What would be the total number of officers and their ranks in...

[Mr King]

What would be the total number of officers and their ranks in a full 1,000 man regiment in 10 companies?
And the number of color guards? And any other troops such as musicians, etc?

[M E Wolf]

Platoon - Sub-divisin of troops less than or more than a Company.

Company - 4 Squads of 82 Privates

Battalion - 2 or more Companies

Regiment - 10 or more Companies

Brigade - 2 or more Regiments - usually 2 to 4 Regiments

Division - 2 or more Brigades

-------------------------------
Captain is in charge of at least 1 Company.

Major is in charge of at least 2 Companies

Lieutenant-Colonel in charge of at least 4 Companies

Colonel in charge of at least 1 Regiment or 10 Companies

Brigadier-General in charge of at least 2 Regiments or 20 Companies

Major-General in charge of at least 4 Regiments or 40 Companies

Lieutenat-General in charge of at least 5 Regiments or 80 Companies

[This according to the 1861 Revised Regulations of the Army of the United States]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camp Color Men: Those soldiers who carry camp colors to the field on days of exercise, plants them to mark out the lines.

Camp Colors: The flags or ensigns which mark out the lines of an encampment. Also, small colors placed on the right and left of the parade of a regiment when in the field.

Color Sergeant: The Regimental Sergeant whose duty it is to attend to the colors in the field.

Regimental Colors: There are two in each Regiment. One National Ensign stars and stripes and the other the Regimental Color [must be under Army Regulations 1368:69,70, 71, 72 and 73 for special regulations for artillery, cavalry, etc.

Corporal: A Non-Commissioned Officer, under the Sergeant. His duty is to place and relieve sentinals and to take charge of a squad in drills.

Lance Corporal: A soldier who acts as a Corporal and paid as a Private.

Sergeant (Covering): A Non-Commissioned Officer, who during exercise of a Battalion, regularly stands or moves behind each officer commanding or acting with a Company.

Sergeant Major is a man that does all the writing for the regiment and keeps all the Regimental Books and papers. He keeps a correct account of all the men and notes all the wounded and killed in his morning report which is sent to the headquarters of the army. Also it is his duty while laying in camp to mount guards every morning and make out all details for picket and fatigue duties.

Lance Sergeant: A Corporal who acts as a Sergeant and paid as a Corporal.

Orderly: A Non-Commissioned Officer or Private, who attends an officer for the performance of Orderly duties.

Orderly Book: A book into which the Sergeant of Companies transcribes the General and Regimental Orders, for the specific information of the Officers and men.

Orderly Officer: The "Officer of the day."

Reppeler: A particular beat of the drum to recall soldiers to the defense of their colors.

Signal Staff: A flag planted upon the spot where the General or Commanding Officer, takes his station.

Subaltern: An Officer under the rank of Captain. The term is abbreviated : Sub

Supernumerary Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers: Those place in the rear for supplying the place of those who fell in action. Preserving order and regularity in the rear ranks while the front rank is engaged or is advancing.



M. E. Wolf

[Mr King]

Thank you M E Wolf sir!

[matthew mckeon]

It should be noted that in the Civil War, battalions(usually) were tactical formations, not distinct units with permanent battalion commanders.

[M E Wolf]

Mr King;

This link will be useful - it has the Union military manuals:

U.S. Regulars Civil War Archive Main Page
MILITARY ADMINISTRATION. VOLUNTEER MANUALS ... The U.S. Regulars Archive is a library of key works on Civil War strategy, tactics & drill used by the ...

www.usregulars.com/library.htm - Similar


M. E. Wolf
================================================== =========
Kautz' Customs of Service for Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers (1864)



THE

CUSTOMS OF SERVICE

FOR

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND

SOLDIERS

AS

DERIVED FROM LAW AND REGULATIONS

AND

PRACTISED IN THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES

BEING

A HAND-BOOK FOR THE RANK AND FILES OF THE ARMY,

SHOWING WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES,

HOW TO OBTAIN THE FORMER AND PERFORM

THE LATTER, AND THEREBY ENABLING

THEM TO SEEK PROMOTION AND

DISTINCTION IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY
BY

AUGUST V. KAUTZ

CAPT. SIXTH U.S. CAVALRY, BRIG.-GEN. U.S. VOLUNTEERS



PHILADELPHIA

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.

1864



Contents


PREFACE.


THE SOLDIER.

THE PRIVATE SOLDIER.
PAY AND ALLOWANCES OF SOLDIERS.


DUTIES OF THE SOLDIER

Deportment. Instruction. DUTIES IN CAMP OR GARRISON.
DUTIES IN THE FIELD. The Infantry Soldier.
The Cavalry Soldier. The Artillery Soldier. The Ordnance Soldier. The Engineer Soldier. Signal Corps. SPECIAL ENLISTMENTS. SPECIAL OR EXTRA DUTY

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

ORGANIZATION. RANK. The Corporal The Sergeant

The First Sergeant
REGIMENTAL HOSPITAL STEWARDS.
COMMISSARY SERGEANT.
THE COMPANY COMMISSARY SERGEANT.
THE QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT.
THE COMPANY QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT.
THE SERGEANT MAJOR.
THE CADET.


PROMOTION.



PRISONERS OF WAR. DESERTERS. OBEDIENCE TO ORDERS.


VETERAN RESERVE CORPS. VETERANS.


COLORED TROOPS.


PUNISHMENTS. THE COURT-MARTIAL. ARTICLES OF WAR.


PRINCIPLES OF FIRING. BATTLE.


RANK.
BADGES.


TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH.
COOKING.


ON DETACHED SERVICE.

MEDALS.
SOLDIERS’ LETTERS.
PENSIONS.

[M E Wolf]

SPECIAL ENLISTMENTS.

205. THERE are a number of special appointments or positions, for which men are enlisted inthe service, that differ in their duties from those of soldiers of the line, viz.:—

Veterinary Surgeon.

Medical Cadet.

Drum-Major, Principal or Chief Musician, Chief Trumpeter, Trumpeter

Musician.

Saddler Sergeant and Saddler

Ordnance Sergeant.

Hospital Steward.

Furrier, Blacksmith, and Artificer

Wagoner

African Under-Cook.

206. When men are enlisted for any of the above positions, and mustered into service as such, they cannot be reduced to private soldiers. If they have been enlisted as soldiers and promoted to these positions, they may by sentence of court-martial be reduced.

207. Men enlisted as above, although subject to the Rules and Articles of War, and to obedience to orders and regulations, cannot be assigned to other than their legitimate duties, except in cases of manifest necessity, or when unemployed at their legitimate duties for necessary reasons. Some are part of the legal organization of regiments, whilst others exist only by special enactment of Congress. A brief summary of their duties will be given.

[excerpt]
223. PRINCIPAL MUSICIANS — The law allows to each regiment of regular infantry, the Fifth Artillery, and to each volunteer infantry regiment, two principal or chief musicians. Other laws with regard to bands make the position of chief musicians anomalous and inconsistent. (Act July 29, 1861.)

224. The Act of July 5,1838, section 16, allows the chief musician seventeen dollars per month, whilst section 4, Act July 29, 1861, provides that bands shall be paid as follows: one-fourth of the twenty-four shall receive the pay of sergeants of engineers, thirty-four dollars, one-fourth the pay of corporals of engineers, twenty dollars, and one-half the pay of privates of engineers of the first class, seventeen dollars.

225. As the principal musicians are in addition to the foregoing, it follows that they get no more than the lowest class of musicians. The leader of the band, by the 4th section of the above Act, is entitled to the pay and emoluments of a second lieutenant of infantry: yet there are no leaders authorized, except in the nine new regiments of infantry. It will be seen, therefore, that the foregoing laws are quite incongruous.

228. BANDS — A band is allowed to some regiments by law, and provision is made for the payment of such; but the authority granted in the Regulations, to detail soldiers for a band for such regiments as are not thus provided for, authorizes only the application of the regimental fund for support of bands in addition to their salary as soldiers.

229. The law allows a band to each of the new regiments of artillery and infantry. The bands are authorized to have not more than twenty-four musicians; and in the old regiments of infantry they are by the War Department limited to sixteen. The drum-majors and principal musicians are not included in this allowance for the band, nor are the company musicians. Cavalry regiments are not authorized to have bands.

230. The Act of June 20, 1864, fixes the pay of the principal musicians at twenty-two dollars per month, and of the other musicians at sixteen, but fails to state what proportion shall be principal musicians. The leaders in the bands of regular regiments, where no leader is authorized, usually are remunerated out of the regimental fund, or by contributions.

231. Each brigade of volunteers is allowed a band of sixteen musicians, and a leader at seventy-five dollars per month. The law is not clear as to whether the leader is one of the sixteen or in addition to them. These bands receive the same pay that the regular regiments do.

232. The cavalry regiments of the regular service, and all the regiments of the volunteer service can have bands, under the authority granted in paragraph 81, Revised Regulations. Sixteen soldiers are detailed pro rata from the companies, and instructed in music. An additional pay may be allowed them out of the regimental fund.

233. They are, for the time-being, dropped from the company returns and rolls, and are mustered on the staff roll. One of the principal musicians can be used as leader of the band, who is remunerated the same as the musicians.

234. MUSICIANS — Each company of infantry, artillery, and engineers is allowed two musicians, — a drummer and a fifer; and in cavalry, two trumpeters. These are independent of the musicians allowed to the band. They are on the footing of privates with respect to pay, clothing, and rations. They are instructed by the drum-major or principal musician.

235. In the cavalry regiments the trumpeters are instructed by the chief trumpeter. There is no provision for an instructor of music in the four old artillery regiments. In batteries and companies of light artillery, the musicians are instructed as buglers. The companies of artillery equipped as infantry have, like infantry, a drummer and fifer.

236. Musicians of infantry, artillery, and engineers have no arms, except a musician’s sword, issued to them. The trumpeters have sabres and pistols. They take charge of the instruments used by them, and are responsible for them. They are not put on the ordinary duty of soldiers, but are liable for fatigue duties and are used as orderlies.

237. They take their turns at the guard-house for sounding the calls. When the companies of the regiment are together, the musicians of each company are united for the purpose of instruction and exercise. When a company, however, is detached, the musicians that belong to it go with it.

238. On the march, at drills or parades, all the musicians are united in a body. They draw their rations and mess with their companies. The principal musician or chief trumpeter keeps the roster and makes the details; and they are not under the first sergeant’s orders, except when acting with the company.

239. One or two musicians march on with the guard, and remain with it at the guard-house during the tour, and sound the musicians’ call ten minutes before the Assembly, at which signal all the musicians assemble. The roll is called by the chief musician, drum-major, or chief trumpeter, and then they all unite in sounding the calls for the companies.

240. It has been the practice of the service to enlist boys under eighteen as musicians and trumpeters for companies, where they show a musical capacity. The consent of the parent or guardian is necessary to legalize the enlistment. They are generally collected at depots, and instructed in music before they are assigned to regiments and companies. Boys are allowed the same pay, clothing, and rations as men in the same capacity.

241. CHIEF TRUMPETER — The chief trumpeter in cavalry regiments occupies the corresponding position to drum-major, or principal musician, in the other regiments. The trumpeters are instructed by him, and he is held responsible for their neatness and appearance on duty and their presence at roll-calls. His pay is that of chief bugler, twenty-three dollars per month.

242. He keeps the roster, and makes the details from the trumpeters for orderlies, guard, fatigue, and other duties.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

ORGANIZATION.

294.The non-commissioned officers of a regiment and company, allowed by law in the various arms and regiments of the army, are as follows, viz.:—

INFANTRY AND ARTILLERY

(Old Army.)

Non-Commissioned Staff

One Sergeant Major

One Quartermaster Sergeant.

Two Principal Musicians.
Each Company.

One First Sergeant.

Three Sergeants.

Four Corporals.


295. Volunteer regiments of infantry differ from the above in having one commissary sergeant and one hospital steward, and no principal musicians, in the non-commissioned staff and four sergeants and eight corporals in each company.

296. INFANTRY

(New Army.)

Non Commissioned Staff

Non-Commissioned Staff

Three Battalion Sergeant Majors

Three Battalion Quartermaster Sergeants

Three Battalion Commissary Sergeants

Three Battalion Hospital Stewards

One Drum-Major, or Leader of the Band

Two Principal Musicians. .


Each Company.

One First Sergeant.

Four Sergeants.

Eight Corporals


297. ARTILLERY.

(New Army.)

Non-Commissioned Staff

One Sergeant Major.

Two Quartermaster Sergeants.

One Commissary Sergeant.

One Hospital Steward.

Two Principal Musicians.
Each Company.

One First Sergeant.

One Quartermaster Sergeant.

Four Sergeants.

Eight Corporals.


Volunteer artillery differs from the above in having no principal musicians.

298. CAVALRY.

Non-Commissioned Staff

One Sergeant Major.

One Veterinary Sergeant.

One Quartermaster Sergeant.

One Commissary Sergeant.

Two Hospital Stewards.

One Chief Trumpeter.

One Saddler Sergeant.
Each Company

One First Sergeant.

One Quartermaster Sergeant.

One Commissary Sergeant.

Five Sergeants.

Eight Corporals.


Regular and volunteer cavalry have the same.

299. ENGINEERS.

Non-Commissioned Staff

One Sergeant Major.

One Q. M. and Commissary Sergeant.
Each Company..

Ten Sergeants

Ten Corporals


ORDNANCE.

300. The Ordnance Department has no regimental organization. The enlisted men are organized into companies at the various armories and arsenals, and the master workmen are now called sergeants. The armorers, carriage-makers, and blacksmiths are now called corporals; the artificers, privates of the first class; and the laborers, privates of the second class. The number of each is only limited by the wants of the Ordnance Department.

RANK.

301. NON-COMMISSIONED officers, like commissioned officers, rank according to date of commissions or warrants in the same grade. The different grades rank as follows, viz.—

1. Cadet and Medical Cadet.

2. Sergeant Major.

3. Regimental Quartermaster, and Commissary Sergeants.

4. Ordnance Sergeants and Hospital Stewards.

5. First Sergeant.

6. Sergeants.

7. Corporals.

302. Non-commissioned officers are all appointed by the commanding officer of the regiment; those of the company, however, are appointed on the recommendation of the company commanders. All non-commissioned officers of a regiment can be reduced by sentence of a court-martial.

303. The non-commissioned officers of a company can be reduced by the commanding officer of the regiment on the recommendation of the company commander; but, without such a recommendation, they must be tried by a court-martial, in order that they may be reduced.

304. Cadets, medical cadets, ordnance sergeants, and hospital stewards appointed by the Surgeon-General, cannot be reduced; although they may be discharged dishonorably.

305. Each non-commissioned officer receives a certificate or warrant of his rank, signed by the commanding officer of the regiment, and counter-signed by the adjutant. (Reg. 80.)

306. At depots for recruits, where there is no legal organization, temporary appointments are made, called Lance Sergeants and Lance Corporals, that by Regulations have the same authority as a duly authorized appointment, and they must be obeyed and respected accordingly. They do not, however, receive any increase of pay beyond that of a private; and, when the recruits reach their destination, the appointment ceases. The successful performance of this duty, however, as non-commissioned officer would lead to a consideration of their claim to promotion in case of a vacancy. (Reg. 971)

307. For the purpose of ascertaining the merits of candidates, and particularly to replace absent non-commissioned officers who have not vacated their appointments, the Lance appointments are frequently made in the companies. Such soldiers are virtually on probation, and their succession to the permanent appointments, when vacancies occur, necessarily depends on the manner in which they perform their duties under the acting appointment. Lance appointments wear the chevron of their rank, the same as legal appointments.

308. Non-commissioned officers are usually, for offenses, placed in arrest; and only in grave cases are they placed in the guard-house. (Reg. 78.) Commissioned officers only have authority to arrest non-commissioned officers.

309. Non-commissioned officers are entitled to implicit obedience from the soldiers, and they should be obeyed and respected by the men; and when a non-commissioned officer fails in obtaining this regard and obedience from the men, he falls in his most essential qualification.

310. The confidence of the soldiers in the integrity of a non-commissioned officer can only be obtained by his being rigidly just and impartial to those under him, and by keeping his temper on all occasions, and discharging his duty without passion or feeling. A non-commissioned officer who cannot control himself will find difficulty in controlling those over whom he is placed.

311. Confidence and energy are the progressive traits of the non-commissioned officer who would be successful. Let him first feel he is right, and acting in obedience to orders and instructions, and hen do his duty with decision and firmness; and success will be more certain, and failure much less discreditable.

312. Non-commissioned officers should provide themselves with a pencil and notebook in which to enter the names of men forming the details. Orders and instructions given to them verbally they should at once reduce to writing, and not trust to their memory. Lists of property placed in their charge temporarily should be entered; and, in fact, all items that it may possibly be necessary to recall should be put down in such a book.

[M E Wolf]

Kautz' Customs of Service for Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers (1864)



THE

CUSTOMS OF SERVICE

FOR

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND

SOLDIERS

AS

DERIVED FROM LAW AND REGULATIONS

AND

PRACTISED IN THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES

BEING

A HAND-BOOK FOR THE RANK AND FILES OF THE ARMY,

SHOWING WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES,

HOW TO OBTAIN THE FORMER AND PERFORM

THE LATTER, AND THEREBY ENABLING

THEM TO SEEK PROMOTION AND

DISTINCTION IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY
BY

AUGUST V. KAUTZ

CAPT. SIXTH U.S. CAVALRY, BRIG.-GEN. U.S. VOLUNTEERS



PHILADELPHIA

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.

1864


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
418. THE COLOR-SERGEANT — In each regiment a sergeant is selected for his gallantry and military hearing, to carry the regimental colors. He is accompanied by a color-guard, composed of five corporals, who are also distinguished for their military conduct. They parade with the colors on all occasions when the regiment is formed for the march, parade, review, or for battle. The sergeant is in the front rank, the two senior corporals are on the right and left of the sergeant, and the three junior corporals are in the rear rank. The post of the color-guard is on the left of the right center company All the romance and heroism of the regiment centre in the color-guard and the emblem with which they are entrusted. On it are inscribed the battles in which the regiment has participated and which recall the deeds it has performed. Much depends upon the courage and daring of the color-sergeant. Wherever he will carry the flag, the men will follow to protect and defend it; and no non-commissioned officer occupies a post that is so likely to bring distinction and promotion if he does his duty; whilst none is more certain to bring disgrace if he proves recreant to his trust.



The link offered before, has the majority of Union Army manuals for the American Civil War.

Confederate Army Manuals are a bit harder to find with an Internet link.

M. E. Wolf

[M E Wolf]

REVISED UNITED STATES ARMY REGULATIONS OF 1861.
WITH AN APPENDIX
CONTAINING THE
CHANGES AND LAWS AFFECTING ARMY REGULATIONS AND
ARTICLES OF WAR TO JUNE 25, 1863.
WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1863.

Revised U.S. Army Regulations of 1861
ARTICLE XII: REGIMENTS.

71. On the organization of a regiment, the companies receive a permanent designation by letters beginning with A, and the officers are assigned to companies; afterward, company officers succeed to companies, as promoted to fill vacancies. Companies take place in the battalion according to the rank of their captains.

72. Captains should be with their companies. Therefore, although subject to the temporary details of service, as for courts-martial, military boards, &c., they shall not, except for urgent reasons, be detailed upon any duty which may separate them for any considerable time from their companies.

73.- The commander of a regiment will appoint the adjutant from the subalterns of the regiment. He will nominate the regimental quartermaster to the Secretary of War for appointment if approved. Ite will appoint the non-commissioned staff of the regiment; and, upon the recommendation of the company commanders, the sergeants and corporals of companies.

74. In cases of vacancy, and till a decision can be had from regimental head-quarters, the company commanders may make temporary appointments of non-commissioned officers.

75. Commanders of regiments are enjoined to avail themselves of every opportunity of instructing both officers and men in the exercise and management of field artillery; and all commanders ought to encourage useful occupations, and manly exercises and diversions among their men, and to repress dissipation and immorality.

76. Regiments serving on foot, being usually employed as light troops, will be habitually exercised in the system of U. S. Tactics for light infantry and riflemen adopted by the War Department, May 1, 1861.

77. A board, to consist of the Professors of Mathematics and Ethics and the Commandant of Cadets, will convene at the Military Academy, on the first Monday of September in every year, for the examination of such non-commissioned officers, for promotion, as have already passed the regimental examination prescribed in General Orders No. 17, of October 4 1854.

78. It is enjoined upon all officers to be cautious reproving noncommissioned officers in the presence or hearing of privates, lest their authority be weakened; and non-commissioned officers are not to be sent to the guard-room and mixed with privates during confinement, but to be considered as placed in arrest, except in aggravated cases, where escape may be apprehended.

Noncommissioned Officers

79. Non-commissioned officers may be reduced to the ranks by the sentence of a court-martial, or by order of the commander of the regiment on the application of the company commander. If reduced to the rank by garrison courts, at posts not the head-quarters of the regiment, the company commander will immediately forward a transcript of the order to the regimental commander.

80. Every non-commissioned officer shall be furnished with a certificate or warrant of his rank, signed by the colonel and countersigned by the adjutant. Blank warrants, on parchment, are furnished from the Adjutant-General’s office. The first, or orderly sergeant, will be selected by the captain from the sergeants.

81. When it is desired to have bands of music for regiments, there will be allowed for each, sixteen privates to act as musicians, in addition to the chief musicians authorized by law, provided the total number of privates in the regiment, including the band, does not exceed the legal standard. Regimental commanders will without delay designate the proportion to be subtracted from each company for a band, and the “number of recruits required” will be reported accordingly. The companies from which the non-commissioned officers of bands for artillery regiments shall be deducted, will in like manner be designated, and vacancies left accordingly. At the artillery school, Fort Monroe, the non-commissioned officers and privates of the band, will be apportioned among the companies serving at the post.

82. The musicians of the band will, for the time being, be dropped from company muster-rolls, but they will be’ instructed as soldiers, and liable to serve in the ranks on any occasion. They will be mustered in a separate squad under the chief musician, with the non-commissioned staff, and be included in the aggregate in all regimental returns.

83. When a regiment occupies several stations, the band will be kept at the head-quarters, provided troops (one or more companies) be serving there. The field music belonging to companies not stationed at regimental head-quarters will not be separated from their respective companies.

84. No man, unless he be a carpenter, joiner, carriage-maker, blacksmith, saddler, or harness-maker, will be mustered as an “artificer.”

85. Every article, excepting- arms and accoutrements, belonging to the regiment, is to be marked with the number and name of the regiment.

86. Such articles as belong to companies are to be marked with the letter of the company, and, number and name of the regiment; and such as belong to men, with their individual numbers, and the letter of the company.

87. All orders and circulars from general, department, division, or brigade head-quarters, will be tied together in book form, and properly indexed as they are received; and afterwards bound in volumes of convenient size.

88. The books for each regiment shall be as follows:

1. Regimental Order Book, of three quires of paper, 16 inches by 10~ inches, to contain regimental orders, with an index.

2. Letter Book, of three quires of paper, 16 inches by 10~ inches, to contain the correspondence of the commanding officer on regimental subjects, with an index.

3. An index of letters required to be kept on file, ill the following form:

No. Name of writer. Date. Subject.

Captain A. B..... July 15, 1860 Apptm’t of non-com. officers.

Adjt. Gen. R. J.. Sept. 4, 1860 Recruiting service.

Captain F. G..... Oct. 11, 1860 Error in company return.

Lieutenant C. )D. Nov. 2, 1860 Application for leave.

The date of receipt should be indorsed on all letters. They should be numbered to correspond with the index, and filed in regular order, for easy reference.

4. Descriptive Book, of five quires of paper, 16 inches by 10 inches, to contain a list of the officers of the regiment, with their rank, and dates of appointment, and promotions; transfers, leaves of absence, and places and dates of birth. To contain, also, the names of all enlisted soldiers, entered according to priority of enlistments, giving their description, the dates and periods of their enlistment; and, under the head of remarks, the cause of discharge, character, death, desertion, transfer, actions in which engaged, &c.; in short, every thing relating to their military history.

This book to be indexed, and when filled, and no longer needed with the company, to be forwarded to the Adjutant-General’s office. One copy of the monthly returns will be filed.

POST BOOKS.

89. The following books will be kept at each post: a Morning Report Book, a Guard Report Book, an Order Book, a Letter Book, each two quires folicap; also copies of the monthly post returns Companies.

ARTICLE XIII. COMPANIES.

90. The captain will cause the men of the company to be numbered, in a regular series, including the non-commissioned officers, and divided into four squads, each to be put under the charge of a non-commissioned officer.

91. Each subaltern officer will be charged with a squad for the supervision of its order and cleanliness; and captains will require their lieutenants to assist them in the performance of all company duties.

92. As far as practicable, the men of each squad will be quartered together.

93. The utmost attention will be paid by commanders of companies to the cleanliness of their men, as to their persons, clothing, arms, accoutrements, and equipments, and also as to their quarters or tents.

94. The name of each soldier will be labeled on his bunk, and his company number will be placed against his arms and accoutrements.

95. The arms will be placed in the arm-racks, the stoppers in the muzzles the ***** let down, and the bayonets in their scabbards; the accoutrements suspended over the arms and the swords hung up by the belts on pegs.

96. The knapsack of each man will be placed on the lower shelf of his bunk, at its foot, packed with his effects, and ready to be slung; the great-coat on the same shelf, rolled and strapped; the coat, folded inside out, and placed under the knapsack; the cap on the second or upper shelf; and the boots well cleaned.

97. Dirty clothes will be kept in an appropriate part of the knapsack; no article of any kind to be put under the bedding.

98. Cooking utensils and table equipage will be cleaned and arranged in closets or recesses; blacking and brushes out of view; the fuel in boxes.

99. Ordinarily the cleaning will be on Saturdays. The chiefs of squads will cause bunks and bedding to be overhauled; floors dry rubbed; tables and benches scoured; arms cleaned; accoutrements whitened and polished, and every thing put in order.

100. Where conveniences for bathing are to be had, the men should bathe once or twice a week. The feet to be washed at least twice a week. The hair kept short, and beard neatly trimmed.

101. Non-commissioned officers, in command of squads, will be held more immediately responsible that their men observe what is prescribed above; that they wash their hands and faces daily; that they brush or comb their heads; that those who are to go on duty put-their arms, accoutrements, dress, &c., in the best order, and that such as have permission to pass the chain of sentinels are in the dress that may be ordered.

102. Commanders of companies and squads will see that the arms and accoutrements in possession of the men are always kept in good order, and that proper care be taken in cleaning them.

103. When belts are given to a soldier, the captain will see that they are properly fitted to the body; and it is forbidden to cut any belt without his sanction.

104. Cartridge-boxes and bayonet-scabbards will be polished with blacking; varnish is injurious to the leather, and will not be used.

105. All arms in the hands of the troops, whether browned or bright, will be kept in the state in which they are issued by the Ordnance Department. Arms will not be taken to pieces without permission of a commissioned officer. Bright barrels will be kept clean and free from rust without polishing them; care should be taken in rubbing not to bruise or bend the barrel. After firing, wash out the bore; wipe it dry, and then pass a bit of cloth, slightly greased, to the bottom. In these operations, a rod of wood with a loop in one end is to be used instead of the rammer. The barrel, when not in use, will be closed with a stopper. For exercise, each soldier should keep himself provided with a piece of sole leather to fit the cup or countersink of the hammer. (For care of arms in service, see Ordnance Manual, page 185, &c.)

106. Arms shall not be left loaded in quarters or tents, or when the men are off duty, except by special orders.

107. Ammunition issued will be inspected frequently. Each man will be made to pay for the rounds expended without orders, or not in the way of duty, or which may be damaged or lost by his neglect.

108. Ammunition will be frequently exposed to the dry air, or sunned.

109. Special care shall be taken to ascertain that no ball-cartridges are mixed with the blank cartridges issued to the men.

continued

[M E Wolf]

110. All knapsacks are to be painted black. Those for the artillery will be marked in the centre of the cover with the number of the regiment only, in figures of’ one inch and a half in length, of the character called full face, with yellow paint. Those for the infantry will be marked in the same way, in white paint. Those for the ordnance will be marked with two cannon, crossing; the cannon to be seven and a half inches in length, in yellow paint, to resemble those on the cap. The knapsack straps will be black.

111. The knapsacks will also be marked upon the inner side with the letter of the company and the number of the soldier, on such part as may be readily observed at inspections

112. Haversacks will be marked upon the flap with the number and name of the regiment, the letter of the company, and number of the soldier, in black letters and figures. And each soldier must, at all times, be provided with a haversack and canteen, and will exhibit them at all inspections. It will be worn on the left side on marches, guard, and when paraded for detached service-the canteen outside the haversack.

113. The front of the drums will be painted with the arms of the United States, on a blue field for the infantry, and on a red field for the artillery. The letter of the company and number of the regiment, under the arms, in a scroll.

114. Officers at their stations, in camp or in garrison, will always wear their proper uniform.

115. Soldiers will wear the prescribed uniform in camp or garrison, and will not be permitted to keep in their possession any other clothing. When on fatigue parties, they will wear the proper fatigue dress.

116. In camp or barracks, the company officers must visit the kitchen daily and inspect the kettles, and at all times carefully attend to the messing and economy of their respective companies. The commanding officer of the post or regiment will make frequent inspections of the kitchens and messes. These duties are of the utmost importance-not to be neglected.

117. The bread must be thoroughly baked, and not eaten until it is cold. The soup must be boiled at least five hours, and the vegetables always cooked sufficiently to be perfectly soft and digestible.

118. Messes will be prepared by privates of squads, including private musicians, each taking his tour. The greatest care will be observed in washing and scouring the cooking utensils; those made of brass and copper should be lined with tin.

119. The messes of prisoners will be sent to them by the cooks.

120. No persons will be allowed to visit or remain in the kitchens, except such as may come on duty, or be occupied as cooks. The kitchen should always be under the particular charge of a non-commissioned officer.

121. Those detailed for duty in the kitchens will also be required to keep the furniture of the mess-room in order.

122. On marches and in the field, the only mess furniture of the soldier will be one tin plate, one tin cup, one knife, fork, and spoon, to each man, to be carried by himself on the march.

123. Tradesmen may be relieved from ordinary military duty to make, to alter, or to mend soldiers’ clothing, &c. Company commanders will fix the rates at which work shall be done, and cause the men, for whose benefit it is done, to pay for it at the next pay day.

124. Each company officer, serving with his company may take from it one soldier as waiter, with his consent and the consent of his captain. No other officer shall take a soldier as a waiter. Every soldier so employed shall be so reported and mustered.

125. Soldiers taken as officers’ waiters shall be acquainted with their military duty, and at all times be completely armed and clothed, and in every respect equipped according to the rules of the service, and have all their necessaries complete and in good order. They are to fall in with their respective companies at all reviews and inspections, and are liable to such drills as the commanding officer shall judge necessary to fit them for service in the ranks.

126. Non-commissioned officers will, in no case, be permitted to act as waiters; nor are they, or private soldiers, not waiters, to be employed in any menial office, or made to perform any service not military, for the private benefit of any officer or mess of officers.

COMPANY BOOKS.

127. The following books are allowed to each company: one descriptive book, one clothing book, one order book, one morning report book, each one quire, sixteen inches by ten. One page of the descriptive book will be appropriated to the list of officers; two to the non-commissioned officers; two to the register of men transferred; four to register of men discharged; two to register of deaths; four to register of deserters-the rest to the company description list.



-----------------------------------
M. E. Wolf

[M E Wolf]

Casey's Infantry Tactics (1862)
[scanned from an original copy]


SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER.

SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS.

MANUAL OF THE SWORD OR SABRE, FOR OFFICERS.

MANUAL FOR RELIEVING SENTINELS.

INSTRUCTION FOR THE CHIEF BUGLER AND DRUM MAJOR.

SCHOOL OF THE BATTALION.


[BY AUTHORITY.]

INFANTRY TACTICS,

FOR THE

INSTRUCTION, EXERCISE, AND MANŒUVRES
OF
THE SOLDIER, A COMPANY, LINE OF SKIRMISHERS,

BATTALION, BRIGADE,
OR
CORPS D'ARMEE.



BY

BRIG.-GEN. SILAS CASEY,

U. S. ARMY.



Vol. I.

SCHOOLS OF THE SOLDIER AND COMPANY.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS AND MUSIC.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

WASHINGTON, August 11, 1862.

The System of Infantry Tactics, prepared by Brig. General SILAS CASEY, U. S. A., having been approved by the President, is adopted for the instruction of the Infantry of the Armies of the United States, whether Regular, Volunteer, or Militia, with the following modifications viz.:

First.--That portion which requires that two companies shall be permanently detached from the battalion as skirmishers, will be suspended.

Second.-- In Title First, Article First, the following will be substituted for paragraph 6, viz.:

" A regiment is composed of ten companies, which will be habitually posted from right to left in the following order: First, sixth, fourth, ninth, third, eighth, fifth, tenth, seventh, second, according to the rank of Captains."

EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.

[excerpt]
[BY AUTHORITY.]
INFANTRY TACTICS,
FOR THE
INSTRUCTION, EXERCISE, AND MANŒUVRES
OF
THE SOLDIER, A COMPANY, LINE OF SKIRMISHERS,
BATTALION, BRIGADE,
OR
CORPS D'ARMEE.

Vol. II.
SCHOOL OF THE BATTALION

Table of Contents
TITLE FOURTH.

SCHOOL OF THE BATTALION.

Formation of the Battalion.

ARTICLE FIRST.

To open and to close ranks.

ARTICLE SECOND.

Manual of arms.

ARTICLE THIRD.

Loading at will, and the Firings.

The fire by company.

The fire by wing.

The fire by battalion.

The fire by file.

The fire by rank.

To fire by the rear rank.

PART SECOND.

Different modes of passing from the order in battle to the order in column.

ARTICLE FIRST.

To break to the right or the left into column.

ARTICLE SECOND.

To break to the rear, by the right or left, into column, and to advance or retire by the right or left of cornpanies.

ARTICLE THIRD.

To ploy the battalion into Close column.

PART THIRD.

ARTICLE FIRST.

To march in column at full distance.

The column arriving in front of the line of battle, to prolong it on this line.

The column arriving behind the line of battle, to prolong it on this line.

The column arriving on the right or the left of the line of battle, to prolong it on this line.

Manner of prolonging a line of battle by marker.

Remarks on the march in column.

ARTICLE SECOND.

Column in route.

General remarks on the column in route.

ARTICLE THIRD.

To change direction in column at full distance.

Remarks.

ARTICLE FOURTH.

To halt the column.

Remarks.

ARTICLE FIFTH.

To close the column to half distance, or in mass.

ARTICLE SIXTH.

To march in column at half distance, or closed in mass.

ARTICLE SEVENTH.

To change direction in column at half distance.

ARTICLE EIGHTH.

To change direction in column closed in mass.

1st. To change direction in marching.

2d. To change direction from a halt.

ARTICLE NINTH.

Being in column at half distance, or closed in mass, to take distances.

1st. To take distances by the head of the column.

2d. To take distances on the rear of the column.

3d. To take distances on the head of the column.

ARTICLE TENTH.

Countermarch of a column at full or half distance

ARTICLE ELEVENTH.

Being in column by company, closed in mass, to form divisions.

Being in column at full or half distance, to form divisions.

PART FOURTH.

Different modes of passing from the order in column to the order in battle.

ARTICLE FIRST.

Manner of determining the line of battle.

ARTICLE SECOND.

Different modes of passing from column at full distance into line of battle.

1st. Column at full distance, right in front, to the left into line of battle.

2d. Column at full distance, on the right (or on the left) into line of battle.

Remarks on the formation on the right, or left, into line of battle.

3d. Column, at full distance, forward into line of battle.

4th. Column at full distance, faced to the rear, into line of battle.

ARTICLE THIRD.

Formation in line of battle by two movements.

ARTICLE FOURTH.

Different modes of passing from column at half distance, into line of battle.

1st. Column at half distance, to the left (or right) into line of battle.

2d. Column at half distance, on the right (or left), into line of battle.

3rd. Column at half distance, faced to the rear, into line of battle.

ARTICLE FIFTH.

Deployment of columns closed in mass.

PART FIFTH.

ARTICLE FIRST.

To advance in line of battle.

ARTICLE SECOND.

Oblique march in line of battle.

ARTICLE THIRD.

To halt the battalion, marching in line of battle, and to align it.

ARTICLE FOURTH.

Change of direction in marching in line of battle.

ARTICLE FIFTH.

To march in retreat, in line of battle.

ARTICLE SIXTH.

To halt the battalion marching in retreat, and to face it to the front.

ARTICLE SEVENTH.

Change of direction, in marching in retreat.

ARTICLE EIGHTH.

Passage of obstacles, advancing and retreating.

ARTICLE NINTH.

To pass a defile, in retreat, by the right or left flank.

ARTICLE TENTH.

To march by the flank.

ARTICLE ELEVENTH.

To form the battalion on the right or left, by file, into line of battle.

ARTICLE TWELFTH.

Changes of front. Change of front perpendicularly forward.

Remarks on changes of front.

ARTICLE THIRTEENTH.

To ploy the battalion into column doubled on the centre.

ARTICLE FOURTEENTH.

Dispositions against Cavalry.

To form square from line of battle.

Observations relative to the formation of squares in two ranks.

Squares in four ranks.

Oblique squares.

Column against Cavalry.

ARTICLE FIFTEENTH.

The Rally.

ARTICLE SIXTEENTH.

Rules for manoeuvring by the rear rank.

Street Firing
=================
M. E. Wolf

[prroh]

It should be noted that in the Civil War, battalions(usually) were tactical formations, not distinct units with permanent battalion commanders.

Also company was the lowest organizational unit. Platoons were not a regular unit.

[Mr King]

M E Wolf does it again! Thank you for providing us with all this information. I tip my hat to you sir!

matthew mckeon- It should be noted that in the Civil War, battalions(usually) were tactical formations, not distinct units with permanent battalion commanders.

Matthew sir, didn't they have both? I have read that battalions were usually formed and made up of sharpshooters. Unless I'm missing something here...

[M E Wolf]

Mr King, sir;

Color Sergeant, Field Music, etc:


Casey's Infantry Tactics Manual (1862)
INFANTRY TACTICS.

TITLE I.

ARTICLE I. FORMATION OF INFANTRY IN ORDER OF BATTLE.


1. In the formations of Infantry, a Brigade of the Line will constitute, the unit, and in every line of battle composed of more than one of these brigades, they will be, posted from right to left, in the order of their numbers.
2. A similar disposition will be made of the regiments in a brigade.

[excerpt]
POSTS OF COMPANY OFFICERS SERGEANTS AND CORPORALS.

19. The company officers and sergeants are nine in number, and will be posted in the following manner:
20. The captain on the right of the company, touching with the left elbow.
21. The first sergeant in the rear rank, touching with the left elbow, and covering the captain. In the manœuvres. he will be denominated covering sergeant, or right guide of the company.
22. The remaining officers and sergeants will be posted as file closers, and two paces behind the rear rank.
23. The first lieutenant, opposite the centre of the fourth section.
24. The second lieutenant, opposite the centre of the first platoon.
25. The third lieutenant, opposite the centre of the second platoon.
26. The second sergeant, opposite the second file from the left of the company. In the manœuvres. he will be designated left guide of the company.
27. The third sergeant, opposite the second file from the right of the second platoon.
28. The fourth sergeant, opposite the second file from the left of the first platoon.
29. The fifth sergeant, opposite the second file from the right of the first platoon.
30. In the left, or eighth company of the battalion, the 2d sergeant will be posted in the front rank, and on the left of the battalion.
31. The corporals will be posted in the front rank as prescribed, No. 15.
32. Absent officers and sergeants will be replaced - officers by sergeants, and sergeants by corporals. The colonel may detach a first lieutenant from one company to command another, of which both the captain and first lieutenant are absent; but this authority will give no right to a lieutenant to demand to be so detached.
POSTS OF FIELD OFFICERS AND REGIMENTAL STAFF.

33. The field officers, colonel, lieutenant colonel and majors, are supposed to be mounted, and on active service shall be on horseback. The adjutant, when the battalion is manœuvring, will be on foot.
34. The colonel will take post thirty-five paces in rear of the file closers, and opposite the centre of the battalion.
35. The lieutenant colonel and the senior major will be opposite the centres of the right and left wings respectively, and twelve paces in rear of the file closers. The junior major will take post thirty paces in rear of the file closers, and five paces to the right of the centre of the battalion; and he will, under the direction of the colonel, have the command of the companies of skirmishers.
36. The adjutant and sergeant major will be opposite the right and left of the battalion respectively, and eight paces in rear of the file closers.
37. The adjutant and sergeant major will aid the lieutenant colonel and senior major, respectively, in the manœuvres.
38. The colonel, if absent, will be replaced by the lieutenant colonel, and the latter by one of the majors. If all the field officers be absent, the senior captain will command the battalion; but if either be present, be will not call the senior captain to act as field officer, except in case of evident necessity.
39. The quarter-master, surgeon and other staff officers, in one rank, on the left of the colonel, and three paces in his rear.
40. The quarter-master sergeant, the commissary sergeant, and the hospital steward on a line with the front rank of the field music, and two paces on the right.

POSTS OF FIELD MUSIC AND BAND.

41. The buglers or musicians of the battalion companies will be drawn up in four ranks, and posted twelve paces in rear of the file closers, the left opposite the centre of the left centre company. The senior principal musician will be two paces in front of the field music, and the other two paces in the rear. In the companies of skirmishers, the buglers will be in one rank, in a line with the front rank of the company, and four paces from its right flank.
42. The regimental band, if there be one, will be drawn up in two or four ranks, according to its numbers, and posted five paces in rear of the field music, having one of the principal musicians at its head.


COLOR-GUARD.

43. In each battalion the color-guard will be composed of eight corporals, and posted on the left of the right-centre company, of which company, for the time being, the guard will make a part.
44. The front rank will be composed of a sergeant to be selected by the colonel, who will be called, for the time, color-bearer, with the two ranking corporals, respectively, on his right and left; the rear rank will be composed of the three corporals next in rank; and the three remaining corporals will be posted in their rear, and on the line of file closers. The left guide of the color company, when these three last named corporals are in the rank of file closers, will be immediately on their left.
45. In battalions with less than five companies present, there will be no color-guard, and no display of colors, except it may be at reviews.
46. The corporals for the color-guard will be selected from those most distinguished for regularity and precision, as well in their positions under arms as in their marching. The latter advantage, and a just carriage of the person, are to be more particularly sought for in the selection of the color-bearer.

[M E Wolf]

Hardee's Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics (1855)
[scanned from an original copy]


Bvt. Lt. Col. Wm. Hardee, (c. 1850s)


RIFLE
AND

LIGHT INFANTRY TACTICS;
FOR

THE EXERCISE AND MANŒUVRES
OF

TROOPS WHEN ACTING AS LIGHT INFANTRY
OR RIFLEMEN.
PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE
WAR DEPARTMENT,

BY
BREVET LIEUT.-COL. W. J. HARDEE,
U.S. ARMY

School of the Soldier

School of the Battalion

WAR DEPARTMENT
WAR DEPARTMENT
March 29, 1855

THE System of Tactics for Light Infantry and Riflemen, prepared under the direction of the War Department by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel William J. Hardee, of the Cavalry, having been approved by the President, is adopted for the instruction of the troops when acting as Light Infantry or Riflemen, and, under the Act of May 12, 1820, for the observance of the Militia when so employed.

JEFFERSON DAVIS,
Secretary of War

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

TITLE FIRST

ARTICLE FIRST.

Formation of a regiment in order of battle, or in line;

Posts of company officers, sergeants and corporals;

Posts of field officers and regimental staff;

Posts of field music and band;

Color-guard;

General guides

ARTICLE SECOND.
[end of excerpt]

POSTS OF FIELD OFFICERS AND REGIMENTAL STAFF.


26. The field officers, colonel, lieutenant colonel and major are supposed to be mounted, and on active service shall be on horseback. The adjutant, when the battalion is manœuvring, will be on foot.
27. The colonel will take post thirty paces in rear of the file closers, and opposite the center of the battalion. This distance will be reduced whenever there is a reduction in the front of the battalion.
28. The lieutenant colonel and the major will be opposite the centers of the right and left wings respectively, and twelve paces in rear of the file closers.
29. The adjutant and sergeant major will be opposite the right and left of the battalion, respectively, and eight paces in rear of the file closers.
30. The adjutant and sergeant major will aid the lieutenant colonel end major, respectively, in the manœuvres.
31. The colonel, if absent, will be replaced by the lieutenant colonel, and the latter by the major. If all the field officers be absent, the senior captain will command the battalion; but if either be present, he will not call the senior captain to act as field officer, except in care of evident necessity.
32. The quarter-master, surgeon, and other staff officers, in one rank, on the left of the colonel, and three paces in his rear.
33. The quarter-master sergeant, on a line with the front rank of the field music, and two paces on the right.


POSTS OF FIELD MUSIC, AND BAND.


34. The buglers will be drawn up in four ranks, and posted twelve paces in rear of the file closers, the left opposite the center of the left center company. The senior principal musician will be two paces in front of the field music, and the other two paces in the rear.
35. The regimental hand, if there be one, will be drawn up in two or four ranks, according to its numbers, and posted five paces in rear of the field music, having one of the principal musicians at its head.


COLOR-GUARD.


36. In each battalion the color-guard will be composed of eight corporals, and posted on the left of the right center company, of which company, for the time being, the guard will make a part.
37. The front rank will be composed of a sergeant, to be selected by the colonel, who will be called, for the time, color-bearer, with the two ranking corporals, respectively, on his right and left; the rear rank will be composed of the three corporals next in rank; and the three remaining corporals will be posted in their rear, and on the line of file closers. The left guide of the color-company, when these three last named corporals are in the rank of file closers, will be immediately on their left.
38. In battalions with less than five companies present, there will be no color-guard, and no display of colors, except it may be at reviews.
39. The corporals for the color-guard will be selected from those most distinguished for regularity and precision, as well in their positions under arms as in their marching. The latter advantage, and a just carriage of the person, are to be more particularly sought for in the selection of the color-bearer.

[end of excerpt]

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Hardee having gone to the Confederates, Casey was to make it "Union" and not have a foul taste in their mouth, due to Davis and Hardee breaking from the Union. With some differences--the manuals are almost identical. When you match manual to a battle; the date(s) of the manual comes into importance, as things changed from 1855 through 1864. M. E. Wolf
================================================== ===============
Mixed Brigades, Regiments, Divisions, etc.:
Revised U.S. Army Regulations of 1861

ARTICLE XXXVI.
TROOPS IN CAMPAIGN.


ORGANIZATION OF AN ARMY IN THE FIELD.
473. The formation by divisions is the basis of the organization and administration of armies in the field.
474. A division consists usually of two or three brigades, either of infantry or cavalry, and troops of other corps in the necessary proportion.
475. A brigade is formed of two or more regiments. The first number takes the right.
476. Mixed brigades are sometimes formed of infantry and light cavalry, especially for the advanced guards.
477. As the troops arrive at the rendezvous, the general commanding in-chief will organize them into brigades and divisions.
478. The light cavalry is employed as flankers and partisans, and generally for all service out of the line.
479. Heavy cavalry belongs to the reserve, and is covered, when necessary, in marches, camps, or bivouacs, by light troops, or infantry of the line.
480. The arrangement of the troops on parade and in order of battle is--1st, the light infantry; 2d, infantry of the line; 3d, light cavalry; 4th, cavalry of the line; 5th, heavy cavalry. The troops of the artillery and engineers are in the centre of the brigades, divisions, or corps to which they are attached; marines take the left of other infantry; volunteers and militia take the left of regular troops of the same arm, and among themselves, regiments of volunteers or militia of the same arm take place by lot. This arrangement is varied by the general commanding-in-chief, as the circumstances of war render expedient.
481. Brigades in divisions, and divisions in the army, are numbered from right to left; but in reports of military operations, brigades and divisions are designated by the name of the general commanding them.
482. The order of regiments in brigades and of brigades in divisions May be changed by the commander of the division for important reasons, such as the weakness of some corps, or to relieve one from marching too long at the rear of the column. Such changes must be reported to the general commanding-in-chief.
483. The general commanding-in-chief assigns the generals of divisions and of brigades to their respective commands, when the assignment is not made by the Department of War.
484. The general of brigade inspects his troops in detail, by companies, when he takes the command and at the opening of the campaign, and as often as may be necessary to ascertain exactly their condition. The general of division makes similar inspections when he thinks proper. At these inspections the generals examine the arms, clothing, equipments, harness, horses, &c., direct the necessary repairs, and designate the men and horses to remain in depot, or march with the train.

[end of excerpt]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sharpshooter aka Skirmishers

Casey's Infantry Tactics (1862)

Instructions for Skirmishers





TITLE IV.



INSTRUCTION FOR SKIRMISHERS.



Contents



ARTICLE I

1. To deploy forward. 2. To deploy by the flank . 3. To extend intervals.

4. To close intervals. 5. To relieve skirmishers.



ARTICLE II.

1. To advance and retreat in line. 3. To change direction. 4. To march by the flank.



ARTICLE III.

1. To fire at a halt. 2. To fire marching.


ARTICLE IV.

1. The rally. 2. To form column to march in any direction.

3. The assembly.



ARTICLE V.

1. To deploy a battalion as skirmishers. 2. To rally the battalion deployed as skirmishers.



MANUAL OF THE SWORD OR SABRE, FOR OFFICERS.

MANUAL FOR RELIEVING SENTINELS.

INSTRUCTION FOR THE CHIEF BUGLER AND DRUM MAJOR.
======================================
TITLE IV.



INSTRUCTION FOR SKIRMISHERS.



General Principles and Division of the Instruction.

1. The movements of skirmishers should be subjected to such rules as will give to the commander the means of moving them in any direction with the greatest promptitude.

2. It is not expected that these movements should be executed with the same precision as in closed ranks, nor is it desirable, as such exactness would materially interfere with their prompt execution.

3. When skirmishers are thrown out to clear the way for, and to protect the advance of, the main corps, their movements should be so regulated by this corps, as to keep it constantly covered

4. Every body of skirmishers should have a reserve, the strength and composition of which will vary according to circumstances.

5. If the body thrown out be within sustaining distance of the main corps, a very small reserve will be sufficient for each company, whose duty it shall be to fill vacant places, furnish the line with cartridges, relieve the fatigued, and serve as a rallying point for the skirmishers.

6. If the main corps be at a considerable dis*tance, besides the company reserves, another reserve will be required, composed of entire companies, which will be employed to sustain and reinforce such parts of the line as may be warmly attacked; this reserve should be strong enough to relieve at least half the companies deployed as skirmishers.

7. The reserves should be placed behind the centre of the line of skirmishers, the company reserves at one hundred and fifty, and the principal reserve at four hundred paces. This rule, however, is not invariable. The reserves, while holding themselves within sustaining distance of the line, should be, as much as possible, in position to afford each other mutual protection, and must carefully profit by any accidents of the ground to conceal themselves from the view of the enemy, and to shelter themselves from his fire.

8. The movements of skirmishers will be executed in quick, or double quick time. The run will be resorted to only in cases of urgent necessity

9. Skirmishers will be permitted to carry their pieces in the manner most convenient to them.

10. The movements will be habitually indicated by the sounds of the bugle.

11. The officers, and, if necessary, the noncommissioned officers, will repeat, and cause the commands to be executed, as soon as they are given; but to avoid mistakes, when the signals are employed, they will wait until the last bugle note is sounded before commencing the movement.

12. When skirmishers are ordered to move rapidly, the officers and non-commissioned officers will see that the men economize their strength, keep cool, and profit by all the advantages which the ground may offer for cover. It is only by this continual watchfulness on the part of all grades, that a line of skirmishers can attain success

13. This instruction will be divided into five articles, and subdivided as follows:

ARTICLE 1.

Deployments

1. To deploy forward.

2. To deploy by the flank .

3. To extend intervals.

4. To close intervals.

5. To relieve skirmishers.



ARTICLE II.

1. To advance in line.

2. To retreat in line.

3. To change direction.

4. To march by the flank.



ARTICLE III.

1. To fire at a halt.

2. To fire marching.



ARTICLE IV.

1. The rally.

2. To form column to march in any direction.

3. The assembly.



ARTICLE V.

1. To deploy a battalion as skirmishers.

2. To rally the battalion deployed as skirmishers.



14. In the first four articles, it is supposed that the movements are executed by a company deployed as skirmishers, on a front equal to that of the battalion in order of battle. In the fifth article, it is supposed that each company of the battalion, being deployed as skirmishers, occupies a front of one hundred paces. From these two examples, rules may be deduced for all cases, whatever may be the numerical strength of the skirmishers, and the extent of ground they ought to occupy.

[end of excerpt]
================================================== =========