THE

MANUAL EXERCISE
AS ORDERED BY HIS

MAJESTY IN MDCCLXIV
AND NOW ADOPTED FOR USE OF

LIUETENANT-COLONEL JOHN HAMILTONS

CORPS
COMPOSED IN THREE PARTS ;

PART I : EXERCISE OF FOOT

PART II : EVOLUTIONS OF FOOT

PART III : DIFFERENCE TO BE OBSERVED IN A COMPANY OF LIGHT

INFANTRY

AUGUSTA :

PRODUCED by JEDEDIAH DAHL and JOHN THORNTON , and DISTRIBUTED for the Use of
the Recreated ROYAL NORTH CAROLINA REGIMENTS LIGHT INFANTRY COMPANY COMMANDED by
LIUETENANT-COLONEL JOHN HAMILTONS , 1779.
 [2]

THE

C O N T E N T S
Page,
Part I : Exercise for the foot 3
Chapter I : Drawing up a Company Ib.
Chapter II : Drawing up a Battalion Ib.
Chapter III : Position of a Soldier under Arms 4
Chapter IV : The Manual Exercise, as Ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton,
M, DCC, LXXIC Ib.
Chapter V : Maneuvers for special occasions 9
Article I : To fire three Volleys in the Air Ib.
Article II : To fire a Feu de Joye as ordered by Thomas Simes 10
Article III : Hedge Firing as ordered the Earl of Cavan Ib.
Article IV : Funeral Ceremonies Ib.
Part II : Evolution of Foot 11
Cchapter I : Marching. Ib.
Article I : Of the March Ib.
Article II : Oblique Marching 12
Article III : The March by Files Ib.
Article IV : The Counter March Ib.
Chapter II : Wheeling Ib.
Article I : General Rules for Wheeling Ib.
Part III : Difference to be observed in a Company of Light Infantry 13
Chapter I : General Regulations for a Company of Light Infantry Ib.
Article I : Drawing up a Company of Light Infantry Ib.
Article II : The Method of firing used by a Company of Light Infantry Ib.
Article III : Maneuvers used by a Company of Light Infantry Ib.
Article IV : Signals 15
Article V : Holding and Defending a Position Ib.
Chapter II : A Company of Light Infantry attached to respective their Regiment when in
Line. Ib.
Article I : Light Infantry Drawn up within the Regiment Ib.
Chapter III : Of a Company of Light Infantry in a Brigade formation. 16
Article I : Formed in a Brigade or Battalion of an Infantry of Line Ib.
Article II : Formed in a Battalion of Light Infantry Ib.
Article III : Movement used by a Battalion of Light Infantry while in woods 17
Article IV : Firings used by a Battalion of Light Infantry 18
Article V : The Method of Taking a Post with a Battalion of Light Infantry Ib.
Chapter IV : Signals Ib.
 [3]

PART I :
EXERCISE FOR THE FOOT

CHAPTER I :
Drawing up a Company

W
HENEVER a battalion is ordered under arms, the companies are first to assemble at
their Captains quarters ; each company is to be drawn up in two ranks ; at two paces
distance, with the tallest men in the rear, and both ranks sized with the shortest men of
each in the center. 1

The Officers are to take care that they be exactly sized ; be well and uniformly dressed ;
that their arms be clean and unloaded ; that their bayonets fix well ; that their accutrements be well
fixed ; and that they have the number of cartridges, with or without ball, as may have been
ordered. 2

As soon as this inspection is over, the company is to be divided into two sections or
platoons ; the Captain to take post on the right of the first platoon, covered by a serjeant ; the
lieutenant on the right of the second platoon, also covered by a serjeant ; the Ensign four paces
behind the center of the company ; the first serjeant two paces behind the center of the first
platoon, and the eldest corporal two paces behind the second platoon ; the other two corporals are
to be on the flanks of the front rank, and the music to form up to the right of the corporal on right
side of the company. 3

CHAPTER II :
Drawing up a Battalion

At the general parade or rendezvous, the companies are to be formed up with the First
Captains company to the far right, the Colonels Company next to his, then the Fourth Captains
company, the Majors, the Third captains, Third captains, Lieutenant-colonels, Fifth captains,
and the Second captains on the far left, and the center of the battalion between the Majors and
the Third captains companies. 4

The colours are to be in the centre of the battalions, between the Majors and Third
captains company ; the Colonel sixteen paces before the colour ; the lieutenant-colonel right paces
behind the colonel ; the major fifteen paces behind the centre of the battalion, having the adjutant
at his side ; the drum and fife major two paces behind the centre of the battalion ; and the drums
and fifes equally divided on the wings. 5

Every battalion, whether it composes the whole, or only half of a regiment, is to be

divided into four divisions and eight platoons ; no platoon to consist of less than ten files ; so that
a regiment consisting of les than eighty files, cannot form a battalion, but must be incorporated
with some other, or employed on detachment. 6

In the case of the absence of any field officer, his place is to be filled by the officer next in
rank in the regiment ; and in order that the officers may remain with their respective companies, if
 [4]

any company officer is absent, his place shall be supplied by the officer next in rank in the same
company ; but should it happen that a company is left without an officer, the colonel or
commanding officer may order an officer of another company to take the command, as well for
the exercise as for the discipline and police of the company in camps. 7

When the light company is with the regiment it must be formed twenty paces on the right
on the parade, but must not interfere with the exercise of the battalion, but exercise by itself ; and
when the light infantry are embodied, every four companies will form a battalion, and exercise in
the same manner as the battalion in the line. 8

CHAPTER III :
Position of a Soldier under Arms.

T
o stand straight and firm upon his legs ; head turned to the right ; heels close ; toes a little
turned out ; the belly drawn in a little, but without constraint ; the breast a little projected ;
shoulders square to the front, and kept back ; the left hand hanging straight down to the fide
with the palm close to the thigh ; the butt of the firelock even with the toe of your right foot ; the
thumb of his right hand lying along the barrel pointing up, touching the bayonet lug, and the
muzzle at a little distance from your body. 9
To be very exact in counting a second of time, or one, two, between each motion. 10

CHAPTER IV :
The Manual Exercise, as Ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, M, DCC, LXXIC

Words of N EXPLANATIONS
Command o.
o
f
M
o
t
i
o
n
s.

1. Shoulder 2. Motion First: Slide your right hand down the barrel, and bring up
11
your firelock 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
flip down your below the swell by the tail pipe, just as you are
bringing the piece against your shoulder.
nd
2 . Throw your right hand down by your fide.
 [5]

Words of No. EXPLANATION

Command of
Mo
2. Fix your 3. 1ft. Bring the right hand briskly up, and place it under the cock,
Bayonet 12 keeping the firelock steady in the fame position.
2nd. Quit the butt with the left hand, and seize the firelock with it at
the swell, bringing the elbow down close upon the lock : The right
hand kept saft in this motion, and still upright.
3rd. Quit the right hand, and bring the firelock smartly down to the
left fide with the left hand, as far as it will admit without
constraint, seizing the bayonet at the fame 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.
3. Shoulder 3. 1ft. Quit the right hand, and bring up the firelock with the left, seize it
13
your Firelock again under the lock with your right.
2nd. Quit the left hand, and place it strong under the butt.
3rd. Quit the right hand, and bring it down to the right fide.
4. Charge your 2. 1ft. Seize the firelock with the right hand, and turn the lock outwards,
14
bayonet keeping the firelock perpendicular.
2nd. Bring the swell of the firelock down strong upon the palm of the
left hand, turning upon both heels to the right, the right hand grasping the
piece at the small behind the piece, and as high as the waist : The fire-
lock upon a level, with the barrel upwards.
5. Shoulder 2. 1ft. Bring up the firelock to the shoulder, place the left hand upon the butt
your firelock 15 bringing the feet square to the front.
2nd. Quit the right hand, and throw it down to the right fide.
6. Make Ready! 16 3. 1ft. Seize the firelock with the right hand, and turn the lock outwards,
keeping the firelock perpendicular.
2nd. Raise the firelock from your shoulder, and place the left hand with
a quick motion above the lock, holding the piece right up and down right
before of you, and your left hand even with your eyes.
3rd. Immediately seize the cock with the right thumb, and force it to the
cock, by dropping the right elbow, and forcing down the cock with the
thumb.
7. Present! 17 1. 1ft. Step back about fix inches to the rear with the right foot, bringing
the left toe to the front ; at the fame time the butt of the firelock must
be brought to equal height with your shoulder, placing the left hand on
the swell, and the fore-finger of the right hand before the trigger, finking
the muzzle a little.
18
8. Fire! 1. 1ft. Pull the trigger 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 fame time seize the cock with the fore-fingers and the thumb of the
right hand, the back of the hand turned up.
 [6]

Words of No EXPLANATION
Command of
Mo
9.Prime and Load 13. 1ft. (Half-cock firelock) Half bend the cock briskly with a draw back of
19

the right elbow, bringing it close to the butt of the firelock.

2nd. (Handle Cartridge) Bring your right hand with a short round to your
pouch flapping 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.
3rd. (Prime) Shake the powder into the pan, placing the last three fingers
behind the hammer, with the elbow up.
4th. (Shut your Pan) Shut your pan briskly, drawing your right arm at
this motion towards your body, hold the cartridge fast in your right hand,
as in the former position.
5th. (Cast About) Turn the piece nimbly around to the loading position,
with the lock to the front, and the muzzle at the height of the chin,
bringing the right hand behind the muzzle : both feet kept fast in this
motion.
6th. (Charge with cartridge) Turn up your right hand and put the cartridge
into the muzzle, shaking the powder into the barrel.
7th. Place your hand, closed, with a quick and strong motion, upon the
rammer.
8th. (Draw your Rammer) Draw the rammer with a quick motion, half
out, seizing it at the muzzle back-handed.
9th. Draw it quick out, turn it, and enter it into the muzzle.
10th. (Ram down Cartridge) Ram the cartridge well down the barrel,
instantly recovering and seizing the rammer back-handed at the center,
turning it and entering it as far as the lower pipe, placing at the fame time
the edge of the hand at the butt of the rammer, with the fingers extended.
11th. (Return Rammer) Return the shoulder 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.
12th. (Shoulder firelock) Quit the left hand, and place it strong upon the
butt.
13th. Quit the right hand and throw it down the right side.
10 Make Ready! 3. 1ft. Seize the firelock with the right hand, and turn the lock outward.
2nd. Come to the recover.
3rd. Cock firelock.
11 Present 1. As in explanation seven.
12 Fire! 1. As in explanation eight.
13 Prime and Load 13. As in explanation nine.
14. Make Ready 3. As in explanation ten.
15 Present 1. As in explanation seven.
16 Fire! 1. As in explanation eight.
 [7]

Words of No EXPLANATION
Command of
Mo
17 Shoulder you 2. 1st. Seize the firelock behind the cock with the right hand, bring the piece
Arms 20 to the shoulder, place the left hand upon the butt.
2nd. Quit the right hand, and throw it down the right side.
18 Present your 3. 1ft. Seize the firelock with the right hand, and turn the lock outward.
21
Arms 2nd. Come to the position of recover.
3rd. Step back briskly with your right foot, placing it a hands width
distance from your left heel, at the same time, bring down the firelock,
as quick as possible to your rest, finking 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 the muzzle well near your body, and to dress in
a line with the butt-end.
19 Shoulder your 2. 1ft. Lift up your Right Foot one pace and place it by your left ; bring the
firelock. 22 firelock at the same Time to your left Shoulder, and seize the butt-end
with the left hand.
2nd. Throw your right hand briskly back.
20 Charge your 2. As in explanation four.
Bayonet
21 Shoulder your 3. As in explanation five.
firelock
22 Advance your 4. 1ft. Seize the firelock with your right hand, and turn the lock outwards.
Arms 23 2nd. Come to the position of poise.
3rd. 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, the guard between the thumb and forefinger, the three
last fingers under the cock, with the barrel to the rear.
4th. Quit the left hand.
23 Shoulder your 4. 1st. Bring up the left hand and seize it at the swell.
Firelock 24 2nd. Briskly come to poise.
3rd and 4th Come to the Shoulder.
24 Unfix your 3. 1st. Bring the right hand briskly up, and place it under the cock,
bayonet 25 keeping the firelock steady in the fame position.
2nd. Quit the butt with the left hand, and seize the firelock with it at
the swell, bringing the elbow down close upon the lock : The right
hand kept fast in this motion, and still upright.
3rd. Quit the right hand, and bring the firelock smartly down to the
left fide with the left hand, as far as it will admit without
constraint, seizing the bayonet at the fame time with the right hand,
unfixing it, and returning it to the scabbard, and placing that hand
just below the brass, with the piece kept close to the hollow of the
shoulder.
25 Secure 2. 1st. Quit the right hand, and bring up the firelock with the left, seize it
26
your Firelock again under the lock with your right.
 [8]

Words of No EXPLANATION
Command of
Mo
2nd. Quit the right hand, bring down the firelock 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, and with the arm
covering the lock.
26 Shoulder your 3. 1st. Bring the firelock up to the shoulder, seize it with the left hand under
firelock 27 the cock.
2nd. Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt.
3rd. Bring the right hand down by your side.
27 Ground your 4 1ft. Size the firelock with your right hand, just below the swell by the
firelock 28 tail-pipe.
2nd. Quitting the left hand, bring down the firelock briskly with the right
hand, by your right side, letting it slip through your hand till the butt
strikes the ground on the outside of, but near the right toe, the barrel.
coming behind, and resting between the hollowing of the thumb and fore-
finger of the right hand, with which you hold the piece upright ; the
thumb sitting on the bottom of the bayonet lug.
3rd. Turn the firelock so that the lock faces the read, and the muzzle faces
to the left ; then immediately step directly forward with the left foot a
moderate, pace (or so), and bending the right knee so that is comes down
by the piece, within an inch or two of the ground, and placing the left
hand on the left knee, lay the firelock on the ground, the barrel in a
straight line to the front, the lock upwards, and your head erect looking
to the front.
4th. Quitting the firelock, raise up your body, and bring back your left
foot to its former position, letting both hands hang by the side,
comfortably and unconstrained.
28 Shoulder your 4. 1ft. Step forward with the left foot, and bending the right knee and placing
Firelock 29 and placing your left hand on your left knee, seize the firelock where you
held it in ground.
2nd. Raise up yourself and the firelock, stepping back again with the left
foot, and as soon as the piece becomes perpendicular, turn it so the lock is
facing the right, and so the muzzle faces to the rear.
3rd. and 4th. As in explanation one.
29 Port your 2. 1st. Seize the firelock with the right, turn the firelock outwards.
Arms 30 2nd. Raise the firelock from your shoulder to a sloping position across the
body, the same time catch the swell of the firelock with the left hand,
equal in height with the left shoulder.
30 Shoulder 2. 1st. Place the firelock back on the shoulder.
your firelock 31 2nd. Quit the right hand, and let it drop to the right side.
30 Slope your 1. 1st. With the left hand, push the firelock upwards, slipping it upon the
firelock 32 shoulder ; and at the same time raising the butt-end forward, let the
muzzle drop behind, but not so low as to interfere with the head of the
man behind you if you were at close order, naturally pointing the muzzle
 [9]

Words of No EXPLANATION
Command of
Mo
in a oblique position towards the right ; in this position you will balance
the firelock in the position most comfortable.
31 Erect 1. 1st. With the left hand, slide the firelock down the shoulder, and return to
33
your firelock the position of shoulder.
32 Support 2. 1st. Seize the firelock with the right have well below the cock.
your firelock 34 2nd. Quit the firelock with the left hand, bring your left arm close up
under the cock, resting the left hand upon the right arm, the left arm to be
straight across the body, in the most easy position ; and the cock resting
upon it near the bend of the elbow.
33 Shoulder 2. 1st. Seize the butt with the left hand.
your firelock 35 2nd. Throw your right hand down by your right side.
34 Carry your 2. 1st. Throwing up the right hand, Seize the firelock just below the swell by
firelock in the tail pipe, the little fingers touching the left shoulder.
your right 2nd. Quit the left hand, bring the firelock with the right hand down by
-hand 36 your right side, holding it in a slopping, the muzzle about a foot and a half
before the right shoulder.
41 Shoulder your 2. 1st. Bring the firelock against the left shoulder.
Firelock 37 2nd. Throw your right hand down by your side.
42 Order your 2. As in explanation seven-teen
Firelock
43 Company 1. 1ft. A long roll by the drummers disperses the company.
38
Disperse

CHAPTER V :
Maneuvers for special occasions

Article I :
To fire three Volleys in the Air (As ordered by Thomas Simes in Military Medley).

The muskets are to already be primed and loaded, and the ranks are to be at half distance.

Preparative.
Make Ready.
Present.
They Present in the air.
Fire.
They fire, come to the priming posture, and proceed to load and shoulder.
Preparative.
Make Ready.
Present.
Fire.
Go on as before.
Preparative.
Make Ready.
 [ 10 ]

Present.
Fire.
They poise their firelocks.
Flam.
They half cock.
Flam.
They Shoulder.
Flam.
They Shut pans.

After this they are to give three huzzas, first taking off their hats with the two following
motions.
Seize the hat with the right hand, tell one, two, and lift it up, holding it above the head.
After the huzzas, they put on their hats, at two motion ; bring the hat on the head, and fix it, ; tel
one, two, and let the hand fall down by the side.

Article II :
To fire a Feu de Joye as ordered by Thomas Simes

The ranks to be closed to half distance ; and, when they present, they are to raise their
muzzles pretty high in order to fire in the air. The men of each file are to fire together ; that is,
each file distinctly by itself ; and so run quick, from one file to another, from right to left.

Article III :
Hedge Firing as ordered the Earl of Cavan.

Hedge-firing then is only applicable when troops happen to be drawn up opposite to one
another, and behind parallel fences, such as low walls, banks, hedges, etc., where, by the
interruption of which they cannot approach nearer to each other. The men are to be drawn up two
deep, which will of course either make their ranks more extensive, or will procure them a reserve
occasionally to sustain them. In order then to the first, let an interval be made between each
division or company of the battalion equal to half the extent of that division, taking care, at the
same time, to make a sufficient allowance for the interval of the platoon officer. By this
disposition the battalion will be extended a third more, and the whole will be drawn up two deep ;
and in that order both ranks are to fire standing.

Article IV :
Funeral Ceremonies 39

Words of No EXPLANATION
Command of
Mo
44 Rest your 3. As in Explanation 18.
Firelock
45 Reverse your ?. The butt of the firelock is raised to a slope advancing forward with the
firelock 40 left foot, seizing the small of the piece with the right hand, taking the
firelock with the left hand, coming to the small of the firelock with the
 [ 11 ]

Words of No EXPLANATION
Command of
thumb below, and the right hand seizing the firelock at the swivel in the
rear of the body, then advancing in slow time to the place of interment,
where the firelock comes to a reverse rest, which is done by shifting the
right hand from the rear of the body, the muzzle of the firelock to be
dropped to the ground inside of the left toe, both hands leaning upon the
butt and the left cheek resting on the back of the hands.
46 Handle your ? Seize the firelock with the right hand at the small, turning it to the
arms 41 shoulder, the left hand taking a firm hold of the butt as usual in carrying
the arms.
47 Make Ready! 3. As in explanation 6.
48 Present 1. As in explanation 7.
49 Fire. 1. As in explanation 8.
50 Prime 13. As in explanation 9.
And Load
50 Make Ready! 3. As in explanation 6.
51 Present 1. As in explanation 7.
52 Fire 1. As in explanation 8.
53 Prime 13. As in explanation 9.
And Load
54 Make Ready! 3. As in explanation 6.
55 Present 1. As in explanation 7.
56 Fire. 1. As in explanation 8.
57 Shoulder 2. As in explanation 17.
Your firelock

PART II :
EVOLUTIONS OF THE FOOT
CHAPTER I :
Marching

Article I :
Of the March, As ordered by Von Steuben

In march to the front, the men must be accustomed to dress to the center, which they will
have to do when exercising in battalion ; and for this purpose a serjant must be placed six paces in
front of the centre, who will take some object in front to serve as a direction for him to march
straight forward ; and the men must look inwards, and regulate their march by him.

The Captain must exercise his company in different forts of ground ; and when by the
badness of the ground, or any other accident, the soldiers loses his step, he must immediately take
it again from the serjeant in the centre. The officers must not suffer the least inattention, but
punish every man guilty of it.
 [ 12 ]

Article II :
Oblique Marching, As ordered By Von Steuben

In marching obliquely to the right, the soldier steps obliquely with the right foot,
bringing up the left, and placing the heel directly before the toes of the right foot, and the
contrary when march to the left ; at the same time observing to keep the shoulders square to the
front, especially that the shoulder opposed to the side they march to does not project, and that the
files keep close. 42

Article III :
The March by Files, As ordered by Von Steuben

In performing it, the officers must be attentive that the soldiers bend their bodies a little
forward, and do not open their files.

The leading file will be conducted by the officer ; who will post himself for that purpose
on its left, when they march by the right, and the contrary when they march by the left.

Article IV :
The Counter March, As ordered by Von Steuben.

Note. This march must never be executed by larger portions of a battalion than a platoon.

Caution.

Take Care to counter march from the Right, by Platoons !

To the Right, - face! March!

The whole facing to the right, each platoon wheels by files to the right about ; and when the right
hand file gets on the ground where the left stood, the officer orders,

Halt! To the Left, - Face!

And the company will be formed with their front changed.

CHAPTER II :
Of Wheeling

Article I :
General Rules for Wheeling 43

The Circle is divided into four equal Parts.

Wheeling to the Right or Left, is only a Quarter of the Circle.
Wheeling to the Right or Left-about, is one Half of the Circle.
When you wheel to the Right, you are to close to the Right so near as to touch your
Right-hand Man, (but without pressing him) and to look o the Left (without turning the Head) in
order to bring the Rank about even.
 [ 13 ]

When you wheel to the Left, you are to close to the Left, and look to the Right, as above
directed.
In Wheeling, the Motion of each Man is quicker or slower, according to the Distance he is
from the Right or Left, thus : When you wheel to the Right, each Man moves quicker than his
Right-hand Man ; and in Wheeling to the Left, each moves quicker than his Left-hand Man ; the
Circle that every Man wheels being larger, according to the Distance he is from the Hand he
wheels to, as may be seen by describing of several Circle within one another at three Foot
Distance from each, which is the Space every Man is suppose to take up.

PART III :
Difference to be observed in a Company of Light Infantry44
CHAPTER I :
General Regulations for a Company of Light Infantry

Article I :
Drawing up a Company of Light Infantry

A Company of Light Infantry is to form with two feet between each file. -- The necessity
of increasing this distance must depend on circumstances, and be regulated at the moment by the
commanding officer. The files may be extended from right, left, or centre, according to
circumstances ; in executing it each front rank man must carefully take his distance from the man
next to him, on that side from which the extension is made : the rear rank men conform to the
movement of their file leaders. All columns of light infantry to be formed by sub-divisions, that
is, half companies.

The arms of light infantry in general will be carried sloped, and with the bayonets fixed.
Flanking and advanced parties however, or parties in particular situations, may carry them in their
right hand and without bayonets, for the purpose of taking cooler and more deliberate aim.

The officer commanding the company will be on the right, covered by a serjeant. The next
on the left also covered by a serjeant. The youngest officer in the rear. In extended order the post
of the officers and serjeants is always in the rear equally divided where they must pay particular
attention that the men preserve their order, and that they level, fire, and load coolly and properly;
they must likewise be attentive to direct them to the supposed object of attack.

In marching by files the officer commanding leads; by divisions each officer leads one.
The supernumerary officer, if there be one, is in both cases, with the officer commanding, ready to
obey any directions he may receive from him.

Article II :
The Method of firing used by a Company of Light Infantry

When the company is not in extended order, all firing is to be by single men, each firing as
quick as he can, consistent with loading properly : the firing to begin from the flank, or from the
point first formed.
 [ 14 ]

When the Company is firing in extended order, it is to be a standing rule, that the two
men of the same file are never unloaded together, for which purpose, as soon as the front rank man
has fired he is to slip round the left of the rear rank man, who will make a short pace forward, and
put himself in the others place, whom he is to protect while loading. - When the first man returns
his ramrod he will give his comrade the word ready, after which, and not before, he may fire and
immediately change places as before.

The same method of firing to be observed when advancing or retreating, which must
always be in ordinary time - Particular attention must be paid to cease firing on the first word, or
signal for that purpose.

Article III :
Maneuvers used by a Company of Light Infantry

All movements of the light companies, except when firing, advancing, or retreating, are to
be in quick time.

The light companies are never to run unless particularly directed, and in that case they are
only to run at that pace in which they can preserve their order ; and it is to be a rule that the two
men of the same file never separate on any account whatever.

The utmost care to be taken to avoid confusion, which too much hurry, even in the
smallest bodies, will certainly occasion. -The intermixture of files can never be allowed of.

Though all movements should be made in front as much possible, yet, from the nature of
those of a light infantry, and the ground they are more particularly liable to transverse, file
movements may frequently be necessary. All such to be made from one of the flanks by
previously facing to it, and the files to loosen, so as to march perfectly at ease, but not more.

In forming, the inversion of files or of ranks is not to be attended to if time is thereby

gained. Forming to the front to be done by the file moving briskly up to the right or left of the
leading file as ordered.

Form to right or left. - The leading file will halt and face as directed, as will the
succeeding ones as they come up to their proper distances.

Form forward to right or left -- The leading file halts and faces as directed; the
succeeding files lead round the rear, and form to the same front as the leading file has done, and at
their proper distances.

When marching to the rear by files, and to form to the front. --The leading file will halt
and front, the succeeding files will go round the rear of the leading file, and form on the right or
left of it as directed. Forming to the right or left, or forward to right or left is done in the same
manner as when marching to the front.
 [ 15 ]

Article IV :
Signals

All signals, words of commands, and directions, are for the officer commanding the
company or division, who gives the necessary orders in consequence.

The necessary signals will be previously settled, and as they will be very few and simple,
the officers and non-commissioned officers are expected to be masters of them.

Article V :
Holding and Defending a Position

When a light company or detachment is ordered to take post on any particular spot, it is to
be the business of the officer commanding it to take the best advantage of the ground, observing
that he must never disperse his company ; but if it should be necessary to make small detachments
from it, he must still preserve a part of his company or detachment as a reserve on which those
detachments may fall back ; and this is to be a general rule in all cases where the strength of the
party is sufficient to allow of making detachments from it.

The officers must also see that in situations of defence the men cover themselves with
trees, walls, large stones, or whatever may present itself. In firing from behind trees, large stones,
&c. they are to present to the right of the object which covers them ; and in changing places with
the other man of the file, after firing, they will step back, and to the left, so that the rear rank man
may step forward without being exposed.

CHAPTER II :
A Company of Light Infantry attached to respective their Regiment when in Line.

Article I :
Light Infantry Drawn up within the Regiment

The light company will be posted in the rear of its respective regiment, divided in two
divisions; that on the right will be in the rear of the second company, that on the left in the rear of
the seventh company, and they will at all times observe the distance of thirty paces. The captain, or
officer commanding will be with the right division.

When the line breaks into column, if the light companies receive no particular directions
for covering either the front or flanks of the column, they will wheel as the companies of the
battalion do, and conform themselves of the second and seventh companies, so as to at all times to
be in their proper places.

If the line forms a close column, and the light companies receive no particular directions,
they are to form by companies, and close up in the rear of the column, in the same manner as their
respective battalions.
 [ 16 ]

When the column deploys into line, the light companies will face each, as its battalion
does, file with it in the rear ; and when the battalion forms in the line, will take its proper post in
divisions behind the second and seventh companies.

If the light companies are ordered to cover the line to the front, either by word or signal,
the divisions will move to the front, from their inner flanks, round the flanks of the battalions;
and when at the distance of fifty paces, the leading flanks will wheel towards each other, so as to
meet opposite the centre of the battalion, opening their files gradually from the rear, so as to cover
the whole extent of the battalion ; the serjeant-coverer of each division attending to the files
taking their proper distance, the files are to halt and front of themselves. In this position, and in all
extended order, the post of the officer commanding is in the rear of the centre, and the movements
are to be regulated by the company belonging to the battalion, which regulates those of the line.

When the light companies are called in, the line may either be halted or advancing. In the
first case they will retire towards the line, closing to their outer flanks by degrees, so as when they
come near their battalions they may be in two divisions ready to file round the flanks of the
battalion to their places. If the line is advancing, they will only close to their outer flanks, so as to
be in two divisions by the time the line comes up to them, when they will instantly face outward,
and file to the rear.

CHAPTER III :
Of a Company of Light Infantry in a Brigade formation.

Article I :
Formed in a Brigade or Battalion of an Infantry of Line

If at any time a battalion of light infantry is ordered into the line, the files must be closed,
and it must in every respect act as other battalions of the line ; movements must be on the same
principles as those of the line ; the officers and noncommissioned officers posted in the same
manner, and, as far as possible, the same words of command should be used ; it is in their rapidity
alone that they must be distinguished, to facilitate which the files are to be loosened to the
distance of six inches, but great care is to be taken that rapidity does not degenerate into confusion.

The arms of the light infantry, when in battalion, while in movement, are generally to be
sloped, but always by order, and their bayonets are to be fixed. However permission is granted to
carry them in their right hands.

Article II :
Formed in a Battalion of Light Infantry

When two or more companies are together, they are to consider themselves a battalion of
Light Infantry. The senior officer is to take the command, leaving the immediate command of his
own company to the next officer belonging to it. As Light Infantry seldom act in large bodies, all
their movements may be in quick time ; but, when in column, the same attention must be paid to
the pivots covering, and the preservation of distances, as is done by the line ; the doing so will
always be found the quickest way of forming, by precluding the necessity of much after-dressing.
The arms of the light infantry, when in battalion, while in movement, are generally to be
sloped, but always by order, and their bayonets are to be fixed.
 [ 17 ]

A battalion of light infantry may occasionally be ordered to run, for the purpose of
anticipating an enemy going to occupy any particular post ; but in doing so, the utmost care is to be
taken that confusion do not ensue ; for which purpose, the velocity must never exceed that at
which the divisions can keep together and be dressed ; the distances must be preserved as much as
possible. Running must generally be in column ; but in case of absolute necessity to make a very
quick movement to the front , with a battalion of four or five companies or more, the best and
easiest way of doing it without confusion will be in echellon, by companies, each retired six paces
from the preceding one.

The forming from open column to the front may frequently be done by the divisions
obliquing to the right and left of the leading division, and if necessary firing as they come up.
Light infantry firing in divisions is to be always by single men.

If to form to the front the leading file of each company halts and dresses, the rest move
up to the right or left of them to their proper places.

If to form to the right or left, the companies first form separately, and move up and dress
with what will then be the front company, by which means the officer commanding will have it in
his power to keep such companies in reserve as he thinks proper, as also in forming to throw them
to the right or left of the front company, as circumstances may require ; the companies which are
to dress with the front company are to move up to it obliquely in line.

When the light infantry in battalion is detached from the line, the officer commanding
must take care to understand thoroughly the nature of the intended movement, so as to be certain
of cooperating with the line with exactness and precision.

When ordered to secure a wood of no very great extent, the battalion should go through it
and take post on the opposite side, within its skirt, so as to have the plain before it : in this, as well
as in all other cases, parties should be detached 30 or 40 yards on the flanks.

Article III :
Movement used by a Battalion of Light Infantry while in woods

Battalions of light infantry may frequently find it necessary to move by file through
woods, and over very rough countries : in all cases where it is practicable it is to be done from the
right or left of companies, and distances must be preserved for forming in the quickest manner
possible -- Whenever one company forms, the rest are to do the same, even supposing they do not
hear the word or signal for that purpose.

A battalion of light infantry marching through a wood should have parties in front and on
its flank, in proportion to the strength of the battalion. The parties should march in front with
extended file, and if attacked must take post and defend themselves till supported or called in.

The success of any engagement in a wood, or strong country, depends upon the coolness
and presence of mind of the commanding officer, and the silence and obedience of the men, fully as
much as upon their bravery.
 [ 18 ]

Article IV :
Firings used by a Battalion of Light Infantry

When firing in line advancing, the march must be very slow, the line must be preserved, and the
officers must take care to point out the supposed object of attack, and see that the men direct their
fire to it ; -- very particular attention is to be paid that the fire is directed to the proper object, and
that it ceases on the first word or signal for that purpose.

Article V :
The Method of Taking a Post with a Battalion of Light Infantry

In general, the method of taking post with a battalion of light infantry, whether large or
small, must depend upon the intelligence of the officer who commands it, but he must observe the
same rule as was given for a company, viz. Whatever detachments he may find necessary to make,
always to keep the most considerable part together as a reserve.

CHAPTER IV :
Signals

The SIGNALS -- To Advance; To Retreat; To Halt; To cease firing; to assemble, or call

in all parties, are to be always considered as fixed and determined ones, and are never to be changed.

All of those signals made from the line or column are to convey the intention of the
commanding officer of the line to the officer commanding the light infantry, who will either
communicate them to the several companies or detachments by word or signal.

F I N I S.
 [ 19 ]

Work Cited

Blands, Sir Humphrey. A Treatise of Military Disciplone; in which is laid down and

explained the duty of the officer and soldier, Thro the several Branches of the

Service. The Seventh Edition. London: John and Paul Knapton, 1753.

Light Infantry Drill of 1797. 2001. The British Brigade. 17 June 2002

http://www.britishbrigade.org/library/light97.html.

Campbell, John. The Complete Soldiers Pocket Companion or, a plain and easy method

of military discipline. Philadelphia: Thomas Dobson, 1798.

Exercise for the Foot with the Differences to be observed in the Dragoon Exercise.

London: 1757.

The Manual Exercise, as Ordered by His Majesty in MDCCLXIV, And now adopted in

the various provinces of North-America Norwich: Robertsons and Trumbull,

1775.

Pickering, Timothy. An Easy Plan of Discipline for a Militia. Salem, New-England:

Samuel and Ebenezer Hall, 1775.

Simes, Thomas. The Military Medley. Edition two, with considerable alterations.

Reproduced by Kings Arms Press. London: 1768.

Steuben, Frederick William Baron Von. Regulations for the order and discipline of the

Troops of the United States. Reprinted by Dover Publications, INC, 1985.

Boston: I. Thomas and E. Tandrews, 1794.

 [ 20 ]

The Manual Exercise as ordered by His Majesty 1764 Including Marching Fundamentals

and Maneuvers. Compiled by Mike Tully.

1
Orders to draw up at the Quarters of the Captain are copied from the Exercise for the Foot For 1757. The
orders for the companies to form up in two ranks, and at two paces distances is are copied from Baron Von
Steubens, Revolution War Drill Manual.
2
The sizing of the battalion is copied from the Exercise for the Foot For 1757.
3
The position of the Serjeants and officers is drawn from Baron Van Steubens, Revolutionary War Drill
Manual.
4
Forming of the battalion is as ordered by Baron Van Steubens, Revolutionary War Drill Manual.
5
Baron Van Steubens, Revolutionary War Drill Manual.
6
Baron Van Steubens, Revolutionary War Drill Manual.
7
Baron Van Steubens, Revolutionary War Drill Manual.
8
Baron Van Steubens, Revolutionary War Drill Manual.
9
Copied from The 1764 Exercise of Foot, printed in 1775; however, the order to fall in at the order is a
modification used by light infantry. The 1764 Manual of Exercise, Pickerings, An Easy Plan for Militia,
and Van Steubens Revolutionary War Drill Manual all order soldiers to fall in with the firelock resting on
the left shoulder, and the right hand to be handing down the right side.
10
Copied from the 1764 Exercise of Foot, printed in 1775.
11
Shoulder in two motions is pulled from Pickerings, An Easy Plan for Militia. Again, starting off going
to the shoulder is a modification used by the Light Infantry, who are to fall in at the order.
12
As Ordered By the 1764 Exercise of Foot, reprinted in 1777.
13
As Ordered By the 1764 Exercise of Foot, reprinted in 1777.
14
As Ordered by Timothy Pickerings, An Easy Plan for Militia.
15
As ordered by Timothy Pickering.
16
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
17
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
18
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
19
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
20
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
21
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
22
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
23
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
24
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
25
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
26
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
27
As ordered by the 1764 Exercise of foot, reprinted in 1777.
28
Timothy Pickering
29
Timothy Pickering
30
Port Your Arms is a commanded used if an on duty soldier is approached and spoken to by a Serjeant.
This maneuver is based on the 1764 Drill Manual produced by Mike Tully, whom found the command in
the Volunteers Companion.
31
Mike Tullys Production of the 1764 Exercise of foot for 1764.
32
Timothy Pickering.
33
Timothy Pickering
34
Timothy Pickering
35
Timothy Pickering
36
Timothy Pickering. Carry Your Firelock in your Left Arm is also known as Trail your Firelocks.
37
Timothy Pickering.
38
As Ordered by Thomas Simes in the Military Medley printed in 1768; however, it was reprinted in 1776
and called, A Guide to Young Officers.
 [ 21 ]

39
The Funeral Ceremony closely follows the orders of Thomas Simes. It has been shorten for the use of re-
enactors at Ceremonies commemorating fallen soldiers.
40
As Ordered By John Campbell, in his 1798 Soldiers Pocket Companion.
41
John Campbell.
42
Von Steuben.
43
As ordered by Sir Humphrey Blands in his Military Treatise for 1753.
44
The Light Infantry Manual is a compilation from the 1797 Light Infantry Manual found on the British
Brigades Website.