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 6/' LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Received.. 
 

 
 
PRINCIPLES 
 
 SQUAD INSTRUCTION 
 
 BROADSWORD. 
 
 BY 
 
 A. J. C O R B E S I E R ; 
 
 SWORD-MASTER OP THE U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY, ANNAPOLIS, MD. 
 
 J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 
 1872. 
 
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in* the year 1869, by 
 J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States 
 for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 
 
I HAVE examined this book, and find it to be 
 what is desired by beginners in broadsword, and 
 strongly recommend the publication thereof. 
 
 DAYID D. PORTER/ 
 
 Vice-Admiral. 
 
U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY, 
 
 ANNAPOLIS, N.i>.,Nov. 4, 1868. 
 
 VICE-ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. K, 
 Superintendent 
 
 Sir, In obedience to your order of October 
 28th, 1868, we have carefully examined the work 
 entitled " Principles of Squad Instruction in Broad 
 sword Exercise," prepared by Mr. Corbesier, and 
 would respectfully recommend that it be published 
 for use throughout the navy. 
 Yery respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servants, 
 
 E. O. MATTHEWS, Lt. Com. 
 EDW. TERRY, Lt. Com. 
 
 S. P. GILLETT, Lt. Com. 
 Approved. 
 
 D. D. PORTER, Vice- Admiral. 
 
 1* (v) 
 
INTEODUOTIOK 
 
 THE design of this work in the " Broadsword 
 Manual" is not to present anything new or origi- 
 nal, but simply to give, if possible, uniformity to 
 the exercise with a most important weapon of 
 attack and defense. 
 
 The instructions herein contained have formed, 
 during the past two years, part of the ''Course of 
 Fencing" at the Naval Academy; and the good 
 results there attained have induced the author to 
 put the method before the officers of the navy 
 generally. 
 
 p He feels the more confident in doing this, be- 
 cause it seems to supply a want long experienced 
 
 (vii) 
 
viii INTR OD UCTION. 
 
 by naval officers in their instruction of the men. 
 To teach efficiently, there must be some recog- 
 nized system; and, without claiming any extraor- 
 dinary merit for this work, the author feels it 
 will assist both instructor and pupil. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAQB 
 
 INTRODUCTION ,... 7 
 
 BASIS OF INSTRUCTION. 
 General Kules 11 
 
 FIRST LESSON. 
 
 Attention 15 
 
 Carry Saber 15 
 
 To open Intervals 16 
 
 Half-face 7. 16 
 
 Saber in Line 16 
 
 The Moulinets 17 
 
 To close the Intervals 20 
 
 To Dismiss 20 
 
 SECOND LESSON. 
 
 Guard 21 
 
 Advance 22 
 
 Retreat 23 
 
 One Appel 23 
 
 Develop 23 
 
 The Head Cut 24 
 
 Left Cheek Cut 25 
 
 (ix) 
 
x CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Left Flank Cut 26 
 
 Thrust 26 
 
 Change Guard 27 
 
 Eight Cheek Cut 27 
 
 Eight Flank Cut 28 
 
 The Head Parry 28 
 
 Left Cheek Parry 29 
 
 Eight Cheek Parry 29 
 
 Left Flank Parry 30 
 
 Eight Flank Parry 31 
 
 Thrust Parry , 31 
 
 THIED LESSON. 
 
 About-face Cover 33 
 
 Guard... 33 
 
 Advance or Eetreat (No. I or 2) 33 
 
 Cuts for No. 1 (hand in tierce) 34 
 
 Cuts for No. 2 (hand in tierce) 34 
 
 Change Guard 34 
 
 Cuts for No. 1 (hand in quarte) 34 
 
 Cuts for No. 2 (hand in quarte) 35 
 
 ATTACKS AND EIPOSTES 35 
 
 Feints 37 
 
 To Dismiss 39 
 
 PRINCIPAL EETURNS AFTER EACH PARRY, AND THE 
 MANNER or EXECUTING THEM 40 
 
 ADDENDA 45 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 THE object of this method is to facili- 
 tate the instruction of the use of the 
 sword in the navy. 
 
 GENERAL RULES. 
 
 1st. The instructor will never cause a 
 movement to be executed before he has 
 given the requisite explanation, and will 
 also execute it himself, in order to com- 
 bine example with principle. 
 
 2d. He will always repeat that part of 
 the explanation which he perceives has 
 not been understood. 
 
 3d. He will see that the men take the 
 
 (11) 
 
12 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 proper position and execute each motion 
 with correctness and energy, and will 
 not allow them to begin the more diffi- 
 cult cuts and parries before they execute 
 the primary movements perfectly. 
 
 4th. For the first two lessons, the men 
 in each section (which is composed of 
 twelve) will be placed in single rank, at 
 a distance of four paces apart. 
 
 5th. For the third lesson, the division, 
 composed of twenty-four men, will be 
 placed in two such ranks, these ranks 
 facing each other. 
 
 6th. The instructor will place himself 
 ten paces in front, and opposite the cen- 
 ter of the rank in the first two lessons, 
 and on the flank in the third lesson. 
 
 7th. During rest, he will explain to 
 the men that the sword is divided into 
 two parts. 
 
 8th. The first part, which is that half 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 13 
 
 next to the guard, is called "Le fort" (or 
 defensive), and is used for parrying. 
 
 9th. The second part, which is the 
 upper half, is called "Le faible" (or of- 
 fensive), and is used for cutting. 
 
 10th. "Tierce" is that position in 
 which the edge is turned to the right 
 (nails downward). 
 
 llth. "Quarte" is that position in 
 which the edge is turned to the left 
 (nails upward). 
 
 12th. The attack will always be made 
 with suppleness of hand, without which 
 there would result a delay in coming 
 back on guard, and the blow would not 
 have its full effect. For example, take 
 a razor, and, by making a cut down, the 
 wound would not be so long as that 
 caused by drawing the razor along the 
 part: the same with the saber. 
 
 13th. The instructor will permit the 
 
14 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 men to rest two or three times during 
 the hour, to the command "In place 
 rest." 
 
 14th. At this command, the men are 
 permitted to talk, but not to move from 
 their places. 
 
 15th. When the instructor shall wish 
 to recommence the exercise, he will com- 
 mand "Attention!" 
 
 16th. At this command, the men will 
 take the proper position, and pay atten- 
 tion. 
 
 17th. The object of the "moulinet" is 
 to supple the wrist, and give it strength 
 to manage the sword, to make and parry 
 a cut quickly, and should therefore be 
 frequently practiced. 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 15 
 
 FIRST LESSON. 
 
 18th. The men will be placed in single 
 rank, Shoulder to shoulder. 
 
 ATTENTION ! 
 
 19th. The men will take the position 
 of a soldier. The saber will be in the 
 right hand, the nails of the hand down, 
 the arm hanging naturally, the point of 
 the saber toward the ground, and 5 
 inches to the right of the right toe, the 
 edge to the right. 
 
 1. CARRY. 2. SABER. 
 One time. 
 
 20th. The saber will be brought up to 
 the right shoulder, the back of the blade 
 against the hollow of the shoulder, the 
 wrist resting against the hip, and the 
 elbow directly to the rear, the little 
 finger on the outside of the gripe. 
 
16 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 L BY THE RIGHT FLANK. 2. FOUR PACES, TAKE 
 INTERVALS, 3. MARCH. 
 
 21st. Executed per Upton's Tactics, 
 Skirmish Drill. 
 
 22d. The instructor may take intervals 
 by the left flank, if he desires. 
 
 1. HALF-FACE. 2. To THE L-EFT. 
 
 One time and one motion. 
 
 23d. Make a half-face to the left, turn 
 on the left heel so as to bring the right 
 foot pointing square to the front and the 
 left perpendicular to it; drop the point 
 of the saber so as to bring it in the pro- 
 longation of the right foot, and the edge 
 to the right; bend the left arm so as to 
 bring the left forearm horizontal and in 
 rear of the back; the left hand closed. 
 
 SABER IN LINE. 
 One time. 
 
 24th. Raise the right hand to the 
 
SABER EXERCISE 17 
 
 height and in front of the right shoulder, 
 and bring the saber and the arm in the 
 same horizontal line, the edge up, the 
 nails turned to the left (position of 
 tierce). (PI. 1.) 
 
 25th. From this position the men will 
 execute the "moulinets." 
 
 1. LEFT. 2. MOULINET. 
 One time. 
 
 26th. (Hand in Tierce.] At the com- 
 mand "Moulinet!" the point of the saber 
 must be dropped and brought up again 
 to the rear, grazing the left shoulder, 
 back to its original position, thus de- 
 scribing a complete circle. (PL 1.) 
 
 1. RIGHT. 2. MOULINET. 
 
 One time. 
 
 27tli. (Hand in Quarte.) Executed the 
 same as the last, except that the circle is 
 
18 SAB EH EXERCISE. 
 
 described to the right of the arm instead 
 of the left. (PL 2.) 
 
 28th. Execute the "moulinets" quickly 
 in succession, without stopping between. 
 
 1. LEFT AND RIGHT. 2. MOULINET. 
 One time and two motions. 
 
 29th. Execute first the left and then 
 the right "moulinet," without stopping 
 between, as per Rules 28 and 29. (PI. 1.) 
 
 30th. If the instructor wishes to begin, 
 with the right, he will command: 
 
 1. RIGHT AND LEFT. 2. MOULINET. 
 One time and two motions. 
 
 31st. The same as in Rule 29, except 
 beginning with the right instead of the 
 left "moulinet." (PL 2.) 
 
 1. LEFT FLANK. 2. MOULINET. 
 One time and one motion. 
 
 32d. (Hand in Tierce.} Bring the point 
 
SABER EXERCISE. ig 
 
 of the sword up, and then down to the 
 rear, grazing the left shoulder, then de- 
 scribing a complete circle in the opposite 
 direction from "left moulinet.". (PL 1.) 
 
 1. RIGHT FLANK. 2. MOULINET. 
 One time and one motion. 
 
 33d. (Hand in Quarte.) Executed in 
 the same way as "left flank moulinet," 
 except that the circle is described to the 
 right of the arm. (PL 2.) 
 
 34th. Execute the " moulinets" with- 
 out stopping between. 
 
 1. LEFT AND RIGHT FLANK. 2. MOULINET. 
 
 One time and two motions. 
 
 35th. (Hand in Tierce.} Same as per 
 Rule 29, substituting the flank for the 
 simple "moulinet." (PL 1.) 
 
 36th. If the instructor wishes to com- 
 mence with the right, he will command: 
 
20 SABER EXER C1SE. 
 
 1. RIGHT AND LEFT FLANK. 2. MOULINET, 
 One time and two motions. 
 
 37th. Executed the same as per Rule 
 31, substituting the flank for the simple 
 moulinet. (PL 2.) 
 
 38th The instructor should cause tae 
 moulinet to be executed with the wrist, 
 without bending the arm. 
 
 39th. The instructor wishing to close 
 the ranks, will command : 
 
 CARRY SABER! 
 As it is prescribed in No. 20. 
 
 1. BY THE RIGHT FLANK. 2. C.LOSE INTERVALS. 
 3. MARCH. 
 
 40th. Executed as per Upton's Tactics, 
 Skirmish Drill. 
 
 41st. The instructor wishing to dis- 
 miss the section, will command : 
 
 1. BREAK RANKS. 2. MARCH. 
 42d. At this command, the men will 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 21 
 
 break ranks, and return the swords to 
 their proper places. 
 
 43d. After the "moulinets" have been 
 well executed, he will pass over to the 
 second lesson. 
 
 SECOND LESSON. 
 
 44th. The section being in single rank, 
 at a distance of four paces apart, at a 
 half-face to the. left, and the instructor 
 wishing to begin, will command : 
 
 GUARD (in tierce). 
 One time and two motions. 
 
 45th. (1st Motion.) Bring the sword 
 quickly up, the point as high as and 
 opposite the left eye, the hand as high 
 as and opposite the nipple of the right 
 breast (hand in tierce), the arm half 
 bent, the elbow in line with the right 
 hip and 3 inches to the front of it, 
 
22 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 the left forearm in rear of the back. 
 (Pig. 1, PL 3.) 
 
 46th. (2d Motion.) Bend both legs ; ad- 
 vance the right foot 24 inches before the 
 left foot, the knees bent out, the heels in 
 line, the left shoulder thrown back, the 
 weight of the body resting a little more 
 on the left leg. 
 
 47th. The guard "in quarte" is taken 
 the same way, except that the fingers are 
 up, the edge of the sword to the left. 
 (Fig. 2, PI. 3.) 
 
 48th. When the men are in this posi- 
 tion, he will cause them to advance and 
 retreat, which manoeuvre he will repeat 
 frequently, in order to produce facility of 
 movement and increase agility of motion. 
 To this effect, he will command : 
 
 ADVANCE! 
 4 9 th. Advance the right foot 12 inches, 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 23 
 
 the foot grazing the ground; follow quickly 
 with the left. 
 
 RETREAT ! 
 
 50th. Retreat the left foot 12 inches, 
 and follow quickly with the right, graz- 
 ing either foot on the ground, and bring- 
 ing down the right foot with a stamp. 
 
 51st. The men having executed in 
 succession the advance and retreat, the 
 instructor will cause the stamp of the 
 right foot, so as to bring the weight of 
 the body on the left leg. 
 
 ONE APPEL. 
 
 52d. Consisting in stamping the ground 
 with the right foot flat, without moving 
 or raising the body. 
 
 DEVELOP, 
 
 53d. Advance the right foot 24 inches, 
 grazing the ground, at the same time 
 
24 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 straighten the left leg, keeping the left 
 foot in its position, flat on the ground, 
 the right knee direct to the front, and 
 the right foreleg vertical; the body and 
 head erect. 
 
 54th. In order to come back on guard, 
 it is first necessary to bring the weight 
 of the body back, by bending the left 
 leg, then bring back the right foot to its 
 original position. 
 
 In the following commands, the part 
 of the body named will be the command 
 of caution, and the word "cut" the com- 
 mand of execution: 
 
 1. AT THE HEAD. 2. CUT. 
 
 One time. 
 
 55th. Drop the point of the saber, and 
 make a complete circle with it quickly, 
 as in the "left moulinet," bringing down 
 saber with the edge down, at the 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 25 
 
 same time stretching the right arm to its 
 full extent, the hand at the height of 
 the forehead and opposite the eye; the 
 point of the saber directly to the front 
 of and 3 inches lower than the hand, 
 the thumb flat along the handle. (Fig. 1, 
 PL 4.) 
 
 1. LEFT CHEEK. 2. CUT. 
 One time. 
 
 56th. Bring back the wrist 3 inches, 
 so as to be just able to pass over the point 
 of your opponent's sword; at the same 
 time turn your nails up, so as to bring 
 the edge to the left, and straighten your 
 right arm to its full extent, thus cutting 
 at the left cheek by taking the position 
 of attack, the right hand as high as the 
 right eye, taking opposition in carrying 
 the hand to the left. (Fig. 1, PL 5.) 
 
26 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 1. LEFT FLANK 2. CUT. 
 57th. Executed in the same manner as 
 the last, except cutting at the height of 
 the left flank, immediately above the hip, 
 which is done by holding the sword hori- 
 zontal, and the hand as high as the right 
 nipple, taking opposition in carrying the 
 hand to the left. (Fig. 1, PL 6.) 
 
 THRUST! 
 
 One time and one motion. 
 
 58th. Drop the point under the op- 
 ponent's sword, at the same time turning 
 the hand as in 24, the edge up; stretch 
 the arm to its full extent, and point the 
 sword at the opponent's right nipple ; the 
 hand as high as your left eye, and taking 
 opposition to the left, by pressing the 
 hand and sword in that direction. (Fig. 
 1, PL 7.) 
 
 59th. The movements of 55, 56, 57, 
 58, are executed for tierce engagement. 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 27 
 
 60th. In order to execute the one 
 which will be described in 62 and 66, 
 the instructor will cause the men to 
 change guard, to which effect he will 
 
 command : 
 
 CHANGE GUARD ! 
 One time and one motion. 
 
 61st. At this command, the men will 
 take the guard "in quarte," by turning 
 the knuckles down, so as to make the 
 sword edge to the left. 
 
 1. RIGHT CHEEK. 2. CUT. 
 One time and one motion. 
 
 62d. Draw back the wrist 3 inches, 
 so as to make the sword just pass over 
 that point of your opponent, at the same 
 time turning the knuckles up, so as to 
 bring the edge to the right, stretching 
 out the arm bent in this way as high as 
 the cheek, the hand as high as the left 
 eye. (Fig. 1, PL 8.) 
 
28 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 1. RIGHT FLANK. 2. CUT. 
 
 One time and one motion. 
 
 63d. Executed in the same way as the 
 last, except cutting at the right flank, 
 immediately above the hip, which is done 
 by holding the sword horizontal and the 
 hand as high as the left nipple. In both 
 the above motions, take opposition to the 
 right, by pressing the sword in that direc- 
 tion.* (Fig. 1, PI. 9.) 
 
 64th. In order to make the parries, 
 the instructor should cause the men to 
 take guard of tierce. 
 
 1. HEAD. 2. PARRY. 
 One time. 
 
 65th. Bring the sword quickly above 
 the head, and hold it with as much firm- 
 ness as possible, the arm half bent, the 
 
 * The develop must always be executed with 
 all these cuts. 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 29 
 
 edge up, the blade 3 inches in front 
 of and above the head, the hand oppo- 
 site the right ear, the point to the left, 
 and 4 inches lower than the hand, the 
 thumb flat along the handle. (Fig. 2, 
 
 PI. 4.) 
 
 1. LEFT CHEEK. 2. PARRY. 
 
 One time. 
 
 66th. Bring the sword quickly to the 
 left, and hold it with as much firmness 
 as possible, the elbow supported against 
 the right hip, the edge to the left, the 
 blade 5 inches to the front and left of 
 the left ear, the sword vertical, with 
 the point up, the hand opposite and 3 
 inches from the left shoulder, the thumb 
 flat on the handle. (Fig. 2, PI. 5.) 
 
 1. RIGHT CHEEK. 2. PARRY. 
 
 One time. 
 
 67th. Bring the sword quickly to the 
 right, and hold it with as much firmness 
 3* 
 
30 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 as possible, at the same time turning the 
 hand, so as to bring the edge to the 
 right, the blade 5 inches to the front 
 and right of the right ear, the elbow 
 close against the body, the hand oppo- 
 site and 4 inches from the right shoulder, 
 the sword vertical, with the point up, 
 the thumb flat along the handle. (Fig. 2, 
 
 PL 8.) 
 
 1. LEFT FLANK. 2. PARRY. 
 
 One time. 
 
 68th. Drop the point and carry the 
 sword to the left side, the blade 6 inches 
 from the body, the point down, the edge 
 to the left, the hand as high as the nip- 
 ple, and opposite to and 4 inches from 
 the left flank, the elbow in a straight line 
 with the hand, the thumb flat along the 
 handle, the point pointing slightly to- 
 ward the front, so as to bring the sword 
 and back of the hand in one straight 
 line. (Fig. 2, PI. 6 ) 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 31 
 
 1. RIGHT FLANK. 2. PARRY. 
 
 69th. Drop the point and carry the 
 sword quickly to the right of the right 
 knee, the point down and pointing 
 toward the ground, at about 3 inches 
 to the front and right of the right foot, 
 so as to bring the sword in one straight 
 line with the back of the hand, the edge 
 to the right, the blade 6 inches from the 
 body, the hand as high as and 2 inches 
 above the belt, the elbow to the rear, 
 and the thumb flat along the handle. 
 (Fig. 2, PI. 9.) 
 
 1. THRUST. 2. PARRY. 
 One time and two motions. 
 
 70th. Drop your point to the right of 
 your opponent's sword, and press with 
 "le fort" of your sword le faible" of 
 your opponent's, so as to throw the point 
 to the left of your body, and bring your- 
 
32 SABER EXERVISE. 
 
 self to the position of "Left flank 
 Parry/' except having the hand a little 
 higher. (Fig. 2, PL 7.) 
 
 71st. After each "attack" or "parry," 
 the instructor will command, "On Guard/' 
 in order to bring the men back in posi- 
 tion. 
 
 72d. The instructor will close the rank 
 after this lesson, as prescribed in Les- 
 son L, Rules 40 and 42, 
 
 THIRD LESS03ST. 
 
 73d. The division being in two ranks, 
 closed, the instructor will execute what 
 is described in Rules 19, 2.0, 21. 
 
 74th. He will then open the ranks as 
 in 21 and 22. 
 
 75th, In this lesson the front rank 
 will be called No. 1, and the rear No. 2. 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 3$ 
 
 No. I. 1. ABOUT FACE. 2. COVER. 
 
 76th. At the first command, No. 1 
 faces about. 
 
 77th. At the second command, both 
 ranks will make a half-face to the left, 
 per Rule 23, directly opposite to each 
 
 other. 
 
 OUARD! 
 One time and two motions* 
 
 78th. As explained in Rule 45; but' 
 in this lesson the two motions are to 
 be made without separate commands. 
 
 79th. The instructor will place him- 
 self in a position where he can see both 
 ranks, and cause the men to obey the 
 following commands: 
 
 No. 1. ADVANCE (or RETREAT). 
 
 80th. At this command, No. 1 ad- 
 vances (or retreats), and No. 2 executes 
 just the opposite, at the same time. 
 
34 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 No. 1. At the headCut Guard. 
 " " left cheek Cut Guard. 
 " " left flank Cut Guard. 
 " Thrust Guard. 
 
 81st. The instructor will cause No. 2 
 to make the correct parry when No. 1 
 makes the above cuts at him. 
 
 No. 2. ADVANCE (or RETREAT). 
 82d. Same remarks as in Rule 80. 
 
 No. 2. At the head Cut Guard. 
 " " left eheek Cut Guard. 
 
 " " left flank Cut Guard. 
 
 " Thrust Guard. 
 
 83d. Same remarks for No. 1. as for 
 No. 2 in Rule 81. 
 
 No. 1 (or 2). CHANGE GUARD 
 One time and one motion. 
 
 84th. The number indicated draws 
 back the wrist of his sword 3 inches, 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 35 
 
 so as to just pass over the point of his 
 opponent's sword; at the same time both 
 ranks turn the knuckles down, so as to 
 make the edge touch (position of quarte). 
 
 85th. No. 1. Right cheek Cut Guard. 
 " Right flank Cut Guard. 
 
 86th, The same attacks for No. 2, and 
 the same remarks for both as in Rule 
 81. 
 
 ATTACKS AND EIPOSTES. 
 
 87th. No. 1. At the head Cut. 
 " left cheek Cut. 
 " " left flank Cut. 
 . " Thrust Cut. 
 
 2. Parry and cut, left flank March Guard. 
 " " right flank March Guard. 
 
 " " head March Guard. 
 
 left cheek March Guard. 
 
 88th. Cause No. 2 to make the same 
 attacks and No. 1 the same ripostes. 
 
36 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 89th. The instructor will cause either 
 No. 1 or No. 2 to change guard for the 
 following exercise, as in Rule 84. 
 
 90th. No. 1. Right 'cheek Cut. 
 " flank Cut. 
 2. Parry and cut, left flank March Guard. 
 
 " " head March Guard. 
 
 " " left cheek March Guard. 
 
 91st. Cause No. 2 to make the same 
 attacks and No. 1 the same ripostes. 
 
 92d. The instructor will pay particular 
 attention to see that all the movements 
 are executed correctly, especially the at- 
 tacks and ripostes. Most of the men 
 will not make the attacks fully,, and will 
 not stretch the left leg well ; others will 
 not make the "parries" properly. The 
 instructor will make the attacking party 
 remain on a lunge until he has corrected 
 all the positions. 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 37 
 
 FEINTS. 
 
 93d. In making a feint, it is necessary 
 to stretch the arm to its full extent/ and 
 go through the motion in the same man- 
 ner as with a cut, so as to oblige the oppo- 
 nent to parry, the only difference being 
 in not moving the body in a feint, but 
 only going through the complete motion 
 with the arm. 
 
 94th. At first the instructor will cause 
 the men to make the feints by the mo- 
 tions, to the command "One," "Two." 
 At the first the feint, and at the second 
 the attack is made. 
 
 Example Feint at the Head. 
 Cut left cheek. 
 
 95th. At the command "One," a feint 
 is made at the head, and at the com- 
 mand "Two," the cut at the left flank. 
 4 
 
38 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 96th. More than two feints should 
 never be made. 
 
 97th. No. 1. Feint at the head Cut, left flank 
 March Guard. 
 
 " Feint at left cheek Cut, right 
 flank March Guard. 
 
 " Feint at left flank Cut, head- 
 March Guard. 
 
 " Feint at thrust Cut, head 
 March Guard; 
 
 " Feint at left cheek Cut, right 
 cheek March Guard. 
 
 98th. The same as above for No. 2. 
 
 99th. The instructor will cause the 
 men to take the guard of "quarte" for 
 the following motions : 
 
 100th. No. 1. Feint at right flank Cut, left 
 
 cheek March Guard. 
 Feint at right cheek Cut, left 
 
 flank March Guard. 
 " Feint at right cheek Cut, left 
 cheek March Guard. 
 
SABEK EXERCISE. 39 
 
 No. 2 will execute the same. 
 
 101st. The instructor will finish up 
 with some simple cuts, and " advancing 
 and retreating." 
 
 102d. The instructor wishing to close 
 the ranks, will command : 
 
 No. 1 ABOUT FACE. 
 103d. Executed as in 76. 
 
 1. CLOSE ORDER. 2. MARCH. 
 101th. Execute per Upton's Tactics. 
 
 2. BY THE RIGHT (or LEFT) FLANK CLOSE IN 
 TERVALS. 2. MARCH. 
 
 105th. Same as in 40. 
 1. RIGHT FACE. 2. BREAK RANKS. 3. MARCH, 
 
PEmCIPAL BETHELS 
 
 AFTEK EACH PAKKY, AND THE MANNEK OF 
 EXECUTING THEM. 
 
 AFTER THE PARRY OP HEAD. 
 
 1. Cut left flank. Describe a circle 
 with the point above the head, the point 
 first going to the rear, without disturb- 
 ing the position of the hand, then turn 
 the nails up, the edge to the left, and 
 execute the blow per Rule 58. 
 
 2. Cut left cheeJc. Executed as the 
 last, only instead of cutting at the "left 
 flank" cut at the "left cheek," per Rule 
 57. 
 
 AFTER THE PARRY OF RIGHT CHEEK. 
 
 Cut left flank. Drop the point quickly 
 to the rear, without deranging the posi- 
 (40) 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 41 
 
 tion of the hand, so as to bring the 
 sword parallel to and below that of the 
 assailant. This will bring the nails 
 up, the edge to the right, from which 
 position cut at the left flank, the sword 
 passing under that of the opponent. 
 (Rule 58.) 
 
 AFTER THE PARRY OF LEFT CHEEK. 
 
 1. Cut right flanlt. Drop the point 
 quickly to the rear, without deranging 
 the position of the hand, so as to bring 
 the sword parallel to and below that of 
 the assailant. This will bring the nails 
 down, the edge to the left, from which 
 position cut at the right flank, the sword 
 passing under that of the opponent. 
 (Rule 64.) 
 
 2. Cut right cheek. Pass the sword 
 quickly along the inside of the oppo- 
 nent's blade, at the same time stretch 
 
 4* 
 
42 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 the arm, turn the knuckles up, the edge 
 to the right, and execute the cut per 
 Rule 63. 
 
 AFTER THE PARRY OP LEFT FLANK. 
 
 1. Cut at the head. Make the point 
 describe a circle similar to that of "left 
 moulinet," using the wrist alone, then 
 stretch the arm and execute the cut per 
 Rule 64. 
 
 2. The cut at the left cheek can be 
 made in the same manner; also the 
 "thrust," if the attack is made with 
 the hand too high, by pointing the 
 sword toward the right nipple ; and the 
 cut at "right cheek" can be made, if 
 the attack is made with the hand too 
 low, by drawing back the wrist and 
 then passing over the opponent's sword. 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 43 
 
 AFTER THE PARRY OP RIGHT FLANK. 
 
 1. Cut at the head. Bring the sword 
 inside the right knee, and then finish 
 as in cutting at head from "left flank, 
 parry." 
 
 2. Cut at left cheek, if the attack is 
 made with the hand too low, by passing 
 over the opponent's sword, and then 
 stretching the .arms quickly, nails up, 
 edge to the left, as per Rule 57. 
 
 NOTE. Generally the cut at the flank is made 
 at the lower part of the leg instead of the flank, 
 and in that case the best- parry is to draw back 
 the right foot quickly against the left, at the same 
 time stretching the arm, bringing the sword in 
 line (edge down) and cutting at the head, without 
 defending one's self otherwise. 
 
 Sometimes the cut at the lower part of the leg 
 is made only for a feint, in order to parry the 
 head, without drawing -back the right leg from 
 the position of attack, and finally returning the 
 
44 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 left flank from the position with almost sure 
 success. 
 
 In this case the party attacked should not cut 
 at the head, but only feint at it, and then cut 
 " left flank." 
 
 AFTER THE PARRY OF THRUST. 
 
 Cut at the head. In the same manner 
 as from parry of left flank. 
 
 CUT AT THE FOREARM. 
 
 In order to parry this cut, throw the 
 point quickly to the right, by moving 
 the wrist two (2) inches in that direc- 
 tion, and turning the nails up, and edge 
 to the left, then stretch the arm, and 
 return by a cut at "left cheek." (PL 10.) 
 
ADDENDA. 
 
 AFTER having finished the instruction 
 in the book, it is beneficial for the men 
 to practice the following lessons, com- 
 posed of attacks and ripostes, so as to 
 get used to make assaults between them- 
 selves : 
 
 FIRST LESSON. 
 
 No. 1. At the head Cut. 
 " 2. Left cheek Cut. 
 l._Rjght flank Cut. 
 " 2. At the head Cut. 
 " 1. Left flank Cut. 
 
 SECOND LESSON. 
 
 No. 1. Left cheek Cut. 
 " 2 Right flank Cut. 
 l._At the head Cut. 
 " 2. Left flank Cut. 
 
 (45) 
 
46 SABER EXERCISE. 
 
 THIRD LESSON. 
 
 No. 1. Left flank Cut. 
 " 2. At the head Cut. 
 " 1. Left flank Cut. 
 
 FOURTH LESSON. 
 
 No. 1. Advance. 
 2. Thrust. 
 " \.-At the head Cut. 
 < 2. Left flank Cut. 
 
 FIFTH LESSON. 
 
 No. 1. Feint at the left cheek Cut, right 
 
 cheek. 
 
 2. Left flank Cut. 
 l._At the head Cut. 
 2. Feint at the left flank at the head 
 Cut. 
 
 SIXTH LESSON. 
 
 No. 1. Feint at the head Cut, left flank. 
 " 2. At the head Cut. 
 " 1. Left flank Cut. 
 
 NOTE. This last exercise is one of the most 
 essential, but it is necessary before commencing- 
 
SABER EXERCISE. 47 
 
 it to understand each separate part well, and 
 execute it in such a manner as to give it its full 
 effect; if these blows are made quickly, in suc- 
 cession, without letting them be learned well in 
 detail, the instruction will result in failure. The 
 striker will, if the blows are made too quickly in 
 succession, have to come back on "parry" before 
 the blow is executed, and therefore at the expense 
 of it, and also of the guard, to which he will not 
 have time to come properly. 
 
 The reader will therefore see that, in order to 
 give the attacking party chance of success, each 
 motion must be executed fully and deliberately. 
 
PLATli II. 
 
 RIGHT MOULINET. 
 
8 
 
H 
 
3 
 
 *3 
 W 
 
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