British Marching Discipline in the 18th Century: The Evolution of The Long March into the Route Step.

Notes on how troops marched in column in informal routine marching and occasions other than formal parade-ground duties. In these notes period writings will inform us that British troops /did not/ march to the beat of drum everywhere they went. The use of cadenced step to the beat of the drum was for training and to improve appearance in formal, parade-ground duties. On other occasions they marched without cadence, keeping their ranks and files, and at practiced rates, but there was no beat of the drum to regulate the cadence and no expectation of formality unless required by the customs and orders described in the extracts. The drum was primarily a means of signaling orders rather than an omnipresent musical accompaniment. In effect, the march was conducted in accordance with the purpose at hand, whether it was routine travel, or clearing a road through the wilderness, or in the presence of the enemy. The march began with the drum as a /signal/ to begin the march, then ceased and the men were at some liberty. A march was beat when the column passed through a town and again when the troops reached their destination. The context or circumstances of the march will be found in the extracts. Further information on rules and customs followed in marching from and arriving at camps and garrisons are included in Appendices. Certain formalities linking the beat of the drum with carrying or flying the colours and carrying arms at the Shoulder on these occasions are also evident. The notes will follow in as much as possible, a chronological order. The Long March. The Long March was a term used for both a specific drum beat and for what is known among military historians as a route march for times when bodies of troops were marched from one location to the next, in peace or wartime. Henry Fieldings 1749 Tom Jones, is set in 1745, during the Jacobite rebellion. In Chap. 11, the Adventure of a company of soldiers, Jones is with a company of troops on their march to join the army of the Duke of Cumberland. Fielding writes: Much mirth and festivity passed among the soldiers during their march. In which the many occurrences that had passed at their last quarters were remembered, and everyone with great freedom made what jokes they pleased on his officers, some of which were of the coarser kind and very near bordering on scandal... Fielding 1749, p. 312. 1744. Lieut. Col. Charles Russell, 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, describes a march to encamp facing the enemy: [1744, September 21 and 22. Avelgem Camp.] Just after I had finished yours last Wednesday morning, I heard that Count de Saxe was come

within five miles of us with thirty thousand men and several pieces of cannon, to fall on our rear in case we crossed the Scheld, or to defend a pass called Pont de Espiere, is we marched without crossing it. Upon this a grand council of war was called, our heavy baggage was sent over the river, and this morning we marched to attack the enemy, the English and Hanoverian infantry being in two columns on the right, next the river, the Dutch and Austrians in two more on the left, the grenadiers at the head of each column, and all the cavalry in the rear. No sooner had the infantry begun their march but they sent up such huzzas and shewed so great a spirit of joy and assurance of beating the enemy [as] gave great pleasure to the commanders and all that heard them, observing at the same time the greatest order and regularity on their march. When we had gone about three miles we heard that the enemy had all fled, and in so much hurry that they left a great deal of forage on the ground, which we found very useful. We continued our march along the Scheld to Avelgem, which is the Marchals quarters, it being our turn to be on duty. To-morrow we rest here, and on Sunday march again. Frankland-Russell-Astley, p. 342. 1755. General orders by Lieutenant-General Edward Braddock. Orders at Bear Camp; June 20th... The officers and serjeants are to be very attentive to the beat of the drum, taking care always to halt when they hear the long roll beat at that part of the line from which they are detached, and to march upon beating the long march. The field officers and all officers commanding any part of the line are to be particularly careful to beat the long roll and long march upon their halting and marching. Sargent, p. 339. 1761. Corporal William Todd of the 12th Regiment of Foot serving in the German campaigns of the Seven Years War, wrote of the march from Benninghausen, June 18th, 1761... And about 6 O Clock the Marquis of Granby Appeard at the head of our Collum who we were all glad to see well. His Lordship Complemented us all, both Officers & Men, Regiment by Regiment, as we passed by him, & Imeadiatly we gave him 3 Huzzas wishing His Lordships Health & Success, which caused such a great Noise that the Collumn on our Left, Composd of Hanoverans, Halted & put themselves into a posture of Defence as thinking that it was the Enemy making a charge upon our front. And One of their Aide camps came up to know the reason of such Noise in the English troops. Lord Granby Smiled & told him it was Only his Brother Soldiers that was welcoming him to Camp etc. p. 149-52. 1762. A treatise entitled The Cadet protests against the boisterous ways of the British soldiers and addresses discipline on the march. Are they not insolent? From whence arises that Absurdity authorized by Custom, and granted to Soldiers on a March, not only to be noisy, scurrilous, and abusive among each other, but also to ridicule and be familiar with the Characters and private Conversation of their

Officers, and say a Number of Impertinencies, which do not suit with the Distinction that ought to be preserved between Officer and Soldier? It is their too great /Intimacy/ that destroys /Respect/. But is it not surprizing that these Impertinencies, horrid Execrations, hallooing, /&c/. should be necessary to keep up the Spirit of a Corps when on a /March?/ Surely they will be at a Loss in an enemy's Country, for want of these /Aids/, where it might not be thought convenient to allow that strange Noise that distinguishes the March of a Regiment thro' a Country at present. I am very far from taxing our Officers with Inability, or want of Resolution to perform their Duty; but I am certain, there are many who suffer Custom to sway them from their real Opinions, lest they incur the name of /troublesome Disciplinarians/. Anon, 1762. p. 27-28. The Era of the American Revolution. 1776. General Orders, Boston: -Tuesday.Head Quarters Boston 6 Feby. 1776. Regiments going to the field for Exercise, are to March from the Center by Companys or Divisions and are not to use the Drum or fife for Marching or Signals when in the field. Stevens, p. 209. 1776. Ambrose Serle, Secretary to Admiral Lord Richard Howe, on the British landing on Long Island. Thursday, [August] 22d, 1776 Early this Morning the English troops, the Highlanders and Prestons Light Horse, landed on Long Island. The Disembarkation was effected upon the flat Shore, near Gravesend, without the least Resistance; the inhuman Rebels contenting themselves with burning as much of the Peoples Corn as they could (tho the great Rains wch fell last night very happily prevented much of their Design), with driving off their Cattle as far as their Time would permit, and doing much Injury to the Inhabitants, who are generally well disposed, as they possible could. The Soldiers and Sailors seemed as merry as in a Holiday, and regaled themselves with the fine apples, which hung everywhere on the Trees in great abundance. After the landing was pretty well effected, I went with two or three Gentlemen on shore Mr. De Nuyss house, opposite the Narrows, whose family had rejoiced at the Deliverance from the Tyranny they had so long undergone from the Rebels. It was really diverting to see Sailors and Apples tumbling from the Trees together. Serle, p. 7172. 1777. From a manuscript letter Describing the September 11 1777 battle of Brandywine, attributed to Lieutenant George Duke, 33rd Regiment of Foot. Ld Cornwallis with [h]is Column had got Sufficiently round them as so as to make them give us Battle; without stealing off, as they have over done since we landed, for we have been nearer them several times, then we were that Day, they all say he certainly meant to have made a Stand, but never thought we should have attak'd them w[h]ere we did, to be sure he made a Stand, but not long Marching above Sixteen Miles, which We was form Day break to three o Clock in the Afternoon a doing owing greatly to the badness of the Roads which did not allow the Cannon to get on faster, by that time you must imagine our men were pretty much

fatigued, having had nothing to Eat or drink, since the Day before, but when they formed at 3 o'Clock the enemy so close, the March and fatigue was all forgot, its impossible for Men ever to go into the field, with more spirit and determined resolution then [sic] they did... Historical Auctions. 1778. In his treatise on the Light Dragoons, Thomas Hinde uses the term Long March. The Advanced guard and Rear Guard is always to be formed according to the strength of the body marching: the rear guard have the charge of prisoners: both these guards carry their carbines advanced upon the long march, and made ready when the body draw swords: the main body always march by quarter ranks with the officers equally divided. Hinde, p. 437. 1779. Bennett Cuthbertson offered some advice on the current practice of British Army. Every method should be pursued, for promoting the consequence Officers, in the opinion of Soldiers, and obliging them on occasions to behave towards them with the highest marks of honour respect, as that must lead effectually to a proper subordination, thereby to the establishment of the strictest subordination.

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Soldiers are therefore to be discouraged, from ever presuming to speak of their Officers, at any time, with the least appearance of freedom, but in particular on a march, when many Corps indulge them, in an unrestrained manner of behaviour, by way of passing off the length of the road, and keeping up their spirits: such aids undoubtedly are sometimes necessary, when confined to their proper bounds, but on no account should be allowed, if the Name, of even a Non-commissionofficer, is to be the subject of their merriment, it being an indecent liberty, and tending very much to lessen the authority, both of Officers and Non commission ones; with the latter of whom, Soldiers will naturally suppose it unnecessary to observe any degree of Respect, whilst they are permitted to use such Insolence with those, so much their superiors. Cuthbertson 1779, p. 106-07. Further references to marching include, Boys much under fourteen, unless they are remarkably stout, are rather an encumbrance to a Regiment (especially on Service) as they are in general unable to bear fatigue, or even carry their Drums upon a march, which are seldom on that account, in good repair, from the many accidents they are liable to on the Baggage carriages. Cuthbertson 1779, p. 9-10. Of cases for the drums, ...painted linen cases should be given with them, to be worn constantly, when off Duty, or on a March... Cuthbertson 1779, p. 73-74. Of drum carriages, ...the carriages being worn in this manner, two leather Loops, about half an inch broad, at the distance of a foot asunder, to run the sticks through, which will be found the safest method of carrying them, when not in use, and in particular on a March... Cuthbertson 1779, p. 74.

And of slings, Instead of the platted Cord, by which the Drummers usually sling the Drums upon the March, and thereby often gall their shoulders, it will be an advantage, to establish two leather slings, coloured as their Sword-belts, about one inch broad, which, besides making the Carriage of the Drum more easy to them, will have a better effect, in point of look, when suspended from the bottom of the Drum, on a parade, than can be expected from a greasy cord, which must become so by the frequent handling of it. Cuthbertson 1779, p. 74-75. Cuthbertson also advocated that troops on home service be regularly exercised in marching. On these excursions, the greatest pains must be taken, to inure the Soldiers to a proper use of their Feet, by obliging them to dress always in their Ranks and Files, and to acquire such a regular, constant step in marching, that they may with ease proceed together, at the rate of full three miles an hour. and that without the aid of either Fife or Drum: this method should also be established, in removing from one Quarter to another... Cuthbertson, 1779, p. 120. 1781. John Williamson, Elements of military Arrangement. Not only the major and adjutant, but every other officer must take especial care on the march that the soldiers keep their ranks and files, and that no man presumes to quit his division without leave on any account. The men should likewise be accustomed to silence on the long march, and though it be the custom to allow them to talk on the long march, or after the drums have ceased beating, yet their conversation should not be suffered to rise into noise and clamour. Even the officers themselves should not be allowed to quit their platoons, when there is not absolute necessity for it. Williamson, p. 160-61. The Post-War Era. In the 1785 edition of the "Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" (attributed with some strength to Francis Grose)the author tells us that, The second part or burlesque terms, have been drawn from the most classical authorities; such as soldiers on the long march, seamen at the cap-stern... A Classical Dictionary, p. v. In 1786 Francis Grose noted the old custom amid discussion of the use of the drum: There was formerly another beat, called, the Long March; on the beating of which, the men clubbed their firelocks, and claimed and used the liberty of talking all kind of ribaldry respecting their amours and those of their officers; this has for some time been very properly abolished. Grose 1786, II, p. 253-54. The term Route March. 1782. March of route is found in Dalrymple's Tacticks. "When the Column marches; if for the march of Route, the Ranks and Files open to the prescribed distance..." Dalrymple, p. 73.

Following the American Revolution the British Army was affected by the adaptations made in America. Dundas opposed those very loose and rapid tactics, but preserved such of the elements as seemed to suit his plan for tactics in European warfare. 1788. Dundas's Principles. In common route marching, the same regularity of step cannot be required, as is necessary in the operations of manoeuvre - The battalion or column may be carried on at a natural pace of two miles and a half per hour; the attention of the men may be relaxed, and the ranks and files loosened, so as to move with the greater conveniency, but never confounded... Dundas, p. 191. 1792. The first comprehensive regulation for the British Infantry was not issued until this year. It was specified, In common route marching, the battalion or more considerable column may be carried on at a natural pace of about 75 steps in a minute, or near two miles and a half in an hour: The attention of the soldier is allowed to be relaxed, he moves without the restraint of cadence of step, or carried arms; rear ranks are opened to one or two paces; files are loosened but never confounded; in no situation is the ordered distance between divisions ever to be increased, and the proper flank officers and under-officers remain answerable for them. Rules and Regulatons 1792, p.449. 1798. Rate and circumstances of march... 3. In common route marching, the battalion or more considerable column may be carried on at a natural pace of about 75 steps in a minute, or near two miles and a half in an hour: The attention of the soldier is allowed to be relaxed, he moves without the restraint of cadence of step, or carried arms; rear ranks are opened to one or two paces; files are loosened but never confounded; in no situation is the ordered distance between divisions ever to be increased, and the proper flank officers and under-officers remain answerable for them. Adjutant General's Office, 1798. p. 369. The beating of the March was used as a signal as with the other beatings of the drum; the drum ceased once the signal was completed. All but the Orderly or Duty Drummer slung their drums. The Duty Drummer would sound any signals needed during the march. A March was beat when the column passed through a town, and again when the troops reached their destination. Further information on the conduct of a march is provided in the Appendices. In summary, The Long March evolved after the Seven Years War with the suppression of hazing the officers, yet the soldiers were permitted to march at ease. The term Route March replaced the term The Long March; but the practice of marching at ease without the beat of the drum and without flying colours, continued.

Appendix I. Instructions for the March, 1735. The Manner of Marching out of, or Removing a Camp. When a Camp is commanded to march early in the Morning, there must be no Reveille beat but by the General. As soon as the General beats, both Officers and Soldiers are to get themselves ready as soon as possible; and an Officer of a Company is to take care that the Men be well dressd, their Heads combed, their Hats well cockd, and that every thing belonging to them be clean, and in good Order. As soon as they hear the Troop, or Assembly beat, then they must strike all their Tents, and pack them up, and load their baggage; and call in their Quarter and Rear Guard, and stand to their Arms in the Street. Then the Officers of each Company, or Street, are to march them to the Line of Parade, in order to form the Battalion; and whilst the battalion is forming and Files compleating, the Officers are to take care that Silence be kept; and let none smoke. /N. B/. That during the time the Officers are compleating their Battalion, all the Drums are to beat a March at the Head of the Line. When they hear that the time appointed for their Marching off is come, then, upon which End of the Line the Drum begins to beat a March on, either the Right or Left, there the March is to begin, and all the Divisions are to wheel to that hand: So that they may all begin their March at the same time. All the Officers must march in their Post, and must not leave their Divisions wihout Leave of their commanding Officers. Which commanding Officers are to take care that there a officers to each Division. The Officers are to mind the Marching off the Divisions before them; and they are not to suffer any of the Serjeants, nor Soldiers, to stir from their Post, or out of their Ranks; but when they attempt it, to call to, or send a Serjeant after them. And if they require to ease themselves, or go for Water, then they are to order them to leave their Arms with the same Division they belong to. Great Care to be taken to keep Silence; and not to keep too large Intervals in their Divisions, or too large Distances in their Ranks, and that they carry their Arms well. And when they rout, they are to sling their Arms, but still must keep good their Divisions: And no Officers, or Soldier, ought to quit their Posts except those that are allowed to ride. When there are Orders for Drawing up, or Halting, on the March, that the Men may refresh themselves, the Officers must not suffer the Men to sit down, or take their Arms from their Shoulders, till such times the Ranks and Files are compleately dressed; then order them to ground their Arms. Which done, it is common, among old soldiers, to take off some of their Accoutrements, to ease themselves while they halt. When they have Orders for Marching again, then the Drums must beat a Preparative; which is to give the Men Notice to acoutre [sic] themselves, so that they may be all ready to march together.

In Marching through Towns, or into an Incampment of a Brigade, or out of them; also, at all times when they hear the Grenadiers March beat, all the Officers, except the Major and Adjutant, must dismount and take their Arms in their Hands; the Colours must fly, and the Men must take care to shoulder, and march in good order, and not to club or sling their Firelocks; and so keep marching until they are through the Town, or come to the Place where they must incamp. When they are come to the Place where they must incamp, a senior Ensign of each Company must stay with them, and see them pitch their Tents, before they are suffered to sit down, or go about any other Business. The Corporals, at the same time, must take care that the Bells be well pitched, and that the Arms be carefully put into them. All Colonels and commanding Officers of a Regiment, are to see their Regiment incamped before they quit them; and all Captains and Subalterns, to see that all their Men be incamped before they put up their own Tents; and all Brigadiers to see their Brigades into their Camp. When they are sent for Straw, Wood, or Forrage, there must be an Officer sent with them, which is generally the regimental Quarter master; and also an Escourt, to cover them and prevent Disorders. Thy must not suffer any Soldiers to go into any House or Villages that are inhabited, but oblige the Peasants to throw or bring out, what Straw or Forrage they want; they must take care not to burn, plunder, or pull down any Houses; the Corps that commit such Disorders being liable to pay the Damages. /N. B/. In case the General in Chief meets the Army on the March, in order to see them march, all Officers are to alight and see their Men march in good order, as before, and pay their Salute; but if a General of Foot meets them, they are not to salute, but alight and take their Arms in their Hands. Gittins, p. 170-73. Appendix II. Instructions for Arrival in Garrison or Camp. 1762. Instructions for entering a camp, from The Cadet. When a Regiment is under Orders for Camp, the Quarter-Master and the Camp-Colour men are ordered forward to receive the Proportion of Ground allotted for their respective Corps; they are to mark out the Quarter and Rear Guards, and likewise the Spots for the Bells of Arms: When the Regiment comes to its Ground it is to be formed with the Center directly facing the Bell-Tent of the Quarter Guard, which is the Center of the Regiments Proportion on the principal Line; here the Colours are to be planted, three Paces advanced before the Line of Bell-Tents. The Quarter and Rear Guards are to be formed next, and the different Sentries posted, /viz/. two on the Colours, one on each flank of the Bells of Arms, one on each flank of the Officers Street, on the Quarter and Rear Guards, and the Field Officers Tents, one each. When the Colours are planted, the Companies are dismissed by facing to the Right and left outwards from the Center, and marching opposite to their

respective Bells of Arms, then face, march and lodge their Arms in the Bells, and proceed to pitch their Tents, which are to be in regular Files by Companies in the Rear of the Bell-Tent. Anon 1762, 235-36. Instructions for Entering a Camp, by General John Lafaussille. When a Regiment comes to the Line of its Encampment, the Drummers' Call is to beat, on which the Drummers are to go to their Divisions and brace, and all Captains and Subalterns are to dismount, the Men to shoulder, and march in Order. La Faussille. Appendix III. Procedure for Entering a Garrison, from Humphrey Bland's Treatise of Military Discipline, 1762 edition. When the Regiment comes near the garrison, the commanding Officer should send an Officer, to acquaint the Governor, that he shall arrive at such a time, and to desire he will send orders to the Officer of the port-guard to permit the Regiment to march into the town; without which Precaution they will be kept without the Barrier, till the Officer of the guard sends and receives the Governors orders for their admittance. On this notice, the Governor commonly sends the Town-Major, or one of the Town-Adjutants, with Orders for their entrance, and to conduct the Regiment to the Grand-Parade. The Quarter-master, or Officer who was sent to prepare the quarters, should meet the Regiment at some distance from the town, to acquaint the Colonel with his proceedings; as also to find out some convenient place near the town for the Regiment to draw up before they enter, and to conduct them to it. This small halt is only to give the men time to roll their cravats, cock their hats, and put themselves in the best order they can, that they may appear in a decent and Soldier-like manner upon their entering the town. While the men are putting themselves in order, the Officers billets may be distributed amongst them, which is commonly done by lot, to avoid shewing any partiality; that is, those of each rank are to draw with one another. The Reason why I think the Officers billets should be distributed before they march into the town, is, that they may send their baggage directly to their quarters, and not lose time by deferring of it till they come to the Parade; but this may or may not be done, as the Colonel shall think proper. As soon as the men have put themselves in order, and the files are completed, they may then pursue their march; and when they come near the Barrier, all the Officers, except the Colonel, Major and Adjutant, must dismount, and march at the head of their Divisions with their Espontons in their Hands, and the Ensigns with the Colours. It is a standing rule, that when the Officers are ordered to dismount and the Ensigns to take the Colours, the Drummers are to fall into their Divisions, and beat a /March/, unless the service may require them being silent; in which Case, Orders are given accordingly.

The Colonel, or commanding Officer, marches always on horseback at the head of the Regiment; but when the Governor or a superior Officer, is to see the Regiment march by, as soon as he has notice of the Governors appearance, he is to dismount, and march with his Esponton in his hand, and pay him the compliment due to his character in the Army. Bland 1762, p. 177-79. Procedure for Marching from a Camp, from Humphrey Bland's Treatise of Military Discipline, 1762 edition. The /Reveille/ is never beat the day the army marches, unless particularly ordered, but the /General/ instead of it. At the beating of the /General/, the Officers and Soldiers are to dress and prepare themselves for the march. At the beating of the /Assembly/ or /Troop/, they are to strike all their tents, pack up and load the baggage, and send it with a proper guard, to the places where the whole is appointed to assemble. After this, the quarter and standard guards, and the rear-guards, are to be drawn in, the Troops and Companies to draw up in their streets, and to be told off, that they may be ready to form into Dquadron and Battalion at the next signal. At the hour appointed for the army to march, the Drummers are to beat a /March/ at the head of the line; and, as soon as they cease beating, th Squadrons and Battalions march out and form at the head of their encampment, complete their files, and tell off their Battalions by platoons, grand or sub-divisions, as it shall be ordered: and when the /March/ is beat a second time on the right or left of the line, all the Squadrons and Battalions are to wheel towards the flank, where the /March/ was beat, and begin the march as soon as wheeled. The horse have different terms for the first two signals for the march of an army. The beating of the /General/ is called by the horse, sounding /to boot and saddle/; and the /Assembly/ is, sounding /to horse:/ however, in the general orders given out to the army, they are called by the terms which are used by the foot. The usual time for the Regimental Quarter-Masters, the camp-colour-men, and the escort, to assemble, is at the beating of the /General/. When the army is to march towards the right, then parade at the head of the right wing of horse; and, if they march to the left, they are to parade at the head of the left wing; but when the army is to march directly towards the front, the camp-colourmen, &c. parade then at the head of the first line of foot. These are the general rules laid down for assembling of the camp-colour-men, and as soon as they are paraded, they are to march with the Quarter-Master-General to the place where the army is to encamp. Bland 1762, p. 297-98 Appendix IV. The March of an Army into Camp or Quarters. 1781. John Williamson, Elements of Military Arrangement.

Of the march of an army - of a regiment of foot - manner of marching by sub-divisions, platoons and files - van and rear-guard - what is to be done when troops march through a town or garrison - when meet another regiment or detachment - when meet the commander in chief on the march - when march into quarters - duty in cantonment or quarters. When the army is to march out of camp, the /general/ is beat in the morning instead of the /reveill/, which is a signal for the whole to prepare for marching. When troops are in garrison or quarters, if the whole are to march, the /general/ is the first beat in the morning; but if only a part, the first beat is the /assembly/, and the next the /troop/. On the beating of the /assembly/ or /troop/, the tents are to be struck, the baggage loaded, and sent with a proper escort to the place where the whole are to assemble. The quarter and rear guards are then to be drawn in, and the companies to stand to their arms in the streets. The out-posts are usually drawn in at the beating of the /general/. At the hour appointed for the army to march the drummers are ordered to beat a /march/ at the head of the line; and as soon as they cease beating, the battalions form on the line of parade. Orders will be given in due time to the regiments, whether they are to march by divisions, platoons, or files; and when a /march/ is beat a second time on the right or left of the line, they are to face or wheel according to the orders, and begin the march. When the army and is led by by itself, or the different each regiment proportion of baggage. marches in different columns, each column has a guide, a general officer. The baggage may either be in a column with the heavy artillery, or may be distributed through columns. The bt horses usually march in the front of with the tents; the bt-men, who are allowed in the three /per/ company, march with the bt-horses and the

When the army is to march into another incampment, the quarter-masters, with their serjeants and camp-colour men, are to set out soon enough to mark out the camp before their regiments arrive. The camp-colour men are to be marched in order like all other detachments. The commander in chiefs guard, the new grand guard, the quartermaster-generals guard, the provosts and market guard usually parade with the camp-colour-men and march along with them; and whilst the camp is settling, the provosts are to patrole with proper detachments in the adjacent villages, in order to prevent plundering and other disorders. The lieutenant-general of that day actually on duty, with the major of brigade of the day coming on duty, is to attend the commander in chief during the march; the other general officers keep with their columns. The general officers commanding columns give their orders to the regiment that leads each column, and whatever that regiment does is to be done by the others when they come on the same ground. A quartermaster must meet each column, when they come within a mile of the new

incampment. The major of brigade of the day and a serjeant from each regiment attend at the head of the line of foot, to receive and communicate whatever orders may be given. The commanding officer, major and adjutant should always be mounted at the head of each regiment, whether it marches by the right or the left, to be in readiness to receive any orders, and to execute them with dispatch; except when retreating before an enemy, when those officers are to be in the rear, which on this occasion becomes the post of honour. Each battalion is to have a rear guard of a subaltern is to bring up all stragglers; but if any man should to be able to march, two careful men should be left whom will come and acquaint the officer where such men and 24 men, which be so ill as not with him, one of have been left.

When the regiments come to the line of incampment, the /drummers call/ is beat; on which the drummers go to their divisions and brace, all the captains and subalterns dismount, the men carry their arms on the left shoulder, and march in order. March of a Battalion. No invariable rules can be laid down for the marching of a regiment, the mode of marching must depend upon various circumstances; such the ground it has to pass over, whether it be in a friend's or in anemy's country; if in the latter, the side upon which it may attacked, the enemy's situation, number and quality. In general regiment is to march in such a disposition as to form as quickly possible towards that part on which it is most liable to be insulted. as as an be a as

The best manner of marching, when the nature of the ground will admit, is by platoons or sub-divisions; when marching in this order, the battalion can easily be formed either to the front, right or left, as necessity may require, or may throw itself into a square or oblong, in case of being suddenly attacked by cavalry. In marching by platoons or divisions the officers must always observe the proper distance, leaving an interval between their division and that before them equal to the distance of the front rank of one to that of the other. If the regiment be marching from the right, the left hand files of the divisions must cover, and /vice versa/ when marching from the left. When the oblong is to be formed on the march, they must be closed to half distance. Whenever the regiment enters a defile, a ruffle, or preparative is to be beat, on which the men are to close up, in order to hasten through, that they may not be obliged afterwards to run forward to recover their proper distance. When the nature of the ground is such that the regiment cannot march any longer by platoons or sub-divisions, the officers commanding

platoons or divisions are to order their men to advance from the right or left by files, according as the regiment is marching by the right or left; or if it is ony to pass a small defile, they may be ordered to advance from the center. In marching by files, the commanding officer of the grenadiers leads th center of the first file of the battalion. The lieutenant-colonel, or second in command, brings up the last file of the battalion, as the commanding officer of the light infantry does the last file of that company. The rest of the officers march on the outward flank of the front rank - the drummmers of the center division betweeen the two colours. The major and adjutant are to be on horseback on the flanks, to see that the officers and men keep their respective platoons, and the files their proper distances. The marching by platoons or divisions is calculated for a plain or champaign country; by fiels for an inclosed country, through roads and highways. Not only the major and adjutant, but every other officer must take especial care on the march that the soldiers keep their ranks and files, and that no man presumes to quit his division without leave on any account. The men should likewise be accustomed to silence on the long march, and though it be the custom to allow them to talk on the long march, or after the drums have ceased beating, yet their conversation should not be suffered to rise into noise and clamour. Even the officers themselves should not be allowed to quit their platoons, when there is not absolute necessity for it. Before a regiment marches from the parade or incampment, a van and rear guard must be appointed; besides a guard for the baggage, if it be separate from the battalion. The strength of these guards, as well as their instructions, must depend on circumstances and the direction of the commanding officer. When the enemy is most to be apprehended in front, the van-guard will of course be strongest, and when he is most likely to fall on the rear of the regiment, the rear-guard must be proportionately re-inforced*. In a friendly country, or where there is no possibility of an attack, the van-guard may be dispensed with; but a rear-guard must still be kept up, to prevent the soldiers from straggling or staying behind the regiment. When a regiment is to pass through a town where troops are stationed, the commanding officer must halt at some distance from the town, and send to the officer commading in it to inform him of the approach of the regiment or detachment. If it be a garrison, he must get the permission of the governor or commandant, before he can enter, and must be met at the barrier, or without the gate, and be conducted into the garrison by the town-major or officer acting in that capacity. Whenever a regiment is to march through * The less shall be said on this subject, as it has been fully treated of by /Bland, Chapter/ VIII. any town, though there be no troops in it, a halt must be made previous

to entering it, the officers must dismount, and fall into their posts with their spontoons in their hands, and the regiment is to march through with colours advanced and drums beating. When two different regiments or corps meet upon the march, the youngest halts and draws up, while the other is passing, and if the latter beats a drum, the former must present their arms, the proper return to which compliment from the older corps is carried arms. Likewise, when a regiment or detachment marches by an officers guard, which turns out to them and rests, the officer commanding the regiment or detachment should in return order his men to carry their arms. But an officers party in marching by pays no compliment to a non-commission officers guard, though they turn out to him with rested arms; and no regiment or guard is to rest to another marching by, unless the latter march by beat of drum. When the commander in chief meets a regiment on the march, the officers are to dismount, take their posts and salute him; the drums to beat a march. This is only to be done only once a day; if he passes by again no notice is to be taken of him. No compliment is paid to the other general officers on the march; but when a regiment meets the general of the foot, the officers are to dismount and take their posts. The quarter-masters are always to go before and provide quarters and everything necessary for their corps, and are to meet them at some distance from the place where they are to be quartered. When a regiment arrives near the town where it is to quarter, the commanding officer is to command a halt, and to see the officers properly posted, and the men put in order. If any troops are already in the town, the commanding officer of the regiment is to send to the officer who commands there, to acquaint him of his being ordered to march into those quarters. The regiment is then to be conducted to the parade and alarm post, and the orders are to be read to the men. The colours are then to be lodged at the commanding officers quarters, a guard mounted, and a sentinel placed over the colours. A picquet is also sometimes appointed, which, like that in camp, must be ready to turn out on the first alarm. The officers of companies should see their men to their quarters, and report the state they have found them in to the commanding officer. A subaltern officer should besides be ordered every day to visit the mens quarters, to inspect their messes, and to make a regular report of every circumstance. It is enjoined by the articles of war, when a regiment marches into fresh quarters, that notice be given to the inhabitants in the public market place, that they are not to trust the soldiers beyond their daily pay; which is called crying down the credit of the regiment. When the regiment is divided in cantonments*, the colours, the staff of the regiment and the band of * For the regulation of the attendance of officers in quarters see

the /Appendix/. music always remain at head-quarters with the colonels company. When the regiment is together, it is usual to mount a subalterns guard, and a captains picquet; when half the regiment or four companies are together, a serjeants guard and a subalterns picquet. Regiments when in quarters or cantonment should be assembled at least twice a day for roll-calling, according to the situation and distance of the mens quarters. They should likewise have a field day once or twice a week, when the weather will permit, to keep the officers and men perfect in the exercise. But these matters depend entirely on the pleasure of the colonel or commanding officer of the regiment, or of the general officer commanding in the district. Williamson 1781, p. 156-64.

--Sources. Adjutant General's Office [William Faucett.] Rules and Regulations for the Formations, Field-Exercise, and Movements, of His Majesty's Forces. A new Edition. War-Office, printed, and sold by J. Walter, at Homer's Head, Charing-Cross. 1798. Anon, 1762 [attributed to Samuel Bever or Beaver]; The Cadet. A Military Treatise. By an Officer. 2nd. edition. London: Printed for W. Johnston, in Ludgate-Street, MDCCLXII. [1762.] A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. S. Hooper, London. 1785. Google Books. Bland, Humphrey; A Treatise of Military Discipline: In which is laid down and Explained The Duty of the Officer and Soldier, Through the several Branches of the Service. Ninth Edition. R. Baldwin at. al. London. 1762. CUTHBERTSON, Bennett, A System for the Complete Interior Management and Oeconomy of a Battalion of Infantry... London, 1779. Rules and Regulations for the Formations, Field-Exercise, and Movements, of His Majestys Forces. War-Office, Printed and Sold by J. Walter, at Homers head, Charing Cross, 1792. Gittins, John; A Compleat System of Military Discipline, as it is now used in the British Foot; with Explanations. J. Humphreys, London. 1735. Google Books. Frankland-Russell-Astley; Report on the Manuscripts of Mrs FranklandRussell-Astley, of Chequers Court, Bucks. S.C. Lomas, ed. Historical Manuscripts Commission. His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1900. Hinde, Thomas; The Discipline of the Light Horse. W. Owen. London. 1778.

Historical Auctions, Sale 683, Lot 56040, 2008. [Courtesy, Paul Pace, Revlist.] Lafausille; The Rudiments of War: Comprising all the Principles of Military Duty, in a Series of Orders Issued by Commanders in the English Army, to which are added some other Military Regulations, for the sake of connecting the Former. (2nd Ed.), London: Printed for Tho. Edgerton (Successor to Mr. Millan), 1782. Transcribed extracts courtesy of Don Hagist from a copy in the collection of the Department of the Navy. Rules and Regulations for the Formations, Field-Exercise, and Movements, of His Majesty's Forces. Adjutant-General's Office, June 1, 1792. War Office, J. Walter. London. 1795. SARGENT, Winthrop; The History of an Expedition to Fort Duquesne, in 1755, under Major General Edward Braddock. Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Lippincott, Philadelphia, 1855. SERLE, Ambrose; The American Journal of Ambrose Serle, Secretary to Lord Howe, 1776-1778. Edward H. Tatum Jr., ed. Huntington Library, San Marino, Ca., 1940. Reprint, Arno Press, 1969. Stevens, Benjamin F., ed, General Sir William Howes Orderly Book - at Charlestown, Boston and Halifax, June 17, 1775 to 1776 16 May. Kennicat Press, NY 1970. TODD, William; The Journal of Corporal Todd, 1745 1762. Cormack, Andrew and Jones, Alan, eds. Army Records Society, Sutton Publishing Ltd. Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, 2001. WILLIAMSON, John; The Elements of Military Arrangements, Comprehending the Tactick, Exercise, Manoevres, and Discipline of the British Infantry... London: Printed for the Author, 1781.