Organization of a Company

[Booth]

Looking over a civil war roster for the 3rd Alabama, I wondered how the enlisted men/volunteers were placed within a company for say, inspection. Was it alphabetical, by height, by mess, or arbitrary? Were they arranged as foursomes, i.e. "comrades in battle" and always fell in that way?

Booth Malone

[john duffer]

Re: Organization of a Company

Assuming they followed the manual and I understand your question they were formed by height.

[Booth]

Re: Organization of a Company

Thanks John. That was my question. I can see how, for appearance sake, that would be important on the parade ground. Do you think this would have been adhered to as attrition set in and bonds of friendship and blood (kinship) came into play? In other words, would "size matter" after say, Malvern Hill? Or would they use it as a formality to maintain a sense of discipline in the men? It may have just come down to what the 1st Sergeant and/or his superiors wanted. I may be answering my own question.

Mr. Malone, please remember to sign your first and last name when posting on this forum, Thanks! Herb Coats, Moderator

[john duffer]

Re: Organization of a Company

All period manuals I've seen call for forming companies by height tallest on the right, shortest on the left. Kautz suggests the left company of each division forms tall on the left so the division has a uniform appearance. Upton (who presumably applies lessons learned) calls for battalion right wing companies tall on the right, left wing tall on the left despite his stressing fours. The height arrangement has a practical aspect in firings but I've seen some folks on the forums advocate that men just stood next to their buddies. I've seen nothing to support this much beyond reenactors not wanted to go to the trouble but you can rarely say never when dealing with millions. If you're an early morning Fed at Shiloh or Stones River or your battalion breaks and reforms a mile away under fire maybe not and if company and battalion officers don't care I guess it could be anything goes but i personally see that as the drill equivalent of Jaguar pants.