MANUAL OF ARMS FOR THE SHARPS RIFLE, COLT REVOLVER AND SWORDS (1861)
The Volunteer's Manual No. 1
Compiled
from U. S. standard authorities with important notes and a military glossary,
by T. Worthington, a graduate of West Point, and late Gen. 2d B. 7th D. O. M.
Assisted by Maj. Sidney Burbank and Lieut. P. T. Swaine, U.S.A. With the manual
of Sharps Rifle and Carbine, and Colt's Revolver by Capt. R. W. Johnson, U.
S. A. Cincinnati: Applegate & Co. No. 43 Main Street. 1861. (reproduced
in part from the Volunteer's Manual No. 1)
On
Foot.
Position of Carried Arms.
I--
- The
carbine is in the right hand against the hollow of the right shoulder, the
barrel perpendicular, the guard to the front; the arm slightly bent, the elbow
close to the body, the thumb above the guard, the forefinger extended on the
stock, the remaining fingers closed and in rear, the little finger pressing
against the hammer.
- The
squad being at "carry arms," the instructor commands:
Order--Arms.
One time and three motions.
II.--
-
At the command "arms," detach the carbine with the right hand perpendicularly
four inches from the shoulder, seizing it at the same time with the left hand
above the band.
- Seize
the carbine with the right hand half way between the left hand and muzzle.
- Let
go of the carbine with the left hand, which is dropped by the side; extend
the right arm, bringing the carbine to the ground, the toe of the butt on
a line with, and two inches from, the right toe, the guard to the front, the
elbow near the body, the barrel between the thumb and forefinger, the remaining
fingers in rear of the barrel.
Carry--Arms
One time and three motions.
III.--
-
At the command "arms, " raise the carbine with the right hand perpendicularly,
the barrel four inches from the shoulder, and seize it with the left hand
just above the band.
- Seize
the carbine with the right hand, the thumb above the guard, the forefinger
extended on the stock, the remaining fingers in rear of it.
- Carry
the carbine against the right shoulder with the right hand, dropping the left
hand smartly by the side.
Present--Arms
One time.
IV.--
-
At the command "arms," carry the carbine with the right hand opposite to the
middle of the body, the barrel perpendicular, the guard to the front, the
forearm pressed against the body; seize the carbine with the left hand, the
little finger just above the right thumb, the left thumb extended along the
groove between the barrel and stock, the hand as high as the elbow; reverse
the position of the right hand, brining the fingers to the front, the forefinger
pressing against the under part of the guard, the thumb in rear of the stock.
Carry--Arms
One time.
V.--
-
At the command "arms," shift the position of the right hand, bringing the
thumb to the front and above the guard, carry the carbine to the right shoulder,
dropping the left hand smartly by the side.
Support--Arms
One time and four motions.
VI.--
- At
the command "Arms," detach the carbine perpendicularly four inches from the
shoulder, seize it at the same time just above the band with the left hand.
-
Raise the carbine with both hands, turning the barrel to the front, at the
same time, changing the position of the right hand at the small of the stock,
the fingers to the front, the thumb to the rear, the left hand opposite to
the left shoulder, and as high as the eyes.
- Place
the left forearm under the hammer, the hand on the right breast, the fingers
closed and pointing toward the right shoulder.
-
Drop the right hand briskly by the side.
Carry--Arms
One time and four motions.
VII.--
-
At the command "Arms," seize the carbine at the small of the stock with the
right hand.
- Detach
the carbine four inches from the shoulder, seizing it with the left hand just
above the band, the thumb extended, the forearm pressed against the stock.
- Bring
down the carbine with both hands (changing the position of the right hand)
to a position perpendicularly opposite to, and four inches from, the shoulder,
the left forearm horizontal.
- Carry
the carbine against the hollow of the right shoulder, dropping the left hand
briskly by the side.
Secure--Arms
One time and two motions.
VIII.--
- Seize
the carbine with the left hand just above the band, at the same time grasping
it with the right hand just above the hammer.
- Lower
the muzzle, bringing the butt under the arm, the guard resting on the hip,
the barrel uppermost, the thumb resting on the sight, at the same time drop
the left hand briskly by the side.
Carry--Arms
One time and two motions.
IX.--
-
At the command "Arms," throw up the carbine in a vertical position, seizing
it with the left hand just above the band, shift the position of the right
hand.
- Carry
the carbine to the right shoulder, and drop the left hand by the side.
Order--Arms
(As prescribed in No. II)
Sling--Carbine
One time and two motions.
X.--
-
At the command "Carbine," raise the carbine perpendicularly with the right
hand, place it in the left, which seizes it at the sight, the thumb extended
along the barrel, the guard to the front; incline the muzzle to the left,
that the ring may hang down, the left hand as high as, and opposite to the
neck, slip the swivel to the front with the right hand, the thumb pressing
on the short side to open it, insert it in the ring, and seize the carbine
at the small of the stock with the right hand.
- Let
go with the left hand, which is dropped by the side, lower the muzzle, pass
the carbine behind the back, push the butt to the rear, and drop the right
hand by the side.
Unsling-Carbine
Two times (second time in) two motions.
XI.--
At the command "unsling," seize the carbine with the right hand at the small
of the stock.
- 1.
At the command "Carbine," raise it, place it in the left hand, which seizes
it at the sight, the guard to the front, the muzzle inclined to the left,
the left hand as high as, and opposite to, the neck; free the swivel from
the ring, and carry it to the rear with the right hand.
- Seize
the carbine half way between the point of the stock and the muzzle, bring
it down, turning it at the same time, and resume the position of "order arms."
Ground--Arms
One time and two motions.
XII.--
- At
the command "Arms," turn the carbine with the right hand, bringing the swivel
bar to the front, bend the body, advance the left foot eighteen inches, lay
the carbine on the ground in front of the body, lock up, the toe of the butt
on a line with the right toe, the right knee slightly bent, the right heel
raised.
- Rise
up, bring the left foot by the side of the right, and drop the hands by the
sides.
Raise--Arms
One time and two motions.
XIII.--
-
At the command "Arms," bend the body, advance the left foot eighteen inches,
raising the right heel, seize the carbine with the thumb and first two fingers,
half way between the point of the stock and the muzzle.
- Raise
the carbine, bringing the left foot by the right, turn the carbine in the
right hand, and resume the position of "Order Arms," No. II. When the saber
is worn, it is seized with the left hand just above the lower ring, point
to the front at the same time the first motion of Nos. XII and XIII is executed.
Arms--At Will
One time and one motion.
XIV. At the command "At Will," carry the carbine with one or both hands to either
shoulder, the muzzle always up.
Carry--Arms
One time and one motion.
XV.
Take the position of "Carry Arms," No. I.
Loading in Four Times.
XVI.
The squad being at "Carry Arms," the instructor commands, "Load in Four Times."
1.
Load
One time and two motions.
XVII.--
-
At the command "load," make a half-face to the right, turning on the left
heel, bringing the toes of the left foot directly to the front; carry the
right foot to the rear, the hollow of it opposite to, and three inches from,
the left heel, detach the carbine perpendicularly four inches from the shoulder,
raise it, and seize it with the left hand at the sight, the left forearm horizontal.
- Lower
the muzzle to the height of the eye, the left hand as high as, and opposite
to, the right breast, the thumb extended along the barrel; move back the catch
with the forefinger of the right hand, seize the lever with the thumb and
first two fingers, and throw it open to its full extent, and carry the right
hand to the cartridge box, and open it.
2.
Charge--Cartridge
One time and two motions.
XVIII.--
-
At the command "Cartridge," draw the cartridge, insert it (ball foremost)
in the barrel, press it in with the thumb and forefinger, and seize the lever
with the thumb and first two fingers.
- Draw
back the lever, move up the catch, half-cock, remove the old cap, and carry
the and to the cap-pocket, and open it.
3.
Prime
One time.
XIX.--At
the command "Prime," place a cap on the cone, press it down with the thumb,
let down the cock and seize the carbine at the small of the stock with the right
hand.
4.
Carry--Arms
One time and two motions.
XX.--
- At
the command "Arms," carry the carbine to the right shoulder, the barrel to
the rear; reverse the positon of the right hand, and face to the front.
- Drop
the left hand by the side.
Loading at Will
XXI.
When the men are properly instructed in "Loading in four times," the instructor
causes them to load at will by the commands:
Load
at Will--Load At the command "Load," they execute the times of loading without
stopping and without waiting on each other.
Firing
XXII.
The instructor commands:
Ready
One time and two motions.
-
At the command "Ready," make a half-face to the right, carrying the right
foot square behind the left, the hollow of it opposite to, and three inches
from, the left heel; detach the carbine vertically four inches from the shoulder;
seize it with the left hand a little below the band, the thumb along the stock;
raise it with both hands, the left as high as the neck; place the right thumb
upon the head of the hammer, the forefinger on the guard, the second finger
under it, the elbow as high as the hand.
(At the same time the men of the rear rank step off to the right six inches
with the right foot, placing the left in front, the heel opposite to, and
three inches from, the hollow of the right foot, so as to be placed opposite
to the interval on the right of their respective file leaders.)
- Cock
the piece by lowering quickly the right elbow, and seize the small of the
stock.
Aim
One time.
XXIII.--At
the command "Aim," lower the muzzle quickly, the carbine resting between the
thumb and first finger, the remaining fingers closed and under the stock, the
right below at the height of the shoulder; place the face against the stock,
shut the left eye, direct the sight eye along the barrel to aim, and place the
forefinger of the right hand on the trigger.
(At the same time the men of the rear rank step off with the left foot six inches
to the front, bending the left knee and leaning well forward, so as to throw
the muzzle of their pieces beyond the faces of the men of the front rank.)
XXIV.--To
recover arms before firing, the instructor commands:
Recover--Arms
One time.
At
the command "Arms," take the finger from the trigger, raise the carbine quickly,
and resume the position of the second motion of "Ready," No. XXII.
(At the same time the men of the rear rank bring back the left foot, the heel
of it three inches from, and in front of, the hollow of the right foot, but
remain opposite to the interval.)
XXV.
To carry arms without firing after having made ready or recovered arms, the
instructor commands:
Carry--Arms
Two times (second time in) two motions.
At
the command "Carry," place the right thumb upon the hammer, the forefinger on
the trigger, the others under the guard; pull back the hammer, press the forefinger
on the trigger to uncock, holding te cock with the thumb; let it down until
the hammer touches the cap.
- At
the command "Arms," carry the carbine to the right shoulder, barrel to the
rear; reverse the position of the right hand; at the same time face to the
front, bringing the heels together.
(At the same time the men of the rear rank place themselves in rear of their
fiel leaders, by stepping six inches to the left with the left foot, bringing
the right heel by the side of the left.)
- Drop
the left hand smartly by the side.
XXVI.--Being
in that position of "Aim," to fire, the instructor commands:
Fire
One time.
At
the command "Fire," pull the trigger and fire without lowering or turning the
head, and remain in this position.
XXVII.
If, after firing, the instructor does not wish to load, he commands:
Carry--Arms
Two times (second time in) two motions.
At
the command "Carry," bring down the carbine to the second position of load;
seizing it at the small of the stock with the right hand.
- At
the command "Arms," carry the carbine to the shoulder, as in No. XX.
(The rear rank men take their place behind their file leaders. No. XXV)
- Drop
the left hand smartly by the side.
XXVIII.--If,
after firing, the instructor wishes to load, he commands:
Load
One time.
At
the command "Load," bring down the carbine to the second position of load,
load at will, carry arms, and face to the front.
(The men in the rear ranks place themselves behind their file leaders, after
they have primed, and as their carbine is being brought to carry arms.)
Inspection of Carbine
XXIX.--The squad being
at the position of order arms, the instructor commands:
Inspection--Carbine
One time and three motions.
- Raise
the carbine smartly with the right hand, keeping the barrel toward the body,
place it in the left hand which seizes it at te sight, the thumb extended
along the stock, the hand opposite to the shoulder and as high as the chin,
the elbow against the butt, carry the right hand to the catch, disengage it
and spring open the lever to its full extent, drop the right hand by the side.
- Seize
the lever with the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand, shut it,
move up the catch, and drop the right hand by the side.
- Seize
the carbine with the right hand half way between the point of the stock and
the muzzle, let go with the left hand, which is dropped by the side, carry
the carbine with the right hand to the position of order arms, No. II.
(Each man, as the instructor passes before him, executes the first motion
of "inspection carbine." The instructor takes the carbine, and, after inspecting
it, returns it to the trooper, who seizes it as in the first motion of "inspection
carbine," No. XXVIII.)
(As soon as the instructor has passed by two files, the trooper who has been
inspected executes the second and third motions of "inspection carbine," No.
XXVIII.)
Inspection of Arms
XXX.-- The squad being
at "Order Arms," the instructor commands:
Inspection--Arms
Each trooper, as the inspector passes before him executes the first motion
of inspection carbine. As soon as the instructor has passed by two files,
the trooper, who has been inspected, executes the second motion of inspection
carbine, turns the muzzle to the left, and slings it, No. X, and draws sabre.
As soon as the sabre is inspected, it is returned, hooked up, and the trooper
unsligns carbine, as in No. XI.
Manual of Arms Mounted
The
trooper, in conducting his horse to the ground before mounting, has the sabre
hooked up, the carbine slung and thrown over the right shoulder, muzzle down;
having arrived on the ground, the sabre is unhooked. After mounting, the carbine
is dropped by the side. At the command, "Prepare to dismount," seize the carbine
at the small of the stock with the right hand, pass it over the right shoulder,
muzzle down.
XXXI.--The
trooper being mounted with the carbine at the side, the instructor commands:
Advance--Carbine
Two times.
- At
the command "Advance," seize the carbine with the right hand at the small
of the stock.
- At
the command "Carbine," elevate the muzzle, place the butt upon the thigh,
the lock to the front, the muzzle at the height of the eye, and opposite the
right shoulder.
To Load the Carbine
XXXII.-- The sqaud being
at "Advance Carbine," the instructor commands: Load in four times.
1. Load
One time and two motions.
- At
the command "Load," place the carbine in the left hand, which seizes it at
the sight; the muzzle opposite to, and at the height of the left shoulder;
with the right hand move back the catch and seize the lever with the thumb
and first two fingers.
- Spring
open the lever and carry the hand to the cartridge box and open it.
XXXIII.--
2. Charge--Cartridge
One time and two motions. (As prescribed in No. XVIII.)
XXIV.--
3. Prime (As prescribed in No. XIX.)
XXV.--
Advance--Carbine (As prescribed in No. XXXI.)
To Fire the Carbine.
XXXVI.-- The squad being at the position of "Advance Carbine," the instructor commands:
Ready
One time.
At
the command "Ready," let the carbine fall into the left hand as in first motion
of load, cock it and return to the position of advance carbine.
Aim
One time.
XXXVII.--
Rais
the carbine with the right hand, bringing the butt against the right shoulder,
support the carbine between the thumb and first finger, the remaining fingers
closed on the reins, without slackening them, and aim as in No. XXXIII.
Fire
One time.
(As prescribed in No. XXVI.)
XXXVIII.-- If having fired, the instructor wishes to load, he commands:
Load
At the command "Load," bring down the carbine to the first position of load,
load at will and return to advance carbine. XXXIX.--If, after firing the instructor
does not wish to load, he commands:
Advance--Carbine
(As prescribed in No. XXXI.)
XL.--To
drop the carbine, the instructor commands:
Drop--Carbine
One time.
At
the command "Carbine," lower the muzzle and carry the butt to the rear.
Inspection of Arms
XLI.--The instructor commands:
Inspection--Carbines
Two times (second time in) two motions.
At
the command "Inspection," seize the carbine with the right hand at the small of the stock.
- At
the command "Carbine," take the position of the advance carbine.
- Drop
the carbine, carrying the butt to the rear.
MANUAL FOR COLT'S NAVY REVOLVER
XLII.--The pistol should
be worn on the left side, in front of the sabre-hook.
To Draw the Pistol
XLIII.--The instructor commands:
Draw--Pistols
One time.
At
the command "Pistol," pass the right hand between the bridle-arm and the body,
unbutton the pistol-case, seize the pistol at the butt, draw it, elevate it,
the hammer as high as, and opposite to, the right shoulder with the muzzle
up, the guard to the front, the forefinger over the guard.
To Return Pistol.
XLIV.--The instructor commands:
Return--Pistol
One time.
At
the comand "Pistol," lower the right hand, between the left arm and the body,
dropping the muzzle of the pistol toward the entrance to the case, insert
it, push it to the bottom of the case, button the flap and drop the right
hand.
To Load the Pistol.
XLV.--The instructor commands:
Load in five times.
1. Load
One time and two motions.
XLVI.--
- At
the command "Load," pass the pistol into the left or bridle-hand, muzzle up,
guard diagonally toward the right, the little finger under the butt, the forefinger
over the guard, at the same time place the thumb of the right hand on the
hammer, the fingers of the right hand over those of the left.
- Half
cock the pistol and carry the right hand to the cartridge box; open it; at
the same time raise the thumb of the left hand on the cylinder.
2. Handle--Cartridge
One time and one motion.
XLVII.--
At
the command "Cartridge," carry the cartridge to the mouth, tear off the paper
to the powder, place the cartridge near the chamber which shows itself forward
the face, holding it upward between the thumb and first two fingers.
3. Charge--Cartridge
One time and two motions.
XLVIII.--
- At
the command "Cartridge," empty the powder into the chamber, carry the hand
to the mouth, tear off the paper from the ball, place the ball in the chamber,
and press it down with the thumb.
- Turn
the cylinder with the left thumb until the ball is under the lever, seize
at the same time the lever at the clasp, between the thumb and first finger
of the right hand, and loosen it from the catch.
4. Ram--Cartridge
One time and one motion.
XLIX.--
At
the command "Cartridge," ram the ball home, leave the lever in the cylinder,
and carry the right hand to the cartridge box.
(This process will be continued until all the chambers are loaded, with this
exception: in the first motion of charge cartridge, when the ball has been
pressed down with the thumb, seize the lever with the right hand, knuckles
up, and at the word "two," elevate the lever until the back of the hand touches
the barrel, and turn the cylinder until the ball is under the lever. When
the last ball has been rammed home, throw up the lever and clasp it, revolve
the cylinder until it clicks, and carry the hand to the cap pouch.)
5. Prime
One time and two motions.
L.--
- At
the command "Prime," drop the muzzle of the pistol toward the ground on the
right sie of the horse's neck, the wrist near the body, the back of the hand
down; remove the thumb from the cylinder, carry a cap to the exposed tube,
and press it on with the thumb; turn the cylinder with the right hand until
it clicks, and carry the hand to the cap pouch.
(This process will be continued until all of the tubes are capped. When the
last cap has been placed on, elevate the muzzle, and take the first position
of load, except that the forefinger is on the trigger.)
- Let
down the hammer on the safety-notch, and resume the position of draw pistol,
No. XLIII.
To fire the pistol
LI.-- The instructor commands:
- Ready
- Aim
- Fire
1. Ready
One time and in two motions.
LII.--
- Drop the pistol between the thumb and first finger of the left hand; guard
to the front, the muzzle diagonally to the left; at the same time place the
right thumb on the hammer, the remaining fingers of the right hand closed
and under the guard.
- Cock
the pistol, and resume the position of draw pistol, No. XLIII.
2. Aim
One time.
LIII.--
At
the comand "Aim," drop the muzzle to the front, extend the right arm, and
point the pistol at the target.
3.Fire
One time.
LIV.--At
the command "Fire," pull the trigger and at once resume the position of draw
pistol, No. XLIII.
LV.--The
squad being in position of "Aim," should the instructor not wish to fire, he
will command:
Hold!
LVI.--At this command,
elevate the pistol and resume the second position of ready, No. LII
LVII.--To cease firing,
the instructor will command:
Cease--Firing
One time and two motions.
LVIII.--
- At
this command, drop the pistol into the left hand, as in first position of
read, No. LII.
- Let
down the hammer on the safety-notch, and resume the second position, ready,
No. LII.
Inspection of Pistol
LIX. -- To inspect the
pistol, the instructor commands:
Inspection--Pistol.
One time and five motions.
LX.--
- At the command "Pistol," take the first position of load pistol.
- Take
the second position of load pistol, except that the right hand is dropped
by its side.
- Revolve the cylinder with the fore-finger of the right hand.
- Place
the right thumb on the hammer, the fingers of the right hand over those of
the left.
- Let
down the hammer and return pistol.
(The arms of a Cavalry soldier are inspected by the commands: Inspection--Arms,
and in the following order: 1st, Carbine; 2d, Pistol; 3d, Sabre.)
SWORD MANUAL--COLOR SALUTE
Manual of the sword or sabre, for officers.
Position of the sword or
sabre, under arms. The Carry. The grip is in the right hand, which will be supported
against the right hip, the back of the blade against the shoulder.
To Salute with the sword
or sabre. Three times (or pauses). One. At the distance of six paces from the
person to be saluted, raise the sword or sabre.
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