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THE
Volunteer's
Manual
CONTAINING
FULL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
RECRUIT
IN
THE SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER AND SQUAD.
WITH
ONE HUNDRED ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE DIFFERENT POSITIONS, IN THE
FACINGS AND MANUAL
OF ARMS and
the loadings and firings.
arranged
according to scott's system of infantry tactics.
by
lieut.
col. d. w. c. bAXTER
OF
THE SECOND REGIMENT OF NATIONAL GUARDS, now in the service of
the
united states.
"In
time of peace, prepare for War."--WASHINGTON
"A
standing army being at variance with a republican form of
government, the safety of her institutions depends alone upon
the patriotism of her citizens."
PART
I.
PHILADELPHIA
PUBLISHED
BY KING & BAIRD
No.
607 RANSOM STREET
1861
Entered
according to an Act of Congress, in the year 1861 by
D.
W. C. BAXTER,
In
the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States in
and for
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
To
Lieut.
Gen. Winfield Scott
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
OF THE AMERICAN ARMY
This
Manual
OF
THE ARMS REQUIRED BY OUR VOLUNTEER SOLDIERY,
IS
RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
AS
A SLIGHT TESTIMONIAL OF THE RESPECT INSPIRED BY A LIFETIME
DEVOTED
TO THE SERVICE OF HIS COUNTRY AND
IN
DEFENCE OF
THE
STAR SPANGLED BANNER
SCHOOL
OF THE SOLDIER
The
instructions here given are of the greatest importance to the
Recruit, and Therefore should be thoroughly understood, being
indispensable to the instruction of the Company; on which,
again, depends that of the Battalion.
The
School of the Soldier will be divided into three parts.
the first comprehending what should be taught recruits without
arms; the second, the Manual of Arms, and the loading and
firings; and the third will embrace the principles of
alignments, the steps to the front, to the rear, and the
oblique-step; the principles of wheeling from a halt and on the
march; to change direction by a turn, and by file.
Each
part will be divided into lessons, as follows:
LESSON
I.
Position
of the soldier. Eyes right, left and front.
Facings
Principles
of the direct step in common time.
Principles
of the oblique-step in common time.
LESSON
II.
Principles
of shoulder arms.
Manual
of Arms
Loading.
The
firings, direct, oblique and by file.
LESSON
III.
The
principles of alignment.
The
March to the front and the oblique steps in common time.
The
March by the flank and the changing direction.
Principles
of wheeling and turning.
These
lessons will be followed by remarks and illustrations, the
better to explain the principles prescribed.
LESSON
I.
Position
of the Soldier.
(Fig.
1) HEELS on the same line, and as close together as the
conformation of the man will permit
TOES
turned out equally, as to form nearly, but not quite, a
right angle bisecting the line E D, represents toes equally
turned out.
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Explanation
to Fig. 1.
The
dotted lines, A,C, and B, represent a right angle, E,C
and D, an angle less than a right angle, upon which the
feet are placed; the line C F, passing between the heels
and KNEES straight, but not stiff; the lower
extremities, from the heels to the hips, perpendicular.
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Fig.
1.
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The
upper part of the BODY inclining a little forward.
The
SHOULDERS square and falling equally.
ARMS
hanging naturally.
ELBOWS
near the body.
The
palm of the hands turned a little to the front; the
little fingers behind the outside seam of the trowsers.
The
FACE full to the front. The chin drawn slightly in without
constraint. EYES striking the ground, at the distance of
fifteen paces. Weight of the body resting upon the balls
of the feet. (See figs. 2,3.)
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Explanation
to Fig. 2.
The
line A B represents the weight of the body resting on
the balls of the feet. The inclination of the body
so far forward that if a line were dropped from the
breast it would fall just outside the toes.
Explanation
to Fig. 3.
The
perpendicular line through the centre of the body shows
the weight thereof resting on both feet equally.
The line C D passing direct through the shoulders
represents them as square and of equal height.
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Fig.
2.
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Fig.
3.
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Remarks
on the position of the Soldier.
Heels
on the same line.
Because,
if one heel were in front of the other, the shoulder on that
side would incline to the front, thereby destroying the
uniformity of the line, or otherwise causing constraint.
And as close together as the conformation of the man will
permit. Because men who are knock-kneed, or have large
calves, could not close their heels without constraint.
Toes
turned equally out, at less than a right angle.
Because,
if one toe were turned out more than the other, the shoulders
would be deranged; and if turned out too much, the body could
not incline to the front without constraint.
Knees
straight, without stiffness.
Because,
if stiffened, constraint and fatigue would be unavoidable.
This the recruit should be careful to avoid; having to stand a
great deal, he should bend his knees
frequently, this he can do without being perceptible; it will
also enable him to step promptly at the command.
Body
erect on the hips, and inclining a little forward.
Because
1st. It gives equilibrium to the position by throwing the weight
of the body on the balls of the feet. (See Fig. 4.)
2d. Because you can march more steady, and much longer, and with
less fatigue; with practice, a soldier could at any time allow a
sheet of paper passed under his heels without losing his
equilibrium.
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Fig.
4.
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[Fig.4.
The shade lines represent the ball of the foot.]
It
is usual to see recruits, when told to stand erect,
project the belly, throw back the shoulders and raise
the shin; this naturally throws the weight of the body
upon the heels, and makes his position so
insecure that a sudden puff of wind might easily throw
him upon his back.
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Shoulders
square.
Because,
if the shoulders be advanced beyond the line of the breast, and
the back arched, the recruit has the appearance of being round
shouldered, or weak in the chest, he cannot align himself nor
handle his fire-lock with address. if, on the other hand,
the shoulders are pressed back too much, the spine becomes
curved too much at the small, when fatigue and constraint
necessarily follows.
The
arms hanging naturally; the elbows near the body; the palms
turned a little to the front; the little fingers behind the
outer seams of the trowsers.
Because
these positions are all equally important to the Soldier in the
position of SHOULDER-ARMS. It also prevents the recruit
from occupying more space in a rank than is necessary to a free
use of his fire-lock. They assist also in keeping the
shoulders square.
The
face full to the front; the chin a little drawn in,
without constraint.
Because,
if there be stiffness in the latter position, it would
communicate itself to the whole of the upper part of the body,
embarrass its movements and give pain and fatigue,
Eyes
direct to the front, and meeting the ground at about fifteen
paces.
Because
this is the surest means of preserving the squareness of the
shoulders, and therefore should be strictly enforced.
The
above position of the soldier having been so minutely explained,
it is of the utmost importance to the recruit that he study it
well; for his own personal ease and comfort depends upon it.
Having
to take individuals into the service from almost every calling
in life, and it being almost an impossibility to find two men
physically alike in every particular, it was found necessary for
the sake of uniformity, at least, that some established rule
should be laid down to cover these defects of differences, when,
after careful study and consideration on the part of some of the
most scientific men of Europe and America, the above position
has been prescribed, and when we take into consideration that it
is the greatest amount of endurance, with the least
amount of fatigue, that is required of the soldier; we
are satisfied the recruit will at once see the necessity of
giving it his careful consideration.
It
has always been a matter of great surprise to us, that after so
much thought and labor bestowed upon the physical endurance of
men, that there has been so little attention given to suitable
equipments for them. In our opinion, one-half the effect
is lost by the harness fixings which are put upon them,
when a loose fitting uniform, free about the neck and breast,
would be much more desirable than the heavy belts and leathern
stock now used.
Eyes-RIGHT.
This
command is usually given as Right (orLeft) DRESS.
At
the word RIGHT, DRESS (as the case may be) turn the head to the
right (without moving the shoulders), bring the inner
corner of the left eye in a line with the centre of the
body. The eyes fixed on a line with the eyes of the men
in, or supposed to be in, the same rank.
The
object of this command is, to correct any irregularity that may
exist in a line composed of six or more men. The object,
then, of turning your head is to assure yourself that your are in
line; to be sure of this, you should able to see only a glimpse
of the left cheek of the second man from you; if you see
too much of his side face, (it being turned the same as yours),
you will be too far to the front, and if you do not see
him at all, you will be too far to the rear. In
either case, the line could not be formed correct; for whilst
all the men on the right of you form a perfect line with
themselves, those on the left of you would be compelled to form
a line running off at an angle with it. You will therefore
promptly place yourself in the line by short steps forward.
You should never overstep the line upon which you are to
dress. Avoid also inclining you head to the front,
for this compels the man next to you to come too far to
the front, in order to see the second file from him,
which is the next man to you on the side you are dressing.
If you turn your head too much, you will perhaps throw forward
the shoulder on the side opposite to that which you are
dressing.
After
the principles of Dressing are properly understood, six or eight
men should be united in one rank, elbow to elbow, and numbered
from right to left, in order to be taught the principles of
alignment. The instructor will at first teach them to
align themselves man by man; to this end he will command the
three men on the right flank to march three paces to the front,
and having aligned them, he will caution the remainder of the
squad to move up
as they may be successively called, each by his number, and will
align themselves correctly on the line of the first three
men. Three men will then be taken from the left flank, to
from a basis to be dressed upon, governed by the same principles
as above, substituting in the command left for right.
Each
man, as designated by his number, will turn the head and eyes to
the right (or left) and will march three paces forward,
shortening the last so as to find himself about six inches from
the alignment, which he ought never to pass; he will next move
up steadily by steps of two or three inches, the thighs
extended, to the side of the man next to him on the alignment,
so that, without deranging the head, the line of the eyes, or
that of the shoulders, he may find himself in the exact line of
his neighbor, whose elbow he will lightly touch, without opening
his own.
The
alignment being correct, the command will be
FRONT.
When
you will turn the head and resume the position direct to the
front.
When
the men shall have thus learned to align themselves man by man
correctly, the instructor will cause the entire rank to align
itself at once, by the command:
Right
(or
left) DRESS.
At
this, the rank, except the three men placed as a basis of
alignment, will move up in quick time, and place
themselves on the new line, as prescribed.
The
instructor, seeing the rank aligned, will command:
FRONT.
Alignments
to the rear will be executed on the same principles, the men
stepping back a little beyond the line, then dressing up by
steps of two or three inches, the instructor commanding:
Right
(or left) Backward-DRESS. REST.
At
this, the recruit will not be required to preserve the
steadiness of his position.
Neither
is he required to keep silent. If he leave his position,
it should not be out of sight or hearing of his
commanding officer, without permission. If the
command,
In
Place-
REST,
should
be given, instead of the above, the same freedom will be
permitted except that no man shall leave his place. If,
on the other hand, strict silence is required, and the men
should be brought to a position of rest, the command will
be:
Parade-REST.
Carry
back the right foot about four inches to the rear, (without
moving the left); rest the weight of the body on that leg,
bending the knee but slightly; cross the hands on front of the
body, the left hand on top and supporting the right wrist;
shoulders square to the front; head erect, and the eyes meeting
the ground fifteen paces in advance. In this position,
remain steady until the command:
Attention-SQUAD,
is
given. At the word SQUAD, bring up the right heel beside
the left, drop the hands, and take the position of a soldier at
ATTENTION.
FACINGS.
Facing
to the right or left, will be executed in time or pause.
Squad.
By the right flank-Right. FACE.
The
recruit should be careful to hear the cautionary command
(which is in italics) but not attempt to execute the
movement until the last command is given, which is FACE.
At the last sound of that word, turn to the right upon the left
heel by raising a little the left toe and right heel from
the ground; place the right
heel beside the left and on the same line, so that the line of
heels will be exactly at right angles with their former
position.
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(Fig.5)
The dotted lines A. B., in this figure represents
the feet at a front face. The black shoes
represent their position when flanked to the right.
Observe the left heel has not been moved from its
position, although it has turned or twisted,
while the right foot B has been completely
carried from its old to its new position.
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Fig.5
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Squad.
By the left flank, left. FACE
At
the word face, turn to the left upon the left heel,
raising a little the left toe and right heel for that purpose;
bring the right heel beside the left, but do not move the
latter.
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(Fig.
6.) Represents the feet at a left flank. Observe
the position of the heels; the dotted lines represent
their position to the front.
To
face about (that is, to turn completely around), the
command will be ABOUT FACE, and will be executed in two times
or pauses.
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Fig.
6.
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Squad.
ABOUT-FACE.
At
the word ABOUT, the recruit will turn the left toe to the
front, carry the right foot to the rear, the hollow opposite to,
and three inches from the left heel; at the same time
seize the inner front corner of the cartridge-box with the right
hand, if on, if not, place the back of the right hand to
the rear of and against the right hip.
At
the word FACE, turn upon both heels by raising both toes,
extend the hams and face to the rear, at the same time bringing
the right heel beside the left, and drop the right hand.
If
under arms, the recruit will at the first motion (or pause)
which is ABOUT, turn his piece with the left hand, the lock to
the front, and replace his hand and piece the instant he has
faced.
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Fig.
7.
Fig.
8.
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(Fig.
7.) Represents the feet at the first time, or
pause; the dotted lines A. A., represents the left toe
turned to the front,--observe the heel is in its
old position; B. B., represents the right foot as
having been carried to the rear and placed at right
angles with the left, and distant from it
three inches, the dotted shoes represent the feet at a
front face.
(Fig.
8.) Represents the feet at word FACE (second
time or pause); observe the left heel is still upon
its own ground, whilst the right foot has been
carried back beside it (the left).
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Fig.
9. Fig. 10.
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At
the first time or pause (fig. 7, see also Fig. 9.) the
body makes a third of a face to the right, that is, the
line of shoulders has changed obliquely to the
right. The right elbow is disengaged to the rear
of the man on your right; body resting slightly
more on the left than on the right foot. Although
the shoulders have changed to the right, the face
is still to the front.
(Fig.
9.) Represents the recruit in the position of
BOUT, or one time or pause.
(Fig.
10.) Represents the position of FACE, or second
time or pause.
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