Manual by Coppee

[Eric Hageman]

Has anybody ever heard of a manual by "Coppee"? An Antique dealer has an 1862 print of a manual; "Exercise and Maneuver in the School of the Battalion" by Cap. Henry Coppee. I thought I knew of most of the Civil War era instruction manuals, but this is one I have never heard of. The dealer wants $200 bucks for it, which I have no interest in paying, but I am intrigued by the fact that I have never come across this before. Any ideas?

Eric Hageman

[Charles Heath]

Re: Manual by Coppee

Google Book Version

His brigade manual is still available as a reprint.

[106th PVI]

Re: Manual by Coppee

Yes,
I have heard of it and have a copy myself. It really is alot like the others.
Really just a rewrite with some changes.

[Charles Heath]

Re: Manual by Coppee

To add to this, here are three sites I find useful on a regular basis:

http://home.att.net/~Cap1MD/Drill.htm

http://www.zipcon.net/%7Esilas/links.htm

http://www.sykesregulars.com/instruction/instruction.php

[106th PVI]

Re: Manual by Coppee

Thanks for the links, Charles. The 1st & 3d ones I already have in my "faves" list. Just added the 2d.
I don't just read the manuals. I try to use what they teach. I also try to use whatever cover I can to sheild the men. Even if the rest of the battalion is standing straight while in battle line, in the open, I will have my front rank kneel and have the rear rank kneel to load. Only rising to fire. I have read so many accounts of company commanders doing this... Being once a private, and an NCO, in the ranks I appreciated any effort my commanders made to shield me and my men.
Am I wrong?:D

[Blackhat]

Re: Manual by Coppee

Coppee's was used by Brig. Gen. John Gibbon when he studied infantry movements shortly after taking command of what became the Iron Brigade of the West in May 1862 outside Fredericksburg. He had overheard someone complaining he did not know infantry drill being an artillery battery officer.
Lance Herdegen

[DocReynolds]

Re: Manual by Coppee

Coppee is a good way to get a fuller understandign of the comamnds for laregr bodies of troops...There are two separate volumes both good, and as mentioned available in re-print.

Pete Bedrossian
150th NY/3rd NC

[Clsinclair]

Re: Manual by Coppee

I have a copy of Coppee's and an original Scott's Vol III and I prefer Scotts because of the plates and explanation of the movements for the plates. Coppee's does have some minor differences and it does show a Brigade forming a battle line from a column of companies at closed in mass or half-distance. Scott's shows the movement ("Forward into Line") from full distances. I use Coppees on the field for a quick reference. I would love to have an orginal Coppee's to add to my collection but money is tight these days.