The Square is a regular hollow figure, having four equal sides and angles: the sides are all called faces, which are termed and distinguished by their situation, as front face, rear face, right face, left face; but those sides or faces do not, as in a geometrical square, meet or terminate in a point at the angle, but they are so contrived to lock, or shut in, as that the right of each face may cover the left flank of the contiguous face. [191]

Now as those faces stand of course at right angles with each other, they are therefore capable to oppose an attack made in their respective directions; but as the direction of the angles stand oblique to that of the faces, therefore the faces cannot so effectually sustain and defend the angles as they can themselves, by which means the angles lie open and exposed to any attack made directly upon them. To remedy then this defect, platoons or divisions are posted on those angles to cover them as will be shown further on.

The intent of the square is solely calculated to defend infantry against cavalry. There are two ways for forming the square, one from the line and the other from the column. For each of these purposes, there have been various schemes and methods proposed, but I own, that of all I have yet seen or heard of, there were none with which I could be pleased, because that from the line is founded upon wrong principles, being not practicable upon service, or at best excessively dangerous; and that from the column is partial and not general, showing us only how to form the square out of a single battalion, but not out of a greater number. Nor am I more reconciled to our management of the platoons which cover the angles, that method being also erroneous, it being impossible to obtain sufficient time for the requisite operations, or if attempted it must be at the risk of total destruction.

Now, in order to support these my assertions, I shall begin with each method in the order it stands, and first with respect to that of forming the square from the line. In this particular let it be observed, that it is, in the first place, an established maxim, "That no officer commanding infantry ought to form his line against cavalry, where he cannot with safety secure his flanks and rear;" because, [192] should he neglect this precaution, the motion of cavalry being so rapid, that before he could have time to alter his disposition, or to change his situation, he must inevitably be surrounded and cut to pieces; and, in the next place, it is no less a maxim, "That no officer should form the square against infantry;" because he must, by so doing, present and expose to the enemy two of his flanks from any direct view of either face. Hence then, in both these instances, the absurdity of any scheme to form the line, in order to form from thence the square; and therefore I must condemn any method whatever of forming the square from the line, being totally repugnant to reason.

Next with respect to our method of forming the square from the column, consisting of a single battalion. This I also object to, because the rule is partial and not general; that is, it informs us very well how the square is to be formed out of a single battalion, and there it rests, but it furnishes us with no sort of direction or assistance how that is to be effected out of a greater number. I am therefore for having some general rule to guide an officer, by which he can with equal case and regularity form his square, whether it is to consist of one or of ever so great a number of battalions, since it must be confessed, that there are circumstances, which I shall relate farther on, that require occasionally squares of different magnitudes and capacities; and where no rule is prescribed for that purpose, the want of it must be productive of great confusion, irregularity, and loss of time; and, in the run of events, may prove fatal to the service, as well as detrimental to the reputation of him in command. [193]

And lastly, with respect to the management of the platoons which cover the angles of the square: Our method is, that when each of those platoons has fired, the adjacent angle, or the angle it covers, then opens, in order to admit it into the square by way of retreat, where it remains till such time as it is loaded again when it is to return.

Now, in order to point out the impropriety of this method, it will be necessary to consider, whether there is sufficient time for the above operations. To this end, then, I shall suppose a body of cavalry making a direct charge upon one of the angles, and that this attack is made with a velocity equal to the rate of only eight miles an hour, and that the platoon which covers that angle fires at so great a distance as forty yards.

Now there are l760 yards in a mile, which multiplied by 8, the velocity of attack, give l4080, the number of yards in eight miles, and this number, l4080, being divided by 60’, the number of minutes in an hour, the quotient will be 234.66 yards, the space of ground over which the attack will move in a single minute. Again, let 234.66 be divided by 60", the number of seconds in a minute, the quotient of which division will be 3.9l, the number of yards the attack will also pass over in a second of time. Then let 40, the distance in yards the cavalry is first fired at, be divided by 3.9l, the quotient will be l0".20 or little better than the sixth of a minute, the time in which the platoon, after firing, is to face and march by files into the square; and also for the division of the angle which had wheeled out to admit that platoon to wheel back again to its former ground, and settle itself to receive the attack continued. [194]

Now the point under consideration will be, whether the time of about the sixth of a minute, and regarding it withal as too favourable a computation, will be sufficient to effect the above retreat, according to our present method, besides considering that the larger the platoon is which covers the angle, the longer time it will of course require to retreat, or to get into the square. The answer, in my opinion, requires not the least degree of hesitation, even were the time double or treble, seeing that the smallest stop or failure, occasioned by any means at so critical a juncture, must be attended with inevitable destruction to the whole. Besides, if it be held necessary for this platoon to cover the angle of the square, as certainly it is, then why is not that coverture continued, since it must be as useful at one time as at an other? and more especially at a time when it is most wanted, for common sense will inform us, that it is equally as well sustained on the outside of the square, after it has fired, as any other part of the square can be under the like circumstance, after its having also fired, as will be demonstrated farther on. And hence my reason for rejecting this method.

Having now represented the impropriety and disadvantage attending our present methods of forming the square, as well from the line as from the column, and also the mismanagement of the platoons which cover the angles, it now remains for me to offer a scheme, in order to remedy those defects. I have already condemned every attempt to form the square from the line, and therefore I shall discard that point, and will confine myself only to the forming of it from the column, and in which plan I shall give the necessary directions for the management of the platoons which are to cover the angles. But previous to this design, it will be convenient to give the following instructions to the Adjutant or Major of each Battalion. [195]

I. That he do carefully inform himself of what number of battalions the whole column doth consist, with the order of march, or the succession of several battalions as they march in column.

II. That each battalion be divided into ten divisions or rather companies, and numbered from right to left. The reasons for which will be hereafter given.

III. That the first and tenth divisions, whether of grenadiers or of battalion-men, be each subdivided and appointed to cover the angles of the square; and in such a manner that the first division may cover the angles of the front face, while the tenth do likewise cover those of the rear; but when two or more battalions are conjointly to form a square, then the number of those subdivisions appointed for covering the angles in each battalion is collectively to be divided into four equal parts, always contriving to let those which compose any angle division be as near as possible to their respective battalions, in order that they may the more conveniently fall in and join, when the square comes to be reduced again to column.

IV. That the eight other divisions of the battalion, viz. the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th be told off into four grand divisions, as before directed, and appointed to compose the faces of the Square, giving one grand division to each face, in the following order, viz. The 1st grand division, or the 2nd and 3rd divisions to make the front face. The 2nd grand division, or the 4th and 5th divisions, to make the right face. The 3rd grand division, or the 6th and 7th divisions, to make the left face. And the 4th grand division or the 8th and 9th divisions, to form the rear face. [196]

Now, by this disposition of the divisions it may be observed, that a single battalion thus told off, gives one grand division to each face of its Square; consequently, if there were two battalions joined together to form a Square, there would then be two grand divisions to each face. Hence then the following Rule, viz.

THAT EACH FACE OF EVERY SQUARE DO CONSIST OF AS MANY GRAND DIVISIONS AS THERE ARE BATTALIONS TO COMPOSE THE SQUARE.

V. That the face divisions of the whole Column from front to rear, or as many battalions as are intended to form a Square be told off into four equal parts, letting those of each part know the face to which they belong, that each part may in succession draw up, as is directed in the last instruction, that is, the first part is to make the front face, the second the right face, the third the left face, and the 4th the rear face.

VI. That the distance of each angle division or platoon, from the angular point of the Square it is to cover, be equal to half the extent of that platoon, taking the measurement from that point, to the centre of the rear rank of that platoon.

VII. That those platoons which cover the angles be posted not in the direction of the diagonal of the Square, as our present method directs, but in the direction of and at right-angles with a line supposed to be drawn from the left hand man of the front rank of one face to the left-hand man of the front rank of one face to the left-hand man of the like rank in the opposite face, placing the centre of each platoon upon that line. [197]

The reason of the above disposition is this, that as the faces are not in contact with each other at the angular point, as in a geometrical Square, but are so placed to shut in, as that the left flank of each face may be covered by the right of that adjoining to it; then as the right flank of every face will by that means lie open and exposed, therefore, were the platoon to be placed on the diagonal of the Square, as our present method directs, it could not well cover that flank: and for this reason I have, in order to remedy that defect, posted the platoons as above directed. See the annexed Figure.

The Square formed out of one Battalion, consisting of four grand Divisions.

INSERT FIGURE HERE. [PAGE l98]

EXPLANATION

Let A B C D represent the different faces of the Square, B the left flank of the right face, covered by A the right flank of the front face; and so of all the left flanks of the other faces. E F G the supposed line, passing through the left shoulders of the opposite faces. [199]

H the platoon to cover the angle of the Square, standing at right angles with the line E F G. H the right of the platoon, covering the right flank N of the right face; which otherwise, by our present method, would lie open and exposed. The 1st and 10th divisions, or those appointed to cover the angles of the Square, are each subdivided into two platoons, and denoted by the fractional figures in their due places, 1/1, 2/1, 1/10, 2/10; that is, 1/1 signifies the 1st subdivision or platoon of the 1st division, covering the right angle of the front face, 2/1 the second subdivision of the first division, posted on the left angle of the front face. 1/10 the first subdivision of the 10th division. And 2/10 the second subdivision of the 10th division. And the figures 1, 2, 3, 4, shew the situation of the four grand divisions or face divisions, which compose the Square; and likewise the order of succession, in which they are to draw up and post themselves to each face.

VIII. That the angle-platoons be directed not to retire into the Square on firing, but to remain at their ground. The reason for which is founded upon the two following propositions.

PROP. I.

That every line of infantry, opposed to any other line of Infantry or Cavalry of equal extent, is capable to defend itself under similar circumstances.

Consequently, each angle-platoon of a Square must be held capable to maintain its ground against a front or rank no greater extent than itself. [200]

PROP. II.

THAT THE NEARER THE SIDE IS OF ANY FIGURE TO THE CENTRE, THE LESSER WILL THAT SIDE BE.

Suppose then GI, of the last Figure, to be the side of an external square, or to be a line of cavalry, opposed to the side CK of the internal square. Now were GI to move directly inwards, so as to place itself at CK; then, by the figure, as the part LM of the line GI will be only equal in extent to CK; therefore, by Prop. I. CK is capable to defend itself against LM.

Hence it is evident, that no square can be attacked by cavalry, but by a front, at most equal to the part attacked; and that only, with this certain disadvantage, as l5 is to l9; that is, l5 of cavalry in rank will occupy just as much ground as l9 of infantry will do, allowing three feet two inches to each horseman, and two feet six inches to each soldier. And besides the above advantage, which infantry have over cavalry, there is one still greater, which is, that only the front rank of cavalry can immediately attack, because it serves as a barrier to keep back the other rear ranks; whereas the whole three ranks of infantry can at once engage, and be mutually assisting to each other.

Hence the advantage which infantry have over cavalry; and that all squares, however small in themselves, are equally formidable against cavalry.

But it may now be asked, that if I will not allow the platoon on the angle to retire into the square after it has fired, how then are its flanks to be secured? I answer, that the two contiguous faces are, either to give a flanking fire on those who must wheel in to attack the [201] flanks of that platoon, or at once to move out and join those flanks. And were different attacks to be likewise made, at the same time, upon the other angles, then the other faces are also to move out and sustain their platoons; by which disposition the square will assume the figure of an octagon, still more formidable than that of the square, as the angle of the polygon in one is l35 deg. and in the other but 90 deg. And this new figure of the octagon is so much the more preferable to the orb of the ancients, so much spoken of, as regular files can be had in the one, but not in the other; and as a straight line is more manageable than a curve, the fire in the former being parallel, but that in the latter diverging, and consequently not of equal weight.

Having already shewn how a square can, with equal ease and regularity, be formed, whether it is to consist of one or of any number of battalions, I am now to represent the different capacities of squares, according to the number of battalions of which each is composed, knowing that no officer can well comprehend this essential article, except he is endowed with some small degree of mathematical learning; and to those chiefly, who may be deficient in that respect, I take the liberty to address this point.

It often happens that an officer is appointed to conduct the march of a number of battalions, with the necessary baggage; and to have besides under his care a quantity of ammunition and stores; and that his route lies over open plains where he may be attacked by cavalry.

Now an officer who is ignorant of the different capacities of squares, will most probably argue thus with himself: "If I form a square consisting of two, three or four battalions, that square will contain no more than twice, thrice or four times as much as the square of a [202] single battalion; an as that space will not be sufficient to hold the quantity of baggage or stores under my convoy, I must therefore make some other disposition."

Here then lies the mistake, since the capacity of squares is to each other as the square number of the battalions which compose them; that is, a square composed of two battalions will contain four times the space which a single battalion gives, as the square number of two is four. If of three battalions, nine times the space, the square number of three being nine. And if of four battalions, sixteen times the space, and so on, as will be seen in the following table calculated for any number of battalions under eleven.

By the above table it appears, that were a square to consist of ten battalions, the capacity of it would then be an hundred times as great as one composed of a single battalion; which may be easily demonstrated by giving a grand division, the fourth part of a battalion, to each face of the square; and then by drawing as many lines as there are grand divisions, from any one face to its opposite both ways; then the number of small squares so described and contained within the great square, will explain and solve the proposition, for each small square is precisely equal to the space comprehended in a square composed of a single battalion.

An officer then thus knowing the capacity of different squares, has nothing more to do but to adapt his square to whatever he intends to lodge within it, and afterwards to prosecute his march through any open country in that order. [203]

But where he happens to be neither incumbered with baggage or ammunition, I am in that case against his forming a greater square than that, at most, of a single battalion, and for the following reason. Admit that an officer is charged with the conduct of three or four battalions, and on entering a plain, he forms them into one entire square. Now should he be attacked by cavalry, and that from some unlucky accident, or the misconduct of others, the enemy should find means to pierce any part of his square, then total destruction must inevitably follow: But on the other hand, were there, instead of this great square, as many small squares formed as there are battalions, each being equally as formidable in itself as one of a greater capacity, and those several squares directed to pursue their march at about an hundred paces distance from each other, then no such disaster could well happen, for if any one of those small squares is attacked, the other squares being at hand could not only easily move up and sustain it, but could afford that which might perhaps be broke, a safe and convenient retreat.

But admitting that an officer has not under his command so considerable a body of men as the above, and that he is only marching with a detachment consisting of about sixty men: Now in this case, as he cannot so well form so small a body into a square, he must therefore have recourse to some other expedient. The one then which I would recommend is, to march his party by files doubled in column, that is, let him first draw up his men three deep, and subdivide them, and then face them to the right or to the left, as his rout directs, making his rear subdivisions to march up and join [204] his front, and in that order he is to pursue his march: Now, should he find himself on the point of being attacked, he is then to halt, close up his files, face outwards from the centre, and stand close back to back, giving directions to those files, as far as three deep, in the front and rear of his column, to face occasionally to the attack, and receive it; and thus, by a judicious management of those files, he will find himself capable to baffle the efforts of a considerable body of cavalry; or at the worst, to make them pay far dearer for their defeat of him, then it will prove of account to them.

And now having offered my scheme how the square is to be formed occasionally out of any number of battalions, I shall, in pursuance of that plan, go on with the exercise.

I. BATTALION, BY DIVISION,
TO THE RIGHT WHEEL AND FORM THE COLUMN. MARCH.

Direction.

Each division is to wheel a quadrant.

II. COLUMN. HALT.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast.

Direction.

The whole is to step off, beginning the march with the left foot.

IV. COLUMN, FORM DIVISION, PREPARE TO FORM GRAND DIVISION.

Direction.

Each division is to hold itself in readiness.

V. COLUMN, FROM DIVISION, FORM GRAND DIVISION.

Direction.

The first or leading division is to keep moving on. The even-numbered divisions, viz. the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth, are on their march to incline to the right, to the length of the breadth of a subdivision, or to half the breadth of their present rank; while the old-numbered divisions, viz. the third, fifth, seventh, and ninth, incline likewise to their left; and on having obtained a sufficient inclination, then each of those divisions to march directly forward with a quick pace, and join its immediate leading division on the left. And as to the tenth division, it is, as the first division had done, to keep marching on in the line of its first direction.

VI. COLUMN. HALT.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast.

VII. COLUMN, PREPARE TO FORM THE SQUARE.

Direction.

The whole is to be in readiness. [206]

VIII. COLUMN, FORM THE SQUARE.

Direction.

The first or leading division is to subdivide, and face to the right and left outwards from the centre, the right subdivision of which is to march and cover the right angle of the front face, while the left subdivision marches likewise to cover the left angle of the same face. The first or leading grand division is to halt, and make the front face The second grand division is to halt with the first, and then wheel to the right, and form the right face, letting its left flank be just covered by the right flank of the front face. The third grand division is to keep moving on, and when it arrives at the ground from whence the second had wheeled, it is then to wheel to the left, and make the left face; and afterwards to incline a little to the right, so as to cause its right flank just to cover the left flank of the front face. The fourth and last grand division, which is to make the rear face, is to continue marching on, till it comes to join the flanks of the second and third grand divisions, inclining then so much to the left, as to bring its right flank to be just covered by the right flank of the right face, and its left to cover likewise the left flank of the left face. And lastly, the tenth, or rear division is, as the first had done, to subdivide and likewise cover the angles of the rear face.

IX. SQUARE, FACE OUTWARDS.

Direction.

The rear face, with the two platoons or subdivisions on the tenth division, are to go to the right about, making their rear their present front; and the officers commanding these several divisions are likewise to change their situation, going from their former to their present front. [207]

The square being thus formed, it will be necessary, before I proceed further, to offer a few precautions, proper to be attended to in the conduct of the square upon service. First, let it be observed, that the square is only calculated to defend infantry against the attack of cavalry; and that cavalry can no where act but in an open place or country, consequently, as the square is only useful in that situation, it is therefore to be no where formed but on entering a plain.

Next, that the square be so contrived, as not to be an unnecessary incumbrance to itself; that is, should the square consist of so great a body of men, as to make the front face so over extensive as to render the march extremely troublesome, either by the interruption of ground, or by the difficulty of preserving a straight compacted front; in this case then, it will be best, if what is contained within the square will admit, to reduce the square to a parallelogram, by taking as many divisions from the front and rear faces as may be thought needful; which divisions may afterwards be either added to the right and left faces, or formed into a reserve to use occasionally.

And lastly, let it ever be remembered, that if cavalry can but penetrate any part of the square, total destruction must inevitably follow; therefore, as no disposition whatever requires greater precaution to guard against so fatal an event, a reserve must ever be appointed; and that reserve is, as above to be taken from the front and rear faces, and to be posted as follows within the square, viz. to appoint a [208] platoon to each angle, and as many to each face, as may be judged sufficient for its length; and as these platoons cannot fire three deep, they are to be drawn up in two ranks, and placed at six or eight yards distance from the face or angle they are intended to sustain, in order that they may the more conveniently fire over the heads of those who are attacked.

X. SQUARE, BY YOUR FRONT FACE, PREPARE TO ADVANCE.

Direction.

The right face is to face to the left; as is the left face to the right. The rear face, with the two platoons which cover the angles of that face, are to come to the right about; and then those angle-platoons, with those of the front face, are to bring their inside flanks to join the flanks of their respective faces which either lead or follow, and to range themselves in the same line with them.

XI. SQUARE. MARCH.

Direction.

The whole is to step off together.

XII. SQUARE, HALT.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast. [209]

XIII. SQUARE, FACE OUTWARDS.

Direction.

The right face is to face to the right, as is the left face to the left. The rear face, with the two angle-platoons of that face, are to go to the right about; and then the four angle-platoons are to post themselves on their respective angles, as before directed.

XIV. SQUARE, BY YOUR REAR FACE, PREPARE TO RETREAT.

Direction.

The right face is to face to the right, as is the left face to the left. The front face, with the two angle-platoons of that face, are, at the same time, to go to the right about; and then the four angle-platoons are to join their respective faces, as before directed in the tenth word of command, and to dress in a line with them.

XV. SQUARE. RETREAT.

Direction.

The whole is to step off together.

XVI. SQUARE. HALT.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast. [210]

XVII. SQUARE, FACE OUTWARDS.

Direction.

The front face, with the two angle platoons of that face, are to come to the right about. The right face is to face to the left, as is the left face to the right; and then the four angle platoons are to post themselves on their respective angles.

Note. In the same manner as the front and rear faces have advanced and retreated, so are the right and left faces occasionally to perform, having a regard to the different positions of the men.

As the Square is altogether calculated, as has been before said, for defence against cavalry, therefore the advancing of the Square, either by one face or another, is not to be considered in any other respect than as the means of prosecuting the intended march or route, but never with a view to attack. And on the other hand, the retreating of the Square, either by this or that face, is undertaken for no other purpose but to gain some wood, inclosure, or defile, where cavalry cannot act; and even this is only done, on discovering that infantry as well as cavalry are advancing to attack it, or on seeing that part of the cavalry are dismounting to supply the place of infantry, then it will be best to retreat betimes to some place of cover nearest at hand, because no Square can possibly resist the united attacks of infantry and cavalry. [211]

XVIII. SQUARE, BY GRAND DIVISION, PREPARE TO REDUCE TO COLUMN.

Direction.

The rear face and the two angle-platoons of that face, with the right and left faces, are all to go to the right about, and the two angle-platoons of the front face, with those of the rear face, are to face inwards to each other.

XIX. SQUARE, FORM THE COLUMN. MARCH.

Direction.

The two angle-platoons of the front face, and those of the rear face, are to march and join each other, opposite the centre of their respective faces, and then face to the front. The second grand division is to wheel to the left inwards, and then come to the right about. The first or now the leading division, is to march slowly forward, followed by the first and second grand divisions. When the second grand division has just marched clear from the third, the third is then to wheel to the right inwards, and afterwards come to the right about, and march after the second: And as soon as the third grand division begins to march, the fourth grand division, with the tenth division in its rear, are to step off and follow.

Note. When the Square is composed of two or more battalions, the right and left faces are, at the same time, to wheel together inwards, either by division or grand division, as the commanding officer will choose to direct, and then come to the right about. The [212] divisions of the front face, except that on the right, are to wheel to the right. Those of the rear face, except that on the right, are likewise to wheel to the right, as soon as those which composed the left face have given sufficient room for that performance, and then those divisions of the several faces are, in the succession of front, right, left, and rear faces, to fall in one after another and form the Column. And with respect to the first and tenth divisions of each battalion, they are to fall in at the front and rear of their respective battalions; and then the whole is to prosecute the intended march in that order, observing their due distances from each other, both in division and battalion.

As the Square is to be only formed upon service on entering a plain, so it is to be reduced on going out of it. When nothing is to be apprehended from the enemy, the Square is then to be reduced in the foregoing manner. But should the enemy still persevere in his views of making an impression, then the rear part of the Square is to face outwards, and gradually diminish itself, till the whole has entered the road or defile, through which the Column is to march. But, previous to this operation, sufficient parties are to be detached from the front face, and posted on each shoulder of the defile, to protect the rear of the Square, when it shall begin in Column to enter; and in order to secure still more the rear, those detached parties are afterwards to march on each flank of the rear division, that together, they may give a triple fire on any party of the enemy, who may be rash enough to venture an attack.

But should there be contained within the Square any particular quantity of ammunition, stores, etc., then previous to the reduction of it, the front face is first to open, in order to let the contents pass through and go on before; and afterwards the Square is to break into Column, as already directed, and follow. [213]

XX. COLUMN. HALT.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast.

XXI. COLUMN TO THE RIGHT ABOUT.

Direction.

The whole is to face accordingly.

Note. The intent of going to the right about in this place, is only to regain the former ground of exercise.

XXII. COLUMN. RETREAT.

Direction.

The whole is to step off.

XXIII. COLUMN, FACE TO THE RIGHT ABOUT.

Direction.

The whole is to face accordingly, continuing their march. [214]

XXIV. COLUMN, FROM GRAND DIVISION, REDUCE TO DIVISION.

Direction.

The first and tenth divisions are to keep moving on in their present direction, all the even numbered divisions are to advance and incline half the breadth of a division to the left, or so much as just to be covered by the first or leading division, while all the odd numbered divisions do at the same time recede and incline likewise to the right, each division of the whole taking care to obtain its due distance, from that which precedes it.

XXV. COLUMN. HALT.

The whole is to stand fast.

XXVI. COLUMN, BY DIVISION, TO THE LEFT, WHEEL AND FORM THE LINE. MARCH.

Direction.

All the divisions are to wheel accordingly, and to come up at once to their ground in the line. [215]

XXVII. LINE HALT.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast.

The Adjutant having thus perfected the men committed to his charge in the different arrangements of the Line, the Column and the Square, he is next to report their condition to his commanding officer, informing him, at the same time, of the state under which he received them from the Serjeant, that they may afterwards be occasionally exercised by their commissioned officers, and kept perfect in those points already taught them.