Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

[Curt Schmidt]

Hallo!

Are they any working, functional on-line versions of Congdon's Cavalry Compendium?

Thanks!

Curt

[Curt Schmidt]

Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Hallo!

I alos posted this in the Cavalry folder..

Are they any working, functional on-line versions of Congdon's Cavalry Compendium?

Thanks!

Curt

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Curt,
The only online copy I knew of was hosted at the the 9th Va web site but their site is having some issues at this time. A quick look at books.google.com might reveal a copy.
What are you looking for and I might be able to help?
Dave Myrick

[Tom Craig]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Curt,
I know you are looking for Congdon's online...ironically that is the one source that offers period cavalry manual type "suggestions" on how to clean your weapons in the field. When I get back home after Easter I will check out my copy and plug in the appropriate citation on the gun cleaning question. I will admit that I don't remember if it specifically talks about revolvers or not...
Take care,
Tom Craig

[Charles Heath]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

...and if anyone happens to have the 18 pages missing from the Iowa copy currently in widespread circulation......

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Hallo!

Thanks lads!

Yes, I am interested in the possibility of revolver cleaning instructions.

But, I am also trying to resolve a question about DRAW PISTOL and shooting, as some manuals such as Patten's have the revolver withdrawn with the right hand for loading, but switched to the left for firing (as when holding the sabre in the right.)

From the 1861 "Patten's Cavalry Drill and SAbre Exercise compiled Agreeably to the Latest Regulations of the War Department from Standard Miitary Authority" by Geoge Patten.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER, Page 40, Article Second, Manual for Colt's Revolver:

Draw-Pistol.

Two times.

1. At the first command, unbuckle the holstre, or pistol-case, seize the pistol by the handle with the right hand, holding it between the palm of the hand and the three last fingers; teh fore-finger resting on the guard, the thumb on the handle.

2. At the second command, draw out the pistol and elevate it, the guard to the front, the wrist at the height of, and six inches from the right shoulder.

Load in six times.

I'll skip this part...

Ready.

One time and two motions.

1. Place the pistol in the left hand, the little finger touching the key, the barrel nearly vertical, the muzzle a littleinclined to th eleft and front, teh guard to the front, the thumb on the head of th ehammer, the fore-finger along the guard.

2. Cock the pistol, and bring it to the position of draw pistol.

Aim.

One time.

1. Lower the pistol, the arm half extended, an dplace the fore finger lightly on the trigger, the muzzle directed to the height of a man's waist.

Fire.

One time.

Press the fore finger steadily on the trigger, fire, and retake the position of draw pistol.
The men being at a ready, and th einstructor wishing to fire all the barrels in quick succession, will give an intimidation to that effect, and then command:

1. Aim 2. Fire

The men will aim and fire, come to the first position of ready, cock, aim, and fire again, and so continue until the pistol is discharged; then take th eposition of draw pistol.
The instructor wishing to reload, will command:

Load at Will.

Load.

One time.

Load the six chambers as heretofore prescribed, and take posiiton of draw pistol.

Return Pistol.

One time.

Lower the muzzle of the pistol, and return it to the holster or pistol-case.

Curt

[Andrew German]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Greetings Curt:

Congdon's is usually available at www.9thvirginia.com, but it's not coming up today. Nevertheless, that's the only online source I know.

Good luck!
Andrew German

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Poinsett's and Cooke's both have the pistol being drawn with the right hand yet loaded and fired from the left. I can understand the loading procedure, the pistol being held in the left hand, while all of the movements of handling cartridges and caps being done with the non-rein hand so as not to disturb the reins and the horse. The firing is puzzling as you are using your rein hand to do so but no mention of the reins is made in the procedures in either of the manuals.

What question are youtrying to answer Curt?

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Hallo!

Dave lad...

I was cornfused on the revolver hand.
Meaning, being infantry and all....

The sabre is wielded in the right hand, the reins in the left.
What is confusing me, is that used alone, the revolver would seem to go "strong side" (as the CAS folks say) and be used in the right hand when used alone.
Yet, the manuals seem to have it being used left-handed even when used alone. And that seems "unright" to me.

Especially, in my mind and limited knowledge and experience, that when mounting the reins are switched from the right hand to the left so that the right may hold the holster or carbine. Then when seated, going to a two handed rein position. And then moving on to the section that deals with alternating or with "crossing"' the hands.

Curt

[Andrew German]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Greetings:

After rereading Poinsett's description of loading and firing Colt's revolver, I believe the introduction of the left hand is simply to hold the revolver while cocking it with the right hand. With the little finger on the key, the left hand is cradling the barrel, not holding the grip. Later, with more experience, cocking is done solely with the right thumb.

Regarding cleaning, here's what Congdon says (pp. 36-37): "The carbine should be kept in the condition which it was received from the armory. It should never be taken apart to clean, except when absolutely necessary, and with express permission of the company commander. The barrel should never be polished. The lock should never be taken apart, except by an armorer. After firing, the carbine should be cleaned with warm water, dried, and slightly oiled. Any infrigement of these instructions should be severely punished; because the rendering of a fire-arm unfit for use is one of the gravest offences an enlisted man can commit.

THE REVOLVER
The revolver is cleaned in the same manner as the carbine. The trooper should always know the number of his revolver. When ordered on any detached duty (without arms), he should place his arms in charge of the orderly sergeant, who is obliged to take charge of them and give the owner a receipt for the same.

At night, near the enemy, it is advisable to sleep with the arms under the head, unless otherwise ordered."

And if you're interested in the trooper's best friend:

"THE SABRE
The sabre should be kept clean and bright; the edge as sharp as possible. It is the trooper's best and most trusty weapon. If the sabre is rusty or dull, observers will justly think that its owner will never have the courage to wield it.

"The scabbard should be kept clean and free from rust, but not polished.

"Sperm or sweet oil and flour of emery should be used in cleaning the sabre and scabbard. Beef-marrow is good to keep them from rusting."

Hope this helps.
Andrew German

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Hallo!

Thanks Andrew lad! I appreciate the help!!

Curt

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Congdon's can be found online here:

http://9thvirginia.com/cavalry_compendium1.html

http://9thvirginia.com/cavalry_compendium2.html

http://9thvirginia.com/cavalry_compendium3.html

http://9thvirginia.com/cavalry_compendium4.html

http://9thvirginia.com/cavalry_compendium5.html

For some reason the link to the index page is broken.
Dave Myrick

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Hallo!

Thanks VERY much!

My great-great grandfather, Andrew Miller, served in Colonel Marcus Reno's and Major James Congdon's 12th PA Cavalry being shot in March of 1865 and dying in May.
I suspect he may have knew these things well...

Curt

[DaveGink]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Here is the missing pages 24 - 41...

----- 24

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.



in, the horse in use by another." (Instructions to mustering officers, p. 000.)
In selecting a horse, get one between five and nine years of age. Those of dark color are easier kept and cleaned. If you are a large, heavy man, get a large and powerful horse. Small men should have medium-sized horses. Fourteen hands high is the smallest size allowed.
Strive to keep your horse in good spirits and condition. Never give the horse drugs to make him fat; it ruins his wind and renders him unfit for hard service. If your horse gets sick, report the fact at once to the company farrier or veterinary surgeon. Under all circumstances, treat your horse with the utmost kindness and gentleness. (for instructions in management, see Extracts from Cavalry Tactics, p. 105)

Watering.

Horses should be watered three times a day, in June, July, August and September. First, immediately after reveille. Second, about eleven o'clock A.M. Third, immediately before grooming in the evening, about half-past three o'clock P.M. During the rest of the year the watering after reveille may be omitted.

Horses should be ridden to water bare-back, and at a walk going and returning.



----- 25


Watering.



The daily allowance of water to a horse is four gallons; but he should be permitted to drink all he desires. Pure, soft, running water is the best. When drawn from wells in the summer, it should, if possible, be allowed to stand until the chill is taken off, before being given to the horse; otherwise it may injure him. Horses should not be watered immediately after eating, or when very warm.

On the march, horses should not be watered, except when ordered by the commander of the detachment, who should order halts occasionally for that purpose.


Grooming.

Grooming should be done in the morning and evening. The horses should be groomed at the picket-rope. To strike a horse at the picket-rope, or in the stable, is apt to make him vicious. It is strictly prohibited.

The whisp, currycomb, brush, and horse-comb are implements used in grooming.

THE WHISP is a small bundle of straw or hay twisted tightly, and as large as can be conveniently held in the hand. It is used when the horse is warm or wet. The horse should be rubbed against the hair with whisps until dry.


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CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.



THE CURRYCOMB should be used when the horse is dry and very filthy. It's application should be regulated by the length and foulness of the coat. When the coat is long and full of dust, use it freely.

In the spring of the year, use the currycomb judiciously, as a removal of the hair too soon exposes the horse to changes of the weather.

Commence on the near side. Use it freely on the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, back, quarters, belly, loins, and flanks.

The legs below the knees, parts thin of hair, the head, mane, and tail, should never be touched by the currycomb.

THE BRUSH is the usual implement with which grooming should be done. Take the brush in the left hand, the currycomb in the right, commence at the head on the near side, brush with the hair, clean the brush frequently with the currycomb, and brush the coat all over perfectly clean.

When you have finished the near side, take the brush in the right hand, commence on the off side at the horse's head, and clean that side also.

----- 27


Grooming.



The brush should clean every hair on the horse thoroughly. The skin under the flanks and between the hindquarters must be soft, and so clean as not to soil a white cloth. The coat, when cleaned, should be smooth and glossy.

THE HORSE-COMB should be used to clean the mane and tail, so as not to pull out the hairs. The mane and tail must never be cut.
The men must observe strict silence while grooming. Singing, whistling, &c. are prohibited.

Feeding.

Horses should be fed three times a day. First immediately after they are groomed in the morning. Second, about noon. Third, immediately after grooming in the evening.
It is advisable to give a horse one-third of his grain at each meal, and most of his hay in the evening. Horses should never be fed grain when overheated: it is apt to founder them.

----- 28


CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.



The men of squads will water, groom, and feed the horses of their sergeants, together with those of the men on extra dismounted duty, &c. The above directions may be modified by company commanders, according to circumstances.

Shoeing

The usefulness of a horse will greatly depend on the manner in which he is shod. The shoes should be carefully examined every time the horse is groomed. If a shoe is loose, he should be taken at once to the company blacksmith. On the march, every trooper should carry in his saddle-bags, nails and two shoes that have been fitted to his horse's forefeet. He should also be instructed in the "cold shoeing," that he may be able to shoe his horse on the march.

----- 29


Health.



CHAPTER III.


HEALTH.


The Happiness of the soldier depends, in a great degree, upon attention to the laws of health. The health can be preserved as well in the army as in private life, if proper attention is given to cleanliness, clothing and diet.

Cleanliness and Clothing.

To keep clean, the soldier should always have one coarse comb, one fine comb, one tooth-brush, one coarse sponge, a piece of soap, and two towels.

He should wash his face, neck, and hands daily. He should brush his teeth and comb his head every morning, and wash his entire body at least twice a week. One quart of water, applied with a good sized sponge, will clean the person thoroughly. In warm weather the feet should be washed daily.

Underclothing should be changed at least once a week, and oftener in June, July, August, and September..

A soldier should not sleep in the underclothing worn during the day: if he has others, he should wear them at night, and air those worn during the day. If he has but one set of underclothing, he will find it refreshing in warm weather, to turn them inside out and shake them well. Turning the stockings inside out will tend to keep the feet cool on the march. The blankets and bedding should be well shaken and aired every morning.


----- 30


CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.



Each trooper should be supplied at all times with the following articles:
• One overcoat
• One jacket
• One blouse
• One pair pants
• Three shirts
• Two pair stockings
• Two pair drawers
• One pair boots
• One cap
• One canteen
• One haversack
• One blanket
- all of which should be kept clean, in good order, and carried on the person or horse.

The chiefs of squads must see that the above effects are in the possession of every trooper, and that the men keep themselves clean.

A little mercurial ointment applied to the underclothing will keep the person free from vermin. Soldiers infested with vermin or any cutaneous disease must be excluded from the tent or quarters, and immediately reported to the company commander.

----- 31


Diet.



DIET.

To ensure the health of the soldier, particular attention must be given to the quantity, quality, and preparation of the food. Scrupulous cleanliness must be observed in cooking.

Coffee-pots, camp-kettles, &c. may be cleaned by boiling a little carbonate of soda or wood-ashes in them.

The following recipes may be found useful.

COFFEE.

To make one pint of good coffee, take two tablespoonfuls of ground coffee, mix it with a little cold water, pour the mixture on a pint of boiling water, and boil the whole fifteen minutes; then remove it from the fire, pour in a few tablespoonfuls of cold water, let it stand a few minutes to settle, add sugar and milk according to taste, and drink while hot. Any quantity of coffee can be made by observing the above proportions.
One pint of coffee in the morning and evening is as much as it is healthy to drink each day.

BEEF SOUP.

To make a good soup, take three-fourths of a pound of beef, bones and all; wash the meat well, put it in a clean camp-kettle with five pints of cold water, cover the kettle, let it boil slowly one hour; then add four ounces of vegetables, cut in thin slices, one teaspoonful of salt, a little pepper, and boil the whole about two hours, or until the vegetables are thoroughly cooked; you will then have one quart of good soup. For greater quantities, observe the above proportions. Soup should be eaten as hot as possible.


----- 32


CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.



DRINKING.

Intoxicating liquors should never be drank by soldiers unless proscribed by the surgeon.

Before starting on a march, fill your canteen with pure spring-water. A few drops of vinegar poured into it will correct any impurities that may be in the water. The canteen holds two quarts, and should last a man during the day's march in warm weather. To drink more is dangerous. A tablespoonful of water taken every ten seconds will slake more thirst than a quart drank at once.

If the water in the canteen gets warm, it is better to dip the canteen in cold water than to refill it. Purity is of more importance than coldness in water.


----- 33


Excersize.



EXERCISE.

It is the duty of a soldier not only to preserve his health, but also to become strong and athletic; he should take strengthening exercise, and be able to run at least eight miles in an hour, jump nearly five feet high, clear seventeen feet in a running leap. He should practise throwing weights, playing ball, sparring and fencing. He should practice riding, and teach his horse to clear a four-foot wall or ten-foot ditch with a flying leap.
A strong, healthy man is generally endowed with good judgement, indomitable energy, rapid decision and execution. These are likewise the characteristics of a model trooper. It should be borne in mind that it takes brave hearts and strong hands to win battles.


----- 34

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.



CHAPTER IV.


TARGET PRACTICE.


The War Department furnishes each company with instructions for target practice, which every soldier should read. The following is based upon that work. To become a good marksman, you should first learn how to load the gun; second, to know how to regulate the aim according to the distance of the object to be hit; third, you should be able to estimate distances within the range of your piece; fourth, you should be able to aim with ease, and not incline the sights to the right or left; also to support the recoil of the piece.

To load the carbine or revolver, see Cavalry Tactics, page 95.

AIMING. - The line of fire is a straight line extending through the centre of the barrel, indefinitely produced. The line of sight is a straight line passing through the middle of the notch of the rear-sight and the top of the front-sight. A ball describes a curved line in its flight, which line is called the trajectory. When fired from a gun, the ball crosses above the line of sight; after going a certain distance, -according to the arm used - it crosses below the line of sight: this point is called point-blank. Suppose the point-blank of your carbine to be one hundred yards: to hit an object at that distance, aim at it; if the object is closer aim below it; if farther off, aim above it. Good aiming can only be attained by proper instruction and careful practice. Pressing the trigger is apt to derange the sight; although properly directed before touching the trigger, it

----- 35


Aiming.



may not be so the moment of discharge takes place. The soldier will attain this if he holds his breath from the moment he touches the trigger until the gun is discharged, - pressing the trigger steadily and by degrees with the last joint of the forefinger. A good shot with a Colt's revolver can hit the size of a man's head at fifty yards; with a carbine, the same object at one hundred and fifty yards.



Care of Arms.

A soldier should take the best possible care of his arms; his usefulness in battle depends upon it, and his life may depend on their reliability.


THE SABRE.

The sabre should be kept clean and bright; the edges sharp as possible. It is the trooper's and most trusty weapon. If the sabre is rusty or dull, observers will justly think that its owner will never have the courage to wield it.
The scabbard should be kept clean and free from rust but not polished.
Sperm or sweet oil and flour of emery should be used in cleaning the sabre and scabbard. Beef marrow is good to keep them from rusting.


----- 36

CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.



THE CARBINE.

The carbine should be kept in the condition in which it was received from the armory. It should never be taken apart to clean, except when absolutely necessary, and with express permission of the company commander. The barrel should never be polished. The lock should never be taken apart except by an armorer. After firing, the carbine should be cleaned with warm water, dried, and slightly oiled. Any infringement of these instructions should be severely punished; because the rendering of a fire-arm unfit for use is one of the gravest offenses an enlisted man can commit.


----- 37


The Revolver.



THE REVOLVER.

The revolver is cleaned in the same manner as the carbine. The trooper should always know the number of his revolver. When ordered on any detached duty (without arms), he should place his arms in charge of the orderly sergeant, who is obliged to take charge of them and give the owner a receipt for the same.
At night, near the enemy, it is advisable to sleep with the arms under the head, unless otherwise ordered.
If compelled to surrender in battle, always render your arms useless before giving them up, if possible.
Belts, cartridge-boxes, &c. must be kept in the condition in which they were issued from the arsenal, due allowance being made for actual wear. Belts must never be cut without express permission of the company commander.

----- 38


CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.



HORSE EQUIPMENTS should be kept clean and dry as when issued, allowance being made for proper wear.

ACCOUTREMENTS AND EQUIPMENTS must be marked with the letter of the company and the number of the owner.

To MARK A BLANKET, trace the letters and numbers required with a little gun-powder, then ignite the powder, and the blanket will be permanently marked.
Company commanders will usually supply stamps to mark on leather, &c. &c.


----- 39


Duties of Sentinels.


CHAPTER V.

DUTIES OF SENTINELS.

Guard duty is the most important duty of a soldier. The neglect of a sentinel may cause the loss of an army. Sentinels should be dressed in fatigue (blouse) and be armed as ordered.
Sentinels receive orders, and allow themselves to be relieved by the order of the commanding officer, officer of the day, or an officer or non-commissioned officer of the guard.
A trooper, on being posted as a sentinel, should pay strict attention to the instruction he receives, and thoroughly understand what he is to notice. Sentinels will at all times walk their beat, keep themselves on the alert, observe everything in sight or hearing, and correct any breach of regulations or orders, detain the party, if necessary, call the corporal of the guard, and report it. In case of disorder, a sentinel calls out "Guard" and the number of his post. Sentinels are on no account to quit their arms while on post, or to speak to any one, except, when their duty may oblige them to. When in charge of prisoners, they are not allowed to converse with them or permit others to. Misconduct of prisoners should be promptly reported. A sentinel who desires to leave his post for any proper reason calls for the corporal of the guard, who will stand guard in his place, or relieve him with another sentinel, according to circumstances.

----- 40


CONGDON'S CAVALRY COMPENDIUM.



A sentinel may be stationed at a post of great danger. Even under fire, he should remain at his post, if required, at all hazards. If it costs him his life, he can have no more honorable death. A sentinel should never allow himself to be captured without firing his gun: although defense may be useless, the alarm given may save an army.
A sentinel is supposed and required to know the duties laid down in the Articles of War and Army Regulations. If he neglects them, no plea of ignorance will save him from the terrible penalties herein prescribed.



Outpost and Patrol Duty, &c.

VEDETTES. - Vedettes are mounted sentinels posted outside all other guards, and next to the enemy. In daylight they are generally placed on high ground, but so placed as to be concealed from the enemy.

When vedettes are posted in such a manner as to be able to overlook their front and see each other and the ground between them, so as nothing can pass them unperceived, they are placed as they ought to be.

----- 41

OUTPOST AND PATROL DUTY



BY NIGHT. - Vedettes are taken off the hills and placed on the roads, behind fords, bridges, ravines, &c. by which the enemy might approach the guard; and at the bottom of hills, so as more easily to discern, against the sky, objects moving over the top. In clear moonshine, they ought to be near a tree or bush, to prevent their being seen by the enemy. In a close country, they should redouble their vigilance; for it may happen that he will approach them unperceived, in spite of all their care.

BY DAY. - When a vedette discovers any thing suspicious in the direction of the enemy, as, for instance, a rising dust or the glittering of arms, he should move his horse round in a circle, or make any other signal ordered by the officer of the guard, on which the officer should instantly proceed to the vedette, accompanied by a corporal and four men, and if he cannot distinctly discover the cause of the dust, &c. he should send off the men that accompanied him to reconnoitre, or go himself; for if he sees troops, he should be able to report how strong they are, whether cavalry, infantry or artillery, and

[Linkstrap]

Re: Congdon's Cavalry Compendium

Outstanding sir! Thank you very much for taking the time to post this!