Question about drummer beats/commands

[brcafi]

Hello all,
I'm doing research on the Western Gunboat Flotilla, and came across the 1862 Gunnery Instructions handbook, which gives in-depth descriptions of the procedures followed by the Union navy in 1862. Of note, it lists the following drum commands being used to signal general quarters (i.e. calling the crew to action at the guns):

"The ordinary beat will be the call for inspection. The ordinary beat, followed by one roll, means exercise at general quarters, without powder. The ordinary beat, followed by two rolls, action, or general quarters with powder."

I know the "roll" is a long, continuous beating of the drum (and until reading this, always assumed "the long roll" was the universal call for general quarters.) I'm not exactly sure what the "ordinary beat" means, though.

Does anyone with knowledge of Civil War drum beats know what the "ordinary beat" would be, or sound like?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sivart]

While there is no single, definitive transcription of what an "ordinary beat" would sound like, in the context of military drum signals from the era, it can be interpreted as a basic, moderate-paced rhythm that would be used for less urgent signals. This "ordinary beat" would have been the foundational or neutral rhythm from which other, more urgent calls (such as the "roll" or "double roll") were derived.

The "ordinary beat" was probably just a regular, everyday drum rhythm used on ships, not for emergencies or big action. It would have been a basic, steady pattern that sailors would hear all the time for normal tasks. It wasn't urgent like the "long roll," which was used for real emergencies.

In the 1862 Gunnery Instructions, the "ordinary beat" is described as a normal signal. When it's followed by a long roll (a continuous, fast beat), that means it's time to practice "general quarters" (getting ready for action) but without live ammunition. When it's followed by two rolls, it means the crew needs to prepare for real action with live powder and ammo.

So the "ordinary beat" was probably a simple, steady rhythm, used for everyday things. It wasn't as fast or intense as the calls for battle or drills, which made it easier to recognize as just a regular signal.

 

[Rhea Cole]

All questions can be answered by the period drum & fife manuals.
•
Link:

New Civil War-era Drum and Fife Manuals for Download

Civil War re-enactors will find these manuals useful, as will rudimental drummers interested in our rudimental past. “A New, Useful and Complete System of Drum Beating” by Charles Ashwo…

drumminaround.com

 

[brcafi]

Thank you for the input guys! I'll have to give these documents a look when I get a chance

 

[RaggedAssSecond]

Civil War drum cadences.

Civil War Drum Cadences

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