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III.The Manual of Arms II (K-T)

Ground-ARMS

On the command "Ground", reach the left hand behind the back and grasp the cartridge box. On "ARMS", turn
the musket so the barrel is on the left. Step forward enough with the left foot to lay the musket on the ground. The
lock-plate is up and the butt is next to the right toe. Rise up, letting go of the cartridge box, and take the position of
Attention.

On "Raise", grasp the cartridge box as before. On "ARMS", step forward with the left foot and take the musket
with the right hand. Raise the musket, returning the piece to the position of Order-Arms.

Drop the piece by extending the left arm, taking hold of it with the right hand above the bottom band. Drop the
piece with the right hand along the left side, moving the left hand to above the middle band. Lower the piece to the
ground with the left hand while moving the right hand to the bayonet scabbard. Take hold of the socket and shank
so that the lower (now upper) end of the socket extends above the heel of the palm. Draw the bayonet and affix it to
the musket. When it is locked on, place the little finger of the right hand on top of the rammer and lower the left
hand along the barrel.

Raise the piece with the left hand along the left side. Drop the right hand at the same time to grasp the piece just
below the hammer. Raise the piece with the right hand, drop the left hand, and place it under the butt. Drop the right
hand and retake the position of Shoulder-Arms.

Make a half face to the right ny turning on the left heel to bring the left toe to the front. At the same time place the
right foot behind, and at a right angle to the left. The hollow of the right foot is about three inches behind the left
heel. Turn the musket with the left hand, bringing the lock-plate out, and grasp the piece with the right hand just
below the trigger-guard, holding the musket just off the shoulder. Bring the piece down with the right hand, catching
it in the left hand just above the bottom band. The left elbow is near the body, the right hand is against the hip and
turns the hammer away from the body. The point of the bayonet is at eye level.

Face to the front, returning the feet to the position of Attention. At the same time, raise the piece with the right
hand to the left shoulder, and place the left hand under the butt. Drop the right hand to the side adjusting to the
position of Shoulder-Arms.

Make a half face to the right as in Charge-Bayonet, except that the right foot is moved about twenty inches to the
rear, with the knees slightly bent and the weight resting equally on both legs. Lower the piece as before, but allow
the arms to extend down, the point of the bayonet is at about throat level.

Raise the piece with the right hand to the left shoulder, dropping the left hand to the butt. At the same time, bring
the right foot up to the left and face to the front. Drop the right hand by the side.

The motions are the same as Guard against Infantry, except the bayonet tip is held at eye level.

The same as for Guard against Infantry.

Drop the piece to the side as in Fix-Bayonets, holding it in the left hand. Remove the bayonet with the right hand
and return it to the scabbard. Place the little finger of the right hand on top of the rammer, lowering the left hand
along the barrel.

The motions are the same as described in Fix-Bayonets.

Face to the right rear by turning on the left heel until the foot points to the right, carrying the right foot to the rear
of,about six inches from, and at right angles with theleft foot. Take hold of the musket with the left hand, a little
above the middle band, inclining the muzzle to the rear, without moving the heel of the butt from its place, while
turning the rammer towards the body. Draw and affix the bayonet as described in Fix-Bayonets. Draw the rammer,
turning the big end into the bore, and let it slide gently to the bottom. Face promptly to the front, retaking the
musket in the right hand, in the position of Order-Arms. After returning to the front, reach behind the back and
unbuckle the cartridge box (this is not part of the drill, but a part of the reenactor's safety inspection).

The inspector will pass along the front of the line, pausing before each man. Each man, as the instructor faces him,
will raise his piece with the right hand, taking it in the left hand below the bottom band, the lock-plate to the front.
The left hand comes up to the height of the chin, inclining the muzzle slightly to the left and front. The inspector will
take the piece with his right hand, and after inspecting it, will return it to the soldier, who will take it back with his
right hand and return it promptly to the position of Order-Arms. After the inspector moves two files by, retake the
position of Inspection-Arms, return the rammer, and return to Order-Arms.

Take the position as described in Inspection-Arms, and put the rammer in the barrel, and face to the front. The
inspector may take each rammer by the small end and ring it in the barrel, or have each soldier do it, to check
wheather the bore is clear. The soldier will return the rammer in the manner described in Inspection-Arms.

Slide the right hand up the barrel and grip the masket at the upper band. Place the left hand lightly on the right
wrist. At the same time, point the left foot to the front and step about ten inches to the rear with the right foot,
turning the toes to the right.

Return to the position of Order-Arms.

Step back on the right foot as in In place-Rest, letting the muzzle fall back into the armpit. Place the left hand on the right wrist, in front of the center of the body.

Return to the position of Order-Arms.
 
 
 

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