Part 274

I. Order Arms. (3 motions.) Bring the firelock to the trail in two motions as usual, seizing it at the first at the lower loop, just at the swell, at the 2d, bring it down to the right side, the butt within an inch of the ground: at the 3d, drop the butt on the ground, placing the muzzle against the hollow of the right shoulder, and the hand flat upon the sling; the thumb behind the barrel.

II. Fix Bayonets.--At the word, fix, grip the firelock; as soon as the word of command is fully out, push the firelock a little forward, at the same time drawing out the bayonet with the left hand, and fixing it with the utmost celerity. The instant this is done, return as quick as possible, to the order, as above described, and stand perfectly steady.

III. Shoulder Arms.--As soon as the word shoulder is given, grip the firelock with the right hand, as in fixing bayonets, and, at the last word, arms, the firelock must be thrown, with the right hand, in one motion, and with as little appearance of effort as possible, into its proper position on the left shoulder; the hand crosses the body in so doing, but must instantly be withdrawn.

IV. Present Arms. (3 motions.)--1st. Seize the firelock with the right hand, under the guard, turning the lock to the front, but without moving it from the shoulder.

2d. Bring it to the poize, seizing it with the left hand, the fingers easily round the stock, the wrist upon the guard, and the point of the left thumb of equal height with the eyes.

3d. Bring down the firelock with a quick motion, as low as the right hand will admit without constraint, drawing back the right foot at the same instant, so that the hollow of it may touch the left heel. The firelock in this position is to be totally supported in the left hand; the body to rest intirely on the left foot; both knees to be straight; the firelock in front of the left eye, and the butt in front of the left thigh.

V. Shoulder Arms. (2 motions.)--1st. By a turn of the right wrist, bring the firelock to its proper position on the shoulder, as described above, the left hand grasping the butt.

2d. Quit the right hand, bring it briskly down to its place by the side.

VI. Charge Bayonets. (2 motions.)--1st. At one motion throw the firelock from the shoulder across the body, to a low diagonal recover, a position known by the name of porting arms, or preparing for the charge, in which the lock is to be turned to the front, and at the height of the breast; the muzzle slanting upwards, so that the barrel may cross opposite the point of the left shoulder, with the butt proportionally depressed; the right hand grasps the small of the butt, and the left holds the piece at the swell, close to the lower pipe, the thumbs of both hands pointing towards the muzzle.

2d. Make a half-face to the right, and bring down the firelock to nearly a horizontal position, with the muzzle inclining a little upwards, and the right wrist resting against the hollow of the thigh, just below the hip.

N. B. The first motion of the charge is the position which the soldier will either, from the shoulder, or after firing, take, in order to advance on an enemy, whom it is intended to attack with fixed bayonets; and the word of command for that purpose is “prepare to charge.” The second position of the charge is that which the front rank takes when arrived at a few yards distance only from the body to be attacked. The first motion of the charge is also that which sentries are to take when challenging any persons who approach their posts.

VII. Shoulder Arms. (2 motions.)--1st. Face to the front, and throw up the piece into its position on the shoulder, by a turn of the right wrist, instantly grasping the butt, as before described, with the left hand.

2d. Quit the firelock briskly with the right hand, bringing it to its proper place by the side.

The men are taught likewise to support arms at three motions, throwing the first and second nearly into one: at the first motion they seize the small of the butt, under the lock, with the right hand, bringing the butt in the front of the groin, and keeping the lock somewhat turned out: at the second, they bring the left arm under the cock: at the third, they quit the right hand. In carrying arms from the support, the motions are exactly reversed.

In marching any distance, or in standing at ease, when supported, the men are allowed to bring their right hand across the body, to the small of the butt, which latter must in that case, be thrown still more forward; the fingers of the left hand being uppermost, must be placed between the body and the right elbow; the right hands are to be instantly removed when the division halts, or is ordered to dress by the right.

Time.--The motions in the manual exercise to be performed slow, leaving three seconds between each motion, except that of fixing bayonets, in which a longer time must be given.

The manual is not to be executed by one word, or signal, but each separate word of command is to be given by the officer who commands the body performing it.

In regard to the motions of securing, grounding, and trailing, as well as those of piling, &c. it will be sufficient for the soldiers to be taught to perform them in the most convenient and quickest method. Returning bayonets is to be done from the order; in the same manner as fixing them.

Sentries.--Sentries posted with shouldered arms, are permitted afterwards to support, but not to slope them. On the approach of an officer, they immediately carry their arms, and put themselves into their proper position; which is not to be done at the instant he passes, but by the time he is within twenty yards of their post, so that they may be perfectly steady before he comes up.

Corporals.--Corporals marching with reliefs, or commanding detachments, or divisions, carry their arms advanced, as formerly: for which purpose a soldier, when promoted to that rank, must be taught the position of advanced arms.

Explanation of the several Motions of the Platoon Exercise, as taught at the drill in the British service.

I. Make Ready.--As usual, bringing the firelock to the recover, and instantly cocking.

II. Aim.--1st. Slip the left hand along the sling, as far as the swell of the firelock, and bring the piece down to the present, stepping back about six inches to the rear with the right foot.

III. Fire.--After firing drop the firelock briskly to the priming position.

2d. Half cock.

IV. Handle Cartridge.--1st. Draw the cartridge from the pouch.

2d. Bring it to the mouth, holding it between the fore finger and thumb, and bite off the top of it.

V. Prime.--1st. Shake some powder into the pan.