公带八张八染染染
不於不柴秀张天游次公
小
小余杂兵崇仁崇凭
MILITARY SYSTEM,
FOR THE
NEW JERSEY CAVALRY,
COMPILED BY
ADJUTANT.GENERAL WHITE.
Our youth, of labour patient, earn their bread
Hard by their work, with frugel diet fed;
Be mindful of the race from whence you came,
And emulate in arms, your father's fame :
The ruſtic honours of the foythe and fear
Give purice to fwords and plaimes, the pride of war,
Prepar'd in arms, purſue your happy chance,
That none anwarn'd, may plead his ignorance.
VIRGII'S ENED.
NEW.BRUNSWICK:
PRINTED BY SHELLY ARNETT.
1793.
f' the Trini'ge of Copyrigbe breng bout America ]
TO HIS EXCELLENCY
RICHARD HOWELL, Esq.
,
GOVERNOR, AND COMMANDER
IN CHIEF OF THE STATE
OF NEW JERSEY,
T:
HIS MILITARY SYSTEM FOR THE CAVALRY, IS
INSCRIBED WITH THE HIGHEST RESPECT FOR
HIS CHARACTER, BY
His EXCELLENCY'S
MOST FAITHFUL
MUCH OBLIGEV, AND
VERY HUMBLE SERVANT,
ANTHONY W, WHITE,
WHEN the following Syſtem was ſubmitted to the Com-
mander in Chief by the Compiler for Infpeétion, he was un-
der the greateſt Apprehenfion, left his Excellency's Know-
ledge of the Subje£t would not ſatisfy the Penetration of the
Fudge, but having expreſſed his Approbation, by adopting the
Work for the Newe Jerſey Cavalry, relieves the Anxiety of
the Compiler, and leods him to hope, that the Syſtem mayiz-
fuſe ſuch a military Knowledge into the minds of his Brother
Oficers of the Cavalry, as will juſtify his offering it to them,
with his moſt ardent Wishes for their Hinur and Hope
pineſs.
RULES FOR RIDING.
N the firſt place, every horſe ſhould be accuſtom-
ed to ſtand ſtill when he is mounted. One
would imagine this might be readily granted, yet
we ſee how much the contrary is practiſed. When
រ៉
a man mounts at a tavern or livery itable, the
groom takes the horſe by the bit, which he bends
tight round his under jaw; the horſe ſtriving to
go on, is forced back; advancing again, he frets,
as he is again ſtopped ſhort, and hurt by the man-
ner of holding him : the rider, in the mean time,
mounting without the bridle, or at leaſt holding it
but ſlightly, is helped to it by the groom, who being
thoroughly employed by the horſe's fluttering, has
at the ſame time both bridle and ſtirrup to give.
This confufion would be prevented if every horſe
was taught to ſtand ſtill when he is mounted.
When you mount a horſe do not throw yourſelf
over him from a horſe-block, and kick him with
.
your leg, even before you are fairly upon him. This
wrong manner of mounting, is what chiefly teaches
your horſe the vicious habit, againſt which we are
here warning. On the other hand, a conſtant
practice
[ 4 ]
practice of mounting in the proper manner, is all
that is neceſſary to prevent a horſe's going on till
the rider is quite adjuſted in the faddle. The next
thing neceſſary therefore is, that the rider fhould
mnount properly. The common method is to ſtand
near the croop, or hinder part of the horſe, with
the bridle held very long in the right hand. By
this manner of holding the bridle before you mount
you are liable to be kicked, and when you are
mounted, your horſe may go on fome time, or play
what sambel, he pleafes, before the rein is ſhort
enough in your hand to prevent him. It is com-
on likewiſe for an aukward rider, as ſoon as his
foot is in the ſtirrup, to throw himſelf with all his
force to gain his ſeat, which he cannot do till he
hath firſt over ballanced himſelf on one ſide or the
other; he will then wriggle into it by degrees.----
The way to mount with eaſe and ſafety is, to ſtand
rather before than behind the ſtirrup. In this por
ture take the bride înort, and the mane together
in your left hand, helping yourſelf to the ſtirrup
with your right, fo that your toe may not touch the
horſe in mounting. When your left foot is in the
itirrup, inove on your right, till you face the fide of
the horſe, looking acroſs over the faddle; then
with your right hand, graſp the hinder part of the
faddle, and with that and your left, which holds
the mane and bridle, lift yourſelf upright on your
left foot, remain thus a mere inſtant on your ſtir-
iup, only fo as to divide the action into two moti-
ons. While you are in this poſture, you have a ſure
hold with both hands, and are at liberty either to
get fareiy down or to throw your leg over and gain
your feat.
By this deliberate motion, likewiſe, you avoid,
That
every good horſeman would endeavor to
ft.un, putting your horſe into a flutter. When
you
[ 5 ]
you diſmount, hold the bridle and mare together in
your left hand, as when you mounted, put your
right hand on the pommel of the faddle, to raiſe
yourſelf, throw your leg back over the horſe, gralp
the hinder part of the faddle with your right hand,
remain a moment on your ſtirrup, and in every
reſpect, diſmount as you mounted, only what was
your firſt motion when you mounted becomes the
laſt in diſmounting. Remember not to bend your
right knee in diſmounting, left your ſpur ſhould
rub againſt the horſe. It may be next recommended
to hold your bridle at a convenient length. Sit
ſquare and let not the purchaſe of the bridle pull
forward your ſhoulder but keep your body even,
as it would be if each hand held a rein. Hold your
reins with the whole graſp of your hand, dividing
them with your little finger. Let your hand be per-
pendicular, your thumb will then be uppermoſt,
and placed on the bridle. Bend your wriſt a little
outward, and when you pull the bridle, raiſe your
hand towards your breaſt and the lower part of the
palm rather more than the upper. Let the bridle
be at ſuch a length in your hand, as, if the horſe
fhould ſtumble, you may be able to raiſe his head,
and ſupport it by the ſtrength of your arms, and the
weight of your body thrown backwards. If you
hold the rein too long, you are ſubject to fall back-
ward as your horſe rites. If knowing your horſe
perfectly well, you think a tight rein unneceſſary,
advance your arm a little, but not your ſhoulder)
towards the horſe's head, andkeep your uſual length
of rein. By this means you have a check upon
your horſe, while you indulge him. If you ride
with a curb, make it a rule to hook on the chain
yourſelf; the moſt quict horſe may bring his rider
into dang r, ſhould the curb hurt him. If in fixing
the curb you turn the chain to the right, the links
will
[ 6 ]
will unfold themſelves and then oppofe a further
turning. Put on the chain looſe enough to hang
down to the horſes under lip, ſo that it may not riſe
and preſs his jaw, till the reins of the bridle are mo-
derately pulled.
If your horſe has been uſed to ſtand ftill when he
is mounted, there will be no occafion for a groom
to hold him, but if he does, fuffer him noi to touch
the reins, but that part of the bridle which comes
down the cheek of the horfe; he cannot then in-
terfere with the management of the reins, which
belongs to the rider only; and holding a horſe by
the curb (which is ever painfulto him) is evidently
improper when he is to ſtand ſtill.
Another thing to be remembered is, not to ride
with your arms and elbows as high as your ſhoulders,
nor let them ſhake up and down with the motion
of the horſe. The poſture is unbecoming, and the
weight of the arms (and of the body too, if the ri-
der does not hitilaus in continual jerks on the
jaws of the horſe, which muſt give him pain, and
make him unquiei, if he has a tender mouth or any
fpirit. Bad riders wonder why horſes are gentle as
foon as they are mounted by ſkilful enes, though
their ſkill ſeems unemployed : the reaſon is, the
horſe goes at his caſe, yet finds all his motionis
watched, which he has ſagacity enough to diſcover.
Such a rider hides his whip if he finds his horſe is
afraid ofit; and keeps his legs from his ſides, if he
finds he drcads the fpur. Avoid the ungraceful
cuſtom of letting your legs ſhake againſt the ſide of
the horſe; and as you are not to keep your arms
and elbows high, and in motion---ſo you are not to
rivet them to your fides, but let them fall eaſy. One
may at a diſtance diſtinguiſh a genteel horſeman
from an aukward one: the firſt fits till and appears
of a piece with his horfe; the latter ſeems flying off
att
L
at all points. It is often faid with emphafis, that
ſuch a one has no ſeat on horſeback, and it means,
not only that he does not ride well, but that he does
not fit on the right part of the horſe. To have a
good feat, is to fit on that part of the horſe, which,
as he ſprings is the centre of motion, and from
which, of courſe, any weight would be with moſt
difficulty fhaken. As in the riſing and falling of a
board placed in æquilibrio, the centre will be al-
ways' moſt at reft; the true feat will be found in
that part of your faddle, into which your body
would naturally ſlide if you rode without ſtirrups ;
and is only to be preſerved by a proper poiſe of the
body, though the generality of riders imagine it is
to be done by the graſp of the thighs and knees.
The rider ſhould conſider himſelf as united to his
horſe in this point; and when ſhaken from it, en-
deavor to reſtore the ballance.
Perhaps the mention of the two extremes of a
bad ſeat may help to deſcribe the true one. The
one is, when the rider fits very far back on the fad-
dle, ſo that his weight preſſes the loins of the horſe;
the other, when his body hangs forward over the
pommel of the faddle. The firſt may be ſeen prac-
tiſed by grooms when they ride with their ftirrups
affectedly ſhort; the latter, by fearful horſemen
on the leaſt flutter of the horfe. Every good rider
has, even on the hunting faddle, as determined a
place for his thighs as can be determined for him
by the bars of a demipeak. Indeed there is no dif-
ference between the ſeat of either ; only as in the
firſt you ride with ſhorter ſtirrups, your body will
be conſequently more behind your knees. To have
a good feat yourſelf, your fadele muſt fit well : to
fix a preciſe rule might be difficult; it may be a di-
rection to have your faddle prefs as nearly as
poſſible on that part which we have deſcribed, as
the
a
a
the point of union between the man and horſe:
however, fo as not to obſtruct the motion of the
horſe's fhoulders, place yourſelf in the middle or
loweſt part of it ; fit erect, but with as little con-
ſtraint as in your ordinary fitting. If your horſe
ſtops ſhort, or endeavours by riſing and kicking to
unleat you, bend not your body forward, as many
do in thoſe circumſtances ; that motion throws the
breech backward, and you off your fork or twilt,
and out of your ſeat : whereas the advancing the
lower part of your body, and bending back the up-
per part and ſhoulders, is the method both to keep
your feat, and to recover it when loft. The benda
ing the body back, and that in a great degree, is the
greateſt fecurity in flying leaps; it is a ſecurity too,
when your horſe leaps ftanding. The horſe's riſing
does not try the riders feat; the laſh of his hind
legs is what ought chiefly to be guarded againſt, and
is beft done by the body being greatly inclined back.
Stiffen not your legs or thighs, and let your body
be pliable in the loins. This looſe manner of fit
ting will elude every rough motion of the hore;
whereas the fixture of the knees, fo commonly laid
a ſtreſs on, will in great ſhocks conduce to the vi.
olence of the fall: the skilful horſeman will recover
his poiſe by giving fome way to the motion; and
the ignorant horſeman will be flung out of his feat
by endeavoring to be fixed, Stretch not out your
legs before you, this will puſh you againſt the back
of the faddle ; neither gather up your knees
like a man riding on a pack, this throws your thighs
upwards : each practice unleats you. Keep your
I gs ſtraight down, and fit not on the moſt fethy
part of the thigh, but turn them inwards, ſo as to
bring in your knees and toes; and it is incre fale
to ride with the ball of the foot preſting on the ſtir-
rip, than with the ſtirrups as far back as the heel;
for
[9
]
for the preſſure of the heel being in that caſe be-
hind the ſtirrup, keeps the thighs down. When
you find your thighs thrown upwards, widen your
knees to get them and the upper part of your fork
lower down on the horfe. Graſp the faddle with
the hollow or inner part of your thighs, but not
more than juſt to aflilt the ballance of your body;
this will allo enable you to keep your ſpurs from
the horſe's fides, and to bring your toes in, without
that affected and uſeleſs manner of bringing them
in practiſed by many. Sink your heels itraight
down; for while your heels and thighs keep down
you cannot fal, this (aided with the bend of the
back) gives the ſecurity of a ſeat, to thoſe who bear
themſelves up in their ſtirrups in a fwift gallop, or
in the alternate riſing and falling in a full trot.
Let your feat determine the length of your ſtirrups,
rather than the ftirrups your feat. If more precifi-
on is requiſite, let your ſtirrups be of ſuch a length,
as that, when you ſtand in them, there may be the
breadth of four fingers between your ſeat and the
ſaddle. It would greatly affiſt a learner, if he would
practice riding in a large circle without ſtirrups,
keeping his face looking on the outward part of the
circle ſo as not to have a full view of the horſe's
head, but juſt of that ear which is on the outward
part of the circle and his ſhoulder, which is towards
the centre of the circle very forward. By this
means you learn to ballance your body, and keep
a true feat, independent of your ſtirrups ; you may
probably likewiſe eſcape a fall, ſhould you at any
time loſe them by being accidentally fhaken from
your feat. When you want your horſe to move for-
ward, raiſe his head a little and touch him gently
with your whip, or elſe preſs the calves of your
legs againſt his fides: if he does not move faſt en-
augh, prefs him with more force and fo till the fpur
juſt
a
A 2
[ IO
]
juſt touches him. By this practice he will (if he
has any fpirit) move upon the leaſt preffure of the
leg. Never fpur him by a kick, but if it be neceſſa-
ry to fpur him briſkly, keep your heels cloſe to his
fides, and ſlacken their force as he becomes obedi-
ent. When your horſe attempts to be vicious, take
each rein ſeparate, one in each hand, and advancing
your arms forward, hold him very fhort. In this
cafe it is common for the rider to pull him hard
with his arms low; but the horſe by this means
having his head too low, has it more in his power
to throw out his heels; whereas, if his head be
raiſed very high, and his noſe thrown out a little,
which is confequent, he can neither riſe before nor
behind, becauſe he can give himſelf neither of thoſe
motions without having his head at liberty. A
plank placed in æquilibrio, cannot riſe at one end
unleſs it finks at the other. If your horfe is head-
ftrong, pull not with one continued pull, but ſtop
and back him often, juſt ſhaking the reins, and
making little repeated pulls till he obeys. Horſes
are fo accuſtomed to bear on the bit when they go
forward that they are difcouraged if the rider will
not let them do ſo. If a horſe is loofe necked, he
will throw up his head at a continued pull, in which
ſituation the rider ſeeing the front of his face, can
have no power over him : when your horſe does
thus, drop your hand and give the bridle play, and
he will of courſe drop his head again into its proper
place; while it is coming down make a ſecond gen-
ile pull, and you will find his mouth. With a little
practice this is done almoſt inſtantaneouſly, and
This method will ſtop, in the diſtance of a few yards,
a horſe which will runaway with thoſe who pull at
hiin with all their might. Almoſt every one muſt
have obſerved, that when a horſe feels himſelf pul-
led with the bridle, even when he is going gently,
he
[ 11
]
he often miſtakes what was deſigned to ſtop him,
as a direction to bear on the bit and make him go
fafter. Keep your horſe's head high, that he may
riſe his neck and creſt; play a little with the rein
and move the bit in his mouth, that he may not
preſs on it in one conſtant and continued manner ;
be not afraid of raiſing his head too high, he will
naturally be too ready to bring it down, and tire
your arms with its weight, on the leaſt abatement
of his mettle. When you feel him heavy, ſtop him
and make him go back a few paces; thus you break
a
by degrees his propenſity to preſs on his bridle.
You ought not to be pleaſed (though many are)
with a round neck, and a head drawn towards his
breaſt; let you horſe carry his head bridling in,
provided he carries it high, and his neck arching
upwards ; but if his neck bends downwards, his
figure is bad---his fight is too near his toes---he
leans on his bridle, and you have no command over
him. If he goes preſſing but lightly on the bridle,
he is the more fure footed, and goes pleaſanter, as
your wriſt only may guide him. If he hangs down
his head, and makes you ſupport the weight of that
and his neck with your arms bearing on his fore-legs
(which is called being on his ſhoulders) he will
Itrike his toes againſt the ground and ſtumble. If
your horſe is heavy upon the bit, tie him every day
for an hour or two with his tail to the manger, and
his head as high as you can make him lift it by a
rein on each poſt of the ſtall, tied to each ring of
the fnafile bit: ride with a fnaffle, and uſe your
curb if you have one, only occaſionally. Chooſe
your fnatile full and thick in the mouth, eſpecially
at the ends to which the reins are faſtened : moft
of them are made too fmall and long---they cut the
horle's mouth, and bend back over the bars of his
jaw, working like pincers. The management of
the
[ 12 ]
the curb is too nice a matter to enter on here, far-
ther than to preſcribe great caution in the uſe of it:
a turn of the wriſt rather than the weight of the
arm, ſhould be applied to it. The elaſticity of a
rod when it hath hooked a fiih, may give you fome
idea of the proper play of a horſe's head on his bri-
dle ; his ſpirit and his pliableneſs are both marked
by it. A horſe ſhould never be put to do any thing
in a curb, which he is not ready at : you may force.
him, or pull his head any way with a fnafile; but a
curb acts only in a ſtraight line.
It is true a horfe will be turned out of one track
into another by a curb, but it is becauſe he knows it
as a fignal. When he is put to draw a chair, and
does not underſtand the neceffity he is then under
of taking a large fweep when he turns, you fre-
quently ſee him reitive as it is then called; but pull
him on a fnaffle, or buckle the rein to that part of
the bit which does not curb him, and the horſe
ſubmits to be pulled about till he underſtands what
it defired of him.
To conclude. A coward and a madman make
alike bad riders, and are both alike diſcovered and
confounded by the ſuperior ſenſe of the creature
they are mounted upon, who is equally ſpoiled by
both, though in very different ways. The coward
by ſuffering the animal to have his own way, not
only confirms him in his bad habits, but creates
new ones in him: and the madman, by falſe and
violent motions and corrections, drives the horſe
through defpair, into every bad and vicious trick
that rage can ſuggeſt.
1
Rules
13
THI
Rules for preparing Horſes for the Cavalry.
THOUGH all horſes are generally bought at
an age when they have already been backed,
they ſhould be begun and prepared for the rider
with the ſame care, gentleneſs and caution, as if
they had never been handled or backed, in order
to prevent accidents, which might elſe ariſe from
ſkitiſhneſs or other cauſes : and as it it proper that
they ſhould be taught the figure of the ground they
are to go upon when they are at firft mounted,
they ſhould be previouſly trotted in a longe or circle
without any one upon them. The manner of doing
this is as follows: Put an eaſy caveffon upon the
horſe's noſe, and make him go forward round you,
ſtanding quiet and holding the longe ; and let ano-
ther man if you find it neceſſary, follow him with
a whip; all this muſt be done very gently, and but
a little at a time ; for more horſes are fpoiled by
over much work, than by any other treatment what-
ever; and that by very contrary effects; for ſome.
times it drives them into vice, madneſs and deſpair,
and often ſtupifies and totally difpirits them. The
firit obedience required in a horſe is going forwards
till he performs this duty freely, never even think
of making him rein back, which would inevitably
make him reftive; as ſoon as he goes forwards rea-
dily, ſtop, and careſs him. You muſt remember in
this, and likewiſe in every other exerciſe, to ule him
to go equally well to the right and left; and when
he obeys, careſs him and diſmiſs him immediately.
If a horſe that is very young takes fright and ſtands
ſtill, lead on another horſe before him, which pro-
bably will induce him inſtantly to follow. Puti
a fnafile in his mouth, and when he goes freely, ſad-
dle him, girting him at firſt very loofe ; but not fo
much fo as to endanger the horſe's entangling his
B.
legs
[ 14 ]
legs in it. It muſt be obſerved that ſmall circles in
the beginning would conſtrain the horſe too much,
and put him upon defending himſelf. No bend
muſt be required at firſt---never fuffer him to gal-
lop falſe, but whenever he attempts it, ſtop him
without delay, and then ſet him off a-freſh. If he
gallops of his own accord, and true, permit him to
continue it ; but if he does it not voluntarily, do
not demand it of him at firſt. Should he fly and
jump, ſhake the cord gently upon his noſe without
jerking it, and he will fall into his trot again. If he
ſtands ſtill, plunges or rears, let the man who holds
the whip make a noiſe with it ; but never touch
him, till it be abſolutely neceſſary to make him go
on. When
When you change hands, Itop and careſs him
and entice him by fair means to come up to you ;
for by preſenting yourſelf as fome do, on a ſudden
before horſes, and frightening them to the other
fide, you run a great riſque of giving them afhyneſs,
If he keeps his head too low, ſhake the caveflon to
make him raiſe it ; and in whatever the horſe does,
whether he walks, trots or gallops, let it be a con,
ftant rule that the motion be determined and really
ſuch as is intended without the leaſt ſhuffling, pa-
cing, or any other irregular gate. The rider muſt
now learn his horſe to paſſage, which is performed
by gently turning up the wriſt of his bridle hand,
applying the left leg to the horſe's ſide, and let his
ſhoulders go firſt, he will lap his legs over each o-
ther and move faide-ways to the right, as he may
perhaps ſuffer his horſe as will often be the caſe, to
run backwards or nat keep a ſtraight line, In paf-
ſageing he muſt ſtay him with the right leg, by ap-
plying it cloſe to the right ſide, which will bring him
up to his ſtraight lineagain, then hold it off, and he
will continue to paílage either in a walk, trot, or
canter; the contrary motions will alſo paffage to
the
;
15
the left. To rein backwards, is done by gently
drawing up the bridle hand, and keeping the legs
on each fide rather clofe, but ſcarcely touch him
with the ſpur, and he will go backwards ſtep by
ſtep, 1.5w and then flacking your hand to eaſe his
mouth; if he offers to turn his croop either way,
apply the ſpur to the offending fide which will
bring him fquare again. The uſe of this move-
ment is in caſe the files double, they may move
quicker backwards and preſent a front, which is
more agreeable than to turn round in confufion; if
for inſtance, a fingle man takes his poſt in the rank,
he comes into the
front of his interval in the rank,
moves his horſe ſtraight to the front, and without
joftling his right and left man, reins quietly back-
wards into his poſt. When the rider halts his legs
ſhould be applied to the horſe's fides, to make him
ſtop with his haunches under him, rather than to
ftop on his ſhoulders, which would certainly be the
cafe if the legs were not cloſed to his fides, and in a
quick motion endanger the horſeman being thrown
oui of his faddle, or the horſe's ſhoulders ſtrained.
There is another motion or movement neceſſary,
which is to make the horſe turn his hind quarters
round without moving his two fore-legs; thus
keep him eaſily in hand, and turn him either to
the right or left, by applying the different legs and
ſpurs to his fides, and he will turn as the centre up-
on his fore legs only, without moving them from
their place, and carry his haunches in a circle, his
fore legs making a round hole in the ground on.
which he ſtood, very neceflary for the right or left
flank men when the troop wheels to the right or
left about, and alſo in the ſame manner he may be
made to turn as a centre upon his hind legs, by
turning up the bridle hand a little, and cloſing ei-
ther leg to the horſe's fide, at the ſame time helping
him
[ 16 ]
him round by the reins, as it will then countera&
his paffing and cauſe him to move round his fore-
hand, his hind legs making a hole in the ground.
IN
The method of making Horſes ſtand fire, noiſes Joghts,
alarms, c.
TN order to make horfes Itand fire, the found of
drums, and all ſorts of different noiſes, you muſt
uſe them to it by degrees in the ſtable at feeding
time; and inſtead of being frightened at it, they
will focn come to like it as a fignal for eating
With regard to ſuch horſes as are afraid of burning
objects, begin by keeping them ſtill at a certain
diſtance from ſome lighted ſtraw ; careſs the horſe
and in proportion as his fright diminiſhes, approach
gradually the burning ſtraw very gently, and in-
creaſe the ſize of it. By this means he will very,
quickly be brought to be fo familiar with it, as to
walk undaunted even through it. As to horſes
that are apt to lie down in the water, if animating
them and attacking them vigorouſly, ſhould fail of
the deſired effect, then break a ſtraw oil bottle full
of water upon their heads, and let the water run in-
to their ears, which is a thing they apprehend very
much. All troop horſes muſt be taught to ſtand
quiet and ſtill when they are ſhot off from, to ſtop
the moment you preſent, and not to move after fir-
ing till they are required to do it ; this leffon ought
eſpecially to be obſerved in light troops : in ſhort,
the horſe muſt be taught to be ſo cool and undil
turbed as to ſuffer the
rider to act upon him with
the ſame freedom as if he was on foot. Patience,
coolneſs and temper, are the only means requiſite
for accompliſhing this end. Begin by walking the
horſe gently, then ſtop and keep him from ftirring
for
a
[ 17 ]
Tometime, ſo as to accuſtom him by degrees, not to
have the leaſt idea of moving without orders ; if
he does, then back him, and when you ſtop him
and he is quite ſtill, leave the reins quite looſe. To
uſe a horſe to fire arms, firſt put a piſtol in the man-
ger with his feed, then uſe him to the ſound of the
lock and pan, after which, when you are upon him,
fhew the piſtol to him, preſenting it forwards, fome
times on one ſide, ſometimes on the other, when he
is thus far reconciled, proceed to flaſh into the panj
after which, put a ſmall charge into the piſtol, and
ſo continue augmenting it by degrees to the quanti-
ty which is commonly uſed ; if he ſeems uneaſy,
walk him forward a few ſteps ſlowly, and then ſtop,
back, and careſs him.
Horſes are often alſo diſquieted and unſteady at
the flaſh, and drawing and returning of fwords
all which they muſt be familiariſed to by little and
little, by frequency and gentleneſs. It is very ex-
pedient for all cavalry, in general, but particularly
for light cavalry, that their horſes ſhould be very
ready and expert in leaping over ditches, hedges,
gates, &c. The leaps, of whatever fort they are,
which the horſes are brought to in the beginning,
ought to be very ſmall ones ; the ric'ers muſt keep
their bodies back, raiſe their hands a little in order
to help the fore parts of the horſe up, and be very
attentive to their equilibre. It is beſt to begin at a
low bar covered with furze, which pricking the
horſe's legs, if he does not raiſe himſelf fufficiently,
prevents his contracting a fluggiſh and dangerous
habit of touching as he goes over, which any thing
yielding and not pricking would give him a cuſtom
of doing. Let the ditches you firſt bring horſes to
be narrow, and in this as in every thing elſe, let the
increaſe be made by degrees. Accuſtom them to
come up to every thing which they are to leap over
and
18
and to ſtand coolly at it for ſome time, and then to
raiſe themſelves gently up in order to form to them-
ſelves an idea of the diſtance. When they leap
well ſtanding, then uſe them to walk gently up to
the leap, and to go over it without firſt halting at it,
and after that practice is familiar to them repeat it
in a gentle trot, and ſo by degrees faſter and faſter,
till at length it is as familiar to leap flying on a full
gallop as any other way; all which is to be acquir-
ed with great facility by calm and foft means, with-
out any hurry. As horſes are naturally apt to be
frightened at the fight and ſmell of dead horſes, it
is adviſable to habituate them to walk over and leap
over carcaſes of dead horſes, and as they are parti-
cularly terrified at this ſight, the greater gentleneſs
ought confequently to be uſed. Horſes fhould alſo
be accuſtomed to ſwim, which often may be neceſ
fary upon ſervice, and if the men and horſes are not
uſed to it, both may be frequently liable to periſh
in the water. A very ſmall portion of ſtrength is
fufficient to guide a horſe, any where indeed, but
particularly in the water, where they muſt be per-
mitted to have their heads and be no ways conſtain-
ed in any ſhape. Plunging is a very common de-
fence among reſtive and vicious horſes; if they do
it in the ſame place, or backing, they muſt, by the
rider's legs and ſpurs firmly applied, be obliged to
go forwards, and their heads kept up high ; but if
they do it flying forwards, keep them back and ride
them gently and very ſlow for a goodwhile together.
Of all bad tempers and qualities in horſes, thoſe
which are occafioned by harſh treatment and igno-
rant riders are the worit. Rearing is a bad vice,
and in weak horſes eſpecially, a very dangerous one.
While the horſe is up the rider muſt yield his hands
and when the horſe is deſcending he muſt vigor-
ouſly determine him forwards ; if this be done at
any
[ 19 1
any other time but while the horſe is coming down,
it may add a ſpring to his rearing, and make him
fall backwards. With a good hand on them, hor
ſes feldom perſiſt in this vice, for they are naturally
much afraid of falling backwards. If this method
fails, you muſt make the horſe kick up behind, by
getting ſomebody on foot to ſtrike him behind with
ea whip, or if that will not effect it, by pricking him
with a goad. Starting often proceeds from a de-
fect in the fight, which therefore muſt be carefully
looked into ; whatever the horſe is afraid of, bring
him up to it gently, if you careſs him every ſtep he
advances, he will go quite up to it by degrees, and
ſoon grow familiar with all ſorts of objects. No-
thing but great gentleneſs can correct this fault;
for if you inflict puniſhment, the apprehenſion of
chaſtiſement becomes prevalent, and cauſes more
ſtarting than the fear of the object : if you let him
go by the object without bringing him up to it, you
increaſe the fault and confirm him in his fear': the
conſequence of which is, he takes his rider perhaps
a contrary way from what he was going, becomes
his maſter, and puts himſelf and the perſon upon
him every moment in great danger. With ſuch
horſes as are to a very great degree fearful of any
objects, make a quiet horſe, by going before them,
gradually entice them to approach nearer and near-
er to the thing they are afraid of. If the horſe
thus alarmed, be undiſciplined and headſtrong, he
will probably run away with his rider, and if fo, his
head muſt be kept up high, and the fnaffle fawed
backwards and forwards from right to left, taking
up and yielding the reins of it, as alſo the reins of
the bit ; but this latter muſt not be fawed backwards
and forwards like the fnaffle, but only taken and
yielded properly. No man ever yet did, or ever
will ſtop a horſe, or gain any one point over him
by
up
by main force, or by pulling a dead weight againſt
him. It is impoſible, in general, to be too circum-
fpect in leffons of all kinds, in aids, chaſtiſements,
or careſſes. Some horfes have quicker parts, and
move more cunning than others. Many will im-
perceptibly gain a little every day on their rider.
Various, in ſhort, are their diſpoſitions and capaci.
ties. It is the rider's buſineſs to find out their dif-
erent qualities, and to make them ſenſible how
much he loves them, and defires to be loved by
them; but at the ſame time that he does not fear
them and will be maſter.
Having thus very minutely given every inſtructi-
on for riding, breaking, and managing horſes, the
proper exerciſe and neceffary evolutions of the
horfe now follows, which, with ſuch materials can
not fail of being ſoon acquired and making a pow-
erful and well diſciplined cavalry.
The pektion of a Dragoon diſmounted.
He is to ſtand on the left ſide of his horſe, with
his heels in a line with his horſe's fore feet, holding
the reins near the bit with his right hand, and muft.
face to the front.
Inſtructions for Mounting, Diſmounting, Drawing and Rem
turning Stvords ----for which the following words of com
mand are uſed, viz.
Prepare to Mount! Three motions.
it. You muſt ſtep back, take hold of a lock of
your horſe's mane with your right hand and put
it into your left hand.
2d. Take hold of the ſtirrup leather with your
right hand and put your left foot into the ſtiru
rup.
3d. Then briſkly take hold of the back part of the
ſaddle with your right hand and riſe up in your
ftirrup,
[ 21 ]
ſtirrup, holding both legs even for a ſhort time,
heads well up, heels clofe, and knees ſtiff look-
ing full to the right.
Mount ! Four motions.
ift. Place your right hand on the right holſter and
throw over your right leg.
2d. Put your right foot in the ſtirrup with life, at
the ſame time place your right hand juſt upon
the left.
3d. Slide the bridle reins through you right hand
to the end perpendicular, your right elbow
ſquare, and throw the end briſkly down the
horſes neck.
4th. Bring your right hand down upon your right
thigh with great vivacity.
Prepare to Diſmount Five motions.
ift. Seize the reins with your right hand, a little
above the left, taking your right foot out of the
ftirrup.
2d. Bring the end of your rein up perpendicular,
the right elbow ſquare.
-3d. Quit the bridle and bring the right hand down
by the right ſide.
4th. Seize a bit of the mane with the right hand,
put it into the left, and twiſt it round the fin-
gers.
5th. Bring the right hand down by the right ſide.
Diſmount ! Four motions.
ift. Seize the inſide of the off holſter with the
right hand, the palm to the front.
2d. Bring the right leg well over the cloak, ſeizing
the hind part of the ſaddle with the right hand,
the head remarkably well up, heels cloſe, and
knees ſtiff.
3d. Bring the right foot to the ground.
4th. Bring the left toes to the front, and heels in a
line with the horſes fore feet, face to the front.
B 2
Draw
[ 22
]
Draw your Swords ! Three motions.
Ift. Turn the edge to the rear, bringing it down
cloſe by the left ſhoulder, and point it into the
fcabbard, the head turned briſkly to the right
bafter pointing it.
ed. Return it with life.
3d. Bring the right hand away ſmartly, always car-
rying the right hand flat.by the thigh, when it
is not going through motions that require it
otherwiſe.
N. B. Great brifknefs muſt be uſed in all the a-
bove motions and where any number of motions
are thrown into one. The troop ſhould now begin
to exerciſe, firſt with a paffage and turning at open
files, as they will acquire by that means a total com-
mand of their horfes, without which, no man can
be faid to be a complete cavalier. They ought alſo
to be perfected in all minute things in ſmall bodies,
to prevent teaching trifles in the ranks afterwards.
The captains and officers muſt diligently attend the
exerciſe of their troops, and give the neceflary di-
rections for forming both men and horſes with punc-
tuality and quicknels, and the troop fhould particu-
larly practiſe wheeling and marching, taking care
in the latter to put all their horſes in motion at
once, as the leaſt omiffion of that kind, eſpecially
in wheeling is always certain, from the rapidity of
the movements of cavalry, to break their order and
often diſable men by bruifes in the ranks. More
attention therefore, if poſſible, is neceſſary than in
the infantry. At the hour appointed for exercife,
every man ſhould be at his horſe's head, and on the
trumpet founding to horſe, the whole ſhould mount
and form as ordered, one, two, or three deep, the
officers ſhould then inſpect their traop, if the troop
S forms a rank entire, the front rank draws up on the
right, the rear upon the left, and the centre rank
upon
[ 23 ]
a
upon the centre; if two deep, the centre forms
behind the front rank, and the rear is doubled up
on the left of front and centre rank. The officer
commanding the troop, finding every thing right,
gives the word, rank and fize, on which the men
who ſize to the right move forwards, and thoſe
who go to the left rein back out of their line they
ſtood in, pauſe a little and then get into their places
as ſoon as poſſible, avoiding joftling or running a-
gainſt their right or left hand men, this teaches, as
in the infantry, a quick method of rallying and of
falling from confuſion into order. The men ſettled,
the ranks are cloſed, the files completed, the troop
told off by fives; what is meant by fives, is the quar-
ter rank fubdivided, and called ſo for ſhortneſs, as
they may be always that number. A troop is there-
fore in two and four diviſions, and a ſquadron will
be compoſed of double that number; for example,
if a troop has eighteen files, it is told off by two di-
viſions of nine files, and each of theſe is one five
and a four, both which wheeling, when ordered on
the centre, will not obſtruſt one another. Should
a troop be compoſed of a ſmaller number, the
fours muſt be adopted as any number below that
cannot wheel well, for three horſes do not occupy
ſo much ſpace in breadth as one in length, and of
courſe cannot eaſily turn in that ſmall compafs.
The troop is now to perform ſuch evolutions as may
be ordered, forming three deep on the march, as
the ground will permit, and the men telling them-
felves off by files, that no time may be loft ; for
though the whole day is before them and little elſe
to do, yet nothing military ought to be done
in a flovenly or dilatory manner. The captain
marches in the front, the ſecond lieutenant falls in
upon the right, the cornet on the left of the front
rank, the firſt lieutenant in the rear and a ferjeant
on
[ 24-1
on the right of centre and rear and right and left of
the rear rank, which diſpoſes of all the officers ;
the corporals on the right, and where they fize in
their ranks. The ranks are to be at a horſe length
only diſtance from each other, except at the charge,
when they are cloſe to the croop, which is only
done to let the men know that they muſt keep as
cloſe as they can, for it is impoſſible to march and
continue fo. When the troop comes upon its
ground, the captain orders it to halt----the evoluti-
ons then follow----the words of command to be gi-
ven, as if to a ſquadron.
THE HORSE EVOLUTIONS.
Squadrons take your proper interval----March !
From the Centre, open your files ! One motion.
March !
The half ranks that open to the left, muſt turn
their heads to the left, the officers move with the
men.
Halt ! One motion.
Heads to the right with a briſk motion.
To the centre cloſe your files ! March !
The right half ranks turn their heads to the left;
in all paſſaging and inclining, the men muſt look
the way they are going.
Officers take your poſts of Exerciſe !
Move forwards, dreſfing with the centreſtandard,
about twenty paces in the rear of the commanding
officer.
Halt !
The officers upon the right of the centre, come to
the left about, thoſe on the left to the right about ;
the ſerjeants muſt be on the flanks of their troops ;
the Squadrons muſt be at the diſtance of open order,
which is half the diſtance of the front rank; fer-
jeants must keep ſteady in the ranks going through
the evolutions, and take care that the men do their
buſineſs properly, but on no account to ſpeak to
them ſo loud as to be heard in the front. Half
25
a
Half ranks to the right----double pour files ! Mareh !
The left half ranks rein back to half the diſtance
of open order, making a little halt; then the right
half ranks paſſage a little way to the left, the half
anks that double paſſage a little way to cover them.
Half ranks double as you were ! March !
Half ranks to the left----double your files! March!
In the ſame manner as before.
Half ranks that doubled as you were ! March !
The fame way as before.
By two diviſions, wheel to the right and left about outwards !
March !
The flank man looks inward, when they have
performed half their wheel each half rank ſhould
be dreffed ; they muſt manage to obſerve the mo-
tions of each other, and they will be drefled and
come round together,
Wheel to the right and left about, to your proper front!
March !
Complete the circle and dreſs, the flank men al-
ways taking great care to give the rank their proper
diſtance.
Rear ranks by two diviſions, to the right----double your front !
March!
When the left hand man of each half rank is clear
of the flank, they make the ſecond wheel and dou-
ble up.
Rear ranks that doubled----as you were ! March !
Wheel to the right about, dreſs, and move to the
rear in a very ſtraight line, taking care to get the
proper diſtance from the centre rank, before they
wheel again to form.
с
Rear
I
[ 26
Rear ranks to the left----double your front! March !
The fame directions as to the right.
Rear ranks that doubled---as you were! March !
The ſame as before.
Rear ranks, by quarter ranks, to the right and left---double
your front ! March?
The two quarter ranks on the right, wheel ſepa-
rately to the right, or the left to the left.
Kear ranks that doubled----as you were! March !
The quarter ranks wheel to the right and left
about outwards, march to the rear, and when at
the diſtance they came from, wheel inwards and
form.
Rear ranks move forwards to order! March!
Ranks to be the diſtance of one third of the front
rank. gundo o SOSTITE
sc
By three diviſions to the right wheel! March !
As ſoon as they have wheeled, the diſtance
ſhould be taken fo exact, that the files ſhould be
clofe ; and the inſtant any evolution is performed,
the ranks ſhould be well dreſſed. In wheeling, the
right hand man of each diviſion gives his horſe the
right leg, by laying it well back, and turns his
croop
bringing his wheeler about with him.
To the right wheel ! March !
To the right wheel ! March !
To the right about wheel ! March !
By three diviſions, to the left wheel! March!
To the left wheel ! March !
The left hand man of each diviſion gives his
horſe the left leg.
To the left about wheel ! March !
Rear
Rear ranks move forwards to cloſe order----to the diſtance of
four paces !
By fours, to the right about wheel! March !
This evolution muſt be done flow, the right hand
man of each four turning their horſes croops well
about. Other evolutions muſt be done quick, but
very exact.
By forrs, to the left about wheel! March !
Officers take poſt at the head of your Squadrons ! March !
Move forwards, keeping the rank exactly dreſſed
by the right, till they come within four paces; the
commanding officer of each ſquadron within eight
paces. Halt !
The officers of each ſquadron face inwards, to
the right and left about to their ſtandard, the ſtand-
ard to be in the centre of the front rank.
Squadrons to the right wheel ! March !
To wheel briſk and the officers to keep the ranks
dreffed, the rear ranks to keep inclining to the left
to cover their file leaders; no man muſt open his
lips on any account if he ſhould be preſſed in the
ranks; and the inſtant the ſquadron halts, ranks
ready, and well drefled.
To the right wheel! March !
To the right about wheel! March !
Squadrons to the left wheel! Mareh !
The rear ranks incline to the left to cover their
file leaders.
To the left wheel! March !
To the left about wheel! March!
Take care to prepare for the charge !
The officers, commiſſioned and non-commiſſion-
ed, go into the ranks, and poſt themſelves accord-
ing to the above diſpoſition, always keeping upon
the
L 28
right;
the flanks of the quarter ranks, the commanding
officer of the ſquadron marching in the front; the
officers that are upon the right of the ſtandand, be-
long to the quarter rank upon their left; and thofe
on the left, belong to the quarter ranks upon their
all officers by this method, engage with the
men of their own troops; and when upon a march
if the ground requires it, the ſquadron breaks into
quarter ranks, and doubles up into ſquads or half
{quads, as the ground admits of; when on a march
the ſtandard is to be carried in the centre of the
quarter rank, that is upon the right of the centre;
if occaſion ſhould require either of the flank quar-
ter ranks to purſue, the quarter-maſter ſerjeant next
it, goes with it.
Squadrons move forwards ! March !
Form your march by quarter ranks from the
right. The quarter rank on the right moves
ſtraight forwards, the reſt incline to the right, and
each quarter rank follows one another.
Form in half ſquads !
The left quarter ranks double up to the left of the
right quarter ranks.
Form in Squadron !
The left half ſquadron doubles up in the ſame
manner.
Form your march by quarter ranks from the left !
The left quarter rank marches forward, the reft
incline to the left and cover.
Form to the front !
The quarter ranks double up to the right; in all
inotions on horſeback, the men muſt keep their
horſes well in hand, and made perfect maſters how
they are to uſe their legs, to give the proper aids.
A light dragoon ſhould ride ſhort enough to clear
himſelf four inches from the ſaddle, as he will ſtrike
a ſtronger blow, and fire with greater certainty by
ſtanding in his ftirrups.
EVO
EVOLUTIONS and ATTACKS for the LIGHT
DRAGOONS in SQUADRONS.
They muſt be told off in half ranks, quarter
ranks, or diviſions and files.
When the ſquadrons prepare for the charge, the
troop falls two deep, doubling to the right or left,
and cloſe their ranks at the fame time.
Then wheel to the right or left about by quarter
ranks, and marches to the rear, then wheels to its
proper front.
Marches by three diviſions to cover the right or
left flanks of their reſpective ſquadrons.
The captain and ſecond lieutenant with the right
or left half ranks of the front and centre.---To the
right fquadron.
The cornet and a ferjeant with the left, or right
half ranks of the front and centre.-.--To the centre
fquadron.
The firſt lieutenant, and a ferjeant with the half
Tanks of the rear.---.To the left ſquadron.
EVOLUTION S.
Firft. Half ranks double your files to the right!
Second. To the left !
Third. Half ranks wheel outwards !
Fourth. Quarter ranks wheel to the right about !
Upon their centre, half the quarter rank advanc-
ing, half to rein back; if there is an odd man, his
horſe is to turn upon his fore feet.
Fifth. To the left about !
Sixtb. Ranks file off and form the rear!
The whole ranks turn their heads, and follow
their leaders, fcem either flank to the rear.
Seven. The whole to file off in three ranks and
forin in the rear !
The three ranks turn their horfes heads and fol-
low their own leader; the rear rank will be for-
wardeſt
wardeft, and begins to rank up firſt to the proper
front, every man paſſing his leader ; when the laſt
man is clear of the ſucceeding rank, that rank will
immediately form.
Eigbi. Form two deep !
The half rank of the rear that leads, inclines up
to the front, followed by the other that joins the
centre.
Ninth. Form a rank entire !
The front inclines to the right, the rear inclines
to the left, and join in one rank.
Tenth. Form two deep!
The half of the rank inclines to the left, and the
left inclines to the right.
Eleventh. Form three deep!
The diviſions of the rear that incline up, to re-
duce by inclining,
Twelfth. Take ground to the right.
All the ranks incline at the fame time they ad-
vance.
Thirteenth. To the left.
Fourteenth. Wheel by ſquadrons.
A T T A C K S.
Ranks at open order.
Officers poſted on the flank.
Trumpeters to be inſtructed and the dragoons to
underſtand the fignals given by the trumpet, to be-
gin the attack, to ceafe the attack, to charge, and to
form. The attacks are performed advancing.
When the diviſion detached to each ſquadron is
ordered to attack, they muſt firſt take ground into
the right or left of their interval ; then to the left,
before the front of the ſquadron. In firing it mult
be obſerved as a general rule to fire the piſtol on the
right firſt, and the one on the left the next.
Firſ. By half ranks, fire to the front !
When
31
the rear.
When the front rank is twenty-five paces from
the enemy, the officer gives the word, make ready
half ranks----preſent, fire ! preſent, fire? &c. The
centre makes ready when the left of the front pre-
fents, and the rear follows the centre in the ſame
manner; as ſoon as each half rank has fired, it
wheels outwards and forms in the rear.
GEOIS
Second. By whole ranks fire!
When the front preſents, the centre makes rea-
dy; and as ſoon as each rank has fired, it wheels
outwards and forms in the rear.
Third. By ranks fire! file off outwards by half
11.34 ranks, and fire again on the enemies flanks !
After firing, each man faces to the right about
upon his horſes fhoulders, and returns to form in
is an
Fourth. By ranks fire on the flanks, and charge
mes that flank with your ſwords !
The front and centre charge that flank they fired
on, the rear charges the rear; after firing, the front
rank files from the right, the centre from the left,
and the rear from the right.ord on)
After firing again, the leader turns outwards, fol-
lowed by the others, and form a rank entire, by
ranking up oppoſite the flank they fired on, then
charge the rear with fwords, and after charging the
leader, to file and form in the rear of the diviſion ;
the rear rank after firing, ranks up oppoſite the
enemy's rear.
das
BOL DE
Fifih. By half ranks, file off from the left, croſs
the enemy's front and fire ! 2011
When the front begins to file, the centre makes
ready, the rear follows, the officer leads the firſt
half rank, and remains fronting the enemy to fire
the half ranks, as they ſucceed ten paces from one
another; after firing they form in the rear.
Sixtb
-L L32
your ſwords !
Sixth. By ranks file off, fire on one flank, fire a-
gain on the rear and charge the other with
The rear rank fires and charges the rear,
The foregoing attacks will be chiefly uſed when
the lines are at ſome diſtance, and not yet complete-
ly formed or ready to charge.
The following attacks will be uſed immediately
before or after the charge. Whenever the lines
approach to charge, the light dragoons muſt al-
ways file full ſpeed to the rear, to avoid being
cruſhed by the ſhock.
Seventh. Form a rank entire, fire, file off outwards
Banfire again on the flanks and charge the rear
with your ſwords !
Eighth. Purſue after the line has charged !
When the line charges, the diviſion files from
right to left, leaders adyancing in a line with the
fquadron; and when the enemy retreats, they ad-
vance full ſpeed to the centre of the enemy; each
man fires, ranks up, fires again, and purſues with
his ſword.
Ninth. Cover the retreat!
When the line charges, the diviſion files from
right to left, the leader advancing in a line with the
flanks of the ſquadrons; and when the enemy pur-
Lues, continue filing and firing on the fanks, the
leaders advancing full ſpeed, directly to the centre
of the enemy's rear, the whole rank up, fire again
and follow with fwords, when the enemy faces
about, the whole file outwards to join the ſquadron.
Tenth. Street fire advancing !
The half ranks double to the right, fire by half
ranks, then file outwards to form, and load in the
rear, the ſecond ranks make ready when the front
prefents.
Elever. Street fire retreating !
The
[ 33 ]
The half ranks come about to the front when the
preceeding rank makes ready; after they have
faced, they fire upon the fame ground without
advancing
CHARGING IN SQUADRONS.
Firt. Squardon charge and flanks purſue !
After the ſhock, the quarter ranks of the front
and centre drop their ſwords, make ready their
piſtols; the quarter ranks of the front incline out-
wards, the quarter ranks of the centre, incline till
the whole forms a rank entire, fire, and continue
the purſuit with their fwords. At a ſignal ſound-
ing the quarter ranks come to the right about and
join the ſquadron, centre advancing firſt; if the
ſquadron is three deep, the rear rank doubles upon
each flank, when the quarter ranks of the front and
centre purſue.
Secend. Squadrons charge, retreat, and fire your
flanks!
When the enemy purfues the retreating ſquad-
ron, the quarter ranks muft face, drop their ſwords
and form a rank entire as before, fire, face and
join the ſquadron.
Third. Squadrons charge, and the whole purſue !
After the charge (except the reſerve the whole
purſue, inclining outwards from the centre to ſur-
round the enemy; drop their fwords, fire, taking
fure aim, recover their ſwords, and purſue ; at a
fignal founding the whole rallies.
ADDITIONAL EVOLUTIONS.
From the right or left file off, fire upon one
fquadron and then on the next.
The divifion to file off from right or left, the
rear following the front, and fire firſt upon one
ſquadron
C2
[ 34 ]
ſquadron, and then on the next, returning imme.
diately to the ſquadron.
The ſervice. of light dragoons requiring perſonal
activity and addreſs, they ſhould practice galloping
gently in file while the ſmall bodies, carrying the
horſes forward in a ſerpentine line, bending the
body always to the hand they turn to, and during
this to turn at word of command to right or left
about.
This ſhould be continued till the horſe acquires
a ſteady even hand gallop, and the man a perfect
command of him ; they may then be inſtructed
how to fkirmiſh with one another, and be ſhew-
ed the addreſs neceſſary to avoid an enemy's fhot,
By throwing themſelves on the oppoſite ſide of the
horſe, and how by being expert and quick, they
may come up with their ſwords on their adverfa-
ry's left hand, which gives all the advantage they
can defire over him. The rider ſhould always keep
his horfe in hand, and never let him out but in
purſuit, or in coming off, for the moment a horſe
gets into full ſpeed he loſes his command of him,
and when either the enemy or they fire, they ought
always to turn upon him to take advantage from
the execution of their own fhot, or that of their
adverſary's being thrown away; they ſhould be
inſtructed how to march, and form by half ſquad-
rons and quarter ranks, telling every troop off as
a ſquadron ; they fhould march and wheel in
{quadrons, and by fives to the right and left abqut
and likewiſe move in the oblique line, it is eaſily
done, the troop being on the march, and the word
incline to the right given, the men ſhould carry their
bridle hands a little to the right, and immediately
apply their left legs, the officer who leads muſt be
careful that the troop gains ground, otherwiſe it
will only become a raflage and anſwer no purpoſe;
but
a
[ 35 ]
but by getting forward in this oblique direction,
which practice will render very eaſy, a ſquadron
may fall in upon the flank, or wheel into therear
of an enemy. This is eaſieſt executed, and only
neceſſary, when by any accident our ſquadrons are
inferior to thofe of the enemy; for where there is
an equality, American cavalry cannot deſire a great-
er advantage than ſhocking in front. They ſhould
particularly practiſe the marching through woods,
where any horſemen can go. The commanding
officer makes his men file to the front from the
right of each quarter rank, the centre following
the front, and the rear following the centre, rank
in one file. Where a wood is very practicable, a
ſquadron may file from the right of each fives,
which will facilitate the forming, and when very
thick, may only file from the right of the half
ſquadron. Theſe files muſt keep an equal pace,
and pafs where the trees and buſhes will permit;
and if a rivulet with a bridge or paſs of any ſort,
impedes the march, the files muſt incline cloſe to
one another, and paſs as four, or by two, as the
ground will admit of from the centre, and the
wings paffing after, the whole ſhould expand again
to their former intervals. When neceflary to form,
each file doubles up to the left by ranks, which
brings the fquadron into immediate order. In this
manner thick and ſtrong countries may be paffed,
and an enemy furprized, who depends too much
for ſecurity from the ſituation of his poſt. This
fhould be practiſed in woods, after the men have.
been inſtructed in the plain; and it will alſo be
very neceffary to make the ſquadron file to the
rear by quarter ranks, which is done by the right
hand man running out of the ranks, going off,
and being followed by the reſt, the centre fucceed-
ing to the rear, and the front to the centre rank.
This
[ 36 ]
a
This evolution will be very uſeful in retreats, as
the rear ranks in a manner ſteal away impercep-
tibly, and are inſtantly followed by the front. To
form again, found a fignal, when the leading men
of each quarter rank, turning their horſes to the
left about, the whole does the fame, and form
upon their left; they immediately cloſe and are fit
for action again. Oficers of cavalry, ſhould be
diftinguiſhed
for activity and addrefs, and above
all by a ſpirit of enterprize; a man who raiſes fcru-
ples and doubts, and is full of difficulties, has mif-
taken his talent, and ſhould difpofe of himſelf bet-
ter immediately. The fpirit of this corps ſhould
be always to try, by which great things can only
be atchieved; and as with that principle they will
meet with frequent repulfes, it muſt be no dif-
grace to abandon any attempt, for though con-
Itantly puſhed before the army, yet they ſhould
never think of maintaining their poſt, againſt fupe-
riority, unleſs ordered fo to do, as their princi-
pal intention in ſuch a fituation, is rather to ap-
prize of danger, than to refift it when it comes.
The officers of light troop, ought to have a gene-
ral knowledge of geography, and a very particular
one of the ſcene of action; which will be found
of the utmoſt conſequence to promote their own,
and defeat the ſchemes 'of an enemy; they ſhould
alſo be able to take a ſketch of any country, the
better to illuſtrate their diſcoveries to the general,
who ſent them to view the fituation of an enemy,
and the avenues leading to him. The non-com-
miſſioned officers and men ſhould likewiſe be prac-
tiſed to reconnoitre, and patrole, the former to
gain intelligence of an enemy, and the latter to
prevent his approach without diſcovery; for both
which many little artifices may be uſed, too nume-
rous to be inſerted, though not undeferving a place
in
[ [
37 ]
in this effay. Diſcipline cannot be kept up with
too high a hand in light troops, their very exift-
ence depends upon it, that properly eſtabliſhed,
they will become a bleſſing to every country, by
the protection they will yield to it, againſt the in-
curſions of the enemy. But if there ſhould be a
neceſſity for light troops, to charge in ſquadrons,
let one quarter rank be drawn up before the other
three, in a rank entire with open files. The whole
move on, and when at a proper diſtance, from
the enemy, the advanced diviſion fire in a ſtrag-
ling manner, and immediately file outwards, and
fall upon the rear of the enemy; the three other
diviſions on their firing, ſubdivide from the centre,
and under cover of the fmoke incline outwards
and fall in upon the flanks.
TO CHARGE FOOT.
The ſquadrons to move on till the word prepare
to charge, when the whole drop on their horſes'
necks, and advance in this poſition, till the ene-
my's fire is drawn off, charging infantry is the
moſt dangerous fervice that cavalry can be employ-
ed in, and what they often fail in from their going
off, on receiving the fire of the foot, inſtead of
falling on when they have nothing but the bayonet
to defend themſelves. The men fhould therefore
be appriſed, that after the fire they ſhould have lit-
tle to fear; and that they muſt improve that oppor-
tunity to revenge the loſs of their companions, by
falling vigorouſly on the battallion with their
fwords, for the fmalleſt reſpite given, they may
expect a ſecond diſcharge as fatal as the firſt.
They may alſo affure themſelves that the bayonet
will not prevent the horfes from breaking thro',
and that thefe fmall ſquadrons coming up freſh,
D
cannot
I 38
cannot fail to compleat the defeat of the beſt in-
fantry.rs
RULES FOR CARRYING ON DISCIPLINE
- IN QUARTERS FOR THE LIGHT
22
DRAGOONS.
If Article. Subordination and Difcipline,
2d Article. Concerning Orders.
3d Article. Marching,
4th Article. Duty in Quarters.
5th Article. Exerciſe.
6th Article. Guards and Parades.
a
11 Article. Difcipline cannot be carried on with
out unanimity in the corps, and without the con-
curring aſliſtance of the commiffioned, and non-
cominiffioned officers, theſe two great points ob-
tained, nothing but method can be wanting to
make a good corps. It is ſtrongly recommended
to the officers, to inſpire the ferjeants and corpo-
rals with a proper ſenſe and ſpirit of their duty;
for on them in a great meaſure the ſervice depends;
they on their part, muſt exact a moft ſtrict com-
pliance with their orders from the men, and as their
authority will be fupported, muſt uſe it with dif-
cretion, and not to gratify any perſonal reſentment,
on the contrary muſt uſe the men kindly, ſtill avoi-
ding too much familiarity. The officers by look-
ing ſtrictly after and not truſting the non-commil-
fioned officers, will oblige them to do their duty;
and by properly ſupporting their authority, and
preventing any abuſe of it, may carry on the fer-
vice chearfully, at the ſame time with all proper
fubordination. Picketing, the uſual puniſhment
in the dragoons, not to be uſed, double duty, con-
finement, to be ſubſtituted in its room; or ſome
public
[39]
public rebuke. Court inartials are only to be call
ed on extraordinary occafions; it is to recommen-
ded to endeavour to pique the men in honor to
behave well, and to make them ſenſible of their
faults, without proceeding, if poſſible, to extre-
mities. Vicious, and ungovernable men muſt be
turned out with infamy, as unworthy of the corps.
2d Articl:. Orders ſhould be ſhort and diſtinct,
and as few verbal ones as poſſible. It is every offi-
cer's bufineſs to enforce orders and to ſee them
punctually executed. Any man diſobeying of or-
ders, comes immediately under the cognizance of
any officer, ferjeant or corporal, and he neglects a
molt material part of his duty, if he does not con-
fine, and report him to the commanding officer.
3-1 Article. All marching ſhould be by diviſions;
and they ought at leaſt to march four miles
an hour, they muſt parade in the uſual method,
but the ſquads to remain entire as they come to the
troop parade; and muſt be billeted by ſquads ;
the quarter-maſter ferjeant regulating that before
the trcop arrives.
The troops for marching fhoald be formed two
deep, and told off in two and four diviſions, with
the officers and ferjeants on the diviſions. The
quarter-maſter ſerjeant goes before for billets; and
a corporal mounted, with two men on foot, attends
the baggage. No ierjeant or corporal, or private
fhould come dirty to the troop parade. The bil-
lets muſt be diſtributed at the end of every quar-
ter before the troop enters, and the men know
where they are to go ; ſo that when the fwords are
returned, and the word rank off, given, the men
file from the right of the front, and left of the rear
Tanks, with great filence into their quarters. A
ſentry
[ 40
fentry ſhould be poſted at the commanding officer's
door, and relieved in an hour, from the new
guard. The men are, upon getting into their bil-
lets, to pull off their accoutrements, ſlacken their
horſe's girths, pick their feet, rub their horſe's legs
and feet very dry; then give them a little hay, and
tye them up to the rack to hinder them from lying
down. The men are to refreſh, and dreſs them-
ſelves, waiting for the trumpet's ſounding to ſta-
bles, when they are not to unſaddle, nor dreſs their
horſes till an officer with the quarter-maſter fer-
jeant, and farrier, has viſited the ſtables, and exa-
mined the horſes' backs. N. B. The faddles muſt
be left on till the horſes are quite cool.
When an horſe's back is hurt, it muſt proceed ei-
ther from the ſaddle not fitting, or careleflneſs in
putting it on, if the former, it muſt be immediately
remedied, if the latter, the dragoon muſt be repri.
manded, and ſhewn how to faddle his horſe proper-
ly, left it ſhould proceed from ignorance. Baggage
fhould be very carefully and well put on, and an
examination ſhould be ſometimes made upon the
march, and every fuperfluous article left behind.
The troops ſhould after having marched five or fix
miles, halt, the men diſmount and tighten their
girths that they may eaſe themſelves and let their hor.
ſes ſtall. No man at any other time to diſmount,
nor quit his ranks without leave, no horſe is to be
watered upon the march, or ſuffered to drink with-
out particular orders. The diviſions muſt always
keep clofe, and in an open country, march with as
large a front as poffible, and in lanes as ſmall, for
the convenience of the troops, and travellers ;
where the troop is to rank off, the front muſt
march faſt, and when it doubles up flow. The
horſes are never to be ſaddled, till boots and fad-
dles found; and no more time ought to be given
between that and to horſe than juſt fufficient to get
ready;
a
41
ready; and every method uſed that can render the
men expeditious and adroit in every thing they do.
4th Article. When the troop arrives at its quarters,
the commanding officer muſt divide it exactly into
ſquads, and appoint a parade, and alarm poft, the
men's quarters muſt be ſtrictly inſpected, and a re-
port made to the commanding ofcer of the
condition of them. The horſes to be watered, twice
in fummer, and once in winter.
An officer is always to ſee that the men attend the
tables; the quarter-maſter ferjeant round the
whole of the ſerjeants and corporals of their reſpec-
tive ſquads, and are every time the trumpet found-
ing, to viſit the ſtables, and report every man that
is abfent. The horſes to be well drefled every day,
and to have their manes and tails well combed,
and their heels rubbed every time the dragoon goes
into the ſtable. The troop muſt be aired every day
that the weather will permit, the whole muſt ride
out in faddles and bitts twice a week. The ſerjeants
and corporals muſt report to the quarter-maſ-
ter ferjeant, when a horſe wants ſhoeing, and he is
immediately to give orders to the farrier, and fee
that the ſhoe is not too heavy, that it fits the horſe,
and ſtands flat upon the ground. The light dra-
goon is always to appear clean, and dreſſed in a fol-
dier like manner in the ſtreets, and on Sundays,
the men to attend divine ſervice. Their piſtols
muſt always be kept clean, and in good firing or-
der, (except when ordered otherwiſe for exerciſe,)
a feather is to be up the touch-hole, and a ſtopper
in the muzzle, which muſt fit cloſe and well, to
prevent duſt getting in; the ſword muſt be kept
bright, ſharp, and well pointed, and muſt have a
ſtrap to go over the wriſt, as a ſecurity in action,
the fcabbard muſt be well ſecured in the belt alſo.
The cloathing muſt be kept as clean as poſſible,
and
[ 42 J
2
and always whole, the buff accoutrements are con-
ftantly to be kept clean, for which purpoſe every
man ought to have a colouring ball. The leather
acoutrements muſt be frequently kept oiled, and
the ſaddles, particularly the pannels, muſt be kept
in good repair to prevent fore backs.
5th Artic. Field days to be very frequent, but
very ſhort, a dragoon ought never to be fo long
mounted as to fatigue him, nor fo long without ex-
erciſe as to forget the ſmalleſt article. While a
dragoon is mounted, he is always to be in the poli-
tion eſtabliſhed for the corps, whether on duty or
returning to his quarters. To form a light troop,
your movements at firſt muſt be flow, and quick-
ened by degrees, as the men grow ready; when
they are got to be pretty quick, and accuſtomed to
go all paces, and to charge without halting, as the
leading officer directs, practiſe them to wheel fud-
denly in ſquadrons to the right or left, or about,
and to right or left by fours, and to ſtop fhort,
practiſe marching with as large a front as poſſible,
and ſubdividing, and doubling up again, and ac-
cuſtom them to march off, by half, or quarter ranks
from right or left, or centre, and to forming up in
ſquadrons again, incline with great quickneſs, to
right or leit, to wheel round an enemy's ſquadron.
The men ſhould be taught to fire with balls not on-
ly fingly, but in platoons, and fire their piftols
fingly, and to point their fwords well on horſeback.
A troop ſhould form two deep to extend its front,
as it would be molt trying; above all things atten-
tion muſt be given to forming the bridle hand, to
keep it ſteady, and give the aids properly, and if
pofiible, to bring every rider to have his horſe light
in hand.
The method of giving the word of command
fhould be as uniform through the whole as poffible,
and
[ 43
and be pronounced ſtrong, and ſhort as can be with
diſtinctneſs, to which a prompt execution muſt
immediately follow from the inen. The troop is
always to be exerciſed by the captain, or comman-
ding officer, and the reſt of the officers to take poſt
with the ſame ceremony as at a review. The cap-
tain ſhould make his fubalterns tell off, and exer-
ciſe the troop frequently before him, and it will be
much to his credit and honor that he fnews his
troop well diſciplined, and his ſubalterns intelligent
in their cuty.
The uſual ſignals are always to be given, viz.
To move forwards. To retreat. To halt. To
fire by platoons. To fire by grand diviſions, &c.
6th Article. A troop in qu rters muſt mount a
picquet of a corporal and fix men, or a ſerjeant,
corporal, and twelve men, who muſt furniſh a fen-
try for the commanding officer. The picquet to
mount, at ten o'clock, on Sunday's at eight, and
the parole given out on the parade; all the officers
and non-commiffioned officers, to be preſent, the
old picquet forms on the left of the new, the whole
two deep.
OF THE PARTICULAR DUTIES ON
WHICH LIGHT CAVALRY ARE
TO BE EMPLOYLD.
.
They are to be employed in reconnoitering the
enemy and diſcovering his motions; and as often
as officers are detached on ſuch cominands, all that
will be required of them is, to make their obſerva-
tions with certainty ſo as not to deceive the com-
manding officer afterwards by falſe intelligence ;
they are alſo on ſuch parties, to avoid engaging with
the
enemy, as being ſent out for a different pur-
poſe. Light cavalry are alſo to be made uſe of for
diſtant
[ 44 ]
diſtant advanced poſts. To prevent the army fronı
being falſly alarmed or furpriſed by the enemy; the
officers on ſuch poſts, are to render themſelves
judges of their fituation, and to poſt their fentries
in the moſt proper places. Parties are alſo to be
fent out to diſtreſs the enemy, by depriving them
of their forage and proviſions, by ſurpriſing their
convoys, attacking their baggage, harraſſing them
on their march, cutting off ſmall detachments, and
ſometimes carrying foraging parties; in fhort of
ſeizing all opportunities to do them as much damage
as they poſſibly can. Light cavalry are alſo very
properly adapted for forming ambuſcades.
EXERCISE FOR A REGIMENT OF
LIGHT DRAGOONS.
a
The regiment to be formed in three ſquadrons
at half open files, ranks at open order; officers
advanced a horſe's length before the front rank of
the troop they belong to; ſtandards in a line with
the officers; the commanding officer of each ſqua-
dron one horſe's length before the ſtandard ; the
adjutant on the right of the front rank, between
the ferjeant and trumpet; the ferjeants on the flanks
of each rank, the trumpets on the right of the right
and centre ſquadrons, and on the left of the left fqua-
dronin a line with thefront rank; the farriers to be on
the flanks of the trumpets, the quarter-maſter fer-
jeants to be in the rear of their reſpective troops
four horſe's lengths; the general to be received
with the compliments due to his rank, the Squa-
drons, to draw their ſwords by the word of com-
mand, from their reſpective commanding officers
as the general approaches; the officers to falute fe-
parately as the general pafíes; the commanding of
ficer of the regiment to attend on the general thro!
the
[45]
the ranks; the eldeſt major takes poſt in the front
of the regiment as ſoon as he has faluted, and the
youngeſt major advances to his poſt in the front of
the ſquadron.
N. B. The commanding officers to order their
ſquadrons to dreſs to the left after the general has
pafled the left of the regiment; each ſquadron as
he approaches, and dreſs to the right again after
he pafles. Before the exerciſe begins, the regi-
ment to march by in ſquadrons, then by troops, &
rank off if ordered. The eldeſt major to give the
word of command, as follows:
Rear rank take order.--March !
By quarter ranks take ground to the right...
MIcrk-forwards!
When the right of the ſquadron has marched
about thirty yards, the commanding officer gives
the words, to the left,---form the ſquadron; the on
ther two ſquadrons to keep marching on till they
cover the ſquadron before them, and then to form
to the left, and march paſt the general; when the
ſquadrons wheel, the commanding officer always
gives the word, rear ranks cloſe to the front; and
when they come within twenty yards of the gene-
ral, to dreſs to the right; and after they have paſa
fed, to dreſs to the centre; the trumpets to be in
the front of the ſquadrons and the farriers before
the trumpets; when the ſquadrons divide by troops
upon the march, the centre and left ſquadrons are
not to divide till they come upon the ſame ground
the right divided on; the commanding officer of
each troop, as ſoon as the troops are divided, to
tell them off by fours upon the march, and form
the march by fours when they come upon the ſame
ground, where the right ſquadron breaks cff;--file,
if ordered, and rank up again by fours, when they
have paſſed the general about twenty yards, at the
ſignal
[ 46 ]
;
fignal of the trumpet ;--the whole form troops, at
the ſecond fignal ---the whole form fquadrons,
when the ſquadrons have got up to the old ground,
the commanding officer to give the word --form the
line, halt ----the ſquadrons are then to dreſs to the
right ſquadron, and the rear ranks to take orders by
the word of command.
Take care to perform your exerciſe !
Make ready; Preſent; Fire!
Draw your Swords : Return your Swords!
;
Load : Face to the Left!
Make ready : To the Right Preſent: Fire!
Draw your Swords: Front: Return your Swords ;
Load; Face to the Right !
To the Left ; Preſent ; Fire!
Draw your Swords; Return pour Swords; Front !
Squadrons to the Centre cloſe your Files; March !
The officers commanding ſquadrons move out
to the front of their ſquadrons; the eldeſt major
goes to the right ſquadron, the youngeſt major to
the left, and the commanding officer with the el-
deſt captain to the centre. Two trumpets attend-
ing the commanding officer in the front; the reſt
of the trumpeters and farriers go to the rear of
their reſpectiveſquadrons, behind the quarter-maſ-
ters.---
Take Care to perform your Evolutions.
Forwards-----March !
Rear Rank, take open Order!
Half Ranks, to the right double !
Quarter Ranks, to the right double !
To the Front form Squadrons ---Forwards !
Half Ranks, wheel to the right and left about outwards,
----Forwards!
Wheel to your proper Front ---- Forwards!
Rear Ranks, take Order !
Quarter ranks, to the right take Ground, to the left form
your Squadrons!
Quarter
[ 47 ]
Quarter ranks to the left take ground, to the right forin
your Squadrons !
Forwards !--Take care to perform your ſingle filings!
By ranks, file from the flanks to the rear !
N. B. The front rank firſt.
Signal of the trumpet to form.--- Forwards!
From the right of the quarter ranks, ---file to the front !
Signal of the trumpet to form ---Forwards !
From the right of the quarter ranks ---file to the rear !
Signal of the trumpet to form ---Forwards !
Rear rank,---Cloſe to the
front !
From the right of the ſquadrons ---file to the front !
To the front, form the ſquadrons ---Forwards !
From the right of the ſquadrons, file to the rear !
Signal of the trumpet to form ---Forwards!
From the left of the ſquadrons, file to the front !
Signal of the trumpet to form ---Forwards !
From the left of the ſquadrons, file to the rear!
Signal of the trumpet to form ---Forwards!
From the right and left of the ſquadrons, file to the rear!
Signal of the trumpet to form ---Forwards !
From the centre of the ſquadrons, file to the rear !
Firſt Signal of the trumpet, to wheel about out-
wards and retreat.
Second Signal of the trumpet, to wheel about
outwards and advance.
Third Signal of the trumpet, to form ſquadrons,
--- Forwards!
From the centre of the regiment, file to the front !
N. B. The right ſquadron files from the left,
and the left ſquadron files from the right, and join
in the rear of the centre ſquadron.
At the Signal of the trumpet, to wheel to the
right and left about outwards, and retire.
At the Signal of the trumpet, to wheel to the
right and left about outwards, and form the
line---porzzards!
Squadrons,
[ 48 ]
Squadrons, to the right incline.----forwards !
Squadrons, to the left incline.---- Forwards!
Squadrons, to the right wheel.--forwards !
Squadrons, to the right wheel.----forwards!
Squadrons, to the right about wheel.--"rwards !
Squadrons, to the left wheel.----f rwards!
Squadrons, to the left wheel.----forwards!
Squadrons, to the left about wheel.----forwards!
The line wheels upon the centre either to the
right or left, as ordered.----From the right of the
ſquadrons by diviſions, form a column to the front;
to the front form the line, by inclining to the left.
From the left of the ſquadrons, by diviſions form
a column to the front, to the front forin the lines,
by inclining to the right.
From the centre of the ſquadrons, by diviſions,
form a column to the front, to the front form the
line, by inclining outwards.----forwards!
N. B. Troops act ſeparately as grand divifions,
if ordered.--- When retiring in ſquadrons, though
they may be on a gallop, to be very attentive to
come to the right about by ſubdiviſions, at the fig-
nal of the trumpet, dreſs and prepare for the
charge in ſquadrons, or act by divifions.
A T T A CK S.
11 Attack. Detached flanks of the front quarter
ranks ſupported by the rear quarter ranks, upon
the move file from the flanks, fire right piſtols,
and form in the rear; the rear quarter ranks move
up to the ground from whence the front ranks fir-
ed, and fire left piſtols, file and form in the rear;
the front rank moves up again, and fires right pil-
tols, and files as before, and the rear does the
fame, the centre divifions perform the ſame as the
flank diviſions.
24 Atteek.
[ 49
]
2d. Attack. The flank quarter ranks form a rank
entire in the front, fire right piſtols, to the front by
word of command from the officer in the centre;
file outwards and fire left piftols, draw ſwords and
form in the rear, the centre diviſion charges, halts,
and the ſecond line fupports immediately; the
ftanding diviſion always to be on the right, both
advancing and retiring.
3d. Attack. The line charges, halts, and goes a-
bout by diviſions and retires by word of command
from the commanding officer, the centre diviſions
retire ſlow; at the ſignal of the trumpet the centre
divifions come about by ſubdiviſions and ſtand faſt,
the flank diviſions go to the right about by ſubdi-
viſions, the rear rank returns their ſwords and
make ready their piſtols.
Next ſignal. By the trumpet the centre diviſions
go to the right about by ſubdiviſions and retire
flowly; the flank diviſions diſperſe and ſkirmish to
cover the retreat of the centre diviſions ; the front
rank with ſwords, the rear rank with piſtols.
Next fignal. By the trumpet the flank diviſions
form at wide intervals; the centre diviſions come
about by ſubdiviſions, move up, and dreſs with the
flank diviſions, taking care to keep proper inter-
vals; the whole charge in nine ſquadrons, halt,
the front rank of the flank diviſion return their
fwords and make ready their piſtols ; at the fignal
of the trumpet, the centre divifions go to the right
about by fubdiviſions and retire flow; the front
rank of the flank diviſions diſperſe and Akirmiſh
with piſtols ; the rear rank ſtands faft.
Signal of the trumpet. The centre diviſions front
the rear of the flank diviſions, and go about by ſub-
diviſions and retreat ; the ſkirmiſhers keep retiring
about thirty yards from the front of the line; this
is to be done alternately till the bugle-horn blows
to form ſquadrons and the line.
E
The
[ 50
a
The review being finiſhed, they march down to
a proper diſtance in order of parade, the trumpets
founding to march when they come within a few
paces of the Governor or reviewing General ; they
halt, and the officers falute together; if before the
Governor, the cornets carrying the ſtandards falute
with them, at the ſame time the officers falute with
their ſwords; immediately after the Governor or
the General that reviews moves down the front
and quits the field, the trumpets founding and the
fwords drawn until he is out of ſight.
EVOLUTIONS with OBSERVATIONS.
Words of Command.
OBSERVATIONS.
Half ranks to the right,
double.
Right half ranks incline
to the left, left half
ranks fall back and in
cline to the right
Forwards,
Quarter ranks to the right,
double.
As above.
Forwards.
Form half ranks.
Right quarter ranks in-
clines to the right, left
quarter ranks inclines
to the left and doubles
up
Forwards,
Form Squadrons,
As above.
Forwards.
By
[ 51
Words of Command.
OBSERVATIONS.
By half ranks wheel about, When half ranks wheel
about outwards, the left
outwards.
half rank of the right
ſquadron, and the right
Forwards.
half rank of the centre
ſquadron fhould cloſe to
each other, the other
{quadrons the fame.
Half ranks wheel inwards to
your proper
front.
Forwards.
Rear rank take order.
Quarter ranks to the right
take ground.
To trot.
Forwards.
To the left, form ſquadrons.
Quarter ranks, to the left,
take ground.
To trot.
To the right, form ſquadrons.
Forwards.
SINGLE FILINGS.
Front rank firſt.
Squadrons, by ranks, file from
both flanks to the rear.
Buglea
[ 52 ]
Words of Command.
OBSERVATIONS.
Bugle-horn---form ſquadrons. Cloſe round the flanks.
Forwards.
From the right of the quarter When all in file pull up.
ranks, file to the front.
Bugle-born---form ſquadrons.
Forwards.
As before.
From the right of quarter
ranks file to the rear.
Bugle-horn---form ſquadrons. Every man turns his horſe
to the left about.
Forwards.
Rear rank take cloſe order.
DOUBLE FILINGS.
From the right and left of
Squadrons file to the front. When all in file pull up,
In the
ſame manner file to the
rear.
As before.
Bugle-horn---form Squadrons.
Forwards.
From
L 53
Words of Command,
OBSERVATIONS.
From the centre of Squadrons, Bugle-horn---Wheel out-
form columns by fours wards and retreat.-----
Trumpet---Front.
Bugle-horn---form the line.
From the centre of the line (or Bugle-horn---Wheel out-
regiment) form columns by wards and_retreat-----
fours.
Trumpet---Front.
Bugle-born---Form the line.
To the right, wheel.
To the right, wheel.
To the right about, wheel.
The word "forwards," to
be given between eve-
ry wheel.
99
To the left, wheel.
To the left, wheel.
To the left about, wheel.
N. B. The word " forwards, whether in fqua-
drons or in half ſquadrons, to dreſs to the centre,
when a ſquadron advances by quarter ranks, the
quarter rank dreſſes to the right, unleſs the word
forwards is given, then the fubdiviſions that com-
poſe the quarter ranks dreſs inwards.
In all formings, the men are invariably to dreſs
to the hand they come up to, whether right or left,
and when the word " forwards," is given, they
are to dreſs to the centre.
CC
EVOLUTIONS FINISHED.
MOVEMENTS
[ 54 ]
MOVEMENTS OF THE LINE,
In SIX SQUADRONS.
iſt. To the right, wheel the line :---halt.
2d. By ſquadrons to the left wheel, and form in
column.
3d. Squadrons by ſubdiviſions, to the left, take
ground.
4th. To the right, form ſquadrons.
sth. To the front, form the line, by inclining to
the right ;---halt.
6th. Retire through a defile in the centre of the
rear. Trumpet. Front --Each man turns
fingly.
Words of Command.
OBSERVATIONS.
7th. Form the wedge poſition Thetwo centre ſquadrons
at the head of the defile. form in a line, the flank
ones come behind them
and out flank each -
ther.
8th. Form the line.
Flank fquadrons come
forward and dreſs.
gth. Attack to the front, The flank diviſions of
flank divifions form a rank each ſquadron advance
entire, centre diviſions fup and form a rank entire,
port.
and keep up a conſtant
irregular fire on the
retreating enemy;
the
centre divifons ſupport
with fwords drawn :
the whole advance or
retire according to ſig.
nals:
[ 55 ]
Words of Command.
OBSERVATIONS.
nals ; firing right piftols
advancing, and left pif-
tols behind them when
retreating; at the found
of the charge the centre
diviſions move on, the
flank ones form and join
them, and the line char-
ges and halts.
Toth. The regiment forms one Retire by ſubdiviſions.
ſquadron.
Two ſquadrons.
Centre ſquadron forms a
rank entire.
N. B. Front rank to the
left, rear to the right;
the flank ſquadrons in-
wards, ſtandards in file
in the centre.
Front, charge, halt, retire, by ſubdiviſions.
11th. Front---charge---wheel about outwards and
retire; wheel about inwards the regiment and halt.
12th. Advance and form t/c By troops wheel out-
line of twelve ſquadrons on wards, except centre,
the march.
who divide and get pro-
per intervals.
13th. Form two moked co-
lumns to the centre of three Twelve ſquadrons retire
Squadrons, each on the re- by ſubdiviſions.
treat ;
The
[ 56 ]
Words of Command.
OBSERVATIONS.
treat; front, and columns The third ſquadron from
charge through intervals of each flank in clines be-
the line to the front, and fore the centre, follow-
then charge to the flank, ed by the two others
ſupported by the line. from the flanks, & thus
form two columns of
three fquadrons each ;
the other fix ſquadrons
of the centre remain in
line, when the whole
front, the columns co-
ver the intervals on each
ſide of the centre one,
at the fignal they ad-
vance through the line,
cloſe to each other,
charge to the front, and
then chargetothe flank;
the ſquadrons of the co-
lumns paſs the ground
of each other before
they wheel on the flank,
charge, & none of them
paſs the extremities of
the line, but when halt-
ed and dreſſed in a line,
fronting outwards. In
the mean time, the fix
{quadrons of the centre
fupport and move on
till they paſs the flank
fquadrons that wheel,
and are moſt advanced
to the front.
14th.
[57]
Words of Command.
OBSERVATIONS.
141h. Retreat byfubilivifions, By the ſquadrons which
and form travo lines on the formed
the column
march.
wheeling inwards, and
forming a line. N. B.
15th. Both front, and then The line of the fix cen-
metime by alternate lines.
tre fquadrons will now
be next the front, and
16th. Foron the line of twelve detach ſkirmihers. The
Squadrons.
line formed of the flank
ſquadrons always to be
177h. Form the line for fqua- out flanked to the right
drons
when properly formed.
By the ſquadrons of the
firſt line inclining on the
flanks of the ſecond.
REAR GUARDS.
The whole charges and
halts. Bugle-horn, the
whole goes about by
018th. Attack to the front and fubdiviſions, (word of
couer the retreat.
command,) flank divifia
ons front, and halt, cen-
tre keep retiring, trum-
pet, centre
diviſions
front and halt, the flank
go about, the rear ranks
of the flank divifions
fhould now return
fwords, and make rea-
dy their right piſtols.
Bugle-horn, centre di-
vilions retire, the fanks
front, and the whole
fkirmiſh inſtantly. The
front rank with ſwords
rear, piſtols. Trumpet.
Centre
[ 58
Words of Command.
OBSERVATIONS.
Centre divifions front &
halt; the front rank of
ſkirmiſhers form about
40 or 50 yards from the
diviſion, leaving ſuch a
ſpace between the flank
diviſion, as the centre,
when they move up in a
line, may have a little
interval. Bugle horn.
Skirmiſhers join their di-
viſions, and the whole
move briſkly up & char-
ges in a line. Halt !--..
Centre diviſions retire,
and the rear of the flank
diviſions ſhould fkirmith
in front immediately, &
remain in front till the
bugle-horn founds, the
centre diviſions & front
rank of flank diviſions
retire alternately, accor-
ding to fignals.
19th. Charge, diſperſe, and rally in two oppoſite
lines of three ſquadrons.
20th. Wheel inwards and form the line.
211. March up in parade and falute.
THE
[59]
THE MOVEMENTS OF A REGIMENT
WHEN REVIEWED.
Movements.
OBSERVATIONS.
1/t. Form fix ſquadrons.
By inclining.
2d. To the right wheel the Each ſquadron wheels
line.
the eighth part of a cir-
cle to the right, then
takes its poſition in line,
dreſſing by the right
ſquadron.
3d. By ſquadrons to the left
wheel, and form columns.
4th. By ſubdiviſions to the
left take ground.
5th. To the right, form ſqua-
drons.
6th. Form two lines. N. B. The two eldeſt
captains troops form the
7th. Retreat by lines. the left of each line, to
out flank to the right.
8th. Advance and gain the
flank of the enemy.
Trumpet. Right files of
both lines move out in
gth. Charge by trumpets. front, form a rank en-
tire, and keep up a con-
ioik. Retreat by bugle-born. ftant irregular fire, both
lines move on flowly.----
11th. Form half wedge en Second Trumpet.
Se-
the right.
cond line forms the half
wedge, paffes the firſt
line,
[ 60 ]
Movements.
OBSERVATIONS.
12th. At the Trumpet. line, and gains the firſt
flank of the enemy, by
head to haunch, and
13th. Bugle-Horn. Form forms on the flank.
the line oblique.
The whole charges and
halts.
14th. Retreat ;----form half
wedge, netreating N. B. The ſkirmiſhers
daſh through the inter-
vals and form in the
rear of their own troops,
and remain there till af-
ter the charge ; fkir-
mifhers dath immedi-
ately to the front, and
continue ſkirmiſhing till
the line is formed.
The ſkirmiſhers daſh im-
mediately to the front,
and continue fkirmill-
ing tillthe lineisformed.
The line which gained
the flank wheel by ſqua-
drons to the right on the
retreat, and form the
half wedge, left ſqua-
dron leading
75!. Upon the centre form Right wing keep retreat-
the line.
ing, the left come about,
ſquadrons halting as they
come about.
16th.
Movements.
OBSERVATIONS.
16th. Form three ſquadrons. By paſſaging.
17th. Retreat through the de-By filing from the flanks.
file.
18th. Front by Trumpet.
Turn fingly.
19th. Form three ſquadrons by As ſoon as the center
trumpet.
ſquadron is clear of the
defile.
20th. Bugle-born---form the very briſk.
line.
21ft. Cbarge by trumpet.
As is explained in the
eighteenth movement,
of the fix ſquadrons.
22d. Rear guard.
23d. Form one ſquadron.
Flank fquadrons incline
briſkly to the centre of
the front, rear rank of
the centre ſquadron in-
clines outwards, and
forms a rank entire.
N. B. Standards in file
in the centre of the
whole.
24th. Charge by trumpet. Flank ſquadrons wheel
out by troops, centre
25th. Form fix ſquadrons, double up, & by troops
gain their intervals.
26th. Bugle-horn. Wheel up
in line.
F
27th.
I 62
Movements,
OBSERVATIONS.
27th. Trumpet---retreat.
28th. Bugle-horn---front.
left.
29th. Form folid columns to the left ſquadron moves
the left, by Squadrons. ſtraight forwards, the o-
ther fiveſquadrons, head
30th. Wheel the column to the to haunch, to the left on
a canter, till they cover
the leading ſquadron.
31f. Bugle-horne
Form the line on the
wheel by ſquadrons, ta-
32d. Charge in line---halt. king head to haunch to
the left.
33d. Squadrons, to the left,
wheel,
34th. Bugle-horn.
Form the line. N.B.To
original. Front
35th, Charge
36th. Diſperſe.
37th. Bugle-horn.
Rally to the ſtandard in
three ſquadrons.
Rear rank take open order.
March--up in parade and falute.
GENERAL
[ 63 ]
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
ift. In receiving the Governor the fwords are not
to be drawn till the Governor is oppofite the left
flank of the ſquadron on your right.
ed. The time of drawing ſwords and faluting, &c.
to be taken from the eldeſt major.
3d. In the filings, the officers who lead are not
to go off too faſt at firſt, fignal will be given them
when to change their pace to a walk.
4th. In column, the files are to be quite cloſe.
sth. In taking ground to the right or left, the
flank officers muſt lead at a trot.
6th. In forming the line the ſquadrons ſhould halt
rather ſhort of their ground, and then move up and
dreſs.
7th. The ſecond officer of each ſquadron ſhould
always lead to the rear.
8th. Skirmiſhers ſhould ſtop their horſes when
they fire, load when they retire, and always cover
the diviſions they are meant to ſupport; never to
fire after bugle-horn.
MOVEMENTS.
iſt. To the right wheel the line. Each ſquadron
to wheel the eighth part of a circle to the right,
then to take its poſition in line, dreſſing by the right
ſquadron.
2d. Form columns to the left by ſquadrons, croſs
the ground by ſubdiviſions. Form ſquadrons to
the right.
3d. Form line, dreſſing by the left, by ſignal of
the bugle-horn.
4th. Retreat through defile, from the flanks of
the line and front fingly.
5th. Form a wedge when paſſed the defile, ad
vance in wedge and
charge in line.
6th.
[ 64
a
6th. Attack to the front, flank diviſions forming
a rank entire, ſupported by the centre diviſions,
advance or retire according to fignals.
7th. Form one ſquadron, on the retreat, front
charge, halt, and retreat.
8th. Form fix ſquadrons.
gth. Form two lines to the front by taking ground
by ſubdiviſions inwards. Retreat by lines.
Ioth. Advance and gain the firſt flank of the ene-
my. Firſt trumpet. Skirmiſhers of the front line
move out in the front, form a rank entire, and keep
up a conſtant irregular fire, while both lines move
flowly on. Second trumpet. Second line forms a
folid column by head to haunch to the left, pafles
the firſt line, and having gained the flank, they take
half intervals ; at the ſignal of the bugle-horn the
ſkirmiſhers join, and the column which gained the
flank wheels into line, and the whole charges by
fignal of the trumpet.
rith. Signal of the trumpet---The whole goes
about by ſubdiviſions, wheels to the left and retreats
in a wedge. Signal of the bugle-horn.
12th. Form a line upon the centre.
13th. Form fix ſquadrons.
14th. File from flanks of ſquadrons to the rear,
cloſe to the centre of the regiment, front, each man
turning ſingly. By fignal.
I sth. Four centre ſquadrons of the line form to
the front, two flank ſquadrons incline outwards by
troops, and having gained the flanks, the whole
charges the front and flank of the enemy.
16th. Retreat and form line. Front. Retreat.
17th. Charge, and rear-guard* charge, diſperſe,
fire and rally in oppoſite lines. Wheel inwards,
open rank, officers and ſtandards in front, march up
in parade and falute the Governor, or reviewing
* Look for Rear Guard at the end of theſe movements
for an explanation.
General.
[ 65 ]
General. All movements to be done as quick as
poffible, conſiſtently with order.
The trumpeters, excepting the fingle ones, to
keep cloſe together in the rear of the centre fqua-
dron when in line, and to divide themſelves upon
the flanks when in fquadrons.
Rear Guard.---* The whole charges and haits ; at
the ſignal of the bugle-horn the whole goes about
by ſubdiviſions (at word of command) fank divifi-
(
ons form and halt, centre ſtill keep retiring; at fig-
nal of trumpet, centre diviſions front and halt, the
flanks go about; the rear rank of flank diviſions
fhould now return fwords, and make ready their
right piſtols; at fignal of the bugle-horn, centre
diviſions retire, the flanks front, and the whole fir-
miſh inſtantly, viz. front rank with fwords, rear
with piftols.
At fignal of trumpet, centre diviſions front and
halt.
The front rank of ſkirmiſhers form about forty
or fifty yards from the diviſions, leaving ſuch a ſpace
between the flank divifions as the centre, when
they move up in line may have a little interval ;
fignal of bugle-horn, ſkirmiſhers join their diviſion
and the centre moves briſkly up, and the whole
charges in line and halts; fignal of trumpet, centre
diviſions retire and the rear rank of flank diviſions
ſhould fkirmiſh in front immediately, and remain in
front till the bugle-horn founds. The centre divi-
fions and front rank of the flanks retire alternately,
according to ſignals.
THE METHOD OF FETCHING AND
LODGING THE STANDARD.
When the regiment is formed in the field for
exerciſe, the eldeſt major orders the trumpets (ex-
cept one to remain with ſquadrons) to the centre
ſquadron,
T 66 )
a
ſquadron, where they are to be formed into their
ranks according to their numbers, all facing out-
wards. This being done, he orders the eldeſt cora
net to march for the ſtandards, with four or five
files, or a quarter-rank from the centre of that
ſquadron, the cornet marching at the head of the
detachment, the trumpets in his front, and the
quarter-maſter in the rear of the whole. When
the cornet comes to the place where the ſtandards
are lodged, he is to form his detachment into a rank
entire, facing to the houſe; then the cornet orders
his men to draw their ſwords, except thoſe men
who are to carry the ſtandards, as it is uſual for the
party to march for the ſtandards without found of
trumpet or ſwords drawn; on receiving the ſtand-
ards the trunpets are to found a flouriſh, then he is
to march back to the regiment, the trumpet found-
ing a march; but inſtead of marching along the
front of the regiment, he is to march in the rear of
it, until he comes to the interval, which was made
by their marching out, and then he is to wheel,
and march his men into their former places; as
foon as the ſtandards are come near the regiment,
the major orders the whole to draw their ſwords,
on which the trumpets remaining with the ſqua-
drons found a march. This is a ceremony always
to be paid the ſtandards, both in bringing them to,
and carrying them from the regiment. When the
ſtandards are come, the eldeſt comets of the right
and left ſquadrons are to march with three men
from the centre of the front rank, along the front,
and when they come oppoſite the ſtandards they
are to halt, and to order thoſe men who are to car-
ry the ſtandards to return their ſwords, and to take
their ſeveral ſtandards. The cornets are then to
march back with their ſtandards, taking with them
their reſpective trumpets, who are to found a
march, and as ſoon as they have got to the centre
of
I 67
of the intervals, between the ſquadrons, they are
to wheel to the rear and march until they come
oppoſite the intervals of the front and centre or
rear ranks, and then to wheel to their fquadrons
and march between thoſe ranks till they come to
their places, and then to wheel up. The trumpets
are then to go to their poſts, and the regiment to
return their ſwords. When the ſtandards are to
be lodged, the eldeſt major orders the cornets of
the right and left ſquadrons to carry the ſtandards
to the centre ſquadrons, which they are to do in the
ſame manner as they brought them from thence,
the trumpets founding a march; and when they
have delivered them to that ſquadron, the cornets
are to return with the men to their ſquadrons,
marching between the front and centre, or rear
ranks; if two deep only, until they come to their
own places, and then wheel up; the trumpets are
to remain with the ſtandards, except one to each
ſquadron, when the cornets of the other ſquadrons
are returned, the cornet who brought the ſtandard
is to march back with the ſame number of files (the
trumpets founding a march) and lodge the ſtand-
ards, drawing up his men in a rank entire, as he
did when he received them, on which the trumpets
found a flouriſh; then he orders the ſwords to be
returned and marches back without found of trum-
pet. Before the ſtandards are carried to the cen-
tre ſquadron the eldeſt major is to order the regi-
ment to return their ſwords, and as ſoon as the
ſtandards are gone to return them.
A regiment of two ſquadrons muſt ſend a detach-
ment from the right fquadron to fetch the ſtand-
ards. When a diviſion or ſquadron comes into
quarters a fubaltern generally marches with a quar-
ter rank, and the trumpets, to lodge the trumpets
in the ſame manner, and alſo to fetch them. If
the field of exerciſe is very far off, it is uſual for the
regiment
a
08
regiment to carry the ſtandards from their quarters
along with them there, to prevent the unneceſſary
ceremony of fetching them ſo many miles.
AN EXPLANATION OF THE FOLLOWING
WORDS OF COMMAND.
Open Order ; Is the diſtance between each rank
when drawn up in ſquadrons, which diſtance muſt
be equal to half the front of the ſquadron.
Order; Is the diſtance the ranks are to be at when
the ſquadrons march, which is equal to a third of
the front.
Cloſe Order ; Is the diſtance the ranks are to be at
when moving up to an enemy, which diſtance is,
that four men may juſt wheel round.
Cloſe to the Croop; Is as cloſe as they can be, that
the horſes nofes of the rear rank touch the tails of
the front rank, in which poſition they are to charge :
the diſtance between each ſquadron is to be equal
to the ground one ſquadron ſtands on.
Files: All the men which ſtand behind each on
ther are called in file, as thoſe which ſtand abreaſt
of each other are ſaid to be in rank; open files are
the intervals made by every other man moving out
of his rank, to the right or left.
Ranks by fours ; Are the men divided into four,
for the more expeditious way of wheeling to the
right or left about (as four horſes in breadth are
equal to one in length) and for marching, by fours
is meant four men abreaſt; or two men abreaſt is
moſtly practifed in marching from one quarters to
another.
Quarter-Ranks; Is each ſquadron divided into four
equal parts.
Ranks of three Diviſions ; Is each ſquadron divided
into three equal parts.
Ranks of two Diviſions ; Is each ſquadron divided
into two equal parts.
THE
[ 69
THE HONORS TO BE PAID BY
THE LIGHT DRAGOONS TO
GENERAL OFFICERS.
The Generals of horſe or foot are to be received
with ſwords drawn, all the trumpets founding a
march, and the officers to falute, except the cornets
carrying the ſtandards, unleſs it fhould be the Prefi-
dent of the United States.
The Governor, to be received with ſwords drawn,
all the trumpets founding a march, and the officers
to falute, except the cornets carrying the ſtandards.
Major-Generals, to be received with ſwords
drawn, one trumpet only of each ſquadron found-
ing a march, and no officer to falute.
Brigadier-Generals, to be received with ſwords
drawn, but no trumpet to found, or any officer to
falute.
GUARDS FOR GENERAL OFFICERS, TO BE
FURNISHED BY THE LIGHT DRAGOONS.
The Preſident of the United States has for his
guard, one captain, one lieutenant, one cornet, with
a ſtandard, two ferjeants, two corporals, two trum-
pets, and forty-eight private men. The trumpets to
found a march, and the officers to falute with the
ſtandards.
The Governor has for his guard, one lieutenant,
one ferjeant, one corporal, one trumpet and twenty-
nine private men. The trumpet to found three faa
lutes or flouriſhes, and the officer to falute.
A Major-General has for his guard, one cornet,
one ferjeant, one corporal, cne trumpet, and nine-
teen private men. The trumpet to found two fa-
lutes or flouriſhes, the officers not to falute.
A Brigadier-General has for his guard, one fer-
jeant, one corporal, and twelve men,
The
F 2
[ 70
The Preſident of the United States has a ſerjeant
and two ſentries at his door.
The Governor has the ſame number.
A Major-General has two ſentries at his door.
A Brigadier-General has one fentry at his door.
A Colonel has one ſentry at his door, as alſo
have all commanding officers; and all likewiſe an
orderly man to attend upon them.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CARE AND PRE-
SERVATION OF HORSES IN
TIME OF WAR.
An officer muſt always go with the horſes to wa
ter, and never more than one troop or half a ſqua-
dron be ſuffered to water at a time. The officers
to take particular care that the men fodder their
horſes regularly; that they rub down and curry
them well. And further, that they imbibe a re-
gard for them, and learnt to be ſenſible of the ma-
ny advantages accruing to themſelves, in conſe-
quence of the pains they beſtow upon them ; for
which reaſon it is neceſſary to be inculcated as much
as poſſible by all officers, that for the horfes to be in
good condition, either in an engagement or on a
march, is of the higheſt utility. If a regiment or
party is poſted near the enemy, the horſes will re-
ceive no damage though kept faddled for the ſpace
of twenty-four hours, provided the commanding of-
ficer only takes carc that the men looſen their girths
a few times in the day and wipe their backs.
It is the duty
of every officer to acquire a know-
ledge of the difeafes which horſes are ſubject to, and
the medicines proper to be applied, fuch acquire-
ments being effential for their preſervation.
Officers ſhould inftru&t their men in what man-
ner to load them, ſo as not to gall their backs, ta-
king care at the ſame time, that the baggage is al
ways
a
[ 71 ]
ways well packed up, and as much as poſſible of an
equal weight on both ſides, and that the ſaddles and
every other part of the furniture is in complete
order.
PATROL S.
As the patrols uſually conſiſt of a few men, and,
are always detached in the night, generally to dan-
gerous places, and more than once to the ſame,
they are therefore, as much as poſſible, to avoid go-
ing at certain hours, and not to keep conſtantly one
way, either in their march out, or return. The pa-
trols are always to march fome diſtance behind one
another, eſpecially in paffing defiles, and are not to
enter any village, without firſt having detached a
man or two to reconnoitre it, and to examine ſome
inhabitants concerning the enemy. The men who
are fartheſt advanced in the front of the patrols are
frequently to halt and liſten whether they can hear
any thing, to do which, they muſt diſmount and lay
their ears cloſe to the ground. On horſeback, they
are to move as gently as poſſible ; are not to fing,
fpeak loud, or ſmoke tobacco without a ſtopper
over the pipe to prevent the fire being ſeen. The
horſes muſt be likewiſe prevented, as much as pof-
fible, from neighing or making a noiſe. The com-
pleat ſportman fays, take a liſt of woollen cloth, and
tie it faſt in many folds about the midſt of the hor-
fes wind-pipe, and it will prevent his neighing, for
it has been often tried and approved ; in caſe of an
emergency, an officer might tie his faſh round his
horl's neck for that purpoſe.
a
PRECAUTIONS FOR SECURING THE CAVALRY
IN A PLAIN COVERED COUNTRY.
A good officer, commanding a detachment of ca-
valry in a village, fituated in the middle of a plain,
eſtablifhes his guards, great and fmall, on all the
roads
I 7
roads which lead to the quarters ; he ſends out his
detachments as far as they can go, without the riſk
of being cut off ; he places guards one hundred and
fifty paces from the quarters, the ſmall advanced
guards in proportion, and the vedettes fifty paces
before the ſmall advanced guards. In the night
time the vedettes form a kind of circle round the
quarters, near enough to hear each other; they
are continually marching towards each other, as if
they intended to change places. By this perpetual
movement, no perſon could come from or go to
the quarters, without being ſeen or ſtopped; the
detachments which were advanced, ſecure the ex-
terior part of the quarters to a great diſtance. Be-
fides all this, there are patrols of three or four men,
who keep on the roads three or four hundred paces
from the vedettes, in caſe the enemy ſhould eſcape
the detachments. Theſe patrols, as well as the de-
tachments, ſtop from time to time and liſten atten.
tively to hear if any troops are coming towards
them. If the enemy have garriſons near the detach-
ments, they ſhould have orders to advance as near
them as poſſible firſt to ſecure the tranquility of the
quarters, and then to keep the enemy in awe, and
prevent them from coming to diſquiet, by ſhewing
them they are always on their guard.
NIGHT MARCHE S.
As it may very eaſily happen that in marching of
a large detachment in the night time, fome troops
or ſquadrons may loſe themſelves, eſpecially where
there are any croſs roads or difficult paffes ; in or-
der therefore to prevent fuch an accident, two or
three guides muſt be procured, if poffible; and af-
ter they have fatisfied each other concerning the
route, by a previous conſultation together, be dil-
tributed in the detachment. The commanding of
ficer
[ 73 ) ]
ficer at the head of the detachment muſt march
flow, provided the nature of his expedition will ad-
mit of it; and wherever he finds any bye-roads on
the march, he muſt poſt a few men there, to direct
the fucceeding ſquadron ; which fquadron is to re-
peat the ſame caution, and ſo on throughout the
whole. As it is almoſt impoſſible for fquadrons to
keep conſtantly clofe to one another, and as it like-
wiſe frequently happens, that, in order to conceal a
march from the enemy no trumpet muſt be found-
ed (which would ferve otherwiſe for a direction in
tlie night time) a good non-commiſſioned officer,
with four or five men, muſt be appointed to the rear
of every ſquadron, who are to divide themſelves,
and form a chain in the interval, between it and
the one fucceeding, in order to prevent any miſtake
in the road. Before the detachment marches off,
the officer commanding muſt be careful to exhort
the officers leading troops or fquadrons, ſtrictly to
obferve all the above directions: he muſt alſo have
ſeveral orderly men to attend him, and, if poſſible,
more than one guide in front. The advanced
guard is to be ſtrengthened in the night time, and
march at a ſmall diſtance from the main body, and
whenever it ſhall happen unexpectedly to meet the
enemy, it muſt inſtantly charge with all poſſible vi-
gor, on which account, and in order to be in conti-
nual readineſs, it is always to march with drawn
fwords.
In the day-time, the advance guard is uſually to
march at a conſiderable diſtance from the main bo-
dy, but not out of fight, and muſt have a few good
men, or a ſmall party, advanced before it, to give
timely notice to the commanding officer.
DIRECTIONS
а.
Great care ſhould be taken that the guides do
not fall aſleep on the march, left their hories may
take a wrong road.
G
[74
DIRECTIONS FOR THE CONDUCT OR OFFI.
CERS ON GRAND GUARDS, OUT-
POSTS AND PARTIES.
IN CASE OF AN ATTACK,
The commanding officer of the * grand guard,
when any alarm happens, is immediately to fend an
officer with ſome men to the place, to gain inform-
ation of the particulars.
When a guard diſcovers any body of the enemy
in motion, an officer muſt be immediately fent with
the intelligence, particularizing as much as poflible
their numbers and every other material circum-
ſtance: if afterwards they ſhould approach very
near the guard, the commanding officer muſt re-
treat flowly, and in good order, towards the camp.
When the commanding officer perceive the ene-
my will attack him, he muſt fally out upon them,
provided they are not too ſtrong for him, when they
are at the diſtance of fixty yards; but if their num-
bers are much fuperior, he muſt retire before they
approach fo near.
The vedettes are to carry their piſtols advanced
before them.
When General officers come to viſit the grand
31 guard,
* Grand guards are divided into Captains com-
mands, from 5 to 100 men, and each Captain has
with him a Lieutenant and Cornet; they are done
by detachment, and are relieved every morning at
the ſame time that the ſtandard guards are. A Cap-
tain's guard is pofted at, or near, each avenue in the
front of the army, by which the enemy can ap-
proach the camp, unleſs they ſhould lie in low
ground, or bottoms, then the eminences are the
propereſt places to poſt them on.
[ 75 ]
guard, whether they be of the cavalry or infantry,
the officer muſt receive him with the guard mount-
ed; but he is not to found his trumpet, not even
to the commander in chief himſelf, becauſe that is
never to be done but at the relief of this guard :
nor muſt any officer, as his reputation and honor
are at ſtake, take off his ſword, pull off his boots,
or have a chair to ſleep upon, &c. but muſt keep on
all his clothes and accoutremects, together with the
non-commiſſioned officers and men, both day and
night, nor preſume to ſleep as long as he continues
on the guard.
All inferior poſts; detached from the grand guard
and commanded by ſubalterns or non-commiſſion-
ed officers, depend upon the commanding officer
of the grand guard, are to make their reports to
him, and receive the parole from him.
One half of the grand guard may, in the day
time, be ſuffered to diſmount; the half to be drawn
up three deep, and alternately relieved.
N. B. A Lieutenant and 30 men, or a Cornet
and 20 men, or Quarter-Maſter and 16 men, or a
Serjeant and 12 men are poſted at a proper diſtance
in their front, but not out of view, to give them no-
tice when any party appears. The commander in
chief of the army, and the Generals of horſe or foot
have a power of altering grand guards, but no 0-
ther officer.
An hour before right the commanding officer of
the grand guard is to give out the parole to all the
officers depending upon him, together with the
counter-ſign, or fignal, that when the poſts are vi-
ſited in the night time, they may be able to diſtin-
guiſh with certainty their own rounds, and the ene.
my be prevented from impofing upon them.
As ſoon as it is dark, all poſts belonging to the
grand guard are to mount their horſes and to conti-
nue on horſeback during the whole night, particu-
larly
[ 76 )
łarly where there is any probability of their being
attempted by the enemy; but at other times, in
camp, when there is no reaſon to be apprehenſive
of any danger, one half of the guard muſt conftant-
ly remain mounted, and the others keep their hora
ſes bridled and ſtand by them.
Every officer muſt be careful to give proper in-
ftructions to his vedettes, and muſt often patrol
himſelf, as well as fend out patrols, to ſee whether
they be alert and watchful on their pofts; a non-
commiffioned officer, with a ſmall party, muft be
alſo frequently detached to reconnoitre the inter-
mediate country, between them and the enemy, in
order to prevent any fentry or ſmall guard being
furprized; when the non-commiffioned officer with
a few men is fent to him from the guard, who is to
demand the parole from him, with his piſtol in his
hand, and when he finds it right, he is then to take
him to the commanding officer that he may maka
his report to him.
The ſentries are to challenge in proper time, and
to demand the counter-fign before they permit any
one to approach within the diſtance of fifty paces;
nor muſt they on any account ſuffer perſons to paſs
until they are perfectly convinced they do not be-
long to the enemy. The fentries, when they have
challenged any perſon, but receive no anſwer, are
immediately to demand the counter-fign, and if
they ſtill receive no anſwer, they are directly to fire;
for which reaſon, the officers are to examine the
arms of every relief, ſee that they are in proper or-
der, well primed, and powder dry. The officers
muſt inform their ſentries, that whenever they per-
ceive more than two men with arms, whether on
horſeback or on foot, advancing towards them, not-
withſtanding they can give the counter-fign, they
are not, after they have firſt challenged, to ſuffer
them to advance one ſtep further, but muſt give the
word
[ 77 )
a
word to the next ſentry, who is to paſs it to the
guard : the commanding officer is then to ſend a
good non-commiſſioned officer, with a party of men,
to make examinations : if the non-commiſſioned
officer finds them to be a detachment from the ar-
my, he muſt order it to ſtand faſt, and then return
with the officer commanding it, to the officer of his
guard, who, in caſe he be unacquainted with his
perſon, and is afraid to confide, either in his cloath.
ing or his knowledge of the counter-fign, muſt
fcrutinize him ftri&ly, require his orders and pafl-
ports, and if he finds them authentic, permit his
command to paſs. When they happen to be a few
men only, the non-commiflioned officer muſt bring
them to the guard, from whence the officer, in cale
he has no perſonal knowledge of them, muſt not
diſmiſs them before day-light; nay, even in the day
time, if a body of men ſhould approach an officer's
guard, who give out that they are friends, he is ne-
vertheleſs to prevent them from advancing too near,
unleſs he has a perſonal knowledge of the officers;
nor is he then to let his guard diſmount till they
have marched by.
All officers, when on out-poſts or other parties
out of camp, muſt take the ſame precautions, that
whenever they ſhall happen to be attacked by the
enemy they may have their men mounted ready to
receive them, nor remain at any time expoſed, even
to a poſſibility of being ſurprized. Every officer
therefore ought always to keep his men together,
and take care that not one can find any opportunity
to quit his guard, ſteal away to maurude or do any
other miſchief. He muſt likewiſe poſt his ſentries,
round about in ſuch a manner as to render it impoſ-
fible for any one to eſcape their obſervation either
by day or night.
When an officer commands an out poſt it is high-
ly neceſſary that he ſhould become a judge of the
ground;
[ 78
a
grounu; he muſt therefore make himſelf perfectly
acquainted with the country round about him, fo as
to be able to know from what part the enemy can
beft make an attempt upon him; after which he
can poſt himſelf behind a defile, bridge; hollow-
way or bank; becauſe that when he prefents his
guard, drawn up in good order, in a ſituation fo
advantageous, he may reſt aſſured no enemy will
venture to paſs : an eminence is alſo another de
fenſible poſt for a body of cavalry, where there is a
valley lying before it, and the flanks can be well
covered, for it is a very effential precaution for offi-
cers in all ſituations to render, as much as poflible,
their flanks and rear fecure: 0
When an officer, poſted in ſuch a manner, diſco-
vers the approaches of any party; he muſt immedi-
ately diſpatch a corporal and two men, with their
piſtols advanced, to reconnoitre them, who are to
fire in caſe they find themi enemies, and afterwards
retire to their poſts with the utmoſt ſpeed.
When an officer is detached with a command to
any confiderable diſtance from the army, where it
will be impoſſible for him to receive any reinforces
ment, and perceives a much ſtronger body of the
enemy advancing towards him, he is to make his re-
treat in good order, and march back the fafeft way,
through woods, villages, or defiles, to the army.
А A RETREA T.
a
It will be neceffary to form into two lines, at the
diſtance of two hundred yards aſunder; the firſt
line is to wheel by fours, by ſquadrons, retreat thro'
the intervals of the ſecond, and march about two
hundred and fifty or three hundred yards in the
rear, according as it may be more or leſs preſſed by
the enemy, and then face about again. After the
• firſt line has thus moved into the rear of the ſeconds
the
[79]
the fecond is to wheel about and march through the
firſt; and ſo on, both lines continue to retreat in,
this manner as long as it may be neceſſary.
During the retreat, a few ſmall parties, compoſed
of the braveſt men, are to be advanced towards the
enemy, in order to fkirmiſh with them, and there-
bý to facilitate the movements of the main body.
MILITARY FUNERALS OF THE CAVALRY,
1024
A Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant, attended
by one Major, two Captains, eight Subalterns, eight
Serjeants, eight Corporals, four trumpets, and eigh,
ty private men.
ort.
A Major's, by two Captains, eight Subalterns,
eight Serjeants, eight Corporals, four trumpets and
eighty private men.
A Captain's, by his own troop or an equal num-
ber.
A Lieutenant's, by one Lieutenant, one Serjeant,
one Corporal, one trumpet, and twenty-nine pri-
vate men.
A Cornet's, by one Cornet, one Serjeant, one
Corporal, one trumpet, and nineteen private men.
Upon the coffin of every officer is to be laid his
own faſh, drawn ſword, and a pair of piſtols ; alſo
a horſe to be led with a black cloth thrown over
the ſaddle and furniture, and the boots to be re,
verſed with the toes turned towards the horſe's tail.
The muſic to play the dead march in Saul; the
trumpets to found their dead march; the pall to
be ſupported by officers of the ſame rank as that of
the deceafed ; if there is not a fufficient number,
then by officers next in feniority.
A Chaplain's, by a Cornet's party, with a mourn-
ing horſe, a bible and caflock to be laid on 1. cof
fin and three vollies fired.
An
[ Boj
a
a
An Adjutant's, if only ſuch, by a Cornet's party
as an officer's, and three vollies fired.
A Surgeon's, by a Cornet's party, with a mourn-
ing horfe, a drawn fword, a pair of piftols, an am-
putation knife and ſaw to be laid on his coffin, and
three vollies fired.
A Serjeant's, by one Serjeant, one Corporal and
twelve men, all the ferjeants following by two's as
mourners.
A Corporal's, by one Serjeant, one Corporal and
twelve men.
A Trumpeter's, by on. Serjeant, one Corporal
and twelve men, upon the coffin to be laid a trum-
pet, with the ſword and piſtols, all the trumpet-
ers attending and founding the dead march.
A Farrier's, by a Serjeant's party, and all the
farriers following by two's as mourners; upon the
coffin with a drawn fword, to be laid a pair of pin-
cers, a hammer and horſe-ſhoe.
A private Dragoon's, by a Serjeant's party; upon
the coffin to be laid a drawn (word and pair of pil-
tols. A mourning horſe to be led at all funerals
from a General to a private Dragoon. It is uſual
for the reſt of the men without arms to follow the
body, which is to be carried by the Dragoons from
the officer to the private man; the funeral parties
marching before and firing three vollies at the fu-
nerals of all.
THE END.
,
1793
White, Anthony Walton
不染天带六张张入於
不带张余张张张伦