The Director: “There are certain rules for the guidance of a sentinel on post with which all officers and soldiers should be familiar. They must be scrupulously observed under all circumstances. They are:
“1. He must watch and listen without betraying his presence. Observation is the first consideration and concealment of secondary importance.
“2. He must not smoke, and matches must not be lighted at night.
“3. Such conversation as is absolutely necessary must be conducted in subdued tones.
“4. He must not have any arms or accoutrements that will glitter in the sunlight.
“5. Except at night and in foggy weather, the bayonet must be kept in the scabbard.
“6. Persons arrested are ordinarily held at the post until a patrol comes out to take charge of them.
“7. He will not allow his vigilance to be disturbed by the requirements of military etiquette. He pays no compliments and does not salute officers unless addressed by them.
“8. Everything that he observes with respect to the enemy must be communicated to the outguard commander, especial care being taken to report promptly all indication of the enemy’s approach. If he is satisfied that the enemy is advancing to attack, the alarm may be given by firing. When immediate alarm is not necessary, firing should be avoided.
“There is nothing that so irritates troops as needless outpost firing at night, when they need rest. Needless firing, besides alarming the outpost troops, and possibly those of the main body, gives information to the enemy of the location of the line of observation, from which he is able to deduce the position of the outguards. It should be an invariable rule that sentinels do not fire except as a last resort. There is never any necessity for it except when the covering patrols are being driven in and are being hard pressed, in which case the sentinel may fire to assist in covering the withdrawal, if such action is absolutely necessary. Night firing is of little value in any event. It is only effective for very short distances, and should be discouraged by every possible means.”