Stoppage, for the subsistence of the sick in the British army. In the regulations for the better management of the sick in regimental hospitals, it is particularly laid down, under the head subsistence, page 16, that sufficient funds should be established for the support of the sick without any additional charge to government; and at the same time, that the sick soldier should be provided with every reasonable comfort and indulgence that can be afforded. The sum of four shillings per week from the pay of each soldier will, under proper regulations, and with strict economy, be sufficient for this purpose; which sum is to be retained by the paymaster of the regiment.
The sick are to be furnished with bread made of the finest wheat flour, and fresh meat, perfectly good and wholesome.
That the greatest economy may be used in laying out the money for the sick, every article ought to be purchased by the surgeon, who is required to keep a book, in which he is to enter the amount of the weekly consumption of each man according to the diet table; and this book, with the diet table, is to be laid before the commanding officer and paymaster every week to be examined and signed by each; and it is of the utmost importance to the welfare of the service, that every commanding officer, and every regimental paymaster, should superintend the expenditure.
STOPPER. A piece of wood or cork, made to fit the bore of a musquet barrel, which soldiers use in wet weather; and on other occasions, when the piece is not loaded, to prevent moisture and dust from getting into the barrel.
STORE-keeper, in war time, must take care of the stores in the magazines, such as the provisions, forage, &c. receive the same from contractors, and deliver them out to the troops. He has several clerks under him, appointed to the different departments, of provisions, hay, straw, oats, &c. In time of peace he has charge of all the public stores, belonging both to land and sea service.
STOREHOUSE. See [Magazine].
STORES, Military, are provisions, forage, arms, clothing, ammunition, &c.
Medical Stores on board transports.—Certain articles of diet which are put on board each transport, are so called. These are to be considered as intended solely for the use of the sick, or convalescents; they are to remain in the charge of the master of the transport, and only to be issued upon demand in writing made by the surgeon from time to time as he shall judge proper; or, when there is no surgeon, upon demand of the commanding officer. And the surgeon or commanding officer is to give the master at the end of the voyage, a certificate that his demands for the said medical stores have been made only upon proper occasions, and have not been expended for any other use, than that of the sick, or convalescent.
To STORM, in military matters, to make a violent assault on any fortified place, or works.
Storming party. A select body of men, consisting generally of the grenadiers, who first enter the breach, &c.