART. III Duties of instructors.....................................25

ART. IV. Division, order, and progression of in-

ART. V. Gradation of instruction...............................29

ART. VI. Instruction to mount without saddle, to

ART. VII. Of the bit ......................................................48

ART. VIII. Manner of training young horses.................55

ART. IX. Definitions and general principles...............74

SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER, DISMOUNTED............87

1ST LESSON ...........................................88

lST PART. Position of the trooper, dismounted.............89

1ST PART. Principles of carried arms ..........................103

1ST PART Manual of arms, the sabre being worn ......130

4TH LESSON ........................................141

1ST PART. Sabre exercise ............................................143

SCHOOL OF THE PLATOON, DISMOUNTED .........171

ART. I General principles of alignment ................172

ART. II. The platoon being in line, to break by

ART III. March of the platoon in line ......................195

ART. IV. Rallying and skirmishers ...........................205

SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON, DISMOUNTED......207

FORMATION OF A REGIMENT OF FIVE SQUADRONS

The squadrons of a regiment in order of battle are dis-

Posts of the officers and non-commissioned officers of the

(Pl. 1.) The colonel 25 paces in front of the centre of

Posts of the officers and non-commissioned officers of a

The captain commanding is posted at the centre of the

Posts of the officers and non-commissioned officers of a

The captain in front of the centre, one pace distant

Assembly of a regiment mounted.

When a regiment is to mount, boots and saddles is

When a regiment is to turn out under arms on foot, to

Formation of the escort of the standard.

(Pl. 2, fig. A.) The squadrons of a regiment, com-

Reception of the standard.

As soon as the standard appears, the captain orders the

Salute with the standard.

When the standard is to pay honors, the standard-

When the superior and other officers are to salute,

FORMATION OF A REGIMENT OF FIVE SQUADRONS IN

Order in column by twos or by fours.

(Pl. 2, fig. B.) In this order, the squadron preserve an

Order in column of platoons.

Order in column of divisions.

(Pl. 3, fig. C.) The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major,

Order in close column.

(Pl. 4.) In this order, the distance from one squadron to

Compliments by cavalry under review.

The regiment being in line, the captains one pace in

At the fourth command, the ranks are opened after the

In this parade order, the regiment awaits the approach

And resumes immediately his proper front. The offi-

When the whole line remains perfectly steady, except

At the command MARCH, all the officers from the

At this command the band and trumpeters repair to the

The regiment being in line as prescribed for a review,

1. Officers and non-commissioned officers.