WAGONS.
On field marches two six-mule teams will readily carry the baggage and ten days' rations of a battery (enlisted strength as now authorized, viz., 75).
If grain is to be transported, two more six-mule teams will be required.
Battalion commander and staff, one four-mule team.
Medical department, one ambulance and possibly one four-mule team.
A good six-mule team in the best part of the season will haul a load of 4000 pounds, marching with troops. It will haul 1400 short rations of provisions—bread, coffee, sugar, salt, and soap—and eight days' rations of forage for the six mules.
REMARKS ON PACKING WAGONS.
The reserve rations should be placed in first, as they are not required to be taken out unless specially ordered. Then should come the tools and any heavy packages, and on top the men's and officers' baggage. The blankets should be rolled up together by tent-loads or section-bundles. All grease, oil, and dubbing should be slung under the wagons.
The packing of the supply-wagons depends upon the nature of the supplies. Care must be taken that bags containing grain or biscuits are properly secured, and that, if fresh meat is carried, it is not exposed to the sun on the march. Tents are kept in separate wagons if possible, in order that they may be left behind when ordered without disarranging the other stores. In packing tools care must be taken to prevent their rattling on the march.
The following information obtained from orders of Army Commanders during the Civil War may prove useful: