Customs of the Service; The Army, National Guards, and Volunteers (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1899. Excerpt: ... on the flanks, rather than in front or rear of the guns. Light batteries in war have six guns, and, except drivers and chief of piece, are not mounted, but ride on the caissons and limbers. In horse artillery all of the men are mounted. Heavy artillery is employed in fortifications and with siege train with officers mounted. The Gatling gun of either two minor calibers is effective against troops in the open only, and, so employed, a valuable auxiliary; it is helpless against artillery, has neither its range nor power. ORDNANCE SOLDIERS. Enlisted as other soldiers; have special work at arsenals; generally employed more as mechanics than strictly as soldiers. SUBSISTENCE. "Well, he was an Ingenious man that first found out eating and drinking."--Stcift. The very, very important consideration of feeding our men will now be considered. The food supply and its cooking are factors unknown in the National Guards, whose superb drill and attention to military drill is otherwise recognized by all officers of the permanent establishment. The ration affords abundance for three meals per day, and few men can readily consume their portion; many waste it; and, although not always possessing the variety desired, the components are best in quality and for supplying energy; all articles are rigidly inspected by the purchasing commissary and by the company commander as to quality, quantity, sufficiency, cooking, and service; no good results can be assured unless this officer gives it earnest personal attention. The Government ration is also supplemented by purchases made from sales of surplus parts of the ration, savings on the bread and flour ration, and profits from the post Exchange. At some of the larger posts the messing is conducted for the whole command at the post mess-hall; experience has sh...