9. In advancing, men whose rifles are loaded always pass by the right of those who are loading; and in like manner in retiring, men who are not loaded pass to the proper left of those who are nearly ready to fire.
10. In advancing, all load “as front rank,” rifles on the left side, muzzles to the front; in retiring all load “as rear rank,” rifles on the right side, muzzles to the rear.
11. In all movements directly to the front or rear, the right centre file of the company skirmishers, is the proper file of direction, to whose course all others conform, and from towards which they keep their relative distances.
12. In all movements directly or obliquely to a flank, the leading file of that flank is, for the time being, the file of direction.
13. In all changes of front on a fixed pivot, the file which is that pivot is, of necessity, for the time being, the file of direction. (See on this most important particular of “the file of direction,” [Article VI.] of “The Essentials.”)
14. Troops skirmishing at a greater distance than three hundred yards from the line or column, should retain one half of their number in support. (See on this subject [Article VIII.] of “The Essentials.”)
15. Skirmishers ordered to “form square,” close upon their supports.
16. If the bugle be employed, the less of it the better, provided the order be distinct to all concerned in it.
17. The last note of a bugle order marks the moment for the commencement of obedience to it.
18. All verbal orders and bugle commands not understood by the skirmishers, should be repeated in a low but distinct tone by officers and non-commissioned officers in charge of sections.