1:
The Manual Exercise, as ordered by His Majesty, in 1764
I. Poise your Firelocks!
1. Seize the Firelock with your right Hand, and turn the Lock outwards, keeping the Firelock perpendicular.
2. Bring up the Firelock with a quick Motion from the Shoulder, and seize it with the left Hand just above the Lock, so that the little Finger may rest upon the Spring, and the Thumb lie upon the Stock: The Firelock must not be held too far from the Body, and the left Hand must be of an equal Height with the Eyes.
II. Cock your Firelocks!
1. Turn the Barrel opposite to your Face, and place your Thumb upon the Cock, raising the Elbow square at this motion.
2. Cock your Firelock, by drawing your Elbow down, placing your Thumb upon the Breech Pin, and the Fingers under the Guard.
III. Present!
1. Step back about six Inches to the Rear with the Right Foot, bring the left Toe to the Front; at the same time the Butt End of the Firelock must be brought to an equal Height with your Shoulder, placing the left Hand upon the Swell, and the Fore-Finger of the right Hand before the Tricker, sinking the Muzzle a little.
IV. Fire!
1. Pull the Tricker briskly, and immediately after bringing up the right Foot, come to the Priming Position, with the Lock opposite to the right Breast, the Muzzle the Height of the Hat, keeping it firm and steady, and at the same Time seize the Cock with the Fore-Finger and Thumb of the right Hand, the Back of the Hand turn'd up.
V. Half Cock your Firelocks!
1. Half bend the Cock briskly with a draw back of the right Elbow, bringing it close to the Butt of the Firelock.
VI. Handle your Cartridge!
1. Bring your right Hand with a short Round to your Pouch, slapping it hard; seize the Cartridge, and bring it with a quick motion to your Mouth, bite the Top well off and bring the Hand as low as the Chin, with the Elbow down.
VII. Prime!
1. Shake the Powder into the Pan, Placing the three left Fingers behind the Hammer, with the Elbow up.
VIII. Shut your Pans!
1. Shut your Pan briskly, drawing your right Arm at this Motion towards your Body, holding the Cartridge fast in your Hand, as in the former Position.
2. Turn the Piece nimbly round to the loading Position, with the Lock to the Front, and the Muzzle the Height of the Chin, bringing the right Hand behind the Muzzle; both Feet kept fast in this Motion.
IX. Charge with Cartridge!
1. Turn up your Hand and put the Cartridge into the Muzzle, shaking the Powder into the Barrel.
2. Place your Hand, closed, with a quick and strong Motion, upon the Rammer.
X. Draw your Rammers!
1. Draw the Rammer with a quick Motion, half out, seizing it at the Muzzle back-handed.
2. Draw it quite out, turn it, and enter it into the Muzzle.
XI. Ram down your Cartridge!
1. Ram the Cartridge well down the Barrel, instantly recovering and seizing the Rammer back-handed at the Center, turning it and enter it as far as the lower Pipe, placing at the same Time the Edge of the Hand on the Butt End of the Rammer, with Fingers extended.
XII. Return your Rammers!
1. Return the Rammer, bringing up the Piece with the left Hand to the Shoulder, seizing it with the right Hand under the Cock, keeping the left Hand fast at the Swell, turning the Body square to the Front.
XIII. Shoulder your Firelocks!
1. Quit the left Hand and place it strong upon the Butt.
2. Quit the right Hand and throw it down the right Side.
XIV. Rest your Firelocks!
1. Seize the Firelock with the right Hand, turning the Lock outwards.
2. Raise the Firelock from your Shoulder, and place your left Hand with a quick Motion above the Lock, holding the Piece right up and down in both Hands before you, and your left Hand even with your Eyes.
3. Step briskly back with your right Foot, placing it a Hand's Breadth distant from your left Heel, at the same Time bring down the Firelock as quick as possible to the Rest, sinking it as far down before your left Knee as your right Hand will permit without constraint; your left Hand at the Feather Spring, and your right with Fingers extended held under the Guard, taking care to draw in the Muzzle well towards your Body, and to dress in a Line with the Butt-End.
XV. Order your Firelocks!
1. Place your Firelock nimbly with your left Hand against your right Shoulder.
2. Quit the Firelock with the right Hand, and sinking it at the same Time with your Left, seize it at the Muzzle, which must be of an equal Height with your Chin, and hold it close against your right Side.
3. Lift up your right Foot and place it by your Left; at the same Time throw back your left Hand by your left Side, and with your Right, bring down the Butt-End strong upon the Ground, placing it even with the Toe of your right Foot; the Thumb of your right Hand lying along the Barrel, and the Muzzle kept at a little Distance from your Body.
XVI. Ground your Firelocks!
1. Face to the Right upon your Heels, and at the same Time turn the Firelock so that the Lock may point to the Rear, and the flat of the Butt-End lie against the inside of your Foot, at the same Time slipping the right Foot behind the Butt of the Firelock, the right Toe pointing to the Right, and the Left to the Front.
2. Step directly forward with your left Foot about as far as the Swell of the Firelock, and lay it upon the Ground, your left Hand hanging down by your left Foot, and your Right kept fast with the Butt-End against it.
3. Raise yourself up nimbly, bringing back your left Foot to its former Position, keeping your Body faced to the Right.
4. Face again to the Left upon your Heels and come to your proper Front, letting your Hands hang down without Motion.
XVII. Take up your Firelocks!
1. Face to the Right upon both Heels.
2. Sink your Body down, and come to the Position described in the second Motion of Grounding.
3. Raise yourself, and Firelock, bringing it close to your right Side.
4. Come to your proper Front, seizing the Firelock at the Muzzle, and come to the Order.
XIIX. Rest your Firelocks!
1. Slip your right Hand down the Barrel as far as the Swell.
2. Raise the Firelock high up in a perpendicular Line from the Ground with your right Hand, and seize it with the left above the Spring, the Cock the Height of the Waist-Belt.
3. Step back with your right Foot, placing it behind your left Heel, and come to the Rest.
XIX. Shoulder your Firelocks!
1. Lift up your right Foot and place it by your Left; bring the Firelock at the same Time to your left Shoulder, and seize the Butt-End with the left Hand, keeping it in the same Position as above described.
2. Throw your right Hand briskly back.
XX. Secure your Firelocks!
1. Bring the right Hand briskly up, and place it under the Cock, keeping the Firelock steady in the same Position.
2. Quit the Butt with the left Hand, and seize the Firelock with it at the Swell, bringing the Elbow close down under the Lock: The right Hand kept fast in this Motion, and the Piece still upright.
3. Quit the right Hand and bring it down your right Side, bring your Firelock nimbly down to the Secure; the left Hand in a Line with the Waist-Belt.
XXI. Shoulder your Firelocks!
1. Bring the Firelock up to a perpendicular Line, seizing it with the right Hand under the Cock.
2. Quit the left Hand, and place it strong upon the Butt.
3. Quit the right Hand, and bring it smartly down the right Side.
XXII. Fix your Bayonets!
1. Bring the right Hand briskly up, and place it under the Cock, keeping the Firelock steady in the same Position.
2. Quit the Butt with the left Hand, and seize the Firelock with it at the Swell, bringing the Elbow close down under the Lock: The right Hand kept fast in this Motion, and the Piece still upright.
3. Quit the right Hand, and bring the Firelock smartly down to the left Side with the left Hand, as far as it will admit without Constraint, seizing the Bayonet at the same Time with the right Hand, and fixing it, placing that Hand just below the Brass, with the Piece kept close to the hollow of the Shoulder.
XXIII. Shoulder your Firelocks!
1. Quit the right Hand, and bring up the Firelock with the Left, seize it again under the Cock with your Right, as in the second Motion of the Secure.
2. Quit the left Hand, and place it strong upon the Butt.
3. Quit the right Hand, and bring it down the right Side.
XXIV. Present your Arms!
As explained in the three Motions of the fourteenth Word of Command.
XXV. To the Right Face!
1. Bring up the Firelock, with a quick Motion high before you, till your left Hand comes even with your Eyes, with the Fingers of that Hand extended along the Stock, just above the Feather Spring. The right Foot to be brought close up to the Left Heel in this Motion.
2. Face to the Right, taking care in Facing to hold the Firelock right up and down, and steady in your Hands.
3. Step back with your right Foot and come down to your Present.
XXVI. To the Right Face!
As in the foregoing Explanation.
XXVII. To the Right About Face!
As in the foregoing Explanation, coming to the Right about, instead of to the Right.
XXVIII. To the Left Face!
1. Bring the right Foot briskly to the Hollow of your Left, with the Firelock in the same Position as in the first Motion of facing to the Right.
2. Face to the Left.
3. Come down to your Present.
XXIX. To the Left Face!
As before.
XXX. To the Left About Face!
As before, coming to the Left about, instead of to the Left.
XXXI. Shoulder your Firelocks!
As in the two Motions of Explanation nineteen.
XXXII. Charge your Bayonets!
1. As in Explanation one.
2. Bring the Swell of the Firelock down strong upon the Palm of the Hand, turning upon both Heels to the Right, the right Hand grasping the Piece at the Small behind the Lock, and as high as the Waist-Belt: The Firelock upon a level, with the Barrel upwards.
XXXIII. Shoulder your Firelocks!
1. Bring up the Firelock to the Shoulder, place the right Hand upon the Butt, bringing the Feet square to the Front.
2. Quit the right Hand, and throw it down the right Side.
XXXIV Advance your Arms!
1. & 2. as in Explanation one.
3. Bring the Firelock down the right Side with the right Hand, as low as it will admit without Constraint, slipping the left Hand at the same Time to the Swell, the Guard between the Thumb and Fore-Finger of the right Hand, the three last Fingers under the Cock, with the Barrel to the Rear.
4. Quit the left Hand.
XXXV. Shoulder your Firelocks!
1. Bring up the left Hand and seize the Piece at the Swell.
2. Come smartly up to a Poise.
3. & 4. Shoulder.
Drillformen (Grundlagen)
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Drillformen (Grundlagen)
von Christoph » Do 17. Mär 2011, 11:29
"England's Georgel, Kaiser, König, Ist für Gott und uns zu wenig"
German Battalion 1776-1781
http://www.facebook.com/groups/462635667097068/
German Battalion 1776-1781
http://www.facebook.com/groups/462635667097068/
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Christoph - Administrator
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Re: Drillformen (Grundlagen)
von Christoph » Do 17. Mär 2011, 11:30
The Manual Exercise
taken from
"An Easy Plan of Discipline For A Militia"
by Timothy Pickering, jun.
Printed 1775
Take care to perform the Manual Exercise!
Every soldier must give the greatest attention to the words of command. He is to stand straight and firm upon his legs, with his heels close together, and toes a little turned out; the belly drawn in a little, but without constraint; the breast a little projected; the shoulders square to the front, and kept back; the head erect, and turned to the right, so as to look easily at the fuglar; the right hand hanging straight down by the side with the palm towards the thigh, in its natural, unconstrained position; he is to carry the firelock against the left shoulder, almost upright, and so low down that the guard will be just under the left breast; the barrel outwards; the left elbow drawn back (but without constraint) and not thrust out from the side; the three last fingers of the left hand under the butt, and the forefinger and thumb on the fore side of it; thus grasping it strongly, and with the upper part of the palm of the hand pressing the piece to the side, that it may be kept steady; by this means bringing the backs of the fingers which are under the butt and turn up on the inside of it, close against the projecting top of the thigh-bone; and lastly turning the lock a very little to the front so that the piece may not lean towards the head nor from it.
I. Fix your Bayonet! 3 motions.
1. Keeping the firelock steady at the shoulder, seize it briskly with the right hand under the cock, the thumb on the side of the stock, and pointing upwards.
2. Throw up your left hand, and seize the firelock at the swell of the stock below the tail pipe, bringing your left arm, from the hand to the elbow, close along the outside of the firelock, which will be brought about four inches forwards from the shoulder, without moving the butt.
3. Quitting the right hand, with your left hand sink the firelock (letting it flip a little) on the left side till the butt strikes the ground, as far back as the heels; the muzzle coming about five inches before the hollow of the shoulder; the left arm is to be straight, the left hand holding the firelock a little above the swell of the tail pipe; at the same instant seizing the socket, or the handle of the bayonet with the right hand, (the curved neck of it coming between the thumb and fore finger) and the thumb in the hollow of the bend, draw it, and bringing the notch of the sight on the muzzle, thrust it down, turn it from you, (carrying your hand downwards) and fix it.
II. Shoulder! 3 motions.
1. Quit the right hand, and bringing up the firelock with the left, seize it again with the right hand under the cock, at the same time flipping the left hand down upon the swell at the tail pipe, so as to be in the position of the 2nd motion of the 1st explanation.
2. Quit the left hand, and place it smartly upon the butt, at the same time bringing the piece against your shoulder with your right hand.
3. Throw your right hand down by your side, with the palm towards the thigh, in its natural unconstrained position.
III. Charge your Bayonet! 2 motions.
1. Seize the firelock with the right hand below the cock, as in explanation 1st, motion 1st.
2. Make a half face to the right, turning upon both heels (keeping them both together) till the right toe points to the right, and the left toe to the front, at the same time giving the firelock a set-off by the butt, and quitting it with the left hand, bring it with the right hand to the right side, pulling up the butt briskly, thereby bringing the piece down with smartness upon the palm of the left hand, with which you meet it (just as it falls to a level) about half way between the hammer-spring and the tail-pipe, the thumb on the inside, pointing forwards, along the stock, the fingers clasped round the piece; with your right hand you grasp strongly the small of the stock behind the lock, pressing the piece to you, the back of the thumb touching the lowermost rib, the two last fingers bearing on the top of the hip; the bayonet is presented directly to the front, upon a level, the left hand supporting the firelock, to do it more easily, as well as strongly, press the left arm from the shoulder to the elbow, close to the body.
IV. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. Pulling up the muzzle with the left hand, and pushing down the butt with your right hand, spring the piece over to the left side, turning the barrel to the front, quitting the left hand and placing it strong upon the butt; and bringing the firelock against the left shoulder; thus coming to the position of explanation 1st, motion 1st.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
V. Prime and Load! 10 motions.
1. Throw up your firelock briskly, giving it a turn so as to bring the barrel inwards, or looking to the rear, by smartly pushing the thick part of the butt to the right with the fore part of the hand, and pulling the thin part of the butt round to the front with the two last fingers, the cock as high as, and directly before the left breast, catching the piece with both hands, the right hand below the lock with the thumb close under the cock, and the fingers below the guard, and the left hand just above the hammer-spring, with the thumb upright. This position is called a Recover; the barrel of the firelock is to be perpendicular.
2. Make a half face to the right, turning upon both heels (keeping them close together) till the right toe points to the right, and the left toe to the front, at the same time bringing the firelock to the right side, pulling the butt up under the right arm-pit, thereby bringing down the piece briskly, but stopping it with the left hand before it can fall to a level; at the instant the piece is brought down, quit the right hand, and place the right thumb against the face of the hammer, under the flint, the fingers neither clinched, nor extended, but just as they naturally fall; the left arm lays against the body, with the elbow carried to the right almost to the center of the body; and from the elbow up to the hand the arm is nearly perpendicular; the firelock pointing straight to the front, and its muzzle so high as to clear the man’s head in the rank before you, when the ranks are in close order, rests on the palm of the left hand, (which is just forward of the hammer-spring) the thumb extending along the stock, and the fingers clasping the piece.--- This attitude is called the priming position.
3. Open the pan, pushing back the hammer with your thumb.
4. Handle your cartridge, bringing down your right hand briskly, with a slap upon your pouch; and taking out a cartridge with your two fore-fingers and thumb, bring it up to your mouth, the elbow a little turned up, and open it, by biting off the top of the paper so as to feel the powder in your mouth; then, placing your thumb upon the top of your cartridge, bring it down close to and even with the pan (the first joint of the fore-finger touching the under side of the pan) the thumb uppermost.
5. Prime, by turning up the hand and shaking some of the powder into the pan; and again placing your thumb upon the cartridge, bring your two last fingers behind the hammer.
6. Shut the pan with a quick motion, drawing back the elbow.
7. Cast about your firelock briskly, sinking the butt by a strong push with the two last fingers of the right hand against the hammer; at the same time bringing down the left hand with the piece, let it slip through it till the butt touches the ground on the outside of the left toe, and about five inches from it, in such a direction that the toes and the butt of the firelock may be about on the same range, with the lock to the front, the left arm straight, the left hand before the left thigh, holding the piece between the thumb and fingers; as soon as you have pushed down the butt, as before mentioned, you meet the muzzle of the firelock with the hollow of the right hand, keeping the muzzle before the center of the body, and about five inches from it.
8. Load, turning up your hand, putting the cartridge into the muzzle, the open end downwards, giving it a sudden shake that the powder may run out of it, and pushing it into the barrel with the forefinger; then instantly turning the stock a little towards you, so as to come at the rammer easily, seize the butt of it with the thumb and fore-finger, all the fingers being clenched (the thumb and fore-finger uppermost) and the elbow down.
9. Draw your rammer with a quick motion half out, catching it instantly with your right hand, the back of it towards you, the thumb turned downwards and on the outer side of the rammer, the back of the thumb just above, or touching the muzzle; immediately clear the rammer of the pipes, turn it, and bringing the butt of it into the muzzle upon the cartridge, instantly thrust it down till the hand comes to the muzzle.
10. Slip up your hand up to the small end, and thrusting down the rammer, drive the cartridge home; then nimbly draw the rammer half way out of the barrel, catch it back-handed (as in the ninth motion) the fore-finger and back of the thumb just above, or touching the muzzle, clear it of the barrel, turn it, and bring the small end into the pipes, and with one push, thrust it down till your hand comes to the muzzle; then slipping up the hand, place the first joint of the fore-finger on the top of the butt, holding the rammer between the thumb and middle-finger about two inches below the fore-finger, and immediately with one more push thrust the rammer home, letting the middle-finger, when it comes to the muzzle, slip under the barrel, the thumb and fore-finger being still kept upon the rammer. Be careful, from the entering of the first pipe till the rammer is completely returned, to bear it upwards with your hand, so as to keep the point of it close in the groove of the stock.
VI. Shoulder! 3 motions.
1. With great briskness throw up the firelock with the left hand, to the left side, and, opening the hand a little, instantly slip it down till it comes to the swell by the tail pipe, then closing it again, (the thumb pointing upwards and the fingers clasping the piece); at the same time with the right hand seize the firelock below the lock, the fore-finger close under the cock, and the thumb on the side of the stock pointing upwards, the left arm, from the hand to the elbow, lying against the firelock; and at the same instant as you throw up the firelock you turn upon both heels to your proper front; thus coming to the position of the 2d motion of the 1st explanation.
2. As in explanation 2d, motion 2d.
3. As in explanation 2d, motion 3d.
VII. As Front Rank, make ready! 1 motion.
Throw up your firelock briskly to the Recover, as in explanation 5th, motion 1st; then (making a scarcely sensible pause) sink the body with a quick motion, (turning the left toe to the front, but keeping the heel fast) and kneel upon the right knee, throwing the right foot so far back (which will be from three feet to three and a half, according to the length of the limbs) as that the left leg may be straight up and down, and the right knee about ten or twelve inches behind the left heel, and in such a direction, that, if a straight line be drawn from front to rear, touching the inside of the left heel, and the inside of the right toe, then the inside of the right knee shall be about five inches to the right of that line. At the same time that you kneel, bring the butt upon the top of the left thigh, and cock the firelock (having brought the thumb over the cock the instant you begin to kneel;) hold the piece upright, and so near the body that the cock may almost, or quite touch the left breast; keep the body also perfectly upright, and both elbows down, the left coming close to the firelock.
VIII. Present! 1 motion.
Throw down the muzzle of your piece with the left hand, and spring up the butt with the right, bringing the butt-end into the hollow, between the right breast and shoulder, and pressing it hard against the shoulder; at the same time place the fore-finger before the trigger; slip the left hand forward as far as the swell by the tail-pipe, supporting the firelock at an exact level, the thumb pointing forwards to the muzzle; put the elbows down, but in easy positions; lean the right cheek against the butt of the firelock, shut the left eye, and look with the right along the barrel, from the breech-pin to the sight near the muzzle, at the object you would hit; or, in three words (to use the well known phrase) take good sight.
IX. Fire! 9 motions. **
1. Pull the trigger strongly and at once with the fore-finger, that the piece may be sure to go off; and having fired, instantly raise up your body, by a smart spring upon your left leg, and a sudden push against the ground with your right toe, keeping the left foot fast, and bringing the right heel close to the left; at the same time bring the butt of the firelock up under the right arm-pit, and the muzzle to its proper height; slipping back the left hand towards the hammer spring, and seizing the cock, above the flint, with the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, all the fingers being bent inwards, but not clenched hard, the back of the hand up, and the right elbow down: thus coming to the priming position; as directed in explanation 5th, motion 2d.
2. Half-cock your firelock, by drawing back the right arm.
3. Handle your cartridge. As in the 4th motion of the fifth explanation.
4. Prime. As in the 5th motion of the fifth explanation.
5. Shut your pan. As in the 6th motion of the fifth explanation.
6. Cast about. As in the 7th motion of the fifth explanation.
7. Load. As in the 8th motion of the fifth explanation.
8. Draw your rammer. As in the 9th motion of the fifth explanation.
9. Ram and return. As in the 10th motion of the fifth explanation.
** There is really but one motion in firing; yet, as no time is to be lost in action, and as the men would, after discharging, immediately proceed to load again, almost involuntarily, from a principle of self-defense; so they are to be taught to do the same thing at exercise; as soon as they have fired, going on to prime and load again, without the particular word of command therefor being given.
X. Shoulder! 3 motions.
Proceed as directed in the sixth explanation.
XI. As Center Rank, make ready! 1 motion.
Throw up your firelock briskly to the Recover, as in explanation 5th, motion 1st, then instantly turning the left toe to the front, at the same time step back with the right foot about eighteen inches to the rear, planting the heel five or six inches to the right of a line drawn from the left heel straight into the rear, pointing the right toe to the right; also place the right thumb upon the cock, immediately upon coming to the recover, and cock the piece at the instant the right foot, in stepping back, strikes the ground, and keep it upright, at a recover.
XII. Present! 1 motion.
As in explanation 8th, presenting the piece somewhat to the right of the front rank, and sinking the muzzle a little, so as to aim at a man’s breast if a gun shot off. When you bring down the muzzle, you slip forward the left hand to the swell by the tail-pipe.
XIII. Fire! 9 motions.
As in explanation 9th, immediately upon having fired bringing the right heel up close to the left, coming to the priming position, and without delay proceeding to prime and load.
XIV. Shoulder! 3 motions.
Proceed as directed in the 6th explanation.
XV. As Rear Rank, make Ready! 1 motion.
As in explanation 9th, only this rank steps to the right so far that their right toes come directly behind, and eight or ten inches in the rear of, the left heels of their right-hand men; bending the right knees a little, so as to bring the right legs nearly straight up and down; this will throw their bodies into the intervals of the file-leaders and files upon the right, and enable them to present with more ease and advantage, and to spring back with briskness after they have fired.
XVI. Present! 1 motion.
As in explanations 8th and 12th, but presenting a little to the right of the center rank, as that rank did to the right of the front rank.
XVII. Fire! 9 motions.
As in explanations 9th and 13th.
XVIII. Shoulder! 3 motions.
Proceed as directed in the sixth explanation.
XIX. Ranks! make Ready! 1 motion.
The three ranks make ready together; the front rank as in explanation 7th, the center rank as in explanation 11th, and the rear rank as in explanation 15th.
XX. Present! 1 motion.
As in explanations 8th, 12th, and 16th.
XXI. Fire! 1 motion.
The three ranks fire together; then instantly spring to the position of Recover, described in explanation 5th, motion 1st.
XXII. Charge your Bayonet! 1 motion.
Bring down your firelock, and make a half face to the right, coming at once to the position of explanation 3d, motion 2d.
XXIII. Recover your Arms! 1 motion.
Bring your firelock at once up to the position of the Recover, described in explanation 5th, motion 1st, facing square to the front.
XXIV. Half-Cock your Firelock! 1 motion.
Place the right thumb upon the cock, raising the elbow a little, and instantly half-cock, bringing the elbow down, and then dropping the thumb upon the breech-pin.
XXV. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. With both hands give the piece a sudden turn till the barrel comes to the front (turning it first to the right, and to round to the front) quitting instantly the left hand, and placing it under the butt as the piece is sinking in the right hand; and with both hands (but principally with the right) bring the firelock against your left shoulder; thus coming to the position of explanation 1st, motion 1st.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXVI. Shut your Pan! 2 motions.
1. Bring up your right hand just above the hammer, with the fingers extended, and the fore-finger touching the barrel; and instantly thrusting the two fore fingers behind the hammer, force it down smartly.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXVII. Return your Bayonet! 3 motions.
1. As in explanation 1st, motion 1st.
2. As in explanation 1st, motion 2d.
3. Sink the firelock with your left hand, till the butt strikes the ground, as in explanation 1st, motion 3d, quitting the right hand and bringing it up to the muzzle, with the upper joint of the fore-finger under the neck of the bayonet (which brings the back of the hand to the front) striking it up strongly, clapping down the thumb in the hollow of the neck, turning the bayonet towards you (bringing the neck to the front) pushing it up again briskly, fetching it off from the muzzle, and returning it into the scabbard; which being done, instantly thrown up to your right hand and seize the firelock at the muzzle.
XXVIII. Shoulder! 3 motions.
Do precisely as is directed in the 2d explanation.
XXIX. Secure your Firelock! 3 motions.
1 and 2, As in explanation 1st, motions 1st and 2d.
3. Throw down your left hand briskly along with the firelock, the barrel downwards, the muzzle pointing straight to the front, and coming within about a foot of the ground, and the butt close up to the hind part of the arm-pit; the firelock, where it touches your side, rests about half way between the top of the hip -bone and the top of the thigh-bone; and you cover the lock with the left arm, which, for that end, is to be kept, from the elbow to the wrist, close against the piece.
XXX. Shoulder! 3 motions.
1. Raising your firelock with your left hand, (throwing up the muzzle till the barrel be perpendicular) and seizing it instantly with the right hand under the cock, come to the position directed in the 2d motion of the 1st explanation.
2 and 3, As in explanation 2d, motions 2d and 3d.
XXXI. Slope your Firelock! 1 motion.
With the left hand push the firelock upwards, slipping it upon the shoulder; and at the same time raising the butt forward, let the muzzle drop behind, but not so low as to interfere with the head of the man behind you if you are at close order. In doing this motion you will naturally point the firelock to the right, in an oblique position; and it may properly be held so far obliquely, as that the muzzle shall be behind the right shoulder, in a range from front to rear. In this position you will balance and carry the firelock in the manner you find most easy.
XXXII. Erect your Firelock! 2 motions.
1. With your left hand pull down the butt of the firelock to the hip-bone, at the same time throwing up the right hand against the stock below the lock, to keep the piece to the shoulder.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXXIII. Support your Firelock! 2 motions.
1. Without stirring the firelock, seize it with your right hand so far below the lock as to give room for the left arm to be brought under the cock at the next motion, the thumb on the inside, pointing upwards, the ball of it only touching the piece, the upper joints of the fingers on the front of the small of the stock, and the lower joints clasped round on the outside of it.
2. Quitting the butt with the left hand, bring your left arm close up under the cock, resting the left hand upon the right arm, the palm nearly on the upper side, the fingers mostly on the fore side of it, extended towards the elbow, and the thumb between the arm and the body; the left arm is to be straight across the body, in the most easy position; and the cock resting upon it near the bend of the elbow supports the piece. The position of the firelock at the support, if well carried, does not differ materially from its position when shouldered.
XXXIV. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. Seize the butt with your left hand.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXXV. Advance your Firelock! 3 motions.
1. Throw up the firelock to a recover; as in explanation 5th, motion 1st.
2. With a quick motion bring your piece before your right side, letting it sink, and slipping up the left hand to about the middle of the barrel; at the same time draw the thumb from under the cock, placing it above the guard, and the three last fingers from below the guard, bringing the little finger under the cock, with that, and the fore-finger which is under the guard, chiefly supporting the firelock; the small of the stock lies between the fore-finger and middle finger, the second joint of the thumb rests upon the guard, the back of the hand is turned to the right, and the palm of it, near the wrist, bears upon the hammer spring and the edge of the hammer; at the instant you slip up the left hand, and shift the right hand, coming to the position just described, you bring the barrel of the piece into the hollow between the right breast and shoulder, the left hand slipped up, being as high as the arm-pit, and the right arm hanging straight down by your side in an easy, unconstrained position.
3. Throw your left hand down by your side.
XXXVI. Shoulder! 3 motions.
1. With your right hand throw up the firelock before the left breast, catching it with both hands, and bringing it to a proper recover.
2. Turning the barrel by the right round to the front, and quitting the left hand, sink the piece with the right hand by the left side, and seize the butt with the left hand, bringing the piece against the shoulder; thus coming to the position of explanation 1st, motion 1st.
3. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXXVII. Carry your Firelock in your right hand ! 2 motions.
1. Throwing up the right hand, seize the firelock just below the swell by the tail-pipe, the little finger touching, or being near, the left shoulder, and almost as high as the top of it.
2. Quit the left hand and bring the firelock with the right hand down by your right side, holding it in a sloping position, the butt coming within a few inches of the ground, and the muzzle about a foot and a half before the right shoulder.
XXXVIII. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. Bring the firelock against the left shoulder, coming to the position of explanation 37th, motion 1st.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXXIX. Order your Firelock! 2 motions.
1. Seize the firelock with your right hand, just below the swell by the tail-pipe, as in explanation 37th, motion 1st.
2. Quitting the left hand, bring down the firelock briskly with the right hand, by your right side, letting it slip through the hand till the butt strikes the ground on the outside of , but near to the right toe, the barrel coming behind, and resting against the hollow between the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, with which you hold the piece upright; keeping the hand as low as may be without constraint.
XL. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. With your right hand bring up the firelock against your left shoulder, and place the left hand under the butt, taking care to give the piece a little toss up, and to slip down your hand below the swell by the tail-pipe, just as you are bringing the piece against your shoulder; thus coming to the position of explanation 37th, motion 1st.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XLI. Ground your Firelock! 4 motions.
1st and 2d motions as in explanation 39th.
3. Slip the two fore-fingers of the right hand over the stock till their ends are on the left side of the rammer, and instantly turn the firelock on the butt till the lock points to the rear; then, without making the least pause, step with the left foot directly forward a moderate pace, (or so far, that when the firelock is laid on the ground, the right hand and left heel may be about on a line) and bending the right knee till it comes down by the piece within an inch or two of the ground, and placing the left hand on the left knee, (by way of support to the body) lay the firelock on the ground, the barrel in a straight line to the front, the lock upwards, and your head sufficiently erect to see the fugle man, or posture master.
4. Quitting the firelock, raise up your body and bring back your left foot to its former position, letting both hands hang by your sides, easy and unconstrained.
XLII. Shoulder! 4 motions.
1. Step forward with the left foot, and bending the right knee and placing your left hand on your left knee, seize the firelock where you held it in grounding; thus coming to the position of the 3d motion of explanation 4.
2. Raise up yourself and firelock, stepping back again with the left foot, and as soon as the piece comes nearly perpendicular, with your thumb pulled back and two fore fingers pushed forward turn the barrel behind; coming to the position of the 2d motion of explanation 39.
3 and 4, Bring the firelock to your shoulder as in explanation 40.
taken from
"An Easy Plan of Discipline For A Militia"
by Timothy Pickering, jun.
Printed 1775
Take care to perform the Manual Exercise!
Every soldier must give the greatest attention to the words of command. He is to stand straight and firm upon his legs, with his heels close together, and toes a little turned out; the belly drawn in a little, but without constraint; the breast a little projected; the shoulders square to the front, and kept back; the head erect, and turned to the right, so as to look easily at the fuglar; the right hand hanging straight down by the side with the palm towards the thigh, in its natural, unconstrained position; he is to carry the firelock against the left shoulder, almost upright, and so low down that the guard will be just under the left breast; the barrel outwards; the left elbow drawn back (but without constraint) and not thrust out from the side; the three last fingers of the left hand under the butt, and the forefinger and thumb on the fore side of it; thus grasping it strongly, and with the upper part of the palm of the hand pressing the piece to the side, that it may be kept steady; by this means bringing the backs of the fingers which are under the butt and turn up on the inside of it, close against the projecting top of the thigh-bone; and lastly turning the lock a very little to the front so that the piece may not lean towards the head nor from it.
I. Fix your Bayonet! 3 motions.
1. Keeping the firelock steady at the shoulder, seize it briskly with the right hand under the cock, the thumb on the side of the stock, and pointing upwards.
2. Throw up your left hand, and seize the firelock at the swell of the stock below the tail pipe, bringing your left arm, from the hand to the elbow, close along the outside of the firelock, which will be brought about four inches forwards from the shoulder, without moving the butt.
3. Quitting the right hand, with your left hand sink the firelock (letting it flip a little) on the left side till the butt strikes the ground, as far back as the heels; the muzzle coming about five inches before the hollow of the shoulder; the left arm is to be straight, the left hand holding the firelock a little above the swell of the tail pipe; at the same instant seizing the socket, or the handle of the bayonet with the right hand, (the curved neck of it coming between the thumb and fore finger) and the thumb in the hollow of the bend, draw it, and bringing the notch of the sight on the muzzle, thrust it down, turn it from you, (carrying your hand downwards) and fix it.
II. Shoulder! 3 motions.
1. Quit the right hand, and bringing up the firelock with the left, seize it again with the right hand under the cock, at the same time flipping the left hand down upon the swell at the tail pipe, so as to be in the position of the 2nd motion of the 1st explanation.
2. Quit the left hand, and place it smartly upon the butt, at the same time bringing the piece against your shoulder with your right hand.
3. Throw your right hand down by your side, with the palm towards the thigh, in its natural unconstrained position.
III. Charge your Bayonet! 2 motions.
1. Seize the firelock with the right hand below the cock, as in explanation 1st, motion 1st.
2. Make a half face to the right, turning upon both heels (keeping them both together) till the right toe points to the right, and the left toe to the front, at the same time giving the firelock a set-off by the butt, and quitting it with the left hand, bring it with the right hand to the right side, pulling up the butt briskly, thereby bringing the piece down with smartness upon the palm of the left hand, with which you meet it (just as it falls to a level) about half way between the hammer-spring and the tail-pipe, the thumb on the inside, pointing forwards, along the stock, the fingers clasped round the piece; with your right hand you grasp strongly the small of the stock behind the lock, pressing the piece to you, the back of the thumb touching the lowermost rib, the two last fingers bearing on the top of the hip; the bayonet is presented directly to the front, upon a level, the left hand supporting the firelock, to do it more easily, as well as strongly, press the left arm from the shoulder to the elbow, close to the body.
IV. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. Pulling up the muzzle with the left hand, and pushing down the butt with your right hand, spring the piece over to the left side, turning the barrel to the front, quitting the left hand and placing it strong upon the butt; and bringing the firelock against the left shoulder; thus coming to the position of explanation 1st, motion 1st.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
V. Prime and Load! 10 motions.
1. Throw up your firelock briskly, giving it a turn so as to bring the barrel inwards, or looking to the rear, by smartly pushing the thick part of the butt to the right with the fore part of the hand, and pulling the thin part of the butt round to the front with the two last fingers, the cock as high as, and directly before the left breast, catching the piece with both hands, the right hand below the lock with the thumb close under the cock, and the fingers below the guard, and the left hand just above the hammer-spring, with the thumb upright. This position is called a Recover; the barrel of the firelock is to be perpendicular.
2. Make a half face to the right, turning upon both heels (keeping them close together) till the right toe points to the right, and the left toe to the front, at the same time bringing the firelock to the right side, pulling the butt up under the right arm-pit, thereby bringing down the piece briskly, but stopping it with the left hand before it can fall to a level; at the instant the piece is brought down, quit the right hand, and place the right thumb against the face of the hammer, under the flint, the fingers neither clinched, nor extended, but just as they naturally fall; the left arm lays against the body, with the elbow carried to the right almost to the center of the body; and from the elbow up to the hand the arm is nearly perpendicular; the firelock pointing straight to the front, and its muzzle so high as to clear the man’s head in the rank before you, when the ranks are in close order, rests on the palm of the left hand, (which is just forward of the hammer-spring) the thumb extending along the stock, and the fingers clasping the piece.--- This attitude is called the priming position.
3. Open the pan, pushing back the hammer with your thumb.
4. Handle your cartridge, bringing down your right hand briskly, with a slap upon your pouch; and taking out a cartridge with your two fore-fingers and thumb, bring it up to your mouth, the elbow a little turned up, and open it, by biting off the top of the paper so as to feel the powder in your mouth; then, placing your thumb upon the top of your cartridge, bring it down close to and even with the pan (the first joint of the fore-finger touching the under side of the pan) the thumb uppermost.
5. Prime, by turning up the hand and shaking some of the powder into the pan; and again placing your thumb upon the cartridge, bring your two last fingers behind the hammer.
6. Shut the pan with a quick motion, drawing back the elbow.
7. Cast about your firelock briskly, sinking the butt by a strong push with the two last fingers of the right hand against the hammer; at the same time bringing down the left hand with the piece, let it slip through it till the butt touches the ground on the outside of the left toe, and about five inches from it, in such a direction that the toes and the butt of the firelock may be about on the same range, with the lock to the front, the left arm straight, the left hand before the left thigh, holding the piece between the thumb and fingers; as soon as you have pushed down the butt, as before mentioned, you meet the muzzle of the firelock with the hollow of the right hand, keeping the muzzle before the center of the body, and about five inches from it.
8. Load, turning up your hand, putting the cartridge into the muzzle, the open end downwards, giving it a sudden shake that the powder may run out of it, and pushing it into the barrel with the forefinger; then instantly turning the stock a little towards you, so as to come at the rammer easily, seize the butt of it with the thumb and fore-finger, all the fingers being clenched (the thumb and fore-finger uppermost) and the elbow down.
9. Draw your rammer with a quick motion half out, catching it instantly with your right hand, the back of it towards you, the thumb turned downwards and on the outer side of the rammer, the back of the thumb just above, or touching the muzzle; immediately clear the rammer of the pipes, turn it, and bringing the butt of it into the muzzle upon the cartridge, instantly thrust it down till the hand comes to the muzzle.
10. Slip up your hand up to the small end, and thrusting down the rammer, drive the cartridge home; then nimbly draw the rammer half way out of the barrel, catch it back-handed (as in the ninth motion) the fore-finger and back of the thumb just above, or touching the muzzle, clear it of the barrel, turn it, and bring the small end into the pipes, and with one push, thrust it down till your hand comes to the muzzle; then slipping up the hand, place the first joint of the fore-finger on the top of the butt, holding the rammer between the thumb and middle-finger about two inches below the fore-finger, and immediately with one more push thrust the rammer home, letting the middle-finger, when it comes to the muzzle, slip under the barrel, the thumb and fore-finger being still kept upon the rammer. Be careful, from the entering of the first pipe till the rammer is completely returned, to bear it upwards with your hand, so as to keep the point of it close in the groove of the stock.
VI. Shoulder! 3 motions.
1. With great briskness throw up the firelock with the left hand, to the left side, and, opening the hand a little, instantly slip it down till it comes to the swell by the tail pipe, then closing it again, (the thumb pointing upwards and the fingers clasping the piece); at the same time with the right hand seize the firelock below the lock, the fore-finger close under the cock, and the thumb on the side of the stock pointing upwards, the left arm, from the hand to the elbow, lying against the firelock; and at the same instant as you throw up the firelock you turn upon both heels to your proper front; thus coming to the position of the 2d motion of the 1st explanation.
2. As in explanation 2d, motion 2d.
3. As in explanation 2d, motion 3d.
VII. As Front Rank, make ready! 1 motion.
Throw up your firelock briskly to the Recover, as in explanation 5th, motion 1st; then (making a scarcely sensible pause) sink the body with a quick motion, (turning the left toe to the front, but keeping the heel fast) and kneel upon the right knee, throwing the right foot so far back (which will be from three feet to three and a half, according to the length of the limbs) as that the left leg may be straight up and down, and the right knee about ten or twelve inches behind the left heel, and in such a direction, that, if a straight line be drawn from front to rear, touching the inside of the left heel, and the inside of the right toe, then the inside of the right knee shall be about five inches to the right of that line. At the same time that you kneel, bring the butt upon the top of the left thigh, and cock the firelock (having brought the thumb over the cock the instant you begin to kneel;) hold the piece upright, and so near the body that the cock may almost, or quite touch the left breast; keep the body also perfectly upright, and both elbows down, the left coming close to the firelock.
VIII. Present! 1 motion.
Throw down the muzzle of your piece with the left hand, and spring up the butt with the right, bringing the butt-end into the hollow, between the right breast and shoulder, and pressing it hard against the shoulder; at the same time place the fore-finger before the trigger; slip the left hand forward as far as the swell by the tail-pipe, supporting the firelock at an exact level, the thumb pointing forwards to the muzzle; put the elbows down, but in easy positions; lean the right cheek against the butt of the firelock, shut the left eye, and look with the right along the barrel, from the breech-pin to the sight near the muzzle, at the object you would hit; or, in three words (to use the well known phrase) take good sight.
IX. Fire! 9 motions. **
1. Pull the trigger strongly and at once with the fore-finger, that the piece may be sure to go off; and having fired, instantly raise up your body, by a smart spring upon your left leg, and a sudden push against the ground with your right toe, keeping the left foot fast, and bringing the right heel close to the left; at the same time bring the butt of the firelock up under the right arm-pit, and the muzzle to its proper height; slipping back the left hand towards the hammer spring, and seizing the cock, above the flint, with the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, all the fingers being bent inwards, but not clenched hard, the back of the hand up, and the right elbow down: thus coming to the priming position; as directed in explanation 5th, motion 2d.
2. Half-cock your firelock, by drawing back the right arm.
3. Handle your cartridge. As in the 4th motion of the fifth explanation.
4. Prime. As in the 5th motion of the fifth explanation.
5. Shut your pan. As in the 6th motion of the fifth explanation.
6. Cast about. As in the 7th motion of the fifth explanation.
7. Load. As in the 8th motion of the fifth explanation.
8. Draw your rammer. As in the 9th motion of the fifth explanation.
9. Ram and return. As in the 10th motion of the fifth explanation.
** There is really but one motion in firing; yet, as no time is to be lost in action, and as the men would, after discharging, immediately proceed to load again, almost involuntarily, from a principle of self-defense; so they are to be taught to do the same thing at exercise; as soon as they have fired, going on to prime and load again, without the particular word of command therefor being given.
X. Shoulder! 3 motions.
Proceed as directed in the sixth explanation.
XI. As Center Rank, make ready! 1 motion.
Throw up your firelock briskly to the Recover, as in explanation 5th, motion 1st, then instantly turning the left toe to the front, at the same time step back with the right foot about eighteen inches to the rear, planting the heel five or six inches to the right of a line drawn from the left heel straight into the rear, pointing the right toe to the right; also place the right thumb upon the cock, immediately upon coming to the recover, and cock the piece at the instant the right foot, in stepping back, strikes the ground, and keep it upright, at a recover.
XII. Present! 1 motion.
As in explanation 8th, presenting the piece somewhat to the right of the front rank, and sinking the muzzle a little, so as to aim at a man’s breast if a gun shot off. When you bring down the muzzle, you slip forward the left hand to the swell by the tail-pipe.
XIII. Fire! 9 motions.
As in explanation 9th, immediately upon having fired bringing the right heel up close to the left, coming to the priming position, and without delay proceeding to prime and load.
XIV. Shoulder! 3 motions.
Proceed as directed in the 6th explanation.
XV. As Rear Rank, make Ready! 1 motion.
As in explanation 9th, only this rank steps to the right so far that their right toes come directly behind, and eight or ten inches in the rear of, the left heels of their right-hand men; bending the right knees a little, so as to bring the right legs nearly straight up and down; this will throw their bodies into the intervals of the file-leaders and files upon the right, and enable them to present with more ease and advantage, and to spring back with briskness after they have fired.
XVI. Present! 1 motion.
As in explanations 8th and 12th, but presenting a little to the right of the center rank, as that rank did to the right of the front rank.
XVII. Fire! 9 motions.
As in explanations 9th and 13th.
XVIII. Shoulder! 3 motions.
Proceed as directed in the sixth explanation.
XIX. Ranks! make Ready! 1 motion.
The three ranks make ready together; the front rank as in explanation 7th, the center rank as in explanation 11th, and the rear rank as in explanation 15th.
XX. Present! 1 motion.
As in explanations 8th, 12th, and 16th.
XXI. Fire! 1 motion.
The three ranks fire together; then instantly spring to the position of Recover, described in explanation 5th, motion 1st.
XXII. Charge your Bayonet! 1 motion.
Bring down your firelock, and make a half face to the right, coming at once to the position of explanation 3d, motion 2d.
XXIII. Recover your Arms! 1 motion.
Bring your firelock at once up to the position of the Recover, described in explanation 5th, motion 1st, facing square to the front.
XXIV. Half-Cock your Firelock! 1 motion.
Place the right thumb upon the cock, raising the elbow a little, and instantly half-cock, bringing the elbow down, and then dropping the thumb upon the breech-pin.
XXV. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. With both hands give the piece a sudden turn till the barrel comes to the front (turning it first to the right, and to round to the front) quitting instantly the left hand, and placing it under the butt as the piece is sinking in the right hand; and with both hands (but principally with the right) bring the firelock against your left shoulder; thus coming to the position of explanation 1st, motion 1st.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXVI. Shut your Pan! 2 motions.
1. Bring up your right hand just above the hammer, with the fingers extended, and the fore-finger touching the barrel; and instantly thrusting the two fore fingers behind the hammer, force it down smartly.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXVII. Return your Bayonet! 3 motions.
1. As in explanation 1st, motion 1st.
2. As in explanation 1st, motion 2d.
3. Sink the firelock with your left hand, till the butt strikes the ground, as in explanation 1st, motion 3d, quitting the right hand and bringing it up to the muzzle, with the upper joint of the fore-finger under the neck of the bayonet (which brings the back of the hand to the front) striking it up strongly, clapping down the thumb in the hollow of the neck, turning the bayonet towards you (bringing the neck to the front) pushing it up again briskly, fetching it off from the muzzle, and returning it into the scabbard; which being done, instantly thrown up to your right hand and seize the firelock at the muzzle.
XXVIII. Shoulder! 3 motions.
Do precisely as is directed in the 2d explanation.
XXIX. Secure your Firelock! 3 motions.
1 and 2, As in explanation 1st, motions 1st and 2d.
3. Throw down your left hand briskly along with the firelock, the barrel downwards, the muzzle pointing straight to the front, and coming within about a foot of the ground, and the butt close up to the hind part of the arm-pit; the firelock, where it touches your side, rests about half way between the top of the hip -bone and the top of the thigh-bone; and you cover the lock with the left arm, which, for that end, is to be kept, from the elbow to the wrist, close against the piece.
XXX. Shoulder! 3 motions.
1. Raising your firelock with your left hand, (throwing up the muzzle till the barrel be perpendicular) and seizing it instantly with the right hand under the cock, come to the position directed in the 2d motion of the 1st explanation.
2 and 3, As in explanation 2d, motions 2d and 3d.
XXXI. Slope your Firelock! 1 motion.
With the left hand push the firelock upwards, slipping it upon the shoulder; and at the same time raising the butt forward, let the muzzle drop behind, but not so low as to interfere with the head of the man behind you if you are at close order. In doing this motion you will naturally point the firelock to the right, in an oblique position; and it may properly be held so far obliquely, as that the muzzle shall be behind the right shoulder, in a range from front to rear. In this position you will balance and carry the firelock in the manner you find most easy.
XXXII. Erect your Firelock! 2 motions.
1. With your left hand pull down the butt of the firelock to the hip-bone, at the same time throwing up the right hand against the stock below the lock, to keep the piece to the shoulder.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXXIII. Support your Firelock! 2 motions.
1. Without stirring the firelock, seize it with your right hand so far below the lock as to give room for the left arm to be brought under the cock at the next motion, the thumb on the inside, pointing upwards, the ball of it only touching the piece, the upper joints of the fingers on the front of the small of the stock, and the lower joints clasped round on the outside of it.
2. Quitting the butt with the left hand, bring your left arm close up under the cock, resting the left hand upon the right arm, the palm nearly on the upper side, the fingers mostly on the fore side of it, extended towards the elbow, and the thumb between the arm and the body; the left arm is to be straight across the body, in the most easy position; and the cock resting upon it near the bend of the elbow supports the piece. The position of the firelock at the support, if well carried, does not differ materially from its position when shouldered.
XXXIV. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. Seize the butt with your left hand.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXXV. Advance your Firelock! 3 motions.
1. Throw up the firelock to a recover; as in explanation 5th, motion 1st.
2. With a quick motion bring your piece before your right side, letting it sink, and slipping up the left hand to about the middle of the barrel; at the same time draw the thumb from under the cock, placing it above the guard, and the three last fingers from below the guard, bringing the little finger under the cock, with that, and the fore-finger which is under the guard, chiefly supporting the firelock; the small of the stock lies between the fore-finger and middle finger, the second joint of the thumb rests upon the guard, the back of the hand is turned to the right, and the palm of it, near the wrist, bears upon the hammer spring and the edge of the hammer; at the instant you slip up the left hand, and shift the right hand, coming to the position just described, you bring the barrel of the piece into the hollow between the right breast and shoulder, the left hand slipped up, being as high as the arm-pit, and the right arm hanging straight down by your side in an easy, unconstrained position.
3. Throw your left hand down by your side.
XXXVI. Shoulder! 3 motions.
1. With your right hand throw up the firelock before the left breast, catching it with both hands, and bringing it to a proper recover.
2. Turning the barrel by the right round to the front, and quitting the left hand, sink the piece with the right hand by the left side, and seize the butt with the left hand, bringing the piece against the shoulder; thus coming to the position of explanation 1st, motion 1st.
3. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXXVII. Carry your Firelock in your right hand ! 2 motions.
1. Throwing up the right hand, seize the firelock just below the swell by the tail-pipe, the little finger touching, or being near, the left shoulder, and almost as high as the top of it.
2. Quit the left hand and bring the firelock with the right hand down by your right side, holding it in a sloping position, the butt coming within a few inches of the ground, and the muzzle about a foot and a half before the right shoulder.
XXXVIII. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. Bring the firelock against the left shoulder, coming to the position of explanation 37th, motion 1st.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XXXIX. Order your Firelock! 2 motions.
1. Seize the firelock with your right hand, just below the swell by the tail-pipe, as in explanation 37th, motion 1st.
2. Quitting the left hand, bring down the firelock briskly with the right hand, by your right side, letting it slip through the hand till the butt strikes the ground on the outside of , but near to the right toe, the barrel coming behind, and resting against the hollow between the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, with which you hold the piece upright; keeping the hand as low as may be without constraint.
XL. Shoulder! 2 motions.
1. With your right hand bring up the firelock against your left shoulder, and place the left hand under the butt, taking care to give the piece a little toss up, and to slip down your hand below the swell by the tail-pipe, just as you are bringing the piece against your shoulder; thus coming to the position of explanation 37th, motion 1st.
2. Throw your right hand down by your side.
XLI. Ground your Firelock! 4 motions.
1st and 2d motions as in explanation 39th.
3. Slip the two fore-fingers of the right hand over the stock till their ends are on the left side of the rammer, and instantly turn the firelock on the butt till the lock points to the rear; then, without making the least pause, step with the left foot directly forward a moderate pace, (or so far, that when the firelock is laid on the ground, the right hand and left heel may be about on a line) and bending the right knee till it comes down by the piece within an inch or two of the ground, and placing the left hand on the left knee, (by way of support to the body) lay the firelock on the ground, the barrel in a straight line to the front, the lock upwards, and your head sufficiently erect to see the fugle man, or posture master.
4. Quitting the firelock, raise up your body and bring back your left foot to its former position, letting both hands hang by your sides, easy and unconstrained.
XLII. Shoulder! 4 motions.
1. Step forward with the left foot, and bending the right knee and placing your left hand on your left knee, seize the firelock where you held it in grounding; thus coming to the position of the 3d motion of explanation 4.
2. Raise up yourself and firelock, stepping back again with the left foot, and as soon as the piece comes nearly perpendicular, with your thumb pulled back and two fore fingers pushed forward turn the barrel behind; coming to the position of the 2d motion of explanation 39.
3 and 4, Bring the firelock to your shoulder as in explanation 40.
"England's Georgel, Kaiser, König, Ist für Gott und uns zu wenig"
German Battalion 1776-1781
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Christoph - Administrator
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Re: Drillformen (Grundlagen)
von Christoph » Do 17. Mär 2011, 11:31
The following manual of arms
is taken from
Baron von Steuben’s
"Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States."
printed in 1779.
The Position of a Soldier under Arms.
In this position the soldier is to stand straight and firm upon his legs, with the heels two inches apart, the toes a little turned out, the belly drawn in a little without constraint, the breast a little projected, the shoulders square to the front and kept back, the right hand hanging down the side, with the palm close to the thigh, the left elbow not turned out from the body, the firelock carried on the left shoulder, at such height that the guard will be just under the left breast, the forefinger and thumb before the swell of the butt, the three last fingers under the butt, the flat of the butt against the hip bone, and pressed so as that the firelock may be felt against the left side, and stand before the hollow of the shoulder, neither leaning towards the head nor from it the barrel almost perpendicular. When exercising, he is to be very exact in counting a second of time between each motion.
Attention!
At this word the soldier must be silent, stand firm and steady, moving neither hand nor foot, (except as ordered) But attend carefully to the words of command. This attention of the soldier must be observed in the strictest manner, till he receives the word Rest!
THE MANUAL EXERCISE
I. Poise, Firelock ! Two motions
1st. With the left hand turn the firelock briskly, bringing the lock to the front, At the same instant, seize it with the right hand just below the lock, keeping the piece perpendicular.
2d. With a quick motion bring up the firelock from the shoulder directly before the face, and seize it with the left hand just above the lock, so that the little finger may rest upon the feather spring, and the thumb lie on the stock; the left hand must be of an equal height with the eyes.
II. Cock Firelock! 2 motions.
1st. Turn the barrel opposite your face, and place your thumb upon the cock, raising the elbow square at this motion.
2d. Cock the firelock by drawing down the elbow, immediately placing your thumb upon the breech-pin, and the fingers under the guard.
III. Take Aim ! 1 motion.
Step back about six inches with the right foot, bringing the left toe to the front; at the same time drop the muzzle, and bring up the butt-end of the firelock against your right shoulder; place the left hand forward on the swell of the stock, and the fore-finger of the right hand before the trigger; sinking the muzzle a little below a level, and with the right eye looking along the barrel.
IV. Fire ! 1 motion.
Pull the trigger briskly, and immediately after bringing up the right foot, come to the priming position, placing heels even, with the right toe pointing to the right, the lock opposite the right breast, the muzzle directly to the front and as high as the hat, the left hand just forward of the feather-spring, holding the piece firm and steady; and at the same time seize the cock with the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand, the back of the hand turned up.
V. Half-cock Firelock! 1 motion.
Half bend the cock briskly, bringing down the elbow to the butt of the firelock.
VI. Handle, Cartridge ! 1 motion.
Bring your right hand short round to your pouch, slapping it hard, seize the cartridge, and bring it with a quick motion to your mouth, bite the top off down to the powder, covering it instantly with your thumb, and bring the hand as low as the chin, with the elbow down.
VII. Prime ! 1 motion
Shake the powder into the pan, and covering the cartridge again, place the three last fingers behind the hammer, with the elbow up.
VIII. Shut, Pan ! 2 motions.
1st. Shut your pan briskly, bringing down the elbow to the butt of the firelock, holding the cartridge fast in your hand.
2d. Turn the piece nimbly round before you to the loading position, with the lock to the front, and the muzzle at the height of the chin, bringing the right hand up under the muzzle; both feet being kept fast in this motion.
IX. Charge with Cartridge ! 2 motions.
1st. Turn up your hand and put the cartridge into the muzzle, shaking the powder into the barrel.
2d. Turning the stock a little towards you, place your right hand closed, with a quick and strong motion, upon the butt of the rammer, the thumb upwards, and the elbow down.
X. Draw, Rammer ! 2 motions.
1st. Draw your rammer with a quick motion half out, seizing it instantly at the muzzle back-handed.
2d. Draw it quite out, turn it, and enter it into the muzzle.
XI. Ram down, Cartridge ! 1 motion.
Ram the cartridge well down the barrel, and instantly recovering and seizing the rammer back-handed by the middle, draw it quite out, turn it, and enter it as far as the lower pipe, placing at the same time the edge of the hand on the butt-end of the rammer.
XII. Return, Rammer ! 1 motion.
Thrust the rammer home, and instantly bring up the piece with the left hand to the shoulder, seizing it at the same time with the right hand under the cock, keeping the left hand at the swell, and turning the body square to the front.
XIII. Shoulder, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Bring down the left hand, placing it strong upon the butt.
2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side.
XIV. Order, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Sink the firelock with the left hand as low as possible, without constraint, and at the same time bringing up the right hand, seize the firelock at the left shoulder.
2d. Quit the firelock with the left hand, and with the right bring it down the right side, the butt on the ground, even with the toes of the right foot, the thumb of the right hand lying along the barrel, and the muzzle being kept at a little distance from the body.
XV. Ground, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. With the right hand turn the firelock, bringing the lock to the rear, and instantly stepping forward with the left foot a large pace, lay the piece on the ground, the barrel in a direct line from the front to rear, placing the left hand on the knee, to support the body, the head held up, the right hand and left heel in a line, and the right knee brought almost to the ground.
2d. Quitting the firelock, raise yourself up, and bring back the left foot to its former position.
XVI. Take up, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Step forward with the left foot, sink the body, and come to the position described in the first motion of grounding.
2d. Raise up yourself and firelock, stepping back again with the left foot, and as soon as the piece is perpendicular, turn the barrel behind, thus coming to the order.
XVII. Shoulder, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Bring the firelock to the left shoulder, throwing it up a little, and catching it below the tail-pipe, and instantly seize it with the left hand at the butt.
2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side.
XVIII. Secure, Firelock ! 3 motions.
1st. Bring up the right hand briskly, and place it under the cock.
2d. Quit the butt with the left hand, and seize the firelock at the swell, bringing the arm close down upon the lock, the right hand being kept fast in this motion, and the piece upright.
3d. Quitting the piece with your right hand, bring it down by your side, at the same time with your left hand throw the muzzle directly forward, bringing it within about one foot of the ground, and the butt close up behind the left shoulder, holding the left hand in a line with the waist belt, and with that arm covering the lock.
XIX. Shoulder, Firelock ! 3 motions.
1st. Bring the firelock up to the shoulder, seizing it with the right hand under the cock.
2d. Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt.
3d. Bring the right hand down by your side.
XX. Fix, Bayonet ! 3 motions.
1st and 2d motion the same as the two first motions of the secure.
3d. Quitting the piece with your right hand, sink it with your left down the left side, as far as may be without constraint, at the same time seize the bayonet with the right hand, draw and fix it, immediately slipping the hand down to the stock, and pressing in the piece to the hollow of the shoulder.
XXI. Shoulder, Firelock ! 3 motions.
1st. Quitting the piece with the right hand, with the left bring it up to the shoulder, and seize it again with the right hand under the cock, as in the second motion of the secure.
2d. Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt.
3d. Bring the right hand down by your side.
XXII. Present, Arms ! 3 motions.
1st and 2d motion the same as in coming to the poise.
3d. Step briskly back with your right foot, placing it a hand's breadth distant from your left heel, at the same time bring down the firelock as quick as possible to the rest, sinking it as far down before your left knee as your right hand will permit without constraint, holding the right hand under the guard, with the fingers extended, and drawing in the piece with the left hand till the barrel is perpendicular; during this motion you quit the piece with the left hand, and instantly seize it again just below the tail-pipe.
XXIII. Shoulder, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Lift up your right foot and place it by your left, at the same time bring the firelock to your left shoulder, and seize the butt-end with the left hand, coming to the position of the first motion of secure.
2d. Bring the right hand down by your side.
XXIV. Charge, Bayonet ! 2 motions.
1st. The same as the first motion of the secure.
2d. Bring the butt of the firelock under the right arm, letting the piece fall down strong on the palm of the left hand, which receives it at the swell, the muzzle pointing directly to the front, the butt pressed with the arm against the side; the front rank holding their pieces horizontally, and the rear rank the muzzles of theirs so high as to clear the heads of the front rank, both ranks keeping their feet fast.
XXV. Shoulder, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Bring up the piece smartly to a shoulder, seizing the butt with the left hand.
2d. Bring the right hand down by your side.
XXVI. Advance, Arms ! 4 motions.
1st and 2d the same as the two first motions of the poise.
3d. Bring the firelock down to the right side, with the right hand as low as it will admit without constraint, slipping up the left hand at the same time to the swell, and instantly shifting the position of the right hand, take the guard between the thumb and forefinger, and bring the three last fingers under the cock, with the barrel to the rear.
4th. Quit the firelock with the left hand, bringing it down by your side.
XXVII. Shoulder, Firelock ! 4 motions.
1st. Bring up the left hand, and seize the firelock at the swell; instantly shifting the right hand to its former position.
2d. Come smartly up to a poise.
3d and 4th. Shoulder.
Priming and Loading as Performed in the Firings
Prime and Load !
1st. Come to the recover, throwing up your firelock, with a smart spring of the left hand, directly before the left breast, and turning the barrel inwards; at that moment catch it with the right hand below the lock, and instantly bringing up the left hand, with a rapid motion, seize the piece close above the lock, the little finger touching the feather-spring; the left hand to be at an equal height with the eyes, the butt of the firelock close to the left breast, but not pressed, and the barrel perpendicular.
2nd. Bring the firelock down with a brisk motion to the priming position, the heels being even, with the right toe pointing to the right, the lock opposite the right breast, the muzzle directly to the front and as high as the hat, instantly placing the thumb of the right hand against the face of the steel, the fingers clinched, and the elbow a little turned out, that the wrist may be clear of the cock.
3rd. Open the pan by throwing back the stell with a strong motion of the right arm, keeping the firelock steady in the left hand.
4th Handle Cartridge
5th Prime
6th Shut Pan
7th Cast About
8th and 9th Load
10th and 11th Draw Rammer
12th Ram down Cartridge
13th Return Rammer
14th and 15th Shoulder Firelock
N.B.
The motion of recover, coming down to the priming position, and opening the pan to be done in the usual time; the motions of handling cartridge to shutting the pan, to be done as quick as possible; when the pans are shut, make a small pause, and cast about together; then the loading and shouldering motions are to be done as quick as possible.
Position of each Rank in the Firings.
Front Rank! Make Ready ! One motion.
Spring the firelock briskly to a recover, as soon as the left hand seizes the firelock above the lock, the right elbow is to be nimbly raised a little, placing the thumb of that hand upon the cock, the fingers open by the plate of the lock, and as quickly as possible cock the piece, by dropping the elbow, and forcing down the cock with the thumb, immediately seizing the firelock with the right hand, close under the lock; the piece to be held in this manner perpendicular, opposite the left side of the face, the body kept straight, and as full to the front as possible, and the head held up, looking well to the right.
Take Aim ! Fire !
As before explained.
Rear Rank! Make Ready! One motion.
Recover and cock as before directed, at the same time stepping about six inches to the right, so as to place yourself opposite the interval of the front rank.
Take Aim! Fire!
As before explained.
The following movements, although not included in the manual excercise, were mentioned by name in other sections of Von Steuben’s regulations.
Support, Firelock ! Two motions.
1st. Bring the right hand briskly, and place it under the cock.
2nd. Quitting the butt with the left hand, bring the left arm close up under the cock, resting the left hand upon the right arm, fingers extended towards the elbow.
Carry, Arms! Two motions.
1st. Seize the butt with the left hand.
2nd. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side.
Although George Washington suggested to Von Steuben that the command, Unfix Bayonet!, be included in the Manual Excerise, it was not.
Unfix, Bayonet ! Three motions.
1st and 2nd motion the same as the two first motions of secure.
3rd. Quitting the piece with your right hand, sink it with your left down the left side, as far as may be without constraint, at the same time seize the bayonet with the right hand, unfix it and place it in the scabbard, immediately slipping the hand down to the stock, and pressing in the piece to the hollow of the shoulder.
Shoulder, Firelock ! Three motions.
1st. Quiting the piece with the right hand, with the left bring it up to the shoulder, and seize it again the the right hand under the cock, as in the second motion of secure.
2nd. Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt.
3rd. Bring the right hand down by your side.
Although I've heard that Search Arms! was a modern command, there is a reference for this command in A Revolutionary People at War by Charles Royster on page 239.
The following is written by an officer with the light-infantry company of the Eighth Massachusetts Regt. "The general inspector, Baron Steuben, came on upon the right and as I was paying him the salute, remarks 'Captain, I am glad to see you at the head of so fine a company.' He passed in front of the officers and received their salutes, then marched back in rear of the regiment to the right. Tells me to order my company to search arms. At the word, the soldiers open pans and draw ramrods, let them down the barrels with a little force; they rebound pretty well. The baron lifts up both hands and exclaims, 'My God! Is it all silver?' He then looks round to the officers, who were standing about, and says, 'Come here, officers; all you officers come here and help me to admire this company.' The officers drew near. He made some handsome remarks in favor of the company. He then turns to me and says, 'You need not take off your packs, you need not show me your book, I will not inspect your company, I will admire it.'"
Search, Firelock ! Three motions.
1st and 2nd motion the same as the first two motions of the secure.
3rd. Quitting the piece with your right hand, sink it with your left down the left side, as far as may be without constraint, at the same time with your right hand drawing the rammer, turning it, and entering it into the muzzle.
As the inspecting officer passes in front of you, release the rammer with a slight downward thrust so that the rammer falls to the breech of the barrel, showing whether or not the barrel is clear.
After the inspecting officer has passed, seize the rammer back-handed by the middle, draw it quite out, turn it, and enter it as far as the lower pipe, placing at the same time the edge of the hand on the butt-end of the rammer, with the fingers extended.
Return, Rammer ! One motion.
Thrust the rammer home, and instantly bring up the piece with the left hand to the shoulder, seizing it at the same time with the right hand under the cock, keeping the left hand at the swell, and turning the body square to the front.
Shoulder, Firelock ! Two motions.
1st. Bring down the left hand, placing it strong upon the butt.
2nd. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side.
is taken from
Baron von Steuben’s
"Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States."
printed in 1779.
The Position of a Soldier under Arms.
In this position the soldier is to stand straight and firm upon his legs, with the heels two inches apart, the toes a little turned out, the belly drawn in a little without constraint, the breast a little projected, the shoulders square to the front and kept back, the right hand hanging down the side, with the palm close to the thigh, the left elbow not turned out from the body, the firelock carried on the left shoulder, at such height that the guard will be just under the left breast, the forefinger and thumb before the swell of the butt, the three last fingers under the butt, the flat of the butt against the hip bone, and pressed so as that the firelock may be felt against the left side, and stand before the hollow of the shoulder, neither leaning towards the head nor from it the barrel almost perpendicular. When exercising, he is to be very exact in counting a second of time between each motion.
Attention!
At this word the soldier must be silent, stand firm and steady, moving neither hand nor foot, (except as ordered) But attend carefully to the words of command. This attention of the soldier must be observed in the strictest manner, till he receives the word Rest!
THE MANUAL EXERCISE
I. Poise, Firelock ! Two motions
1st. With the left hand turn the firelock briskly, bringing the lock to the front, At the same instant, seize it with the right hand just below the lock, keeping the piece perpendicular.
2d. With a quick motion bring up the firelock from the shoulder directly before the face, and seize it with the left hand just above the lock, so that the little finger may rest upon the feather spring, and the thumb lie on the stock; the left hand must be of an equal height with the eyes.
II. Cock Firelock! 2 motions.
1st. Turn the barrel opposite your face, and place your thumb upon the cock, raising the elbow square at this motion.
2d. Cock the firelock by drawing down the elbow, immediately placing your thumb upon the breech-pin, and the fingers under the guard.
III. Take Aim ! 1 motion.
Step back about six inches with the right foot, bringing the left toe to the front; at the same time drop the muzzle, and bring up the butt-end of the firelock against your right shoulder; place the left hand forward on the swell of the stock, and the fore-finger of the right hand before the trigger; sinking the muzzle a little below a level, and with the right eye looking along the barrel.
IV. Fire ! 1 motion.
Pull the trigger briskly, and immediately after bringing up the right foot, come to the priming position, placing heels even, with the right toe pointing to the right, the lock opposite the right breast, the muzzle directly to the front and as high as the hat, the left hand just forward of the feather-spring, holding the piece firm and steady; and at the same time seize the cock with the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand, the back of the hand turned up.
V. Half-cock Firelock! 1 motion.
Half bend the cock briskly, bringing down the elbow to the butt of the firelock.
VI. Handle, Cartridge ! 1 motion.
Bring your right hand short round to your pouch, slapping it hard, seize the cartridge, and bring it with a quick motion to your mouth, bite the top off down to the powder, covering it instantly with your thumb, and bring the hand as low as the chin, with the elbow down.
VII. Prime ! 1 motion
Shake the powder into the pan, and covering the cartridge again, place the three last fingers behind the hammer, with the elbow up.
VIII. Shut, Pan ! 2 motions.
1st. Shut your pan briskly, bringing down the elbow to the butt of the firelock, holding the cartridge fast in your hand.
2d. Turn the piece nimbly round before you to the loading position, with the lock to the front, and the muzzle at the height of the chin, bringing the right hand up under the muzzle; both feet being kept fast in this motion.
IX. Charge with Cartridge ! 2 motions.
1st. Turn up your hand and put the cartridge into the muzzle, shaking the powder into the barrel.
2d. Turning the stock a little towards you, place your right hand closed, with a quick and strong motion, upon the butt of the rammer, the thumb upwards, and the elbow down.
X. Draw, Rammer ! 2 motions.
1st. Draw your rammer with a quick motion half out, seizing it instantly at the muzzle back-handed.
2d. Draw it quite out, turn it, and enter it into the muzzle.
XI. Ram down, Cartridge ! 1 motion.
Ram the cartridge well down the barrel, and instantly recovering and seizing the rammer back-handed by the middle, draw it quite out, turn it, and enter it as far as the lower pipe, placing at the same time the edge of the hand on the butt-end of the rammer.
XII. Return, Rammer ! 1 motion.
Thrust the rammer home, and instantly bring up the piece with the left hand to the shoulder, seizing it at the same time with the right hand under the cock, keeping the left hand at the swell, and turning the body square to the front.
XIII. Shoulder, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Bring down the left hand, placing it strong upon the butt.
2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side.
XIV. Order, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Sink the firelock with the left hand as low as possible, without constraint, and at the same time bringing up the right hand, seize the firelock at the left shoulder.
2d. Quit the firelock with the left hand, and with the right bring it down the right side, the butt on the ground, even with the toes of the right foot, the thumb of the right hand lying along the barrel, and the muzzle being kept at a little distance from the body.
XV. Ground, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. With the right hand turn the firelock, bringing the lock to the rear, and instantly stepping forward with the left foot a large pace, lay the piece on the ground, the barrel in a direct line from the front to rear, placing the left hand on the knee, to support the body, the head held up, the right hand and left heel in a line, and the right knee brought almost to the ground.
2d. Quitting the firelock, raise yourself up, and bring back the left foot to its former position.
XVI. Take up, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Step forward with the left foot, sink the body, and come to the position described in the first motion of grounding.
2d. Raise up yourself and firelock, stepping back again with the left foot, and as soon as the piece is perpendicular, turn the barrel behind, thus coming to the order.
XVII. Shoulder, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Bring the firelock to the left shoulder, throwing it up a little, and catching it below the tail-pipe, and instantly seize it with the left hand at the butt.
2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side.
XVIII. Secure, Firelock ! 3 motions.
1st. Bring up the right hand briskly, and place it under the cock.
2d. Quit the butt with the left hand, and seize the firelock at the swell, bringing the arm close down upon the lock, the right hand being kept fast in this motion, and the piece upright.
3d. Quitting the piece with your right hand, bring it down by your side, at the same time with your left hand throw the muzzle directly forward, bringing it within about one foot of the ground, and the butt close up behind the left shoulder, holding the left hand in a line with the waist belt, and with that arm covering the lock.
XIX. Shoulder, Firelock ! 3 motions.
1st. Bring the firelock up to the shoulder, seizing it with the right hand under the cock.
2d. Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt.
3d. Bring the right hand down by your side.
XX. Fix, Bayonet ! 3 motions.
1st and 2d motion the same as the two first motions of the secure.
3d. Quitting the piece with your right hand, sink it with your left down the left side, as far as may be without constraint, at the same time seize the bayonet with the right hand, draw and fix it, immediately slipping the hand down to the stock, and pressing in the piece to the hollow of the shoulder.
XXI. Shoulder, Firelock ! 3 motions.
1st. Quitting the piece with the right hand, with the left bring it up to the shoulder, and seize it again with the right hand under the cock, as in the second motion of the secure.
2d. Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt.
3d. Bring the right hand down by your side.
XXII. Present, Arms ! 3 motions.
1st and 2d motion the same as in coming to the poise.
3d. Step briskly back with your right foot, placing it a hand's breadth distant from your left heel, at the same time bring down the firelock as quick as possible to the rest, sinking it as far down before your left knee as your right hand will permit without constraint, holding the right hand under the guard, with the fingers extended, and drawing in the piece with the left hand till the barrel is perpendicular; during this motion you quit the piece with the left hand, and instantly seize it again just below the tail-pipe.
XXIII. Shoulder, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Lift up your right foot and place it by your left, at the same time bring the firelock to your left shoulder, and seize the butt-end with the left hand, coming to the position of the first motion of secure.
2d. Bring the right hand down by your side.
XXIV. Charge, Bayonet ! 2 motions.
1st. The same as the first motion of the secure.
2d. Bring the butt of the firelock under the right arm, letting the piece fall down strong on the palm of the left hand, which receives it at the swell, the muzzle pointing directly to the front, the butt pressed with the arm against the side; the front rank holding their pieces horizontally, and the rear rank the muzzles of theirs so high as to clear the heads of the front rank, both ranks keeping their feet fast.
XXV. Shoulder, Firelock ! 2 motions.
1st. Bring up the piece smartly to a shoulder, seizing the butt with the left hand.
2d. Bring the right hand down by your side.
XXVI. Advance, Arms ! 4 motions.
1st and 2d the same as the two first motions of the poise.
3d. Bring the firelock down to the right side, with the right hand as low as it will admit without constraint, slipping up the left hand at the same time to the swell, and instantly shifting the position of the right hand, take the guard between the thumb and forefinger, and bring the three last fingers under the cock, with the barrel to the rear.
4th. Quit the firelock with the left hand, bringing it down by your side.
XXVII. Shoulder, Firelock ! 4 motions.
1st. Bring up the left hand, and seize the firelock at the swell; instantly shifting the right hand to its former position.
2d. Come smartly up to a poise.
3d and 4th. Shoulder.
Priming and Loading as Performed in the Firings
Prime and Load !
1st. Come to the recover, throwing up your firelock, with a smart spring of the left hand, directly before the left breast, and turning the barrel inwards; at that moment catch it with the right hand below the lock, and instantly bringing up the left hand, with a rapid motion, seize the piece close above the lock, the little finger touching the feather-spring; the left hand to be at an equal height with the eyes, the butt of the firelock close to the left breast, but not pressed, and the barrel perpendicular.
2nd. Bring the firelock down with a brisk motion to the priming position, the heels being even, with the right toe pointing to the right, the lock opposite the right breast, the muzzle directly to the front and as high as the hat, instantly placing the thumb of the right hand against the face of the steel, the fingers clinched, and the elbow a little turned out, that the wrist may be clear of the cock.
3rd. Open the pan by throwing back the stell with a strong motion of the right arm, keeping the firelock steady in the left hand.
4th Handle Cartridge
5th Prime
6th Shut Pan
7th Cast About
8th and 9th Load
10th and 11th Draw Rammer
12th Ram down Cartridge
13th Return Rammer
14th and 15th Shoulder Firelock
N.B.
The motion of recover, coming down to the priming position, and opening the pan to be done in the usual time; the motions of handling cartridge to shutting the pan, to be done as quick as possible; when the pans are shut, make a small pause, and cast about together; then the loading and shouldering motions are to be done as quick as possible.
Position of each Rank in the Firings.
Front Rank! Make Ready ! One motion.
Spring the firelock briskly to a recover, as soon as the left hand seizes the firelock above the lock, the right elbow is to be nimbly raised a little, placing the thumb of that hand upon the cock, the fingers open by the plate of the lock, and as quickly as possible cock the piece, by dropping the elbow, and forcing down the cock with the thumb, immediately seizing the firelock with the right hand, close under the lock; the piece to be held in this manner perpendicular, opposite the left side of the face, the body kept straight, and as full to the front as possible, and the head held up, looking well to the right.
Take Aim ! Fire !
As before explained.
Rear Rank! Make Ready! One motion.
Recover and cock as before directed, at the same time stepping about six inches to the right, so as to place yourself opposite the interval of the front rank.
Take Aim! Fire!
As before explained.
The following movements, although not included in the manual excercise, were mentioned by name in other sections of Von Steuben’s regulations.
Support, Firelock ! Two motions.
1st. Bring the right hand briskly, and place it under the cock.
2nd. Quitting the butt with the left hand, bring the left arm close up under the cock, resting the left hand upon the right arm, fingers extended towards the elbow.
Carry, Arms! Two motions.
1st. Seize the butt with the left hand.
2nd. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side.
Although George Washington suggested to Von Steuben that the command, Unfix Bayonet!, be included in the Manual Excerise, it was not.
Unfix, Bayonet ! Three motions.
1st and 2nd motion the same as the two first motions of secure.
3rd. Quitting the piece with your right hand, sink it with your left down the left side, as far as may be without constraint, at the same time seize the bayonet with the right hand, unfix it and place it in the scabbard, immediately slipping the hand down to the stock, and pressing in the piece to the hollow of the shoulder.
Shoulder, Firelock ! Three motions.
1st. Quiting the piece with the right hand, with the left bring it up to the shoulder, and seize it again the the right hand under the cock, as in the second motion of secure.
2nd. Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt.
3rd. Bring the right hand down by your side.
Although I've heard that Search Arms! was a modern command, there is a reference for this command in A Revolutionary People at War by Charles Royster on page 239.
The following is written by an officer with the light-infantry company of the Eighth Massachusetts Regt. "The general inspector, Baron Steuben, came on upon the right and as I was paying him the salute, remarks 'Captain, I am glad to see you at the head of so fine a company.' He passed in front of the officers and received their salutes, then marched back in rear of the regiment to the right. Tells me to order my company to search arms. At the word, the soldiers open pans and draw ramrods, let them down the barrels with a little force; they rebound pretty well. The baron lifts up both hands and exclaims, 'My God! Is it all silver?' He then looks round to the officers, who were standing about, and says, 'Come here, officers; all you officers come here and help me to admire this company.' The officers drew near. He made some handsome remarks in favor of the company. He then turns to me and says, 'You need not take off your packs, you need not show me your book, I will not inspect your company, I will admire it.'"
Search, Firelock ! Three motions.
1st and 2nd motion the same as the first two motions of the secure.
3rd. Quitting the piece with your right hand, sink it with your left down the left side, as far as may be without constraint, at the same time with your right hand drawing the rammer, turning it, and entering it into the muzzle.
As the inspecting officer passes in front of you, release the rammer with a slight downward thrust so that the rammer falls to the breech of the barrel, showing whether or not the barrel is clear.
After the inspecting officer has passed, seize the rammer back-handed by the middle, draw it quite out, turn it, and enter it as far as the lower pipe, placing at the same time the edge of the hand on the butt-end of the rammer, with the fingers extended.
Return, Rammer ! One motion.
Thrust the rammer home, and instantly bring up the piece with the left hand to the shoulder, seizing it at the same time with the right hand under the cock, keeping the left hand at the swell, and turning the body square to the front.
Shoulder, Firelock ! Two motions.
1st. Bring down the left hand, placing it strong upon the butt.
2nd. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side.
"England's Georgel, Kaiser, König, Ist für Gott und uns zu wenig"
German Battalion 1776-1781
http://www.facebook.com/groups/462635667097068/
German Battalion 1776-1781
http://www.facebook.com/groups/462635667097068/
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Christoph - Administrator
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Re: Drillformen (Grundlagen)
von Christoph » Fr 18. Mär 2011, 11:09
"England's Georgel, Kaiser, König, Ist für Gott und uns zu wenig"
German Battalion 1776-1781
http://www.facebook.com/groups/462635667097068/
German Battalion 1776-1781
http://www.facebook.com/groups/462635667097068/
-
Christoph - Administrator
- Beiträge: 1182
- Registriert: Mo 8. Feb 2010, 11:51
- Wohnort: bei Köln
Re: Drillformen (Grundlagen)
von Christoph » Fr 9. Mär 2012, 14:25
"England's Georgel, Kaiser, König, Ist für Gott und uns zu wenig"
German Battalion 1776-1781
http://www.facebook.com/groups/462635667097068/
German Battalion 1776-1781
http://www.facebook.com/groups/462635667097068/
-
Christoph - Administrator
- Beiträge: 1182
- Registriert: Mo 8. Feb 2010, 11:51
- Wohnort: bei Köln
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