The prisoners will be marched under proper guard to the mess-hall for their meals; they must be sent to their meals at times when the other men of the battery are not present, and will be allowed the same time as other members of the guard.
The commander of the guard will record upon the guard report the names of all horses taken out during his tour (except under paragraphs a and c, p. 185), stating the authority under which they are taken and their condition when returned.
Should officers' horses be returned by an enlisted man, he will inspect them as prescribed.
Except in emergencies, the commander of the guard may divide the night with the next in command, but retains his responsibility; the one whose watch it is must be constantly on the alert.
The non-commissioned officer receives his orders from his battery commander and battery officer of the day, and when relieved will turn over all his orders to his successor.
He instructs his sentinels in their general and special duties; exercises general supervision over his entire guard; exacts order and cleanliness about the guard-room; prevents the introduction of intoxicants into the guard-house or stables; receives by count, from his predecessor, the animals, horse equipments, and all property (both private and public) pertaining thereto; examines, before relieving his predecessor, all locks, windows, and doors, and should any be found insecure he will report the fact to the battery officer of the day. He, or the junior non-commissioned officer of the guard, will personally post and relieve each sentinel, taking care to verify the property responsibility of the sentinel who comes off post, and see that the sentinel who goes on post is aware of the property responsibility he assumes. During the day and night the non-commissioned officers will alternate in tours, one of them remaining constantly on the alert.
That the non-commissioned officer may be more thoroughly informed of his responsibility, all horses returning, except those from a regular formation, will be reported to and inspected by him. He will then notify the sentinel on post, and see that the horses are promptly cared for. In case of abuse he will promptly report to the battery officer of the day. Should the horse be the private property of an officer, he will report such abuse to the owner.
The non-commissioned officer will report any unusual occurrence during his tour to the battery officer of the day.
Horses and other property for which the non-commissioned officer is responsible will not be taken from the stables without the order of the battery commander, with the following exceptions:
a. Officers' horses and private property are subject to their own written order.