No. 11. To wheel into open column of platoons. On the left of Platoons-backward wheel-March.

At the caution to wheel on the left, the pivot men of each platoon, on the left, face to the right, which is their position when wheeled in platoon, and with whom the others will wheel and align. The commanding offi cer of each platoon steps two or three paces in front of his command, and at the word march, the line breaks into open column, by wheeling on the left backward, according to the principles detailed in No. 9, Part II.

No. 12. Marching in open column..

Column-March,

The whole step off together at the word march, preserving the wheeling distance between the platoons. The pivots, preserving the line accurately, each pivot following correctly the track of the one preceding him. The soldiers are to recollect that they are to march by the left, for the left flank governs, the right of the column being in front.

Rule. When a line breaks into open column of companies, platoons, or sections, wheel on the left backward; but always form the line by wheeling forward.

No. 13. To open ranks on the march.

Rear rank-take open

order-March.

At the word march, the rear rank only, vary their step, by marking time three steps, which will give the distance of open order; when they take the usual or common step without waiting an order.

No. 14. To close ranks on the march.

Rear rank-take close order-March.

At the last word, the rear rank takes the long step, and closes to the front.

No. 15. To change the front of an open column on the March.

Column-by Platoons-on your centre-right about wheel-March.

On hearing the word march, (which should be given just before the foot strikes) complete the step, and bring up the other instantly to its place; wheel as directed in the third division. At the instant the wheel is completed, the word is given-forward-when they will march directly the contrary way, with the left in front.

Note. If the company have been well exercised in the drill, they will execute this movement without the markers, as when standing; but if it be necessary that one on each flank should preserve the place of the platoon in column, they will come to the right about, instead of wheeling; and when the platoon has wheeled,

they will change places by the rear as soon as the word forward is given.

No. 16. To form company on the march.

Column-Form Company-March.

At the word march, the first platoon moves to the right by the oblique step; the second to the left; the then leading platoon marks time; the other advances, and when aligned with the leading one, the word is given forward, when the whole move in line.

No. 17. To form platoons on the march.

Form Platoon-March.

The left platoon marks time (on hearing the word march,) two steps. The commandant of that platoon then orders

To the right Oblique.

When the platoon moves to the right by the oblique step. Having acquired the true wheeling distance as in open column, he orders

Forward.

At this word the platoon resumes the direct or ordinary step, marching in open column.

Note. If the ground will admit, the right platoon may take the oblique step also to the left, as soon as the other has broken off and cleared its depth, by which they will sooner have acquired their position in

means

open column. Sections may be formed in the same manner, and the front diminished on the same prin. ciple, until the whole get into file marching. Observe, however, to double your left behind the right, if the right is in front; and the reverse of this, when the left is in front. Because in this manner they will have retained their proper situation for forming the line.

No. 18. The company in open column of sections, filing to the front.

Column--From the right of Sections--file to the frontMarch.

At the caution, the chief of section steps to the right file of his section, and at the word march, he instantly gives the words, right face-left turn. The whole are immediately in file marching, with their right leading in the direction of the column's front. The principles of which must be strictly attended to, as directed in the Drill-3d. Division; also, Part II. No. 3. Each file is not only to cover exactly those before him, but dress in line of the file in the other rank. The commandant of section, when they face, will be on the left of the leading flank file, which will be considered as the pivot in the re-formation of sections. If the captain chooses, he may halt and front, and they will then be in line, and may wheel up by company on the right.

Note. This movement is never to be attempted without the lock step.

No. 19. To form sections on the march, the company in files.

Company-Form Sections-March.

Instantly the commandants of sections pronounce distinctly and quick, front-right wheel; and the instant the section is completely wheeled into open column, he gives the word also, forward, and the whole are in open column of march, from file marching, with out halting.

Note. If the left of the column is in front, file from the left.

No. 20. To move a column to a flank when on the march.

Column will march to the right flank-Right faceMarch.

The same principles, as to the step, are to be observed as in filing to the front, as the lock step is to be regarded in all file movements. Preserve the true wheeling distance in the sections.

No. 21. To front the column, on the march when filing to a flank.

Column-Front--Forward.

At the word front, the step being completed, the whole face to the left; and at the word forward, which is to be given at that instant, step off with the left foot;