REPORT OF INSPECTION 
 
 Georgia Volunteers 
 
 GEORGIA VOLUNTEERS, COLORED, 
 
 [ft- 
 
 First Lieutenant C. B. SATTE RLEE, Third Artillery, 
 
 Acting Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General. 
 
 1 
 
 SEPTEMBER 25th, 1891, TO APRIL oth, 1892. 
 
 ATLANTA, GEORGIA.: 
 
 GEO. W. HARRISON, State Printer. 
 
 (Franklin Publishing House.) 
 
 1893. 
 
REPORT OF INSPECTION 
 
 Georgia Volunteers 
 
 GEORGIA VOLUNTEERS, COLORED, 
 
 First Lieutenant C. B. SATTERLEE, Third Artillery, 
 Acting Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General. 
 
 SEPTEMBER 25th, 1891, TO APRIL 5th, 1S92. 
 
 ATLANTA, GEORGIA.: 
 
 GEO. W. HARRISON, State Printer. 
 
 (Franklin Publishing' House. ) 
 
 1892. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
 
 http://archive.org/details/reportofinspectiOOgeor 
 
REPORT. 
 
 STATE OF GEORGIA, 
 
 Adjutant and Inspector-General's Office, 
 Atlanta, April 30, 1892. 
 
 To the Adjutant and Inspector-General, State, of Georgia, 
 
 Atlanta, Get.: 
 
 Sir -I have the honor to submit the following report of my inspection of 
 the Georgia Volunteers and the Georgia Volunteers, colored, made in compli- 
 ance with General Orders No. 38, September 7, 1891, Adjutant and Inspector- 
 General's office, State of Georgia : 
 
 In accordance with the provisions of the orders referred to, my inspection 
 commenced on September 25, 1891, and progressed as rapidly as possible, 
 and without interruption, save when I was ordered to special work in your 
 office, viz., from December 9, 1891, to January 17, 1892, and from February 7 
 to 21 and from March 21 to 28, 1892. Other short delays have occurred, owing 
 to the difficulty of closely following any prearranged railroad schedule in 
 reaching companies so widely scattered, and to the necessity of giving suffi- 
 cient notice of the day for inspection. Ample notice was required in the cases 
 of commands stationed in country districts, to the end that the members might 
 be duly informed. This was particularly true of the majority of the organ- 
 izations of the Fifth Georgia Cavalry, whose members live anywhere from 
 fifteen to twenty-five miles from a common rendezvous. I have alluded to 
 these delays only to account for the seemingly long time consumed in com- 
 pleting the work. 
 
 Under the instructions contained in the orders directing this work, the in- 
 spection was limited to individual commands, and, therefore, withi,he excep- 
 tion noted below, no examination was made by me of the military records of 
 regimental or battalion organizations, nor were their drills or systems of in- 
 structions called for or observed. Indeed, with the exception of the First 
 Regiment, the Third and Fourth Battalions, Georgia Volunteers, and the three 
 battalions of the Georgia Volunteers, colored, the sevei'al companies composing 
 the larger units are so scattered that an assembly would be impracticable, and 
 even in the cases of those commands here excepted, to have ordered a general 
 formation would have imposed undue expense and a sacrifice of time, and for 
 this reason would have been injudicious. In future inspections, however, ex- 
 amination might well be made as to the work performed bv regimental and 
 battalion staff officers and their knowledge of their several duties, such as the 
 manner of keeping books and papers of record, conducting military corre- 
 spondence ; in fact, methods of military administration as practiced at these 
 headquarters. The propriety of such an examination and the necessity of a 
 uniform system of instruction under this head will be adverted to later in this 
 report. 
 
 588989 
 
Plan of Inspection. — In making the inspection it was deemed proper to in- 
 quire into every subject with which any company, troop or battery of the 
 line of the army must come in contact in the ordinary routine of duty, 
 where opportunities for instruction have been enjoyed by the troops of the 
 State ; in other words, the purely practical duties of a soldier have bee)i sought 
 for in the inspection of every individual command. I take occasion here to 
 state that the cheerful manner in which each organization has labored to fulfill 
 the conditions imposed or expected, and the results attained by some, call for 
 no small measure of praise. The interest displayed by officers and men 
 throughout the State in the work of inspection has been most gratifying. It 
 has given me such encouragement as to make an otherwise tedious duty light 
 and agreeable. At every station visited have I found the troops not only 
 willing but really anxious to receive such instruction as I might be able to 
 impart, and in no instance have I had occasion to feel that the labor de- 
 manded of them was other than acceptable. 
 
 Carrying out the foregoing ideas as to the scope and character of an inspec- 
 tion, practical work in the following features of soldier's instruction by every 
 command visited has been invited : 
 
 School of the Soldier, setting up exercises, squad drill under non-commissioned 
 officers. 
 
 School of the Company, including: the ceremony of inspection, the manual of 
 arms, drill by the several officers of the command ; examination of officers and 
 guides as to their duties. 
 
 School of the Skirmisher, or extended order exercise. 
 
 Simulated Guard Duly, and an observation of non-commissioned officers in 
 the formation of guard details; inquiry of men as to their knowledge of sentry 
 duty; observation of ability of noncommissioned officers to march details 
 onto line established by sergeant-major. 
 
 In addition hereto the following matters were examined into and observed : 
 
 Condition and serviceability of arms and equipment* ; care bestowed in their 
 preservation ; methods employed in storing and accounting for them. 
 
 Books and papers of military record ; returns rendered by commanding officers ; 
 knowledge of military correspondence. 
 
 Discipline; as maintained ; extent of instruction communicated. 
 
 Knowing beforehand that the subject of rifle practice had been given but 
 little, if any attention, and no encouragement, and that no uniform system of 
 instruction had been prescribed, I confined my inquiries under this vitally im- 
 portant head, with the exception of one company, to the use and handling of 
 the rifle and carbine, the preliminaries to target practice, such as sighting 
 drills, aiming and position drills, the principles of gallery practice, the settin,"- 
 of sights and the adjustment of deflection scales. 
 
 While thus dealing with the troops, I have endeavored to impress upon all 
 the fact that I intended in no wise to criticize or embarrass them, nor by taking 
 advantage of their limite d opportunities and the great want of recognition by 
 the proper authorities, to hold up any shortcoming to ridicule. On the con- 
 trary, I sought to encourage and foster an interest in the profession ; to point 
 out deficiencies and indicate possible roads to improvement. And in this re- 
 port where defects are noted I would have the troops feel that in recording 
 
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 Rare Book Collection 
 
 UNC-Chapel Hill 
 
them, my chief desire is to suggest a correction. la this way, and in this man- 
 ner only, can faults be made known. To pass them over would be slighting 
 the work. How otherwise can improvement be attained ? In this manner I 
 believe I can be of service to the troops, in whom I have learned to feel the 
 greatest interest through contact and association with them. 
 
 In the inception of this inspection I had determined to give each organiza- 
 tion a rating or a relative figure of merit for its work under the several sub- 
 heads enumerated, and thus report their comparative efficiency. The idea 
 has seemingly met with the general approval of all, but upon careful consid- 
 eration of the disadvantages under which certain worthy and deserving com- 
 mands of the State are laboring and their inability to assemble oftener than 
 five or six times a year, I have concluded to publish no relative standing. 
 Whereas such a publication, based on any officer's judgment, which is always 
 liable to error, might, and lam strongly of the conviction would, encourage 
 the diligent and hard working, practically inclined commands, at the present 
 time an abstract comparison of the work done by all might tend to discourage, 
 and lessen the interest manifested, by companies less fortunate in opportuni- 
 ties for assembly, drill and instruction. 
 
 I believe, however, that in the next general inspection a comparative 
 standard of efficiency should be made and published, due consideration being 
 given to such organizations as by reason of location and the separation of 
 members are unable to meet at regular intervals ; and to the end that all may 
 be duly informed, the several features of instruction to be examined into 
 should be clearly indicated. This would be but simple justice to those com- 
 mands which have, at no less sacrifice of time and means than others, shown 
 the greatest desii'e to do good work and by earnest endeavor and close atten- 
 tion to regular meetings have made themselves superior ; and there are such 
 organizations in the State. 
 
 EXLISTMENT. 
 
 Regarding the enlistment of men, the Act of the General Assembly, approved 
 November 12, 1889, provides, "that, within ninety days from the approval of 
 this Act, each member of the volunteer force of this State shall enlist for the 
 term of twelve months, or, in default thereof, that the name of such person be 
 dropped from the roll." 
 
 "That each person hereafter connecting himself with the Volunteers of 
 this State shall in like manner be enlisted. That soldiers discharged for the 
 good of the service, or dishonorably discharged or expelled from the Volunteers 
 of this State or from the National Guard, or Volunteers of any other State, or 
 from the army and navy of the United States, shall not be enlisted unless 
 such discharge or expulsion shall have been revoked by proper authority." 
 
 Bearing on the same subject, and with a view of placing existing orders re- 
 lating thereto before the troops, the following extracts from General Orders, 
 Nos. 9 and 10, series of 1893, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, are 
 quoted, viz. : 
 
 G. 0. 9. " 2. That you retain original enlistment and forward to this office 
 ■duly certified copy, blanks for which are herewith enclosed, and that you re- 
 
6 
 
 port promptly all future enlistments in your company, that they may be en- 
 tered on duplicate roll in this office." 
 
 G,. 0. 10. "I. In view of the fact that there is some misunderstanding as to- 
 who are to be enlisted under the Act of the Legislature, incorporated in General 
 Order Xo. 7, from this Department, it is hereby ordered that the active mem- 
 bers of the volunteer forces of Georgia, to-wit, the non-commissioned officers 
 and privates, are those contemplated in the Act to be enlisted. 
 
 "II. It is further ordered that commanding officers shall retain original en- 
 listment papers for reference and additional enlistments, and shall forward to 
 this office duly certified copies. 
 
 "III. All future enlistments shall be returned to this office, certified to by 
 the commanding officer. 
 
 " IV. The enlistment oath shall be subscribed to before a commissioned offi- 
 cer of the Military Force of the State." 
 
 In my inspection the matter of enlistment was given careful investigation 
 in order to ascertain whether the laws and the orders issued in consequence 
 thereof were being duly complied with, to determine the numerical strength 
 of the enlisted force of the State, and to observe how carefully and accurately 
 and to what extent records under this head were being kept and preserved.. 
 
 I have to report that in many cases not only is the intent of the general Act 
 lost sight of or misunderstood, but that the injunctions contained in the orders 
 quoted above as to the retention of original enlistment papers are ignored, 
 and in the majority of the organizations I find no uniform practice of promptly 
 or regularly reporting new acquisitions as they occur. The system of enlist- 
 ment as exemplified by current practices is seriously lacking in the character 
 of permanency and stability —essentials to good results in any organization. 
 The enlistment Act seems clear in its provisions and plainly requires that 
 active members of the authorized organizations of the State shall be enlisted ; 
 and it is constructively, if not actually, implied that, if upon the expiration 
 of their terms of enlistment, they again desire to and do connect themselves 
 with the Volunteers they shall again enlist. I find many officers impressed 
 with the understanding and acting in conformity thereto, that unless furnished 
 with blank forms or unless positively directed, they are required to make no 
 enlistments or re-enlistments. This belief is very general. 
 
 Another misapprehension was unearthed in a surprisingly large number 
 of commands; this was the opinion entertained by their officers that enlist- 
 ments were made only periodically, the date for the same each year being that 
 on which the first recruiting, after the promulgation of the Act, was done in 
 their respective organizations. With such commands the practice has been 
 to hold over all recruits joining subsequent to any general enlistment until 
 the next annual date before enrolling them. At the same time such men are 
 considered by officers as under obligation. 
 
 Again, in many instances I have discovered officers and men laboring under 
 the erroneous impression that all men received after the general date enlisted 
 only for the unexpired portion of the twelve months. I have also to report 
 that, in several cases where the orders governing the matter are seemingly un- 
 derstood, I find men not promptly enlisted, and simply on account of care- 
 lessness on the part of the officers, or the alleged want of blanks. It is quite- 
 
apparent that such men do not and will not receive credit or recognition for 
 their services. From a disciplinary standpoint surely such a practice is open 
 to objections; and there is no valid excuse for it. As regards blanks, if a man 
 of business had a report to render in a certain form, with no blanks at hand, 
 he would very naturally provide himself with them, by making a request on 
 the source of supply. Some men appeared in ranks at my inspection who had 
 not subscribed to the enlistment oath ; and in this report they are included in 
 figures showing enlisted strength. These men joined in good faith, and only 
 through the carelessness of their officers or their want of appreciation, as indi- 
 cated above, of the requirements of existing orders, were they not enlisted in 
 proper form. Upon the assurance of commanding officers that such men would 
 be duly enlisted without delay, I have felt justified in considering them in the 
 aggregate strength of their commands. I invariably endeavored to correct 
 these false impressions and practices ; but in order to insure the proper ob- 
 servance in future, of regulations affecting enlistment, more precise rules 
 should be published to each command. Orders received by officers are sel- 
 dom preserved, and never transmitted from one commanding officer to his 
 successor. The enlistment Act itself is not well understood, and officers newly 
 entering the service, not being furnished with existing regulations, are scarcely 
 blamable for these shortcomings. A man is not an enlisted man, nor should 
 he be allowed to enter the ranks, until he has subscribed in due form to the 
 enlistment oath. 
 
 In future inspections only such men as are duly enlisted should be con- 
 sidered in the strength of a command, and when a company, from neglect to 
 require men to properly qualify, becomes reduced be>ow the minimum allowed 
 by law, twenty-nine, it should suffer the penalty therefor— disbandment. 
 
 The failure to make prompt returns of enlistment results frequently in 
 never placing a man's name on record in the Adjutant-General's office. The 
 annual returns show only the names of men actually belonging to a command 
 at the time ; such reports never show changes occurring during the year. A 
 man may therefore enlist, and subsequently resign or be expelled (under the 
 erroneous customs of some commands), but no report be made of the casualty. 
 
 I have further to report that, as regards the rendition of returns of enlist- 
 ments, I find much irregularity ; but very few commanding officers make 
 either prompt or regular reports. This omission may be attributed to heed- 
 lessness in some cases, to false ideas regarding the furnishing of blanks in 
 others, and with some to excusable ignorance of the orders covering the sub- 
 ject, such officers never having seen or been furnished with them. 
 
 I fail to find proper and due care exercised in keeping original enlistment 
 papers. Some commanding officers could show me no records, the originals 
 having been forwarded to the Adjutant-General and no retained copies made; 
 and some original papers have been lost or mislaid. In such cases I was 
 obliged to accept the figures of the officers, who, for their data, consulted the 
 company rolls, or resorted to their memories. I made as close inquiry as pos- 
 sible into the status of the men, and my aggregates, while perhaps incorrect, 
 are as near the truth as practicable. To rectify the errors into which many 
 commands have unwittingly fallen comprehensive and well denned instruc- 
 tions should be communicated. 
 
The practice of enlisting all the men of a command on the same day in each 
 year should be discouraged. If all thus enter, all will go out together, and the 
 company will be left without men, and be correspondingly handicapped in 
 any instruction it may choose to adopt. 
 
 Many faults in the keeping of the records were observed, such as failure to 
 accurately insert dates, failure to witness signatures, nativity and occupation 
 not recorded, description incomplete. 
 
 These, together with other irregular practices, were carefully pointed out, 
 and I am satisfied that the next inspection will show great improvement if not 
 full correction. 
 
 In contradistinction hereto I am pleased to report that in some commands 
 not only are the requirements of the act and the orders well understood and 
 observed, but officers in command, through their own resources, have devised 
 excellent means for keeping and preserving records. They have adopted suit- 
 able books in which all enlistments are recorded, such books replacing the 
 cumbersome enlistment blanks. In this connection I would invite special at- 
 tention to this blank. It permits of thirty-two signatures, is very large and 
 unwieldy, and by frequent folding and unfolding, as must be done where en- 
 listments are numerous or where it is not possible to secure every signature 
 on the same day, it soon becomes soiled, worn and torn. Some have I examined 
 which are not only unsightly but beyond repair. Later in this report I shall 
 recommend what I believe would better answer the purpose. 
 
 Regarding the enlistment of men in the Volunteers, I would remark that 
 while no physical restrictions are imposed, save general good physical ability, 
 and in some cases height, an applicant's moral character and standing are 
 rigidly examined into. Men before enlisting are balloted for and elected ; 
 in some cases three adverse ballots reject. In one command the matter of 
 recruitment is wholly in the hands of the commanding officer. This careful 
 scrutiny has resulted in repleting the ranks of the Volunteers from among the 
 best young men of the # State, than whom no State can boast better material. 
 
 While it may not be necessary to exact the bodily qualifications demanded of 
 a soldier in the army, some consideration should be given to those affections 
 which under exposure or on field duty might become aggravated or be likely 
 to place a subject " off duty," thus crowding the sick report and weakening the 
 strength and interfering with the instruction of the command. 
 
 Further, with an eye to continued usefulness of the man, I find an excellent 
 practice on the part of a few captains of clearly explaining to every applicant 
 his full obligations as an enlisted man. He is informed as to the length of the 
 term, the nature of the service, the duty which may be required of him, not 
 alone by the State, but by the commanding officer in drills and instruction. 
 He is given ample time to consider these matters before joining. Men who 
 might prove indifferent members would, if thus forewarned, be less likely to 
 enter. 
 
 No officer should deceive or inveigle a man into service, nor should a com- 
 pany seek to fill up its ranks sitnply for the sake of numbers. Rather should 
 officers look to the efficiency of their commands and their effective strength. I 
 have heard officers speak with seeming pride of the number of men they could 
 
9 
 
 -turn out for parade, when in truth for an ordinary drill their reports show but 
 half that number; in some cases even less. 
 
 Indifferent members, and those who join an organization for the " pomp 
 and circumstance " and a parade in full uniform before a sweetheart "or an ad- 
 miring crowd, might better assume a capacity other than that of an enlisted 
 man. Efficiency and number of men for duty regularly, not strength for parade, 
 should be the rule. 
 
 It is but just to add that, with no encouragement from the State, many or- 
 ganizations would scarcely secure or maintain the minimum strength allowed 
 'by law were ornamental members not taken in. The practice, however, is 
 more honored in the breach than the observance. 
 
 Period of Enlistment. — In my opinion, based on experience with the troops 
 of the State, the term of enlistment is too short. One year, with only the 
 -usual weekly drills, is not sufficient for proper training in the duties of a sol- 
 dier. A man may learn the manual of arms and acquit himself creditably in 
 the school of the company ; this is only the beginning of his teaching, and 
 during this service he has the advantage of but one encampment. The prac- 
 tical information which be acquires is, therefore, very limited. Moreover, the 
 twelve months term must seriously interfere with any systematic course of 
 instruction. By the time a command has attained fair proficiency several 
 men leave it and further progress receives a set-back. Constantly varying 
 strength is discouraging to any commander. 
 
 I believe the period should be three years, certainly not less than two. But 
 before increasing the length of the term the principle that "the laborer is 
 worthy of his hire " should be recognized and adequate encouragement given 
 : to the troops. It cannot be said that they receive it now. 
 
 DISCHARGE. 
 
 Regarding the discharge, release and transfer of enlisted men, I have ob- 
 served even greater deficiency in proper observances. The enlistment act and 
 the rules prescribed in pursuance thereof sufficiently define the manner of 
 entry into the military service of the State, but they are silent as to the method 
 of discharge or release, nor does the military code throw much light on the 
 problem. No specific regulations governing discharge have been published, 
 and in justice to the troops it is but fair to say that they have been groping 
 without guide or direction. To the want of a prescribed system, and to par- 
 donable ignorance rather than through carelessness or lack of good intent, may 
 be ascribed the many irregularities under this head enumerated below. 
 
 Under the provisions of the Code, in case no regulations are "made or 
 ordered" by the proper authority of ' the State, the army regulations "shall 
 govern as far as they are applicable." 
 
 Examining such regulations — and very few officers are fortunate enough to 
 possess copies - it is to be noted that an enlisted man shall not be discharged 
 before the expiration of his term, except by order of the President or Secretary 
 of War, by sentence of general court-martial, upon surgeon's certificate by 
 order of a department commander, and by order of one of the United States 
 .-courts on a writ of habeas corpus. 
 
10 
 
 Not directly, but only by implication, can these rules be applied to the vol- 
 unteer system ; but they clearly indicate the general principle that once a man 
 enlists and assumes an obligation to the State, neither the man nor the com- 
 mand in which he is serving can of his or its volition terminate the contract 
 before his teini expires. Only by the governor's order or the sentence of a 
 court-martial may a discharge be effected. 
 
 Many officers and men look upon an enlistment too lightly. It is not gen- 
 erally regarded in it full significance or force, and my inspection has revealed 
 very loose practices. The following remark of an officer of rank and expe- 
 rience in the State is fraught with no little import : "The execution of the 
 Enlistment Act is farcical." 
 
 In the great majority of the commands visited I have discovered men being 
 permitted to resign, being dropped or expelled — in other words, being allowed 
 to sever their connection with the service before the expiration of their terms 
 upon the voice or authority of the organization alone, acting as a whole. 
 
 Considered from the standpoint of discipline, these irregularities are cer- 
 tainly in need of correction. Discharge should be granted only on good and 
 sufficient grounds, and never save by the proper authority. " Nothing is more 
 subversive of discipline than an impression that a premature discharge can be 
 easily obtained," or an obligation readily nullified. 
 
 The agreement which a man enters into upon subscribing to the enlistment 
 oath is an expressed contract, in writing, with the State. It is more, it is a 
 moral obligation, and to be terminated amicably only by the consent or di- 
 rection of the State. 
 
 It is difficult to reconcile the various practices followed by some organiza- 
 tions, which have taken the matter of discharge or expulsion into their own 
 hand?, and which assume to relieve an active member from his military duty 
 by placing him on an exempt list. 
 
 It may lie said in this connection that several commands exist by virtue of 
 special acts of incorporation, and that by said acts are empowered to make by- 
 laws for their own regulation which shall not be repugnant to the laws of the 
 State. I'nder such by laws several classes of membership are defined, as 
 "active," "veteran," "country," "retired," "pay," "life," "honorary," and, 
 agreeably to the act of the General Assembly approved October 13, 1885, a class 
 known :is " special pay members" is recognized. 
 
 By an examination of these rules I find that members who have served con- 
 tinuously for a certain period, variously fixed by different organizations, may 
 be transferred to an exempt or veteran roll, and- men who remove from the 
 immediate bounds of their commands may be placed upon the " country " list. 
 In some cases I discovered these transfers to have been made. 
 
 These rules were formulated and adopted prior to the enactment of the en- 
 listment law, 1889, and have never been altered or amended to conform to its 
 perhaps undefined but constructively evident requirements. In default of 
 prescribed regulations positively covering the ground, certain commands have 
 followed the methods in vogue before such law was promulgated, expelling 
 them - and allowing them to resign. 
 
 Regulations are indispensable for uniform practices, and none are more 
 needed than such as will precisely describe the ways and means for effecting 
 
11 
 
 discharge, release or expulsion and establish uniformity in practice among the 
 several organizations in accordance with existing laws and orders. 
 
 The transfer of an active or enlisted man from the enlisted roll to other lists, 
 or relieving him from bis military bond during his term, should be dis- 
 countenanced and prohibited, nor should a man be permitted to resign. A man 
 cannot resign ; he may be discharged. 
 
 Bearing hereon, and with a view to better placing the subject before the 
 troops, I would respectfully invite attention to the following regulations of a 
 certain State, which, for want of others specially prescribed, might serve as a 
 guide. Under existing laws they are applicable to the system in this State : 
 
 "No enlisted man shall be discharged before the expiration of his term of 
 service except by order of the commander-in-chief, and for the following 
 reasons : 
 
 "To accept promotion by commission. 
 
 "Upon removal of residence from the State, or out of the bounds of the 
 command to which he belongs, to so great a distance that, in the opinion of 
 his commanding officer, he cannot properly perform his military duty. 
 
 " Upon disability, established by certificate of a medical officer. 
 
 " Upon conviction of felony in a civil court. 
 
 " Whenever the Commander-in-Chief shall approve the application of two- 
 thirds of the members of a company, requesting the discharge of a soldier 
 thereof for being habitually troublesome, or of such character as to degrade 
 the company. 
 
 " Whenever, in the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief, the. interests of the 
 service demand such discharge. 
 
 "Upon his own application, approved by the commanding officer of his 
 company, and by superior commanders. 
 
 "To carry out the sentence of a court-martial." 
 
 Casualties. — It is also to be observed that changes or alterations in the 
 enlisted strength of a command are very seldom reported. 
 
 A man is dropped, expelled, allowed to resign or dies, and no report is ren- 
 dered to the authorities. 
 
 And the irregularities do not cease here, for in many cases I find no record 
 kept of these casualties. Some companies record these facts on the " min- 
 utes " of their regular meetings. It would be, perhaps, a better plan to note 
 them on enlistment papers under " Remarks ", or in a consolidated form where 
 they can be more readily examined by an inspecting or other officer. It is 
 quite apparent that under the methods in vogue a man may enlist, serve for a 
 period, be dropped from the roll of the company, and the Adjutant-General 
 never be the wiser. 
 
 These anomalies would, perhaps, not arise were regulations in the hands of 
 officers, whom I have found always ready, upon suggestion, to carry out proper 
 methods; and they certainly would not occur was the question of pay and 
 clothing and future perquisites a factor- for consideration. Each man would 
 then have a direct personal interest in the keeping of the records, their accu- 
 racy and the reports made of the same. He would be concerned as to the 
 date of his discharge, whether upon expiration of his term or for other cause. 
 
 But records of service, whether under pay or otherwise, should be complete 
 
12 
 
 and accurate, and all data affecting service should lodge in the proper au- 
 thority. These records are a most important part of the history of an 
 organization. 
 
 Transfer of Enlisted Men. —Concerning the transfer of men from one command 
 "to another, I have discovered several failures to comply with the provisions of 
 General Orders No. 8, 1890, Adjutant-General's office, which, for the purpose 
 of further publication, I include in this report, to- wit : 
 
 "2. That when a member of the volunteer force of this State, duly enlisted 
 in one company, under the Act approved November 12th, 1889, desires to con- 
 nect himself with some other company in this State, that the commanding 
 officer of the company from which he so desires to be transferred, cause a 
 proper entry to be made upon the book of his company, showing the record 
 
 of enlisted men, and furnish the soldier with a certificate as follows: 
 
 , having paid his dues and surrendered all property 
 
 belonging to the State, is honorably discharged from the company and entitled 
 to enter some other company in this State for the unexpired term of his en- 
 listment ; provided, however, that the obligation of such soldier to the original 
 company shall continue during the term of his enlistment until he shall 
 actually connect himself with such new company, and the commanding officer 
 of such former company be notified to that effect ; and provided further, that 
 when such former original company shall constitute a portion of a battalion, 
 the battalion commander shall be first notified of the transfer and approve the 
 same." 
 
 Men remove permanently from the station of one command to another, and 
 are dropped from the rolls without first connecting themselves with a new 
 organization. 
 
 Transfer of Records. — In one instance I learned of a transfer under proper 
 authority, but found that no record of the man's enlistment or services had 
 been transmitted. In all cases of transfer descriptive lists should be furnished 
 the new commanding officer, giving for each man all the facts and data set 
 forth in his enlistment papers. The reasons hereforare self-evident. 
 
 Likewise, when a man is appointed to a regimental or battalion non-commis- 
 sioned staff, his complete record should go with him. This I do not find to 
 have been done. Not having examined the records kept by Adjutants I 
 cannot say whether descriptive lists of the non-cornmigsionsd staff officers are 
 kept, but in the cases of some appointments I found no records transferred. 
 In fact, some men wearing the chevrons of a sergeant-major have appeared 
 at my inspection, in the ranks of their former commands, and commanding 
 officers have considered them bona fide members. When a man is appointed 
 a non-commissioned staff officer he ceases to belong to his former command. 
 
 Discharge Certificate. — Concerning the discharge of men I would allude to the 
 adoption and use, in at least two organizations, of a discharge certificate, in 
 form and substance very similar to that furnished regular soldiers upon leav- 
 ing the service by authority. .,. 
 
 Such a certificate, if put in general use among the troops, would, it is 
 thought, have a salutary effect upon discipline and efficiency. In the first 
 place, the reason for discharge should be clearly set forth, and secondly, the 
 
13 
 
 character of the man should be accurately described and the manner in which 
 he has attended to and performed his duty carefully noted. 
 
 The fact of discharge, the cause therefor, the character given, should be 
 recorded on the company books and a report in full made to the Adjutant- 
 General. All men, before entering the service, should be forewarned that 
 their records will ultimately reach the highest military«office of the State. 
 
 ^4s to the Effect. — Let a man serve either his full term or be discharged for 
 good cause prior to its expiration ; he has been a faithful soldier; his attend- 
 ance at drills and schools of instruction has been excellent; his interest keen,, 
 and conduct exemplary ; his commanding officer can then give him what will 
 be a desirable recommendation in other ventures or in another company ; and 
 in such a paper he may feel a pardonable pride. 
 
 But suppose the opposite, where, from lack of attention to duty, continued 
 non-attendance, delinquency in meeting just obligations to his company, the 
 man has become a useless member and a burden to his command. He is also 
 offered a certificate on which such facts are impartially set down. He may 
 not want such a document ; he would not make use of it. In both instances 
 the facts noted become of record in his company and at the Capitol. 
 
 It is claimed that this practice would serve as a stimulus to good work,, 
 and deserving men would be encouraged to win recognition for honest effort. 
 On the contrary, an aspirant for the clothes, not the bone of the military 
 service, would hesitate before associating himself with a company where in- 
 difference and carelessness would be given due publicity. 
 
 Record on Discharge. — In describing a man's i*ecord there rests upon a 
 commanding officer a most responsible and delicate duty ; his duty to the 
 service, his duty to the man, must be weighed with impartial justice, and a 
 keen distinction made between the character of the individual as a man and 
 his record as a soldier. 
 
 Character should be given without " partiality, favor or affection " ; all 
 personal friendships, all individual animosity, should be thrown out of con- 
 sideration. 
 
 Under the provisions of paragraph 3, General Orders No. 7, series of 1889, 
 Adjutant-General's Office, all 'company or line officers before receiving com- 
 missions, shall be examined upon Upton's Tactics or such other tactics as may 
 be adopted for the armies of the United States, in " company and squad 
 drill." In case of an unfavorable report by the examining officer no commis- 
 sion shall issue. 
 
 The purpose of this order is unquestionably good ; on general principles it is 
 a step in the right direction ; but does it accomplish all that was contemplated 
 in its inception ; all that is desired ? Are its requirements sufficiently compre- 
 hensive in scope and character ; is the execution of the order uniform ? 
 
 There are many caj^ible and zealous officers in the State ; there are also 
 those who are not so well qualified, either in their knowdedge and familiarity 
 with their legitimate duties, in military aptitude and inclination. One fact 
 has forcibly impressed itself upon me during my service in connection with 
 the Volunteers ; it is that these examinations have been,, in many instances,. 
 
14 
 
 merely perfunctory, or else the officers examined have long since forgotten 
 what once they must have known. I have found certain officers seemingly un 
 acquainted with the drill manuals, and in some cases officers have excused 
 themselves from exercising command at my inspection. 
 
 In very great measure, individual organizations, the troops, are what their 
 officers in particular what their captains, make them. By an officer's work 
 he is best judged ; by the officer frequently may the company be gauged. By 
 an officer's knowledge of the duty demanded of him, by his faithful attention, 
 indeed, by his example, men are inspired to active effort or conceive an aver- 
 sion or indifference for the service. A well informed and progressive captain 
 means a good company; an indifferent officer a poor one. 
 
 The troops possess " all the qualifications to make a fine body of soldiery ;" 
 select proper officers and their efficiency will be markedly enhanced, if not as- 
 sured. The key to success is in placing good men in commission. The system 
 of selecting officers in this State is the elective ; and with all its acknowledged 
 defects it is doubtless the only practicable alternative. This phase of the 
 problem must be accepted, but its solution should be hedged about with proper 
 safeguards. The qualities which go to make up a good officer are far more 
 than the ability to correctly answer the questions, few or many, put to him in 
 his examination ; more than a theoretical knowledge of those portions of the 
 drill book denominated as the school of the soldier and of the company. An 
 officer should not only know his drill, the prescribed movements for the unit 
 which he commands ; he should be able to drill and to command. Nor are these 
 schools the compass of his qualifications. Extended order exercise, the em- 
 bodiment of the principles of the tactics of to-day ; the general rules governing 
 battalion drill ; guard duty and the instructions to sentinels ; matters of mili- 
 tary administration, discipline and courtesy ; and the regulations for the 
 troops; in fact, all information which may find its application in camp or 
 other Held duty might well be embraced in his examination. 
 
 The requirements should be more comprehensive, the test itself more rigor- 
 ously applied, the standard raised for ali. The necessary qualities do not rest 
 here, for every officer should be possessed of tact, be capable of inspiring confi- 
 dence, enforcing discipline and insuring an uniform and efficient company ad- 
 ministration. 
 
 There is no doubt that the men themselves can do a great deal towards the 
 selection of good officers by a careful consideration of the elements last named, 
 by electing only such men to office as give promise of efficiency. Good fellow- 
 ship and popularity are poor exponents of an officer's capacity, but I have 
 reason to believe that in many instances it has been the criterion. 
 
 It is to be observed that some companies are unfortunate in not being able 
 to secure proper officers. Owing to a variable interest in military matters in 
 different places there are unequal opportunities for obtaining the best material. 
 At some stations well qualified and energetic officer;-* are to be had; while at 
 others indifference exists, and desirable men will not accept command. Availa- 
 bility, therefore, as in other walks of life, rather than special fitness, frequently 
 determines a choice. In such localities I believe it would be a wise policy, from 
 a military standpoint, to disband the organizations and admit others. It is 
 as great an expense to maintain a poor company as a good one ; with the limited 
 
15 
 
 allotment from the general government only effective commands should be 
 held in service. 
 
 Some officers, good drill masters withal, accept commissions without a full 
 sense of the duty demanded of them, with too light a conception of the re- 
 sponsibility involved ; and with the dissipation of the impulse which brought 
 them into command, so fades or ceases their activity ^.nd concern. When an 
 officer loses interest in his work or from business reasons or other considera- 
 tions is unable to give the necessary time to his company, he should step 
 aside. If an officer becomes indifferent, if he is slack in attendance, what can 
 be expected of the men ? Surely their interest must lag. I can state as the 
 result of careful observation that the best and most efficient organizations of 
 the State are those whose officers give the most attention to their drills and 
 instruction. This remark does not necessarily apply to those commands 
 which are unable to assemble at regular intervals, whose opportunities for in- 
 struction are limited. 
 
 I believe that the holding of a commission might wisely be made dependent 
 upon the efficiency of the unit the officer commands. To determine this ques- 
 tion careful, investigation and rigid inspection should be had at least annually. 
 If a company, troop or battery falls inexcusably short of a prescribed but fair 
 standard, the commanding officer should retire or the company be disbanded. 
 And in the case of field officers who are unable to command, or who are in- 
 different to the proper training of the units they represent, new appointments 
 should be made. 
 
 One great detriment to any command is the frequency of resignations on the 
 part of officers. Too manj- changes occur. Directly a company, under some 
 inspiration, gets a fair growth and acquires a presentable stature, its captain 
 or other officers find occasion for relinquishing command. There is a tend- 
 ency to unstable production, not alone as applied to officers, but in some in- 
 stances companies enter the service more through a desire to satisfy special 
 whims than to promote the efficiency of the military of the State. An officer 
 before assuming the obligations of a commission should consider well the pos- 
 sibility and probability of his continuance in service. 
 
 The existing methods of examination are objectionable. They lack uni- 
 formity, and vary as much in their requirements as do the officers who be- 
 come the examiners. A practicable scheme, and one more likely, in my opin- 
 ion, to produce better results, is to be found in a system of examinations by 
 boards composed of at least three officers, of recognized ability and compe- 
 tency, permanently convened at the principal stations or main centers of the 
 State. A cursory glance at the map suggests not more than five boards as 
 necessary for the purpose, as one each at Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, Savannah 
 and Thomasviile. 
 
 The character and scope of their duties, the ground to be covered, should be 
 precisely described and fixed by regulations from the office of the Adjutant 
 and Inspector-General. The examinations should be in writing, and all re- 
 ports, together with the recommendations of the boards, forwarded to that 
 office for review and final approval. The details of such a plan will readily 
 suggests themselves. The expense incident hereto would scarcely be greater 
 
16 
 
 than under the present regime ; the results attained would, it is thought, more- 
 than compensate for any possible increase. 
 
 I would add in this connection that my experience prompts the thought that 
 administrative staff officers should undergo examinations in the duties of their 
 respective offices prior to being commissioned. 
 
 I find generally among officers located at the same station a want of frater- 
 nity, save with those of distinct organizations ; there is little or no disposition 
 on their part to get together, know each other, exchange views on matters 
 pertaining to the profession, "talk shop "if need be, bring about harmony 
 of sentiment with the military idea and spirit as a basis. The superior officers 
 have it in their power to accomplish something in this line ; and it should be 
 remembered that for the general good of the service officers of all branches are 
 but " birds of a feather." 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 
 
 The responsibility attaching to the office of non-commissioned officer is 
 not duly estimated or satisfactorily valued by the officers and men throughout 
 the Volunteers. The importance of non-commissioned officers is not fully 
 realized nor are their legitimate duties well understood. Sergeants and cor- 
 porals are frequently looked upon as figure heads, elected or appointed to 
 office more from form than with an eye to usefulness. This may seem a broad 
 statement, but its boldness is somewhat relieved when the existing conditions 
 are revealed. 
 
 Generally speaking, their duties are too much restricted, are seldom varied,, 
 and in comparatively few instances are the proper demands made upon them. 
 I find an almost universal practice of requiring nothing more of a first ser- 
 geant, who is, in some commands, erroneously desiguated orderly sergeant,, 
 than to form a company and act as right guide ; another sergeant, denomi- 
 nated second sergeant, performs only the function of left guide, and fre- 
 quently other sergeants are placed and drilled in ranks. Once a man is 
 assigned to a particular duty his position never changes, and as a consequence- 
 wlien thrown among new faces he straightway loses his head, and the com- 
 pany follows in his wake. I may mention the case of a remarkably well- 
 drilled company, which, at my inspection, had its left guide, so termed, miss- 
 ing. Another non-commissioned officer was called upon to occupy the posi- 
 tion ; he could not, at least did not creditably, because he had never performed 
 such duty. Again, I visited one company where a guide was absent, and 
 although there were other non-commissioned officers present, the commanding 
 officer was disposed to proceed with his drill without a guide. The moral 
 needs no interpretation. The practice of drilling sergeants in ranks should be 
 corrected. They are file closers, and as such have special functions to perforni;- 
 which are clearly described in the drill book. In this connection attention 
 might be called to page 4, Infantry Drill Regulations. 
 
 The drill manual is, perhaps, unfortunate in giving the several non-com- 
 missioned officers numerical designations. Many commands follow a custom 
 of establishing so many grades, the dates of appointment having no signifi-- 
 cance in the determination of rank. 
 
17 
 
 The question of rank and precedence among these officers has been given 
 little attention. Indeed, until the publication of the last annual register of 
 the Georgia Volunteers, even commissioned officers felt but slight concern 
 regarding rank, nor appreciated what it conferred. 
 
 The infantry drill regulations contemplate five sergeants, and while they are 
 designated numerically, such designation simply indicates rank, save that the 
 first sergeant is senior by reason of special selection. Rank, in each grade, is 
 determined by date of appointment." "Absent officers and non-commissioned 
 officers are generally replaced by the next in rank or grade." 
 
 Heretofore there has widely prevailed throughout the State a practice of 
 electing non-commissioned officers. Such methods are open to numerous 
 objections ; here, even more than in the case of officers, election means that 
 popularity is the standard instead of special fitness. A man elected on this 
 platform does not give so good promise of efficiency as one appointed, for the 
 popular individual is less prone to forbear compliances for retaining his pop- 
 ularity, and his usefulness is proportionately diminished. Concerning non- 
 commissioned officers' duty, I find too few organizations where they are re- 
 quired to act as instructors in the school of the soldier or other practical 
 work. In my inspection with companies which I believed could stand the 
 strain I have freely called for drills under sergeants and corporals ; and I 
 have invariably endeavored to impress upon all captains, not only the 
 propriety, but the absolute necessity, of placing non-commissioned officers 
 in charge of squads, in fact, making them instructors. Some commands have 
 shown me excellent men, while in others the sergeants and corporals are 
 sadly deficient. This was their misfortune rather than their fault ; the blame 
 rests on the captains who make no proper use of their assistants. In one 
 instance I found a sergeant, in another a corporal, both in office for a reason- 
 able period, who, upon being asked to instruct a squad, confessed complete 
 ignorance and begged to be excused from the humiliation. I cannot too 
 strongly appeal to commanders to give their non-commissioned officers ample 
 opportunity for instruction. Unless they acquire experience and confidence 
 they are but ornamental ; even woise, they are a positive drawback. In view 
 of the new drill regulations, other than well instructed and confident men in 
 office must seriously compromise the efficiency of a command. 
 
 The defects of the elective system will, in some measure, disappear upon a 
 regular compliance with the recent instructions from the office of the Adjutant 
 and Inspector-General, directing that all non-ct»m missioned officers be ap- 
 pointed in accordance with the provisions of the army regulations. Such 
 an order should, and I am satisfied will, meet with general favor and approval. 
 No light duty rests upon a captain in selecting his non-commissioned offi- 
 cers. By a good appointment he may build up his command and make it 
 efficient ; by a poor choice detract from its would-be standard or reputation. 
 The matter should be regarded from two standpoints. First, the man's 
 capability and reliability in the light of an instructor and assistant in prac- 
 tical work. Second, his tact and judgment as factors towards the promotion 
 of discipline. 
 
 The man may be capable of repeating pages of the drill book, but be in- 
 competent as an assistant in drills. Before any man is permitted to wear a 
 [2] 
 
18 
 
 chevron he should be tested. He should also be a disciplined man before he 
 essays to command others. There are plenty of men who are otherwise well 
 qualified, but lack the necessary judgment and disciplinary qualities. A young 
 man, even if bright, does not always make a success. 
 
 These comments are prompted as a result of my observation of the tfoops, 
 among whom I find not the greatest discretion displayed in selecting non- 
 commissioned officers. i 
 
 t 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 To properly estimate the discipline of any command more opportunity 
 should be afforded than is available during an inspection. My observation of 
 companies was necessarily limited to from one to four hours, and then under 
 not the most favorable conditions for judging. The occasion for the assem- 
 bly of a company was special, and each command felt itself perhaps under a 
 critical examination ; pride, therefore, together with a spirit of emulation, 
 spurred each member to his best efforts. Opinions thus formed might be 
 amended were the troops observed under more real and trying circumstances 
 and for a greater time, as in camp or in the field. 
 
 In order to ascertain as far as possible to what extent companies had re- 
 ceived disciplinary instruction, I did not confine my observations to tjreir 
 drills alone. Careful inquiry was made of officers as to what features of discip- 
 line were practiced when in camp, or taught in armories or at their several 
 stations. My comments will, therefore, deal with some particulars which can 
 better be judged of when under canvas. 
 
 Discipline, in so far as obedience and subordination constitutes a factor, 
 may be reported as uniformly good ; but this element, however, can scarcely 
 be said to have been tested. Organizations came before me simply for the 
 drills called for in the several schools of instruction, and there was no occa- 
 sion for other than willing obedience. Considering the matter of respect for 
 superiors, the observance of military etiquette and courtesy, the practice of 
 drawing a line of demarkation between officers and men, lam unable to report 
 an uniform and satisfactory state of discipline among the troops visited. Cer- 
 tain notable exceptions will be mentioned later in this report in dealing with 
 individual commands. 
 
 Eegarding the separation of officers from the men when on duty, I found but 
 few instances where distinctions were taught or required ; among the excep- 
 tions the line is not only clearly drawn, but these commands take the greatest 
 pride in such observance. The practice in two organizations is rigorously and 
 understanding^ carried out. This feature of discipline is perhaps difficult of 
 attainment among volunteer troops generally. There are no class distinctions ; 
 one man, as the saying goes, is as good as another, is his equal and peer. Then, 
 again, for the employer of to-day to become his clerk's subordinate to-morrow 
 seems incongruous ; such contrarieties are not readily appreciated, either by 
 the employer wjio fails to disassociate his civilian from his quasi-military status, 
 nor by the clerk who is correspondingly embarrassed in the presence of the 
 man who is his superior in the business world. Relatives, fast friends and 
 boon companions in civilian attire assume distinct relations when underarms. 
 For a private to hold aloof from his captain, who is his personal friend, is no 
 
19 
 
 •easy matter ; the necessity therefor as promoting the ends of discipline is not 
 readily understood. The responsibility rests mainly with the officers, who 
 either from a want of appreciation of the subject or from an undue love of the 
 popularity of the men, or from a desire for their favor politically, fail to prop- 
 ^eriy deal with and instruct them. Discipline depends very largely upon the 
 captains. They are, so to speak, the fathers of their companies, and while 
 looking after the interests of one individual member, must represent all under 
 their authority. They cannot exercise that impartial control if on any and all 
 occasions they listen to and heed the importunities or suggestions of their sub- 
 ordinates, as they are very apt to do with personal friends. The captain must 
 be free and unfettered in his administration. In camp his being "on duty" 
 •does not end with a drill or ceremony ; his responsibility is continuous. And 
 likewise, in the case of all officers, discipline is better maintained when a sep. 
 aration is observed between the commissioned and enlisted grades. If such 
 distinctions are accepted by the troops of the State as judicious and necessary 
 in the regular service, then as a lesson of instruction, they might well be ob- 
 served by themselves. 
 
 I am far from claiming that we should expect the discipline of the regular 
 army among the volunteers. It cannot be had ; nor, perhaps, is it necessary ; 
 but as a means to learning what discipline is we might approximate to it. 
 
 This army custom or regulation should be practiced, if for no other reason 
 than instruction. Having this object in view, I cannot believe that, with troops 
 of as marked intelligence and interest as make up the Volunteers of the State? 
 its enforcement would engender dissatisfaction ; certainly not, if they were 
 .taught to recognize a good reason for it. 
 
 In but few commands was military courtesy observed at my inspections. 
 Men in armories seldom rise upon the entrance of an officer or recognize his 
 presence in any way, nor while he is present preserve a soldierly bearing. 
 Likewise in the open there is a corresponding lack of respect shown. A 
 military attitude was not generally assumed when addressing officers, nor 
 were salutes usually rendered when approaching or passing them. On one 
 occasion, daring an inspection, I observed a non-commissioned officer approach 
 his captain with piece in hand, a burning cigar between his teeth, and in a 
 bungling manner salute his superior officer with his left hand ; and when 
 conversing with him he lounged about in a very unsoldierly attitude. The 
 captain seemingly noticed no impropriety. Numerous other irregularities of 
 this character might be cited, but I believe it unnecessary ; general reference 
 to the subject will suffice with troops who fail in a proper observance of these 
 customs through no disrespect, nor on the ground of social equality ; rather 
 from a want of proper instruction and heedlessness. 
 
 The difficult}' rests in the fact that men are not taught the military necessity 
 and propriety of these army customs and rules. 
 
 Officers should require the military courtesies from the men, and as much 
 pride should be enlisted in their practice as in drills or ceremonies. It may 
 be borne in mind that in saluting the officer or in showing him respect it is 
 the office rather than the incumbent that is thus recognized. 
 
 The saluting of officers as practiced by some commands is not through a 
 sense of duty and a keen appreciation of the purposes or reasons therefor. I 
 
20 
 
 have observed men render very precise salutes, who I am satisfied did so more- 
 for the amusement it afforded them than from any feeling that they were 
 obliged to show such marks of respect to authority at all times; for while the, 
 inspecting officer was punctiliously recognized, the presence of company 
 officers was not seemingly discovered or observed. 
 
 Making the remark generally applicable, I would comment upon the great, 
 lack of attention and steadiness in ranks during inspection and while under 
 arms. There was too much gazing about. Several men were observed to be 
 chewing tobacco, and not a few were seen spitting in ranks. Again — and I 
 am pleased to state that a very few instances occurred— I noted a disposition 
 to trifle on the part of some men. One command is deserving of censure in 
 this particular. 
 
 As having, in my belief, a direct bearing on discipline, I am constrained to 
 mention that in at least two commands a club is maintained, fitted up and 
 equipped with the usual conveniences pertaining to such organizations. 1 
 am very strongly convinced that the club feature is not compatible with the 
 maintenance of good, effective discipline in any volunteer military command, 
 nor can I believe it conducive to the proper instruction of men in the prin- 
 ciples of discipline. I do not advocate the exclusion of certain amusements or 
 attractions whereby men are induced to visit their armories and while there 
 feel themselves under the shadow and influence of military authority. The 
 billiard and pool table, the gymnasium and the reading room may serve the 
 good purpose of attracting young men in the formative period from other less 
 innocent places of amusement, especially when judiciously employed in a 
 military atmosphere, but distinctive club attraction in armories must seri- 
 ously interfere with the prosecution of any regular and precise course of in- 
 struction in legitimate military particulars. 
 
 The social feature possesses smooth edges and round corners, and wears with 
 less friction than<the military, and, as between the two, the line of least re- 
 sistance will usually be followed. The two ideas are not in affinity and cannot 
 work together with the greatest promise of success in the ostensible or avowed 
 channel of instruction. 
 
 It has been argued that through the medium of the club attendance at drills 
 is greatly increased. Granting this, it may be asked whether it is the mili- 
 tary or the club attraction that operates to bring men out, and during instruc- 
 tion cin the military and the club features be fully separated and kept distinct? 
 Can instruction be as well carried out as otherwise? 
 
 The revenues arising from a club may go far towards the maintenance of an 
 organization, towards securing it a habitation and a home, but experience very 
 generally throughout the State does not recognize the necessity for such 
 methods or indorse the means to that end. 
 
 My comments hereon are, perhaps, in great measure theoretical. Time and 
 opportunity were not afforded for closely investigating the practical side of 
 the question. My remarks, therefore, deal with general principles rather than 
 with actual facts elicite 1 by personal observation. It must require, however, 
 strong evidence to alter a firm conviction. 
 
 In the enforcement of discipline army customs are not observed in indi- 
 vidual organizations. No State regulations are prescribed, although the rnili- 
 
21 
 
 tary code does provide for the punishment of its members. This code has 
 never been placed in the hands of the troops. 
 
 Under section 1103(ff), Code of 1882, "the rules of any company or bat- 
 talion may provide for the organization of courts-martial within such com- 
 pany or battalion for the trial and punishment of its own members for offences 
 against its own rules." 
 
 In conformity thereto the several commands, according to their own ideas, 
 shave formulated and embodied among their rules and by-laws certain penal 
 processes and exactions. These differ as do their originators and possess few 
 features in common. Asa general thing, the company constitutions provide 
 for courts-martial, which are variously constituted. For the trial of an officer it 
 is usual for the whole or the majority of the company to sit in judgment, while 
 the enlisted man's court consists of an officer, one to three non-commissioned 
 •officers and two to eight privates. 
 
 According to these rules the offences of an officer and enlisted man cogniza- 
 ble by the company courts is ungentlemanly or unsoldierly conduct in the 
 ■character of a member of the command and neglect of duty such as to impair 
 its interests or reputation. 
 
 The rules prescribe that the practice of company courts shall be in accord- 
 ance with that of the regular service, the company or corps commanders being 
 the reviewing authorities. 
 
 The usual punishments imposed are fines, censure or expulsion. 
 
 In addition hereto, all company rules prescribe tables of penalties for minor 
 •or other shortcomings, such as neglect of or absence from duty, disobedience, 
 the improper or unauthorized use or disgrace of the uniform, and in several 
 commands the having or drinking of intoxicants in armories and gambling 
 therein. 
 
 Non-attendance at drills or instruction meetings 1 find to be the chief offence 
 ifor which fines are imposed. The excuses herefor which are usually accepted 
 as satisfactory are absence from the immediate station of the command, sick- 
 ness of the member, business. In a few organizations the character of the busi- 
 ness is inquired into. In too many cases the whole company at its regular 
 meetings judges of these excuses; in others the subject is in charge of com- 
 mittees ; while in a few the commanding officer is the sole and final arbiter in 
 strictly military affairs. One command has adopted the summary court, sub- 
 stantially as found in the regular service, with final authority in regard to fines 
 for absence from any duty. 
 
 Regarding the prompt collection of fines, I am obliged to report, in many 
 •commands, the number of men in arrears on account of fines as entirely and 
 inexcusably too great. Absence from duty may seem a light offence, but it 
 becomes serious when persisted in, particularly when many members absent 
 themselves, either for good or insufficient cause. It should not be thought 
 that the payment of the fine compensates for the absence ; the man's presence 
 3s desired, not his money. 
 
 Should it be determined, in the next general inspection to assign figures of 
 merit for work performed in the various duties, I believe due credit should be 
 given for attendance of members during the course of the year. Let this enter 
 as a factor in determining a company's comparative efficiency. The organiza- 
 
22 
 
 tion attaining the best or highest percentage should be published in orders- 
 The pride of the organizations and of the members would in this way be ap- 
 pealed to. And it may be said in this connection that pride is the one potent 
 force which holds any volunteer command up to efficient work. It is most 
 true in this State where the troops receive so little compensation for their 
 labors. 
 
 "While touching upon discipline I am obliged to take notice of a certain care- 
 lessness on the part of some commanding officers in not fully complying with 
 instructions sent them by me relative to inspection. Before making a visit to 
 any organization I addressed each captain a communication advising him of 
 the day appointed therefor, and uniformly requested that all books and papers 
 of military record pertaining to the command, and all arms and other prop- 
 erty of the State for which he was accountable, be brought together in readi- 
 ness for inspection. My requests were not generally complied with, and in 
 several instances I was unable to verify and examine the arms and ordnance 
 stores as thoroughly as my orders from the Adjutant and Inspector-General's 
 office required, or as I should liked to have done in order to ascertain the care 
 and attention usually bestowed upon them. I am well satisfied that no officer 
 willfully disregarded these instructions; neglect and carelessness must be as- 
 signed as the cause for this breach of discipline. 
 
 I may also state, in this connection, that this same heedlessness has been 
 discoved in several officers in my office work at the Capitol. Communications 
 calling for official information have been sent out to officers in the State, 
 which were not promptly answered, and in at least two cases no notice was 
 seemingly taken of them. 
 
 THEORETICAL INSTRUCTION. 
 
 With but two or three exceptions I find no regular system of theoretical in- 
 struction of officers and non-commissioned officers pursued among the troops. 
 The injunctions of the drill book are not seemingly observed. They hold the 
 captain responsible for the theoretical and practical instruction of his subor- 
 dinates, who are required to study and recite the regulations. The advantages 
 to be derived from such a course of study are quite apparent and should appeal 
 with force to all commanders. 
 
 The scope of instruction, however, might well be extended to include all the 
 duties of the officers and non-commissioned officers, not only as laid down in 
 the drill book, but in other manuals, such as the guard manual and the firing 
 regulations. Attention should likewise be given to the care and handling of 
 the rifle, the use and adjustment of the sights. 
 
 For example, I would commend the thoroughness of instruction and the 
 methods followed in one command, viz., Company E, First Regiment. A 
 school is regularly had, which the whole company attends, and, by interroga- 
 tories, the captain instructs each member. It was a real pleasure to witness 
 the marked interest actually displayed, as well as that felt in the work as in- 
 dicated by the large attendance. I listened to members describing the various 
 duties of sentinels, the subject taught on the occasion of my visit. The prompt 
 and accurate answers exhibited great proficiency, which was fully confirmed 
 when I examined the men at inspection. 
 
23 
 
 On another occasion I found a lieutenant of this company explaining to the 
 men the parts of the rifle and the subject of the setting of the sights and the 
 adjustment of the windage. 
 
 In another armory (Company F, Fourth Regiment) I found an enlarged 
 drawing of all the parts of the Springfield rifle hanging on the wall, where 
 men frequently come in contact with it. The answers given me by the men 
 when questioning them at inspection proved that the drawing was not made 
 in vain. 
 
 I would suggest that regulations be prepared and published requiring all 
 commands to pursue a systematic course of theoretical and also practical in- 
 struction. At regimental and battalion headquarters, or at stations where 
 several organizations are assembled, the officers might be called together at 
 least monthly, and when thus together, in addition to official business con- 
 cerning their commands, let professional topics be discussed. 
 
 In one instance I discovered this to have been done, and learned that orders 
 recently issued call for regular meetings hereafter of the officers of the regi- 
 ment for this purpose. At such assemblies officers should be encouraged to 
 read professional papers, either original or otherwise. A pre-arranged course 
 should be laid out and rigidly followed. If properly initiated, the interest of 
 officers would be aroused and the practice would soon make itself felt. Once 
 started officers would be loath to abandon it. 
 
 I have met many officers who strongly favor such a scheme. The 
 only impediment is the seeming apathy of regimental and battalion com- 
 manders. It lies within the power of these officers to greatly improve the 
 efficiency of their commands by a closer attention to their needs and a more 
 careful supervision of their work. 
 
 Schools of instruction in individual organizations, under the direct super- 
 vision of the officers, should be held at regular intervals. In order that in- 
 struction may be uniform and progressive the superior officers should announce 
 fully the courses to be taken up, and require that reports of the same be 
 rendered. 
 
 PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION. 
 
 The practical instruction of the troops of the State is, generally speaking, 
 too narrow in scope ; is not as regularly and systematically conducted as is 
 necessary for efficiency ; is lacking in really useful tendencies and aims. It 
 does not embrace enough of the soldier's duty, does not cover a sufficient field 
 of the soldier's instruction. True it is that with little stimulation to hold 
 commands up to all-round work, with scarcely any direction from or super- 
 vision of superior officers, with perhaps an excusable want of knowledge as to 
 what constitutes a consistent and useful course of military training, the major- 
 ity of the organizations have followed the trend of their fancies, carrying out 
 but a modicum of the drill book, as suited their conveniences and tastes. 
 
 So far as the infantry is concerned, instruction has been confined to drills in 
 the school of the company and the manual of arms. Few companies have 
 progressed beyond, as a regular practice, nor have they manifested much am- 
 bition to exceed these circumscribed limits. It may be observed that some 
 companies, " crack companies," so-called, have in this school attained re- 
 
24 
 
 markable proficiency and have acquired considerable reputation, perfor*ming 
 with great precision and facility all the prescribed evolutions therein. Such 
 proficiency has been gained under sudden and temporary impulse, in prepara- 
 tion for, and the reputation won through success in, competitive or prize drills. 
 
 Prize drill organizations are not, however, military companies in the true 
 sense of the word ; they are rather athletic teams of from sixteen to twenty - 
 four men, selected for the special purpose. 
 
 When such a company's achievements are considered, this fact must not be 
 lost sight of. "With a selected few an excellent exhibition in company 
 maneuvers may be presented ; with the whole company or all its enlisted 
 strength in ranks the result is disappointing. It has been my experience to 
 witness prize drills of certain organizations of the State ; in some cases their 
 work was almost perfection. These same commands have appeared at my in- 
 spection witli other than their " teams" and their showing exhibited want of 
 thorough instruction and deficiency in practical thought. 
 
 There are also other organizations, not in this category, which have never 
 advanced beyond the school of the company ; not many of these have covered 
 even that school in its entirety. 
 
 Such commands have not been in touch with the prize drill contagion, and 
 although the scope of their teaching is less comprehensive, they are entitled 
 to the consideration attaching to more general instruction. The prize drill 
 companies limit instruction to a certain few ; the commands in question seek 
 to bring out all available men, and, therefore, free from the harmful effect of 
 competition as thus regulated, are more workable from a practical point of 
 view. 
 
 Again, several companies, with no less an impetus than a desire and deter- 
 mination to be better soldiers, and with only home-made opportunities, have cut 
 loose from the usual treadmill routine and have made long strides in the di- 
 rection of soldierly usefulness. Some have shown at inspection good effort in 
 all the several schools asked for ; a few have exhibited not only general in- 
 struction, but excellent results of the same. 
 
 In all round efficiency, in discipline and for progressive and systematic in- 
 struction, one command, Company E, First Regiment, has exceeded what I 
 had thought attainable with volunteer troops. It is by far the best infantry 
 organization in the State, and, in my belief, is second to none in any State. 
 
 My detailed report below would perhaps indicate the company, but in view 
 of its remarkable proficiency and its soldierly qualities and aims, I have felt 
 justified in thus making special mention. 
 
 Regarding the cavalry, I find that practical instruction has been very gen- 
 erally restricted to mere company evolutions mounted. 
 
 The schools of the soldier and company, dismounted, have received but very 
 slight attention except in three troops. In a few instances dismounted work 
 has been seemingly neglected. 
 
 One or two troops were like "fish out of water" when I called for foot drills. 
 The skirmish, or extended order exercise, mounted and dismounted, was pre- 
 sented by only two commands. 
 
 The subject of the care, treatment and shoeing of the horse and his stable 
 management has not been included in either practical or theoretical instruction. 
 
25 
 
 In view of the general neglect of dismounted work by the majority of the 
 ■cavalry, the foot drills of Troops K, F and A, Fifth Regiment, are deserving of 
 commendation. 
 
 As showing thoroughness of instruction in all the details for which oppor- 
 tunities have been available, the work, mounted and dismounted, of Troop K 
 warrants special reference. For general efficiency this command is no mean 
 competitor with the best infantry organization of the State. 
 
 It may be remarked concerning this arm of the service that in some locali- 
 ties it constitutes a police force and protection, and should not be judged on 
 the basis of pretty movements or great accuracy in details. These commands 
 are, in truth, more efficient in the character of their existence than others that 
 regard mounted company drill as the tout ensemble of the cavalryman's school ; 
 they are better soldiers and have a much clearer conception and appreciation of 
 discipline. A trooper who can attend to his mount, care for and use his 
 weapon, carry and cook his ration, and if required for arduous duty would re- 
 spond cheerfully and loyally, gives greater promise of efficiency from a mil- 
 tary basis than he who is provided with groom and cook and who fails to keep 
 his gun in clean and serviceable condition. 
 
 The organized troops of cavalry are not equally favored in conveniences and 
 occasions for exercise. It is not practicable for some to assemble oftener than 
 five or six times each year ; their members are widely separated and are engaged 
 in business that will not permit of frequent all-day interruption. An assembly 
 * for them means a whole day, and for some of the men even more time is taken 
 up in the going to and returning from the rendezvous. In one instance, for 
 the purpose of inspection, the majority of the troop traveled from eighteen to 
 twenty-five miles ; one man, a war veteran and a soldier still, came thirty-five 
 miles from an adjoining county. 
 
 While such men may not drill in as beautiful form as the more fortunate 
 horsemen from the cities or more densely populate I districts their intrinsic 
 worth, in their perhaps special sphere, cannot be disputed ; it should not be 
 underestimated. In many practical details they can teach some of the better 
 drilled. 
 
 Again it is to be borne in mind that cavalry is an expensive army to main- 
 tain and properly instruct. For mounted exercises there is a heavy drain on 
 the pocket-books of the members. Realizing this I uniformly left to the dis- 
 cretion of troop commanders the question of presenting their troops mounted 
 at inspection ; but in all cases laying stress upon dismounted instruction 
 wherein the cavalry of the State, with few exceptions, is sadly lacking. 
 
 The school of the trooper and the troop is for the purpose of teaching horse- 
 manship and training the horse. The first is an acknowledged quality of all ; 
 it requires no inspection to discover that fact among men who have been ac- 
 customed to the horse from boyhood. Indeed, I found men so proficient 
 herein that their very assurance made them forgetful of their mounts to the 
 extent of being careless in keeping the necessary hold on the reins. As a con- 
 sequence many movements were irregular and horses did not move out to. 
 .gether. Horsemanship should not be regarded, as is done by some, as the 
 cavalryman's only password to success. The training of the animal is next in 
 ^importance to riding him ; unless properly trained mounted movements will 
 
26 
 
 be difficult to perforin with precision and evenness. This is the chief trouble 
 in the way to efficiency in drills with the cavalry. The troops cannot afford 
 to own their mounts, nor is it always possible to secure the same animals.- 
 Untried horses will appear in ranks, and even, mobile evolutions will be the 
 exception rather than the rule, as I uniformly found. 
 
 The mounted instruction of the cavalry includes far more than company 
 drill. This is but one of the means to an end ; it is not that end. 
 
 Scouting, reconnaissance, advance and rear guard and patrol duty are of 
 greater importance ; in fact, they constitute the more legitimate functions of 
 this arm. Mounted work should cover these particulars as far as is possible. 
 I find that none of the cavalry commands have attempted any such teaching. 
 
 It may be said, however, that ifor proper and adequate instruction in such 
 features more frequent occasions for exercise should be afforded. But individual 
 members cannot undergo the expense ; moreover time is not available. To 
 maintain efficient cavalry the horses used should be owned and furnished by 
 the State. But public necessity does not warrant such a policy ; wisdom does 
 not dictate it. 
 
 In view of the great expense involved, and the comparatively small compen- 
 sation rendered therefor, namely, the very limited amount of instruction im- 
 parted, and the improbability of using the force in its special character, I 
 doubt the wisdom of the policy of maintaining as great a number of troops of 
 cavalry as are now organized. Fourteen troops are kept up. Save in such 
 localities as constantly require protection now afforded by it, the occasions for 
 the employment of a mounted force are few and far between ; that of cavalry, 
 per se, less frequent. In fact such occasions are not readily realized. 
 
 In case of riot duty or disturbances of the peace, it is reasonable to suppose 
 that the less expensive but more effective arm, infantry, would be called out. 
 Again, when all this cavalry is ordered into an encampment, the attendant ex- 
 pense in transportation, iora<;e,-etc., cuts no small figure in the annual appro- 
 priation. 
 
 Furthermore and looking to the instruction of the men who enter this arm* 
 and their efficiency, the end sought to be subserved by the government when 
 appropriating money for the support of the militia, it may be asked how much 
 knowledge of the mounted service do they acquire, how much experience is 
 gained in real cavalry details. In this connection it may be stated as a fact 
 that New York maintains but one troop of cavaly, Pennsylvania three and 
 Ohio one. 
 
 As to the artillery, I find practical instruction to be almost exclusively con- 
 fined to the standing gun drill or the manual of the piece and mechanical 
 maneuvers. The training of the men, their physical culture, the formation 
 of the battery and its drill, dismounted, have received little or no attention. I 
 failed to find the men satisfactorily informed as to the nomenclature of the 
 piece, carriages and harness. The harness drill is not taught ; the men are not 
 trained as drivers. 
 
 Owing to the expense of hiring horses, the batteries are seldom mounted, . 
 only for special occasions, as for parades. Mounted drills in the schools of the 
 section, platoon and battery are not had for the same reason ; nor are individ- 
 ual men instructed in the school of the soldier mounted. 
 
27 
 
 The practical and theoretical instruction of the artilleryman embraces more 
 than that of the sister arms, and its prosecution calls for even greater system 
 and regularity. It is more comprehensive, and for that reason this branch en- 
 joys an advantage in being able to make its teaching interesting and attractive. 
 If this advantage is duly appreciated and improved, the men would soon de- 
 velop an active interest and the humdrum drill about the piece would cease 
 to be regarded as all for which the battery is maintained. Erroneous and im- 
 perfect impressions are fostered by always clinging to one thing. Variety in 
 instruction would add zest to the exercises ; a little ingenuity would supply 
 the means. What is needed is a willingness and a determination to do ; these 
 at hand, the way follows. 
 
 Prior to any mounted drill, the men should be taught how to harness their 
 horses, should know something about the harness, how to clean and care for 
 it. Instead of keeping the harness on pegs it might occasionally be placed on 
 a wooden horse or form where men could and would examine it, learn its parts 
 and uses. The harness drill might also be taught with such a simple device. 
 
 Before target pi-actice, the fundamental principles of gunnery, the use of 
 sights, the pointing and laying of guns should receive attention, else ammuni- 
 tion would be wasted. The armament of the artillery consists of 3-inch rifles 
 and 6-pounders, old and perhaps unserviceable for other purposes than stand- 
 ing gun drills. For actual service it is behind the day. 
 
 But field artillery, like cavalry, is expensive. Its proper maintenance and the 
 adequate instruction in target practice entail continued heavy outlays, not only 
 as regards the original plant, new guns of the latest pattern, but for the neces- 
 sary ammunition. Again, like cavalry, for efficiency the batteries should be 
 horsed by the State. Then, and here enters an important element for consid- 
 eration, in its special capacity as field artillery, there will be very few occasions 
 for its use. 
 
 The dissemination of artillery training and practice is of course most desira- 
 ble, but I cannot believe the end attained or attainable would justify the 
 means. I think it would be a better plan to replace the field guns by Gatling 
 guns of small arm calibre ; they need not be horsed ; rather provide them with 
 hand ropes for hauling about as is done with boat howitzers in the Navy- 
 Such weapons, for the State's purposes would be more useful, more effective 
 and decidedly more economical. 
 
 Reference being had to all arms, it may be remarked that practical instruc- 
 tion, as thus abridged, has not been characterized by uniform methods or, 
 within its limits, thoroughness. General effect and good appearance on parade 
 has prevailed to the exclusion of the practical. I feel satisfied that many or- 
 ganizations meet more from habit and form than a real military interest. 
 They go over and over the game ground, introducing no leaven in the shape 
 of variety. In other words there had been too much of a tendency to tedious 
 routine ; too little disposition to attempt new matter. No progress is thus 
 made. A company is a poor one which knows no more and is no better after 
 a season's work than when practice began. The men soon lose interest and 
 become indifferent. In but few organizations have I found any prearranged 
 plan of instruction carried out. " In pursuing any course of practice there 
 should be a well-defined system, where instruction shall be gradual and pro- 
 
28 
 
 • 
 gressive." " The best school is that which is systematic." To drill simply 
 
 because the company is assembled, to g> through the wearisome details of the 
 manual merely as a form ; in fact to do anything in a perfunctory manner, is 
 not fulfilling the purposes for which a command is organized and maintained. 
 Adopt a plan ; begin at some initial point, proceed " slowly but thoroughly," 
 and in every exercise have some good aim in view. At the commencement of 
 the drill season, let each captain carefully lay out his work, time and opportu- 
 nity fully considered. Make the system known if need be, and surely greater 
 interest will be aroused in the men than under the " happy-go-lucky " plan 
 so frequently pursued. There is no question as to what the result will be. 
 
 A scheme well calculated to insure greater uniformity, progress and interest 
 in all characters of instruction would be to prescribe clearly denned regulations 
 from the general headquarters of the State, which the proper authorities 
 should see are rigidly carried out. The theoretical as well as the practical in- 
 structions of the troops would thus be brought under supervision and be given 
 direction. The two can oftentimes be advantageously combined. 
 
 Training would thus.be made uniform and the troops would feel that they 
 were being thought of and their needs considered. Companies would thus be 
 given something to do and would have a purpose to follow in lieu of wandering 
 about with no guidance as at present. As a rule I do not discover that regi- 
 mental and battalion commanders show that attention to the instruction of 
 their commands or give them that personal concern necessary for uniformity 
 and steady progress. Company commanders are usually left to their own de- 
 vices. 
 
 I take pleasure, in this connection, in testifying to the marked interest taken 
 by the commanding officer of the 5th Georgia Cavalry, Colonel Win. W. 
 <Tordon, in the needs of and the practical work performed by the troops of his 
 regiment. Colonel Gordon, at his own expense and at a sacrifice of valuable 
 time, accompanied me in the inspection of every troop of his command visited, 
 and in the cases of three troops which I was unable to reach, he inspected them 
 himself. 
 
 Time Devoted to Practical Instruction. — As a general rule organizations meet four 
 times in each month ; three of the meetings being devoted to drills, the fourth 
 to business connected with the command. These meetings are in pursuance 
 of the rules and by-laws of the companies. In some commands the matter of 
 instruction is wholly in the hands of the commanding officer, where it should 
 lie. Save when preparing for some special occasion, as for my inspection, I 
 rind very few companies indulging in practical exercises more frequentty than 
 weekly. 
 
 It may be said in justice to certain organizations that they are unable to 
 meet oftener than once a month; some not so frequently, the men being very 
 much scattered. In such cases the commands might with advantage be divided 
 into squads which would assemble more regularly at convenient rendezvous 
 for drills under officers or non-c .mimissioned officers. I find this a practice in 
 two or three organizations. 
 
 The regularity of drills also varies greatly with the season of the year. Dur- 
 ing the winter or cotton season men are not able to devote so much time to 
 their companies, and hence instruction is less frequent. While it may be 
 
29 
 
 proper to abandon drills in a measure, I cannot believe that a total suspension,, 
 as was discovered in a few instances, is necessary. I do not so find it in sev 
 eral commands whose members are engaged mainly in dealing with cotton 
 and naval stores. There are organizations which, notwithstanding the press of 
 business, are able to and do keep up regular instruction ; even attendance is 
 but slightly reduced. 
 
 I have to report a practice, the sooner corrected the better, of accepting men 
 into the ranks with the distinct understanding and agreement that during the 
 busy period of the year no military work is to be required of them. The ob- 
 servance of this bargain causes a total suspension of military duty. It is im- 
 possible to carry on any sytem of instruction under such rules. The trouble 
 rests with the captains who fail to arouse and keep alive the interest of the 
 men. A man who can make time for a dance or party, can find time for the 
 discharge of his militai-y obligations. 
 
 . The attendance of officers and men at drills varies with the seasons of the 
 year. During the spring it is generally greater than during the winter months. 
 I gave this matter careful investigation in the inspections in order to ascertain 
 the percentage of men ordinarily undergoing instruction, and thus to be able 
 to estimate the interest shown throughout the year. In a few commands no 
 record appears to have been kept ; therefore, the number of men usually at- 
 tending drills, as also the number of drills had, could only be stated approxi - 
 mately. The best attendance was discovered in one of the companies of the 
 1st regiment, viz. : seventy per centum of the total strength during the winter 
 or busy season and eighty-eight during the spring. Severai commands showed 
 figures of from sixty-five to seventy. With the majority, however, the per 
 centum is from fifty to sixty ; in some as low as thirty-three per centum. To 
 insure satisfactory and steady progress in the various schools of instruction 
 these figures should be decidedly improved. 
 
 The vitality of a company should not be judged from the number of men 
 carried on its roll, nor the number present at a parade ; its strength lies in the 
 percentage regularly for duty at drill. "Whereas many companies can report 
 but a medium attendance at drills, I find that for occasions of parade the 
 strength in ranks is usually much greater. For these, men who make no reg- 
 ular practice of attending instruction, frequently turn out, and not a little 
 pride is manifested in presenting full ranks. Honorary and other non-active 
 members also participate, thus swelling the commands to goodly proportions, 
 but with other than effectives. This practice is doubtless very beneficial in 
 fostering a military enthusiasm and esprit de corps, but, quoting an officer of the 
 volunteers, I believe that "too much stress is laid on the parade with big num- 
 bers." The non-active members, the non-combatants, so to speak, attend these 
 parades at their option, and in order to make a fine showing they are sought 
 after and induced to turn out. This must naturally discourage the enlisted 
 man, and when his term of service expires it may be his impulse to go on to 
 some pay list and thus be able to exercise his will. The attendance at the in- 
 spections will appear in the detailed reports of organizations; for this work I 
 impressed upon all that only regularly enlisted men were expected in ranks. 
 
 School of the Soldier. — Uniform and consistent practice in this school is the 
 ground-work for efficiency in the School of the Company. It is the "A B C" 
 
30 
 
 of all after-exercises, and as it is thoroughly conducted so will the proficiency 
 of the whole command as a body be enhanced. I fail to find as careful atten- 
 tion given to this character of instruction as should be to insure the best results. 
 In many commands the training of the recruit is overlooked and neglected. 
 Few organizations have adopted and pursue any regular course of instruction 
 for new men. Putting a "green" man in ranks as number two or three seems 
 to have been a common practice under the old system of drill ; and this before 
 he was taught to face, march, mark time and perform the other simple but 
 important details of the school. Under the new regulations, however, the in- 
 terval to be observed between files or men will render this inexcusable make- 
 shift too apparent; as a result of the newly imposed individual responsibility, 
 commanding officers will be forced to adopt more consistent methods. A new 
 man can be more thoroughly instructed in a squad than in a company ; more 
 attention and care may be bestowed upon him. The child must creep before 
 he walks. It is too frequent a custom to omit the fundamental teaching, and 
 if a man succeeds it is more from pride and self-instruction tban through the 
 aid of an instructor. Directly a recruit joins he is placed in ranks, and the 
 only primary instruction he ever receives he obtains there. A new man 
 should never progress from the squad to the company until found by proper 
 test to be proficient. His presence in the company and his instruction must 
 discourage the instructed men. 
 
 It was observed that instruction under this head was characterized 
 by want of thoroughness in the particulars touched upon ; and again, the 
 training was not sufficiently comprehensive. A man may be drilled until 
 he makes a passable showing before a not very exacting drill committee, 
 but it is not usually that his training is persiste I in until he knows his work. 
 The company which he enters must therefore be correspondingly weakened. 
 The entire school has not been pursued generally by the troops. The bal- 
 ance step, important in giving a man a soldierly step, the alignments, forward 
 and backward, the marking time by pivots, the principles of the movable 
 pivots, seem to have been omitted, save bya few organizations. Every feature 
 of the school of the soldier has a bearing upon some movement in that of the 
 company ; there should be no omissions. 
 
 Moreover, the squad drill is essential in the instruction of the non-commis- 
 sioned officers, who should acquire confidence in themselves and an ability to 
 command. In view of the responsible duties of corporals and chiefs of sections 
 in the extended order exercises, the necessity for their thorough training is 
 very plain; every captain should realize it. They should be made instructors 
 and drill masters, and be recognized in their proper capacities, if not the main 
 pillars, at least the strong braces of the company structure. 
 
 Many drill halls, rented or u-ed, do not perhaps permit of company forma- 
 tions, but they are well adapted for instruction in the primary training of the 
 men. The majority of the commands visited have given some thought to the 
 setting-up drill, but not that close attention which it deserves, which it de- 
 mands. This drill has been had, however, more as a preparation for my in- 
 spection than as a regular or systematic course. In a few organizations, particu- 
 larly among the colored troops, it has been neglected. As the importance of 
 the setting- up cannot be too highly estimated, a frequent practice should be 
 
31 
 
 'had. Besides improving the general military appearance of the command, the 
 soldierly build and bearing of each individual would be bettered. It is also 
 ■an exercise that officers might well indulge in to their physical advantage. 
 
 I am gratified to report that with companies inspected by me since the adop- 
 tion of the new drill regulations, I find the exercises very favorably received ; 
 the commands are devoting not a little attention to them. I would point out, 
 however, that the drill is gone through with too much as a form, with not 
 enough appreciation of real purpose underlying it, as is implied in the name. 
 Usually the exercises are performed too rapidly ; even those which the regula- 
 tions prescribe shall be executed slowly or gradually. 
 
 In the Manual op Arms I find not enough care given towards securing ac- 
 curacy and uniformity in the positions. Facility and the simultaneous execu- 
 tion of the motions seemingly are sought after to the exclusion of correct- 
 ness. The trouble may in great measure be attributed to the want of individual 
 instruction or in squads. The recruit is allowed to take his place in ranks and 
 there drilled without adequate preparation. Several men have informed me 
 that they taught themselves the manual. 
 
 The main defects observed were : Pieces not vertical nor held at uniform 
 height at present, not accurately inclined at load, ready, secure, right shoulder 
 and port ; clock-like regularity in the execution of the loadings ; left eyes not 
 closed in firing; lack of uniformity of slope of pieces where inclined ; omission 
 of the stacking of arms with the swivel ; not throwing up pieces for inspection 
 properly ; too much movement of the bodies m the execution of the manual ; 
 and on the part of officers, not a correct observance of cadence in commands. 
 
 School of the Company. — Company drill was performed by all the infantry 
 companies inspected, save a few which lack facilities therefor. The exceptions 
 were those commands which have no drill halls and which were unable to drill 
 upon the streets. My inspections were necessarily at night. I did not feel 
 justified in calling upon men to leave their business during the day. 
 
 I can state that there are very few armories in the State that are adapted for 
 company evolutions ; and I find it customary for commands to use the streets. 
 Regarding the colored troops, however, there is a general practice of remaining 
 indoors, and their drills are quite uniformly characterized by the defects aris- 
 ing from working in reduced limits. 
 
 Commands which restrict themselves to drilling on floors and hard pave- 
 ments are unconsciously lead into placing too much reliance on the sound of 
 the step, and when occasion removes them from their sounding boards, they 
 soon lose their integrity. , 
 
 At inspection, I made it a practice to call upon subaltern officers to exercise 
 command in company evolutions. I have to report that in many instances I 
 found them lacking in confidence and experience. Inquiry of commanding 
 officers revealed the fact that in many organizations the lieutenants are never 
 placed in charge of their companies, never are given opportunities for ac- 
 quainting themselves with the duties of company commander ; they are 
 <lenied l-esponsibility. As a consequence when acting in a new capacity they 
 are entirely out of their sphere. 
 
 Many errors were observed in the company drills, chiefly among which may 
 be enumerated the following : At formation, slow falling in ranks, men not 
 
32 
 
 arranged according- to size, left guides not familiar with their duties, counting 
 of twos and counting off from right to left, calling names of officers. In 
 opening ranks, captains out of proper place when giving commands, position 
 of guides not verified, lieutenants halting and facing coming to front, failure 
 of men to dress to the right (very general among the troops). During inspec- 
 tion proper, officers saluting with sword, men gazing about in ranks, unstead- 
 iness and inattention, some officers standing at " parade rest." At drill,. failure 
 of pivot men to mark time accurately in their places forming column from 
 line and the reverse ; guides and inner flank men marking time in changing 
 direction (doubtless due to drilling in small halls), file-closers not keeping 
 at proper distance from company when in column, file-closers never correcting 
 errors (very general), movable pivots not observed and pivot guides taking; 
 backward step in changing direction in company front, men not keeping well 
 closed up in column of files, wrong commands on part of officers, commands 
 not well pronounced, stamping of feet upon halting. 
 
 The cultivation of the voice, voice drill, and the practice by officers and 
 non-commissioned officers in giving commands appear to have been over- 
 looked. These matters have a direct bearing on evolutions and drill and. 
 should not be neglected. A listless, careless command will usually be followed 
 by indifferent execution ; a smart, soldierly tone will inspire. 
 
 I found very few commands which presented any formation of drill in 
 double rank. This may be accounted for by reason of the fact that companies 
 are usually too small, and for drills too few men appear. Instruction in other 
 than single rank is therefore omitted, and companies were not prepared for it 
 at inspection. 
 
 As regards the mounted company drills of the cavalry, certain general faults- 
 were noticed which might wisely be pointed out. 
 
 The chief trouble is want of drill, but this cannot be readily obviated, for- 
 reasons already indicated. 
 
 The principal defects observed in the mounted drills of this arm were: 
 failure on the part of the troopers to keep the reins well in hands, which 
 amounted in some cases to carelessness ; failure to move horses promptly or 
 together ; in wheeling on fixed pivot, failure of pivot troop to turn his horse . 
 on forefeet (very general), the movable pivot not usually executed, the pivot- 
 man not moving over the arc of a circle, marching flanks not increasing the 
 gait; forming column from line and the reverse, not executed together by sub- 
 divisions ; changes of gait not executed together ; proper distance between sets 
 of fours and subdivisions not well preserved. The commands of officers in the 
 mounted movements were, almost without exception, those for infantry. They 
 were not sufficiently prolonged, particularly so with the command of execution. 
 
 The Skirmish Drill or Extended Order Erercise. —Save as a preparation for the in- 
 spection, few commands appear to have given any attention to skirmishing. 
 But I must commend the energy displayed in taking up new work, and in 
 some cases the good results attained in so short a time. It simply shows that 
 companies can, if they will, vary their systems of instruction and make it 
 more general and useful. The importance of this drill— under the new regu- 
 lations, the extended order method of fighting — cannot be overestimated. The 
 
33 
 
 skirmish line, instead of close order, is surely that of the future, and too much 
 attention cannot be given to teaching the principles. 
 
 The German Field Exercise, 1888, may be referred to in this connection. It 
 is therein stated that : "Infantry should be able to fight over any description 
 of ground practicable for an active man, and to surmount obstacles even of a 
 serious nature, when fully equipped. Extended order is specially adapted for 
 this purpose. The infantry fight will, as a rule, be decided by fire action, and 
 this is most fully developed in extended order. The delivery of fire by bodies 
 in close order is the exception. Extended order is the formation now princi- 
 pally employed in action. The fight is commenced, and in most cases carried 
 through to the end, in extended order." 
 
 The armories, drill halls, and, in fact, the grounds used by the commands 
 for skirmish exercise were entirely too limited, save in one or two instances. 
 I could expect, therefore, only some of the general principles; but notwith- 
 standing these disadvantages, I deemed it proper to call for such drills, if only 
 for the purpose of inviting attention to the subject and inducing companies to 
 get out of a deep worn rut. 
 
 The chief fault observed in the skirmish exercises was want of thoroughness. 
 The entire school should be practiced, and officers and men made to realize the 
 importance of the principles governing it. As stated above, facilities were not 
 generally at hand for illustrating all points. 
 
 As generally characteristic of these drills, there was observed a disposition 
 on the part of men to always carry their pieces in some one position, as at 
 a port or carry, and to keep step. 
 
 "When opportunities are at hand, as in the next encampment, instruction in 
 extended order exercise should be rigidly enforced. As having an immediate 
 bearing in this school, I would call attention to the fact that in no company 
 save one are the men regularly taught the bugle calls and the whistle signals. 
 This company is fortunate in having among its members an excellent trump- 
 eter. The trumpet is not a difficult instrument to use, and it is thought that 
 in every company some man may be found who would be willing to instruct 
 himself in blowing it, if properly encouraged. 
 
 In recognition of good practical work, I must allude to the skirmish drill of 
 Company E, 1st Regiment. It was excellent ; and for precision in details, 
 marked alertness, apparent appreciation of the matter of cover, and the ob- 
 servance of fire discipline, it excelled any drill of its character that I have ever 
 witnessed. All commands were delivered by the trumpeter's bugle and the 
 captain's whistle. The records of this company show but twelve exercises in 
 skirmishing during the last year. It is a wonder how- such proficiency has 
 been attained. 
 
 The skirmish drill, mounted and dismounted, was performed by Troops K 
 and A 5th Regiment, Georgia Cavalry ; and in view of the limited instruction 
 given to it their work was commendable. 
 
 Troop A had but about twelve men in ranks, however, for its mounted ex- 
 ercise. All men should be taught. It was noticed that the led horses of this 
 troop, in preparing to fight on foot, were not linked short enough, thereby 
 occasioning confusion in ranks when the horse-holders attempted to move 
 them. 
 [3] 
 
34 
 
 • 
 
 The mounted exercise of Troop K was in accordance with the new cavalry- 
 drill regulations, and was executed with marked precision and smartness.. 
 
 Guard Duty. — With a view to encouraging organizations to take up instruc- 
 tion in the principles of guard formation and sentry duty at their respective 
 stations, I included this subject among others called for, advising them that 
 their knowledge of these matters would affect the reports to be made as to 
 efficiency. Several commands presented the entire ceremony of guard mount- 
 ing, the posting and relieving of sentinels. In a few I found men well in- 
 formed as to the general orders and duties of sentinels. 
 
 With the majority of the troops only the formation of guard details by non- 
 commissioned officers was presented. In such cases, and in all instances where 
 sentinels were not posted, I sought to impress upon officers the propriety of 
 teaching guard duty, by interrogating the men, particularly those who had 
 been in camp. Simulated guard duty has been very generally overlooked or 
 neglected. There seems no valid reason for this omission, as all armories are 
 adapted for it, and surely theoretical instruction can be given in sentinels' 
 duties. 
 
 Two organizations, one company of the 1st regiment and a troop of the 5th 
 cavalry, pursue a regular course of instruction in these particulars. Printed 
 cards, giving in full the general orders for sentinels, are distributed by each 
 among the men. My inspection revealed the excellent results of such good 
 practice. Men for guard were selected by myself at random, were subsequently 
 interrogated, and every man gave his orders as thoroughly and understand- 
 ingly as any regular soldier I ever inspected. It may be said, regarding the 
 cavalry command, that it has never been in camp. 
 
 Field Signalling. — No instruction has been had by any of the troops in field 
 signalling with the flag, torch or heliograph. This is an important matter in 
 field operations, and may become so in the duties which the State troops are 
 liable to be called upon to perform, and should be given attention. Occasions 
 may be readily imagined where a knowledge of the signal code would be very 
 useful. A few commands have indicated a desire to take up this subject, and 
 with such object in view I have furnished them with signal cards and printed 
 instructions. 
 
 In the next general inspection this subject might be included among others 
 inquired into, and for which a figure of merit would be given. It is not con- 
 templated that every man in the company shall qualify, but for the purpose of 
 introducing such instruction, a certain number should be acquainted with the 
 signal code and be able to use it. 
 
 Military Gymnastics. — I find no regular system of gymnastics carried on by 
 the troops. As contributing to the proper training of the soldier, such a course 
 might well be pursued in connection with the school of the soldier. It should 
 be systematic and regular, beginning with the setting-up drill and progressing 
 gradually to exercises in running, jumping, climbing and carrying weights. 
 
 Antagonistics, such as wrestling, boxing and the use of the foils, may also be 
 introduced with advantage. They help to develop agility and suppleness of 
 muscles and joints ; at the same time they educate the man's temper and self- 
 control. Swimming, where opportunities are afforded, should likewise be 
 taught or indulged in. 
 
35 
 
 Some few organizations own well equipped gymnasiums, but they are not 
 resorted to for instruction. Practice should be encouraged, and if possible 
 made obligatory rather than left optional. 
 
 Other Practical Exercises. — Iu addition to observation of tbe above drills, in- 
 quiry was made as to whether commands had practiced any other exercises of 
 a practical military nature. I found but little instruction outside of the usual 
 routine. One company (E, 1st Regiment) has executed some few marches 
 with the field outfit ; at times it turns out so equipped. This was the only 
 command inspected that appeared in heavy mai-ching order, with knapsacks 
 (packed), haversacks and canteens, overcoats, blankets, leggins, etc. Ammu- 
 nition and rations were only required to complete its equipment. 
 
 I find that certain organizations, using the State's arms and equipments, have 
 been in camp during the last twelve months by other than the direction of 
 the Adjutant-General. I endeavored to ascertain whether, on such occa- 
 sions, discipline was maintained, what exercises were bad, what amount of 
 instruction was given in guard duty. I discovered that these camps were more 
 for pleasure and recreation than real military work, and that few of the prac- 
 tical duties of the soldier were taught or required. The camp of Company D, 
 1st Battalion, Georgia Volunteers however, was admirably and successfully con- 
 ducted ; discipline was well maintained and not a little useful experience 
 gained. 
 
 I believe it would be wise policy to prohibit individual eucampments where 
 the property of the State is used, unless they are conducted on a proper mili- 
 tary basis. And in every case full reports should be required, showing the 
 character of work performed and the instruction communicated. For other 
 than camps of instruction, the State's property should not be used, nor should 
 the uniform of the State be worn. 
 
 Such outings are too liable to degenerate into frolics ; as such they have a 
 most unfavorable influence on public opinion, and must indirectly, if not di- 
 rectly, injure the military of the State. 
 
 Section 1103(x), Code of Georgia, prescribes that "every company of volun- 
 teers shall parade at least four times in every year, and each battalion at least 
 once very year." This law is very generally complied with, and as previously 
 remarked, considerable interest is manifested in these occasions. The parades, 
 so-called, are usually street marches. Some commands, however, combine 
 practical drills with them. 
 
 The majority of the commands, particularly in the middle and lower sections 
 of the State, under their rules assemble annually for target shooting or other 
 practical exercise. The ranges fired over seldom exceed 200 yards ; in several 
 instances 100 yards is the longest. 
 
 As a stimulus to the men, prizes are given for excellence. In one organiza- 
 tion I find that a medal is also awarded to the man making the lowest record. 
 In this connection I quote the company rules governing the matter: "The 
 member making the poorest record thereat shall be required to wear the iron 
 and brass medal of the troop for the term of one year, and he shall not appear 
 in the full uniform without this emblem of the baseness of his skill and the 
 loftiness of his presumption in endeavoring to compete for a trophy with so 
 little preparation therefor." 
 
 Further reference to target practice will appear later in this report. 
 
36 
 
 "With several cavalry commands I learn of a practice of meeting at least once 
 every year for a so-termed " tilt " or "exercise of contention." I enjoyed the 
 pleasure of witnessing two of such contests by troops of the Fifth Cavalry, viz., 
 Troop E, Jones' Creek, Liberty county, and Troop A, Savannah. 
 
 As contributing to horsemanship and the dextrous use of the sabre, mounted,, 
 and with horse at full speed, these exercises are very useful. Moreover, they 
 serve a good purpose in maintaining an interest and esprit de corps. 
 
 In some instances, however, members are allowed to contest who never 
 appear for any other duty. As an encouragement to steady and regular attend- 
 ance on the work of the command, none but enlisted and active men should 
 be recognized as entitled to prizes. 
 
 Target Practice. — Save as indicated above, and to the very limited extent 
 cited, target practice has received no uniform or regular attention. It requires 
 no argument or comment to convince all of the vital importance of such in- 
 struction. A man may handle his musket with facility and precision, but un- 
 less he can use it offensively for the purposes for which it is placed in his 
 hands, it is no more useful than a base-ball bat and far less effective. 
 
 To properly train a soldier in the use of his weapon demands more practice 
 than a score of five shots at 100 or 200 yards once a year. The trouble is not 
 with the troops, but in a want of system and regulations and the requisite am- 
 munition and facilities. 
 
 Target tiring has constituted no part of the military instruction of the troops. 
 Whatever has been done, little, perhaps, as it is, has been accomplished 
 through their own efforts and at their own expense save as regards a small 
 amount of ammunition furnished. 
 
 Target practice Should be inaugurated at the earliest practicable date, and 
 should be conducted in accordance with prescribed regulations. 
 
 The practice as heretofore has been devoid of method. There has been no 
 uniformity in either the character of the targets employed or in the weapon 
 and ammunition used. Some commands have fired at Creedmoor targets, 
 others at targets of variable dimensions of their own manufacture. Some 
 troops have had the regulation cartridge, while others are permitted to fire 
 ammunition of their own selection. Then, again, I find some commands 
 allow their men to bring other than the prescribed rifle onto the range. 
 
 Moreover, as to records, few commands keep or preserve them. The prac- 
 tice is usually for prizes, and after the winner is determined no further atten- 
 tion is given to scores made, either for future reference or for reports. 
 
 But one command has made report of its practice. This remark is not to be 
 construed as a criticism against others. Reports have never been required to 
 be rendered. 
 
 Instruction in rifle firing should constitute a most important feature of the 
 work of the next annual encampment, and, where opportunities are available, 
 should be carried on at the several stations. 
 
 Preliminaries to Target Practice. — With the exception of one organization no 
 instruction has been given in sighting drills, aiming and position drills -all 
 essential as preliminaries to target practice. Before a man engages in practice 
 he should be thoroughly acquainted with his piece, have a knowledge of the 
 sights, know how to set them and how to adjust the windage. 
 
37 
 
 The sighting drill teaches him the character of the sights and their applica- 
 tion, and gives him in a measure what otherwise can only be acquired by ex- 
 perience, for which he has not the time or facilities. 
 
 A' tripod, sand-bag and a rifle with the sights constitute the outfit for this 
 instruction. 
 
 With a view to inducing officers to instruct their men in the setting of sights 
 and windage scales, and also to draw attention to the proper care and handling 
 of the rifle, I freely interrogated men as to these particulars. Some commands 
 gave me evidence of good previous instruction, while with the majority I 
 found them unfamiliar with the subjects. 
 
 The aiming and position drills are but pi'Ogressive steps, and instruct the 
 man in holding his gun in the positions he can best assume in firing and help 
 him to acquire the simultaneous use of the eye and the finger. 
 
 In this connection I would remark that the artillery troops do not seem to 
 have given much attention to the simple principles of gunnery and the point- 
 ing and laying of guns, nor are they as well acquainted with the nomenclature 
 of their pieces, carriages and harness as they might be. 
 
 Gallery Practice. — As an advance, gallery practice is important. It is target 
 practice on a reduced scale — that is, with reduced charge, weight of projectile, 
 reduced target and a short range. 
 
 Instruction in sighting, aiming and position drills can be had in any armory 
 or drill-room, and should form a part of the work of the troops. To the end 
 that instruction may be uniform and progressive, regimental and battalion 
 commanders might well give it their direction and supervision. In each or- 
 ganization a competent instructor should be detailed. 
 
 Few armories are adapted for gallery practice, and at few stations can it be 
 introduced without considerable cost in convenient proximity to armories. 
 
 Where a gallery can be constructed, the necessary appurtenances should be 
 supplied and the commands furnished with reloading tools and ammunition. 
 
 Skirmish Firing. — But one command, Company E, First Regiment, has taken 
 up instruction in skirmishing at figure targets, an important element in the 
 practical training of the soldier, bearing, as it does, some resemblance to the 
 delivery of fire in action. 
 
 While I witnessed this practice, I deem it unnecessary to further allude to 
 it, as the full report of the work has been submitted and has been published in 
 the last annual report of the Adjutant and Inspector-General. 
 
 At very few points visited on my tour of inspection was I able to find ground 
 suitable for skirmishing convenient at hand. The possible ranges were too 
 short. To secure adequate ranges would involve considerable expense for the 
 rent of the land and the construction of artificial butts. 
 
 Longer ranges than 300 yards should be used. This practice is supposed to 
 be carried on at unknown distances, and one of the chief objects of the ex- 
 ercise, practice in estimating continually varying distances, would be lost if 
 the firing was restricted to short limits. 
 
 This character of instruction might be reserved for the annual encampment, 
 where a range of 000 yards and more is obtainable. 
 
MILITARY RECORDS, CORRESPONDENCE, ADMINISTRATION. 
 
 The only records required by existing orders to be kept by individual or- 
 ganizations are (1) original enlistment papers and (2) a report of drills and pa- 
 rades, showing the number of officers and men present and absent. Other 
 than these there are no records kept except in the cases of a very few com- 
 mands. 
 
 The only regular reports required to be rendered are (1) returns of enlist- 
 ment, and (2) an "annual report," May 1st, showing the strength of the com- 
 mand and the amount of ordnance and ordnance stores pertaining to each 
 organization. For the above records and reports blanks are furnished from 
 the office of the Adjutant and Inspector-General. 
 
 Original enlistment papers for the current year and the report of drills were 
 exhibited by the majority of commands, but such papers for previous years 
 are seemingly preserved by only a few commanding officers, and seldom are 
 retained copies of the annual report made or kept ; indeed I find very little' 
 care exercised in or thought given to the matter of records. « 
 
 These omissions certainly provoke surprise in so far as old commands and 
 officers of service and experience are concerned. It is very natural to suppose 
 that an organization which has had a long existence, has won honor in service, 
 and upon whose rolls at times have appeared the names of men of reputation 
 and distinction would be tenacious of its history and would jealously guard its 
 past record and preseive data establishing that of the present. 
 
 All information pertaining to or affecting an organization should become of 
 record ; it is a part of its history, and should be preserved. An order, a letter,. 
 an indorsement, a report or return, all show action, lindicate a policy or an- 
 nounce a. decision, furnish statistics, and purposes of subsequent reference 
 should prompt their retention in legible and intelligible form. 
 
 Certain officers, however, of their own volition and originality, have adopted 
 and have in constant use additional records. In two commands I found 
 almost as complete a system pursued as is prescribed by the army regulations, 
 and fully adequate for their purposes. While this practice has not been re- 
 quired by any State regulation or order, these officers are deserving of credit 
 for a work which cannot be regarded as one of supererogation. 
 
 In just recognition of voluntary efforts to carry out proper methods I would 
 commend the following organizations, the records of which, substantially the 
 same in character and scope, I found complete and pertinent, and accurately 
 and neatly kept : 
 
 Troop K, 5th Regiment, Cavalry, Captain Owen T. Kenan, and Company E r 
 1st Regiment, Infantry, Captain Jordan F. Brooks. 
 
 Their records consist of (1 ) enlistment or descriptive book ; (2) order book ; 
 (3) letter sent and indorsement book (letter press copy); (4) record of target 
 practice; (5) record of drills and parades; (6) property book; (7) first ser- 
 geant's roll, 'book; (8) retained returns and reports; and (9) in adhesive files 
 are kept all orders, circulars and letters received. 
 
 With a view to the proper keeping and preservation of records by the troops 
 of the State, and for purposes of instruction, I would recommend the adoption 
 of the following books and blanks. Looking to simplicity of method, a weighty 
 consideration in any military command, particularly among volunteer troops,, 
 only a few are suggested, only a few are required, viz. : 
 
39 
 
 BOOKS FOR REGIMENTS AND BATTALIONS. 
 
 ■ (For continual use.) 
 
 1. Enlistment and Roster Book. 
 
 2. Letter and Indorsement Book. 
 ?>. Order and Record Book. 
 
 4. Property Book. 
 
 ■ (For use in camp.) 
 
 5. Consolidated Morning Report Book. 
 
 6. Guard Report Book. 
 
 7. Surgeon's Morning Report Book. 
 
 The Enlistment, Letter, Order and Morning Report books to be kept by the 
 Adjutant; the Property book by the Quartermaster ; Surgeon's Morning Re- 
 port by the Surgeon. 
 
 BOOKS FOR COMPANIES. 
 
 (For continual use.) 
 
 1. Enlistment and Roster Book. 
 
 2. Letter and Indorsement Book. 
 
 3. Order and Record Book. 
 
 4. Property Book. 
 
 5. First Sergeant's Roll Book. 
 
 (For use in camp.) 
 
 6. Morning Report Book. 
 
 7. Sick Report Book. 
 
 All company books are to be kept under the immediate supervision of the 
 company commander, who should require his lieutenants and non-commis- 
 sioned officers to assist him in the performance of his duties, placing them in 
 charge of special features. 
 
 For all commands, adhesive files, in which will be kept separately all orders 
 and communications to be retained at headquarters, or with the company 
 records. 
 
 PURPOSES OF THESE BOOKS. 
 
 1. The Enlistment and Roster book to contain the names and full data con- 
 cerning every man recruited for the command, including the record of non- 
 commissioned staff officers. Separate pages to be appropriated to rosters of 
 officers, non-commissioned officers, to registers of men transferred, discharged 
 and register of deaths. 
 
 The Enlistment book will constitute the original record of enlistments, and 
 will at all times show the exact strength of a command. This book would be 
 far more serviceable and convenient than enlistment papers. 
 
 2. The Letter and Indorsement book will be a complete record of original 
 letters, reports, returns, etc., and of those transmitted through. Press copy 
 books would answer the purpose. 
 
 3. In the Order and Record book will be written all orders originating at 
 headquarters or from a company commander. A portion of the book to be re- 
 served for records of meetings of officei'S, schools of instruction, drills and 
 parades, records of events, and all matters concerning the general history of 
 the organization. 
 
40 
 
 4. The Property book will be a detailed exhibit of all property for which the 
 commanding officer is responsible, and will show at all times where the prop- 
 erty is and by whom used, when received, transferred or expended. 
 
 5. The First Sergeant's roll-book is for his use at roll calls and for keeping 
 records of details. 
 
 The consolidated morning report, guard report, surgeon's morning report 
 and sick report books are for use in camp or on occasions when reports are re- 
 quired at regimental or battalion headquarters. Their names fully indicate 
 their purposes. 
 
 BLANKS. 
 
 1. Enlistment paper ; a small and convenient blank, to be signed and com- 
 pleted in the case of each recruit, and forwarded immediately after enlistment 
 to regimental headquarters, where it will be copied in the enlistment book. 
 All enlistment papers accumulating at headquarters to be forwarded quarterly 
 to the Adjutant and Inspector General's-office. 
 
 2. Regimental and company returns, to be rendered quarterly, showing in 
 figures the exact strength of the respective commands at the time of rendition, 
 and all alterations and record of events occurring since last rendered. 
 
 3. Muster or pay rolls, one form for all commands and detachments, for use 
 at camp or on other duty where troops receive pay or commutation of rations. 
 
 4. Discharge certificate, to be made out by company commanders and fur- 
 nished each man upon his discharge. 
 
 5. Descriptive list, for use in cases of men transferred, on which will be re- 
 corded all data concerning the man and his service. 
 
 6. Report of instruction, to be rendered semi-annually, showing character 
 and scope of. instruction had during preceding six months by regiments, bat- 
 talions and companies, including duty at camp. 
 
 7. Report of target practice, to be rendered immediately after the close of the 
 prescribed practice season. 
 
 8. Property return, to be rendered semi-annually, showing the exact amount 
 of property on hand, and the amount received, expended or otherwise dis- 
 posed of during the preceding six months. 
 
 !•. In view of recent orders directing the appointment of all non-commis- 
 sioned officers in accordance with the army regulations, and for the sake of 
 uniformity, warrants for such non-commissioned officers should also be 
 furnished. 
 
 I believe the foregoing books and blanks will meet present needs and 
 answer for all practical purposes. They will supply a much felt demand. 
 Records should not only be kept, but officers should become familiar with their 
 uses and importance. The system proposed is exceedingly simple, easily un- 
 derstood, and will entail very little additional work if method is observed. 
 
 In this connection, the adoption and issue of a suitable field desk is recom- 
 mended as more likely to insure the preservation of military records. The desk 
 may be supplied at small cost. It will be divided into compartments, each 
 marked for the reception of thepi'oper book or blank. A desk may be pro- 
 vided each organization, together with the blank forms; in it all records will 
 be kept. At present, with no method observed, records are kept or preserved 
 only where conveniences are at hand. 
 
41 
 
 The fact that records are being kept by several officers and without any di- 
 rection to that effect from superior authority must offset any argument against 
 the introduction and employment of suitable forms. The deficiencies discov- 
 ered in my inspection in the matter of records is due, not to any disposition 
 on the part of officers to avoid labor, but to the ivant of the necessary material in 
 the shape of book* and blanks, and regulations requiring the keeping of records. 
 
 Books and blanks should be printed and distributed, together with precise 
 instructions governing the methods for using them. Proposed forms and 
 models will be submitted in a separate report. 
 
 Correspondence. — Very few officers are familiar with methods of military cor- 
 respondence, nor are uniform systems followed by officers of the same general 
 •command. In the absence of regulations officers have not been able to inform 
 themselves on this subject. My comments, therefore, must not be construed 
 as criticism. 
 
 I endeavored, so far as available time permitted at inspection, to indicate to 
 •officers methods of addressing official communications, folding, briefing and en- 
 dorsing them, etc., but carefully prepared rules are absolutely necessary to in- 
 sure familiarity with any system and bring about uniformity. Correspondence 
 cannot readily be learned from a lecture ; experience aided by reference to 
 prescribed forms is required. 
 
 In the cases of two commands, which possess copies of the Army Regula- 
 tions, I found the system of correspondence therein laid down very closely 
 followed by commanding officers. 
 
 Preservation of Orders and Ojjier Communications. — A neglect to preserve 
 orders, etc., received from higher authority was discovered to be very general 
 among the troops. The importance of retaining all official communications is 
 not seemingly appreciated. A general order contains information affecting 
 the whole force; it announces laws and regulations, may, in fact, ba a regula- 
 tion, and as such is a guidance for a command until it is revoked or amended, 
 and should be kept on file for reference and future observance. Many in- 
 stances came to my observation where general orders published from the Ad- 
 jutant and Inspector-General's office had not been kept, and close inquiry re- 
 vealed the fact that, while they had been received, they had never been com- 
 municated to the commands. Officers generally, and I judge by their practices, 
 seemingly regard official communications, orders, etc., affecting the personnel 
 •of their organizations or the organization as a whole as private property, and 
 as having no public value or future use. 
 
 Orders are issued and circulated for the government of the troops, and while 
 they are addressed to the commanding officer, they are intended for his infor- 
 mation as such, to be held in trust, so to speak, by him as the legal representa- 
 tive. He receives them not as Captain A, or Captain B, but as Commanding 
 'Officer, and it should be remembered that the office continues although a par- 
 ticular incumbent may vacate it. The successor " stands, in regard to his duties, 
 iM the same situation as his predecessor," and as affecting such duties, existing 
 orders and regulations should be turned over to him for his guidance. They 
 ■ should therefore be preserved. 
 
 Examples may make my remarks more forcible, and therefore I would 
 .mention that, in several cases, when examining enlistment papers, I inquired 
 
42 
 
 of officers if they could show me copies of general orders, Nos. 9 and 10, here- 
 tofore quoted in this report. I found but a very few. Orders are not regarded 
 by all as guides for future action ; in other words, a regulation is looked upon 
 as special not general, and if occasion exists for a compliance at the time of its- 
 receipt it is executed, but it is not held for the sake of subsequent observance.. 
 One officer, with a copy of general orders, No. 9, neatly filed with other com- 
 munications in his- possession, informed me that enlistments were reported 
 only once a year. 
 
 Administration. — The scope of my inspection, as already pointed out, em- 
 braced only companies, troops and batteries, and therefore it may be expected 
 that I shall confine my remarks on administration to matters concerning these 
 individual commands ; but the intimate relation which must exist between the 
 legitimate unit of administration, the regiment or the separate battalion, and 
 the elements making up that unit, compels some reference to the composite or- 
 ganizations. Administration may be said to be a division of labor and respon- 
 sibility and concerns the duties devolving upon the several commanders from 
 the highest to the lowest in rank ; it is effective only where the touch between 
 the superior and the subordinate, either direct or indirect, is felt and main- 
 tained; the less sensitive the touch, the looser the control. It is simplified 
 and rendered easier of execution where proper and accountable officers are re- 
 quired to perform their whole duty, each in his own sphere or bailiwick. 
 
 The great difficulty in the way of good administration is the want of proper 
 organiza ion; that of the Volunteers, under existing laws, is defective. This 
 subject is perhaps foreign to my report, and will not be entered into. 
 
 But accepting the organization as it stands, I find hinderances blocking the 
 road to efficient management of the troops and instruction in administrative 
 ideas, chief among them being a want of knowledge of their several duties on 
 the part of some regimental and battalion commanders or a seeming disincli- 
 nation or inability to fully execute them. 
 
 The duties of the commanding officers relate to the needs of their commands, 
 to their discipline and instruction, and under recent orders, to the appointment 
 and reduction of non-commissioned officers. The matter of organization of in- 
 dividual commands is in the hands of higher authority. 
 
 Under section 1103(ff ), Laws of 1884-5, provision is made for a regimental 
 board of officers to each regiment, and a battalion board of officers to each 
 battalion, to consist of all the commissioned officers of the regiment or bat- 
 talion, with power to pass laws for their own government, to establish fines- 
 and penalties for violations of such laws, to establish penalties for the non- 
 attendance of the various non-commissioned officers and privates at drills. I! 
 do not discover that such boards have been organized. The separation of in- 
 dividual commands may render the observance of the general law impractica- 
 ble in some instances. 
 
 ■;■ Discipline, to which such laws particularly relate, is not assumed or enforced! 
 by regimental or battalion commanders, save in the case of the 3d Battalion,. 
 Georgia Volunteers. With this exception, discipline is almost entirely in the- 
 hands of the company commanders. So far as instruction is concerned, I find, 
 superior commanders not generally assuming that responsibility and interest 
 requisite for the efficiency of the larger units, nor do they usually keep them- 
 
43 
 
 selves posted as to the necessities and the conduct of affairs in their com- 
 mands 
 
 For purposes of discipline and instruction the company is too frequently re- 
 garded as the administrative unit and permitted to exercise an unqualified 
 autonomy. This practice is harmful in its tendencies and possihle results; it 
 is erroneous in its teachings, for when occasion brings the elements of the 
 larger command together, that same spirit of independence, born of long usage, 
 must and will assert itself. It is not conducive to efficient and uniform admin- 
 istration in peace ; it would be detrimental to discipline and control in field 
 operations, where individual commands must merge their identity into that 
 of the whole. Training in peace time is but preparatory, and all instruction 
 should be conducted with a view to the ultimate ends of organization. 
 
 Deficiencies in the administration of discipline can only be effectually 
 amended by the adoption of adequate and appropriate general laws. The ex- 
 isting code is not sufficiently comprehensive. But in matters of tactical in- 
 struction, lean discern no good reason why commanding officers should not 
 direct and supervise it. I endeavored to ascertain by inquiry of officers in 
 what official matters regimental and battalion commanders were regarded as 
 authority and to what extent they exercised authority. I learned that reports 
 and returns were usually forwarded through them, but as regards discipline 
 and instruction they were not felt. 
 
 Instruction of a regiment or battalion should be uniform and progressive ; 
 it cannot be when company commanders are left to their own devices ; their 
 methods must vary as frequently do the uniforms of their commands. 
 
 The superior commander should see to the instruction, both practical and 
 theoretical, of his officers and men, carrying out plans of his own or enforcing 
 those otherwise prescribed. He should require reports rendered as to the 
 work of each organization. He should encourage the deserving and, eschew- 
 ing all partiality, admonish indifference and carelessness. 
 
 The colonel is responsible to his superiors fnr the training of his regiment. 
 As a company is what its captain makes it, so, it may be said a regiment or 
 battalion will reflect the character and purpose of the commanding officer. 
 In the particular of tactical and administrative instruction, the 1st Regiment 
 and 3d Battalion, Georgia Volunteers, enjoy peculiar advantages. The "com- 
 panies composing them are quartered under the same roof, and, in this re- 
 gard, bear a strong resemblance to an army post or garrison. Official busi- 
 ness might be conducted by them upon similar lines. 
 
 In connection with this subject I would remark upon the prevailing prac- 
 tice of giving almost exclusive significance to the special names of companies. 
 Instead of referring to them by their alphabetical letters, their special desig- 
 nations are very generally used, and company commanders frequently over- 
 look their official titles. I note exceptions in the cases of the 5th Regiment 
 of Cavalry and the 3d Battalion, Georgia Volunteers. The Code of the 
 State permits a company to adopt any special name, but requires, when at- 
 tached to a regiment or battalion, that it shall receive an alphabetical designa- 
 sion. Company pride has much to do with the above mentioned custom. Dis- 
 tinction won in service or reputation gained in prize drills has been achieved 
 under special names. Commanding officers have it in their power to incul- 
 
44 ' 
 
 •cate regimental and battalion esprit de coiys, and thus render easier their ad- 
 ministrative duties. 
 
 Staff Administration. — Another detriment to the teaching of proper methods 
 of administration is the fact that staff officers are, generally speaking, required 
 to do too little. I find that some administrative staff oncers are not required 
 to perform the duties which legitimately pertain to their departments. Some 
 adjutants are but figure heads, the commanding officer asse mi ng all corres- 
 pondence. This I discovered in interrogating officers as to their knowledge of 
 official channels. This practice is not just to staff officers, who never learn 
 their duties, nor to company commanders and officers generally, who are thus 
 unwittingly lead to disregard channels of communication. As a result adjutants 
 must be taught their functions, and company commanders must unlearn their 
 false teachings when going into camp. 
 
 The law authorizes certain regimental and battalion staff officers, whose 
 duties are purely nominal. Some of these offices are simply honorary. 
 The effect cannot be said to be encouraging to others. With such officers there 
 is too little of real business, too much of the "play-soldier." 
 
 Company Administration. — A company commander, be he in the regular 
 service or State force, should require his subalterns to make out official papers, 
 reports and returns, and to familiarize themselves with forms of correspond- 
 ence, wherein uniformity and method are so much-needed. It is instruction, 
 and the manual labor involved should not be cause for complaint, nor will it 
 be so looked upon when the same lieutenants are thrown on their own respon- 
 sibility in the event of assuming command. I find very few instances where 
 lieutenants are required to perform any other duty than at drill. 
 
 They are not made acquainted with records or the principles of correspond- 
 ence. As a consequence, when temporarily in command they are at a great 
 disadvantage and know not what to do. Each subaltern might be assigned a 
 special department, and thus be of assistance to the company commander. 
 Each should be prepared for command. 
 
 Orders. — I notice a practice in some organizations of denominating orders as 
 " general " and " special. " Orders emanating from commanders of posts, regi- 
 ments, battalions and companies should be classed as "orders" simply. The 
 company orders should omit the word " headquarters " at its head, and should 
 not be signed by the first sergeant or secretary at its foot, as I frequently ob- 
 served. Space does not permit me to mention several other irregularities which 
 were discovered and pointed out relative to the issuance of orders. They can 
 be better corrected by regulations and models. 
 
 Publication of Orders, etc. — All communications, from whatever source, di- 
 rectly affecting the command, should be published to it. This is not generally 
 done. Orders from superior authority and company orders, when published 
 at all, are usually posted on bulletin boards, and are therefore not given the 
 force of official publication. With souie commands orders, etc., are read at 
 regular meetings. 
 
 Inspection of Companies. — I find very few company commanders who make it 
 a practice to inspect their commands at regular intervals. These officers cannot 
 give too close attention to the cleanliness and serviceability of arms, accoutre- 
 ments, equipments, harness; to the condition and fit of clothing, etc. 
 
45 
 
 Some officers are very careless in these matters, which accounts in a great 
 degree for the very poor condition in which I found their property and the 
 poor appearance of their commands. 
 
 Attention should be given not only to the property, but also to the condition 
 of the armories, drill rooms and store rooms. 
 
 I visited some drill halls and store rooms which were in considerable dis- 
 order ; in several the floors were unsightly from tobacco spittle. 
 
 Inspection of Clothing. — While clothing is, of course, furnished at the expense 
 of the men, either directly or through the company funds, it should be care- 
 full}'' inspected so as to fit before acceptance from the maker. Very frequently 
 men exercise their own tastes in the selection and make of their clothing. A 
 neatly fitting garment adds much to the military appearance of an individual 
 soldier ; it will enhance the general appearance of the command. 
 
 Assembling Men at Armories. — Usually, for the purpose of quickly bringing 
 men to armories in unforeseen emergencies, companies are divided into squads 
 under the charge of non-commissioned officers, each of whom is provided with 
 a list showing the address of each man of his squad. In case of a sudden 
 call, it is customary for the first sergeant to notify the other non-commissioned 
 officers who in turn warn their men. In other cases a drum or a bell alarm 
 is employed. Again, in some commands I find no system in use for promptly 
 turning out the men, and commanding officers do not keep themselves posted 
 as to the residences of their men. This matter would have some importance 
 in the event of a fire or disturbance of the peace or riot, when property 
 should be looked after or guarded, or the armory defended. 
 
 Provision for Field Duty. —Very little thought has seemingly been given by 
 company commanders to providing for the subsistence of their men in the 
 field or when ordered out for duty away from their stations. Many officers 
 have never anticipated such events nor thought to make provisions therefor. 
 
 I learned of one command which was engaged on one occasion in main- 
 taining the peace in a sparsely settled country district. Not a ration was car- 
 ried along, and for forty-eight hours the men subsisted on sweet potatoes 
 alone. Men should never rely on eating houses nor expect to " skirmish 
 around for food " as one officer informed me he would do. The man's stomach 
 is a vital factor and should receive due consideration. 
 
 An excellent system for supplying subsistence was discovered, after close 
 inquiry, in Company E, 1st Regiment, and I take occasion here to commend 
 the efficiency, as acting commissary sergeant, of private H. J. Suteliffe of this 
 organization. 
 
 This company, as well as some few others, is amply equipped with a field 
 mess outfit. The best company kit seen during the inspection was that of 
 Company B, 1st Regiment. All dishes are made of papier mache and are very 
 light and durable. The whole kit is compactly stored in two mess chests. 
 
 In none of these infantry commands are the men supposed to cook their 
 own rations ; hired cooks are provided. 
 
 This feature of a soldier's duty is, however, fully understood by some troops 
 of the 5th Georgia Cavalry, Troops B and E. The men of these troops can 
 and would perform these necessary duties in the field. They would also care 
 for their own mounts. 
 
 \ 
 
46 ■ 
 
 ARMS AND EQUIPMENTS. 
 
 With the exception of four companies, the infantry of the Georgia Volun- 
 teers is armed with the .45 calibre Springfield rifle, with two patterns of sights. 
 The great majority of these companies have both patterns. The 1884 sight is 
 the desirable one, particularly for purposes of target practice. By it deviation 
 due to drift is automatically corrected, and therefore the individual judgment 
 of the firer in this matter does not enter as a varying factor. With the buck- 
 horn sight allowances for natural drift must be made by the soldier. The num- 
 ber of pieces with the improved sight in the hands of the troops is ample for 
 present needs in small-arms practice. After the troops have been provided 
 with the necessary field outfit, I would recommend that the latest model of 
 rifle be supplied them. The magazine rifle should replace all when it has been 
 adopted and is manufactured by the general government. Four companies 
 have the .50 calibre Springfield, which should be called in at the earliest prac- 
 ticable date and the smaller calibre substituted. These troops will. work at a 
 great disadvantage in small-arms practice with such unserviceable and out-of- 
 date weapons. The arm used should be uniform throughout the entire force. 
 All but a few companies of the Georgia Volunteers, colored, carry the .50 
 calibre Springfield ; three companies have the old muzzle loaders only. 
 
 The cavalry, with the exception of one troop which has the .44 calibre Marlin 
 Safety repeating firearm, is provided with the Springfield carbine, calibre .45. 
 Five troops are yet without arms. 
 
 I only introduce these latter references as pointing to tendencies in foreign 
 armies. 
 
 The troop using the .44 calibre piece should be furnished the Springfield 
 carbine both for purposes of uniformity and for use in taiget practice where 
 the ammunition supplied by the government can be fired. The pistol in the 
 hands of the cavalry is the army revolver. Without entering into any discus- 
 sion as to the merits of this character of weapon — this report is not the place 
 for argument on such a question — I would strongly recommend on the ground 
 of expediency and economy that the pistol be turned in, and abandoned as a 
 part of the prescribed equipment of the State troops. Experiences during the 
 civil war, except in a few sporadic instances, do not place much value in the 
 revolver for cavalry. The armament of the German cavalry, cuirassier, uhlans, 
 dragoons and hussars, is the steel tube lance, carbine and sabre. I do not dis- 
 cover, from casual reading that the pistol constitutes a part of the defensive 
 or offensive equipment. The officers and sergeants-major of infantry wear the 
 revolver. 
 
 But aside from these facts, aside from sentiment, it must be granted that the 
 equipment of the volunteer troops should be as simple as is consistent with 
 current needs. A volunteer soldier must not be freighted down with every 
 piece of traditional armament. He does not use all ; he cannot properly care 
 for all. The proper care of arms is a desideratum and should be carefully con- 
 sidered in establishing an uniform and really useful armament. I would 
 further present the almost unanimous desire on the part of the cavalry officers 
 of the State, the representative officers in particular, to do away entirely with 
 the pistol, as unnecessary. Regarding its serviceability, I was informed by 
 several cavalry officers, during my inspection, that the revolver furnished is 
 
47 
 
 •continually getting out of order, and that several shots cannot be fired from it 
 in quick succession without a hitch. The fault is with the weapon, as the 
 complaints come from officers whose pistols I found in excellent condition and 
 well cared for. 
 
 Most of the infantry is furnished with the McKeever cartridge box and black 
 leather waist belt. Several companies of infantry and some of the cavalry 
 have provided themselves with the cartridge belt. These latter equipments 
 are not, however, of uniform pattern, and for the simple reason that they have 
 not been supplied from one source. Considering the care which must be be- 
 stowed upon arms and equipments, and in view of the great simplicity of the 
 •cartridge belt, I would recommend that it be prescribed as a part of the outfit 
 for infantry and cavalry, and that it be issued in lieu of the McKeever box and 
 waist belt. The web or cartridge belt is much more easily kept in order, is 
 serviceable, and with the State regulation uniform, will present a good, sol- 
 dierly appearance. 
 
 I find lack of uniformity in bayonet scabbards, and also the method of their 
 attachment to the belt. Some are steel, others leather with brass tips; some 
 are provided with a brass sliding loop for making fast to the belt, others with 
 brass hook attachments. But one pattern should be furnished. 
 
 As regards the cavalry, I found considerable want of uniformity in saddles, 
 bridles, saddle blankets and spurs. Cruppers and breast straps are worn in 
 various commands. 
 
 For the purpose of dismounted work each troop should be supplied with 
 sabre straps and link straps. The sabres should be strapped to the saddles, 
 while the link straps are used in attaching horses. 
 
 Concerning the equipment of the volunteers, uniformity should prevail in 
 the three branches, and complete field outfits should be supplied ; provided, of 
 course, that the State continues its policy of maintaining the field artillery and 
 as much cavalry as now exists. I have already alluded to the question of 
 keeping up these latter arms, but would further add here that reasons of 
 economy and the very limited use for field artillery and the very infrequent 
 employment of cavalry, except in the lower counties, would seem to point to 
 the infantry as the effective arm for the needs of the State. 
 
 Care of Arms. — The condition of arms and equipments will be fully shown in 
 the detailed reports. As a general rule among the Georgia volunteers, the 
 property furnished through the State is kept in good condition and order. Of 
 the several regiments and battalions, the arms and equipments in the hands of 
 the 1st Regiment are by far in the best condition. Likewise in this regiment 
 do I find property in general better cared for and accounted for. 
 
 The chief faults observed in the care of arms were : rust in chambers, ex- 
 tractor slots and base of chambers where the rim of the cartridge when home 
 rests. If the cam latch is rusty or covered with dust it may stick when open- 
 ing the breech after discharge. A rusty chamber may prevent the free and 
 full insertion of the shell, wdien the piece is rendered unserviceable for the 
 time being. 1 discovered several front sights bent from one cause or another. 
 A short practice in target firing will soon show to men how difficult it is to 
 make a good score with an injured or twisted sight. 
 
48 
 
 It was noticed that in sticking arms many men were disposed to ram the- 
 piece against the ground or floor; some few men were even seen dragging the 
 arm across the floor. A tumbler may be broken or the usefulness of the piece 
 otherwise impaired by such misuse. But few of the commands possess rules 
 for the care and management of the rifle and carbine. These rules are issued 
 by the Ordnance Department of the army ; they have reached several organ- 
 izations, but for various reasons have been lost or have not been retained. I" 
 would suggest that if copies of the pamphlet containing these rules cannot be 
 obtained in sufficient number for distribution, suitable and precise directions ; 
 be published to the troops by the State. 
 
 I find the brasses on many equipments covered with verdigris. Brasses- 
 may soon tarnish, but there is no valid reason for their turning green, as 
 observed on the buttons of cartridge boxes and on the buckles of bridles- 
 and screw heads of saddles. 
 
 Regarding the equipments, harness, etc., of the artillery and cavalry the- 
 main defects noted were: rusty bits, some straps hard and cracked, harness 
 dry and hard, trace chains rusty. 
 
 A field artilleryman and the cavalryman take upon themselves a much 
 heavier obligation than the foot soldier when receiving their equipments. - 
 They have much more to care for and keep clean, and this fact should be well 
 considered before assuming such roles. 
 
 Considering the amount of stores requiring attention, Troop K, 5th Georgia 
 Cavalry, is deserving of marked commendation for the excellent condition of 
 its armament. The infantryman has his rifle, cartridge box and belts to look 
 after; the cavalryman must c.ire for his carbine and sling, pistol and holster, 
 sabre and scabbard, belt, saddle and bridle, bit and spurs ; the task of the 
 latter is no light one. Regarding these articles of equipment in the troop 
 mentioned, I am free to say that I have never seen property so uniformly 
 bright and clean ; and it is kept so at all times. 
 
 The arrangement for keeping and storing property varies in great measure 
 with the financial ability of the commands, organizations in the city being 
 better able to provide suitable means than those located in small towns and 
 country districts. Arms are very generally kept in gun racks, the equipments 
 on pegs. I observed a practice in two commands of keeping the breech blocks 
 open when the pieces are in the racks. I do not discover the object of this !• 
 dust must surely accumulate in the receivers. 
 
 In very few instances is property not arranged in some order. The colored 
 troops are at fault in this particular. 
 
 I have, in this connection, to invite attention to the fact that in a few cases 
 commanding officers are extremely careless about accounting for the property 
 for which they are responsible. Some captains were unable to state the extent 
 of their accountability. 
 
 The use of suitable property books and returns would, it is thought, correct 
 these inexcusable irregularities. In some instances property is issued or turned' 
 over to men and no receipt or acknowledgment taken. This practice should 
 be discontinued. Some commanding officers not only keep accurate exhibits 
 of their property in books, but provide placards, which are placed in the 
 armory or store-room, showing exactly what each man is responsible for. No 
 
49 
 
 officer who neglects his arms and other property can be said to be efficient or 
 painstaking. 
 
 As a very general thing, no stores are loaned out or allowed to be used save 
 in the performance of military duty. .Some cavalry troops, however, use 
 their horse equipments for private purposes. Regulations should prohibit 
 such uses. 
 
 Marking Property. — No uniform system of marking arms and equipments is 
 observed by the troops throughout the State: The necessity of uniformity is 
 very apparent, and it is recommended that an uniform method be prescribed 
 in orders. I discovered some rifle stocks and some articles of equipment 
 marked with the special names of organizations. Special names should not 
 appear on State property. In case of transfer to other commands much con- 
 fusion would result. 
 
 Missing Property. — With some commands I found property missing, lost or 
 destroyed by fire. A separate report will show the deficiencies. Every ac- 
 countable officer should be required to report all losses and damages to the 
 proper authority. The methods prescribed by the laws of Congress for reliev- 
 ing the responsible party should be followed through boards of survey com- 
 posed of officers of the militia. "With a view to informing the troops on this 
 matter I include in this report the following extracts from an Act of Congress 
 governing such cases. 
 
 " That the purchase or manufacture of arms, ordnance stores, quarter- 
 master's stores and camp equipage for the militia, under the provisions of 
 this Act shall be made under the direction of the Secretary of War, as 
 such arms, ordnance and quartermaster's stores and camp equipage are 
 now manufactured or otherwise provided for the use of the regular army, 
 and they shall be receipted for and shall remain the property of the United States." 
 . . "That all arms, equipments, ordnance stores or tents which may 
 become unserviceable or unsuitable shall be examined by a board of officers 
 of the militia, and its report shall be forwarded by the Governor of the State 
 or territory direct to the Secretaiy of War, who shall direct what disposition, 
 by sale or otherwise, shall be made of them ; and if sold, the proceeds of 
 such sale shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States." 
 
 Regulations governing the procedure of boards of survey should be pre- 
 pared and published to the troops, and the proper methods to be pursued 
 clearly explained to them. 
 
 T T nder the general laws of the State no arms shall be issued until a bond, 
 in double the value of the property, shall be executed and delivered by the 
 accountable officer. Some officers do not seemingly feel the obligation resting 
 upon them when giving their bonds. The law plainly sets forth that the 
 officer's responsibility extends to " the safe keeping " and "proper use " of the 
 property issued to him. An officer is not fulfilling his obligation when stores 
 intrusted to his keeping are not accounted for or properly kept. If an officer 
 were held to account on his bond for property rendered unserviceable or lost 
 through neglect, more care and thought would be exercised than is the case 
 in a few instances. 
 [4] 
 
50 
 
 UNIFORM. 
 
 General Orders No. 8, series of 1890, Adjutant General's Office, prescribes 
 a fatigue uniform, to-wit : 
 
 " 3. That the fatigue uniform for the Georgia Volunteers shall be as follows : 
 For commissioned officers, the fatigue uniform of officers of the same grade 
 in corresponding arms of the United States service, except that the Georgia 
 button shall be used. For enlisted men, a tunic of dark blue cloth and 
 trousers of light blue of same shade as those worn by the officers. A strip of 
 an inch and a quarter width to be worn on the outer seam of the trousers 
 All stripes and the chevrons of the non-commissioned officers to be of white 
 for infantry ; red for artillery, and yellow for cavalr} r , of the shades in use by 
 the United States Army. Chevrons marking the grade of non-commissioned 
 officers to correspond exactly in form and number with those used by the 
 United States Army. Button to be the Georgia State button for all arms. 
 Cap of same pattern and style of those used as fatigue cap by officers of 
 United States Army, those for infantry having crossed muskets over the visor ; 
 for artillery crossed cannon, and for cavalry crossed sabres, the number of 
 the regiment or battalion to be placed above their ornaments." 
 
 This uniform, with the exception of some ornamentation, has been pur- 
 chased and is being worn by several organizations. Those commands only 
 which have the State regulation dress will be mentioned in the detailed re- 
 ports. It would be adding much useless information were a description given 
 of the various uniforms worn by the many organizations of the State. Several 
 companies wear a serviceable field dress of various colors and patterns, but 
 for reasons stated are not described or mentioned. As regards the State reg- 
 ulation field dress it may be said that very few of the troops wearing it have 
 strictly observed the orders above quoted. Usually black braid is placed on 
 the breast across the front and on the cuffs. The forage caps are of the regu- 
 lation pattern, but the cap ornaments vary in style and mode of attachment. 
 Some are embroidered in gold, others are gilt metal pinned or hooked above 
 the visor. There is much irregularity as to placing the number of the regi- 
 ment or battalion above the cap ornament signifying the arm of service. 
 Some companies use the initials of their special names. When an organiza- 
 tion is attached to a regiment or battalion its special name should be dropped 
 for the time being. Only the alphabetical designation should be officially 
 recognized. But uniformity in dress cannot be hoped for, cannot be expected 
 where each command is left to provide entirely for itself. Eegimental and 
 battalion commanders have it in their power to accomplish not a little in 
 establishing uniformity of dress as well as regularity in instruction. Friendly 
 counsel and advice will have a marked effect upon all well-meaning commands. 
 The end sought after cannot be attained on short notice, but persistent effort 
 and kindly persuasion will gradually eradicate irregularities and bring about 
 uniform methods. 
 
 The quality of clothing worn is excellent, much better in fact than is fur- 
 nished enlisted men of the army. In several commands considerable attention 
 is given to the neatness of fit of clothing; the consequent improvement in 
 general appearance is noticeable. The condition of the uniform generally was 
 found very good ; in some instances not a little care is exercised in keeping 
 
51 
 
 it always in good order. One command may be specially mentioned in these 
 particulars. The undress uniform is the State regulation. Each man is allotted 
 a locker, and in it every article of clothing has its place and so arranged that 
 each can be seen at a glance. The tunic is neatly hung up, and every pair of 
 trousers is placed in a pants-stretcher. For simplicity of dress, uniformity of 
 equipment and the care taken of the same, this organization, Troop K, 5th 
 Regiment, Cavalry, is deserving of special mention. This troop pre- 
 sented a better appearance than any command visited in the State. There 
 was uniformity observed from head to foot. Even a uniform pattern of collar 
 was worn ; neck ties of various colors were not seen. Few commands 
 seem to have discovered how much their general appearance would be im- 
 proved by the adoption and use of uniform patterns of collars and neck ties, 
 or by wearing no ties. The simple black bow will add much more to soldierly 
 appearance than the flashing colors. 
 
 White gloves are generally worn when in uniform, but in several cases they 
 are not used when handling pieces, nor is the hand always protected. A 
 piece will soon rust from the perspiration of the hand. 
 
 The glove or gauntlet is less for ceremony than the protection of the piece 
 and accoutrements. 
 
 I found few commands wearing easy walking shoes. The subject of com- 
 fortable foot-wear is not given the attention it deserves. Feet are quickly 
 made sore, or are chafed on guard, in camp and on the march by narroAV-toed 
 and tight shoes. A broad- toed easy walking shoe should be worn by the troops, 
 particularly when in camp. 
 
 A very few of the organizations have thus far provided themselves with 
 overcoats and blankets. Those in the hands of the troops are not of uniform 
 pattern or color ; in fact no pattern has been prescribed. This is the duty of 
 ■the State ; not alone to prescribe, but to provide. 
 
 Respect for the Uniform. — However much the uniform may vary in style 
 of color, fit or appearance, there is conspicuous and most gratifying uni- 
 formity in the respect and consideration shown it on all occasions by the 
 Georgia Volunteers. With scarcely an exception, the rules of the sev- 
 eral organizations contain provisions for preserving it inviolate. To bring 
 the uniform into discredit is an offence, punishable by the heaviest penalty 
 inflicted. I quote in substance the rule of several commands covering such 
 cases: For entering, in uniform, any bar-room or disreputable place, being 
 under the influence of liquor, or disgracing the uniform in any manner 
 whatsoever, a fine of ten dollars is imposed ; if repeated, the member so offend- 
 ing shall be expelled. Moreover, as a very general rule, the uniform is not 
 permitted to be worn except when on duty, and for a reasonable time pre- 
 vious to the hour fixed for assembly, and for the same time after dismissal. 
 
 One or two instances have been called to my attention by officers where 
 persons not connected with the Volunteei's have been seen wearing the uni- 
 form of certain organizations. For such misuse there is no redres3, but organ- 
 izations have the right to complain. 
 
 A general law protecting the troops would be but aiding them to accomplish 
 what their company rules cannot fully control. 
 
52 
 
 DETAILED REPORTS. 
 
 The foregoing remarks relate to general practices and observances : 
 In order to be more explicit, to recognize special merit and point out de- 
 fects, I have thought well to add, in substance, my observations of the work 
 of individual organizations, which I do in the following detailed reports : 
 
 FIRST REGIMENT. 
 
 Owns armory, a detached wooden structure, comparatively safe from fire ; 
 each company is assigned a general meeting and store room; two rooms re- 
 served on lower floor for field and staff, and for officers' meetings; windows 
 on lower floor might be iron-barred for better protection ; a janitor is employed 
 who has general charge of the armory. A barrack yard or area is used as a 
 drill ground, sufficiently large for company formations and evolutions ; a portion 
 adapted for gallery practice. All companies of this regiment were inspected 
 under Upton's Tactics. All companies of the regiment are stationed in Savan- 
 nah. 
 
 Company E. — Inspected January 29th. Enlistment and discharge: well 
 understood and fully carried out ; enlistments promptly reported and men dis- 
 charged only upon proper authority ; discharge certificates are furnished. 
 Discipline: excellent ; ideal discipline for volunteer troops; military court- 
 esies punctiliously observed ; line of distinction between rank and the men 
 clearly and understanding!? drawn. Theoretical instruction: well conducted ; 
 men familiar with nomenclature of pieces; all taught to set sights and adjust 
 windage. School of soldier: very thorough ; all non-commissioned officers in 
 charge of squads. Manual:, excellent; every feature covered; firing in double and 
 single rank ; arms stacked with bayonet and swivel. School of company: excel- 
 lent; the best drill witnessed duringthe inspection ; entire school covered; excel- 
 lent officers and guides ; sergeants tested as guides and as platoon commanders ; 
 all men tested as pivot files of fours. Skirmish: very intelligently and thor- 
 oughly executed in every particular ; commands given by bugle and whistle: 
 Guard: complete and thorough; formation of details by three sergeants; 
 one sergeant acting as sergeant-major; ceremony of guard mounting, relieving 
 old guard, posting sentinels, and day and night duties of non-commissioned 
 officers and men illustrated. Arms and equipments: excellent; cartridge 
 boxes and belts the best in the State. Company equipped with field outfit ; 
 the most complete camp equipage and table ware in the State. Armory and 
 store room neat and property well stored and accounted for. Book and pa- 
 pers ; full records kept and preserved : neatly and correctly kept. The only 
 company which appeared in the field outfit with knapsacks packed, overcoats 
 rolled, blankets, haversacks, canteens, leggins, etc. The most efficient organ- 
 ization in the State and the equal of any volunteer command in the Union. 
 Its training and teachings are purely practical ; all men undergo instruction. 
 Soldierly efficiency is sought after to the exclusion of general effect in numbers 
 and display. 
 
 Company B. — Inspected January 26th. Enlistment and discharge: men dis- 
 charged and dropped by action of company alone. Discipline : very good ; 
 military courtesies taught but not observed on all occasions ; several men un- 
 
steady and gazing about and some talking in ranks at inspection. Theoretical 
 instruction : not regular. School of soldier : very good. Manual : good ; ca- 
 dence somewhat slow ; several inaccuracies in position of pieces ; position 
 of pieces in loading irregular ; no swivel stack. School of company : good ; 
 distance between sets of fours in column not well kept ; marking time on pivots 
 not good by some men; movable pivots not observed in charging direction in 
 column of platoons ; distance lost in column of twos ; passing of obstacles un- 
 evenly executed and not seemingly well understood by one lieutenant; ob- 
 liquing in column of fours excellent. Skirmish : fair ; intervals not well taken or 
 preserved ; skirmishers carry pieces at "carry" ; some men not familiar with 
 deploying and assembling. Guard : fair ; formation of details fair ; ceremony 
 of guard mounting illustrated ; commands of officer of the guard incorrect ; 
 some men not familiar with duties of sentinels. Arms : excellent. Equip- 
 ments : very good ; some brasses tarnished. Armory and store room neat and 
 property well cared for. Books and papers : very goo 1 ; neatly kept. Company 
 equipped with knapsacks, canteens, overcoats, blankets, leggins. etc. Ample 
 table ware ; packed in mess chests ; best system observed by any company in 
 the State. A very good company. 
 
 Company D. —Inspected January 28th. Enlistment and discharge: some 
 dates on enlistment papers not recorded; men discharged and dropped by 
 company action ; men transferred and no record furnished new commander. 
 Discipline : very good ; military courtesies taught ; men very steady ; com- 
 pany very soldierly in bearing and appearance ; a few men observed gazing 
 about in ranks. Theoretical instruction : not regular. School of soldier : 
 fair ; more thorough instruction needed. Manual : several inaccuracies in 
 position of pieces, particularly in the loadings ; a few men in ranks not well 
 instructed ; heels of some men in ranks not together ; stacking with bayonet 
 good. School of company : good ; guides not promptly verified in opening 
 ranks ; formation of fours from twos very good ; step somewhat slow ; fours 
 keep distances very well ; platoons left front into line poorly executed ; mov- 
 able pivots not well observed in changing direction ; some men not well in- 
 structed as pivot files ; fours did not oblique together executing left front into 
 line from column ; marching in line very good. Skirmish : fair ; intervals 
 not well preserved ; some talking in ranks ; rallying by fours good ; assem- 
 bling very good. Guard : fair ; formation of details slow ; acting first ser- 
 geants not sure ; supernunienuy out of place at guard mounting ; marching of 
 details onto line not good ; one corporal of the guard very well informed and 
 very soldierly; men not well instructed as to duties of sentinels. Arms: very 
 good; generally clean ; some with slight rust in chambers and extractor slots. 
 Equipments : very good ; verdigris on a few brasses. Armory and store room 
 neat and property well cared for. Company equipped with overcoats, blankets, 
 knapsacks, canteens, leggins, etc. Books and papers: incomplete. This 
 company appeared in knapsacks at inspection ; men are familiar with slinging 
 and unslinging. A very good company. 
 
 Company A. — Inspected January 25th. Enlistment and discharge: men 
 dropped by action of company. Discipline : good ; military courtesies not 
 well taught; some gazing about in ranks. Theoretical instruction: irregular. 
 School of soldier: fair; no setting up exercises; squad drill fair. Manual: 
 
54 
 
 good ; pieces thrown up for inspection very well ; no swivel stacking ; stacking 
 arms with bayonet very good ; command " posts" omitted after firing. School 
 of company: fair; officers wear full dress belt with undress uniform ; march- 
 ing in line wavering ; distances not well preserved in column ; movable pivot 
 not observed in changing direction ; distances well kept in column of twos 
 and files. Skirmish : fair ; not sufficiently comprehensive. Guard : fair ; de- 
 tails brought onto line fairly well by two sergeants ; first sergeant very good ; 
 men not well informed as to duties of sentinels. Arms : good ; some few 
 pieces rusty in chambers and ejector slots. Equipments : good ; brasses tar- 
 nished. Armory and store room in very good order and property well cared 
 for. Books and papers : incomplete. Company is equipped witb knapsacks,, 
 blankets, overcoats, haversacks, canteens, leggins, etc. A good company. 
 
 Company C. — Inspected January 27th. Enlistment and discharge: under- 
 stood ; discharge certificate furnished men upon discharge. Theoretical in- 
 struction : not regular. Discipline: very good; military courtesies taught; 
 men very soldierly ; some gazing about in ranks at inspection. School of sol- 
 dier: fair; no setting up exercises; squad drill fair; movements in double 
 time irregular. Manual : good ; position of pieces somewhat inaccurate ; 
 stacking- with bayonet good ; no swivel stack. School of company : fair 
 guides not verified in opening ranks ; marking time on pivots not well under- 
 stood by men ; movable pivot not observed in changing direction ; forming 
 fours from twos and files not correctly executed. Skirmish : no instruction 
 given. Guard : fair ; ceremony of guard mounting not well performed ; men 
 need instruction in the duties of sentinels. Arms and equipments : excellent. 
 Armory and store room very neat and orderly ; property well cared for. Com- 
 pany is equipped with knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, leggins, overcoats, 
 blankets. Very good mess kit ; neatly kept. Books and papers : not com- 
 plete. A good company ; most promising. 
 
 SECOND REGIMENT. 
 
 All companies, save one, were inspected under Upton's Tactics. 
 
 Company I. — Inspected December 4th, at Perry. Enlistment and discharge : 
 enlistments not promptly reported ; no uniform practice as to discharge. Dis- 
 cipline : good ; military courtesies not taught ; very good attention and stead- 
 iness in ranks at inspection ; men very prompt. Theoretical instruction : not 
 had. School of soldier: very good ; setting up exercises by whole company 
 excellent, balance step gaining ground poor, lack of practice ; changing step 
 poor; squad drill good. Manual: excellent; comprehensive; stacking arms 
 with bayonet and swivel very good, save that stacks are not lowered to ground 
 gently; forcibly dropping pieces is liable to injure tumblers. School of com- 
 pany: excellent; comprehensive; formation of company very smart and 
 accurate ; very good officers ; company was drilled in a very limited space, 32 
 by 45 feet, but the captain had a remarkably good control over his command, 
 never running it against the walls or breaking it up. Skirmish : very good ; 
 comprehensive. Guard: fair; formation of details and marching onto line 
 somewhat slow, but fairly accurate ; men not familiar with the instructions to 
 sentinels. Arms : pieces actually in the hands of the men at inspection excel- 
 lent, save one rusty in bayonet socket and one rusty in chamber; pieces not in 
 use rusty in chambers and extractor slots. Equipments: cartridge belts worn 
 
55 
 
 by men excellent ; McKeever boxes and belts not in good condition. Pieces 
 kept in gun racks, equipments in drawers underneath. Company owns 
 armory, detached wooden structure, safe from fire ; not well protected ; win- 
 dows should be iron-barred and doors better secured. In connection with arm- 
 ory company owns ample ground around it ; a portion is leveled off for drill 
 purposes. Books and papers : incomplete ; enlistment papers neat and cor- 
 rect ; records of drills not exhibited. Captain not able to state what exact 
 amount of property he is responsible for. Company not equipped with field 
 outfit or table ware. Has a dress uniform, and the State regulation undress or 
 service uniform ; the officers wear full dress belts with undress uniform ; has 
 overcoats. A very smart company. 
 
 Company C. — Inspected November 24th, at Macon. Enlistment and dis- 
 charge : no uniform practice as to reporting enlistments ; all discharges made 
 with proper authority ; enlistment roll shows two men enlisted under age (16) 
 allowed by Code. Theoretical instruction : not regular. Discipline : good ; 
 military courtesies not well taught ; men prompt and very orderly at " rest" 
 during inspection ; good attention and interest displayed. School of soldier: 
 very good ; setting up exercises, under (new) drill regulations, very well exe- 
 cuted ; squad drill good. Manual: very good; old and new drill regulations 
 used ; during firings the file closers fired ; stacking arms with swivel slow, 
 some new men in ranks. School of company: good; formation under new 
 drill regulations very good ; officers' names called at roll call ; left four of com- 
 pany not properly formed by first sergeant ; alignments fairly good ; company 
 was drilled in a very limited space, not sufficient for the execution of evolu- 
 tions evenly ; the principles of the drill fairly well understood by men. Skir- 
 mish : good; principles understood ; want of space made it impossible to per- 
 form all movements. Guard : fair ; formation of details well done ; marching 
 onto line fair; men not well instructed as to the duties of sentinels Arms: 
 excellent ; this company has a number of second hand pieces which were 
 thoroughly cleaned ; this fact is mentioned for the reason that some officers 
 seem to think that unless they secure pieces direct from an arsenal of con- 
 struction they cannot be kept clean ; the above practice controverts such 
 opinions. Equipments : very good ; a few brasses tarnished. Pieces kept in 
 racks ; available room not adequate for storing property well. Company 
 rents armory, third floor, brick building ; comparatively safe ; well protected. 
 Books and papers: very good; enlistment book kept in lieu of enlistment 
 papers ; letters, etc., received carefully filed. Not provided with field outfit 
 or mess kit. Wears State regulation uniform. A good company. 
 
 Company G.— Inspected March 30th,at Columbus. Enlistment and discharge: 
 enlistments not promptly reported ; no uniform practice as to discharges. 
 Theoretical instruction : not had. Discipline : good ; military courtesies sought 
 to be observed ; men generally very steady and attentive in ranks ; some gazing 
 about. School of soldier : very good ; setting up exercises very good ; squad drill 
 very good ; excellent non-commissioned officers. Manual : very good ; cadenoe 
 good ; position of pieces fairly accurate ; only direct firings given. School of com- 
 pany : very good ; all non-commissioned officers instructed as to forming com- 
 pany ; roll call somewhat slow ; sergeants in ranks; odd file on left of company 
 not fallen out ; marking time on pivots well understood by men ; marching in 
 
56 
 
 line good ; obliquing iu column very good ; platoon movements very good ; chiefs 
 of platoon very good ; passing of obstacles poorly executed, not seemingly under- 
 stood ; movable pivots not well observed ; no double rauk formation given. 
 Skirmish: fair; not sufficiently comprehensive. Guard: fair; marching de- 
 tails fair ; formation, inspection and marching onto line by one sergeant ex- 
 cellent ; distances between lines at guard mounting not accurate ; men not 
 familiar with instructions for sentinels. Arms : pieces, model 1884, generally 
 good ; some dirty in chambers ; pieces, model 1879, generally rusty in chambers 
 and extractor slots. Equipments : good ; some brasses tarnished ; verdigris 
 on some brasses. Arms in gun racks, equipments hanging on pegs ;■ pieces 
 left with breech blocks open. Books and papers : fair; letters received neatly 
 filed ; letter book of captain during war preserved ; no property book, and com- 
 manding officer not able to state exact amount of property for which lie is 
 responsible. Not provided with field outfit, overcoats or blankets ; no mess 
 kit. Rents armory on third floor, brick structure; comparatively safe from 
 fire ; fairly well protected. A good company, but too small a percentage of 
 members undergo regular instruction. 
 
 Company A. — Inspected Nov. 2Sth, at Macon. Enlistment and discharge: 
 captain stated that enlistments were promptly reported, and that in case of 
 discharge authority of Adjutant-General would be asked for ; one man trans- 
 ferred but no descriptive list furnished. Discipline: fair; military courtesies 
 not observed; during "rest" some noise and confusion among men ; good at- 
 tention and steadiness in ranks. Theoretical instruction : not had. School 
 of soldier : good ; setting up exercises fair ; squad drill fairly comprehensive ; 
 wrong commands used for opening files. Manual : very good ; stacking arms 
 with bayonet and swivel good ; firings generally very good. School of com- 
 pany : very yood ; formation good ; one corporal out of place in ranks ; 'men 
 fairly well instructed in principles ; passing of obstacles not attempted. 
 Skirmish: fair; not comprehensive, but what was attempted was good. 
 Guard : fair ; formation of details and the guard mounting fairly well done ; 
 men not ;familiar with the orders of sentinels. Arms : pieces, model 18S4, 
 in excellent condition ; .50 calibre pieces, loaned by the State, rusty in 
 chambers and not cared for; nearly all unserviceable; should be turned in. 
 Equipments: cartridge belts good ; McKeever boxes scratched and not given 
 proper care ; pieces kept in chests or in gun cases against wall ; company not 
 able to provide gun racks. Books and papers : incomplete ; enlistment papers 
 neat and correct; files of orders, etc., not exhibited. Company rents armory, 
 second floor, brick building; comparatively safe from fire; not protected; rear 
 windows should be iron-barred. AVears State regulation uniform. Not pro- 
 vided with field outfit, overcoats or blankets ;, no table ware. A deserving 
 company. 
 
 Com pany F. — Inspected December 5th, at Macon. Enlistment and discharge : 
 enlistments not promptly reported ; men discharged and dropped by action 
 of company alone. Discipline : very good ; the captain has thoroughly in- 
 structed his men in military courtesies; men are punctilious in observing 
 them; line of distinction between officers and men well understood and prac- 
 ticed; men steady and attentive in ranks. Theoretical instruction: not had. 
 School of Soldier: very good; double step not properly taught. Manual: 
 
57 
 
 •very good ; some men in ranks not accurate in details of manual ; one lieu- 
 tenant inattentive and lounging during manual. School of company: very 
 good ; formation prompt, accurate, smart save that left guide was unfamiliar 
 with his duties ; school well covered and executed, save by a few poor files 
 and uninstructed left guide. Skirmish: fair; not sufficiently comprehensive. 
 Guard: fair; formation of details and marching onto line fairty well done ; 
 men not instructed in duties of sentinels. Arms : twenty-six pieces used b} r 
 prize drill "teem" excellent; fifty-two pieces rusty and dirty. Equipments: 
 cartridge belts good ; McKeever boxes scratched, worn and not well cared for ; 
 officers wear full dress belts with undress uniform; company equipped with 
 .knapsacks, overcoats, blankets and mess kits. Rents armory, second floor, 
 brick building; not safe; fairly well protected; newspaper office below and 
 printing shop above ; armory not adapted for company evolutions. A smart 
 company, but t o small a percentage of members undergo regular instruction. 
 Company B. — Inspected November 23d, at Macon. Enlistment and discbarge : 
 some dates on enlistment papers not given ; no uniform practice as to report- 
 ing enlistments ; men dropped by action of company ; several men dropped 
 but no dates shown. Theoretical instruction: none. Discipline: fair; mili- 
 tary courtesies not well observed ; too much noise and talking during "rest" 
 at inspection; one non-commissioned officer left armory without permission, 
 and when called for by inspector to take charge of a squad was absent ; men 
 generally steady in ranks. School of soldier: fair; no setting up exercises; 
 non-commissioned officers not abie to command squads; squad drill under 
 lieutenant good; want of instruction. Manual: fair; position of pieces in 
 several instances incorrect ; stacking arms with bayonet good ; no swivel 
 stack; firings fair; during firings the file closers fired ; want of drill. School 
 of company: fair; formation slow; left guide not familiar with his duties; 
 company well sized ; alignments backward uncertain ; forward very good ; 
 pivot files do not mark time properly; principles of mo?t platoon evolutions 
 understood, but distances not well kept ; chiefs of platoon not familiar with 
 their duties executing on left into line from column of platoons ; officers lack 
 confidence; company drill fairly good, bat shows lack of drill. Skirmish: no 
 instruction given. Guard: poor; formation of details slow and uncertain ; 
 marching onto line n >t good; men not instructed in the general orders for 
 sentinels. Arms: excellent; fine condition. Equipments: very good; few 
 brasses tarnished; pieces kept in gun racks in gun room on second floor of 
 armory ; equipments in upright lockers on third floor ; this arrangement not 
 considered good in case of a sudden emergency; wears State regulation 
 uniform. Books and papers : incomplete. Company owns a fine armory, the 
 best equipped in the State; the drill hall measures 60 by 100 feet; well pro- 
 tected; property is secure and well cared for; not provided with field outfit, 
 overcoats or blankets; has table ware. A good company but in need of more 
 drill and instruction. 
 
 THIRD REGIMENT. 
 
 All companies of this regiment were inspected under Upton's Tactics. 
 Company I. — Inspected October 14th, at Dalton. Enlistment and discharge: 
 (.enlistments not promptly reported ; men discharged upon the authority of the 
 
58 
 
 captain. Theoretical instruction : none. Discipline: fair; military courtesies 
 not observed ; men not instructed in such matters; men steady and generally 
 attentive in ranks ; few gazing about ; during "rest" men very orderly. School 
 of soldier: good; setting up exercises by whole company very good; squad 
 drill very well executed ; balance and double step not taught. Manual ; good ; 
 several slight inaccuracies in positions; during firings the file closers fired. 
 School of company: good; formation of company very good, smart and 
 soldierly: first sergeant omitted to make division of platoons; alignments 
 good ; commands of officers not given with life ; stacking arms with bayonet 
 fair ; no swivel stack ; company not well up in platoon evolutions or passing 
 of obstacles. Skirmish: no instruction given. Guard: good; formation of 
 guard details ; posting of sentinels good ; men understand fairly well the 
 orders for sentinels. Arms : good ; pieces generally clean ; dust in s une bores ; 
 a few slight rust in chambers. Equipments: excellent; pieces in gun racks, 
 equipments in closets underneath ; property well cared for ; armory neat ; 
 not well protected ; entrance can easily be made through rear windows; win- 
 dows should be barred. Rents armory, second floor ; brick building ; safe. 
 Xot provided with field outfit, overcoats or blankets ; no table ware ; wears 
 State regulation uniform. A good company ; very promising ; ambitious. 
 
 Company H. — Inspected October 20th, at Athens. Enlistment and discharge : 
 enlistments not properly reported ; men discharged upon authority of com- 
 pany alone. Theoretical instruction: not had. Discipline: fair; military 
 courtesies not observed ; good attention in ranks at inspection ; some gazing 
 about. School of soldier: fair; no setting up exercises; squad drill good so 
 far as given, but does not include several important features. Manual : good ; 
 several irregularities in position of pieces ; no stacking with swivel. School of 
 company : good ; formation fair ; names of officers called ; officer in command 
 did not take proper position when giving commands at inspection ; wheeling 
 on fixed pivot not correct; sergeants in ranks and corporals out of proper 
 places; company not divided into platoons; good officers; their commands 
 are first-class. Skirmish : no instruction given. Guard : fair ; formation of 
 guard detail and marching onto line by one sergeant excellent ; men not fa- 
 miliar with general orders for sentinels. Arms: fair; some pieces very rusty in 
 chamber. Equipments: fair; scratched and worn, but serviceable ; verdigris 
 on some brasses. Pieces in gun racks and equipments well cared for ; store 
 room well protected ; windows barred; only entrance by heavy door. Books 
 and papers: none. Company has full dress uniform; gaudy but unservice- 
 able; undress, State regulation. Not provided with field outfit, overcoats or 
 blankets; no mess kit. Rents armory, formerly the opera bouse; safe. A 
 good company. 
 
 Company G. — Inspected October 22d, atConyers. Enlistment and discharge :• 
 enlistments not promptly reported ; men discharged by vote of company and 
 dropped. Theoretical instruction : none. Discipline : good ; behavior excel- 
 lent ; military courtesies well observed when inspector entered armory and 
 while present ; no line of distinction between officers and men drawn ; atten- 
 tion and steadiness in ranks very good. School of soldier: not satisfactory ; 
 setting up exercises not well executed ; squad drill poor ; but small part of 
 the school given ; needs more instruction. Manual: very good ^stacking with 
 
59 
 
 bayonets good, save one set of fours; no swivel stack; loadings and firings 
 well done. School of company : good ; formation inaccurate ; officers' names 
 called ; opening and closing ranks very smart and correct ; marking time on 
 pivots well understood ; wheel on fixed pivot not well performed, halting too 
 late ; formation into line from column to and on the right good ; passing of 
 obstacles very poor ; formation of column of twos and files good ; room not 
 sufficient for platoon evolutions ; examined chiefs of platoon and found them 
 familiar with their duties. Skirmish: none. Guard: poor; formation of 
 guard details slow and inaccurate ; men not acquainted with general orders for 
 sentinels. Arms: excellent. Equipments: very good. Pieces kept in gun 
 racks, equipments on pegs. Armory floor not neat ; spittle on floor. Books 
 and papers: not kept. Rents armory, second floor, brick building; compara- 
 tively safe; fairly well protected. Not provided with field outfit, overcoats or 
 blankets ; ample table ware. A good company. 
 
 Company E. — Inspected Nov. 14th, at Madison. Enlistment and discharge; 
 very irregular practice regarding the enlistment of men; men not required to 
 sign papers; no record of enlistment kept; men dropped from roll by vote of 
 company. Discipline: fair; military courtesies not observed ; no line of dis- 
 tinction between rank and the men drawn; men prompt ; some men gazing 
 about and talking in ranks during inspection and drill. Theoretical instruc- 
 tion : none. School of soldier : very good ; best in this regiment ; setting up 
 exercises well performed ; squad drill well executed. Manual: good; several 
 inaccuracies in position of pieces ; firings fairly good ; no stacking with swivel ; 
 stacking with bayonet good ; pieces thrown up for inspection very well. 
 School of company : good; formation fairly accurate and smart; officers' names 
 called ; very good step in quick and double time ; obliques in column good ; 
 marking time by pivots fairly well understood, forming fours from twos and 
 files not correct ; slow catching step forming front into line at double time ; 
 movable pivots not observed in changing direction. Skirmish : no instruction . 
 Guard : not satisfactory ; formation of details and marching onto line not well 
 performed ; men not instructed in the duties of sentinels. Arms : neglected 
 condition ; generally rusty in chambers ; dirty in screw heads. Equipments : 
 scratched and worn, but serviceable; brasses tarnished; verdigris on some. 
 Arms and equipments very badly accounted for ; issued to men and no account 
 taken ; neither captain nor acting quartermaster sergeant could state exact 
 amount of property for which captain is responsible. Books and papers : none. 
 Not provided with field outfit, no overcoats or blankets; no table ware. Com- 
 pany has no armory ; uses city hall for indoor drills and meetings ; hall not 
 adequate for company evolutions ; pieces in racks on lower floor, which is used 
 as fire engine room. Wears State regulation dress uniform. Men not required 
 to wear gloves at times when handling pieces. A fairly good company ; is on 
 the right track in giving close attention to the school of the soldier. 
 
 Company F.— Inspected October 21st, at Elberton. Enlistment and discharge: 
 enlistments not promptly or regularly reported ; men dropped from roll by 
 action of company ; enlistment papers not well kept ; dates not fully recorded ; 
 erroneous impression as to enlistment ; practice of enlisting men on same day 
 each year. Theoretical instruction : none. Discipline : fair ; no observance 
 of military courtesies; no distinction made between officers and men when on. 
 
60 ' 
 
 duty ; considerable unsteadiness and inattention in ranks. School of soldier : 
 not satisfactory; no setting up exercises; squad drill attempted, but men not 
 familiar with it. Manual : poor ; showing lack of instruction ; stacking arms 
 not well done. School of company : not satisfactory ; formation slow and un- 
 certain ; sergeants in ranks and corporals out of place in ranks; officers not 
 accurate in their duties ; their commands not correct ; men in ranks not 
 sized ; principles of marking time on pivots and movable pivots not under- 
 stood ; company formed in double rank, but could not stack arms in that 
 formation. Company in need of systematic instruction. Skirmish : no in- 
 struction. Guard : fair ; formation of guard detail by first sergeant very good; 
 men not well up on duties of sentinels. Arms : very good ; a few pieces 
 slightly rusty in chambers. Equipments : fair ; boxes scratched ; brasses tar- 
 nished. Books and papers : incomplete. Rents armory, second floor, brick 
 building; fairly well protected ; arms in gun racks; equipments on pegs. Not 
 provided with field outfit, no overcoats or blankets ; no table ware. Wears 
 State regulation uniform. Company composed of excellent material, and with 
 proper training will be heard from. 
 
 Company A. — Inspected November 30th, at LaGrange. Enlistment .and dis- 
 charge: enlistments not promptly or regularly reported; men dropped with- 
 out proper authority ; dates on enlistment papers not accurately kept. Theo- 
 retical instruction: none. Discipline: men not instructed in matters of dis- 
 cipline ; military courtesies not observed; no line of distinction between rank 
 and men drawn ; men not prompt ; unsteady and not attentive in ranks. 
 School of soldier : unsatisfactory; instruction very limited in setting up exer- 
 cises and squad drill. Manual: fair; several inaccuracies in detail ; stacking 
 with bayonet fair; no swivel stack ; firings direct fair. School of company: 
 fair ; formation inaccurate and slpw ; bayonets not fixed for inspection ; no 
 division of platoons ; left guide not familiar with his duties ; in opening ranks 
 men do not cast eyes to right ; principles of drill not well understood ; due to 
 lack of drill. Skirmish: no instruction. Guard: fair; formation of detail by 
 first sergeant fairly well done; marching into line not good; men not in- 
 structed as to general orders for sentin els. Arms : unsatisfactory ; pieces gen- 
 erally rusty in chambers ; five unserviceable. Equipments: fair; serviceable; 
 scratched; brasses tarnished. Owns armory, second floor, brick building drill 
 hall 30 by 60 feet ; comparatively safe ; not well protected; property not well 
 cared for; floor of armory not neat. Books and papers: incomplete; record 
 < if drills correctly kept ; property book incomplete. Wears State regulation 
 uniform. Not provided with field outfit, no overcoats, no blankets; ample 
 table ware. A range of 500 yards is obtainable in vicinity of station ; butts 
 can be made at small cost. Drills are held regularly during summer and 
 spring; drills not regularly had during winter. A fair company, but in need 
 of more regular instruction. 
 
 Company C. — Inspected November 13th, at Greensboro. Enlistment and dis- 
 charge: no uniform or regular system of keeping records of enlistment; if a 
 man is elected he is regarded as a member, but is not required to sign enlist- 
 ment paper ; captain stated that report of enlistment would be made only 
 when directed by Adjutant-General; no retained enlistment papers. Theo- 
 retical instruction: none. Discipline: fair; behavior good ; no observance of 
 
61 
 
 military courtesies ; considerable unsteadiness in ranks ; some inattention and 
 talking in ranks. School of soldier: not satisfactory; no setting up exer- 
 cises; some few features of squad drill attempted, but men not well instructed. 
 Manual : fairly good ; several inaccuracies in details ; commands of captain 
 faulty; no cadence observed ; firings not good; file closers fired. School of 
 company : not good; formation of company slow and inaccurate ; sergeants in 
 ranks ; corporals out of place ; first sergeant calls names of officers ; left guide 
 does not understand that he is to remain in line of rile closers until after 
 counting fours ; pivots do not mark time well ; lack of drill in forming line to 
 the right or left and on the right or left ; drill uneven ; men not well instructed 
 individually ; unevenness of drill due in great measure to poor commands. 
 Skirmish: no instruction. Guard: not satisfactory; insufficient instruction. 
 Arms : fair ; some pieces clean ; several others rusty in chambers, and dirty 
 in screw heads ; arms not well cared for. Equipments: not good ; belts and 
 boxes scratched ; verdigris on brasses. Wears State regulation uniform. Not 
 provided with field outfit, no overcoats, no blankets; ample table ware. For 
 drill and meetings company rents room, 50 by 50 feet, in court-house ; safe. 
 Arms and equipments kept in separate building; pieces in gun racks and 
 equipments on pegs; store room very orderly; well protected: member of 
 company sleeps in room. Books and papers: none kept. Fair company. 
 
 Company D. — Inspected Oct. 19th, at Gainesville. Enlistment and discharge : 
 enlistments not promptly reported; men discharged and dropped by action of 
 company alone. Theoretical instruction : none. Discipline : fair ; military 
 courtesies not well observed ; unsteadiness and inattention in i-anks ; consider- 
 able gazing about. School of soldier: not satisfactory; no setting up exer- 
 cises ; very few features of squad drill understood. Manual : not satisfactory ; 
 irregular. School of company : fair ; formation slow ; men slow taking places 
 in ranks ; no counting of fours ; sergeants in ranks ; opening and closing ranks 
 inaccurate; marking time on pivots not understood; principle of fixed and 
 movable pivots not taught; too much talking in ranks during drill; platoon 
 evolutions not well executed. Skirmish: not satisfactory; some movements 
 were attempted, but men not familiar with subject ; commands not correct for 
 deploying. Guard : not satisfactory ; formation of guard detail uncertain ; 
 men not familiar with instructions to sentinels. Arms: seemingly neglected; 
 rusty in chambers ; several pieces with chamber filled with dirt. Equipments : 
 not good; serviceable but scratched; Iwasses not cared for. Arms in gun 
 racks. Books and papers : not kept. Rents armory, second floor, brick build- 
 ing; drill hall 50 by 60 feet ; comparatively safe ; fairly well protected ; armory 
 not neat ; gun racks dirty. Wears State regulation uniform. Not provided 
 with field outfit, no overcoats, no blankets ; ample table ware. Company in 
 unsatisfactory condition. 
 
 Company B. — Inspected Oct. 13th, at Home. Enlistment and discharge: en- 
 listments not promptly reported ; men dropped and expelled by action of 
 company. Theoretical instructions : none. Discipline : not satisfactory ; be- 
 havior during drill not orderly ; not prompt ; men not prompt to obey captain 
 when they were out of ranks; much unsteadiness and inattention in ranks; 
 there was evidence of trifling during portion of the drill. School of soldier: 
 not satisfactory ; no setting up exercises ; squad drill poorly executed ; evidence 
 
62 
 
 of very little attention to subject. Manual: unsatisfactory; irregular; men 
 not taught to stack arms. School of company: not satisfactory; formation 
 very slow ; incorrect ; first sergeant not very familiar with his duties ; align- 
 ments poor ; pivots do not mark time properly ; not familiar with platoon 
 movements or passing obstacles; forming column of fours from twos and files. 
 Skirmish : no instruction. Guard : not satisfactory : formation of guard de- 
 tail poorly executed; men not taught the duties of sentinels. Arms: neg- 
 lected; pieces dirty and rusty in chambers; one gun stock broken. Equip- 
 ments : not good ; boxes scratched and worn, but serviceable . brasses dirty. 
 Pieces in gun racks, but not locked in ; side arms on pegs underneath ; armory 
 not tidy. Rents armory ; safe and well protected ; drill hall 50 by 100 feet. 
 Books and papers : none. Had only full dress uniform ; not provided with 
 field outfit ; no mess kit. Company in unsatisfactory condition. 
 
 FOURTH REGIMENT. . . 
 
 Company F. — Inspected March 1st, at Waycross. Enlistment and discharge : 
 understood and properly executed. Theoretical instruction : officers and non- 
 commissioned officers meet twice a month ; instruction given in school of sol- 
 dier, company, guard, military courtesies by interrogation. Discipline : ex- 
 cellent, so far as could be observed ; line of distinction between officers and 
 men understandingly drawn ; military courtesies very well observed ; com- 
 pany never in camp, but has seen some service in maintaining peace. School of 
 soldier : very good : opening files correctly done ; setting up exercises very well 
 performed ; squad drill very good. Manual : very good ; firings direct and by file 
 very good ; disposition to load in cadence ; slope of pieces at load correct and 
 uniform ; throw up pieces for inspection very well. School of company: very 
 good ; formation and roll call very soldierly ; men very steady and attentive in 
 ranks; step in quick time perfect ; turnings very well executed ; wheeling on 
 fixed pivot halting done too late ; very good officers and non-commissioned 
 officers ; platoon evolutions very good ; some evidence of inclination to place 
 right in front before a new movement. Skirmish : good ; deploying by flanks 
 very good ; deploying forward not good ; some hesitation in rallying by fours ; 
 wheeling line as skirmishers good ; intervals well preserved. Guard : good ; 
 formation of detail by first sergeant very good ; guard mounting fairly well 
 performed; march past good ; .men fairly well instructed in orders to senti- 
 nels ; posting sentinels good. Arms : pieces in use excellent ; some pieces not 
 in use slightly rusty in chambers, but carefully oiled. Equipments : excel- 
 lent ; some old pattern belts on hand which should be turned in. Pieces in 
 gun racks; equipments on pegs behind pieces ; very neat and orderly. Arms 
 are .50 calibre and should be turned in. Rents armory, second floor, brick 
 building, safe and fairly well protected ; armory neat. Wears State regulation 
 uniform. Not provided with field outfit ; no table ware. Books and papers : 
 incomplete. Range of 450 yards obtainable in vicinity of station ; butt can be 
 thrown up at small cost. Company used Upton's Tactics. A very good com- 
 pany, promising and ambitious. 
 
 Company I.— Inspected March 2d, at Brunswick. Enlistment and discharge : 
 enlistments not promptly reported ; no record of enlistment kept by present 
 company commander for want of blanks ; not familiar with obligation of en- 
 
63 
 
 iistment. Theoretical instruction: no regular practice; usually before drills 
 non-commissioned are questioned as to drill and guard. Discipline: fair; mil- 
 itary courtesies not observed ; no line of distinction between officers and men 
 drawn.; men very soldierly and attentive in ranks throughout drill. School of 
 soldier: very good; squad drill very good and comprehensive ; opening files 
 correct. Manual : very good ; slopes of pieces when inclined very good ; stack- 
 ing of arms with bayonet very good ; no swivel stack ; firings direct, oblique 
 and as rear rank very good. School of company : very good ; formation and 
 roll call accurate and prompt ; very good first sergeant ; men throw up pieces 
 for inspection very well; distances and cover well kept in column of fours; 
 marking time by pivot files very good ; marching in line very good ; step a trifle 
 too slow; wheels in company front excellent; platoon evolutions very good; 
 movable pivots well undei'stood. Skirmish: good; fairly comprehensive; 
 men shouting when rallying by company. Guard: very good; formation of 
 details, marching onto line, marching past, relieving old guard, posting of sen- 
 tinels fairly well done ; men not all familiar with instructions to sentinels ; one 
 man po3ted as a sentinel fairly well instructed. Arms : not in good condition ; 
 rusty in chambers and bores ; it is to be remarked that this company is sta. 
 tioned near coast, and it is extremely difficult to keep arms free from rust. 
 Equipments : very good. Arms in racks ; equipments on pegs in store room ; 
 well cared for ; armory neat and store room in good order. Rents armory, 
 •second floor, tabby building, safe and well protected. Drill hall not adequate 
 for company formations and evolutions. Books and papers : fair ; files orders, 
 ■etc., received ; list of property kept on retained annual report; keeps copies 
 of letters sent. Wears State regulation uniform ; not provided with field out- 
 fit ; ample table ware and cooking utensils- Company was inspected under 
 Upton's Tactics. A very good company. 
 
 Company K. — Inspected March 4tb, at Thomasville, under (new) drill regu- 
 lations, except in skirmish exercise. Enlistment and discharge : enlistments 
 not promptly reported; roll of members kept instead of enlistment record; 
 men released or dropped when removing from immediate bounds of company. 
 Theoretical instruction : no system pursued. Discipline: fair; military cour- 
 tesies not strictly observed ; very good attention and interest displayed during 
 entire inspection and drill ; no line of distinction between officers and men 
 observed. School of soldier : very good ; setting up exercises very thorough ; 
 squad drill comprehensive and good. Manual: good; some inaccuracies in 
 the loadings, rear rank men not stepping off promptly ; new drill but recently 
 taken up. School of company : good and fairly comprehensive ; principles 
 fairly well understood. Skirmish : good ; men fairly well instructed. Guard : 
 good ; formation of details and marching onto line fairly well done ; march 
 past old guard good ; men fairly well instructed in orders to sentinels. Anns : 
 not satisfactory ; generally rusty in chambers. Equipments : good. Property 
 not kept in armory ; arms and equipments in hands of men. Company has 
 recently purchased a former dwelling-house for armory ; proposes to build ar- 
 , mory on site. Has ordered State regulation uniform. Books and papers : in- 
 complete; property book well kept. Not provided with field outfit; no mess 
 kit. A very promising company. 
 
 Company E.— Inspected March 7th, at Albany. Enlistment and discharge: 
 
64 
 
 enlistments not promptly reported ; no uniform practice regarding discharge ; 
 re-enlistments properly made. Theoretical instruction : no regular system. 
 Discipline: fair; military courtesies not taught or required; some gazing 
 about during inspection; during; "rest" too much noise. School of soldier: 
 fair ; no setting up exercises ; squad drill very well by squad under charge of 
 the first sergeant. Manual : very good ; loadings and firings very good ; stack- 
 ing arms rather uncertain ; file closers slow in passing up pieces ; some talk- 
 ing in ranks. School of company: fair ; company but recently took up new 
 drill ; room in which company was inspected not adequate for evolutions in 
 new drill; principles fairly well understood. Skirmish: no instruction. 
 Guard : good ; formation of detail and marching onto line by first sergeant very- 
 well done ; excellent first sergeant ; men fairly well informed as to general 
 duties of sentinels. Arms: not satisfactory ; generally rusty in chambers; 
 piece in the hand of Private J. B. Davis in excellent condition ; a model. 
 Equipments: cartridge belts very good; McKeever boxes not cared for. 
 Pieces kept in racks ; equipments in lockers with uniforms. Arrangement of 
 store room orderly. Rents armory, formerly opera house; safe; property 
 well protected. Wears State regulation uniform. Not provided with field out 
 fit ; some table ware. Books and papers : fair ; record of drills neatly kept ; 
 no record of squad drills ; order book; letters, orders, etc., received very 
 carefully filed ; no property book ; unable to give list of property. Officers 
 wear full dress belt with undress uniform. Company was somewhat at a dis- 
 advantage in the new drill regulations, but is deserving of credit in not cling- 
 ing to the old system for the purpose of inspection. A smart and promising 
 company. 
 
 Company H. — Inspected March 7th, at Dawson, under new drill regulations. 
 Enlistment and discharge: no enlistment record; men coming since last en- 
 campment not enrolled; enlistment papers lost ; company should complete 
 its records; no uniform practice as to discharge. Theoretical instructions: 
 none. Discipline: lair; military courtesies not well taught; line between 
 officers and men not drawn; men prompt; very good attention throughout 
 drill. School of soldier: very good ; setting up exercises very well executed, 
 squad drill very good. Manual: very good; stacking of arms fairly good: 
 loadings and firings good; fire kneeling and lying down very good; rise not 
 good. School of company: good; formation prompt and soldierly ; names of 
 officers called ; opening of ranks good ; principles of new drill well under- 
 stood ; rear rank not kept closed up well ; one officer lacks confidence. Skir- 
 mish : no instruction in extended order exercises yet given ; principles were 
 explained by inspector. Guard: fair; formation and'inspection of guard de- 
 tail very good ; men not well instructed in sentinel duties. Arms: fair; some 
 pieces rusty in chambers, but there was evidence of attention being given to 
 care of pieces. Equipments: very good. Arms and equipments kept by men 
 in upright lockers with clothing. Has no armory, but has use of hall for drills 
 and meetings. Books and papers: none. Wears State regulation uniform. 
 Not provided with field outfit ; no mess kit. A good company. , 
 
 Company B.— Inspected Feb. 29th, at Valdosta, under (new) drill regulations.. 
 Enlistment and discharge : no uniform practice ; enlistment papers correctly 
 kept. Theoretical instruction: no practice. Discipline: fair; principles of 
 
65 
 
 discipline not taught; men attentive and steady during inspection ami drill. 
 School of soldier : fair {setting up exercises fairly well performed; company 
 has but recently taken up new drill ; squad drill not yet given very much at- 
 tention. Manual: fair. School of company: fair; drill at inspection was 
 virtually the first in the new drill; company marches fairly well; fours kept 
 their distances and cover; passing of obstacles wood ; turnings fairly well un- 
 derstood; captain erroneously commands "attention" before executing any 
 movement; company formed and remained in single rank. Skirmish: no 
 instruction given. Guard: very little instruction given ; men not familiar with 
 duties of sentinels. Arms : unsatisfactory ; pieces rusty in chambers ; dirt n 
 some screw heads. Equipments: fair ; belts somewhat worn and scratched; 
 verdigris on brasses. Pieces kept in lockers with uniform. Rents armoiy; 
 property fairly well protected. Not provided with field outfit; no mess kit. 
 Books and papers: fair ; enlistment papers, record of drills, files of orders, etc., 
 from higher authority ; company order book kept. Fair company. 
 
 Company A. — Inspected March 30, atTalbotton. Enlistment and discharge: 
 enlistments not promptly reported ; men are permitted to resign ; no uniform 
 practice as to discharge. Theoretical instruction : officers and non-commis- 
 sioned officers meet and discuss drill regulations on drill days. Discipline: 
 fair; military courtesies and principles of discipline not taught; men show 
 good interest in their work. The men of this company are nearly 
 all farmers and widely scattered, some living fourteen miles from sta- 
 ion. Meetings and drills cannot be had at regular intervals. During 
 last twelve months twenty-one drills have been had. For general 
 drills the men assemble at Talbotton and engage in their exercises 
 during the entire day. A general drill means a whole day to the members of 
 the organization. A practice is followed by this company in requiring squads 
 to meet at sub-rendezvous for drill by officers and non-commissioned residing 
 in the vicinity ; these drills are had at four points, including the station. At 
 inspection the company was formed under Upton's Tactics, but officers and 
 men were not very familiar with the principles of the formation. Some few 
 features of the manual were presented, but there was a lack of instruction. 
 The company was inspected at night and could not go into the streets for evo- 
 lutions, and the hall in which it met was too limited for drill. Some few 
 movements in the school of the soldier were attempted, but there was con- 
 siderable lack of training. The setting up exercises are not taught. A short 
 talk was given by the inspector on the principles of the new drill, the extended 
 order exercises and military courtesies. Some points were illustrated. 
 The attention of officers is invited to some few irregularities observed: com- 
 manding officer not in proper position when giving commands at inspection ; 
 a proper cadence should be observed in giving commands, particularly in the 
 manual ; officers should wear an undress belt with the undress uniform ; men 
 in ranks should remain constantly at attention; commands "company, atten- 
 tion" unnecessary when co up. my is at attention ; collars of uniform pattern 
 would add to appearance of company ; men should wear a uniform neck-tie or 
 none at all. Company has no armory, but keeps arms in small room in opera 
 house- Wears State regulation uniform.. Arms: generally in good order; 
 some few rusty in chambers ; some firing pins missing. Equipments: good 
 [5] 
 
66 
 
 serviceable condition ; verdigris on some brasses. Company not provided with 
 field outfit ; no mess kit. Books and papers: fair; record of drills neatly kept; 
 orders issued by company commander kept by first sergeant ; keeps files of 
 orders, letters, etc., from higher authority. Attention is invited to the fact that 
 three colored men are members of this company, taken in as musicians. 
 Company composed of fine material, most willing and well meaning, and with 
 fair opportunities for regular instruction may be relied upon to do creditable 
 work. 
 
 Company G. - Inspected March 3d, at Quitman. Enlistment and discharge: 
 men expelled and allowed to resign without proper authority ; enlistment pa- 
 pers kept correctly. Theoretical instruction: not regular. Discipline: fair; 
 young company ; not instructed in matters of discipline: School of soldier: 
 no instruction. Manual very little instruction. School of company: unsatis- 
 factory; formation slow and incorrect; men unfamiliar; officers' names called 
 by first sergeant ; non-commissioned officers do not wear chevrons; men un- 
 steady in ranks; marching in column of files, twos and forming column of 
 fours attempted; step very irregular; dress and cover poor. Company had not 
 taken up new drill regulations. Inspector chilled the company under new 
 system, pointing out important features, and s^ave a talk on principles involved, 
 on subject of military courtesies, discipline, sighting drills and settingof sights. 
 Company has received no instruction as yet in skirmish exercises, guard for- 
 mat ion and sentry duty. Arms: twenty-three pieces, model 1884, good order; 
 seventeen pieces, model 1873, rusty in chambers; rust on outside of barrels. 
 Equipments: cartridge boxes; good order; some brasses tarnished; verdigris 
 on some ; belts old, worn but serviceable and strong; belts old when received. 
 Company has no field outfit, no mess kit or table ware. Pieces kept in gun 
 racks; equipments hanging on pieces (liable to injure sights). Rents armory. 
 detached building, safe from lire; property poorly protected ; doors can be 
 easily broken in; should be barred. Storeroom in good ordar. Gloves are 
 not worn at all times when handling pieces. Uniform pattern of collars and 
 same pattern of necktie or none at all would add to the general appearance 
 of command. More regular and systematic drill and instruction needed. 
 Green company. 
 
 TIKST BATTALION. 
 
 Company D.— Inspected March 18th, at Augusta, under new drill regula- 
 tions. Enlistment and discharge : no uniform practice as to enlistment and 
 discharge; no records kept on the ground of no blanks. Theoretical instruc- 
 tion: regular; weekly since December 1st last. Discipline: very good ; military 
 courtesies taught and observed ; line of distinction between officers, and men 
 drawn appreciated ; men attentive and very steady and soldierly. School of 
 soldier: good ; setting up exercises thoroughly performed ; squad drill good; 
 only three drills in new system up to date; progress excellent. Manual: very 
 good; instruction thorough. School of company: very good ; formation sol- 
 dierly and correct ; officers' names called; distances and cover in column of 
 fours good ; marking time on pivots very well understood and observed ; on 
 light and left into line good; company right and company right turn very 
 good ; the most accurate drill observed under new system • but three prepara- 
 
(17 
 
 tory drills had for inspection ; very good officers ; commands first class. Skir- 
 mish : no instruction. Guard: fair; formation and inspection of guard details 
 very fair; men not well informed as to duties of sentinels; one man fair. 
 Arms: eighteen pieces, model 1884, excellent condition ; twenty-two pieces, 
 buckhorn sights, good and serviceable ; slight rust in chambers. Equipments: 
 very good. Very good care exercised in keeping property. Rents armory, 
 kept in good order. Drill hall sixty by forty feet. Property protected. Books 
 and papers : fair; no enlistment papers ; property book correctly kept; very 
 good system for accounting for property issued to men. Wears State regula- 
 tion uniform; undress uniform the simplest in the State, without braid on 
 breast; no stripes on trousers. Very good company. 
 
 Company A. — Inspected Nov. 12th, at Washington. Enlistment and dis- 
 charge : understood ; enlistment papers not exhibited. Theoretical instruc- 
 tion : none. Discipline; fair; military courtesies taught ; no line of distinction 
 between officers and men drawn; men steady and soldierly in ranks; some 
 few gazing about. School of soldier: fair; setting up exercises well under- 
 stood; balance step not well taught ; commands of front sergeant not sure. 
 Manual : good ; several inaccuracies in details ; stacking with bayonet good ; 
 no swivel stack ; firings generally good. School of company : good; formation 
 prompt and accurate, save that first sergeant omitted to make division of 
 platoons and left guide not familiar with duty as to falling out odd files, and 
 as to time when to come up onto line ; drill comprehensive and general princi- 
 ples seemingly understoo 1, save the movable pivot, proper step not taken by 
 pivot; very good officers. Skirmish: good; fairly comprehensive; deploy- 
 ments by flank and forward, rallying by fours and company and assembling 
 very well' executed ; firings fairly good. Guard: fair; formation of two guard 
 details somewhat slow but accurate ; general instructions for sentinels and 
 their duties not well understood. Arms : generally excellent ; three noticed 
 to have slight rust in chambers. Equipments : good ; worn somewhat but 
 serviceable ; few brasses tarnished. Arms and equipments kept in hands of 
 men ; property brought together and verified at intervals. Rents armory safe ; 
 not well protected. Armory neat. Not provided with field outfit ; no over- 
 coats, no blankets ; ample table ware and cooking utensils. Books and papers : 
 incomplete; record of drills neatly and correctly kept. Company inspected 
 under Upton's Tactics. A very good company. 
 
 Company C. — Inspected March 16th, at Augusta, under new drill regula- 
 tions. Enlistment and discharge : no records kept in default of blanks ; men 
 discharged for non-attendance by company action. Discipline: fair; military 
 courtesies not strictly observed; distinction between officers and men not 
 taught; men not perfectly steady in ranks. School of soldier: fair; in- 
 struction not sufficient; one squad drilled under lieutenant with first and 
 another sergeant in ranks; non com missioned officers should be made in- 
 structors ; facings, marchings, turnings, obliques, marching "to the rear," 
 changing step, very well executed; setting up exercises very well executed. 
 Manual: good; instruction thorough. School of company: fair; company had 
 but recently taken up new drill ; Oblique very good; good cover in column of 
 fours, but distances not correct; intervals between files not accurate ; step 
 good; turning understood. Skirmish: no instruction. Guard: fair; forma- 
 
68 
 
 tion of guard detail fair ; men not well instructed in orders of sentinels. 
 Arms: good; generally clean; some rusty in chambers. Equipments: good; 
 brasses tarnished. Pieces kept in lockers with equipments and uniform. 
 Some tiles noticed to drag their pieces across floor alter dismissal. Rents 
 armory; drill hall -10 by 70 feet. Books and papers: fair; record of drills 
 and property book kept. Property well cared for. Good company. 
 
 Company E. — Inspected March 14th, at "Waynesboro, under new drill re.aula 
 tions. Enlistment and discharge: no uniform practice observed; no dis- 
 charges. Theoretical instruction : none. Discipline: fair; military courtesies 
 not taught; distinction between rank and men not made ; men attentive and 
 steady during drill. School of soldier: fair; setting up exercises fairly well 
 executed by entire company ; the number of the exercise should be omitted 
 from the commands ; squad drill unsatisfactory ; non-commissioned officers 
 not efficient. Manual : fair; cadence slow ; position of pieces fairly accurate ; 
 stacking with bayo :et very good ; firings fair. School of company : fair ; forma- 
 tion in single rank ; calls names of officers ; command "company" before com- 
 mands for manual unnecessary; cadence in commands not good; distances 
 not well kept in column of twos and riles ; step not well kept ; company turns 
 not evenly executed, files spread out too much ; not well up on platoon move- 
 ments ; fair drill but considerable lack of precision in marching, turning and 
 marking time on pivots; intervals not well kept. Arms: not satisfactory; 
 attention is called to the fact that this company has only .50 calibre pieces, old 
 and unserviceable; sights are useless; cannot engage in target practice unless 
 furnished with .45 calibre pieces. Equipments: fair ; worn and unserviceable; 
 old style; should be replaced by cartridge belts. Pieces kept in lockers with 
 equipments and uniform. Rents armory ; not adequate for company evolu- 
 tions; property well protected. Wears State regulation uniform; officers' 
 forage caps braided. Bonks and papers: fair; property book kept; letters 
 sent kept ; no record of drills. Good company ; deserving. 
 
 Company B. — Inspected March 15th, at Augusta, under Upton's Tactics. En 
 listment and discharge: no uniform practice as to enlistment and discharge; 
 keep no retained enlistment papers. Theoretical instruction: none had. 
 Discipline ; fair; military courtesies not taught; distinction between rank and 
 men not observed. School of soldier: fair ; no setting up exercises. Manual : 
 fair; position of pieces not correct in several instances; loadings irregular) 
 stacking not correct, the pieces of rear rank men not thrown to front; during 
 firing the file closers fired. School of company: fair; formation slow ; men 
 slow falling in; officers' names called; bayonets fixed before roll call; con- 
 siderable gazing about and unsteadiness in ranks; changes of direction not 
 made on movable pivots; wheeling of platoons on fixed pivot good ; step slow ; 
 cover in column of fours good; passing of obstacles not correctly executed' 
 marching in line very good; Arms: unsatisfactory; pieces generally rusty in 
 chambers; gummy oil in chambers. Equipments: fair; boxes scratched; 
 brasses not clean. Pieces kept in racks. Books and papers : none; property 
 book not kept. The sergeant-major of the 1st battalion was in ranks at the 
 formation of the company. Good company, but in need of more thorough 
 instruction. 
 
69 
 
 THIRD BATTALION. 
 
 All companies of this battalion are stationed in Savannah ; all were in- 
 spected under Upton's Tactics. Men joining the command are assigned by 
 the adjutant to companies, the individual preferences of the applicants to be 
 consulted if possible. Transfers from one company to another are made upon 
 proper application approved by the company commanders concerned, and the 
 commanding officer. It is to be observed that the several companies are not 
 well equalized; A company has forty-one men, B thirty-nine, C fifty-five. 
 Under the rules of the battalion no men under eighteen years of age are ad- 
 mitted. I learned from the adjutant that men under five feet five inches were 
 not accepted. The duties of the adjutant conform as far as applicable to the 
 system prescribed in the Army regulations. The quartermaster has charge 
 of all arms, ammunition, camp equipage and such other property as may be 
 intrusted to his keeping. The commanding officer is responsible for all prop- 
 erty furnished by the State. Company commanders are not directly account- 
 able for the arms and equipments used by their respective commands, nor are 
 they assigned to individual members. It is submitted that much better re- 
 sults would be obtained by apportioning the property among the companies. 
 A spirit of emulation would thus be aroused, aud each would take pride in the 
 care of its arms. This will not be done where property is used indiscrimi- 
 nately by all. 
 
 For the purpose of the inspection such a practice would have given the 
 several companies an opportunity for special work. In an inspection where 
 comparative efficiency is to be reported upon, a command is handicapped if 
 not accorded some freedom in these matters. By reference to the rules of the 
 battalion it is to be observed that the instruction of their companies is in the 
 hands of the company commanders, who " are expected to exercise a constant 
 and active supervision of the drills." * * " They are authorized to order 
 such night drills as they may think necessary.' - ' 
 
 Regarding new men, the rules contemplate that each shall " prepare himself 
 by drill for the ranks ; second, in case of neglect, without good and sufficient 
 reasons, his name may be dropped from the roll. The rules also prescribe 
 that" every non-commissioned officer, when appointed, is bound to capacitate 
 himself for the duties of the office to which he has been appointed, by per- 
 fecting in the 'school of the soldier,' 'school of the company,' and 'school of 
 the battalion," or resign his office." It is thought that men should be trained 
 under competent instructors ; their training will thus be more uniform and 
 consistent. Nun commissioned should be tested before being appointed to an 
 office. 
 
 Enlistment rolls are kept in each company. After enlistment the man's 
 name is furnished the Adjutant and by him uecorded in the descriptive book 
 kept at battalion headquarters. I notica that regular active members are per- 
 mitted to resign, arc expelled or dropped, and are transferred from the active 
 roll to the " exempt by service " list by and with the authority of the com- 
 mand. No practice is seemingly observed as to promptly reporting enlist- 
 ments; as to discharge or release the practice is irregular, as indicated above. 
 
 The records kept by the Adjutant consist of order book, record of officers, 
 staff and company, non-commissioned officers and men, together with record 
 
70 
 
 of casualties, files of orders, etc., receive!. These records were found very 
 neatly and correctly kept. 
 
 Warrants are furnished the non-commissioned officers. They are not, how- 
 ever, made official by the signatures of the commanding officer and Adjutant ; 
 the names of these officers are merely printed upon them. 
 
 The arms are kept in gun racks ; very orderly. The equipments are stored 
 in boxes ; returned to boxes after being used. Condition of arms: generally 
 rusty in chambers; many rusty about sights and trigger guards; dirty in 
 screw heads ; gummy grease in some pieces. Equipments : cartridge boxes 
 good and serviceable ; some scratched ; verdigris on some brasses ; brasses 
 tarnished. The proper care is not given the equipments, as was shown by a 
 praet ice observed. One company before being dismissed removed the belts 
 and boxes and dropped them onto the floor; they were afterwards picked up 
 and thrown into chests. This battalion has no armory, but is building one. 
 It now uses a rented structure, which is not sufficiently large for company 
 evolutions. The battalion has a club in connection with its military organiza- 
 tion. Discipline: fair; military courtesies not stri tly observed; line of dis- 
 tinction between rank and men not well drawn. Theoretical instruction: 
 battalion rules contemplate meetings of officers from time to time. Practical 
 instruction : the regular drill season covers a period from December 15 to June 
 15, between which dates drills are held weekly. From August to December 
 drills are not compulsory The battalion engages in target practice for prizes 
 at least once a year ; only rifles furnished by their battalion can be used, but 
 men are permitted to supply their own cartridges. The battalion is equipped 
 with overcoats, blankets, knapsacks, leggins, cartridge belts. 
 
 Company A. -Inspected February 3d. Theoretical instruction: several 
 instruction meetings for non-commissioned officers held by special action of 
 captain. School of soldier: very good; setting up exercises very well, exe- 
 cuted ; squad drill under five non-commissioned officers comprehensive, good ; 
 execution of balance step unsteady; movements from line by the flanks 
 somewhat uneven. .Manual: very good; cadence good ; manual comprehen- 
 sive and evenly executed ; details fairly accurate ; firings very good ; stacking 
 arms good, but file closers did not lay on loos s pieces; no swivel stack. School 
 of company: very good; lieutenants at " parade rest " during inspection; 
 marking time on the pivots well understood; platoon evolutions well exe- 
 cuted ; movable pivot in changing direction very well observed ; the ease with 
 winch the company changes from one formation to another was noticeable ; 
 passing of obstacles good; very good officers. Skirmish: good; some men 
 not familiar witb deployments; rallying by fours good, save by two files; 
 rally by company well executed and intelligently ; head work displayed in 
 the tilings. Guard: very good; formation of guard details prompt and cor- 
 rect ; inarching onto line very good, prompt and smart ; first seargeant failed 
 to drop supernumerary back to proper place ; during march past first sergeant 
 did not bring supernumeraries to "parade rest;" posting sentinels by one 
 corporal very good ; orders for sentinels fairly well understood. Books and 
 papers: excellent; complete and very neatly and correctly kept. The steadi- 
 ness and attention of the men of this company during the entire inspection 
 ami the soldierly bearing of the command were commendable ; the collars worn 
 
71 
 
 were of a uniform pattern ; neckties also ; adding to the good appearance of 
 the company. Very good company. 
 
 Company C— Inspected February 1st. Theoretical instruction: recitation 
 of non-coinmissioned officers. School of soldier: fair; setting up exercises 
 fair; men need more instruction in squad drill. Manual : fair; cadence not 
 good; position of pieces not uniformly accurate; firings fair; stacking arms 
 with bayonet good; no swivel stack. School of company: good; formation 
 correct; left guide not thoroughly familiar with his duties; cover in column 
 of fours good; marking time by pivot tiles fairly well understood; cover in 
 obliquing in column not good ; captain's commands frequently faulty. Skir- 
 mish ; fair; developed by flanks only ; intervals not well kept; firings march- 
 ing by flank not good ; firing while marching to the rear men fire to rear not 
 towards enemy. Guard : fair ; marching details onto line not well done ; 
 non-commissioned officers of the guard pass outside of sergeant-major ; 
 passing old guard good ; posting sentinels by one corporal very good ; relieving 
 sentinels poorly executed ; men not familiar with duties of sentinels. Books 
 and papers: not complete. Some men were observed to be smoking cigarettes 
 during inspection and when at " rest." Good company but in need of more 
 drill. 
 
 Company B. —Inspected February 2d. Theoretical instruction: instruction 
 of non-commissioned officers. School of soldier: fair; setting up exercises 
 fair; squad drill not sufficiently comprehensive; " to the rear " not correctly 
 executed, command march not given at prop 'r time. Manual: good; pieces 
 thrown up for inspection very well; some green men in ranks; stacking 
 arms fair; no swivel stack. School of company: good; marching in line 
 wavering; pivot files do not mark time in their places well; platoon evolu- 
 tions fair; distances in column of. files not well kept; forming fours from 
 files poor ; step uncertain ; passing of obstacles not well executed; men not 
 very familiar with wheel on fixed pivot. Skirmish: fair; men carry pieces 
 at " carry " on skirmish line; unnecessary laughing during skirmish exer- 
 cise; deploying forward not well executed, men not seemingly familiar; 
 men need more instruction in rallying. Guard: fair; formation of details 
 good ; marching details onto line not well performed ; very good first sergeant ; 
 march past good ; posting relief by one corporal very good ; during guard men 
 at "rest" were too noisy ; disposition on the part of two non-commissioned 
 officers of guard to trifle ; men not thoroughly familiar with duties of senti- 
 nels. Books and papers : incomplete. Good company, but in need of more 
 drill. 
 
 FOURTH BATTALION. 
 
 All companies of this battalion are stationed at Atlanta ; all were inspected 
 under Upton's Tactics. 
 
 Company B. -Inspected October 5th. Enlistment and discharge: no uni- 
 form practice ; enlistments not promptly reported ; men discharged by action 
 of company. Theoretical instruction: none. Discipline: fair; military 
 courtesies not strictly carried out; line of distinction between rank and men 
 not observed ; men steady and attentive in ranks. School of soldier: good ■ 
 setting up exercises well executed hy entire company ; squad drill by five 
 
72 
 
 men fairly good; this instruction should be more general. Manual: very- 
 good; few inaccuracies in position. School of company: very good; forma- 
 tion of company prompt, smart and soldierly; drill generally very good; 
 wheels on movable pivot fair. Skirmish : not satisfactory ; not sufficiently 
 comprehensive ; only deployed by flanks and assembled on center skirmisher. 
 Guard: fair; formation of guard detail and marching onto line very well 
 done by first sergeant ; men not familiar with general instructions of sen- 
 tinels. Arms: thirty pieces, model 1884, good condition; thirty pieces; 
 buckhorn sights neglected ; rusty in chambers. Equipments: good; some 
 brasses tarnished. Pieces kept in gun racks. Store-room neat and orderly; 
 property well accounted for ; owns armory; drill hall 55x108 feet; not well 
 protected ; entrance can easily be made through rear windows. Wears Stsite 
 regulation uniform ; appearance of company veiy good ; provided with knap- 
 sacks, but no other field outfit ; no table ware. Books and papers: fair ; prop- 
 erty book neatly and accurately kept by quartermaster sergeant; retained 
 enlistment papers kept. Very good company. 
 
 Company D. Inspected September 30th. Enlistment and discharge: no 
 uniform practice observed ; enlistments not promptly reported ; men released 
 without proper authority. Theoretical instruction: none. Discipline: fair; 
 military courtesies not observed ; line of distinction between officers and men 
 not drawn ; steadiness and attention in ranks at inspection and during drill 
 excellent. School of soldier : not satisfactory ; instruction too limited. Man- 
 ual: very good, accurate and smart. School of company: very good; forma- 
 tion of company very prompt ami soldierly ; first sergeant omitted to fall out 
 odd file on left ; drill fairly comprehensive and good. Skirmish: no instruc- 
 tion. Guard: fair; some instruction in ceremony of guard mounting; no 
 instruction in sentry duty. Arms: poor condition; some new guns rusty in 
 chambers; second-hand equipments neglected. Equipments: good. Pieces 
 in gnu racks; equipments on pegs; racks covered to keep out dust. Arrange- 
 ment of quartermaster's store-room excellent ; wears State regulation uni- 
 form; rents armory; drill hall 60x170 feet. Not provided with Held outfit; 
 owns twenty-eiufit overcoats. Books and papers: fair; retained enlistment 
 papers kept; property book kept by quartermaster sergeant neatly and accu- 
 rately. This company was inspected on the last day of the month, which 
 may account for the comparatively small attendance. Good company. 
 
 Company C— Inspected ( October 3d. Enlistment and discharge : no reports 
 of enlistment rendered except annually ; men discharged and released with- 
 out proper authority. Discipline: fair; military courtesies not taught; some 
 want of promptness and some unsteadiness in ranks. Theoretical instruc- 
 tion: none. School of soldier: not satisfactory ; evidence of want of instruc- 
 tion in setting up exercises and squad drill. Manual: fair. School of com- 
 pany: fair; formation of company incorrect; omitted to count fours; odd 
 tiles mi leftnot fallen out; alignments not good; drill exhibited want of sys- 
 tematic instruction. Skirmish: no instruction. Guard: no instruction. Arms: 
 30 pieces, calibre .45 good condition; 30 pieces, calibre .50 neglected ; dirty 
 and badly rusted. Arms kept in racks ; equipments on pegs; arrangement 
 vc ry good and orderly. Not provided with field outfit, no mess kit. Books 
 and papers: fair; property book neatly kept. 
 
73 
 
 Company not progressive ; too small a percentage of men undergoing regu- 
 lar instruction. 
 
 Company A. — Inspected September 29th. Enlistment and dischaige: no 
 uniform practice observed. Theoretical instruction : none. Discipline : fair ; 
 principles of discipline not taught; too much inattention, laughing and gaz- 
 ing about in ranks; interest good. School of soldier: not satisfactory; 
 not sufficient instruction. Manual : not satisfactory ; partakes entirely 
 too much of the Zouave character. School of company : fair ; the drill 
 in general effect and appearance is good, but inaccurate, showing lack of in- 
 struction ; step entirely too fast ; company should give more attention to the 
 prescribed drill regulations. Skirmish: no instruction. Guard: no instruc- 
 tion. Arms: not satisfactory; several pieces rusty in chambers; screw heads 
 dirty ; twenty-three pieces have been nickel plated and rear sights removed, 
 rendering them unserviceable. Arms : cadet rifle should be replaced. Arms 
 kept in racks. Equipments: good; serviceable. Store room not in good order. 
 Not provided with field outfit; no mess kit. This company is in considerable 
 measure Zouave in its character. Company not in satisfactory condition. 
 
 FIFTH REGIMENT — GEORGIA CAVALRY. 
 
 The several troops of this regiment were inspected under Upton's Tactics, 
 with the exception of the mounted exercises of Troop K. 
 
 Troop K. — Inspected December 3d, at Macon. Enlistment and discharge : 
 well understood and fully carried out ; enlistments are promptly reported and 
 men are discharged only upon proper authority ; statement of discharge fur- 
 nished. Theoretical instruction: regular; well conducted. Discipline: ex- 
 cellent; military courtesies carefully observed; line of demarkation between 
 rank and men undevstandingly drawn. School of soldier: excellent ; instruc- 
 tion very thorough ; very efficient non-commissioned officers. Manual : very 
 good ; manual of pistol, sabre and carbine. School of company dismounted : 
 very good; formation prompt, smart and soldierly; drill comprehensive. 
 School of company mounted: excellent; under new drill regulations ; horses 
 held well in hand; principle? of fixed and movable pivots finely illustrated ; 
 the best mounted drill witnessed during the inspection ; evolutions at the trot 
 and gallop very well executed ; the ease with which the troop changes from 
 one formation to another was very noticeable. Skirmish : dismounted, very 
 good; fairly comprehensive ; mounted, under new drill regulations ; very in- 
 telligently executed, all but four men being present ; four absent unavoid- 
 ably. Guard: excellent; ceremony of guard mounting, march past, reliev- 
 ing old guard, posting and relieving sentinels very thoroughly executed ; 
 men remarkably familiar with the general instructions to sentinels, never hav- 
 ing been in camp. Arms: excellent condition ; model for regular troops; 
 sabres, scabbards, carbines, pistols, saddles, bridles, bits, spurs and every ar- 
 ticle of equipment kept in beautiful condition. Each man is responsible for 
 the condition of the property used by him. All stores are thoroughly cared 
 and accounted for. The order and arrangement of store room is excellent : 
 best in the State ; each article has its place in plain view ; the loss of any 
 would be quickly discovered. Books and papers: excellent; full records 
 
74 
 
 kept, neatly and accurately. Rents armory ; drill hall 90 by 60 feet ; armory 
 and store room neat. Wears State regulation uniform with no ornamental 
 additions; when mounted wears a uniform pattern of black leather leggin. 
 Provided with overcoats; not provided with field outfit; no mess kit. In- 
 struction in this troop is most thorough and progressive, and conducted en- 
 tirely from a practical standpoint, all men undergoing instruction. The cap- 
 tain is a very thorough officer. The discipline and efficiency of this troop was 
 well illustrated on the occasion of my inspection of the mounted exercises, 
 April 5th. Upon returning from drill each man removed the saddle and bridle 
 from his horse, carried them, together with all arms and equipments used, into 
 the armory, and carefully cleaned them before replacing them. The men take 
 pride in doing what many others either regard as unnecessary, or neglect. The 
 most efficient troop in the State, and, I believe, superior to any volunteer troop 
 of cavalry in any State. 
 
 Troop A. — Inspected February 4th, at Savannah. Enlistment and discharge : 
 it is the custom in the troop to enlist once a year; no uniform practice as to 
 discharge; one man transferred to pay-roll by action of troop. Theoretical 
 instruction: school for officers and non-commissioned officers; subject: drill 
 regulations. Discipline: good; military courtesies not strictly observed ; good 
 interest and attention displayed by men in ranks. School of soldier: very 
 nood ; setting up exercises very good ; alignments good ; squad drill compre- 
 hensive. Manual : very good; sabre exercise excellent ; best in the regiment, 
 carbine manual very good ; firings very good. School of company dismounted : 
 wood ; pieces thrown up for inspection very well ; cover and distance in column 
 of fours well kept; some spreading out and some loss of step in column of 
 tiles : movable pivots not well observed in changing direction in column of 
 platoons ; pivots mark time wheeling into line from column and the reverse 
 and in executing fours in circle ; company wheel on fixed pivot not accurate ; 
 platoons wheeled into line by wrong command ; guides not announced on 
 pivot flank, pivots did not halt. School of company mounted : good ; moving 
 horse on fixed pivot not well done ; horses not held well in hand ; wheeling on 
 movable pivots not well done. Skirmish, dismounted : very good ; deploying 
 by flank very good; intervals well taken and preserved; rallying by com 
 pa-ny well executed. Skirmish, mounted : very good ; led horses not linked close 
 enough. Arms: carbines, some rust in chambers ; pistols in good condition ; 
 saddles in good serviceable condition, leathers soft and pliable ; sabres clean. 
 Saddles kept on long wooden horses in basement of armory ; carbines in gun 
 racks; pistols in boxes; sabres leaning against wall. Wears State regulation 
 uniform. Owns armory. Drill hall not adequate for dismounted work. Of- 
 ficers wear full dress belt with undress uniform. Not equipped with field out- 
 tit ; owns ample table ware. Books and papers : excellent; full records kept ; 
 books very neatly and correctly kept. It was noticed that the regimental 
 commissary sergeant was in the ranks with this troop. A club is maintained 
 in connection with the military organization. A very good tr >op. The in- 
 terest displayed by the troop in practical work is very commendable. 
 
 Troop F.— Inspected February 5th, at Brunswick. Enlistment and dis- 
 charge: understood and correctly executed. Theoretical instruction: no uni- 
 form system. Discipline: good; military courtesies sought to be observed'; 
 
7 a 
 
 some difficulty in collecting tines; some gazing about in ranks at inspection. 
 School of soldier: very good ; fairly comprehensive; setting up exercises very 
 good ; squad drill good ; one sergeant and one corporal very good instructors. 
 Manual : good ; carbine manual not comprehensive ; sabre exercise very good ; 
 opening of files not correctly done. School of comj^auy, dismounted: very 
 good; lieutenants should not salute inspecting officer ; forming line to front 
 from column of fours very well executed ; step in quick time perfect ; marking 
 time on pivots well understood ; platoon evolutions fairly well performed, 
 wheels on movable pivots fair; file closers change unnecessarily from one 
 flank to another when fours are wheeled about in column. Skirmish : no in- 
 struction. Guard: fair; formation of guard detail fair; men fairly well ac- 
 quainted with orders to sentinels. Arms : carbines rusty in chambers ; pistols 
 generally in good condition ; sabres very good; scabbards nickel plated; sad- 
 dles and bridles good serviceable condition ; bits generally rusiy ; cartridge 
 boxes and belts fair; brasses tarnished. The proximity of the station to the 
 «ea coast makes it extremely difficult to keep arms free from rust. Good care 
 is exercised and order displayed in keeping and accounting for property, 
 pieces in gun racks ; pistols, sabres, saddles and bridles on pegs. Rents ar- 
 mory ; drill hall not adequate for company movements. Books and papers: 
 incomplete. Not equipped for field service ; ample table ware. A very good 
 troop. 
 
 The men of the following troops, B, E and G, are widely scattered and can- 
 not assemble at regular intervals. The troops are composed of excellent ma- 
 terial, well-meaning and deserving. Each troop is in need of more thorough 
 instruction in the school of the soldier, squad drill and dismounted work. 
 None have received instruction in skirmish exercises, mounted or dis- 
 mounted. The men are fine horsemen : their self-assurance on the horse ac- 
 counts, perhaps, for their failure to hold the animal well in hand, which is 
 necessary for even and regular evolutions mounted. The remark is not in- 
 tended to convey the impression that the horse should be tightly held ; on the 
 contrary, the reins should be light ;. constant pressure on the bit would make 
 a horse hard-mouthed; but unless a gentle grasp is held men will be slow to 
 gather their horses, and will not move them together. 
 
 Tboop B. — Inspected January 20th, at Mcintosh, Liberty county. Enlist- 
 ment and discharge : enlistments not promptly reported ; no uniform practice 
 as to discharge. Discipline : fair ; military courtesies not strictly observed ; 
 very good interest ; men gave good attention during drills. Theoretical instruc- 
 tion: none had. The schools of the soldier and company dismounted showed 
 want of drill. School of company mounted: very good ; creditable; captain 
 has good command over his troop; drill was fairly comprehensive and move- 
 ments executed with considerable ease at walk, trot and gallop. The sabre 
 exercise mounted was well executed. Guard : more instruction needed ; some 
 men fairly well acquainted with the general instructions of sentinels. The 
 troop has no armory ; arms, etc., are kept in the hands of the men. For 
 drill purposes when assembled the troop owns a ten acre lot within one mile 
 of Mcintosh. During the last twelve months the troop has been together on 
 six occasions. Not equipped with field outfit : ample table ware and cooking 
 
76 
 
 utensils. But seven carbines are in the hands of the organization ; 23 more 
 should be supplied. Has ordered the State regulation trousers, and by chang- 
 ing the present silver button and white chevron on the blouse will have uni- 
 form undress. Good troop. 
 
 Troop E.— Inspected January 19th, at Jones' Creek, Liberty county. En- 
 listment and discharge : no uniform practice observed . Theoretical instruc- 
 tion : none. Discipline : fair; military courtesies not observed; men obedi- 
 ent, steady and attentive in ranks ; interest good. School of company mounted : 
 fair, what was given ; but a few movements at a walk were exhibited ; much 
 lack of drill. Troop has assembled but four times in last twelve months. No 
 instruction in skirmish or guard duty exhibited. Has no armory ; not pro- 
 vided with field outfit ; no mess kit. The majority of the men of this troop 
 live from eighteen to twenty miles from the rendezvous. Wears State regula- 
 tion uniform. No books and papers. Arms, etc., kept in the hands of men ;. 
 in good, serviceable condition. Fair troop. 
 
 Troop G. — Inspected February 6th at Darien, Mcintosh county. Enlist- 
 ment and discharge : understood ; dates of discharge not noted. Theoretical 
 instruction: none. Discipline: fair; men rather unsteady in ranks. No in- 
 struction in squad drill, school of soldier or other dismounted work exhibited. 
 
 The troop presented but a few movements mounted. The principles of the 
 fixed and movable pivots not well understood or illustrated. The troop has 
 assembled but threetimes since last annual encampment. Sixty-six per centum 
 of the men reside at a distance from the station. Books and papers: none: 
 captain unable to state exact amount of property fur which he is accountable. 
 Arms: saddles and bridles serviceable; bits rusty ; carbines rusty in cham- 
 bers; pistols in good serviceable condition ; one pistol found loaded at inspec- 
 tion ; sabres and scabbards clean; boxes not well cleaned up for inspection. 
 Troop has no armory ; arms kept in hands of men; surplus property kept in 
 court house at Darien. Not provided with field outfit; ample table ware and 
 cooking utensils. Troop not in satisfactory condition. It may be noted that 
 several recruits were present in ranks at drill. 
 
 The following organizations were not inspected by myself. Dates had been 
 assigned for eacl i, but telegraphic orders from the Adjutant and Inspector- 
 General's office called me t<> the capitol and their inspection was necessarily 
 abandoned. Bather than disappoint these troops, the regimental commander, 
 Col. W. W. Gordon, visited them and witnessed their work ; in addition he 
 collected certain data which, with his approval, I embrace in this report. 
 
 Troop D. — Visited February 12th, at Sylvania. Arms and equipments issued 
 to members and kept in order by them. All presented at inspection were in 
 excellent condition, clean and bright. Cap, co?t and pants regula ion pattern ; 
 no overcoats, or blankets. 
 
 Since May, 1891, there have been five drills, three of them lasting two days 
 each. Whenever the troop assembles it is drilled mounted, and sometimes in 
 addition it is drilled dismounted. Captain drilled troop mounted and dis- 
 mounted. All movements in school of the company mounted were executed 
 at a walk and at a trot and many at a gallop and well done. Mounted skir- 
 mish drill deserved special commendation. Neither of the lieutenants present. 
 
77 
 
 had ever been in command, nor had any of the non-commissioned officers ; 
 nor were they very proficient in their respective positions. Nevertheless, the 
 appearance and mounted movements of this troop surpassed all other troops 
 in the regiment. This was partly due to the perfect uniformity which pre- 
 vailed. Every man in complete regulation uniform with new gauntlets of 
 same color and shape, leggins, spurs, saddles, bridles; cloth alike and uni- 
 forms, arms and equipments all in a tip-top condition. Discipline good while 
 mounted; poor when dismounted, men apparently feeling less interested and 
 hence paying less attention. Troop bas camp and cooking utensils. Every 
 one in the troop is accustomed to care of horses and most of them could cook 
 camp fare. No armory. Most of the members ride ten and fifteen miles in 
 coming to meetings ; a few ride twenty miles. 
 
 Troop C. - Inspected February 13th, at Springfield. Arms and equipments 
 issued to men and kept in order by them. Of those present at inspection all 
 were serviceable but the pistols and belt buckles and bits and metal attach- 
 ments generally needed brightening and the leathers softening. Caps regula- 
 tion shape and color ; coat regulation ; officers have infantry shoulder straps 
 and chevrons; pants regulation color; light buff stripe. No boots, leggins, 
 overcoats or blankets. Since May, 1891, there have been three mounted drills 
 and one dismounted. Dismounted drills include sabre exercise. About half 
 of those present at inspection went through sabre drill fairly well. No setting 
 up exercises. Very little drilling in facings or wheelings on foot. Captain 
 drilled troop mounted at walk, trot and gallop. The 1st Lieutenant 
 a lso drilled it. The other lieutenants had never been in command ; nor had 
 any of the non-commissioned officers. Only two members of the troop reside 
 in Springfield. The others live from five to fifteen miles to the north and 
 east, some over twenty miles; hence the difficulty of assembling for drills. 
 Troop owns one acre of ground in Springfield and a five acre drill ground in 
 its suburbs. On the one acre is a two story wooden building for meetings and 
 squad drills and manual of arms* 
 
 Troop I. — Inspected February 10th, at Jesup. Carbines, slings and sockets 
 are issued to enlisted men and kept in order by them. Of those presented at 
 inspection three showed a little rust ; eighteen clean and one extra clean and 
 blight, all serviceable. Saddles and bridles are issued to men and 
 kept by them. Of those presented at inspection all were still ser- 
 viceable ; but the bits and metal attachments of both bridles and sad- 
 dles needed brightening and the leathers softening. No boots, leggins, 
 overcoats or blankets. Drills : once each month dismounted and with 
 carbine. At the monthly drills the company is usually drilled 
 in mounted movements. Occasionally sabre exercise is added to the dis- 
 mounted exercises. Captain drilled company mounted and dismounted break- 
 ing from line to column and forming line from column ; also as dismounted 
 skirmishers. None of the lieutenants had ever been in command. First 
 sergeant, graduate of military school, excellent officer; second sergeant well 
 up in his duties; remaining non-commissioned officers not yet instructed. 
 Discipline: excellent; no talking or laughing; every one attentive and anxious 
 to learn. All of the members of this company are accustomed to taking care 
 
78 
 
 of horses and most of them can cook camp fare. Company has camp and 
 cooking utensils. About half of the company reside in and around Jesup ; the 
 other half in various parts of the county and ride ten to twenty miles in com- 
 ing to meetings. 
 
 FIRST BATTALION — GEORGIA CAVALRY. 
 
 Troop A. — Inspected March 18th, at Augusta. Enlistment and discharger 
 practice irregular ; enlistments not promptly reported; men discharged and 
 dropped without proper authority ; records of enlistment deficient. Theoret- 
 ical instruction : not had. Discipline : fair ; military courtesies not observed 
 line between rank and men not taught; good attention during drill; some 
 gazing about ; one man spitting in ranks. School of soldier dismounted : not 
 practiced. Sabre manual : good. School of company mounted ; fair ; showed 
 want of drill ; lacked the precision in a well instructed command ; forming 
 column of fours marching flanks of sets do not move out together ; pivots do 
 not turn horses on fore-feet ; in changing direction marching flanks do not in- 
 crease gait; movable pivots not well observed ; in forming column of files men 
 string out too much. No instruction in skirmish and guard. Arms: some 
 carbines rusty in chambers ; saddles and bridles generally in good condition ; 
 some straps stiff and hard; bits rusty ; sabres in good -order ; property not 
 well cared for ; not well accounted for ; captain unable to state exact amount 
 of property for which he was accountable. Rents armory ; drill hall forty by 
 eighty feet. Books and papers : no records. Fair troop, but in need of more 
 thorough instruction. 
 
 Troop B. — Inspected September 29th at Atlanta. Enlistment and discharge: 
 not uniform in practice. Theoretical instruction: not regular. Discipline: 
 fair; military courtesies not observed ; line of distinction between rank and 
 men not drawn ; men not prompt ; considerable unsteadiness and some inat- 
 tention in ranks. School of soldier dismounted : no instruction. Troop not 
 familiar with sabre manual ; not provided with carbines. School of company 
 dismounted ; unsatisfactory ; not enough attention given to subject. School 
 of company mounted : good ; formation of company too slow ; men slow get- 
 tiny into places; too much talking in ranks; names of officers called at roll 
 call ; troop presented good general drill ; mounting and dismounting in line 
 not evenly executed ; not prompt or smart. Arms: goou condition. Equip- 
 ments: good. Property in hands of men; should be lopt at armory. 
 Troop uses rooms in basement of capitol building as irmory. Prop- 
 erty not well accounted for ; not regularly verified. No instruction 
 has been given in skirmish exercises or guard dutv Not provided 
 with field outfit; ample table ware and cooking utensils. Books and 
 papers: not exhibited. Fair troop, but instruction entire .y too limited ; only 
 mounted company drill indulged in. Instruction not regular. 
 
 Trooi' C. — Inspected December 1st, at LaGrange. Enlistment and dis- 
 charge: very irregular; no retained copy of enlistment papers; no record 
 kept showing who are members of organization ; no uniform practice regard- 
 ing discharge. Theoretical instruction: no regular system. Discipline: fair; 
 military courtesies not observed ; line of distinction between officers and men 
 not drawn ; attention of men during drill and inspection not satisfactory ; 
 
79 
 
 troop composed of well-intentioned men ; pride with them would go a great 
 way in matters of discipline. School of soldier: not satisfactory; setting up 
 exercises not generally taught ; squad drill not comprehensive. Manual : of 
 carbine not good; of sabre good. School of company mounted: fair; forma- 
 tion slow ; mounted drill lacks freedom of action and mobility ; not compre- 
 hensive : in changing direction the pivots are fixed ; fours do not keep closed 
 up to proper distances ; horses not held well in hand. School of company 
 dismounted: fair; formation slow ; much want of drill. Practical instruction 
 irregular since July last. Arms and equipments: carbines not well cared for ; 
 sabres generally clean; saddles and bridles not well cared for; bits very 
 rusty ; finger marks (rust) on arms; gloves not worn when handling pieces. 
 Arrangement of store room not orderly ; all arms and equipments belonging 
 to an individual man hanging on same peg. Rents armory ; drill hall 40 by 
 60 feet ; property not well cared for ; not well protected. Carbines in use the 
 Marlin safety ; repeating ; 13 shots ; 44 calibre ; should be supplied with uni- 
 form calibre. AVear uniform leather leggins when mounted. Carbine slings 
 russet leather; should be supplied with regulation sling. Equipped with 
 horse blankets, saddle cloths. Each man has rubber coat. Unprovided with 
 field outfit. Each man owns his mount. No mess kit. Books and papers : 
 none. Fair troop, but in need of more regular drill and instruction. 
 
 ARTILLERY. 
 
 The two batteries of field artillery organized are unattached. Both in- 
 spected under old system of artillery tactics. 
 
 Atlanta Artillery. — Inspected September 25th, at Atlanta. Enlistment 
 and discharge : understood. Theoretical instruction : none. Discipline : fair ; 
 military courtesies not observed ; line of distinction between rank and men 
 not drawn when on duty ; considerable unsteadiness in ranks at inspection ; 
 interest displayed keen and maintained throughout. School of soldier: sev- 
 eral files were taken at random from the ranks and drilled in the setting up 
 exercises by a non-commissioned officer ; the men were uninstructed; the 
 non-commissioned officer explained the drill very well ; a squad drill was given, 
 but it exhibited an entire want of instruction ; the men did not seem to under- 
 stand the commands. School of battery dismounted : not taught; the forma- 
 tion and calling of rolls was very slow ; the chiefs of section did not " fall in" 
 properly or promptly, not seemingly familiar with their positions or duties ; 
 the opening and closing ranks slow and uncertain. The battery much in need 
 of instruction in this school. Standing gun drill : very well executed by a de- 
 tachment of non- commissioned officers ; very poorly by a detachment selected 
 at random by inspector. The mechanical maneuvers were very well per- 
 formed by a selected detachment. Men not familiar with nomenclature of 
 piece, limber and caisson, nor with that of the harness. Harness drill : no 
 instruction ; men not taught to harness their horses ; horses are hitched by 
 hired men. Guard : battery not instructed in guard duty or guard mounting 
 of a battery (stable guard) ; has not been in camp and is not familiar with the 
 duties of sentinels. Pieces, carriages, limbers and caissons in very good con- 
 dition ; neatly and properly painted. Two pole pads missing ; front sights for 
 3-inch rifles wanted. Harness and saddles in good serviceable condition ; 
 
80 
 
 brasses on harness and bits dirty ; some bits rusty; trace chains rusty. Equip- 
 ments and implements in good condition. Pieces and carriages stored in 
 basement of capitol ; battery has meeting room in basement; harness kept in 
 order in store room. Books and papers : order book ; property book ; neatly 
 kept. Eecord of drills complete and neat. Battery in need of more compre- 
 hensive artillery instruction. 
 
 Chatham Artillery.— Inspected January 18th, at Savannah. Enlistment and 
 discharge : no uniform system. Theoretical instruction : none. Discipline : 
 fair ; military courtesies not observed ; line of distinction between rank and 
 men not taught ; several men unsteady and some talking in ranks ; attention 
 in ranks not good; some men smoking cigarettes during drill about piece. 
 School of soldier: unsatisfactory; no setting up exercises; a few movements 
 in squad drill not well executed; instruction not comprehensive or thorough. 
 School of battery dismounted: battery not well instructed ; instruction incom- 
 plete and not thorough. Standing gun drill : fair ; men not generally in- 
 structed: no mechanical maneuvers. Guard: no instruction communicated ; 
 stable and park guard duty not taught. Books and papers: incomplete; re 
 port of drills kept ; no enlistment papers exhibited; no record showing dates 
 of discharges. Officers wear full dress belt with undress uniform. Pieces, 
 .*!-inch rifles, and carriages kept in barrack yard; harness in storeroom. 
 Property in good order ; some leathers hard ; trace chains and bits need 
 brightening. Recruits taught manual of piece; no instruction in school of 
 soldier. Enlistments made but once a year, and if man joins subsequent to 
 general date he is not enlisted until following year. Battery not progressive ; 
 in need of more comprehensive and thorough artillery instruction. 
 
 The following remaining organizations were not visited or inspected for 
 want of necessary transportation : Infantry, Georgia Volunteers — Companies 
 D, E, H, K, L, M, 2d Regiment; Company K, 3d Regiment ; Companies C and 
 D, 4th Regiment; DuBignon Volunteers and Constitutional Guards. Georgia 
 Cavalry— Troop H, 5th Regiment and Troop D, 1st Battalion. 
 
 GEORGIA VOLUNTEERS— COLORED. 
 
 All colored troops were inspected under Upton's Tactics. None have carried 
 on instruction in skirmish exercise or guard duty. In no command are re- 
 cords kept. The matter of enlistment and discharge is not understood by 
 these troops ; enlistments are not reported regularly or in full in some cases ; 
 men come and go at will. The principles of discipline are not taught or un- 
 derstood. The armories used are without exception too limited for company 
 evolutions. With very few exceptions the arms are kept in the hands of the 
 men. As a very general rule the property is not well cared for or accounted 
 for. These troops are unable financially to provide suitable means for storing 
 or caring for property. Several officers are unable to read or write. In no 
 command are the arms serviceable, being old and useless for practical pur- 
 poses. The equipments are worn and out of date. The uniforms vary as do 
 the commands ; in some organizations the facings of the uniforms vary in color 
 and pattern. Most of the companies use only a full dress uniform ; a few have 
 a good serviceable field dress. No command is provided with a field outfit or 
 mess kit ; none with blankets. 
 
81 
 
 FIRST BATTALION. 
 
 All companies of this battalion are stationed in Savannah. The lieutenant- 
 colonel is a very good officer, and takes a good interest in his command. 
 
 Company C— Inspected February 21. School of soldier : fair ; setting up 
 exercises good ; most of the features of squad drill atte npted, but instruction 
 not thorough. Manual: fair; best manual in this battalion. School of com- 
 pany : fair; principles not well understood. Arm?: generally rusty in cham- 
 bers ; piece of Private Frank White in very good condition. Fquipments: in 
 ^ood order; brasses tarnished. Considerable unsteadiness in ranks. 
 
 Company A. — Inspected January 30th. School of soldier : fair ; setting up 
 exercises fairly well executed ; some few movements in squad drill presented. 
 Manual: fair; cadence slow and lacking in smartness ; details of manual in- 
 accurate. School of ompiny : fair; principles not well understood. Arms: 
 generally rusty in chambers ; boxes worn and brasses tarnished. 
 
 Company E.— Inspected February 26th. School of soldier : fair; no setting 
 up exercises; squad drill limited. Manual: very poor; much irregularity in 
 cadence and positions. School of company: fair; formatvon slow aud uncer- 
 tain; men do not answer their names properly; first sergeant commands: 
 " count four, commBnce on the right ; " files do not dress to right when ranks are 
 opened; company drill unevenly executed; principles of marking time on 
 pivots and movable pivots not understood. Arms : pieces generally clean > 
 rust in two pieces; some screw heads dirty. Equipments: fair; scratched 
 and worn. Much unsteadiness and gazing about in ranks. 
 
 Company D. — Inspected February 25th. School of soldier: poor; squad 
 drill poorly executed. Manual: poor ; irregular. School of company : poor; 
 marching in line wavering ; chiefs of platoons not familiar with duties ; cover 
 and distance in column poor; guides do not march straight to the front; 
 marking time on pivots and movable pivots not understood. Arms: pieces 
 generally clean ; rust in chambers of very few. E puipments : worn; brasses 
 tarnished. Considerable unsteadiness and gazing about in ranks. 
 
 Company B. — Inspected February 23d. School of soldier: poor; not much 
 attention seemingly given to this school. Manual: poor; irregular; cadence 
 in commands poor. School of company: poor; formation irregular; mark 
 time before executing march ; principles of marking time on pivots and mov- 
 able pivots not understood. Arms : generally very good ; free from rust ; some 
 screw heads dirty. Equipments: somewhat worn; some men not with belts. 
 Much unsteadiness in ranks. 
 
 Company F. — Inspected February 27th. School of soldier : poor; no setting 
 up exercises; squad drill poor. Manual: poor; position irregular. School of 
 ■company: poor; principles not understood. Arms: generally rusty. Equip- 
 ments: worn. Much unsteadiness in ranks. 
 
 SECOND BATTALION- 
 
 All companies of this battalion, save Company E, are stationed in Atlanta. 
 The books at battalion headquarters are very neatly and correctly kept by the 
 adjutant, who is a very good officer. 
 
 Company B. — Inspected October 7th. School of soldier : taught, but in- 
 struction not accurate or thorough ; setting up exercises not well executed. 
 
82 
 
 Manual : ragged; irregular. School of company: poor; formation slow and 
 irregalar; company not sized ; sergeants in ranks ; lack of instruction in mark- 
 ing time on pivots ; wheels on fixed and movable pivots not well understood. 
 Arms: rusty in chambers; neglected. Equipments: poor condition. Much 
 unsteadiness and inattention in ranks. 
 
 Company C. — Inspected October 6th. School of soldier: poor; nosettingup 
 exercises ; squad drill poor. Manual: poor. School of company : poor; forma- 
 tion slow and inaccurate ; company not sized ; first sergeant did not call roll 
 properly ; general principles of drill not understood ; prescribed commands 
 not always used ; captain unmilitary ; constantly calling out to men in ranks. 
 Arms: neglected ; one stock broken. Equipments: neglected. Very much 
 unsteadiness and inattention in ranks. 
 
 Company E. — Inspected March 31st, at Columbus. School of soldier : fair ; 
 three squads under non-commissioned officers executed drill fairly well. 
 Manual : poor ; irregular. School of company : poor ; principles of company 
 drill not understood. Arms : rusty in chambers ; neglected. Equipments : 
 not cared for. Much inattention and unsteadiness in ranks. 
 
 Company D. — Inspected September 27th. School of soldier : very poor ; 
 almost entirely neglected. Manual: ragged; irregular. School of company: 
 very poor ; instruction very much neglected. Arms: very bad condition; no 
 order observed in caring for arms; arms thrown about the floor. Equip" 
 ments : bad condition. Inattention, unsteadiness, talking, laughing in ranks. 
 
 Company A.— Inspected October 2d. School of soldier almost totally neg- 
 lected.' Manual: very poor. School of company: very poor; principles not 
 understood. Arms: rusty in chambers. Equipments: worn and badly 
 scratched. Men not seemingly obedient judging from remarks of captain ; 
 very unsteady and inattentive in ranks; not much interest displayed. 
 
 THIRD BATTALION. 
 
 All companies of this battalion are stationed in Augusta. The commanding 
 officer is a very good officer. 
 
 Company A. — Inspected November 11th. School of soldier: fair; setting 
 up exercises not taught ; facings, salutes, changing of cadence of step from 
 quick to common time and reverse fairly well done; step in quick time good ; 
 double time poor. Manual: generally good; several inaccuracies in details ; 
 firings fairly good ; no stacking of arms. School of company : good; formation 
 prompt and fairly accurate; roll call good; alignments good in principle; 
 formations into line from column fairly well done; movable pivot not well 
 understood; platoon movements were very well executed; chiefs of platoons 
 very quick and smart ; very good officers. Good company ; best among the- 
 colored troops. 
 
 Company B. — Inspected November oth. School of soldier: instruction im- 
 perfect and very incomplete. Manual : good ; best manual among the colored 
 troops; firings very well done. School of company: fair; formation very 
 slow; first sergeant not familiar with his duties; sergeants in ranks ; wheels 
 on fixed pivots poorly executed ; marking time by pivot files not good ; on 
 right ami front into line fairly well done; formation of column of twos and 
 files and reforming fours fairly well executed. Arms: rusty in chambers and 
 
83 
 
 otherwise dirty ; neglected ; this company has no arras from the State ; has 
 purchased its arms and equipments. Equipments : wear white belts which 
 are very much soiled. Fairly good company ; a very smart captain. 
 
 Company E.— Inspected November 9th. School of soldier : fair. Manual: 
 fair; stacking of arms poorly done; firing fairly well done. School of com- 
 pany : fair ; formation and roll call fairly good ; principles not well under- 
 stood ; obliques in column fair ; wheels poorly executed ; poorly instructed as 
 to marking time on pivots. Arms: rusty in chambers ; exterior rusty ; neg- 
 lected. Equipments: white belts; soiled and badly worn. Fairly good 
 captain ; very smart tirst sergeant. 
 
 Company C— Inspected November 7th. School of soldier: very little in- 
 struction. Manual: very inaccurate; firings fair; no stacking of arms. 
 School of company: very poor. Arms: pieces generally bright and clean out- 
 side; apparently cared for; some dirt in chambers; Equipments: worn and 
 scratched. Men prompt and fairly attentive. Company in need of instruction. 
 
 Company D.— Inspected November 10th. School of soldier: poor. Manual: 
 poor. School of company : poor ; very limited. Arms : rusty in chambers ; 
 generally neglected. Equipments : soiled and scratched. Company poorly 
 instructed. 
 
 UNATTACHED COMPANIES — INFANTRY. 
 
 Union Lincoln Guards.— Inspected October 29th, at Macon. School of 
 soldier: very little instruction. Manual: fair. School of company: fair; 
 company fairly well drilled. Arms : rusty in chambers. Equipments : boxqs 
 and belts, scratched, soiled. Fair company. 
 
 Bibb County Blues.— Inspected October 26th, at Macon. . School of soldier: 
 very little instruction. Manual: poor. School of company: drill showed 
 great want of instruction. Arms: rusty in chambers. Equipments: scratched 
 and worn. 
 
 Colquitt Guards.— Inspected March oth, at Albany. School of soldier: 
 very little instruction. Manual : very irregular. School of company : fair ; 
 marching in line fair ; principles not well understood. Arms : unserviceable ; 
 muzzle loaders rusty. Equipments: old style; unserviceable ; not cared for. 
 
 Rome Star Guards.- Inspected October 12th, at Rome. School of soldier : 
 very much neglected. Manual: very ragged. School of company : very poor; 
 not in accordance with the tactics ; commands not correct ; ''from the right, 
 count fours;" "from the right, count twos;" but a few company movements 
 are attempted. Arms: neglected. Equipments : neglected. . 
 
 Savannah Hussars.— Inspected January 22d, at Savannah., School of sol- 
 dier: fair; few features exhibited. Sabre exercises: very good. Sabre only 
 arm worn. No school of company mounted. School of company dismounted: 
 *air; few movements exhibited. Captain a very good instructor. Sabres: 
 good order. 
 
 Georgia Artillery.— Inspected January 21st, at Savannah. School of 
 soldier: very little instruction. School of company: fair; some principles 
 fairly well understood. Standing gun drill: fair by selected detachment. 
 This organization has no State property, but at its own expense has provided 
 two six-pounder brass pieces and carriages and limbers ; kept in good order ; 
 sabres in very good condition. A good captain ; a deserving organization. 
 
84 
 
 STATEMENT 
 
 ■Showing actual strength of organizations, number of officers and men 
 attending inspection, and average attendance at drills throughout the 
 year : 
 
 GEORGIA VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 FIRST REGIMENT. 
 
 
 
 
 Average 
 
 
 
 
 
 Present 
 
 percentage 
 
 
 
 
 
 at 
 
 of attend- 
 
 
 
 
 Strength. 
 
 Inspec- 
 tion. 
 
 ance at 
 drills dur- 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 
 
 
 
 ing year. 
 
 
 
 
 ■j. 
 
 . 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 J i> 
 
 
 
 
 company 
 
 s 
 
 a i 
 
 3 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 '"■ 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 A 
 
 3 
 
 46 
 
 3 30 
 
 47 
 
 
 
 B 
 
 3 
 
 53 
 
 3 37 
 
 50 
 
 
 
 C 
 
 :! 
 
 41 
 
 3 27 
 
 68 
 
 
 
 D 
 
 3 
 
 46 
 
 3 26 
 
 61 
 
 
 
 E 
 
 3 
 
 56 
 
 3 41 
 
 70 winter. 
 
 11 men reported unavoidably 
 
 absent. 
 
 
 
 
 88 spring:. 
 
 
 
 SECOND REGIMENT. 
 
 A 
 
 2 
 
 49 
 
 •) 
 
 31 
 
 61 
 
 
 B 
 
 4 
 
 94 
 
 4 
 
 56 
 
 45 
 
 
 C 
 
 4 
 
 71 
 
 4 
 
 44 
 
 51 
 
 
 F 
 
 4 
 
 62 
 
 4 
 
 21 
 
 33 
 
 
 G 
 
 4 
 
 86 
 
 3 
 
 29 
 
 36 
 
 1 officer, 12 men reported unavoidably 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 45 
 
 3 
 
 26 
 
 59 
 
 absent. 
 
 THIRD REGIMENT. 
 
 A 
 B 
 
 C 
 D 
 E 
 F 
 G 
 II 
 
 4 
 
 42 
 
 4 
 
 26 
 
 1 
 
 58 
 
 1 
 
 23 
 
 4 
 
 42 
 
 2 
 
 21 
 
 4 
 
 35 
 
 • > 
 
 17 
 
 3 
 
 26 
 
 1 
 
 22 
 
 3 
 
 43 
 
 3 
 
 33 
 
 4 
 
 43 
 
 4 
 
 21 
 
 3 
 
 39 
 
 2 
 
 17 
 
 2 
 
 35 
 
 1 
 
 24 
 
 52 
 
 4:; 
 
 43 
 
 38 
 
 66 
 
 46 
 
 46 
 
 50 winter. 
 
 60 spring. 
 
 65 
 
 10 men reported unavoidably absent. 
 ] officer unavoidably absent. 
 1 officer unavoidably absent. 
 
 KOCRTH REGIMENT. 
 
 A 
 B 
 E 
 F 
 
 G 
 H 
 
 I 
 K 
 
 4 
 
 dd 
 
 1 
 
 21 
 
 4 
 
 49 
 
 3 
 
 36 
 
 4 
 
 34 
 
 2 
 
 41 
 
 3 
 
 32 
 
 3 
 
 40 
 
 13 
 17 
 32 
 
 27 
 27 
 20 
 27 
 24 
 
 not stated. 
 
 60 
 
 57 
 
 58 
 
 52 
 
 42 
 
 55 
 
 54 
 
 8 men reported unavoidably absent. 
 '> men reported unavoidably absent. 
 
 9 men reported unavoidably absent. 
 
 7 men reported unavoidably absent. 
 1 officer reported unavoidably absent. 
 7 men reported unavoidably absent. 
 
85 
 
 FIRST BATTALION. 
 
 A 
 
 4 
 
 38 
 
 4 
 
 27 
 
 66 
 
 B 
 
 3 
 
 49 
 
 2 
 
 23 
 
 47 
 
 C 
 
 4 
 
 39 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 42 winter. 
 74 fall. 
 
 D 
 
 4 
 
 52 
 
 4 
 
 25 
 
 39 winter. 
 60 spring. 
 
 E 
 
 4 
 
 49 
 
 4 
 
 32 
 
 0/ 
 
 1 officer, 4 men rept'd unav'd'bly abs't 
 1 officer, 3 men rept'd unav'd'bly abs't 
 
 10 men reported unavoidably absent. 
 
 6 men reported unavoidably absent. 
 
 THIRD BATTALION. 
 
 A 
 
 31 
 
 4V 
 
 2 
 
 29 
 
 63 
 
 B 
 
 3 
 
 39 
 
 3 
 
 35 
 
 60 
 
 C 
 
 3| 
 
 55 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
 41 
 
 1 officer repoited unavoidably absent. 
 
 FOURTH BATTALION. 
 
 A 
 
 B 
 
 c 
 
 D 
 
 ■1 
 
 55 
 
 o 
 
 23 j- 
 
 3 
 
 56 
 
 '•> 
 
 33 { 
 
 4 
 
 48 
 
 3 
 
 16 j: 
 
 4 
 
 64 
 
 o 
 
 23 \l 
 
 1 officer absent sick. 
 
 FIFTH REGIMENT — GEORGIA CAVALRY. 
 
 A 
 
 .". 
 
 52 
 
 3 
 
 27 
 
 57 
 
 
 B 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
 3 
 
 23 
 
 74 
 
 
 C 
 
 4 
 
 33 
 
 4 
 
 22 
 
 not stated. 
 
 
 D 
 
 4 
 
 36 
 
 3 
 
 22 
 
 not stated. 
 
 
 E 
 
 3 
 
 43 
 
 3 
 
 26 
 
 not stated. 
 
 
 F 
 
 3 
 
 35 
 
 3 
 
 24 
 
 60 
 
 • 
 
 G 
 
 3 
 
 31 
 
 o 
 
 17 
 
 not stated. 
 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 46 
 
 4 
 
 oo 
 
 not stated, 
 
 
 K 
 
 4 
 
 40 
 
 4 
 
 30 
 
 1)7 
 
 8 men reported unavoidably absent. 
 
 FIEST BATTALION — GEORGIA CAVALRY. 
 
 4 
 
 52 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 42 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 54 
 
 .» 
 
 32 inot stated. 
 29 65 
 26 46 
 
 10 men reported unavoidably abseut. 
 
 ARTILLERY. 
 
 Chat ham j 5 
 Atlanta j 5 
 
 65 
 39 
 
 40 
 30 
 
 1 officer unavoidablv absent. 
 
 A battery surgeon is attached to each battery ; neither present. 
 
 GEORGIA VOLUNTEERS— COLORED. 
 
 FIFST BATTALION. 
 
 41 i 
 
 :-! 
 
 2!) 
 
 Id 
 
 31 
 
 2 
 
 21 
 
 52 
 
 73 
 
 :; 
 
 ;;•) 
 
 4-_' 
 
 28 
 
 o 
 
 27 
 
 :>:; 
 
 36 
 
 3 
 
 22 
 
 38 
 
 42 
 
 1 
 
 lit 
 
 40 
 
 1 officer absent sick. 
 
86 
 
 SECOND BATTALION. 
 
 A 
 
 "3 
 
 30 
 
 3 
 
 11 
 
 45 
 
 B 
 
 4 
 
 32 
 
 4 
 
 21 
 
 66 
 
 C 
 
 4' 
 
 42 
 
 o 
 
 31 
 
 34 
 
 D 
 
 4 
 
 33 
 
 3 
 
 18 
 
 29 
 
 E 
 
 •> 
 
 
 1 
 
 18 
 
 not .stated. 
 
 fc Not known : enlisted strength cannot be stated. 
 
 THIRD BATTALION 
 
 A 
 
 4 
 
 37 
 
 H 
 
 26 
 
 43 
 
 
 B 
 
 4 
 
 4L 
 
 4 
 
 23 
 
 46 
 
 
 C 
 
 4 
 
 42 
 
 4 
 
 20 
 
 39 
 
 s 
 
 D 
 
 4 
 
 37 
 
 1 
 
 17 
 
 48 
 
 
 E 
 
 4 
 
 28 
 
 4 
 
 22 
 
 65 
 
 
 LNATTACHED COMPANIES — INFANTRY. 
 
 4 
 
 50 
 
 o 
 
 24 IJ 
 
 4 
 
 60 
 
 4 
 
 si : 
 
 2 
 
 46 
 
 1 
 
 22 j. 
 
 4 
 
 44 
 
 4 
 
 28 1- 
 
 a, Union Lincoln Guards, &, Bibb County Blues, c, Colquitt Guards, d, Rome Star Guards. 
 
 CAVALRY. 
 
 Hussars 
 
 26 I not stated.l 
 
 *Not known ; enlisted strength cannot be stated. 
 
 ARTILLERY 
 
 Georgia 
 
 II 30 38 
 
 GENERAL REMARKS. 
 
 To close this report without some comment as to the character of the troops, 
 the facilities afforded them for practical work and instruction, and the encour- 
 agement held out as a bonus for their unceasing sacrifices, would be to leave 
 false impressions. The general tenor of this report is, on the whole, rather un- 
 favorable ; in some instances perhaps seemingly severe. 
 
 Subsequent remarks will thi*ow light on this matter. 
 
 Criticism, in the sense in which the word is usually accepted, has been 
 scrupulously avoided. Candid criticism, however, has been indulged in with- 
 out reserve, where, with a view to their amendment, faults and irregularities, 
 misunderstandings and misconceptions have been discovered. And I have 
 permitted commendation to enter into my remarks where I have felt that the 
 work performed justified special mention, where practical aims and ambitions 
 have been found so pronounced as to warrant favorable comment; and where- 
 ever bestowed it has been given for work done, for aims exhibited. Personali- 
 ties have been cast aside. The best encomium which an officer can aspire to is 
 a just recognition of his work. He who judges otherwise is not always safe in 
 his judgment. 
 
While a plan of inspection has heen followed which in the abstract might be 
 regarded as too rigid, perhaps too comprehensive for volunteer troops, such 
 pre-arranged scheme must not be accepted as exacting. The wide school of 
 the soldier embraces more than what commands generally throughout the 
 State have sought to exemplify in their drills and methods of instruction. The 
 fact that comparatively little progress has been made beyond the school of the 
 company will account for the seeming deficiency noted in the report. A plan 
 of general scope was made appropriate and even necessary by reason of two 
 considerations: (1) that all might be judged alike and by the same standard ; 
 and this standard was not fixed arbitrarily by myself, rather in greater 
 measure by the troops themselves. Some had broken through the narrow 
 bounds which tradition has seemingly established as the ultimate ends of vol- 
 unteers. They had shown capability in other fields than the mere company 
 movements, and capacity and willingness for the more useful attainments of 
 soldiers. They had discovered more in military training than exact alignment 
 in wheels, precision of step and the microscopic details of the manual of arms. 
 Such troops determined the standard, and it is only just to say that what one 
 body of men, with no wider range of opportunities and advantages, do accom- 
 plish, others may attain by an exhibition of the same energy and pluck. (2) 
 In order to present to the troops a more progressive training than had been 
 their wont to pursue, instruction in' practical schools was held up for thought 
 and practice. The plan followed was intended chiefly as a suggestion ; the 
 practical to the absolute exclusion of the ornamental side of the question was 
 given prominence. I have recognized merit, at the same time pointed out 
 deficiences. Such defects, however, have been renderednoticeable mainly by 
 being gauged by homemade standards. 
 
 In my remarks relative to the instruction carried on, I have not brought 
 into consideration what has been or would be done in camp. I dealt with 
 present and possible practices at the several stations. Every matter called for 
 during 'the inspection and upon which comments have been made, can be given 
 attention in the drill hall or barrack yard. Many companies have been con- 
 tent with fair proficiency in the school of the company, and had my report 
 been based upon the comparatively little which a large percentage of the com- 
 mands engage in, instead of the great deal of work performed by a small 
 number, it would have showed up the forces as a whole in much better light. 
 The great majority of the organizations are proficient in minor features. That 
 they have not advanced in cadence with the more progressive must not be set 
 down wholly to their accountability. It cannot be said that they have hid 
 their talents in the ground. The trouble lies not so much in the troops as in the 
 t-ystem under which they exist and are maintained. The material making up 
 the Georgia Volunteers cannot be excelled. The interest shown throughout 
 the force in military is well known ; that exhibited in some sections, Savannah 
 in particular, is a precedent in itself. With such men and with such military 
 spirit nothing seems unattainable. But a flower will wither, fade and die 
 unless given nourishment and care;. so military inspiration and enthusiasm 
 must lose their edge and keenness and grow dull unless whetted by stimulus 
 and hope of recognition. The material is not only excellent but most willing; 
 there is shown on almost every side an anxiety to learn; the interest is evi- 
 
88 
 
 denced by what the troops themselves do and have done. With the very great 
 majority, so far as the prosecution of practical instruction is concerned, what 
 is needed is a knowledge of the way, an intimation as to what should or should 
 not be done. In this light I endeavored during the inspection to indicate 
 courses of work directly, or by asking for information on various subjects sug- 
 gest them for practice and teaching. In this report errors and defects are re- 
 corded as showing that they do exist and where, and correction is invited ; 
 good work and proper methods are likewise recognized as an example for con- 
 tinued practice and more general observance. I feel assured that by the time 
 the next inspection is made marked improvement will be observed, and that 
 the report to be rendered of the same will show the troops to much better ad- 
 vantage. The matter rests in their hands. 
 
 But no body of men, however desirous of progress, however interested, can 
 be expected to attain great efficiency in any undertaking unless encouraged. 
 Service in the Volunteers is purely voluntary ; it has even a greater signifi- 
 cance — that no regular compensation is guaranteed. It must also be borne in 
 mind that the service of the militiaman is not his calling, and although many 
 men keep up their membership for years and continue their devotion, their 
 connection with the service is but incidental. Still while service is only casual, 
 time is spent and means expended. In many cases the time given to militaiy 
 work is valuable time lost, and the means expended considerable. When a 
 man enlists he does so with no hope of remuneration; but with a knowledge 
 that his personal comfort and convenience may at times be compromised, and 
 that he may be called upon for service by the State, — a duty involving fatigue 
 and perhaps hardship. His motive in making the personal sacrifices is only 
 his interest and military spirit. He offer- his services, which the State by ac- 
 cepting declares as of value. And quoting a recent military writer, " if the 
 guardsman is to be obtained without pay, and to give his evenings and his 
 holidays to military work, the service must be made attractive to him by the 
 State and Federal governments. To keep this enthusiasm alive the State and 
 the nation must do their part." 
 
 It may be asked then what these Governments have done. The National 
 Government makes an annual appropriation of 1400,000 for the maintenance 
 of the militia, which is apportioned among the several States on the basis of 
 congregational representation. The State of Georgia receives as her share 
 the sum of $11,057.16, which amount is placed to her credit and is available 
 not in cash, but in arms, ordnance stores, quartermaster's stores and camp 
 equipage. While these are distributed among the troops they remain the 
 property of the United States ; and it is most reasonable to suppose that such 
 property should receive care and protection. Here enters a duty on the part 
 of the State, that of making provision for storing it and for keeping it in ser- 
 viceable condition. The question whether the Government makes ample or 
 adequate appropriations is not one for consideration; the fact that money is 
 made available for the support of the militia presupposes that the States will 
 do their share. 
 
 This State during the last three years has expended or appropriated $55,100 
 for encampments, and $2,100 for the expenses of the office of the Adjutant and 
 Inspector-General; the above is the only encouragement ever given to the 
 
Volunteers. It is needless to ask whether it is sufficient. These appropria- 
 tions have been made for encampments; nothing has been contributed for 
 armories for the safe keeping of the Government property. 
 
 Although the State by Act of the General Assembly has prescribed a service 
 uniform no provision has been made for supplying it to the men in service. 
 
 Further, for target practice, without which the troops can never become effi- 
 cient in their distinctive character as guardsmen and for the purposes for 
 which they are enlisted, no aid is extended. An encampment then, is the one 
 instance of the State's generosity ; it is fully appreciated by the troops who 
 have shown themselves worthy of even that small recognition by hard en- 
 deavor to become practical soldiers. But the encampment is only of a week's 
 duration and the lessons there learned, while useful and practical, are few, 
 and what is more, cannot be carried on with that thoroughness necessary for 
 assured proficiency. A knowledge of camp life and the field duties of a 
 soldier cannot be taught in seven days, but in this limited time good seed is 
 planted which continued annual experiences will ripen into desirable fruit. 
 The instruction of the troops in other features of the profession may be best 
 conducted when under canvas, but it may also be prosecuted at their several 
 stations and should receive corresponding encouragement. 
 
 To accomplish this the troops must be made to feel that the State has an eye 
 to their interests and a heart in their work. The best exponent of that con- 
 cern in their welfare will be more liberal aid and aid in more thau one chan- 
 nel. I am aware that the Constitution of the State constructively inhibits 
 appropriations for the support of the troops, save to suppress insurrection, re- 
 pel invasions and defend the State in time of war, but it expressly lays down 
 in Article X, section 1, that the General Assembly shall have authority to arm 
 and equip the Volunteers. In this connection and as more clearly presenting 
 the question, I take the liberty of embracing in these pages certain matters 
 which may at first thought be considered foreign to the purview of the report 
 but which have, in truth, a direct significance as regards its spirit and mo- 
 tives ; and with this consideration I feel warranted in quoting from a report of 
 the Advisory Board of 1889 : 
 
 " What has the State done to carry into effect the Constitution of 1887, in 
 this regard ? 
 
 " In the session of 1878-79, and 1880-1, certain laws were passed, organizing 
 the volunteer forces, which are now comprised in the Code of Georgia, from 
 section 1103(a) to section 1103(rr) inclusive; and then, in the session of 1884- 
 85, this matter received considerable attention from the General Assembly, and 
 on the loth of October, 1885, a very elaborate statute was passed, amending 
 previous Acts above mentioned, which Act is embodied in Acts of IS84-85, 
 pages seventy-four to eighty-eight inclusive, and providing for the entire or- 
 ganization, government and discipline of the troops of the State, and during 
 the same session an Act was also passed, on 17th of October, 1885, see page 
 sixty-two, amending section 1104 of the Code, declaring the volunteer organ- 
 ization to be a portion of the militia of the State ; the two Acts taken together, 
 distinguishing the present force of the State, as the active militia. In this 
 military law of 1885, the General Assembly made quite an advance in carrying 
 out the Constitution of 1877. In section five of 'said Act, on the subject of 
 LTJ 
 
90 
 
 uniforms, it struck out the clause. in the old law, requiring volunteers to 
 uniform and equip themselves at their own expense, and declared that a ser- 
 vice uniform should be adopted, to be prescribed by the Governor, etc. 
 
 "Again, in section 14, the 'military fund,' which had been previously 
 so characterized as a fund to be kept apart iu the treasury of the State, was 
 made to embrace 'all moneys appropriated from time to time, by the General 
 Assembly, for the support, maintenance or equipment of the State Volunteer 
 forces,' clearly indicating that it was in the contemplation of the General As- 
 sembly to make appropriations to carry the said law into effect. 
 
 "In section 21 of said Act it was made the duty of the Governor to take im- 
 mediate steps to gather and collect together the arms, equipments and mili- 
 tary property of the State, which had been issued to commands then dis- 
 banded or no longer in actual existence, and to bring suits upon bonds, given 
 to secure the State, for the issuance of such arms, equipments or military 
 property ; and in section 22, the Advisory Board is created, its duties defined, 
 and the necessary expenses of said board were declared to be a proper charge, 
 to be paid out of the military fund upon the Governor's warrant. 
 
 "These laws, theoretically, recognize the obligation restingupon the General 
 Assembly to carry into effect article 10 of the Constitution, and the volunteer 
 commands of the State, organized in pursuance of said laws or made part of 
 said force, had a right to assume that the State of Georgia would appropriate 
 sufficient money to give vitality to said enactments. 
 
 "It now remains for the General Assembly to provide means for all of the 
 objects contemplated in said laws in relation to the military force, or else pre- 
 vious legislatures will have done a vain thing in enacting such statutes. 
 
 "Without going into particulars, it is well known that the majority of the 
 States of the American Union have, in the past quarter of a century, and es- 
 pecially in the past ten years, recognized the importance of this subject, with 
 the result of well equipped, well trained bodies of men in each of the same, of 
 whom the said States are justly proud, and for whom everything is provided 
 by appropriations from the State treasury, from the canteen of the soldier to 
 the armory of the regiment. Even the Southern States not so prosperous as 
 I reorgia have followed in the course marked out by the Northern, Middle and 
 Western States with the most gratifying results. Can it be presumed for one 
 moment that the people of Georgia, having recognized and declared most sol- 
 emnly the necessity of a similar force in Georgia in order to maintain peace 
 ami go id order within the borders of the State, heeding the advice of the father 
 of bis country, 'in times of peace to prepare for war,' intend that the so-called 
 military force in Georgia shall be disbanded ? 
 
 '"And yet this is the issue now presented. It is simply impossible to maintain 
 the present force, or any force worthy of the name, unless tin- State of Georgia takes 
 hold of the matter an other States have done, and regulates, maintains and supports it. 
 If an experiment should be tried and the entire force of Georgia be disbanded, 
 we venture to assert that it would shortly become necessary, in view of the 
 disturbances of the peace immediately consequent, for the Governor to call an 
 extra session of the Ceneral Assembly, to make provisions for the erection of 
 
91 
 
 military commands supported entirely by the State, so as to ensure the peace 
 and security of the citizens of Georgia in their persons and property." 
 
 In order to ascertain the monetary sacrifices to which the troops are put, I 
 inquired of every commanding officer visited as to the approximate annual 
 cost of maintaining his company. I deem it but just to the troops to make 
 references to their outlays. 
 
 The expense for armories proper ranges from twenty-five dollars in one 
 small town to five hundred in the cities- In some localities where men are much 
 separated no armories are used, and no expense is incurred therefor. In the 
 instance where an expense of only twenty-five dollars is involved the company 
 owns its armory and a lot adjoining it, purchased from savings covering a con- 
 siderable period. This small sum goes for heating and lighting. In addition 
 to expenditures for armories — rent, fuel, light— many other items enter as 
 drains on the funds of organizations: — insurance on public and company 
 property ; for target practice ; hire of armorer ; printing blanks and other 
 forms for correspondence ; repairs to armories ; repairs to arms ; expenses in- 
 cident to transfer of baggage to and from depots when attending encampments; 
 all this exclusive of cost of uniforms and such equipments as have not or are 
 not furnished through the State. 
 
 Companies stationed in cities cannot live for the small amount which might 
 maintain commands in the country Not that their tastes are more extrava- 
 gant, but that rents are higher and cost of fuel and light greater. Moreover, a 
 company located in a city must make its assembly rooms attractive ; it has 
 amusements and attractions to contend against which a country command 
 (and I use the tei'm with no thought of depreciation — some of the best com- 
 panies are to be found in the country) does not meet with. The city presents 
 entertainment for tbe men which is more enticing than an armory, unless the 
 latter is made inviting. Men will be loath to give up their readily obtained 
 pleasures for the cold comfort of an unattractive drill hall. Military enthusi- 
 asm must be exceeding great to divert a man from his club, his reading room, 
 his home, to the cheerless barrack room. That men do make these sacrifices 
 bespeaks in louder voice than words can tell what enthusiasm exists among 
 the troops, but it does not argue that they always will forego their ease and 
 complacently submit to even self-imposed restraints. The armory in the coun- 
 try constitutes in most cases the oidy meeting place for the young men ; other 
 amusements are not frequently at hand. As regards capacity, the armories in 
 the country towns are really unworthy of the name. They are rather places 
 for keeping arms. Therefore, the expenses for such purposes must not be 
 judged of by the smaller standard. But for all commands, some incentive 
 must be held out if it is expected that the troops shall keep up their interest 
 the whole year round and give regular attention to instruction. The best re- 
 sults are attained where the liveliest interest is displayed and maintained. 
 
 Some few commands own their own armories, but they must continually 
 undergo an expense for keeping them in repair and otherwise making them 
 attractive. Suitable means for caring for property and keeping it in good 
 order must be provided, but the State does not foot the bill. Gun racks are 
 necessary, and lockers are required for putting away uniforms and equipments. 
 Target practice is supposed to be conducted. Some ammunition may be sup- 
 
92 
 
 plied, but the requisite targets and butts must be forthcoming. The companies 
 provide these. The last annual report of the Adjutant and Inspector-General 
 shows that Company E, 1st Regiment, expended $64.35 for one day's target 
 firing. 
 
 Commanding officers are required to give their bonds for the safe keeping of 
 ordnance and quartermaster's stores issued to them. To protect themselves 
 they must insure the property. The companies pay the premiums. 
 
 The armories should always be kept neat and in good condition. An 
 armorer is hired for the purpose. 
 
 Officers are required to render reports and returns, and are supposed to keep 
 records, but under existing practices they are forced to provide their own sta- 
 tionery and books. Some few commanding officers have gone to no little 
 trouble and expense in supplying such means for conducting and preserving a 
 record of administration. 
 
 My report shows much irregularity in these matters. I have spoken of 
 them, however, only in the abstract and for the special purpose of drawing at- 
 tention to the importance of the subject. It cannot be said that the officers 
 are blamable when not provided with the ways and means for observing 
 proper methods. Official correspondence must be carried on in obedience to ' 
 orders from superior authority. While the outlay therefor is not great, the fact 
 that they must provide their own postage still exists. 
 
 A company is ordered to camp or for duty in keeping the peace. It must 
 carry some baggage. No transportation is furnished save as hired from the 
 company fund. 
 
 To encourage men to frequent their armories, I find a very commendable 
 practice prevailing in a few commands. The prescribed drill regulations, army 
 regulations and manuals of instruction are furnished, and periodicals and lit- 
 erature of a military character are subscribed for. By reference to a statement 
 of receipts and expenditures submitted by one company commander, I learn 
 that for the above current literature the sum of thirty-six dollars was expended 
 during the year 1891. It was money well expended. I believe the greatest 
 interest among men witnessed during my inspection was observed in this same 
 command. Instruction is carried on with the greatest regularity. The effi- 
 ciency of the command is an acknowledged fact. Men seemingly realize that 
 they have a military home where, when drills are dismissed, they can enjoy 
 some rest ; they feel that some thought is given to their comfort and welfare- 
 I only allude to this circumstance to point out that where proper and appro- 
 priate attractions are afforded good results will follow. 
 
 The total receipts during the year from various sources by the command in 
 mind were $1,601.80, including dues from "special pay", pay and active 
 members, commutation of rations at camp and interest on money deposited. 
 The expenditures for the same period for the several items enumerated above 
 and for sundry matters amounted to $1,470.59. This organization attended 
 the annual encampment at Chickamauga and received for per diem, at the 
 rate of seventy-five cents per day per man, $242.25. Its expenses incident to 
 that tour of duty and for legitimate purposes only were $350.73. In addition 
 hereto, in order to take a full complement of men to camp the command was 
 obliged to make good the time lost by certain members, and for this paid out 
 $97.25. 
 
93 
 
 In other words, and referring to a remark of the commanding officer of 
 another organization, to the effect that it would hardly be possible for his 
 command to attend the approaching encampment as his company fund was 
 too limited, many organization are put to considerable expense in order to 
 participate in a camp of instruction. 
 
 Further, I have been informed that certain commanders of larger units 
 have expended from their own resources hundreds of dollars for putting their 
 men in presentable shape for such work and thus encourage them to under- 
 take it ; even to save them from disbandment. 
 
 One company visited had, just prior to my inspection, purchased a State 
 regulation uniform — forage caps, tunics and trousers,— at a cost of $531 for 
 thirty-three men, or $16 per man. This latter amount may be taken as the 
 approximate average cost of the fatigue uniform. 
 
 But very few organizations have thus far equipped themselves with over- 
 coats or blankets— necessary parts of the soldier's outfit. It is not reasonable 
 to expect that they should. Companies must use table ware in camp, and 
 they pay for it. They have not yet been taught to use the soldier's mess kit. 
 
 The foregoing figures present a fair statement of what the troops have to 
 pay for the privilege of carrying arms and being recognized as military in 
 character ; indeed, what they pay in order to be a defence to the State and 
 subject to her call. 
 
 Armories should be either provided, as is done in some States directly, or 
 appropriations should be made for rent and current expenses. The State of 
 Pennsylvania appropriates from $100 to $200 for armory rent and annual 
 allowances for each company. I discover in another State that the counties 
 in which military companies are located are supposed to provide armories, the 
 County Commissioners being responsible. 
 
 Certain counties of the State of Georgia are not wanting in public spirit or 
 in a lack of proper appreciation of the value of the military. One county on 
 the line of the Georgia Railroad, and several in the southern tier of the State, 
 have, during the last year, generously donated sums for the support of 
 the companies stationed within their boundaries. But this is a practice upon 
 which commands cannot rely ; a change of administration may result at any 
 time in discontinuing the good work. Moreover, it places too much of a pre- 
 mium on local pride, and companies will not share alike over the State; at 
 the same time they all constitute a part of the common defence. The neces- 
 sities of the different sections, military districts, so to speak, being dispropor- 
 tionate, must be recognized, and the question of the number of troops to be 
 maintained in each should be determined by one authority. The responsi- 
 bility should rest with the State, which may exercise discretion as to the in- 
 terests of any given section or command, and work out suitable projects for 
 the mobilization of the troops. I do not pretend to indicate any fixed amount 
 as adequate or requisite for the living expenses of companies ; such figures 
 can readily be determined when the principle is acknowledged that such allow- 
 ances are just and judicious, and that time must surely come, sooner or later, 
 in the inevitable solution of social and economic problems within the borders 
 of the State. 
 A considerable saving might be made to companies and assistance rendered, 
 
94 
 
 if the buildings or property which they are obliged to rent were, when occu- 
 pied and used by them for strictly military purposes, exempt from taxation. 
 
 There is nothing which adds more to the appearance of troops than uni- 
 formity of. dress and equipments; and while such uniformity does not make 
 soldiers, it is calculated to make more favorable and lasting impressions. It 
 arouses pride and inculcates esprit de corps, which are potent factors in the 
 maintenance of volunteer troops. In this particular it may be asked what is 
 the condition of the Georgia Volunteers to-day ? 
 
 Save the arms and a few equipments they provide themselves with the entire outfit 
 In but one tactical unit is uniformity observed. This battalion, the Third, 
 composed of three companies, presents a far better appearance than any other 
 composite command in the State. It wears a serviceable field dress, and each 
 company is equipped alike. For this distinction it has only itself to thank. 
 The appearance of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, 8,500 men, fully uni- 
 formed and equipped, may also be presented as a thought for consideration 
 in this connection. But appearance is not a guarantee of efficiency. The 
 subject is only brought into this seeming prominence as better helping to 
 show that the troops are unprovided for. It may also be asked on the other 
 hand in what manner they are encouraged. The inducements held out, fur- 
 ther than through appropriations for encampments, may be summed up in the 
 following exemptions and privileges : 
 
 1. The uniform of the Volunteer, which under section 1103(s) of the Code, 
 he is to provide at his own expense, is exempt from levy or sale for debt, 
 except for lines or dues to his company or battalion. 
 
 2. He is exempt from road and street tax during his term of service and 
 after ten years continuous service he is thenceforth exempt, should he remain 
 upon the exempt or other lists of his company. 
 
 3. He is exempt from militia duty during his membership, and after ten 
 years continuous service in any company or battalion, in any capacity as an 
 active member, uniformed and equipped, he shall be exempt from all militia 
 duty or commutation tax therefor, which may be required by law in time of 
 peace 
 
 4. Individual companies are allowed the privilege of bearing upon their 
 rolls of pay members a class of " special pay members", not exceeding fifteen 
 in number, who, upon paying a sum of money, as prescribed by such com- 
 
 -panies not less than twenty-five dollars per annum each, shall be exempt 
 from jury and road duty and street tax. Some organizations, by special acts 
 of the Legislature, are allowed to carry on their rolls a greater number of 
 special pay members. 1 find that only a few commands derive any benefit 
 from this provision ; it is not possible, at all stations, to find the men who are 
 Willing to contribute this amount for the exemption. 
 
 5. When any part of the volunteer force is called into service of the State, 
 in case of invasion, rebellion, insurrection or probable prospect thereof, all 
 the officers and soldiers responding to such call shall be entitled to such pay, 
 rations and other allowances, or to commutation therefor, as are prescribed 
 for officers and soldiers of the regular army. 
 
 The duty of the State is evident. If the troops are to be used for public 
 
95 
 
 needs their absolute and proper wants should he provided ; if it hoped to 
 keep alive and to develop the marked military spirit which prevails among 
 them it must be given substantial encouragement ; if the pride of the officers 
 and men, that living force which has made the Georgia Volunteers what they 
 are, is to be saved from deterioration, it must be fostered. Men cannot be 
 expected to undergo sacrifices without prospects of recognition; troops can 
 never be made effective or efficient if neglected. 
 
 Enthusiasm is the militiaman's bank account; but however considerable it 
 may be, as is the case in some commands, constant drafts upon it will eventu- 
 ally deplete the fund unless replenished by assistance and support. "Patient 
 merit" will lose its uncomplaining nature and ambition will all ooze out if not 
 rewarded or in some measure gratified. 
 
 RECOMMENDATIONS. 
 
 Many minor recommendations have been made throughout the course of 
 this report. They relate more particularly to matters of routine, and can be 
 carried into effect under existing laws. But for the development of an efficient 
 military system, based upon workable principles, I would respectfully submit 
 the following as absolute necessities: 
 
 1. Reasonable and economical financial assistance from the State. 
 
 2. A complete revision of the present code, or preferably, the adoption of a 
 new military code which shall provide for a judicious and uniform organization 
 of the forces — an organization suggested by modern tactical exigencies and the 
 needs of the State. 
 
 3. The organization of the. several administrative departments on a practical 
 working basis. The only existing departments are the Adjutant-General's, 
 Quartermaster-General's and the Judge Advocate-General's ; not one fully 
 organized. 
 
 4. The publication of comprehensive and consistent regulations for the gov- 
 ernment of the troops. 
 
 Until these are given consideration other recommendations are useless. 
 This report is rendered in my capacity as Acting Assistant Inspector-Gen- 
 eral ; as such I have felt and considered myself an officer of the State I have 
 therefore permitted details and suggestions to enter into it, and have framed 
 it in a manner which would be perhaps inappropriate had I inspected the 
 troops entirely from the standpoint of a representative of the General Gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 In conclusion I wish to express to the officers and men of the Volunteers 
 my sense of appreciation of the courtesy and hospitality so uniformly shown 
 me during my tour of inspection. To Colonel W. W.Gordon and Adjutant 
 A. Li. Lawton, Jr., of the 5th Regiment, Georgia Cavalry, Colonel A. J. West, 
 Quartermaster-General, Major R. N. Holtzclaw, 2d Regiment, and Colonel 
 10. L. Wight, 4th Regiment, I am especially indebted for great assistance, with- 
 out which I could not have continued or completed my work. 
 
 Very respect fully, 
 Your obedient servant, 
 C. B. SATTERLEE, 
 1st Lieutenant, 3d Artillery, 
 Acting Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General. 
 
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