General Guides and Markers

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Manual of Instruction for Volunteers and Militia of the Confederate States[/U]. William Gilham. Richmond. 1862. pp.32]

General Guide and Markers

13. There should be two general guides in each battalion; selected by the colonel from among the sergeants (other than first sergeants) for their accuracy in marching. These sergeants are denominated right and left general guide, respectively and are posted in the line of file-closers; the first in the rear of the right, and the second in the rear of the left [flank] of the battalion

Three markers are required to every battalion; they are posted behind the first company, in the rank of file-closers, when the battalion is in line, and behind the loading company or division whenever it is in column.

Has anyone ever seen what these markers are?? Are there specifications somewhere for what these should be??

Paul B.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: General Guides and Markers

I believe they are also known as camp colors. "1439. The camp colors are of bunting, eighteen inches square; white for infantry, and red for artillery, with the number of the regiment on them. The pole eight feet long." It was more common for units to utilize them on fixed bayonets from the muskets while in battleline.

[Jim Moffet]

Re: General Guides and Markers

"Markers" are people. They move and are placed whenever a battalion changes alignment. The field grade officers "place markers" along the front of the first company to come into the new alignment, upon which that company will dress. Subscequent companies, coming onto line "in succession" will then post their guides in a prolongation of this line of markers, and each company dress upon them.

Markers are also used to note the specific point upon which the lead subdivision in a column will change direction. Check out Silas Tackitt's drill website - http://www.zipcon.net/~silas/links.htm - it has lots on the use of general guides and markers.

Jim Moffet
Western Brigade
First Minnesota, Co. A

[Chad Wrinn]

Re: General Guides and Markers

Looking in the U.S./C.S. EOG they have one or two. The EOG books label them camp markers but it's same difference.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: General Guides and Markers

Oops, sorry about the misinformation and thanks for the correction. It seems I've been misled for years on that...

[106th PVI]

Re: General Guides and Markers

I do not envy the 2d sgt (left general guide) of the first company in a battalion. He has everyhing to do with setting the line when forming it from a column. Be it fours, companies or divisions. It ain't no cake walk... been there and done that. :))

[Chad Wrinn]

Re: General Guides and Markers

Mr. Lamoreaux
I was making a reference to the EOG books not to your post above. I was not correcting you by any means.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: General Guides and Markers

Oh I know that Chad! I was referring to the good colonel Moffet above.

[Jeremy Bevard]

Re: General Guides and Markers

I do not envy the 2d sgt (left general guide) of the first company in a battalion. He has everyhing to do with setting the line when forming it from a column. Be it fours, companies or divisions. It ain't no cake walk... been there and done that. :))

True but it is always my favorite position to be. You stay busy and I always learn something new about battalion drill in that spot.

[3rdUSRedleg]

Re: General Guides and Markers

http://mmcwrt.missouri.org/default.htm

[106th PVI]

Re: General Guides and Markers

I may not envy those who perform the job of 2d sgt, but, I do agree that you learn so much. By the grace of God I performed that duty adequately enough that I recieved my diamond after performing it at Neshaminy in 2005. It can have its rewards...