Cannoneers should keep near their respective mules and not straggle; and must assist the drivers in watching and adjusting loads.
The driver must constantly watch his mule and load, and at once call attention to signs of uneasiness or anything requiring adjustment, if he cannot adjust it himself.
When a load becomes disarranged the mule must be fallen out and the load put to rights; the driver regains his place at the first opportunity.
Distances must be regained gradually, not by rushing: at an amble if absolutely necessary.
The pace should be regular and constant, smart, not hurried, about four miles an hour unless with other troops; in no case so fast as to cause trotting in rear. Forcing the pace or dragging it, many halts and checks without unloading or giving time for feeding and watering, are ruinous.
When a laden mule falls, keep his head down; cast off the straps and remove the load; unsaddle if necessary.
Always form battery advanced and rear guards of properly armed men.
It is sometimes convenient to have pioneer-tools with the advanced guard.
The sick transport marches with the rear-guard, whose special duty it is to keep every fraction of the battery ahead of it.
March on as broad a front as possible; but frequent changes are harassing.