Before a march, the army generally receives several days bread. The quarter-masters, camp-color men, and pioneers, parade according to orders, and march immediately after, commanded by the quarter-master-general, or his deputy. They are to clear the roads, level the ways, make preparations for the march of the army, &c. The general, for instance, beats at 2, the assembly at 3, and the army to march in 30 minutes after. Upon beating the general, the village, and general officer’s guards, quarter and rear-guards, join their respective corps; and the army pack up their baggage. Upon beating the assembly, the tents are to be struck, and sent with the baggage to the place appointed, &c.
The companies draw up in their several streets, and the rolls are called. At the time appointed, the drummers are to beat a march, and fifers play at the head of the line; upon which the companies march out from their several streets, form battalions as they advanced to the head of the line and then halt.
The several battalions will be formed into columns by the adjutant-general, and the order of march, &c., be given to the general officers who lead the columns.
The cavalry generally march by regiments or squadrons. The heavy artillery always keep the great roads, in the centre of the columns, escorted by a strong party of infantry and cavalry.—The field-pieces move with the columns.
Each soldier generally marches with 60 rounds of powder and ball, and three good flints; one of which is to be fixed in the cock of his firelock. The routes must be so formed, that no column may cross another on the march. See American Military Library.
MARCH! (Marche! Fr.) as a word of command, whenever it is given singly, invariably denotes that ordinary or triple time is to be taken; when the slow time is meant, that word will precede the other. The word march, marks the beginning of movements from the halt; but it is not given when the body is in previous motion. It should be sharp, clear, and distinct.
The usual rate of marching for cavalry is 17 miles in 6 hours; but this may be extended to 21, or even 28 miles in that time.
Rates paid for English carriages on the march.
| One shilling per mile for every carriage | - | with 5 horses, or | |
| with 6 oxen, or | |||
| with 4 oxen & 2 horses; |
nine pence per mile for any cart with 4 horses, and so in proportion for less carriages; or a further sum, not exceeding 4d per mile for every carriage with 5 horses, or with 6 oxen, or with 4 oxen and 2 horses; or 3d per mile for every cart with 4 horses; and so in proportion for less carriages, as the same shall be fixed and ordered by the justices of the peace. The waggons, &c. not to carry more than 30 cwt.