GeorgeCrecy
04-21-2015, 09:28 PM
Hello one and all,
There has been several calls for the establishment of an official drill book, and while I will not be covering that in this thread, there might be cause for further discussion of the case in a different thread or poll thread I might create. In any case, I have made this thread to actually go through and explain one of the hardest parts of the period drill: the dress parade of a battalion. The dress parade was usually done once a day, either after Reveille or before Tattoo. It was an incredibly formal and convoluted affair, hence detailing it in this thread. This will also necessarily discuss the formation of a battalion so as to form a standard foundation for the rest of the discussion. I will also mention that much of the material to follow is based on four main books, the "Revised US Infantry Regulations of 1861," Casey's "Infantry Tactics (1865)," Hardee's "Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics (1855-63)," and with additional help sought from Dominic Dal Bello's "Parade, Inspection, and Basic Evolutions of the Infantry Battalion 4th Edition (1998)," and Upton's "Infantry Tactics (1874)." I ask that you now prepare your notepads and anuses for the wall of text to follow.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Formation
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1. We must first establish, as mentioned before, the formation of a battalion. As a definition, a battalion is a set of 2-10 companies formed together, with 10 companies then being known as a regiment. These companies form on the battalion line by order of seniority of the company commanders (hereby known as "captains"). Table 1 below illustrates the order that should be followed.
2. With the forming of a company, this has various subdivisions which need to be established now. For one, every 25 men including the corporals from right to left are called 1st-4th sections. Additionally, the company is divided into 1st and 2nd platoon again right to left, able to be commanded by the 2nd lieutenant and 1st Lieutenant respectively.
3. The formation of a company will be as follows: the men formed in double ranks, the "captain" in the front rank to the right of the company (if looking at it from it's rear), the 1st Sgt. in the rank covering (behind) him, the 1st lieutenant covering (behind) by two paces the center of the 4th section, the 2nd lieutenant covering from two paces the center of the 1st section. If there be a 3rd lieutenant, he will post himself covering by two paces the center of the 2nd platoon. 2nd-5th Sergeants also form on the same line as the lieutenants as file closers, able to take command of their sections, in the order from right to left 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd. The eight Corporals will form on the right and left of each platoon in the front rank in accordance to height. Additionally, the privates in the rear rank will be at a distance of 13 inches from the breast of the rear men to the back of the front ranks' knapsacks.
http://i.imgur.com/Uuz1t0v.jpg
Source: Hardee's Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics (1863)
TABLE 1
No. of Cos.
Left
Ordering
Right
3
2 (B)
3 (C)
*1 (A)
4
2 (B)
4 (D)
*3 (C)
1 (A)
5
2 (B)
4 (D)
5 (E)
*3 (C)
1 (A)
6
2 (B)
5 (E)
6 (F)
*3 (C)
4 (D)
1 (A)
7
2 (B)
4 (D)
7 (G)
6 (F)
*3 (C)
5 (E)
1 (A)
8
2 (B)
6 (F)
8 (H)
4 (D)
*3 (C)
7 (G)
5 (E)
1 (A)
9
2 (B)
4 (D)
8 (H)
9 (I)
5 (E)
*3 (C)
7 (G)
6 (F)
1 (A)
10
2 (B)
7 (G)
10 (K)
5 (E)
8 (H)
*3 (C)
9 (I)
4 (D)
6 (F)
1 (A)
Source: Dal Bello, Dominic J. "Formaton of a Battalion." Parade, Inspection, and Basic Evolutions of the Infantry Battalion. 4th ed. Santa Barbara, CA: n.p., 1998. 8. Print.
Note #1 Notice lack of Company "J," as in the era of the Revolution the handwriting of the time made "I" and "J" too similar looking, so "J" has been traditionally omitted both in this case and in older cities' street names.
Note #2 companies with an apostrophe in the table are the right center company.
4. Despite the chart, for the purpose of simplifying the rest of the explanation, the companies will be discussed and numbered based on their actual position once on the line rather than how they are numbered above.
5. The Color Guard company forms on the left of the Right Center company and maneuver as if they were all the same company. Hence, when wheeling or maneuvering they would need to be in fours rather than in twos so as not to disrupt the rest of the battalion's maneuvers.
6. The battalion once formed in the above manner can be further divided in several ways. For instance, each two companies from right to left can be subdivided into divisions which have the senior-most "captain" in charge of it. An odd number of companies means that the left-most company is it's own division. A larger subdivision would be the wing. Companies to the left of the flag and including the company of the bearers are the left wing, and to the right of it the right wing, commanded respectively by the Major and Lt. Colonel.
7. Given the atrocities of war, it is not expected but preferred that the appropriate number of privates, NCO's, and officers be in each company and overall battalion, though in the case of there being open positions in the ranks the next senior soldier will fill in, I.E. the 1st Lieutenant will take on the position of the Captain or the 2nd. Sgt the position of the 1st. Sgt.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Dress Parade
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8. The Assembly having been called, the companies form on their streets and march out with bayonets fixed at shoulder arms to the parade ground. Once close to being on the line, the 2nd sergeant of each company will post himself in front of his line as left guide, facing inward toward the far right of the line, this having the exception of the companies in the 1st division. The "captains" on the right wing will post as front rank guide on the left side of the company, while "captains" on the left wing will form as front rank guide on the right, excepting the 4th company "captain" who will cover the 3rd company "captain." When the "captain" of each company sees his ranks aligned, he will immediately order his men to come to support arms.
9. After the men have formed for parade the Battalion Adjutant posts himself two paces to the right of the 1st company, with the field music 4 paces to his right. The Sgt. Major posts two paces to the far left company. The most senior officer, now referred to as "Battalion Commander" - historically usually being a Colonel - posts at the center of the battalion at a distance that is enough for him to oversee the entire battalion. He and all other officers are on foot. This differs from when the battalion is in line of battle, in which case the Colonel, Lt. Colonel, and Major would be mounted while the Adjutant stays on foot.
10. Once the Adjutant has confirmed the correct alignment of the battalion, he will give the order "Guides, POST" in which case the "captains" and 2nd sergeants find their correct positions on the line as if it were for Order of Battle. 2nd sergeants are first to come to the rear, those on the right wing marching forward and going by files right through where the "captains" and 1st Sgts would be, then finding his usual place for LOB at the rear of the left platoon, while those on the left wing will about face and by files left, doing the same as the right wing 2nd Sgts by going through the position of the "captain" and 1st Sgt of the company to the left of their own. The only exception here is of the 2nd Sgt of the far left company, who will post himself as the battalion far left guide. Once the 2nd Sgts have passed to the rear, the 1st Sgts find their appropriate place as well from having been behind their companies, excepting the 1st Sgts of the 1st division companies who have been in front of their companies as right guides facing the flag. Those two sergeants will right about and by files right when the order "Guides, POST" has been given. "Captains" on the right wing will take one step forward and by files right to march down his line, then by files right again to come to his position then facing his 1st Sgt, doing an about face. Those on the left wing shall have taken one pace forward and to the left so as to allow the 2nd Sgts to go to their own positions will then also resume their proper place in line.
11. The Adjutant shall then indicate to the "captain" of the 1st company, who will step one pace to the front and order his men to "Shoulder, ARMS," "Order, ARMS," and finally, "Parade, REST." This having been accomplished, he steps back into line, and the next company commander will do the same, on down the line from right to left as each company finishes the maneuver.
12. The Adjutant then gives the order "Music, beat off." The below video can demonstrate the music played and the movements made by the Field Music to accompany the explanation to follow.
https://youtu.be/Ib9HY6p99KA?t=261
The music, lead by the principal musician, will play three cheers, and then
"...march to the left, playing the 'Troop,' ... to the left of the line, where they will face to the right [the battalion front], and countermarch to the left; when at the proper signal [from its principal], they again face to the front [the battalion right], and march back to their proper place on the right of the line...."
Source: Bruce, George B., and Daniel Decatur Emmett. The Drummer's and Fifer's Guide: Or Self-instructor ; Containing a Plain and Easy Introduction of the Rudimental Principles for the Drum and Fife ... New York: W.A. Pond, 1885. 38. Print.
[CENTER]http://i.imgur.com/powBdVD.jpg
Source: Dal Bello, Dominic J. "Dress Parade." Parade, Inspection, and Basic Evolutions of the Infantry Battalion. 4th ed. Santa Barbara, CA: n.p., 1998. 9. Print.
Note: While this and another picture below only show four companies, the exact same procedures occur with a larger battalion.
... playing a quick step.
13. The music having returned and finished playing, the adjutant then gives the following orders: 1. "Attention, BATTALION" 2. "Shoulder, ARMS" 3. "Prepare to open ranks." 4. "To the rear, in open order," 5. "MARCH"
At "...open order," all 1st Sgts and only the leftmost company's 2nd Sgt will backwards march four paces. At "MARCH" the ranks will open, the back rank privates moving back to the line created by the 1st Sgts at a backwards march, the lieutenants and 2nd-5th sergeants excepting the farthest leftmost 2nd sergeant also marching 4 paces to the rear. The "captains" also march four paces to the front of their companies. Once the rear rank is established and dressed, the Adjutant shall order "FRONT," whereas the 1st Sgts shall march forwards to replace the position where the "captain" was to the right of the front rank, and farthest left 2nd Sgt going back to his position. At the same time, the Major and Lt. Colonel move from their place as if it were Line of Battle to stand six paces in front of the center of their wing, advancing around the battalion via the closest flank from their original position.
http://i.imgur.com/F0Kxndm.jpg
14. The Adjutant will then march between the company commanders and the front rank of the battalion to the center, face to the battalion front, march forward eight to ten paces past the company commander line, face about, and command "Present, ARMS." This being executed, he will face about again to his Battalion Commander and do a sword salute, reporting: "Sir, the parade is formed." The Battalion Commander, without drawing his sword will acknowledge his salute and if wishing to drill the battalion in the manual shall order, "Take your post, sir." The adjutant in that case will always move around the commander's right, or the Adjutants left to stand a pace behind and to the left of the Battalion Commander. The latter then draws his sword, the Adjutant returning his to his scabbard, and order "Battalion, shoulder, ARMS." He will follow this with whatever set of manual of arms he desires, until concluding with "Order, ARMS."
15. Returning his saber, the Battalion Commander then directs the Adjutant to collect the company reports,. If posted, the Adjutant again passes around the right of the Battalion Commander to return to his former position, or if not posted simply faces about to the battalion, draws his saber, and orders, "1st Sergeants, to the front and center, MARCH." The 1st Sergeants at "...to the front and center..." will shoulder arms, take two paces to the front, then face themselves inward in the direction of the flag. At "MARCH" they will march to the center and halt.
16. The Adjutant then orders, "Front, FACE." "Report." From 1st Company to last (right to left), the 1st Sergeants will each report while giving a sergeants salute (saluting across the chest with arm horizontal, palm face down), and say the results of their roll call. If all accounted for and excused properly, he will say "Company (A), all present and accounted for." If there were any unauthorized absences, he will say for example, "Company (A), one corporal and two privates absent." Once reported, the sergeant will end the salute, and the next sergeant will begin.
17. Once all reports are given, the Adjutant will then order, "1st Sergeants, outward, FACE." "To your posts, MARCH" The 1st sergeants will return to their places and order arms. The Adjutant will then face about to face the Battalion Commander and report the results. For example, if any officers are absent they will be reported by name, as well as saying the total amount absent, though we should note this should already be known from morning reports given earlier in the day. So, in total he will say "Sir, all present and accounted for." Or say, "Sir, ___ enlisted men are absent."
18. The Battalion might then command the adjutant to "Publish the orders, sir." Upon this, the Adjutant again faces about to the battalion and says, "Attention to Orders." He will read the days orders and any other announcements. Once more facing the Commander he will say, "Sir, the orders are published." With this the Battalion Commander will direct to dismiss the parade.
19. The Adjutant, facing the battalion, will say "Parade is dismissed." All officers will sheathe their swords, and the Adjutant will march to be on the same line as the company commanders, who will have at the same time faced inward and marched to the center, leaving space for the adjutant to take his place on that line should he have not yet arrived. The Major and Lt. Colonel will post themselves on the flank of this formation.
20. The Field Music will play a tune of their choice. The Adjutant will order "Front, FACE." "Forward, MARCH." They will face the Battalion Commander, march within six paces of him, where the Adjutant will give the order to "HALT." and hand salute the Commander. The Battalion Commander, having returned the salute, can then give any more additional information or announcements needed. He will then dismiss the officers, who will return to their posts with their company, the 1st Sgts stepping one pace back to their covering position. The 1st Sgts will also order the ranks closed before marching them back to their company street to be dismissed. The music continues to play until all the companies have left the parade ground.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Conclusion
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
There we have it folks, the proper dress parade as described by various period manuals and more modern helpers. I highly suggest that you take more than just this guide however, and also look at the period manuals and modern helpers I have referenced and sourced above for your own perusal, that you might continue to form a better understanding of the procedures in this complex but very nice formality. The perfect execution of this shows the experience and military bearing of a battalion. I hope, however, that this will be a good beginner guide for those interested in learning more.
Sources:
Revised US Army Regulations of 1861 (1863)
http://home.comcast.net/~8cv/references/us-army-regs.pdf
Brig. Gen. Silas Casey's Infantry Tactics (1862)
http://64thill.org/drillmanuals/caseys_infantrytactics/volume1/
Major William Hardee's Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics (1855-1863)
http://www.drillnet.net/1862/1862.htm
Lt. Col. Emory Upton's US Infantry Tactics (1866/72)
http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.$b278466;view=1up;seq=1
Dominic Dal Bello's Parade, Inspection, and Basic Evolutions of the Infantry Battalion, 4th Edition (1998)
http://www.press.armyofthepacific.com/pie.html
There has been several calls for the establishment of an official drill book, and while I will not be covering that in this thread, there might be cause for further discussion of the case in a different thread or poll thread I might create. In any case, I have made this thread to actually go through and explain one of the hardest parts of the period drill: the dress parade of a battalion. The dress parade was usually done once a day, either after Reveille or before Tattoo. It was an incredibly formal and convoluted affair, hence detailing it in this thread. This will also necessarily discuss the formation of a battalion so as to form a standard foundation for the rest of the discussion. I will also mention that much of the material to follow is based on four main books, the "Revised US Infantry Regulations of 1861," Casey's "Infantry Tactics (1865)," Hardee's "Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics (1855-63)," and with additional help sought from Dominic Dal Bello's "Parade, Inspection, and Basic Evolutions of the Infantry Battalion 4th Edition (1998)," and Upton's "Infantry Tactics (1874)." I ask that you now prepare your notepads and anuses for the wall of text to follow.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Formation
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1. We must first establish, as mentioned before, the formation of a battalion. As a definition, a battalion is a set of 2-10 companies formed together, with 10 companies then being known as a regiment. These companies form on the battalion line by order of seniority of the company commanders (hereby known as "captains"). Table 1 below illustrates the order that should be followed.
2. With the forming of a company, this has various subdivisions which need to be established now. For one, every 25 men including the corporals from right to left are called 1st-4th sections. Additionally, the company is divided into 1st and 2nd platoon again right to left, able to be commanded by the 2nd lieutenant and 1st Lieutenant respectively.
3. The formation of a company will be as follows: the men formed in double ranks, the "captain" in the front rank to the right of the company (if looking at it from it's rear), the 1st Sgt. in the rank covering (behind) him, the 1st lieutenant covering (behind) by two paces the center of the 4th section, the 2nd lieutenant covering from two paces the center of the 1st section. If there be a 3rd lieutenant, he will post himself covering by two paces the center of the 2nd platoon. 2nd-5th Sergeants also form on the same line as the lieutenants as file closers, able to take command of their sections, in the order from right to left 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd. The eight Corporals will form on the right and left of each platoon in the front rank in accordance to height. Additionally, the privates in the rear rank will be at a distance of 13 inches from the breast of the rear men to the back of the front ranks' knapsacks.
http://i.imgur.com/Uuz1t0v.jpg
Source: Hardee's Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics (1863)
TABLE 1
No. of Cos.
Left
Ordering
Right
3
2 (B)
3 (C)
*1 (A)
4
2 (B)
4 (D)
*3 (C)
1 (A)
5
2 (B)
4 (D)
5 (E)
*3 (C)
1 (A)
6
2 (B)
5 (E)
6 (F)
*3 (C)
4 (D)
1 (A)
7
2 (B)
4 (D)
7 (G)
6 (F)
*3 (C)
5 (E)
1 (A)
8
2 (B)
6 (F)
8 (H)
4 (D)
*3 (C)
7 (G)
5 (E)
1 (A)
9
2 (B)
4 (D)
8 (H)
9 (I)
5 (E)
*3 (C)
7 (G)
6 (F)
1 (A)
10
2 (B)
7 (G)
10 (K)
5 (E)
8 (H)
*3 (C)
9 (I)
4 (D)
6 (F)
1 (A)
Source: Dal Bello, Dominic J. "Formaton of a Battalion." Parade, Inspection, and Basic Evolutions of the Infantry Battalion. 4th ed. Santa Barbara, CA: n.p., 1998. 8. Print.
Note #1 Notice lack of Company "J," as in the era of the Revolution the handwriting of the time made "I" and "J" too similar looking, so "J" has been traditionally omitted both in this case and in older cities' street names.
Note #2 companies with an apostrophe in the table are the right center company.
4. Despite the chart, for the purpose of simplifying the rest of the explanation, the companies will be discussed and numbered based on their actual position once on the line rather than how they are numbered above.
5. The Color Guard company forms on the left of the Right Center company and maneuver as if they were all the same company. Hence, when wheeling or maneuvering they would need to be in fours rather than in twos so as not to disrupt the rest of the battalion's maneuvers.
6. The battalion once formed in the above manner can be further divided in several ways. For instance, each two companies from right to left can be subdivided into divisions which have the senior-most "captain" in charge of it. An odd number of companies means that the left-most company is it's own division. A larger subdivision would be the wing. Companies to the left of the flag and including the company of the bearers are the left wing, and to the right of it the right wing, commanded respectively by the Major and Lt. Colonel.
7. Given the atrocities of war, it is not expected but preferred that the appropriate number of privates, NCO's, and officers be in each company and overall battalion, though in the case of there being open positions in the ranks the next senior soldier will fill in, I.E. the 1st Lieutenant will take on the position of the Captain or the 2nd. Sgt the position of the 1st. Sgt.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Dress Parade
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8. The Assembly having been called, the companies form on their streets and march out with bayonets fixed at shoulder arms to the parade ground. Once close to being on the line, the 2nd sergeant of each company will post himself in front of his line as left guide, facing inward toward the far right of the line, this having the exception of the companies in the 1st division. The "captains" on the right wing will post as front rank guide on the left side of the company, while "captains" on the left wing will form as front rank guide on the right, excepting the 4th company "captain" who will cover the 3rd company "captain." When the "captain" of each company sees his ranks aligned, he will immediately order his men to come to support arms.
9. After the men have formed for parade the Battalion Adjutant posts himself two paces to the right of the 1st company, with the field music 4 paces to his right. The Sgt. Major posts two paces to the far left company. The most senior officer, now referred to as "Battalion Commander" - historically usually being a Colonel - posts at the center of the battalion at a distance that is enough for him to oversee the entire battalion. He and all other officers are on foot. This differs from when the battalion is in line of battle, in which case the Colonel, Lt. Colonel, and Major would be mounted while the Adjutant stays on foot.
10. Once the Adjutant has confirmed the correct alignment of the battalion, he will give the order "Guides, POST" in which case the "captains" and 2nd sergeants find their correct positions on the line as if it were for Order of Battle. 2nd sergeants are first to come to the rear, those on the right wing marching forward and going by files right through where the "captains" and 1st Sgts would be, then finding his usual place for LOB at the rear of the left platoon, while those on the left wing will about face and by files left, doing the same as the right wing 2nd Sgts by going through the position of the "captain" and 1st Sgt of the company to the left of their own. The only exception here is of the 2nd Sgt of the far left company, who will post himself as the battalion far left guide. Once the 2nd Sgts have passed to the rear, the 1st Sgts find their appropriate place as well from having been behind their companies, excepting the 1st Sgts of the 1st division companies who have been in front of their companies as right guides facing the flag. Those two sergeants will right about and by files right when the order "Guides, POST" has been given. "Captains" on the right wing will take one step forward and by files right to march down his line, then by files right again to come to his position then facing his 1st Sgt, doing an about face. Those on the left wing shall have taken one pace forward and to the left so as to allow the 2nd Sgts to go to their own positions will then also resume their proper place in line.
11. The Adjutant shall then indicate to the "captain" of the 1st company, who will step one pace to the front and order his men to "Shoulder, ARMS," "Order, ARMS," and finally, "Parade, REST." This having been accomplished, he steps back into line, and the next company commander will do the same, on down the line from right to left as each company finishes the maneuver.
12. The Adjutant then gives the order "Music, beat off." The below video can demonstrate the music played and the movements made by the Field Music to accompany the explanation to follow.
https://youtu.be/Ib9HY6p99KA?t=261
The music, lead by the principal musician, will play three cheers, and then
"...march to the left, playing the 'Troop,' ... to the left of the line, where they will face to the right [the battalion front], and countermarch to the left; when at the proper signal [from its principal], they again face to the front [the battalion right], and march back to their proper place on the right of the line...."
Source: Bruce, George B., and Daniel Decatur Emmett. The Drummer's and Fifer's Guide: Or Self-instructor ; Containing a Plain and Easy Introduction of the Rudimental Principles for the Drum and Fife ... New York: W.A. Pond, 1885. 38. Print.
[CENTER]http://i.imgur.com/powBdVD.jpg
Source: Dal Bello, Dominic J. "Dress Parade." Parade, Inspection, and Basic Evolutions of the Infantry Battalion. 4th ed. Santa Barbara, CA: n.p., 1998. 9. Print.
Note: While this and another picture below only show four companies, the exact same procedures occur with a larger battalion.
... playing a quick step.
13. The music having returned and finished playing, the adjutant then gives the following orders: 1. "Attention, BATTALION" 2. "Shoulder, ARMS" 3. "Prepare to open ranks." 4. "To the rear, in open order," 5. "MARCH"
At "...open order," all 1st Sgts and only the leftmost company's 2nd Sgt will backwards march four paces. At "MARCH" the ranks will open, the back rank privates moving back to the line created by the 1st Sgts at a backwards march, the lieutenants and 2nd-5th sergeants excepting the farthest leftmost 2nd sergeant also marching 4 paces to the rear. The "captains" also march four paces to the front of their companies. Once the rear rank is established and dressed, the Adjutant shall order "FRONT," whereas the 1st Sgts shall march forwards to replace the position where the "captain" was to the right of the front rank, and farthest left 2nd Sgt going back to his position. At the same time, the Major and Lt. Colonel move from their place as if it were Line of Battle to stand six paces in front of the center of their wing, advancing around the battalion via the closest flank from their original position.
http://i.imgur.com/F0Kxndm.jpg
14. The Adjutant will then march between the company commanders and the front rank of the battalion to the center, face to the battalion front, march forward eight to ten paces past the company commander line, face about, and command "Present, ARMS." This being executed, he will face about again to his Battalion Commander and do a sword salute, reporting: "Sir, the parade is formed." The Battalion Commander, without drawing his sword will acknowledge his salute and if wishing to drill the battalion in the manual shall order, "Take your post, sir." The adjutant in that case will always move around the commander's right, or the Adjutants left to stand a pace behind and to the left of the Battalion Commander. The latter then draws his sword, the Adjutant returning his to his scabbard, and order "Battalion, shoulder, ARMS." He will follow this with whatever set of manual of arms he desires, until concluding with "Order, ARMS."
15. Returning his saber, the Battalion Commander then directs the Adjutant to collect the company reports,. If posted, the Adjutant again passes around the right of the Battalion Commander to return to his former position, or if not posted simply faces about to the battalion, draws his saber, and orders, "1st Sergeants, to the front and center, MARCH." The 1st Sergeants at "...to the front and center..." will shoulder arms, take two paces to the front, then face themselves inward in the direction of the flag. At "MARCH" they will march to the center and halt.
16. The Adjutant then orders, "Front, FACE." "Report." From 1st Company to last (right to left), the 1st Sergeants will each report while giving a sergeants salute (saluting across the chest with arm horizontal, palm face down), and say the results of their roll call. If all accounted for and excused properly, he will say "Company (A), all present and accounted for." If there were any unauthorized absences, he will say for example, "Company (A), one corporal and two privates absent." Once reported, the sergeant will end the salute, and the next sergeant will begin.
17. Once all reports are given, the Adjutant will then order, "1st Sergeants, outward, FACE." "To your posts, MARCH" The 1st sergeants will return to their places and order arms. The Adjutant will then face about to face the Battalion Commander and report the results. For example, if any officers are absent they will be reported by name, as well as saying the total amount absent, though we should note this should already be known from morning reports given earlier in the day. So, in total he will say "Sir, all present and accounted for." Or say, "Sir, ___ enlisted men are absent."
18. The Battalion might then command the adjutant to "Publish the orders, sir." Upon this, the Adjutant again faces about to the battalion and says, "Attention to Orders." He will read the days orders and any other announcements. Once more facing the Commander he will say, "Sir, the orders are published." With this the Battalion Commander will direct to dismiss the parade.
19. The Adjutant, facing the battalion, will say "Parade is dismissed." All officers will sheathe their swords, and the Adjutant will march to be on the same line as the company commanders, who will have at the same time faced inward and marched to the center, leaving space for the adjutant to take his place on that line should he have not yet arrived. The Major and Lt. Colonel will post themselves on the flank of this formation.
20. The Field Music will play a tune of their choice. The Adjutant will order "Front, FACE." "Forward, MARCH." They will face the Battalion Commander, march within six paces of him, where the Adjutant will give the order to "HALT." and hand salute the Commander. The Battalion Commander, having returned the salute, can then give any more additional information or announcements needed. He will then dismiss the officers, who will return to their posts with their company, the 1st Sgts stepping one pace back to their covering position. The 1st Sgts will also order the ranks closed before marching them back to their company street to be dismissed. The music continues to play until all the companies have left the parade ground.
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Conclusion
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There we have it folks, the proper dress parade as described by various period manuals and more modern helpers. I highly suggest that you take more than just this guide however, and also look at the period manuals and modern helpers I have referenced and sourced above for your own perusal, that you might continue to form a better understanding of the procedures in this complex but very nice formality. The perfect execution of this shows the experience and military bearing of a battalion. I hope, however, that this will be a good beginner guide for those interested in learning more.
Sources:
Revised US Army Regulations of 1861 (1863)
http://home.comcast.net/~8cv/references/us-army-regs.pdf
Brig. Gen. Silas Casey's Infantry Tactics (1862)
http://64thill.org/drillmanuals/caseys_infantrytactics/volume1/
Major William Hardee's Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics (1855-1863)
http://www.drillnet.net/1862/1862.htm
Lt. Col. Emory Upton's US Infantry Tactics (1866/72)
http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.$b278466;view=1up;seq=1
Dominic Dal Bello's Parade, Inspection, and Basic Evolutions of the Infantry Battalion, 4th Edition (1998)
http://www.press.armyofthepacific.com/pie.html