REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M^CLELLAN. 155 



The reserve and vice markers are in the general line of file-closers, armed and equipped as the 

 rest of the battalion. 



In battalions of 6 platoons the markers are posted as just explained, but in those of 4 platoons 

 those with guidons are in one rank, in rear of the centre of the 3d platoon, 2 paces behiud the 

 rank of non-commissioned file-closers. 



In regiments of more than two battalions an ofiicer is detailed as marker ; his post has already 

 been given. 



When the regiments have but two battalions each, an ofiicer is detailed in each brigade as 

 marker. 



A senior officer is always detailed in each division to direct the markers. 



JITJSICTANS. 



The band is posted 4 paces on the right of the first battalion, on the alignment of the centre 

 rank. 



The field music of the first battalion is on the right of the band, in the other battalions it is 4 

 paces from the right flank of its battalion. 



THE GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE REGIMENT. 



The colonel, or, in his absence, the officer next in rank in the regiment, is responsible for the 

 general instruction of the officers, sergeants, and "men of the regiment. 



INSTRUCTION OF THE OFFICERS. 



Every officer must know everything in the infantry tactics ; the mere knowledge is insufficient, 

 they must be able to explain the rules, and teach the soldiers all that is required of them, begin- 

 ning with the position, facings, marching, manual, &c. 



The colonel must maintain a constant eye to this, and assemble the officers himself, or cause 

 the commanders of battalions to do so, for separate instruction. 



INSTRUCTION OF THE SERGEANTS. 



They are required to know everything in the schools of the recruit and the company, the 

 skirmish drill, and outpost duty ; they must also be able to instruct the men in these subjects, 

 and must know their duties in the battalion drill. The captains are immediately responsible for 

 this instruction, under the supervision of the commanders of battalions. 



INSTRUCTION OF RECRUITS. 



The first year of a recruit's service is the most difficult, and the most important, as forming 

 his future character as a soldier ; his instruction in the drill ought not to be pressed until he 

 fully comprehends the first principles. 



1st month. — Instruction similar to that of the cavalry recruit. 



2d month. — The recruits begin to learn to chant the signals for skirmishers, commencing 

 with the simplest ; they learn to march in common time, quick time, and the run ; are taught 

 the skirmish drill without arms, first by commands^ then by signals, always placing platoon 

 opposite platoon that they may the more readily understand the relation of their movements to 

 the enemy. They are also taught some of the field duties, such as the nature of guard duty, 

 of advanced posts, patrols, and the duty of sentinel in the event of the appearance of the enemy, 



