CAVALRY TACTICS:
OR,
REGULATIONS
FOR THE
Instruction, Formations, and Movements
OF
THE CAVALRY
OF THE
ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE UNITED STATES.
PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE WAR
DEPARTMENT,
AND AUTHORIZED AND ADOPTED BY
THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
By PHILIP ST. GEO. COOKE,
BRIG. GEN. U. S. ARMY.
VOL. I.
PhILADELPHIA:
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & Co.
1862.
______________________________________________________
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.
in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
______________________________________________________
War Department,
November 1, 1861.
THE system of Tactics and Regulations for the Cavalry of the United States, by Colonel PHILIP ST. Geo. Cooke, 2d Cavalry, having been approved by the President, is now published fur the government of said service.
Accordingly, instruction in the same will be given after the method pointed out therein; and all additions to or departures from the exercise and maneuvres laid down in the system are positively forbidden.
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
CAVALRY TACTICS.
___________
VOLUME I
SOHOOL OF THE TROOPER OF THE PLATOON, AND
OF THE SQUADRON.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.
Page.
ARTICLE I.—Formation of a regiment of ten squadrons in line 3
Posts of the officers and non-commissioned off-
icers or the field and staff of a regiment In line. 4
Posts of the officers and non-commissioned off-
icers of a squadron in line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Assembly or a regiment, mounted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Assembly of a regiment, dismounted . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dress parade and guard mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
The standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Salute with the standard and sabre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The order of battle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ARTICLE II.—Formation of a regiment in column . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Order in column by twos or fours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Order in column of platoons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Order in close column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Order in double column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Compliments by cavalry under review . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Form and course of inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ARTICLE III.—Duties of instructors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ARTICLE IV.—Division, order, and progression of instruction . 21
ARTICLE V.—Gradation of instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..22
Recruits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Corporals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Sergeants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ARTICLE VI—Instruction to mount without saddle, and to
saddle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .24
Manner of vaulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .25Manner of rolling the cloak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Manner of saddling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25ARTICLE VII—Of training horses which have already been rid-
den. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Preparatory lesson. To make a horse tractable
and steady at mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
ARTICLE VII—Continued.
To bend or supple the horse’s neck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
How to make a horse obey the pressure of the leg . . . . . 31
Circling on the haunches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Reining back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
The horses paces, walk, trot, and canter . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Demi-pirouette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Manner of accustoming the horses to leap . . . . . . . . . . .37To accustom horses to firing and military noises . . . . . .38
Practice of paces for maneuver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
ARTICLE VIII.—Definitions and general principles . . . . . . . . . . .39
ARTICLE IX.—Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
School or the trooper, dismounted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Position of trooper, dismounted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Eyes right—eyes left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Right face, left face, about face, right—oblique.
face, left—oblique face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Common step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
To change feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
To march by a flank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
To face to the right or left when marching . . . . . . . . . . . 50Oblique face to the right or left when marching . . . . . . . 50
Quick step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Double quick step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Sabre exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
General observations and directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Manual of the pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Inspection of arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Target practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Platoon, squadron, and regiment dismounted . . . . . . . . 69
________
1st LESSON Scbool of the trooper, mounted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Position of the trooper, before mounting . . . . . . . . . .74
To mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
1st LESSON—Continued.
To dismount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Position of the trooper mounted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
The use of the reins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
The use of the legs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
The effect of the reins and legs combined . . . . . . . . . . . 77
To march . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
To halt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78To turn to the right and to the left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
To turn about to the right and to the left . . . . . . . . . . . . 79To make a third of a lure to the right and to the
left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
To rein back, and to cease reining back . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
To file off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 812d LESSON—To march to the right hand, and to march to the
left hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
To turn to the right and to the left in marching . . . . . . . 82
To halt, and to step off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
To pass from the walk to the trot, and from the
trot to the walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Changes of hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
To turn to the right and to the left by trooper in
marching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
To turn about to the right and to the left by
trooper in marching on the same line . . . . . . . . . . . . .86The same movements in marching in column . . . . . . . . 86
3d LESSON—Of the spur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
To march to the right hand or to the left hand . . . . . . . . .89
To pass from the walk to the trot, and from the
trot to the walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Change of direction in the breadth of the riding
house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Change of direction obliquely by trooper . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
To march in a circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
4th LESSON—To turn to the right or to the left by trooper inmarching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
To turn about to the right, or to the left, the
troopers marching on the same line, (or abreast) . . . . 93
The same, the troopers marching in column . . . . . . . . . .94
To pass successively from the bead to the rear of
the column . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Being halted, to commence the move at a trot . . . . . . . . 95
Marching at a trot, to halt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
To pass from the trot to the trot-out, and from the
trot-out to the trot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
To pass from the trot to the gallop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
To passage to the right or to the left, the head to
the wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
To passage to the right or to the left, being incolumn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
5th LESSON--To take the snaffle in the right hand . . . . . . . . . . 101
To drop the snaffle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
The principal movements of the bridle hand . . . . . . . . 101
To gather the horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
To march . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
To halt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
To turn to the right in marching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
To turn to the left in marching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103To turn about to the right and to the left in
marching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
To make an oblique turn to the right and to the
left in marching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
To rein back, and to cease reining heck . . . . . . . . . . . . 103Exercise of the 4th lesson with the curb bridle . . . . . . 104
To passage to the right and to the left . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
6th LESSON.—Principles of the gallop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Exercise et the gallop upon right lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Exercise at the gallop on the circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
7th LESSON.—Exercise of the 6th lesson with the sabre only . 107
Manual of arms at a halt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
To fire the pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
To load the pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Inspection of arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Sabre exercise at a halt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
8th LESSON.—Manual of arms in marching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113Sabre exercise at all gaits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Leaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
To leap the ditch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
To leap the fence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Individual charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Circling on the forehand and haunches and demi-
pirouette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Target practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Record and reports of target firing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
SCHOOL 0F THE PLAT0ON, MOUNTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121
ARTICLE 1.—General principles of alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
Successive alignment of files in the platoon . . . . . . . . 122
Alignment of the platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
To break the platoon by file, by twos, and by fours . . . 125
Direct march in column by file, by twos, and by
fours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Change of direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
To halt, and to commence the march, in column . . . . . 127
Individual oblique march . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
The platoon marching in column by file, by twos, or by
fours, to form line face to the front, to the
left, and to the right . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Manual of arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.ARTICLE II.—To form twos and fours at the same gait . . . . . . .131
To break by twos and by file at the same gait . . . . . . 132
To form twos and fours in doubling the gait . . . . . . . 133
To break by twos and by file in doubling the gait . . . 135
Sabre exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
ARTICLE III.—Direct march of the platoon in line . . . . . . . . . . .136
Countermarch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Wheelings . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
To wheel on a fixed pivot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
To wheel on a movable pivot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Individual oblique march . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
The platoon marching in line to break it by twos or by
fours at the same gait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
The platoon marching in column by twos or by fours, to
form it at the same gait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
The platoon marching in line, to break it by fours or by
twos, in doubling the gait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
The platoon marching in column by twos or by fours, to
form it in doubling the gait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Movements by fours, the platoon being in column
or line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
ARTICLE IV. Running at the heads and pistol practice . . . . . . .154
To leap the ditch and the fence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
To charge by platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Rallying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Skirmishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Prepare to fight on foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
SCHOOL 0F THE SQUADRON, MOUNTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
ARTICLE I.--Successive alignment of platoons in the squadron 168
Alignment of the squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
The squadron being In line, to form a column of
fours . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
To break the squadron to the right or left to
march to the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170
To break by fours from the right to march to the
left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Direct march in column of fours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Change of direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Individual oblique march . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
The squadron marching in column of fours to
march to the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173To break by fours to the right, column half left,
(right or half right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
The squadron marching in column by fours, by twos, and
by file, to form line faced to the front,
to the left, to the right, or to the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
To regulate the rapidity of gaits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Sabre exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
ARTICLE II—The squadron being in line, to form it in open
column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
To march in open column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Changes of direction by successive wheels . . . . . . . . 181
Individual oblique march . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Change of gait in open column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
To break by fours, by twos, and by file, to form
twos, fours, and platoons at the same gait . . . . . . . 182
The same movements in doubling the gait . . . . . . . . . 185
The squadron marching in open column to march
to the rear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
To halt the column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
The squadron marching in open column to form
line faced to the left, to the right, to the front,
and to the rear . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
To break by platoons to the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
To break by platoons to the rear from the right,
to march to the left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Movement by fours, the squadron being in open
column
ARTICLE III—Direct march of the squadron in line . . . . . . . . . . 194
Countermarch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Wheelings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
To wheel on a fixed pivot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
To wheel on a movable pivot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200
Individual oblique march . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Oblique march by platoons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
The squadron being in line, to cause it to gain
ground to the rear, and to face it again to the
front, by fours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
The squadron marching in line to march it to the
rear by wheeling the platoons about . . . . . . . . . . . 203
The squadron marching is line, to break it to the
front, by platoons, and to reform it . . . . . . . . . . . .. 204
The same movement in doubling the gait . . . . . . . . . . 205Passage of obstacles . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
ARTICLE IV—The Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Rallying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Skirmishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
To fight on foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
INTRODUCTION.
To the Adjutant General U. S. Army:
I report that, in obedience to orders, I have prepared regulations for the instruction. formations, and movements of the cavalry of the army and volunteers of the United States.
In undertaking this important work I wanted to give much consideration to a growing military impression in favor of an important change to a single rank formation.
Whilst the conservatism or prejudices of European establishments have slowly yielded, in the infantry arm, to the extent of reducing its formation from six to two ranks, the one great step from two to one rank in cavalry has not yet been made; but it was tested very successfully in the war in Portugal in 1833—’34 in a British legion. I found that it greatly simplified all cavalry movements; a great recommendation,— but especially in view of our national policy; it would go far toward lessening the difficulties, by many considered insuperable, of the efficient instruction of volunteer cavalry in a period of actual war.
Prejudices of my own against the change were overcome.
Adopting, then, the single rank formation, my work of revision became one of construction; and I
2 lNTRODUCTION.
have freely chosen what I judged to be the best points in the systems of France, Russia, Prussia, Austria, and England. I have added to all. The work will be found to amplify the old range of movements, whilst its simplicity renders it less voluminous.
In the decisive action of cavalry the rear rank, under another name, will be screened from much of the enemy’s fire; will be reserved from the confusion which even success throws into the front rank; but that rank defeated, it not only escapes being involved, but is close at hand to profit by the impression which may have been made on the enemy.
My confidence in a single rank system is further strengthened by its recommendation in the able work of Captain Geo. B. McClellan, and by which I have been much assisted.
Respectfully,
P.ST. GEO. COOKE,
Colonel 2d Dragoons.
WASHINGTON, January 11, 1860.
CAVALRY TACTICS.
______
BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.
______
FORMATION OF A REGIMENT OF TEN
SQUADRONS IN LINE.
In all parades and exercises the companies will be designated as squadrons.
The squadrons of a regiment in line are posted with Intervals equal to a platoon front between the sergeants on their flanks; the intervals are equal at any one time, and never less than 12 paces. When the average of platoon front is much above this, the Colonel announces the increased uniform interval.
The squadrons are distinguished by the denomination of first, second, third, &c., counting from right to left; they retain these designations in the evolutions whatever may be their relative positions But the 1st Captain commands the squadron on the right; the 2d, the tenth (on the left;) the 3d, the fifth from the right; the 4th, the third from the right; the 5th, the seventh from the right; the 6th,
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the second from the right; the 7th, the ninth from the right; the 8th, the sixth from the right; the 9th, the fourth from the right; and the 10th, the eight from the. right
This is the habitual and parade order of the squadrons; but in sudden formations they will take post as they arrive at the place of assembly ; and should a Captain be permanently absent, or absent for a campaign, the Commander of the regiment will assign his squadron position according to the rank of the actual commander.
The formation is in one rank
Each squadron is composed of two, three, or four platoons, according to its size. When of 40 or more files, it Is divided into four platoons; of 30 to 40 files, into three platoons; of 20 to 30 tiles, into two. If possible, the files of the platoons are of even number. The third and fourth platoons are made the largest if necessary to accomplish this. The platoons are numbered at first from right to left, and retain their numerical designations whatever relative positions they may subsequently occupy.
That which has been prescribed for the formation 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 line.
The Colonel 50 paces in front of the centre of the regiment, having a chief trumpeter behind him.
The Lieutenant Colonel 25 paces in advance of the centre of the right wing.
The 1st Major 25 paces in advance of the centre of the left wing
The 2d Major 25 paces in advance of the centre of the regiment.
The Colonel moves wherever his presence may be necessary.
The Lieutenant Colonel and Majors move wherever the Colonel may think proper to direct them.
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The Adjutant accompanies the Colonel.
The Regimental Quartermaster is 2 paces to the right of the sergeant major, or accompanies the Colonel, as he may direct.
The sergeant major is in line with the regiment 2 paces from the right flank.
The quartermaster sergeant is in line with the regiment 2 paces from the left flank.
The standard bearer is on the right of the guidon of the centre, or right centre squadron; a corporal is 1 pace behind him.
The regimental marker is 1 pace behind the second file from the right of the regiment
General Staff Officers serving with the regiment 25 paces In rear of the right of the regiment.
The band, formed in two ranks, is 25 paces in rear of the centre of the regiment
Post of the Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of a Squadron in line.
The Captain is posted In front of the centre of the squadron, the croup of his horse 4 paces in advance of the heads of the horses in line.
The Senior Lieutenant commands the 1st platoon; the next in rank, the 4th platoon; the next, the 2d; and the next, the 3d. Each is posted in front of the centre of his platoon, with the croup of his horse 1 pace in advance of the heads of the horses In line. Sergeants supply the places of commanders of platoons, when there are not enough officers present.
The 1st sergeant is posted on the right of the squadron not counted in the rank; he is the squadron right guide.
The next sergeant In rank is posted on the left of the squadron, not counted in the rank; he is the squadron left gulde.
The third sergeant In rank is the guldon bearer, and is the left file of the 2d platoon.
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The other sergeants and corporals are placed according to rank, as follows:
Left of 1st platoon.
Right of 4th platoon.
Right of 3d platoon.
Right of 1st platoon.
Left of 4th platoon.
Left of 3d platoon.
Right of 2d platoon.
The 1st trumpeter is posted one pace behind the 4th file from the right of the 1st platoon.
The other trumpeter, one pace behind the 4th file from the left of the 4th platoon.
The farrier, one pace behind the centre of the second platoon.
The sadler, one pace behind the centre of the third platoon.
There is a size-roll of the squadron, and with some allowance for weight of man and horse, the tallest horses are assigned to the tallest men; the men are posted according to this roll, the tallest men to the right and left of the centre, the lowest at the flanks.
This invariable position of the soldiers is also important, for its encouragement to companionship and mutual assistance in the sets of fours, and to a feeling of responsibility of each to the others in conduct and bravery.
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 fully equipped for the occasion.
At the signal to horse, non-commissioned officers and troopers lead into rank. The 1st sergeant calls the roll, or the sergeants of divisions may be required to call the division rolls; the officers are present in superintendence.
The Captain then, or the senior Lieutenant by his order,
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orders the squadron to count fours in each platoon, and to mount.
The Captain, first observing that every one is In his prescribed place, and the general appearance of the squadron, marches it, habitually by fours, to the place of assembly. If required, on reaching there he reports absentees, by his 1st sergeant, to the Adjutant.
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.
On occasions of parade, the trumpeters and band will proceed, as soon as mounted, to the right of the parade ground, and be there formed In two or more ranks. Fifteen minutes after to horse, the trumpeters sound the assembly, for marching the squadrons to the parade.
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 squadrons will be formed and inspected as prescribed
For parade, the regiment will be formed in line of columns, as when mounted, but with intervals of two paces.
The squadron officers will take place four paces in front of the first platoons, in order of rank from right to left, with equal intervals; the left guides on the right of the second platoons.
DRESS PARADE AND GUARD MOUNTING.
Dress parade and mounting of guards, mounted, are conducted as prescribed in Army Regulations, with the following and other more obvious variations, necessary from the difference of cavalry and infantry.
The officers take post 12 paces, the non-commissioned officers 6 paces, in front of the guard.
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After inspection the officers take post 2 paces in front of the centre of their guard or their platoons; a non-commissioned officer commanding a guard the same.
The guard passes in review by guard, platoons, or fours, having regard to its strength.
In wet weather the sabres will not be drawn by guards for inspection, or any occasion of ceremony
At regimental parade the field officers and captains are placed as in line; the platoon commanders, exclusively commissioned officers, are aligned on the captains; the adjutant and sergeant major are posted 4 paces from the right and left of the line; 1st sergeants take post as right guides of squadrons.
After the music, the Adjutant rides to a point 25 paces In front of the centre of the line, faces it, and commands:
1. Attention.
2. Draw—SABRE.
3. Present—SABRE.
The Colonel concludes the exercises with, Return—SABRE. The commands for the advance of the line of officers are given in a tone only loud enough to be heard by them.
If the Colonel desires it, for the purpose of parade, he will divide the squadron into two platoons, and form the regimental parade in line of platoon columns at 9 paces distance—from the horse’s croups in the front line to their heads in the other—with intervals of 6 paces.
The officers take post 4 paces In front of the first platoons, in order of rank, from right to left, with equal intervals; if but one officer, in front of the centre of the platoon; left guides on the right of the 2d platoons.
To leave the parade, the squadrons will be commanded:
1. Right forward—Fours right. 2. MARCH. Or, if by the rear, I Fours left—Columns left. 2. MARCH. In both cases the rear platoon does not march until the leading platoon has gained sufficient ground for their properly uniting.
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Generally, when the standard Is used, the standard bearer goes for it to the quarters or tent of the Colonel, escorted by two sergeants.
On special occasions, and at least once a year, it Is escorted and received with ceremony.
Two platoons of the standard squadron, or one of the flank squadrons, will be detached, under the orders of the Colonel, to proceed to his quarters, as soon as mounted. It will be halted in their front in column of platoons, with either flank toward the quarters. The standard bearer receives the standard from the hands of the adjutant or serpent major, and takes his post In the centre of the interval between the platoons, with a sergeant on each side of him; the column Is then put in motion, preceded 20 paces by a chief trumpeter and four trumpeters.
The column approaches a flank of the regiment, marching parallel with and about 100 paces from its front, the trumpets sounding the march.
The Colonel commands the sabres to be drawn. The escort is halted when nearly opposite the dank, the standard-bearer and two sergeants pm on, and when 60 paces In front of the Colonel face him and the regiment and halt.
The Colonel then orders sabres presented, and presents sabre himself; the trumpets sound to the standard. The standard hearer then takes his place in line.
The escort, the moment the standard bearer leaves it, turns and is marched by the rear to its place in line.
When there is a band It may be substituted for the chief trumpeter and four trumpeters.
On the return of the standard it has the same escort.
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.
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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.
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 shoulder, the elbow 6 inches from the body.
2. Lower the blade, extending the arm to Its full 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.
The order of battle for a regiment of ten squadrons is the four right or left squadrons deployed in line; the four squadrons of the other flank in line of squadron columns 300 paces in rear of the first line. The 5th squadron, In column of platoons, generally left in front, is 50 paces behind the right flank of the first line, the line of its left guides being a platoon front to the right of the extremity of that flank the 6th squadron, in column of platoons, right in front, similarly disposed to the rear of the left flank of the first line.
If a squadron be absent, the second line will he composed of 3 squadrons, in columns immediately in rear of the first line; the 5th and 6th squadrons, counting from the flank which composes the first line, being always the flanking squadrons.
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The Lieutenant Colonel commands the second line, and is posted 25 paces in front of its centre.
The order of battle for a regiment of eight squadrons is as follows:
The six right or left squadrons deployed in line; the 7th and 8th (or 1st and 2d) squadrons are placed in columns of platoons, in rear of the right and left flanks of the line of battle, as described for the flank squadrons of the regiment of ten squadrons.
In the order of battle each field officer is attended by a trumpeter,
To change from line or order of review to order of battle in an eight squadron regiment, the 7th and 8th squadrons are wheeled by platoons (or by fours) to the right, and conducted by the shortest lines to their positions,
In a ten squadron regiment, the same for the 5th and 6th squadrons; the Lieutenant Colonel takes command of the next four squadrons, wheels platoons right, column right, and to the left, after marching the proper distance to the rear.
FORMATION OF A REGIMENT IN COLUMN,
Order in Column by twos or by fours.
In this order the squadrons preserve distances of 3 paces more than platoon front, counting from the croups of the horses of the last set of fours of one to the heads of the horses of the first set of the next.
The Colonel marches at the centre of the regiment, on the side of the guides, 50 paces from the flank of the column, having behind him a chief bugler. He moves wherever his presence may be necessary.
The Lieutenant Colonel on the side of the guides, 25
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paces from the flank of the column; he marches habitually on a line with the Captain commanding the 1st squadron.
The 1st Major marches 25 paces from the same flank of the column, and on a line with the Captain commanding the 10th squadron.
The 2d Major marches 25 paces from the opposite flank, on a line with the centre of the column.
The Adjutant and Regimental Quartermaster accompany the Colonel.
The Sergeant Major marches on the side of the guides, 2 paces from the flank of the column, and on a line with the first files of the column.
The Quartermaster Sergeant marches on the side of the guides, 2 paces from the flank of the column, on a line with the last files of the column.
The regimental marker marches on the side opposite to the guides, 2 paces from the flank, and on a line with the first files of the column,
The Captains march on the side of the guides, and 8 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, 1 pace in advance of the first flies, having the right guide on his right.
The chiefs of the other platoons march on the aide of the guides, 1 pace from the flank of the column, and abreast of their first files; the trumpeters march on the side opposite to the guides, 1 pace from the flank, and on a line with the second file from the front and rear of their squadrons; the farrier and the saddler in the direction of the trumpeters, and opposite the ccntres of the second and third 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 commander of the 4th platoon who marches at its head and in front of the squadron columns; and the let Major is near the head of the regimental column.
The left guide marches behind the last files of the squadron; when the column is left in front, he takes post on the
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left of the officer commanding the 4th platoon, 1 pace in front of the left file.
When the nature of the ground obliges the officers and others to enter the column, the movement is made successively; the superior officers and others opposite the 1st divisions of squadrons place themselves at their head; those opposite the 2d divisions, in rear.
The primitive order is resumed as soon as the nature of the ground will permit.
Order in column of Platoons, (open column.)
In this order the squadrons preserve distances of 2 platoon fronts, less one pace between each other, counting from the platoon horses; the distance of one platoon from another, measured from the forefeet of the horses of one platoon to those of the next, is equal to the front of the platoons.
The Colonel marches at the centre of the regiment, on the aide of the guides, 50 paces from the flank of the column, having behind him a chief trumpeter; he moves wherever his presence may he required.
The Lieutenant Colonel marches habitually on the side of the guides 25 paces from the flank of the column, and on a line with the Lieutenant commanding the 2d platoon of the 1st squadron.
The 1st Major marches at the same distance from the same flank, on a line with the commander of the last platoon; the 2d Major the same distance from the opposite flank on a line with the centre of the column.
The Adjutant and Regimental Quartermaster accompany the Colonel.
The sergeant major marches on the aide of the guides 2 paces from the flank of the column, and abreast of the leading platoon.
The quartermaster sergeant marches on the side of the guides 2 paces from the flank of the rear platoon.
The regimental marker marches one pace in rear of the second file of the leading platoon on the side of the guides.
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The Captains march on the side of the guides 8 paces from the flank of the column, and habitually abreast of the centre of their squadrons.
The commanders of platoons march one pace in front of their centres; those of leading platoons are answerable for the distance to the squadron in front.
When the column marches right in front, the right guide of each squadron marches on the right of the first platoon, and the left guide one pace behind the 2d file from the left of the 4th platoon. The posts of these sergeants is the reverse when the left is in front.
The trumpeters, farrier, and saddler march in rear of their platoons as in the squadron in line.
The squadron being composed of 64 files, when it is broken into sections, the chief of the leading platoon marches at the head of the leading section; the chiefs of the other platoons one pace from and on a line with their leading section, and on the side of the guides. The second sections will he commanded by their guides, who retain their places.
Order in close Column.
The regiment is in column of squadrons at platoon distance; the distances are equal at any one time, and never less than 9 paces, (from the croups of the horses of one squadron to the heads of the horses of the next.)
The Colonel is posted 25 paces from the centre of the column at the side of the guides.
The Lieutenant Colonel and 1st Major march habitually on the side of the guides, 12 paces from the flanks of the first and last squadrons.
The 2d Major 12 paces from the centre of the column on the aide opposite the guides.
The sergeant major, quartermaster sergeant, and regimental marker march as in column of platoons.
All the members of the squadrons are posted as in line except the Captains, who march on the side of the guides
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4 paces from the flank, and on a line with the chiefs of the platoons.
When the guide is centre, “side of the guides” will mean the left flank of a column right in front; the right flank if left in front.
The order in open column of squadrons (or of attack) is the same as in close column, except the Captains; they are posted as in line.
Order in double Columns.
The Colonel marches at the head of the column.
The Lieutenant Colonel marches abreast the centre of the right column 25 paces distant.
The 1st Major marches abreast the centre of the left column 25 paces distant; the 2d Major behind the Lieutenant Colonel, abreast the rear of the right column.
The Captains of each column on the outer flanks.
The left squadron guides of the right column on the left of fist platoons; the right squadron guides of the left column on the right of fourth platoons.
All others the same as in column of platoons.
COMPLIMENTS BY CAVALRY UNDER REVIEW.
The regiment being in line, the Colonel commands:
1. Attention.
2. Prepare for Review.
At this command, the commanders of platoons advance 3paces, to the line of squadron commanders; the Adjutant proceeds to the right of the regiment, and places himself 2 paces to the right of the sergeant major, who Is on the right of the line without interval; the regimental quartermaster is 2 paces to the left of the quartermaster sergeant, who is on the left of the line without interval. The left officers place themselves on the right of the rank of squadron officers, according to their relative rank, and with Intervals of 1 pace.
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The band and trumpeters on a line, each in one or two ranks, according to their strength—the band on the right— at the right of the regiment, with an interval of 12 paces.
The Colonel then commands:
1. Attention.
2. Draw—SABRE.
3. Right—DRESS.
4. FRONT.
In this parade order, the regiment awaits the approach of the personage who is to review it; for whose guidance a camp-color will have been placed one hundred to two hundred 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. Present—SABRE.
And resumes immediately his proper front. The officers all salute.
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. Carry—SABRE.
When the whole line remains perfectly steady, the Colonel resuming 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 by the rear 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.
The reviewing personage having taken a position near the camp-color, previously placed at a proper distance, the Colonel causes the regiment to break into column right in front by platoon or squadron. The band and trumpeters
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each wheel at the same time, the latter closing upon the former; (this will be the habitual formation of the music.)
The position of the Colonel In column of review is 6 paces in front of the Captain of the first squadron, or officer commanding the leading platoon; the Adjutant and regimental quartermaster are on his left.
Staff officers in one rank, according to precedence, from right to left 6 paces in rear of the column.
The field officers are 6 paces from the flank opposite the guides; the Lieutenant Colonel opposite the leading division; the 1st Major that In rear, and the 2d Major the central one.
The sergeant major and quartermaster sergeant 2 paces from the flank opposite the guides; the former opposite the leading division; the latter the rear.
In a column of platoons, the Captains 4paces from the flank opposite the guides, opposite the centres of their squadrons
Chiefs of platoons 1 pace In advance of the centres of their platoons.
The column is then put in march, at a walk, with the guide right.
The Adjutant places the regimental marker at the second turn, so that the right flank of the column shall pass 6 paces from the reviewing personage.
The column first passes at a walk, and afterward, if required, at a trot,
When the head of the column arrives within 50 paces of the reviewing personage, the music commences to play.
The music having passed, the chief bugler causes it to turn out of the column, so as to take a position facing the reviewing personage, and about 12 paces from the flank of the column. It continues to play until the rear of the column has passed; it then wheels, and follows in rear.
Passing at a walk, the Colonel and all the officers salute with the sabre as they successively arrive within 6 paces of the reviewing personage, turning the heads towards him.
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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.
Arrived near its original ground, the Colonel changes the guide of the column; on the ground, he halts it, and forms line; otherwise he commands the trot, and passes the reviewing officer again. In this ease the band will have retained its place near the reviewing personage, and will commence to play at the approach of the head of the column, wheel in front of it, and thus march off.
The officers now do not salute; and the Colonel marches on the left of the column.
The regiment being formed in line on its original ground— en inspection is not to follow—theColonel marches the regiment forward in line, at the walk or trot, regulating upon the standard squadron, and halts it 50 yards from the reviewing personage. The instant the line is motionless, all the officers, taking their time from the Colonel, salute with the Sabre. This advance of the regiment is omitted when other troops are included.
When there are two or more regiments, the column being in motion, the regiments will take 60 paces distance one from another.
The Brigadier General will place himself 10 paces in front of the leading Colonel, his staff officers on his left; the music of that regiment 20 paces in front of the Brigadier General.
The Colonels do not leave their places in the column.
Forms and course of Inspection.
The regiment being in line, the Colonel causes the squadrons to wheel to the right.
The Colonel seeing the squadrons aligned, commands:
1. Officers and Non-Commissioned officers to the front of your
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squadrons. 2. MARCH. The officers take places in one rank, 12 paces, and the non-commissioned officers in one rank, 6 paces in advance, along the whole front of their respective squadrons, in the order of rank, the highest on the right; the trumpeters at the same time take post on the alignment of the squadron, 6 paces from the right, and the farrier and saddler one pace on their left, and one pace apart.
Seeing the last order in a train of execution, the Colonel commands: 1 Field and Staff to the front. 2. MARCH. The commissioned officers thus designated form themselves In one rank, 12 paces in front of the officers of the 1st squadron, in the following order, beginning on the right: Lieutenant-Colonel, Majors, Adjutant, Quartermaster, Surgeon, and Assistant Surgeon. The non-commissioned staff in a similar manner, 6 paces in rear of the preceding rank. The standard hearer will take post in the centre of this rank. The band is formed in one rank, 12 paces in rear of the column,
The Colonel now takes poet on the right of the Lieutenant-Colonel, but such of the field officers as may he superior 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 commissioned staff, the Inspector, accompanied by these officers, passes down the column, looking at each squadron 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 squadron, its Captain commands:
1. Attention.
2. Inspection—Arms,
which is executed as prescribed, No. 72.
If, then, the Inspector wishes to make a particular inspection of equipage, ammunition, &c., the Colonel commands:
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1. Attention.
2. Non-Commissioned Officers—To TOUR P0STS.
3. PREPARE TO DISMOUNT.
4. DISMOUNT.
At the third command numbers one and three, throughout the squadrons, ride forward 6 paces, dressing by the right the trumpeters move forward with the numbers one and three, and take position in front of the farrier and saddler, who stand fast.
The regiment being dismounted, the non-commissioned staff without changing position, the Captains command:
1. Right—DRESS. 2. FRONT. The ranks in front and rear carefully preserve the interval between the files.
The Inspector having inspected the non-commissioned staff, the Captains, as he approaches each squadron, command: 1. Attention. 2. Open—Boxes.
As the inspection of each squadron is completed thu Colonel may dismiss it from the parade; two platoons escorting the standard.
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.
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
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the first principles having the greatest influence upon this individual instruction, the classes of recruits should he 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 places as seldom as possible, and only to make the corrections 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 explanations which have not been well understood
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 They should not he too exacting at first as to precision and unity.
The instructor should sometimes question the men, to test their attention to his words; and when at rest, to satisfy himself that the lesson is well understood.
DIVISIONS 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
The Colonel assembles the officers once a week, or oftener, if he deem it necessary, for the theory of the different parts of their instruction.
The Captains assemble, in a like manner, their sergeants and corporals; a selection of privates is included.
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Instruction.
Each drill lasts one hour and ten minutes, including the rests; these should not exceed two minutes at a time.
The horses of the trumpeters should not be excused from participating in the different classes of instruction.
All the horses must be exercised at least three times a week.
During the summer, and until the end of October, the regiment is exercised occasionally in the details of the service in war For this purpose 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 localities.
On these, and on other occasions, the Colonel will practice all the officers of the regiment in judging distances; it is a point of much importance in the education of a cavalry officer.
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.
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 discipline, 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.
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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 effects, and of placing them in the valise.
These different instructions are given by the corporal of the squad, under the superintendence of he sergeant and officer of the platoon.
At the end of this week, the recruit commences the fret lesson on foot; he continues to be instructed in the above-mentioned details.
The recruits are drilled on foot twice a day, when possible, an hour each time. Their instruction on horseback Is commenced at the same time with the sabre exercise.
The Corporals should be capable of executing all the lessons mounted and dismounted, and should be qualified to teach the school of the trooper dismounted, and at least 4 lessons 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 sergeants should he capable of executing, dismounted and mounted, all that is prescribed by this book; and should he able to teach the lessons of the school of the trooper, and to command a platoon in the school of the squadron mounted.
The theoretical instruction of the sergeants should include the basis of instruction, the school of the trooper, the 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.
BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.
Every officer should be at least able to command according to his rank. No one will he 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.
If the faults committed on drill by an officer, of any rank whatsoever, arise from negligence or want of instruction, the Colonel of the regiment shall cause him to be immediately replaced.
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INSTRUCTION TO MOUNT WITHOUT SADDLE,
AND TO SADDLE.
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 by a spring on the two wrists, the body straight; pass the right leg extended over the croup of the horse, without touching him, and seat yourself on his back
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 on the two wrists, pass the right leg extended over the croup of the horse, without touching him, bringing the legs together, the body straight, and come to the ground lightly on the toes, bending the knees a little.
BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.
The cloak being entirely unfolded, the sleeves are laid flatand 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 10 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 tightly as possible, commencing at the collar and pressing the knee upon it as it is rolled, to bold 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.
Approach the horse on the left aide, and lay the blanket, folded into 6 thicknesses, on his back; the edges on the left aide.
Seize it, then, with the left hand on the withers, and with the right on the loins; slide it once or twice from front to rear, to smooth the hair, taking care to raise it in carrying it forward, so as not to brush up the hair.
The blanket should be so arranged as to project one finger a breadth beyond the bars in rear.
Seize the saddle at the pommel with the left hand, at the cantle with the right hand, and place it gently on the horse’s back, bringing it from the direction of his croup, in order not to frighten him, and place it a little in rear, that the cropper may be put on without drawing it back. Let
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down the girth, breaststrap, and crupper; step behind the horse, seize the tail with the left hand, and twist the hair around the dock with the right, which then seizes the crupper and passes the tail through it, taking care that none of the hair remains under it, which would hurt the horse.
Step to the right side of the horse, and, seizing the saddle at the cantle with the left hand, and at the pommel with the right hand, raise it and carry it forward, without moving the blanket; see, at the same time, that there are no straps caught under the saddle; place the girth fiat, and pass it through the loop of the false martingale; return to the left side by the head of the horse; run the left hand between the withers and the blanket; raise the blanket up a little so that it will not compress the withers; buckle the girth and the breast- strap.
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OF TRAINING HORSES WHICH HAVE BEEN ALREADY RIDDEN.
Whenever a horse resists or Is restive without an apparent cause the saddlery should be carefully examined, in order to see if any part hurts or tickles him. Mere force, and want of skill and coolness, tend to confirm vice and bad habits. Resistance in horses is often a work of vigor, and proceeds from high spirits; punishment would turn it into vice.
Rearing is a bad and dangerous habit; while the horse is up, the rider must yield the hand, and at the time he is coming down most vigorously determine him forward; if this is done at any other time, it may add a spring to his rearing, and make him come over. If this fail, he must be whipped by a person from behind.
Kicking can he prevented by holding the horse’s head
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well up and closing the legs—if necessary, forcing him forward.
Starting sometimes proceeds from defect of sight; which, if only in one eye, can easily be ascertained. If from fear, the horse most be taken up to the object with great patience and gentleness and be allowed to touch it with his lip. In no case should a horse be punished for timidity. The dread of chastisement will increase his fear of the object. But if a horse persistently turns back, he must be punished; always, however, while his head is away from the object. Finding that he only suffers while he is turned hack, and his head is away, he will desist.
If a horse turns against a fence, and leans to it, turn his head to it, and not from it.
PREPARATORY LESSON,
To make a horse tractable and steady at Mounting
A first act of subjection, which may appear of little importance, will prove of great service; it makes. the horse quiet, gives him confidence, and the man such ascendancy that the horse from the outset is inclined to yield to the means employed to bring him under control. Two lessons of half an hour will suffice to execute this.
Go up to the horse, pat him on the neck, and speak to him; then taking the bit reins at a few inches from the rings with the left hand, place yourself so as to offer as much resistance as possible to the horse when he tries to break away; take the whip in the full of the right hand, with the point down, raise it quietly and tap the horse on the breast; on this he will naturally try to escape from the annoyance, and hack to avoid the whip; follow the horse, pulling at the same time against him, but without discontinuing the whip, in the same quiet way, showing no signs of anger, or any symptoms of yielding. The horse, soon tired of trying ineffectually to avoid the infliction by pulling
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hack, will move towards you; you must then stop and make much of him. This repeated once or twice will prove wonderfully successful even in the first lesson. The horse, having found out how to avoid the punishment, will not wait for the application of the whip, but anticipate it, by moving op at the slightest gesture; this will be of great assistance in the subsequent bending lessons, as also of great use in mounting and dismounting, and much accelerate the training of the horse.
To bend or supple the Horses neck.
The balance of the horse’s body and his lightness in hand depend on time proper carriage of the head and neck, and to these two points attention must first, and chiefly, be directed. They should always precede and prepare the horse by their attitude for every movement about to be executed; and the rider has little power over the animal until he has rendered both these points susceptible of every impulse communicated by him.
The homes, with the curb bridle on, are formed in line, at two paces apart, their riders standing at their heads, preparatory to the first bending lesson with the bit.
A young horse generally attempts to resist the bit, either by bending his neck to a inside, setting his jaw against it, carrying his nose high up or low down. We must therefore render him manageable by teaching him to bring his head to position, and arching his neck on the reins being felt. And it will be found in a short time that horses that required the whole strength of a man’s arm to make them obey the action of the bit will bend to the slightest feeling of the veins for, finding that they cannot resist the power of the bit used in the manner hereafter shown, their instinct will teach them to obey, and habit accustom them to time impulse received from the rider.
As a general rule, in all the ensuing bending lessons, when a horse champs the bit, it is a sign that he no longer resists the action of the hand; then make much of him,
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and allow him to resume his natural position. It Is of the utmost importance that the horse never be allowed to take the initiative. Always oppose the raising of the horse’s head—always lower your hands and bring it down.
See that the bit is properly placed in the horses mouth, and the curb-chain so that you can pass your finger under it; place yourself on the near side close to the horse’s neck and facing his head, the feet a little apart to give you more power.
Take the off bit rein in the full of the right band, close up, with the ring of the bit between the forefinger and thumb; the near rein in the same way with the left hand, thumb nails toward each other, and the little fingers outwards; bring the right hand towards the body, extending the left one from you at the same time, so as to turn the horse’s head to the right. The strength employed must be gradual, and proportioned to the resistance met with, taking care at first not to bring the horse’s nose too much in, or too close to his chest, which would make the bend very difficult; if the horse backs, continue the pressure until he, finding it impossible to escape from the restraint imposed upon him by the bit held thus crossways in his mouth, stands still and yields to it.
When the bend is complete, the horse will hold his head there without any restraint and champ the bit; then make much of him, and allow him to resume gently his natural position, but not to throw his head rotund hurriedly. Practice this in the same manner to the left.
This lesson not only teaches the horse to follow the indication of the rein to both hands, hut also to yield his under jaw to the pressure of the bit, the advantage of which will soon become apparent. And now, before mounting, prepare the horses to rein in.
For this purpose cross the snaffle reins behind the horse’s jaw, taking the near rein in the right hand, and the off rein in the left, at about six inches from the ring, and draw them across each other till the horse gives way to the pressure and “reins in.” Do not forget to oppose the
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raising of the horse’s head by lowering your hands and bringing it down again. When the horse gives way to the cross pressure of the snaffle ease your hand and make much of him.
The Instructor now orders the men to mount, and then to bend the horses’ heads to the right and left. The reins being properly adjusted in the left hand to bend the horse’s head to the right, seize the right rein with the right hand well down, so as to have the reins short on the off aide. Then draw them quietly towards you till you get the horse’s head completely round to the right, in the same position as in the bend dismounted. When the horse champs the bit make much of him, and allow him to resume his natural position
When bending the horse’s head to the left, pass the right hand over the left one, seize the left rein and draw the horse’s head gently to the left.
Next teach the horse to rein up, arch his neck, bring his nose into proper position, and there remain steady until the rider loosens the reins. At the word rein in your horses lower the bridle hand as much as possible, and turn It so that the back shall be uppermost with the right hand— nails down—take hold of the curb reins close to the left, and shorten them by degrees, drawing them through the left, which closes on the reins each time they are shortened.
When the horse resists much, and holds his nose up, keep the reins steady; do not shorten them, nor lengthen them: close the legs to prevent the horse from hacking; he will remain perhaps a minute, or more, with his nose up, and his jaw set against the bit; hut will then yield, bring his nose in, and champ the bit; make much of him with the right hand, loosen the reins, and, after a few seconds, rein him in again.
The horse will thus learn to bring his head into position whenever you feel the reins, and this practice gives him confidence; for most young horses are afraid of the bit, and If frightened at first by any sudden jerk of the reins will not after go kindly “up to the hand.” or let you have that
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degree of bearing which is requisite not only to the rider, as it forewarns him of what the horse is going to do, and whether he requires more collecting (which he does, if the hearing on the hand is too heavy,) or more freedom, (which Is requisite if the horse rises too much in his action,) but is also necessary to induce the horse to work boldly and well.
Some horses are so shaped that they over do the reining in, and rest the lower jaw against the breast to counteract this, raise his head, by the use of the snaffle, whilst the leg drives him forward to the hand.
Some horses will not work up to the bit; that is, will not bear on it at all. Such a horse is unfit for cavalry duty; his paces can never be equal and steady; and in a melee or single combat he could turn to either side, or stop and go about, before his rider could prevent him.
How to teach a horse to obey the pressure of the leg.
On the word of command, circle to the right on the fore hand, the horse’s head remains straight to the front; apply the left leg well behind the girth very quietly, and without touching with the spur; press against him until he takes a step to the right with his hind legs; take the leg from him, and make much of him; then repeat the same, and get another step from him, and so on until be has turned about, always pausing at the half turn. The horses fore legs remain steady, and his hind quarters circle round his fore. At first the men may, if necessary, assist themselves by feeling the rein on the same side, and touching the horse very lightly with the whip close to where the leg is applied. The spur may also be used if necessary, with a sudden and somewhat decided thrust; but not frequently, and never with a steady pressure, for, instead of yielding to it, the horse will soon begin to press against it.
Circle to the left on the fore hand on the same principle. It must be an invariable role never to hurry a horse in his bending lessons.
By degrees, as the horse improves in this lesson and steps
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freely from the pressure of the leg, let the rider, at the word, circle to the right on the fore hand, pass the right hand down, shortening the off rein, and bend the horses head a little to the right, so that he may see his hind quarters coming round; apply the left leg as usual;should the horse not answer the pressure, use the reins on the same side with the leg, and resume the opposite rein the moment the horse yields.
All this must be done gradually, for if you bend the horses head round as far as it can go, and attempt thus to circle him the first time, he will resist, finding it too difficult; but if done by degrees, he will soon come to it.
The leg opposite the one which presses the hind quarters to circle round the fore must he kept close to the horse, to assist in keeping him in his place, by communicating a forward impulse, whilst the other leg communicates the impulse, which makes the horse step from right to left, or left to right; and in order that the pressure of the one shall not counteract the effect of the other, the leg applied to make the horse step to either hand should be further behind the girth than the leg used to keep him up to hand. Both legs should he close to the horse at all times, the pressure on either side being increased as occasion requires.
At first dismounted men are useful with the unsteady horses, by taking hold of the curb reins on the opposite side to that which the horse is to step to, and thus assisting the rider, who then only uses the snaffle; hut all extraneous assistance should be as much as possible avoided.
The instructor now exercises the horses in the riding house, trotting out to both hands. The hits should not be used much the first few days; but the horses brought by degrees to bear slightly on it. Ride them in the circles; trot them at a collected pace; walk and trot again; walk, halt, and make the men bend their horses to the hand they are working to.
Explain to the men that the horse’s head and neck must always he bent the way he is to go, and prepare the animal by their attitude for all turns, circles, &c,; and when.
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ever they feel the curb reins, and the horse does not yield to them, let them keep the bridle hand steady, and play with the snaffle rein until the horse champs the bit. The snaffle should be continually used to prevent the horse from leaning on the hand.
Go through the bending lessons on foot and mounted, and then file home.
No lesson with young horses should exceed three quarters of an hour.
A few minutes being devoted to the dismounted bending lessons, mount and begin by reining the horses in, bending them, and circling them to the right and left on the fore hand; this being done once or twice, proceed to the circling on the haunches.
By circling the horse on the forehand we have taught him, on applying the leg, to move his haunches to either hand; and as he has thus learnt to obey the leg, we can, by making use of it, prevent him from moving his hind legs to the right or left; therefore he will now be taught to circle on them, and in a few lessons he will be led to go completely round on his haunches, and thus in time per. form the pirouette —a very important accomplishment for the cavalry soldier; for when engaged, sword in hand, with an enemy, he can turn his horse right and left, and about in an instant, and thus gain the advantage over his antagonist. In a contest on horseback, it is not the strongest, but the most skilful rider who is likely to he victorious.
At the command, On the haunches, right about, bend the horses head a little to the right with the bit, pass the right hand over, and take hold the near snaffle ruin, (not only as assistance to the horse, but to make the men sensible of the necessity of using the outward rein in these movements; when the horse is broken in it will be suffi-
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cient to carry the bridle hand to the side you wish to turn to,) apply the left leg behind the girth to keep the haunches steady; at the word March, make the horse step to the right with his fore feet, turning on his hind feet, by feeling the left snaffle rein, bringing both hands a little to the right at the same time, and applying the left leg, while keeping the horse up to the hand with the right leg.
At first the horse must be halted and made much of three or four times during each turn, and if his haunches are thrown out, they must be brought back again by applying the left leg; and thus gradually led on, the horse will learn to go about to both hands on his haunches without touching the ground with his fore feet.
Go through the trotting lesson, then form up and repeat the bending lessons on foot and mounted.
In reining back the horse must be well in hand and well balanced;he can then make an equal use of all four legs, and raise them equally from the ground. Before reining back the horse should be square to the front, his head home, and light in hand; then apply both legs, retaining a steady feel of both reins to make the horse lift one of his hind legs. It is at this moment that a double feeling of both reins will oblige him to recover his balance by stepping backwards. Place him straight to the front by bringing his haunches to the right or left as may be required; then give him his head, and make much of him.
At first a few steps backward is all that should be required of a horse; if he bring his hind legs too much under him, ease the hand, and apply both legs to make him regain his balance forward; and for this reason always use the legs first, and then feel the reins; because if you feel the reins first, the horse throws his weight back;and the more weight ha throws on his hind legs the less able he is to lift them, which is a necessary preliminary to stepping back.
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The horse should never be allowed to hurry, or run back out of hand, or to diverge from the straight line.
The squad must be frequently halted during the walking, trotting, and bending lessons, to practice the reining back; and independently of the dressing, until all the horses rein back well.
Attention must now be directed to making the men keep their horses well up to the hit, and putting them together with the use of the hand and leg; to see that in all turns, circles, &c. the men bend their horses’ heads and necks in the new direction before leaving the side of the horse. Endeavor to make them perfect in their bending and trotting lessons; practice the going about on the haunch, by frequently halting at the side, and giving the word, On the haunches about, march.
Walk, Trot, and Canter.
Before moving forward, the horse should be light In hand, the head brought home, (not with the nose stuck out,) the neck arched, and he should stand evenly on both hind legs.
Close the legs and communicate a sufficient Impulse to carry him forward without giving the hand; for if you do, the head and neck may relapse into a position which will defy the control of the hand.
The rider should always have a light feeling of the reins; and when the horse bears hard on the bit, keep the hand steady, use both legs, which, by bringing his haunches under him, will oblige the horse to take his weight off your hand.
It is necessary, in order to make the horse handy, to exercise him at trotting out; but it is not enough that he should trot fast; the quickness of the pace should not detract from his lightness in hand, or the ease with which he should be capable of answering all indications of the hand and leg.
BASIS OF INSTRUCTION,
The hand must be constantly at work to retain the head and neck in their proper position without counteracting the forward impulse communicated by the leg; thus the horse will acquire regularity of pace, increased speed, and that safety which is natural to a horse well balanced and light in hand.
The canter is a repetition of bounds, during which the forehand rises first, and higher than the hind quarters.
The horse being properly placed, light in hand and well balanced, throw his weight from the forehand toward the haunches, (by increasing the pressure of the legs and restraining him with the reins,) and, according to the hand you wish to strike off to, throw the weight of the horse to the opposite side; that is, if he is to lead off with the off fore followed by the off hind, (or canter to the right,) throw the weight to his near side. This is done by pulling both reins equally to the left and closing the right leg; the horses head remaining placed to the right, and the left leg preventing him from throwing out his haunches. The horses off legs are thus at liberty, and the forward impulse obliges him to use them; he could not do otherwise without difficulty.
Cantering to the right, if the left fore leg leads, the horse canters false. To rectify this, feel both reins to the left, in order to bring his weight toward that side —the horse’s head remaining bent to the right—and close firmly the left leg, to bring his haunches in again.
Teach the horse to strike off on the circle first, then on the straight line. After that try him at changing leg
At this stage, when circling on the forehand, stop the horse with the inward leg and outward rein at each step; make a pause, feel both reins, close both legs, and press him up to the hand; ease the rein and leg, take another step with the haunches, stop him again, “rein him in,’’ and close your legs. This is very useful; it prevents the horse from getting into a habit of running round with his haunches; it makes him obedient, as it teaches him not to yield to habit, but to trust to the rider’s hand and leg alone
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for guidance; and it accustoms him to collect himself at all times, and thus he is always ready. It is very important.
Before moving off the ground give the word, Rein in your horses; caution the men to close their legs to the horses sides, and to bring the spurs close, without touching them. Give the word, Spur; the left hand is held steadily down, and the spur applied on both sides, very gently at first; the horse should not move from his ground, but merely arch his neck. This must be repeated two or three times, always quieting the horse after the spur has been given.
Repeat this at intervals.
The reining back is to be practiced often. Be careful that the men apply the legs first, and then feel the reins, to make the horse step back. See that they sit upright in their saddles; do not hurry, and be satisfied with one step at a time.
Halt the squad, riding in file, on the side of the riding house, and give the command, On the haunches. about;
) at this caution the rider must throw the horses weight from the forehand to the haunches, by closing the legs and restraining him with the reins; at the command MARCH, given almost immediately, he must carry the reins decidedly to the side to which the turn is to be made, and close firmly the opposite leg to prevent the horse from throwing around his haunches, and force him to turn on his hind legs. When the about is completed, the horses should be squared and made much of before they are put about again.
Canter on the circle to both hands, striking off from a walk, and frequently bring them to a walk without allowing them to fall first into a trot.
These lessons will require at least thirty days, with one lesson a day.
Manner of accustoming the horses to leap.
The ditch Is leaped before the bar. The horses are led at first with a horse accustomed to the exercise in front.
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The snaffle must be used. If necessary, the horse must he urged by a whip from behind. A low fence is preferable to the bar; and the horse should not be leaped often beck and forward over the same thing or at the same place.
To accustom horses to military noises and firing.
The horse, broken to obedience to the hand and legs, can he brought to face most things with little trouble. Encouraged gradually to approach anything which be fears, as a drum being beaten, until he feels it with his lip, he will then cease to be alarmed. The field music should be practiced at the exercise grounds or riding house.
A few trained horses are mixed with the new ones, and toward the close of a lesson separated a little, and the troopers who ride them fire their pistols, the riding being continued without change.
If the horses become much excited discontinue the firing until they become calm.
In firing from the horse’s back the pistol should at first be held vertically.
Especial care should be taken not to alter the feel of the horses mouth when firing, or suddenly to close the legs; the rider being cool and quiet, his horse will soon follow the example.
In all lessons, if one or more horses are so restless or unmanageable as to excite and throw the others Into confusion, they should be sent off and separately dealt with; they require more pains, end much caressing and other encouragement.
When the horses are accustomed to the firing, they are formed at the cud of the riding ground and marched abreast slowly toward a party of dismounted men placed at the other end;these fire several volleys, until the horses are within forty or fifty yards, when the firing ceases; the horses are ridden steadily on until they reach the men, they are then stopped and caressed.
Young horses are in like manner accustomed to the manual of arms, waving of flags, military music, &c.
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Practice of paces for maneuvre.
The remount horses must now be carefully practiced, as all the regimental horses must be, at the paces of maneuvre.
Nothing can be more important to the regularity and order, and often the success, of large bodies of cavalry than uniformity In the gaits. The walk should be at the rate of three and three-fourths miles an hour, the trot seven and a half miles an hour, and the gallop ten miles an hour. To confirm the horses In these uniform rates, measure off a half mile and practice the horses to walk it in eight minutes; trot It in four mlnutes, and gallop it in three minutes.
DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
A RANK is composed of men abreast of each other.
A FILE is a man in rank; or two or more men, one be-hind another in ranks.
FRONT is the direction perpendicular to the alignment of a body of troops and before it, either in column or in line.
CENTRE is the middle of such a body.
WINGS are the two grand divisions into which a regiment, or an army, is divided, when in line.
FLANK is the right or left side of a column, or line,
INTERVAL is the vacant space between two bodies of troops, or between files.
The interval between two troopers in rank is 4 inches from knee to knee.
Distance is the vacant space between any two subdivisions in column.
When a body of troops is formed in column of platoons, the distances prescribed are measured from the fore feet of the horses of one rank to the fore feet of the horses of another rank.
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DEPTH is the space included between the head and the rear of a column.
The depth of a regiment In close column is about equal to a platoon front multiplied by the number of squadrons.
To estimate the front of a troop, and the depth of a column, it is necessary to know that a horse, when mounted, occupies in breadth one yard. The length of a horse is considered three yards.
By the CROUP is always meant the rear extremity of the horse.
ALIGNMENT is the placing of men, or troops, on the same line.
When a body of troops Is to form and align itself on another, it halts one horse’s length in rear of the line of formation.
A COLUMN is the disposition of a body of troops In subdivisions, one behind another.
OPEN COLUMN is formed of subdivisions, having between them the distance necessary to form in line in every way, being generally of platoons, the column of maneuvre. That column is distinguished by the name, open column.
CLOSE COLUMN is formed of squadrons, with a distance of platoon front from one to another. The object of this disposition is to give the least possible depth to the column.
DOUBLE COLUMN is formed by the advance from the centre of a line, by platoons at wheeling distance, the right wing left in front, the left wing right in front: the two columns preserving an interval between their flanks.
POINTS OF DIRECTION serve to point out the direction In which a troop in line, or in column, is to march; or elms Ic 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 insure the rectitude of the formation of the lines.
The two sergeants on the flank, who are not counted in the rank, are the right guide and left guide of their respective squadrons.
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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 subdivisions 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 body of troops in line; each of the men describes the arc of a circle in proportion to his distance from the pivot.
ABOUT FACE, or WHEEL, is to face or wheel so as to reverse the front.
RIGHT, or LEFT FACE, is to face at right angles to the former front.
RIGHT HALF, or LEFT HALFFACE, or WHEEL, is a wheel of 45 degrees.
PIVOT is the man of the flank on which the wheel is made; there are two kinds, the fixed pivot and the movable pivot.
The pivot is fixed whenever he turns upon himself; it is movable 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; 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 fractions of a body of troops in any prescribed order.
PACES: There are three kinds: the walk, the trot, and the gallop.
On foot there are three kinds of step: the common step, quick step, and the double quick step.
On foot the movements are executed habitually at the quick step, without the command being given. When they
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are to he executed at the common step, or double quick, the command should signify it.
The pace, when used as a measure, is 3 feet.
On foot the common step is at the rate of 90 per minute; the quick step is at the rate of 110 per minute; the double quick step is at the rate of 165 per minute.
THE DIRECT MARCH us that which is executed by troops in line or in column, to move off perpendicularly to their 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 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 subdivisions of atroop in line.
COUNTER MARCH, is a movement by which the men of a rank march to form themselves facing the rear, parallel to the first formation.
THE CHARGE is a direct and impetuous march, the object of which is to strike the enemy.
SKIRMISHERS are men dispersed in front, in rear, or on the flanks of a troop, to cover its movements or its position.
OBSTACLE is anything in the nature of the ground which obliges troops in line to ploy a part of their 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.
Evolutions of the line, are these same movements executed by several regiments. Their application, combined with the position or movements of the enemy, is called maneuvres.
BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.
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.
The command of execution, at which the action is commenced
The tone of command should be animated, distinct, and of a loudness proportioned to the troop which is commanded.
Preparatory commands should be uttered with all possible distinctness.
In commands of execution articulation is not so necessary; hut they should be prolonged, because the movement which is to follow them being communicated from the man to the horse. all jerking or abruptness is thereby avoided; and they will be better heard amid the noise of cavalry in motion.
In 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 commands, are distinguished by italics; those of execution, by CAPITALS.
A TIME is one of the parts into which an action Is divided to facilitate the instruction and execution. A motion is a further subdivision with the same object.
(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.
BASIS OF INSTRUCTION.
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.
18. Fatigue call.
19. Dinner call.
20. Distributions.
21. Drill call.
22. Officers call.
23. The recall.
24. Sick call.
25. Tattoo.
26. To extinguish lights.
For the service of skirmishers.
1. Forward.
2. Halt.
3. To the left.
4. To the right.
5. The about.
6. Change direction to the right.
7. Change direction to the left.
8. Trot.
9. Gallop.
10. To commence firing.
11. To cease firing.
12. To charge as foragers.
The rally is No~ 9, general signals.
To change the gait to a walk, halt, and forward are sounded.
NOTE—The recall serves to withdraw troops, so that they rejoin the main body, or the commander, at the ordinary gait; and also for the cessation of exercises.
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 at first does not require a movement to be executed until he has given an exact explanation of it; and he executes himselfthe movement 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 two or three times in the hour; for this purpose he commands REST.
At the command REST the trooper is no longer required to preserve immobility, but will keep his left heel in its place.
3.—When the Instructor wishes to commence the instruction, he commands, ATTENTION; at this command the trooper takes his position, remains motionless, and fixes his attention.
4.—The first principles of the position and those of the march are taught to each man individually, or, at most, to
SCHOOL OF THE
eight at a time. In the latter case they are placed on the mane line, one yard from each other, without being required
to align themselves.
POSITION OF THE TROOPER DISMOUNTED.
5 —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 less than a right angle;
The knees straight without stiffness;
The body erect on the hips, Inclining a little forward;
The belly rather drawn In, and the breast advanced;
The shoulders square and falling equally;
The arms hanging near the side;
The palm of the hand turned a little to the front;
The head erect and square to the front, without constralnt;
The chin somewhat drawn In;
The eyes straight to the front.
When the trooper is armed the left hand hangs by the side over the sabre.
EYES RIGHT, EYES LEFT.
6.—The instructor commands:
1. Eyes—Right.
2. FRONT.
At the first command, 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.
7.—The movement eyes left is executed after the same principles at the commands:
TROOPER, DISMOUNTED.
1. Eyes—Left.
2. FRONT.
8.—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 himself, 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 OBLIQUE FACE, LEFT OBLIQUE FACE.
9.—The instructor commands:
I.Right (or left.)
2.FACE.
1 time.
At the second command, raise the right foot slightly, turn on the left heel, raising the toes a little, and then replace the right heel by the aide of the left, and on the same line.
1. —About—FACE.
2 times.
I. At the first part of the command, 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, the left heel.
2. At the command FACE, turn on both heels to face to
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the rear, raising the toes a little, the knees straight, and bring the right foot by the aide of the left.
11.—1. Right oblique (or left oblique.)
2. FACE
1. time.
At the second command, 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, making face 30 degrees to the right or left, (one-third of a right or left face.)
12—The instructor pays particular attention that the position of the body shall not be deranged by these movements.
13.—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.
14.—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. Forward.
2. MARCH.
At the command 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 slightly turned out, the upper part of the body inclined forward;
TROOPER DISMOUNTED.
plant the left foot, the whole weight of the body being thrown on it; 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.
15.—To halt, the instructor commands:
1. Squad.
2. HALT.
At the command, bring the foot which is in rear by the side of the other, without shock.
16.—The instructor marks the cadence of the step from time to time by the command one, at the moment when the left foot should be planted; this cadence being regulated at the rate of 90 steps per minute.
17.—The instructor teaches this to the squad one at a time; it is used to catch the step when lost.
The foot that is being advanced from the rear is planted by the side of the other, which is instantly advanced in its stead so as not to lose the cadence.
18—The men being in line at a halt, the instructor commands:
1. Right—FACE.
2. Forward.
3. MARCH.
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At the command MARCH, the whole file step off with animation together, with the left foot.
19.—A well-instructed man should at first march by the side of the leading man.
The instructor will cause the men to cover each other accurately. He will see that they do not look downwards, and do not bend the knee.
TO FACE TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WHEN
MARCHING.
20.—The squad marching, the instructor commands:
1. By the right flank.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, turn the body to the right, and step off with the right foot in the new direction, without losing the cadence of the step.
The instructor gives the command MARCH at the moment when the left foot is coming to the ground.
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.
OBLIQUE FACE TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT
WHEN MARCHING.
21.—The squad marching, the instructor commands:
1. Right oblique.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH the men make an oblique face to the right (or to the left,) and march in the new direction.
22. —To resume the primitive direction, the instructor commands:
FORWARD.
TROOPER, DISMOUNTED.
At this command the men make an oblique face to the left, if they have obliqued to the right, and an oblique face to the right, if they have obliqued to the left, and march straight to the front.
33.—The length of the quick step is the same as that of the common step, and its quickness is at the rate of 110 per minute.
The squad being at a halt, the Instructor commands.
1. Forward, quick time.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, step off smartly with the left foot.
24.—The squad Is exercised, when marching at the quick step, to halt, move on, face to the right and left, half face to the right and left, and move off again, as In common time.
25.—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 common step.
36.—To resume the quick step, the instructor com· mands:
1. Quick time.
2. MARCH.
At the command MARCH, the squad resumes the quick step
27.—The squad marching in common or quick time, to change to double quick time, the instructor commands:
1. Double quick.
2. MARCH.
SCHOOL OF THE
At the command MARCH, the men increase the length of step to 33 inches, and its rapidity to 166 steps in a minute.
In this march the carriage of the body is different, being nearer that of running The body is more advanced, the knees more bent, the arms with their natural motion.
From a halt, the command is:
1. Forward, double quick.
2. MARCH.
28.—For this lemon the squad is composed of from 6 to 8 men, armed only with sabres; they are placed in one rank, 9 feet from each other.
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 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 fiat 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 regularity, 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
TROOPER DISMOUNTED.
terminated 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.
29.—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 sabres being returned, the instructor conforms to what is prescribed, No. 2.
30.—The troopers being placed asprescribed, No. 28, the instructor commands:
Draw—SABRE.
2 times.
1. At the first part of the command, 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 tipper ring.
2. At the command, SABRE!, draw the sabre quickly, raising the arm to its full extent, at an angle of about 45 degrees; the sabre in a straight line with the arm, make a alight pause, carry the blade to the right shoulder, the back
SCHOOL OF THE
of it against the hollow of the shoulder, the wrist resting against the hip, the little finger on the outside of the gripe.
Return—SABRE.
2 times.
31.—At the command, SABRE, carry the sabre vertically to the front, the thumb opposite to and 6 inches from the neck, the blade vertical, the edge to the left, the thumb extended on the right side of the gripe, the little finger by the side of the others.
32. At the command, SABRE, carry the wrist opposite to and 6 inches from the left shoulder; revolve the point of the blade to the rear, until it is nearly under the right hand, which, at the same time, is raised; the left hand, also at the same time, takes hold of the upper part of the scabbard; turn the eyes slightly to the left, return the blade, free the wrist from the sabre knot, drop the right hand by the side; turning with the left the hilt toward the body, and so round to the rear, hook up the sabre, end drop the left hand.
32.—The sabres being drawn, the instructor commands:
GUARD.
1 time.
At the command, GUARD, carry the right foot about 20 inches from the left, the heels on the same line; place the left hand closed, 6 inches from the body, and ashigh as the elbow, the fingers towards the body, the little finger nearer than the thumb (position of the bridle hand;) at the same time, carry the right hand about 10 inches in front of the right hip, the blade in an oblique position, the point a little raised, the edge upward, the back of the blade resting in the hollow of the left arm, as near the body as
Par. 32
¯
¯
Right Moulinet.
¯
TROOPER DISMOUNTED.
possible; the right hand without constraint, or feeling the weight of the sabre.
Left—MOULINET.
1 time, 2 motions.
33.—1. At the command, MOULINET, extend the right arm to the front to its full length, the hand in tierce and as high as the eyes; the point to the front, and a little higher than the hilt.
2. Commencing by lowering the blade, make rapidly a circle round the hand, to the left of, and as near as safe, to the horse, and to the elbow; returning to the first position, and then to guard.
RIght—MOULINET.
1 time, 2 motions.
34.—1. At the command, MOULINET, extend the right arm to the front to its full length, the hand in quarte, and as high as the eyes, the point to the front, and a little higher than the hilt.
2. Commencing by lowering the blade, make rapidly a circle round the hand, to the right of the horse and body, returning to the first position, and then to guard.
36.—To execute the moulinet without stopping, if the instructor wishes to begin by the left, he commands:
Left and right—MOULINET.
1 time, 2 motions.
38.—If he wishes to begin by the right, he commands:
Right and left—MOULINET.
1 time, 2 motions.
SCHOOL OF THE
At either of these commands, the troopers, commencing from the position of guard, execute alternately what is laid down in Nos. 33 and 34, without stopping at any motion.
Rear—MOULINET.
1 time, 2 motions.
37.—1. At the command, 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 on the back of the gripe, the body slightly turned to the right.
2. Describe a circle in rear, commencing by motion of the sabre towards the left, the arm being motionless to the wrist, return to the 1st position and then to guard.
When the troopers execute the moulinets well, the instructor requires them to execute several in succession, until the command GUARD.
In tierce—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.
38.—1. At the command, POINT, raise the hand in tierce, as high as the right ear, and 7 inches from It, throw back the right shoulder, carrying the elbow to the rear, the point of the sabre to the right of the horse’s head and neck, and a little below the horizontal, the edge upwards, the thumb on the back of the gripe.
2. Thrust forward, extending the arm to it, full length, the edge of the sabre up.
3. Return to the position of guard.
In quarte—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.
39.—At the command, POINT, lower the hand in
Par. 40
Par. 41
Right-POINT
TROOPER DISMOUNTED.
quarte near the right hip, t\he thumb extended on the right side of the gripe, the point a little higher than the wrist, edge to the left.
2. Thrust to the right front, extending the arm to its full length, the edge of the blade to the left.
3. Return to the position of guard.
Left—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.
40.—1. At the command, POINT, turn the head to the left, (half face to the left In the saddle,) raise the hand in tierce as high as the right ear, and 7 inches from It, the thumb on the back of the gripe, the edge of the blade upwards, the point directed to the left.
2. Thrust to the left, or left front, extending the arm to Its full length, the edge up.
3. Return to the position of guard.
Right —POINT.
1 time—3 motions.
41.—At the command, POINT, turn the head to the right, (half face to the right in the saddle,) carry the hand in quarte near the left breast, the edge upwards, the point directed to the right.
2. Thrust to the right, or right front, extending the arm to its fall length, edge to the front.
S. Return to the position of guard.
Rear—POINT.
1 time 3 motions.
42.—1. At the command, POINT, turn the head to the right and rear, (half face to the right in the saddle,) bring
SCHOOL OF THE
the hand in quarts in front of the right shoulder, the arm half extended, the blade horizontal, the point to the rear, the edge upwards.
2. Thrust to the rear, or right rear, extending the arm to its full length, edge to the right.
3.Return to the position of guard.
Against infantry, left—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.
43.—At the command, POINT, turn the head to the left, (half face to the left in the saddle,) raise the hand In tierce near the neck, the thumb on the back of the gripe, the point of the sabre directed at the height of the breast of a man on foot.
2. Thrust down in tierce.
3. Return to the position of guard.
Against infantry, right—POINT.
1 time, 3 motions.
44.—1. At the command, POINTturn the head and body toward the right, carry the hand In quarte near the right hip, the thumb on the right side of the gripe, the point of the sabre directed at the height of the breast of a man on foot.
2. Thrust in quarts.
3. Return to the position of guard.
Against infantry—FRONT POINT.
1 time.
45.—At the command, POINT, bear the weight on the right stirrup, bend well down to the right, extend the right arm well downwards, and, with the back of the sabre upwards, thrust forward, horizontally, and resume the guard,
Par. 43
TROOPER DISMOUNTED.
Front-Cut.
1 time, 3 motions.
46.—1. At the command, CUT, raise the sabre, the arm half extended, the hand a little higher than the head, the edge upwards, the point to the rear and higher than the hand.
2. Cut to the right of the horse’s neck, extending the arm to its full length.
3. Return to the position of guard.
USED AGAINST CAVALRY AND INFANTRY.
1 time, 3 motions.
47.—1. At the command, CUT, turn the head to the left, (half face to the left in the saddle,) raise the sabre, the arm extended to the front and right, the hand in quarte, and as high as the head, the point higher than the hand.
2. Cut diagonally to the left, in quarte.
3. Return to the position of guard.
This is also used against infantry, bending well forward and down, and cutting at the necessary angle.
Right—CUT.
1 time, 3 motions.
48.—1. At the command, cur, turn the head to the right, carry the hand near the left shoulder, the point of the sabre upwards, the edge to the left.
2. Extend the arm quickly to its full length, give a backhanded cut horizontally, in tierce.
3. Return to the position of guard.
SCHOOL OF THE
Rear -CUT.
1 time, 3 motions.
49.—1. At the command, CUT, turn the head to the right, throwing back the right shoulder, (half face to the right In the saddle,) carry the hand near 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, in tierce.
Return to the position of guard.
Right, in tierce and quarte.—CUT.
1 time, 4 motions.
50.—i. At the command, cur, execute the 1st motion of right cut, No. 48.
2. Execute the 2d motion of right cut, No. 48.
3. Turn the hand in quarte, and cut horizontally to the left.
4. Return to the position of guard.
Left, in quarte and tierce—CUT.
1 time, 4 motions.
51.—1. At the command, CUT, execute the 1st motion of left cut, No. 47.
2. Execute the 3d motion of left cut, No. 47.
3. Turn the hand in tierce, and cut horizontally to the right.
4. Return to the position of guard.
Par. 53
Par.55
Against Infantry, Right—Parry.
TROOPER DISMOUNTED.
Right—Parry.
1 time, 2 motions.
52.—1. At the command, PAINT, grasp the sabre firmly, extend the arm to the right, the hand moving horizontally, the point at the same time describing a circular motion upwards, and with the edge to the right, parry as strongly as possible the blow aimed at the right side.
2. Return to the position of guard.
Left—PARRY.
1 time, 2 motions.
53.—1. Raise the hand above, and about seven inches in front of the eyes, the elbow somewhat bent, edge to the left, point downwards and about a foot outside the horses left shoulder, and parry as strongly as possible the blow aimed at the left side.
2. Return to the position of guard.
Head—PARRY.
1 time, 2 motions.
54.—1. At the command, PARRY, raise the sabre quickly above the head, holding it with the utmost firmness, the arm nearly extended, the edge upward, 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.
2. Return to the position of guard.
Against infantry right—PARRY.
1 time, 2 motions.
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right, (half facing to the right in the saddle,) raise the sabre, the arm extended to the right and rear, the point upwards, the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, the edge to the left.
2. Parry the bayonet with the back of the blade, by a rapid circular motion of arm and blade, from rear to front, bringing the hand as high as the hind, the paint upwards, edge to the front.
3. Return to the position of guard.
Against infantry, left—PARRY.
1 time, 3 motions.
56—1. At the command, PARRY, turn the head to the left, (half face to the left in the saddle,) raise the sabre, the arm extended to the front and right, the point upwards, the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, the back of the blade to the front.
2. Parry the bayonet with the back of the blade, by a forcible circular motion of the arm and blade from front to rear, bringing the band above the left shoulder, edge to the rear, the point upwards.
3. Return to the position of guard.
PARRIES AGAINST THE LANCE, (OR SABRE.)
In tierce—PARRY.
1 time, 2 motions.
57.—1. At the command, PARRY, carry the forearm and blade quickly to the front and right, the elbow but little moved, edge to the right, thumb on the back of the gripe, the point being carried to the right front, at the height of the eyes.
2. Return to the position of guard.
Par.57
In Tierce, Parry
TROOPER DISMOUNTED
In quarte.—PARRY.
I time, 2 motions.
58.—1. At the command, PARRY, carry the arm and blade quickly to the left front, edge to the left, the point as high as the eyes, the thumb on the back of the gripe.
2. Return to the position of guard.
59.—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, such as follow:
In tierce—POINT AND FRONT CUT.
In quarte.—POINT AND FRONT CUT
Left—POINT AND CUT.
Right—POINT ANDCUT.
Rear—POINT AND CUT.
Against infantry right—POINT AND CUT.
Against infantry left—POINTAND CUT.
As It is prescribed in No. 30, and carry the right foot to the side of the left.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND DIRECTIONS.
60—Great attention should at all times be paid to maintain the proper position and balance of the body as by too great an exertion in delivering a cut or point a horseman may be thrown, or be so discomposed as to lose advantage of his skill, both for attack and defence; and he should have confidence in his parries, and not trust to his avoiding the attack of his opponent by turning or drawing back the body.
In delivering a forward point very little force is necessary when the horse is in quick motion, as the extension of the
SCHOOL OF THE
arm, with a good direction of the point, will be fully sufficient; nor should a cut, under such circumstances, be given too strong, as the impetus of the horse will give effective force. Even the drawing of the edge can frequently be applied with advantage, particularly when the point, by being given too soon, may not have taken effect; bys quick turn of the wrist the edge is drawn along the face of your opponent, or other exposed part. The forcing, also, of the edge can be resorted to when very near and closely pressed upon by an adversary by suddenly extending the arm and directing the edge across his face, or where an opening is given.
When sufficient space is allowed for choosing the point of attack you should endeavor to take advantage of it; if not, at all events to avoid its being made on your left rear, when a change of position alone can bring you upon an equality with your opponent; it may be done either by making a sudden halt, so as to allow him to pass, and then pressing upon his left rear, or by turning quickly to the left about, and thereby having your right opposed to his. Should you be prevented doing this, and he still keeps upon your left, you must bear up as close as possible to him, otherwise your opposition will be ineffectual; for in his situation, by keeping at the proper distance from you, his cut will reach when yours will not, and consequently you will be reduced to the defence alone.
In meeting your opponent on the left front turn sharply to the left on your own ground, which brings you immediately with your sword arm free, and at liberty to act upon his left. And in meeting him upon the right front, press your horse quickly on, and by a sharp turn to the right gain his left rear, or if pursued endeavor to keep your adversary on the right rear When attacked by more than one you will naturally endeavor to keep them both either to the right or left, but when they have been enabled to place themselves on both sides, press close upon the left opponent, and endeavor to keep the right one at a distance.
The attack or defence against the lance (it is the common weapon of the mounted Indians) depends much upon horse-
TROOPER, DISMOUNTED.
manship, and the judgment of the rider. It is parried like the sword; and you must press in at your opportunity to close upon your antagonist. You must invariably endeavor to gain his right rear when he is least able to attack or defend; the left rear and left, weakest for the sabre, are the strongest positions for the lance; the same may be said of the bow and arrow; in pursuit always approach at the right rear.
When opposed to infantry, endeavor to meet an opponent on your right; in the parry the bayonet must be struck, and by the stronger part of your sabre; the cuts form a defence as well as attack upon Infantry, but the point should be chiefly used in pursuit.
In the use of the sabre at speed, it is important that the horseman should aid the impetus of the cut, and secure his own seat by supporting the sway of the body with the opposite leg to that side on which he Intends to cut or point; for instance, In the left cut he should support the body by a strong pressure of the inside of the right thigh and leg against the saddle and horse; in the right cuts support the body with the left leg, the lower down the grip can be taken the better, not touching the horse with the spur. It is particularly applicable and necessary in pursuit over rough and varied ground.
Cuts very often fail from the sabre turning enough to make the blow one with the flat; at best the wound is generally trifling compared to those made by thrusts.
The instructor should impress upon the recruits such occasional observations as become applicable. Opportunities should be taken in pauses of rests; the squad should not be kept very long In positions or movements.
61,—The army revolver being worn In a belt-holster, suspended by the belt at the right side of the back, the instructor commands:
SCHOOL OF THE
Draw—PISTOL.
1 time.
62.—At the command, PISTOL, with the right hand unbutton the flap of the belt-hoister, draw the pistol, and, holding it at the stock, with the point of the forefinger reaching above the trigger guard, carry it vertically, with the hand as high as the right shoulder, and six inches in front of it.
63.—The instructor commands:
READY.
1 time.
At this command, place the pistol in the left hand, as the height of the breast, the muzzle elevated and directed to the left front, cock and raise pistol, (position No. 62.)
AIM.
1 time.
64.—At this command, lower the pistol to the front, the arm about three-fourths extended, the forefinger upon the trigger; aim with the right eye, the left eye closed.
FIRE.
1 time.
65.—At this command, fire and raise pistol.
66.—At the position of AIM, the instructor may command, raise—PISTOL, at which command the men raise the pistols to the position No. 62; and if the pistol is not fired, at the command, return—P15T0L, first let down the hammer.
67.—To cock the pistol rapidly without the use of the
TROOPER DISMOUNTED.
left hand, place the thumb Upon and press down the hammer, throwing forward the muzzle with a rapid motion, to assist the action of the thumb.
68.—In a possible case requiring it, the revolver may be used in rank dismounted with great effect, in firing to the front, or right or left oblique, by volley or file firing.
To reload, the rank would be ordered to sit on the ground and load at will.
69.—Being at the position of raise pistol, the instructor commands:
Return—PISTOL.
At the command, PISTOL, lower the pistol, carrying it to the rear, and return it to the holster, and button the flap.
70.—The instructor commands:
Inspection —SABRE.
1 time, 7 motions.
1. At the command, SABRE, execute the first time of draw sabre, No. 30.
2. Execute the second time of draw sabre, No. 30.
3. Present sabre as it is described in first time of No. 31.
4. Move the thumb to the hack of the gripe, and turn it in the hand, the edge turning by the front, to the right
5. Carry the sabre to the shoulder, as it is described in No. 30.
6. Execute the first time of return sabre, No.31.
7. Execute the second time of return sabre, No. 31.
SCHOOL OF THE
71. The instructor commands:
Inspection—PISTOL.
1 time, 3 motions.
1. At the command, PISTOL, draw pistol, and come to the position of raise pistol, No. 62.
2. Place the pistol in the left hand, at the height of the breast, the muzzle elevated and directed to the left, hall cock with the right hand drop the left hand by the side, and hold the pistol vertically, in front of, and 4 inches from, the middle of the body, the butt at the height of the belt, the guard to the left; the right fore-arm against the side.
3. Take the pistol in the left hand, as in No. 63, let down the hammer, and return the pistol to the hoister, button the flap, and drop the hand to the side.
72. When the men execute the details correctly, the instructor commands:
Inspection—ARMS.
At the command, ARMS,the men execute the first and second motions of inspection of pistol, No 71.
As soon as the inspector has passed the man on his left, each man executes the third motion of inspection of pistol, and first and second motions of inspection of sabre.
Each man, as the inspector reaches him the second time, executes the third and fourth motions of inspection of sabre; and as soon as the inspector has passed again the next man, he executes the fifth, sixth, and seventh motions of inspection of sabre, No. 70.
73. The inspector passes from right to left, returning to the right by the rear; he handles the pistols if he desires, returning them to the troopers in the same position in which they are held for inspection.
TROOPER, DISMOUNTED.
74. The target is six feet high and two feet wide; a black stripe 3 inches wide is painted at the centre, from top to bottom; and two feet and a half from the top a white square of three inches is painted on the black.
When practicable a man is placed behind a ball-proof obstacle, within reach by a wand, of the target; with this he points out the position of each hit, immediately after it is made; so that the person firing can see from his place.
When each has finished his shots, his hits are marked, measured, and noted, as well as the misses.
The squad first fires at 20 yards, each man fires to the front, rear, right, and left; one shot each a day.
The firing is next at thirty yards, and is carried regularly by the decimal increase up to one hundred yards.
An officer is always present at target firing.
PLATOON, SQUADRON, AND REGIMENT, DISMOUNTED.
75.—The practice of field movements on foot is useful for the instruction of young officers and men, and when, for any reason, mounted exercises are not practicable.
The formation, telling off, words of command, and all the movements are the same, with the modifications, which follow:
The walk and the trot are the only gaits substituted by the quick time and double quick time. The word of command, “walk/’ will be substituted by quick time; ‘trot,” by double quick.
All the movements will be In quick time when the command is not double quick.”
In line, at the command, right—FACE, after all face to the right, all numbers two and four step up to the left side
SCHOOL OF THE.
of numbers one and three; If the command is left--face, the odd numbers step up to the right of the even numbers.
A column of twos right in front, being faced to the left at a halt, or marching, the odd numbers step up into their places on the right of the even numbers; if left in front, and faced to the right, the even numbers step up between the odd numbers.
The commands and methods found in Nos. 7 to 27, inclusive, of the school of the trooper dismounted, will be followed.
To form twos and fours, and to break by twos and file, is always done at the same gait, without halting, closing or increasing the distances; when increasing front, the files who have to move up doing so with a step or two in double quick, and all together.
To break a platoon, marching in line, by fours, at the same gait, each set, but the foremost, halt, until the one which is to precede it has moved forward, or obliqued two steps.
On the same principle, when the squadron in line is broken by platoon, each platoon waits until the one which precedes it has gained a distance of three-fourths of a platoon front.
A column of fours making a turn, the pivot shortens his step to 18 inches, (he marches ten steps in making the turn,) and the man on the other flank increases his to about 32 inches.
In a platoon turning, the pivot man does the same, the outer flank moves in double quick.
To countermarch a squadron the commands are:
1. Countermarch by the right or (left) flank.
2. Right (or Left)—FACE.
3. MARCH.
At the first command, the right guide places himself three paces in rear of the left guide and faces to the rear.
At the command, MARCH, all step off together, the platoon commander by the side, and conducting the two leading
TROOPER, DISMOUNTED.
men, who turn about, and march close to the column. When arrived near the guide, the captain commands:
1. HALT.
2. Left (or Right)—FACE.
3. Right (or Left)—DRESS.
4. FRONT.
The service of skirmishers on foot is the most important; and the theory can thus be communicated, and in a great degree put in practice, with much more facility than when mounted.
INSTRUCTION ON HORSEBACK.
_________
SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER, MOUNTED.
76. The object of this school is to make troopers skilful in the management of their horses and arms. The recruit must not pass from one lesson to another until he fully understands, and can execute, all which precedes.
The method prescribed to instructors in No. 1, for giving the lesson, is applicable to this school.
The instruction is always commenced at a walk; the horses, excited on first leaving the stables, are thus calmed, and the trooper is assured in his seat. The instruction is also terminated at a walk.
The most quiet and best instructed horses are chosen for the first lessons.
77. When the instructor wishes to rest the men he commands, REST. At this command the trooper is no longer required to remain motionless or restrained. To resume the exercise, he commands, ATTENTION.
78. The first lessons are given, if practicable, to each man separately; spurs are not used.
The horse is saddled, and in the snaffle, the reins over the neck; he is led to the ground by the right hand, holding the reins near the mouth, and his head up. When under arms, the trooper’s sabre is hooked up, and unhooked when in position in rank
If more than one, the troopers are placed in a line three paces apart.
Arms are not used before the 7th lesson.
SCHOOL OF THE
FIRST LESSON.
POSITION OF THE TROOPER BEFORE
MOUNTING.
79. The trooper stands faced to the front, on the left of the horses head, his breast on a line with its mouth; he holds the reins with the right hand, at six inches from the horses mouth, the nails downward; his body, except his right arm, in a position of a soldier, No. 5.
80. The instructor commands:
PREPARE TO MOUNT.
1 time, 2 motions.
1. At this command [when in close order, numbers one and three lead straight forward four paces, and then all] turn to the right, letting go the reins with the right, sod taking the left rein with the left hand; step two short paces to the rear, right foot leading, so as to face the sad-die; at the same time, the right hand, with the aid of the left, takes hold of the reins over the pommel, feeling the horse’s mouth sufficiently to keep him steady, and then seizes also the pommel; drop the left hand by the side.
2. Insert the fore part of left foot in the stirrup, with the side of the left hand if necessary, and then with that hand grasp the horse’s crest and mane.
MOUNT.
1 time.
At this command, spring up from the right foot to an erect posture, and instantly throw the left leg over, taking
TROOPER, MOUNTED.
your seat gently; take the reins in the left hand, and put the right foot in the stirrup.
Form— RANK.
At this command, given when in close order, numbers two and four ride gently forward into rank.
81. The instructor commands
PREPARE TO DISMOUNT.
1 time.
1. At this command, (when in close order, numbers one and three ride gently four paces straight forward, dressing by the right, and then all) grasp the reins with the right hand, knuckles to the right, close in front of the left hand, which lets go, and also the right side of the top of the pommel, feeling firmly the horse’s mouth; seize with the left hand the horse’s crest and mane at a convenient distance, at the same time disengage the right foot from the stirrup.
DISMOUNT.
1 time, 2 motions.
1. At this command, rising upon the left stirrup, with the assisting support of the two hands, pass the right leg quickly over the horse’s croup to the side of the left, the body for one instant erect, and descend to the ground, the heels together; drop the left hand by the side.
2. Face to the front, the right hand leaving the pommel, and slipping along the rein as you step, left foot first, to the position of Stand to horse, No. 79, the right hand grasping the reins, 6 inches from the horse’s mouth.
SCHOOL OF THE
At this command, given in close order, numbers two and four lead forward into rank
82. The seat natural, without drawing back the thigh; the legs hang vertically from the knees, and close the sides of the horse the balls of the foot supported in the stirrup: the knees about an inch lower than the toes these to the front; the stirrups supporting the weight of the legs in a natural position.
The heal erect and square to the front ; the shoulders square; the carriage of the body erect, but free and unconstrained.
The curb reins held in the left hand, the little finger between them; they come out over the forefinger, where they are pressed by the thumb; the forearm grazing the side, and nearly horizontal: the hand about six inches in front of the body, and close above the pommel; its back is turned somewhat under. The right arm and hand hang naturally at the side.
83. Riding in the saddle, in the first lessons one rein of the snaffle is held in each hand, the loose end coming out over the forefinger, or with a turn round it, the thumb pressing upon it; hands from 4to 6 inches apart, a little higher than the elbows; the forearms touching the sides.
84. The instructor commands:
1. Right (or left) DRESS.
2. FRONT.
As prescribed in Nos. 6, 7, and 8,
85. The reins serve to prepare the horse for the movements he is required to execute, to direct him, and to stop
TROOPER, MOUNTED.
him. Their action should be progressive, and in accordance with that of the legs.
When the trooper makes use of the reins the arms should act with suppleness, and their movements ought to extend from the wrist to the shoulder.
86. The legs serve to urge the horse forward, to support him, and to aid him in turning to the right and to the left. Whenever the trooper wishes his horse to move forward, he should close the legs by degrees behind the girths, causing their effect to correspond with the sensibility of the horse, taking care neither to open nor elevate the knees, of which the bend should be always pliant. The trooper relaxes the legs by degrees, as he closed them.
THE EFFECT OF THE REINS AND LEGS
COMBINED.
87. In elevating a little the wrists, and closing the legs. the trooper “gathers his horse;“ in elevating again the wrists, he slackens the pace in repeating this movement of the wrists, he stops the horse, or “reins back.” The trooper ought to elevate the wrists without curving them, at the same time drawing them towards the body.
In opening the right rein and closing the right leg, the trooper turns his horse to the right. To open the right rein, the right wrist is carried, without turning It, more or less to the right, according to the sensibility of the horse.
In opening the left rein, and closing the left leg, the trooper turns his horse to the left. To open the left rein, the left wrist is carried, without turning It, more or less to the left, according to the sensibility of the horse.
By lowering slightly the wrists, the horse is at liberty to move forward; the closing the legs determines the movement.
SCHOOL OF THE
88. The instructor commands:
I. Forward.
2. MARCH.
At the command, forward elevate slightly the wrists, and close the legs, in order to “gather the horse.”
At the command, MARCH, lower slightly the wrists, and close the legs more or less, according to the sensibility of the horse The horse having obeyed, replace the wrists and the legs by degrees.
89. If the trooper did not gather his horse at the preparatory command, the execution of the second command would be too abrupt or too slow.
If the trooper, at the command of execution, did not commence by lowering the wrists, the horse would not have the liberty necessary to enable him to move forward.
If the trouper did not close equally the legs, the horse would not move directly to the front; and if he did not close them progressively, the horse would not obey without irregularity.
90. After some steps, the instructor commands:
1. Squad.
2. HALT.
At the command, squad, the trooper gathers his horse, without slackening his pace.
At the command, HALT, the trooper braces himself in the saddle; elevate the wrists at the same time by degrees, and dose the legs in order to prevent the horse from receding. The horse having obeyed, replace the wrists and the legs by degrees.
TROOPER MOUNTED.
TO TURN TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT,
FROM A HALT
91.—The instructor commands:
1. To the right, (or To the left.)
2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
At the command, to the right, gather the horse.
At the command, MARCH, open the right rein, and close progressively the legs, until the horse moves. In order not to turn the horse too short, perform the movement upon a quarter circle 3 paces round.
At the command, HALT, elevate slightly the wrists, and hold the legs near, in order to keep the horse straight in the new direction; replace the wrists and the legs by degrees.
TO TURN ABOUT TO THE RIGHT, AND TO THE
LEFT, FROM A HALT.
93.—The instructor commands:
1. Right about, (or Left about.)
2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
This movement is executed on the principles prescribed for the turn to the right, or to the left; but the horse passes over a semicircle of 6 paces, and faces to the rear.
94—In order to make the trooper comprehend better the movements detailed, Nos. 91 and 93, the instructor places himself at the shoulder of the horse, and describes each movement on foot, in marking off the arc of the prescribed circle.
TO MAKE A THIRD OF A TURN TO THE RIGHT
AND TO THE LEFT, FROM A HALT.
95.—The instructor commands:
SCHOOL OF THE
1. Right oblique, (or left oblique.)
2. MARCH.
3. HALT.
At the command, right oblique, gather the horse.
At the command, MARCH, open a little the right rein, and close slightly the legs, in order to make the horse execute a third of a turn to the right.
The command HALT follows immediately; elevate slightly the wrists, and close the legs, to keep the oblique direction; replace the wrists and legs by degrees.
96. —The movements detailed, Nos. 91, 93, and 95, after having been executed to the right, are executed to the left, according to the same principles, but by inverse means.
TO REIN BACK, AND TO CEASE REINING BACK.
97.—The instructor commands:
I. Backwards.
2. MARCH.
3. Squad.
4. HALT.
At the command, backwards, gather the horse.
At the command, MARCH, close the legs, and at the moment the horse lifts a leg elevate the wrists, with a stronger feel of the mouth. As soon as the horse obeys, lower and elevate successively the wrists, which is called yielding and checking. If the horse throws the haunches to the right, close the right leg; if he throws them to the left, close the left leg. If these means are not sufficient to replace the horse in his proper position, open the rein on the side towards which the horse throws his haunches, causing him to feel, at the same time, slightly the effect of the opposite rein.
At the command, squad, the trooper prepares to stop.
TROOPER, MOUNTED.
At the command, HALT, lower the wrists and close the legs. The horse having obeyed, replace the wrists and the legs by degrees.
98.—The squad being dismounted as prescribed, No 81, the instructor commands
1. By the right (or by the left)—FILE OFF.
2. MARCH.
At the command, FILE OFF, hook up the sabre, (when in use,) and unhook the curb; retake the reins with the right hand, and replace the left hand at the side.
At the command, MARCH, the trooper of the right steps off with the left foot, leading his horse to the front; he takes 4 steps, turns to the right, and marches in the new direction, holding at the same time the hand high and firm to prevent the horse from jumping. Each trooper executes successively the same movement when the one who precedes him has moved 4 paces to the front.
The troopers conform to the same principles to file off by the left.
99.—The instructor may unite for this lesson 8 troopers, hut not more; they are placed on the same line 3 paces apart; they are without spurs; the horses are saddled and in the snaffle.
Two corporals, or instructed troopers, are designated to be conductors; they are placed on the right and on the left of the troopers.
The instruction is divided into several stages, commencing alternately by the right and by the left.
SCHOOL OF THE
100. —The instructor commands:
1. To the right (or to the left.)
2. MARCH.
At these commands the troopers conform to what is prescribed in order to execute a turn to the right from a halt, No 91; then lowering the wrists and closing the legs, march straight forward, and follow the conductor.
At the extremity of the riding-house the conductor turns to the right; the troopers follow, having between them the distance of 4 feet from head to croup.
101.—The trooper “marches to the right hand, when he has the right side towards the interior of the riding-house. He marches to the left hand when it is the left side.
The instructor follows the troopers, keeping on the inside of the track.
He observes that their seat is not deranged, and warns them to conform with suppleness to all the motions of the horse.
Passing from one trooper to another, he occupies himself successively with all the details of the position of each, so as to instruct without confusing them.
TO TURN TO THE RIGHT, AND TO THE LEFT, IN MARCHING.
102.—The troopers follow the conductor, and make, on arriving at the angles of the riding-house, a turn to the right (or to the left) in marching. To turn to the right or left in marching, the trooper opens the rein to the side toward, which the turn Is made, and closes both legs, the outer one most.
TROOPER, DISMOUNTED.
103.—The troopers marching in column on one of the long sides, the instructor commands
1. Squad.
2. HALT.
The troopers stop as prescribed, No. 90.
104.—To recommence the march, the instructor commands:
1. Forward.
2. MARCH.
The troopers move forward as prescribed, No 90. The instructor causes the squad frequently to stop and to move off, to habituate the troopers in conducting their horses. He observes that they do not incline the body too much forward at the moment of stopping, and that they do not lean back at the moment of starting. When the troopers have stopped, he rectifies their position.
TO PASS FROM THE WALK TO THE TROT, AND FROM THE TROT TO THE WALK.
105.—The troopers becoming habituated to the movement of the horse, the instructor causes them to pass to the trot. When they are in column upon one of the long sides, he commands:
1. Trot.
2. MARCH.
At the command, trot, gather the horse without increasing his gait.
At the command, MARCH, lower a little the wrists, and
SCHOOL OF THE
close the legs more or less, according to the sensibility of the horse. As soon as the horse obeys, replace the wrists and the legs by degrees.
106.— The instructor employs this gait at first cautiously, and at a moderate trot, that the men may not lose their position.
He makes them understand that it is in remaining well seated, and in relaxing, measurably, all the parts of the body, especially the thighs and legs, that they can acquire the necessary ease and solidity. He observes also that they do not bear too much upon the reins in this gait.
When he perceives that their position is deranged, he causes them to resume the walk, and even to stop.
107.—To pass from the trot to the walk, the instructor commands:
1. Walk.
2. MARCH.
At the command, walk, gather the horse without affecting his gait.
At the command, MARCH, elevate the wrists by degrees, and hold the legs near, in order to prevent the horse from stopping. As soon as the horse obeys, replace the wrist and the legs by degrees.
108. —When the troopers have marched some time to the right hand, (or to the left hand,) to make them change hands, in the breadth of the riding-house, without stopping, the instructor commands:
Right (or left)—TURN.
At the command, TURN, the conductor turns to the right, and crosses the riding-house in its breadth, followed by the troopers.
TROOPER, MOUNTED.
The conductor being at two paces from the opposite track, the instructor commands:
1. Left (or right) —TURN.
At the command. turn, the conductor turns to the left, and follows the track.
All the other troopers turn successively on the same ground. The instructor causes these changes of hand to be executed at a walk, and at a trot.
109.—The instructor occasionally orders the reins carried together in the left hand; when so held, the trooper, in order to turn to the right, carries the hand forward and to the right; to turn to the left, he carries the hand forward and to the left, the nails always downward.
TO TURN TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT BY TROOPER, IN MARCHING.
110.—The troopers marching in column, and having arrived about the middle of one of the long sides, the instructor commands:
1. To the right (or to the left.)
2. MARCH.
At the command, to the right, gather the horse.
At the command, MARCH, each trooper executes a turn to the right in marching, and moves straight to the front.
The troopers being at two paces from the opposite track, the instructor commands:
1. To the right (or to the left.)
2. MARCH.
At the command, MARCH, each trooper executes a turn to the right, following the same principles; and all return to the track.
The same movements are repeated to resume the order in which the troopers were originally.
SCHOOL OF THE
TO TURN-ABOUT TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT BY TROOPER, IN MARCHING ON THE SAME LINE.
111.—The troopers having made a turn to the right, as has just been explained, and having arrived near the opposite track, the instructor commands:
1, Right-about (or Left-about.)
2. MARCH.
At the command, right-about, gather the horse.
At the command, MARCH, each trooper executes a turn-about to the right in marching, following the principles prescribed, No. 102, and moves directly to the front
The instructor gives the command MARCH, at the moment the troopers are within 2 paces of the track; the troopers are then reformed in column upon the opposite track, by the movement of to the right (or to the left.)
TO TURN-ABOUT TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT BY TROOPER, IN MARCHING IN COLUMN.
112—The troopers marching in column, and the conductor having arrived near the end of one of the long sides of the riding-house, the instructor commands:
1. Right-about (or Left-about.)
2. MARCH.
At the command, right-about, gather the horse.
At the command, MARCH, each trooper executes a turn-about to the right in marching, and moves forward
On arriving at the opposite short side, the conductor turns to the left without command; the squad returns to the order in which it was originally, in executing the inverse movement.
TROOPER, DISMOUNTED.
113—The object of the turns to the right, to the left, right about, and left-about, in this lesson, is to habituate the troopers to turning in all directions their horses; the Instructor causes these movements to be executed at a walk only, he not only observes the squad generally, but watches and rectifies with the greatest care the means employed by each trooper in turning his horse.
In the instruction to the right hand, the turns to the right, and right-about, are executed and in the work to the left hand, those to the left, and left-about. When the troopers have become accustomed to these movements, the instructor causes them to be executed in returning to the tracks, by turns to the right or to the left, without having regard to the change of hand.
114.—To rest the squad, the instructor causes the troopers to turn to the right, or to the left, when they are about the middle of one of the long sides of the riding-house, and gives the command, HALT, when they are out of the track.
The instruction Is re-commenced by a turn to the right or to the left.
To terminate the drill, the Instructor commands the troopers to dismount, and file off.
115.—When the troopers begin to execute this lesson correctly, the instructor changes their horses each day of the instruction, to give them the habit of managing different horses.
During the rests, the instructor exercises the troopers in vaulting on and from their horses, without commands, and without using the stirrups.
To leap to the ground; the trooper, holding the reins of the snaffle as prescribed, No 82, seizes with the left hand a lock of the mane, the fingers well closed; places the right hand upon the pommel, raises himself upon the wrists, brings the right thigh to the side of the left, remains an instant in this position, and descends lightly to the ground.
SCHOOL OF THE
To leap on the horse: the trooper seizes the mane with the left hand, places the right hand upon the pommel of the saddle, springs up, raising himself upon the two wrists, remains an instant in this position, and places himself lightly in the saddle.
All the movements in this lemon are explained in detail by the right: they are executed by the left according to the same principles, but by inverse means
116.—From 12 to 16 troopers are united, and wear spurs.
The horses are saddled, and in the snaffle.
The troopers are placed with the horses at 1 foot from each other. Corporals or instructed troopers are placed one on the right, one in the middle of the rank; and it would be well to have one on each flank of the two divisions.
The instructor makes the troopers count off by fours, as prescribed, No. 197; he then orders them to mount.
117——The instructor explains to the troopers the use and the effect of the spur
If the horse does not obey the legs, it is necessary to employ the spur.
The spur is sometimes used to chastise when necessary, use it vigorously, and at the moment the horse commits the fault.
In order to use the spur, it is necessary to keep steady the body, the waist, and the wrists; to cling to the horse with the thighs, and the calves of the legs; turn the point of the feet a little out; lower a little the wrists; press the spurs close behind the girths, without moving the body replace then the wrists and the legs by degrees.
When the troopers employ the spur, the instructor observes that they do not bear too upon much upon the reins, which would counteract the effect of the spur. He also observes that the troopers do not use the spur unnecessarily.
TROOPER,DISMOUNTED.
118.—To conduct the squad to the riding-house, the instructor commands:
1. By file to the right, (or to the left)
2. MARCH.
At the command, By file to the right, gather the horse.
At the command, MARCH, the trooper on the right executes a turn to the right, and moves forward; this movement Is executed by all the other troopers successively.
TO MARCH TO THE RIGHT HAND, AND TO
THE LEFT HAND.
119.—On reaching the opposite side of the riding-house, the instructor commands, right—TURN.When the squad is making a turn from the long to a short side of the riding-house, the instructor halts the half of the squad in rear, with a corporal at its head, at the angle, and orders it to wove forward, when the leader of the first half of the squad reaches the diagonal angle.
The troopers preserve the distance of 4 feet from head to croup.
The conductors regulate the pace of their horses so as to arrive at the same time at the opposite angles of the riding. house, the conductor of the second division regulating him. self on him of the first.
The instructor observes that the position of the troopers becomes more and more regular; that they march at a free and even pace; that they
