APPENDIX.

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EXTRACTS FROM THE AUTHORIZED CAVALRY TACTICS.
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INSTRUCTION ON FOOT.

Position of the Trooper Dismounted.

The heels on the same line as near each other as the conformation of the man will permit;
   The feet turned out equally, and forming with each other something less than a right angle;
   The knees straight without stiffness;
   The body erect on the hips, inclining a little forward;
   The shoulders square and falling equally;
   The elbows near the body;
   The palm of the hand turned a little to the front; the little finger on the seam of the pantaloons;
   The head erect and square to the front, without constraint;
   The chin near the stock , without covering it;
   The eyes fixed straight to the front.

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

When the trooper is armed, the left hand hangs over the sabre.
   At the command: 

1. Eyes—RIGHT.
2. FRONT.  

   At the last part of the first command, which is RIGHT, turn the head gently to the right, so that the corner of the left eye, next to the nose, may be on a line with the buttons of the jacket.     
   At the command FRONT, turn the head gently to the front.  
   The movement eyes left is executed after the same principles, and by inverse means, at the commands:

1. Eyes—LEFT  2. FRONT

The Facings.

1. Right (or left).  2. FACE.

One time.

   At the second command, which is FACE, raise the right foot slightly, turn on the left heel, raising the toes a little, and then replace the right heel beside the left, and on the same line,

About—FACE.

Two times.

   1. At the first part of the command, which is ABOUT, make a half face to the right, turning on

MARCHING.

the left heel, place the right foot square behind the left, the hollow of it opposite to, and three inches from, the left heel.
   2. At the last part of the command, which is FACE, turn on both heels to face to the rear, raising the toes a little, the knees straight, and bring the right foot by the side of the left.

Marching.

1. Forward—MARCH.

   At the command forward, throw the weight of the body on the right leg.
   At the command, MARCH, carry forward the left foot smartly, and without a jerk, two feet four inches from the right, the knee straight, the toe a little depressed, and, as well as the knee, slightly turned out, the upper part of the body inclined forward; pause an instant in this position, plant the left foot flat, without a shock, precisely at the distance it is from the right, the whole weight of the body being thrown on the foot which is placed on the ground; carry forward the right leg, smartly and without jerk, the foot near the ground; plant it at the same distance and in the same manner as has just been explained for the left foot, and continue to march without crossing the legs or turning the shoulders, and with the face always to the front.

 

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

Common Step (or Time).

   The length of the common step is twenty-eight inches, measured from heel to heel.  Its quickness is at the rate of ninety per minute.

The Quick Step (or Time).

   The length of the quick step is the same as that of the common step, and its quickness is at the rate of one hundred and twenty per minute.  It is made in the same manner as the common step.

The Double Quick Step.

   The double quick step is thirty-three inches in length, and at the rate of one hundred and sixty-five per minute.

1. Forward.  2. Double quick step.  3. MARCH.

   At the first command, the recruit will throw the weight of the body on the right leg.
   At the second command, he will raise his arms to a level with his hips, the hands closed, the nails towards the body, the elbows to the rear.
   At the third command, he will carry forward the left foot, the leg slightly bent, the knee somewhat raised, will plant his left foot, the toe first, thirty-three inches from the right, and with the right foot will execute what has been prescribed for the left.  This alternate movement of the legs will take place

TO MARK TIME - TO CHANGE STEP.

by throwing the weight of the body on the foot that is planted, and by allowing a natural, oscillatory motion to the arms.
   To halt, the command is:

1. Squad.  2. HALT.

   At the command HALT, bring the foot which is in rear by the side of the other, without shock.
   The instructor marks the cadence of the step from time to time by the command one, at the moment the foot is raised, and by the command two when it should be planted, this cadence being regulated by the step used.

To Mark Time.

The squad marching, the instructor commands:

1. Mark time.  2. MARCH.

   At the command, MARCH, bring the heels by the side of each other, and mark the cadence of each step by raising each foot alternately without advancing.
   The instructor gives the command march at the moment when the foot is coming to the ground.

To Change Step.

1. Change step.  2. MARCH.

   At the command MARCH, bring the foot which

 

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

is in rear by the side of that which is in front, and step off again with the foot that was in front.

To Face to the Right or Left when Marching.

1. Squad to the right.  2. MARCH.

   At the command MARCH, turn the body to the right, and step off with the right foot in the new direction, without losing the cadence of the step.

To Quarter Face to the Right or to the Left when Marching.

1. Squad right (or left) oblique.  2. MARCH.

   At the command MARCH the men make a quarter face oblique face to the right (or left) and march in the new direction. 
   At the command forward, resume the primitive direction, and march straight to the front.

Backward Step.

   The backward step is fourteen inches, measured from heel to heel.

1. Backwards.  2. MARCH.

   At the command  MARCH, carry the left foot fourteen inches to the rear, then bring the right foot to the rear, and so on until the command:

1. Squad.  2. HALT.

   At the command HALT, bring the foot which is in front by the side of the other.

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM

from the neck, the blade perpendicular, the edge to the left, the thumb extended on the right side of the gripe, the little finger by the side of the others.

Carry—SABRE.

One time.

   At the last part of the command, which is SABRE, carry the back of the blade against the hollow of the shoulder, the wrist resting against the hip, the little finger on the outside of the gripe.

Return—SABRE.

Two times.

   1. At the first part of the command, which is RETURN, execute the first motion of present sabre.

   2. At the last part of the command, which is SABRE, carry the wrist opposite to and six inches from, the left shoulder; lower the blade, and pass it across and along the left arm, the point tothe rear; turn the head slightly to the left, fixing the eyes on the opening of the scabbard; return the blade, free the wrist from the sword-knot, turn the head.

GUARD.

One time.

   At the command, GUARD, carry the right foot two feet from the left, the heels on the same line; place the left hand, closed, 6 inches from the body, and

 

SABRE EXERCISE.

as high as the elbow, the fingers towards the body, the little finger nearer than the thumb (position of the bridle-hand); at the same time, place the right hand in tierce at the height of, and three inches from, the left hand, the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, the little finger by the side of the others, the point of the sabre inclined to the left, and two feet higher than the hand.

 

Left—MOULINET.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is MOULINET, extend the right arm to the front to its full length, the hand in tierce and as high as the eyes.
   2. Lower the blade in rear of the left elbow, graze the horse's neck (when mounted) quickly, describing a circle from rear to front, and return to the position of guard.

Right—MOULINET.

One time, two motions.

  1. At the last part of the command, which is MOULINET, extend the right arm to the front to its full length, the hand in quarte, and as high as the eyes.
   2. Lower the blade in rear of the right elbow, graze the horse's neck (when mounted) quickly,

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

describing a circle from rear to front, and return to the position of guard.
   To execute the moulinet without stopping, if the instructor wishes to begin by the left, he commands:

Left and right—MOULINET.

One time, two motions.

   If he wishes to begin by the right, he commands:

Right and left—MOULINET.

One time, two motions.

   At either of these commands, the trooper, commencing from the position of guard, executes alternately what is laid down in the foregoing paragraphs, without stopping at any motion.

Rear—MOULINET.

One time, two motions.

   1.. At the last part of the command, which is MOULINET, raise the arm to the right and rear to its full extent, the point of the sabre upwards, the edge to the right, the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, the body slightly turned to the right.
   2. Describe a circle in rear, from left to right, the hand as far as possible from the body, and return to the position of guard.

SABRE EXERCISE.

When the troopers execute the moulinets well, the instructor requires them to execute several in succession, until the command GUARD.

In tierce—POINT.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is POINT, raise the hand in tierce, as high as the eyes, throw back the right shoulder, carrying the elbow to the rear, the point of the sabre to front, the edge upwards.
   2. Thrust to the front, extending the arm to its full length.
   3. Return to the position of guard.

In quarte—POINT.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is POINT, lower the hand in quarte near the right hip, the thumb extended on the right side of the gripe, the point a little higher than the wrist.
   2. Thrust to the front, extending the arm to its full length.
   3. Return to the position of guard.

Left—POINT.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

POINT, turn the head to the left, draw back the hand towards the right, at the height of the neck, the edge upwards, the point directed to the left.
   2. Thrust to the left, extending the arm to its full length.
   3. Return to the position of guard.

Right—POINT.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is POINT, turn the head to the right, carry the hand in quarte near the left breast, the edge upward, the point directed to the right.
 2. Thrust to the right, extending the arm to its full length.
 3. Return to the position of guard.

Rear—POINT.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is POINT, turn the head to the right and rear, bring the hand in quarte opposite the right shoulder, the arm half extended, the blade horizontal, the point to the rear, the edge upward.
   2. Thrust to the rear, extending the arm to its full length.
   3.Return to the position of guard.

SABRE EXERCISE.

Against infantry, left—POINT.

One time, three motions.

 1. At the last part of the command, which is POINT, turn the head to the left, raise the hand in tierce near the neck, the point of the sabre directed at the height of the breast of a man on foot.
 2. Thrust down in tierce.
 3. Return to the position of guard.

Against infantry, right—POINT.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is POINT, turn the head and body toward the right, carry the hand in quarte near the right hip, the point of the sabre directed at the height of a man's breast on foot.
   2. Thrust in quarte.
   3. Return to the position of guard.

Front—CUT.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is CUT, raise the sabre, the arm half extended, the hand a little above the head, the edge upward, the point to the rear and higher than the hand.
   2. Cut, extending the arm to its full length.
   3. Return to the position of guard.

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

Left—CUT.

One time, three motions.

1.At the last part of the command, which is CUT, turn the head to the left, raise the sabre, the arm extended to the right, the hand in quarte and as high as the head, the point higher than the hand.
2. Cut diagonally to the left.
3. Return to the position of guard.

Right—CUT.

One time, three motions.

1.At the last part of the command, which is CUT, turn the head to the right, carry the hand opposite to the left shoulder, the point of the sabre upwards, the edge to the left.
2. Extend the arm quickly to its full length, give a back­handed cut horizontally.
3. Return to the position of guard.

The Front and Right and Left Cuts are also used against infantry, observing to direct them vertically.

Rear—CUT.

One time, three motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is CUT, turn the head to the right, throwing back the right shoulder, carry the hand as high and oppo-

SABRE EXERCISE.

site to the left shoulder, the sabre perpendicular, the edge to the left.
   2. Extend the arm quickly to its full length, and give a back-handed cut horizontally to the rear, in tierce.
   3. Return to the position of guard.

Right, in tierce and quarte—CUT.

One time, four motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is CUT, execute the first motion of right cut.
   2. Execute the second motion of right cut.
   3. Turn the hand in quarte, and cut horizontally.
   4. Return to the position of guard.

Left, in quarte and tierce—CUT.

One time, four motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is CUT, execute the first motion of left cut.
2. Execute the second motion of left cut.
3. Turn the hand in tierce, and cut horizontally.
4. Return to the position of guard.

Rear, in tierce and quarte—CUT.

One time, four motions.

1. At the last part of the command, which is CUT, execute the first motion of rear cut.
2. Execute the second motion of rear cut.

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

   3. Turn the hand in quarte, and cut horizontally.
   4. Return to the position of guard.

In tierce—PARRY.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is PARRY, carry the hand quickly a little to the front and right, the nails downward, without moving the elbow; the point inclined to the front, as high as the eyes, and in the direction of the right shoulder; the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, and pressing against the guard.
   2. Return to the position of guard.

In quarte—PARRY.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is PARRY, turn the hand  and carry it quickly to the front and left, the nails upward, the edge to the left, the point inclined to the front, as high as the eyes, and in the direction of the left shoulder; the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, and resting against the guard.
2. Return to the position of guard.

For the head—PARRY.

One time, two motions.

SABRE EXERCISE.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is PARRY, raise the sabre quickly above the head, the arm nearly extended, the edge upward, the point to the left, and about six inches higher than the hand.
   The hand is carried more or less to the right, left, or rear, according to the position of the adversary.
   2. Return to the position of guard.

Against infantry right—PARRY.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is PARRY, turn the head to the right, throwing back the right shoulder, raise the sabre, the arm extended to the right and rear, the point upward, the hand in tierce, the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, the edge to the left.
   2. Describe a circle quickly on the right from the rear to the front, the arm extended; turn aside the bayonet with the back of the sabre, bring the hand as high as the head, the point upward.
   3. Return to the position of guard.

Against infantry left—PARRY.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is 

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

PARRY, turn the head to the left, raise the sabre, the arm extended to the front and right, the point upward, the hand in tierce, the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, the back of the blade to the front.
   2. Describe a circle quickly on the left, from front to rear, along the horse's neck (when mounted), the arm extended; turn aside the bayonet with the back of the blade, bringing the hand, still in tierce, above the left shoulder.
   3. Return to the position of guard.
   When the troopers begin to execute the above cuts, thrusts, and parries correctly, the instructor requires them to make application of them by combined motions, as follows:—

In tierce—POINT AND FRONT CUT.
In quarte—POINT AND FRONT CUT.
Left—POINT AND CUT.
Right—POINT AND CUT.
Rear—POINT AND CUT.
Against infantry right—POINT AND CUT.
Against infantry left—POINT AND CUT.

Carry—SABRE.
Execute the movement of carry sabre.

Inspection (of)—SABRE
One time, seven motions.

MANUAL OF THE CARBINE.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is SABRE, execute the first time of draw sabre.
   2. Execute the second movement of draw sabre.
   3. Present sabre as prescribed.
   4. Turn the wrist inwards, to show the other side of the blade.
   5. Carry the sabre to the shoulder, as it is prescribed.
   6. Execute the first time of return sabre.
   7. Execute the second time of return sabre.

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MANUAL OF THE CARBINE.

The squad being at carry arms, the instructor commands:

Order—ARMS.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, detach the carbine with the right hand perpendicularly, and four inches from the shoulder, seizing it at the same time with the left hand, half-way between the two bands.
   2. Seize the carbine with the right hand above the left.
   3. Let go of the carbine with the left hand, which is dropped smartly  by the side; extend the

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

right arm, bring the carbine to the ground, without shock, the toe of  the butt two inches from, and on a line with, the right toe, the elbow near the body, the barrel between the thumb and the first three fingers extended, the little finger behind the barrel.

Carry—ARMS.

One time, three motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, raise the carbine perpendicularly with the right hand, the barrel four inches from the shoulder, seize it with the left hand half-way between the two bands.
   2. Seize the small of the stock with the right hand, the thumb one and a half inches below the guard.
   3. Press the carbine against the shoulder with the right hand, and drop the left hand smartly to the side.

Present—ARMS.

One time.

   At the last part of the command, which is 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 without being constrained; seize the carbine with the left hand, the little finger touching the upper part of the guard, the thumb extended

MANUAL OF THE CARBINE.

above the swivel-bar, the hand as high as the elbow, reverse the position of the right hand on the small of the stock, the fingers extended, the little finger behind the barrel.

Carry—ARMS.

One time.

   At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, shift the position of the left hand, bringing the thumb to the front; place the carbine against the shoulder with the right hand, the barrel perpendicular, and drop the left hand at the same time by the side.

Support—ARMS.

One time, four motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, detach the carbine with the right hand perpendicularly, four inches from the shoulder, seize it at the same time with the left hand at the lower band.
   2. Raise the carbine with both hands, turning the barrel to the front, and place it opposite to the hollow of the left shoulder, the left hand as high as the neck, the thumb extended; reverse the position of the right hand on the small of the stock, the flat of the stock against the hip.
   3. Place the left forearm on the breast, the cock resting on the forearm, the hand extended on the

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

right breast, the fingers joined, and the thumb separated from them.
   4. Drop the right hand smartly to the side..

Carry—ARMS.

One time, four motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, seize the carbine with the right hand at the small of the stock.
   2. Detach the carbine four inches from the shoulder, place the left hand at the lower band, the thumb extended, the forearm along the stock.
   3. Bring down the carbine with both hands, turning the guard to the front; place it perpendicularly opposite to, and four inches from, the right shoulder, the left hand a little above the right hip, the right hand shifting its position at the small of the stock.
   4. Place the carbine against the shoulder with the right hand, and drop the left hand smartly by the side.

Arms—AT WILL.

One time, one motion.

  Carry the carbine at pleasure on either shoulder, with one or both hands, the muzzle always up.

 Carry—ARMS.

One time, one motion.

MANUAL OF THE CARBINE.

   Retake smartly the position of carry arms.

Secure—ARMS.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, raise the carbine about two inches, seize it with the left hand at the right shoulder, grasp it with the right hand a little below the lower band, the thumb extending along the barrel.
   2. Lower the muzzle, bring the butt under the right arm, the guard resting on the hip, the barrel uppermost; at the same time drop the left hand to the side.

Carry—ARMS.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, throw up the carbine with the right hand, seize it at the right shoulder with the left hand, and shift the right hand to the small of the stock, as in carry arms.
   2. Drop the left hand to the side.

Order—ARMS.

As prescribed.

Sling—CARBINE.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

CARBINE, raise the carbine perpendicularly with the right hand and place it in the left hand, which seizes it below the lower band, the thumb extended, the barrel to the front; incline the carbine to the front and right, that the ring may hand 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 and insert the ring.
   2. Seize the carbine at the small of the stock with the right hand, let it go with the left hand, which is dropped by the side; pass the carbine behind the back, lowering the muzzle, push the butt to the rear, and drop the right hand by the side.

Unsling—CARBINE.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is CARBINE, seize the carbine at the small of the stock with the right hand, raise it, seize it again with the left hand below the lower band, the thumb extended, the hand as high as, and opposite to, the neck; incline the carbine to the right, free the swivel from the ring with the right hand, and push the swivel to the rear.
   2. Seize the carbine with the right hand above

MANUAL OF THE CARBINE.

and near the left; bring it down, turning it at the same time, and resume the position of order arms.

Ground—ARMS.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, turn the carbine with the right hand, the swivel-bar to the front, bend the body, advance the left foot, lay the carbine on the ground in front of the body, the guard near the ground, the toe of the butt on a line with the right toe, the right knee slightly bent, the right heel raised.
   2. Rise up, bring the left foot by the side of the right, and drop hands by the sides.

Raise—ARMS.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, bend the body, advance the left foot, the heel opposite to the lower band.
   2. Raise the carbine, bringing the left foot by the side of the right; at the same time turn the carbine with the right hand, the guard to the front.
   

   To break the ranks, the instructor commands:

Break ranks—MARCH.

   NOTE.—As there are so many different kinds of carbines in use in the United States Army, it would

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

be impossible to give a loading exercise to suit all.  I therefore give none.

Position of the Front Rank in Firing.

   The instructor commands:

READY.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the command READY, make a half-face to the right on the left heel, carrying the right foot square behind the left, the hollow of it opposite to, and three inches from, the left heel; detach the carbine with the right hand vertically, four inches from the shoulder; seize it with the left hand below the lower band, the thumb upon the barrel; raise it with both hands, the left as high as the neck; place the right thumb upon the head of the cock, the forefinger upon the guard, the others under it, the elbow as high as the hand.
   2. Cock the piece by lowering quickly the right elbow, and seize the small of the stock.

AIM.

One time.

At the command AIM, lower the muzzle quickly, slip the left hand to the lower hand, holding the carbine with the thumb and forefinger of this hand,

POSITION OF THE FRONT RANK IN FIRING.

the other fingers closed, press the butt against the shoulder, the muzzle a little lowered, the elbows down without being pressed against the body; place the face against the stock, shut the left eye, direct the right eye along the barrel to aim, and place the forefinger of the right hand on the trigger.
   To recover arms before firing, the instructor commands:

Recover—ARMS.

One time.

   1. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, take the finger from the trigger, raise the carbine quickly, and resume the position of the second motion of ready.
   To carry arms without firing, after having made ready, and recovered arms, the instructor commands:

Carry—ARMS.

Two times.

   1. At the first part of the command, which is Carry, place the right thumb on the head of the cock, the forefinger on the trigger, the rest under the guard; pull back the cock, press the forefinger on the trigger to unlock, holding the cock with the thumb, let down until the hammer touches the cap.
   2. At the last part of the command, which is

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

ARMS, bring down the carbine with both hands, the right one at the small of the stock; press the carbine against the shoulder, drop the left hand to the side, face to the front, and bring the right foot by the side of the left.
   The squad being in the position of AIM, to fire, the instructor commands:

FIRE.

One time.

   At the command FIRE, press the forefinger against the trigger, and fire, without lowering the head or turning it, and remain in this position.
   If after firing, the instructor does not wish to load, he commands:

Carry—ARMS.

Two times.

   1. At the first part of the command, which is Carry, bring back the carbine quickly and place the butt under the right arm, the left hand on the lower band, the left wrist two inches below the right breast, the elbow against the body, the muzzle as high as the chin; seize the small of the stock with the right hand.
   2. At the last part of the command, which is ARMS, carry arms, at the same time facing to the front, and drop the left hand quickly to the side.

POSITION OF THE REAR RANK IN FIRING.

Position of the Rear Rank in Firing.

READY.

One time, two motions.

   1. At the command READY, execute the first motion of ready; at the same time step off six inches to the right with the right foot, carrying the left foot three inches in front of the hollow of the right, so as to be placed opposite the interval on the right of the file-leader.
   2. Execute the second motion of ready.

AIM.

One time.

At the command AIM, carry the left foot six inches to the front, without bending the right knee; lower the muzzle quickly in such a manner that it shall project beyond the front rank, press the butt against the right shoulder, execute the rest of the motion as proscribed.

Recover—ARMS.

   As it is proscribed; remain opposite to the interval, and bring the left foot three inches from the hollow of the right.

Inspection (of) CARBINE.

   1. Raise the carbine smartly with the right hand, turning the barrel to the right; place it in the left

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

hand which seizes it below the lower band, the thumb extended along the stock, the hand opposite to the left shoulder and as high as the chin, the elbow against the butt.
   2. Perform the movement of sling carbine.

Note:  The rest of the inspection depends upon the kind of carbine used.

__________

MANUAL FOR COLT'S REVOLVER.

   The trooper being mounted, holding the reins as prescribed in Cavalry Tactics, the pistol either in the holster or pistol-case, the instructor will command:

Draw—PISTOL.

Two times.

   1. At the first command, unbuckle the holster or pistol-case, seize the pistol by the handle with the right hand, holding it between the palm of the hand and the last three fingers, the forefinger resting on the guard, the thumb on the handle.
   2. At the second command, draw out the pistol and elevate it, the guard to the front, the wrist at the height of, and six inches from, the right shoulder.

MANUAL FOR COLT'S REVOLVER.

To Load in Six Times.

1. LOAD.

One time, one motion.

   1. Place the pistol in the bridle-hand, holding it by the handle in front of the body, the hammer between the thumb and forefinger, and turned to the left, the muzzle pointing upwards; carry the right hand to the cartridge-box and open it.

2. Handle—CARTRIDGE.

One time, one motion.

   Seize the cartridge with the thumb and first two fingers, and carry it to the mouth.

3. Tear—CARTRIDGE.

One time, one motion.

   Bite off the end, carry the cartridge opposite the chamber nearest the lever.

 4. Charge—CARTRIDGE.

One time, two motions.

   1. Empty the powder into the chamber, and insert the ball, pressing it down as far as possible with the thumb and forefinger.
   2. Turn the pistol with the left hand, bringing the hammer towards the body, and cock it with the thumb of the right hand.

5. Ram—CARTRIDGE.

One time, two motions.

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

   1. Seize the lever at the catch with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, ram down the ball, and replace the lever.
   2. Let down the hammer with the right hand, and carry the hand to the cartridge-box.
   Repeat, as above, until all the chambers are loaded.

6. PRIME.

One time, two motions.

   1. Lower the muzzle towards the right side by turning the wrist of the bridle-hand, the muzzle pointing downwards, the hammer to the front, the left wrist resting against the stomach; half-cock the pistol with the left thumb, turn the cylinder with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand until it clicks, take a cap and press it on the exposed cone, turn again the cylinder until it clicks, and so on until all the cones are capped, the hammer resting on the safety notch.
   2. Seize the pistol at the handle with the right hand, and bring it to the position of draw pistol.

   The instructor, wishing to fire, will command:

READY.

One time, two motions.

   1. Place the pistol in the left hand (editor's note: I think "left hand" is an error in the manual and they are meaning right hand judging by the note on next page), the little finger touching the key, the barrel nearly vertical,

MANUAL FOR COLT'S REVOLVER.

the muzzle a little inclined to the left and front, the guard to the front, the thumb on the head of the hammer, the forefinger along the guard.
   2. Cock the pistol, and bring it to the position of draw pistol.
Note:—A little practice will enable the trooper to cock the revolver without the assistance of the left hand.  At the command:

READY.

incline the muzzle of the pistol to the front, the wrist remaining six inches from the shoulder; place the first joint of the thumb on the head of the hammer, and cock it by an extension of the arm, and resume the position of draw pistol.

AIM.

One time.

   Lower the pistol, the arm half extended, and place the forefinger lightly on the trigger, the muzzle directed  to the height of a man's waist.

FIRE.

One time.

   Press the forefinger steadily on the trigger, fire, and retake the position of draw pistol.
   The men being at ready, and the instructor

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.

wishing to fire all the barrels in quick succession, will give an intimation to that effect, and then command:

LOAD AT WILL.

LOAD.

One time.

   Load the six chambers as heretofore prescribed, and take the position of draw pistol.

Return—PISTOL.

Two times.

   Lower the muzzle of the pistol, and return it to the holster or pistol-case.
   Note:—The trooper should be able to load the pistol at a walk, trot, or gallop.