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From: The Civil War Journals of John Mead Gould edited by William B. Jordan
p. 233, Jan. 3, 1863 [During a review of his Division by Genl. Slocum.] "But the most novel of all was the appearance made by the 2nd Massachusetts who with the 3rd Wisconsin persist in the old style of tactics and carry their guns in the left hand with the barrel to the front. The sun struck their polished barrels and reflected back as if from so many mirrors...I could not help thinking what a mark for a cannonier. But troops do not go into battle at a 'shoulder,' hence the argument is against bright barrels more than tactics. [It is very interesting that 2 regiments in a division used a different drill manual and this comment about the manual of arms is a rare diary entry treat for the reenactment crowd.]
p. 257, March 17, 1863 "In the 2nd Massachusetts I noticed tonight that for Retreat roll call the men turn out at the Drummer's call. The 1st call is beaten about five minutes after. It is a very short beat and at its completion the Orderly Serg'ts. give the order 'Fall in, Co.--Right Dress--Front' and call the roll. A commissioned officer stands near to give character and example to the duty. The men are without arms but are obliged to be properly dressed, neat and with their coats buttoned up....The roll call completed, the Orderly reports to the officer saluting, and then gives the orders 'Right Dress' and 'Front'. The Officer of the Day commencing on the right approaches the right Co. when its Orderly salutes and reports Company A, B, or C, etc. all present and accounted for and after the Officer of the Day passes by, dismisses the Co." [I know there have been discussions in the reenacting world about what 1st Sgts. say during formations such as dress parades. Here is some real evidence for the phrase "all presented and accounted for" that some have tried to get away from due to the thought that it might be a reenactorism.]
Thought some folks might find this interesting. Oh, and incidentally, he also supports the fact that in every drill manual the motions in the manual of arms should be done at 90 beats per minute which is much faster than most reenactors do it. Cool stuff.
Sam Cathey
p. 233, Jan. 3, 1863 [During a review of his Division by Genl. Slocum.] "But the most novel of all was the appearance made by the 2nd Massachusetts who with the 3rd Wisconsin persist in the old style of tactics and carry their guns in the left hand with the barrel to the front. The sun struck their polished barrels and reflected back as if from so many mirrors...I could not help thinking what a mark for a cannonier. But troops do not go into battle at a 'shoulder,' hence the argument is against bright barrels more than tactics. [It is very interesting that 2 regiments in a division used a different drill manual and this comment about the manual of arms is a rare diary entry treat for the reenactment crowd.]
p. 257, March 17, 1863 "In the 2nd Massachusetts I noticed tonight that for Retreat roll call the men turn out at the Drummer's call. The 1st call is beaten about five minutes after. It is a very short beat and at its completion the Orderly Serg'ts. give the order 'Fall in, Co.--Right Dress--Front' and call the roll. A commissioned officer stands near to give character and example to the duty. The men are without arms but are obliged to be properly dressed, neat and with their coats buttoned up....The roll call completed, the Orderly reports to the officer saluting, and then gives the orders 'Right Dress' and 'Front'. The Officer of the Day commencing on the right approaches the right Co. when its Orderly salutes and reports Company A, B, or C, etc. all present and accounted for and after the Officer of the Day passes by, dismisses the Co." [I know there have been discussions in the reenacting world about what 1st Sgts. say during formations such as dress parades. Here is some real evidence for the phrase "all presented and accounted for" that some have tried to get away from due to the thought that it might be a reenactorism.]
Thought some folks might find this interesting. Oh, and incidentally, he also supports the fact that in every drill manual the motions in the manual of arms should be done at 90 beats per minute which is much faster than most reenactors do it. Cool stuff.
Sam Cathey
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