EEPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 8S 



5. In the more advanced squads, the recruits will have their positions in the ranks changed, 

 that they may learn the duties of all positions. 



6. To complete the instruction in the duties of advanced posts, squads will he placed in front 

 of each other, that the men may understand the position of the enemy and the manner of 

 applying what they have been taught. 



4th month. The instruction of the preceding month is continued by drilling the recruits, on 

 foot, at the rank and platoon drill for mounted troops. At the beginning of this month they 

 are taught the first principles of equitation with the snaiHe, each man always having the same 

 quiet, well broken horse. The men are not required to maintain a correct seat in the first 

 lessons, and the observation of the principles is insisted upon only when they can sit the horse 

 without fear of falling off, and have acquired a certain amount of self-confidence. 



5th month. Equitation with the snaffle is continued. The men are taught the facings and 

 marching on foot with arms; the use of arms on foot, beginning with the sabre, then passing 

 to the fire-arms, and finally to the lance — for troops armed with that weapon. 



6th month. The instruction in taking apart and putting together the fire-arms is completed. 

 Equitation with the curb, without arms, is commenced by all sufficiently instructed in riding 

 with'the snaffle. They are at the same time taught the manner of bitting a horse, packing the 

 valise and cartridge box, and saddling up with the complete jjack. 



7th month. Equitation with the curb, with arms. 



8th month. Full instruction in the rank, platoon, and skirmish drills, with arms and 

 mounted. 



9th month. Use of all arms, mounted. 



After this month the recruit is occupied in perfecting himself in the instruction prescribed for 

 the preceeding months. 



The progression herein prescribed is to be carefully obsei'ved ; great care is to be taken not to 

 exact too great precision at first, in order not to disgust the recruits. Each drill should last 

 not longer than from one hour to one hour and a half. Great care must be exercised in the 

 choice of instructors, who should unite patience with knowledge, and possess the faculty of 

 giving clear explanations. 



During the first six months the recruits are to be instructed at least twice a week by the 

 chaplain in their religious duties, such as the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the 

 Apostle's Creed, the Psalms, &c. In detached squadrons the religious instruction is given by 

 the sergeants. 



MANEGE KIDING. 



This should be limited to the actual necessities of the service, and by the natural capacity of 

 the horse ; therefore more is required of the non-commissioned ofiScers than of the privates, 

 because the former have the best riding horses. The non-commissioned officers are taught — 



1. The walk. 



2. The trot : (a) the common trot, and (b) the trot out. 



3. The gallop, on either foot. 



4. The charge. 



5. To rein back. 



6. The right and left turn, right about and left about turn, in place. 

 1. To passage to the right and left. 



8. The turns and abouts, at all gaits ; at a gallop, both true and false. 



