The Maintenance, Manual of Arms, and Small Arms

known well to the 1st NY Regiment McCracken's CO.

The BROWN BESS 1763-1777 .75 Cal. British Model Weight 8.82 lbs.

Or English Short Land Pattern Musket

  Best known as the principal weapon used by British forces during the American Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, the Land Pattern musket, as known as the Brown Bess, was the longest serving firearm in Royal Army history. Introduced in 1722, in an attempt to standardize firearms, the Land Pattern musket saw frontline service for over a century. Firing a .75 caliber ball, the Land Pattern set the standard for flintlock muskets. Evolving over time, the weapon saw service with all of Britain's armed forces, as well as those of auxiliaries such as the British East India Company. In the early 19th century, many Land Patterns were converted to percussion caps, and the flintlock was officially abandoned in 1838. Though replaced in the 1840s and 1850s, converted Land Patterns continued to see active service around the globe throughout much of the 19th century.

The FINE .69 Cal CHARLEVILLE MODEL 1763-1769 Weight: 10.14

      The early 18th century brought a flurry of developments in French musketry. A standardized model was finally established in 1717.  However the abundance of Marine models, and Contract Fusil de Chasse in North America relegated the 1717 musket to a life in France's forces stationed in Europe.  The 1717 was replaced eleven years later in 1728 with a model using three barrel bands to hold its 46 3/4 inch barrel in place.

     The 1728 musket, with modifications made in 1746, was the musket carried by the majority of French troops during the French and Indian War (see images of the Compagnies Franche de la Marine and the Regiment de Bearn).  Changes in the 1740s included the standardized use of a steel ramrod in 1743 and, after 1746, newly manufactured muskets had the pan/frizzen bridle removed.  There were three arsenals making the 1728/1746 models: Charleville, Maubeuge, and St. Etienne.  St. Etienne was the largest producer and because of this the 1728 is often called the St. Etienne musket.  It was St. Etienne that provided the bulk of the arms to the Navy for the Compagnies Franche de la Marine in the late 1740s.

     After 1754 some more changes were done however it is unlikely many of the 1754 muskets made it to the fighting in North America because of the vast quantities of 1728 muskets in the armories of New France.  In 1763, the 46 3/4-inch barreled 1728 musket was abandoned for a shorter new model known commonly as the Charleville Musket.  However this did not end the use of the 1728 model in North America.  A new army had immerged in the 1770s with a dire need for arms.  The Continental Army of the United States was more than happy to purchase the old arms of France to assist them in their struggle against Great Britain.  As well it is possible captured stores in New France were re-issued to Quebec's militia to defend themselves from the invading Americans in 1775-1776, or fell into American hands after the fall of Montreal.

     In 1763 France adopted a new model infantry weapon, much stronger than the previous models, to answer the accelerated fighting during the War of the Seven Years (which ended that same year).  The new rifle however appeared soon to be too heavy and after only three years it was replaced by its modified version, known as Model 1766, projected by M. de Montbeillard, Inspector of Saint Etienne Manufacture.  The new model appeared to be very strong and reliable in spite it was remarkably lightened.  The Model 1766 was manufactured in more than 150,000 pieces until 1770.  After such date it has been progressively replaced by the Model 1770 & 1777, all the rifles the corps used till then given back to be stored.  When the American War of Independence started in 1776, France happened to have plenty of Model 1766 rifles and supplied large quantities to the United States of America Army.  The Marquis de Lafayette personally delivered a gift of 25,000 of these rifles from the French Government to General Washington.  This helped turn the tide of the American Revolution.  As far for North America, this musket was also used (but with some modifications) by parts of Upper Canada's militia at the beginning of the War of 1812.

     The French 1777 Model Infantry Musket was the last in a long line of modifications to the 1728 model French Infantry Musket. Some of the unique elements of this model are the finger ridges on the trigger guard, the brass frizzen, and the cheek piece carved in the stock's butt with a straighten frizzen cover and slightly different front band.  The .66 calibre barrel is 44 3/4 inches long and the musket's total length is 60 inches.  As for North America, it would have seen limited service in the later part of the American Revolution.  This musket (but with an iron frizzen) was used by parts of Upper Canada's militia at the beginning of the War of 1812.  This musket eventually saw service with Napoleon's infantry during the 1st Empire.

             Each of the above weapons can have a shoulder strap attached for long marches. A new soldier will find the strap a hindrance in learning and becoming proficient at the manual of arms. These two Muskets were the primary small arms carried by the soldiers of the NY Line. Early in the war through the first two establishments1775-1776 of the 1st NY Regt. The Brown Bess was the weapon that would have found its way into use as they were in the public store at the beginning of the war. But trade with France and eventual alliance led to the CHARLEVILLE becoming the sole weapon in use by the American army.

Each soldier was expected to drill on the company street or main parade for 3 to 6 hours per day. The use of the Manual of arms became second nature to each man.

The Manual: These will be the commands underlined followed by instructions 

Rules: These will be safety items and or tips for our reenactment culture

Never bring a Musket (Firelock) to the parade or Drill Field/Parade/Company Street with out a leather cover for your steel frizzen. (Known as a hammer stall), a brass (Flash guard) attached to deflect powder flashes from the pan. or a Serviceable Ram Rod.

Your musket should be free from rust fouling, and have a secure flint. On your person should be a rag, musket tool, Wisk and pick, and a worm attachment".  All of these items should fit the working of your personal musket

On the Parade/Company Street one should have a  Serviceable Cartridge Box strapped over the left shoulder crossing to the right rear thigh/waist. It should be easy to open and reach into with your right hand. You should have a clean well fitting bayonet in shoulder strap stretching from the right shoulder to the left rear thigh/waist.

Standing on the parade:    One gets to the parade in many ways, Knowing or understanding the time for Drill, Hearing the drummers call from your Battalion, Called to arms by Officer or Guard. (Or Wrong Place Wrong Time)

Waiting for orders: A soldier can be At His ease/ (The same will apply when asked to Take Your Ease) with musket at his right side mid foot with both feet parallel and heels slightly together. Muzzle pushed away trigger guard should be away/Toe side and in front while the Cock/Lock is Heel side/In. Your right hand will grasp the barrel at the top band and wrap to secure the musket from movement. The left arm rests easy at the left side.  Never put your Hand, Eyes, Face Arm, Elbow, over the barrel of your musket for any reason treat your weapon as if loaded at all times.

Officer/NCO comes on to the parade:   Take Care / Attention  One Motion The soldiers will look to the front left eye over the center of the body, the musket will be pulled parallel to the body with the butt on the ground. No soldier shall speak unless a question is posed to he or the company.

Shoulder Your Fire Lock:  4 Motions   1st. Slide your right hand down the barrel to just above the the swell of the musket, grasp and pull straight upwards perpendicular to the body       2nd. Bring the left hand across, placing it strong upon the Swell of the musket. Drop the right hand around the small ( Area where the butt meets the lock plate.)
3rd. With a quick motion drop the left arm, bring the musket across the body  spinning it lock out and tuck it into the cup of your left hand on the bottom of the butt, almost full extension of your left arm straight up and down. (left index finger up off the Butt and grasping around the back cut of the Butt for support.  4th  the right hand down by your side. Palm open.

Safety Inspection/ Sizing of the Company: The NCO will ask soldiers to move or adjust their arrangement for drill to fill holes left by those on sick call or detached duties. It is essential that the soldiers of the first rank be shorter than those of the second rank and required for those who share a file. The officer or NCO may Size the Company from tallest in mid second rank sweeping to shorter at the ends with the front rank to follow suit or he may size from right to left. when the size is finished the NCO/Sergeant, will take a place to the Right in the Front Rank and take the Attention position.

Rear Rank Take Distance: Two Motions Those men in the second file ( Rear Rank ) will take two paces backward resting on the Left Foot Beginning with the Right foot.

Take Care/  Poise Your Fire Locks:  Two Motions,  1st With your left hand turn the firelock by the butt briskly, bringing the lock plate to the front, at the same instant seize it with the right hand just below the lock, (In the Small) keeping the piece perpendicular.   2d. With a quick motion bring up the firelock from the shoulder directly before the face, and seize it with the left hand just above the lock, so that the little finger may rest upon the feather-spring, (Palm Open) and the thumb lie on the cock; the left hand must be of an equal height with the eyes. So that you may just look over it. ( Elbows Up)

Secure Firelock ! Three motions.  1st. Bring up the right hand briskly, and place it under the cock in the small.  2d. Quit the butt with the left hand, and seize the firelock at the swell, bringing the arm close down upon the lock, the right hand being kept fast in this motion, and the piece upright.   3d. Quitting the piece with your right hand, bring it down by your side, at the same time with your left hand throw the muzzle directly forward, bringing it within about one foot the ground, and the butt close up behind the left Shoulder holding the left hand in a line with the waist belt, and with that arm covering the lock. ( you may wish to slap the swell with your right hand to loose the fowling).

Order Firelock ! Two motions. 1st. Sink the firelock with the left hand as low as possible, without constraint, and at the same time bringing up the right hand, seize the firelock at the left shoulder.  2d. Quit the Firelock with the left hand, and with the right bring it down the right side, the butt on the ground, even with the toes of the right foot, the thumb of the right hand lying along the barrel, and the muzzle being kept at a little distance from the body.

Draw Rammer ! Two motions.  1st. Draw your rammer with a quick motion half out, seizing it immediately at the muzzle back-handed.  2d. Draw it quite out, turn it, and Lay it next to the muzzle front, with the rammer extended to the slight right.

Ram down Cartridge from Right to left /Dry Fire ! One motion.  (When the NCO is in front of your file)   Ram well down the barrel, and instantly recovering (listen for a ring) and seizing the rammer back-handed by the middle, draw it quite out, turn it' and enter it as far as the lower pipe, placing at the same time the edge (fat of the Palm fingers together and extended) of the hand on the butt-end of the rammer.

Return Rammer! One motion.   Thrust the rammer home, and instantly bring up the piece with the left hand (Trigger out Cock in) to the shoulder, seizing it at the same time with the right hand under the cock, keeping the left hand at the swell' and turning the body square to the front. (The Ready Position)

Shoulder Firelock ! Two motions. 1st. Bring down the left hand, placing it strong upon the butt. Left index finger around the front. 2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side (palms open).

Rear Rank take up distance March!  Two Motions. Those men in the second file ( Rear rank) will take up two paces resting on the Left Foot Beginning with the Right foot.

Slow Fire Practice On Parade:  This is great for the public interpretation not for intended use on the reenactment field as we do not for any reasons use a Ram Rod on the field nor put anything in the barrel accept 2FF Black Powder.

Cock Firelock! Two motions,    1st. Turn the barrel toward to your face trigger outward, and place your thumb upon the cock, raising the elbow square at this motion.     2d. Cock the firelock by drawing down your elbow, immediately placing your thumb upon the breech-pin and the fingers under the Flash guard. (Not on the Trigger) (Rear Rank) will follow the same procedure accept they will step abruptly forward to the right shoulder of their forward fire partner, resting their left elbow on the right shoulder and steady musket barrel upwards.

Take Aim!/Pre-sent!  One motion, Before any Officer or NCO gives this order even if they know the soldiers weapon to be unloaded they must speak up to the company loud and hard if they see any activity down range that they might deem unsafe)

                                          If the range is unsafe all soldiers will come to the Ready Position:

(Trigger out Cock in) to the left shoulder, seizing it at the same time with the right hand under the cock, keeping the left hand at the swell' and turning the body square to the front. Barrel upward.

 Take Aim!/Pre-sent!  One motion, Front Rank Step back about fix inches with the right foot, bringing the left toe to the front; at the same time drop the muzzle and bring up the butt-end of the firelock against your right shoulder; place the left hand forward on the swell of the stock, and the fore-finger of the right hand before the trigger; sinking the muzzle to hat level (as if you were to shoot just over a rank ten paces ahead), and with the right eye looking along the barrel. Rear Rank will follow the same procedure accept they will lower over the right shoulder of their forward fire partner, resting their left elbow on the right shoulder and level muskets as forward as comfort and safe handling will allow.

Fire ! One motion,   Before any soldier pulls a trigger even if they know their weapon to be unloaded they must speak up to the company loud and hard if they see any activity down range that they might deem unsafe)   Front Rank Pull the trigger briskly, and immediately after bringing up the right foot, come to the priming position, placing the heels even, with the right toe pointing to the right, the lock opposite the right breast, the muzzle directly to the front and as high as the hat, the left hand just forward of the feather-spring, holding the piece firm and steady; and at the same time seize the cock with the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand, the back of the hand turned up. Rear Rank Pull the trigger briskly, Take one good solid step to the rear and immediately after bringing up the right foot, come to the priming position, placing the heels even, with the right toe pointing to the right, the lock opposite the right breast, the muzzle directly to the front and as high as the hat, the left hand just forward of the feather-spring, holding the piece firm and steady; and at the same time seize the cock with the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand, the back of the hand turned up.

Half-Cock Firelock! One motion.  Half bend the cock briskly, bringing down the elbow to the butt of the Firelock.

Handle Cartridge! One motion.  Bring your right hand short round to your pouch, slapping it hard, reach in seize the cartridge, and bring it with a quick motion to your mouth, bite the top off down to the powder, covering it immediately with your thumb, and bring the hand cupped under the chin, with the elbow down.

Prime ! One motion.   Shake the powder into the pan, and covering the cartridge again' place the three last fingers behind the hammer, with the elbow up.

Shut Pan! Two motions.  1st. Shut your pan briskly, bringing down the elbow to the butt of the firelock, holding the cartridge fast in your hand.      2d. Turn the piece nimbly round before you (Cock away Butt on the Ground) to the loading position, with the lock to the front, and the (muzzle pushed out away from chin and face,) bringing the right hand up under the muzzle lip (not over) both feet being kept fast in this motion.

Charge with Cartridge ! Two motions.  1st. Turn up your hand and put the Paper cartridge into the muzzle, shaking the powder into the barrel.   2d. Turning the lock Plate a little towards you, place your right hand closed, with a quick and Strong motion, Grasp upon and loose the butt top button of the rammer, the thumb upwards, and the elbow down.

Draw Rammer ! Two motions.  1st. Draw your rammer with a quick motion half out, seizing it immediately at the muzzle back-handed.  2d. Draw it quite out, turn it, and Lay it next to the muzzle front, with the rammer extended to the slight right.

Ram down Cartridge ! One motion.   Ram the cartridge well down the barrel, and instantly recovering and seizing the rammer back-handed by the middle, draw it quite out, turn it' and enter it as far as the lower pipe, placing at the same time the edge (fat of the Palm fingers together and extended) of the hand on the butt-end of the rammer.

Return Rammer! One motion.   Thrust the rammer home, and instantly bring up the piece with the left hand (Trigger out Cock in) to the shoulder, seizing it at the same time with the right hand under the cock, keeping the left hand at the swell' and turning the body square to the front. (The Ready Position)

Cock Firelock! Two motions,    1st. Turn the barrel toward to your face trigger outward, and place your thumb upon the cock, raising the elbow square at this motion.     2d. Cock the firelock by drawing down your elbow (Pull the Saftey Leather from the frizzen), immediately placing your thumb upon the breech-pin and the fingers under the Flash guard. (Not on the Trigger) (Rear Rank) will follow the same procedure accept they will step abruptly forward to the right shoulder of their forward fire partner, resting their left elbow on the right shoulder and steady musket barrel upwards.

Take Aim!/Pre-sent!  One motion,    Front Rank Step back about fix inches with the right foot, bringing the left toe to the front; at the same time drop the muzzle and bring up the butt-end of the firelock against your right shoulder; place the left hand forward on the swell of the stock, and the fore-finger of the right hand before the trigger; sinking the muzzle to hat level (as if you were to shoot just over a rank ten paces ahead), and with the right eye looking along the barrel. Rear Rank will follow the same procedure accept they will lower over the right shoulder of their forward fire partner, resting their left elbow on the right shoulder and level muskets as forward as comfort and safe handling will allow.

Fire ! One motion,   Front Rank Pull the trigger briskly, and immediately after bringing up the right foot, come to the priming position, placing the heels even, with the right toe pointing to the right, the lock opposite the right breast, the muzzle directly to the front and as high as the hat, the left hand just forward of the feather-spring, holding the piece firm and steady; and at the same time seize the cock with the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand, the back of the hand turned up. Rear Rank Pull the trigger briskly, Take one good solid step to the rear and immediately after bringing up the right foot, come to the priming position, placing the heels even, with the right toe pointing to the right, the lock opposite the right breast, the muzzle directly to the front and as high as the hat, the left hand just forward of the feather-spring, holding the piece firm and steady; and at the same time seize the cock with the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand, the back of the hand turned up.

Cease Fire/Shoulder Firelock ! Two motions. 1st. Bring down the left hand, placing it strong upon the butt. Left index finger around the front. 2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side (palms open).

Order Firelock ! Two motions. 1st. Sink the firelock with the left hand as low as possible, without constraint, and at the same time bringing up the right hand, seize the firelock at the left shoulder.  2d. Quit the Firelock with the left hand, and with the right bring it down the right side, the butt on the ground, even with the toes of the right foot, the thumb of the right hand lying along the barrel, and the muzzle being kept at a little distance from the body.

The Positions of the Soldier: (Note) with most they are done from or go back to the shoulder position which coverd here already will not be re- explained.

Ground Firelock ! Two motions. 1st. With the right hand turn the firelock, bringing the Lock Plate to the rear, and instantly stepping forward with the left foot a large pace, lay the piece on the ground, the barrel in a direction line from front to rear, placing the left hand on the knee, to support the body, the head held up, the right hand and left heel in a line, and the right knee brought almost to the ground.     2d. Quitting the firelock, raise yourself up, and bring back the left foot to its former position. Arms at your side palms open on the thigh.

Take up Firelock ! Two motions.  1st. Step forward with the left foot, sink the body, end come to the position described in the first motion of grounding.   2d. Raise up yourself and firelock, stepping back again with the left foot, and as soon as the piece is perpendicular, turn the barrel behind Trigger outward, thus coming to the order.

Shoulder Firelock! Two motions.  1st. Bring the firelock to the left shoulder, throwing it up a little, and catching it below the tail-pipe, and instantly seize it with the left hand at the butt.  2d. With a quick motion bring the right hand down by your side.

Fix Bayonet! Three Motions.  1st. Bring up the right hand briskly, and place it under the cock in the small.  2d. Quit the butt with the left hand, and seize the firelock at the swell, bringing the arm close down upon the lock, the right hand being kept fast in this motion, and the piece upright.     3d. Quitting the piece with your right hand, sink it with your left down the left side, as far as may be without constraint, at the same time seize the bayonet with the right hand, draw and fix it, immediately flipping the hand across the bead button that the bayonet fastens too, and pressing in the piece to the hollow of the shoulder butt on the ground.

Shoulder Firelock! Two motions.

Present Arms! Three motions.   1st With your left hand turn the firelock by the butt briskly, bringing the lock plate to the front, at the same instant seize it with the right hand just below the lock, (In the Small) keeping the piece perpendicular.   2d. With a quick motion bring up the firelock from the shoulder directly before the face, and seize it with the left hand just above the lock, so that the little finger may rest upon the feather-spring, (Palm Open) and the thumb lie on the cock; the left hand must be of an equal height with the eyes. So that you may just look over it. ( Elbows Up)  3d.. Step briskly back with your right foot, placing it a hand's breadth distant from your left heel, at the same time spin the trigger out and lock in bring down the firelock as quick as possible to the rest, sinking it as far down before your left knee as your right hand will permit without constraint:, holding the right hand around the small, in good grasp, and drawing in the piece with the left hand till the barrel is perpendicular; during this motion you grasp fully the piece just above the lock with the left hand.

Shoulder Firelock! Two motions.

Charge Bayonet !  Two motions. 1st. Bring up the right hand briskly, and place it under the cock in the small.  2d. Bring the butt of the firelock under the right arm, letting the piece fall down strong on the palm of the left hand, which receives it at the swell, the muzzle pointing directly to the front, the butt pressed with the arm against the side; the front rank holding their pieces horizontally, and the rear rank the muzzles. of theirs so high as to clear the heads of the front rank, both ranks keeping their feet fast. With the second motion soldiers will shout Hazza!

Shoulder Firelock! Two motions.

Advance Arms ! Four motions. 1st With your left hand turn the firelock by the butt briskly, bringing the lock plate to the front, at the same instant seize it with the right hand just below the lock, (In the Small) keeping the piece perpendicular.   2d. With a quick motion bring up the firelock from the shoulder directly before the face, and seize it with the left hand just above the lock, so that the little finger may rest upon the feather-spring, (Palm closed) and the thumb lie on the cock; the left hand must be of an equal height with the eyes. So that you may just look over it.  3d. Bring the firelock down to the right side Trigger out, with the right hand as low as it will admit without constraint, flipping up the left hand at the same time to the swell, and instantly shifting the position of the right hand, take the Trigger Guard between the thumb and forefinger, and bring the three last fingers under the cock, with the barrel to the rear against the shoulder. 4th.. Quit the firelock with the left hand, bringing it down by your side.

Shoulder Firelock! Four motions.

Explanation of Priming and Loading, as preformed in the Quick Firing.

This is the way all firing is done on the reenactment field

Prime, and Load ! Eleven motions. 1st. Come to the Recover, throwing up your firelock, with a smart spring of the left hand, directly before the left breast, and turning the barrel inwards; at that moment catch it with the right hand below the lock, and instantly bringing up the left hand, with a rapid motion, seize the piece close above the lock, the little finger touching the feather-spring; the left hand to be at an equal height with the eyes, the butt of the firelock close to the left breast, but not pressed, and the barrel perpendicular.

2d.. Bring the firelock down with a brisk motion to the priming position, as directed in the 4th word of command, instantly placing the thumb of the right hand against the face of the steel, the fingers clenched, and the elbow a little turned out, that the wrist may be clear of the cock.   3d.. Open the pan by throwing back the steel with a strong motion of the right arm, keeping the firelock steady in the left hand.  4th.. Handle cartridge. Slap Box Please  5th.. Prime, Bite spit pour.   6th...Shut pan do this well as .  7th.. Cast about.  8th.and 9th.. Load. No paper will go down the barrel. It will be tossed to the ground. No Ramming   10th. and 11th.. Shoulder Firelock Or Ready Position as indicated by the NCO.

The motion of recover, coming down to the priming position, and opening the pan, to be done in the usual time, the motions of handling the cartridge to shutting the pan, to be done as quick as possible; when the pans are shut, NCO's Often make a small pause, Say Cast About and cast about together; then the loading and shouldering motions are to be done as quick as possible.

The recruits being thus far instructed, the officer must take twelve men, and placing them in one rank, teach them to Dress to the right and left; to do which the soldier must observe to feel the man on that side he dresses to, without crowding him, and to advance or retire, till he can just discover the breast of the second man from him, taking care not to stoop, but to keep his head and body upright.

When they can dress pretty well, they must be taught to wheel, as follows:

To the Right, Wheel ! ( NCO Pause)

At this word of command the men turn their heads briskly to the left' except the left hand man.

March!  The whole step off striding forward the right foot, observing to feel the hand they wheel to, without crowding; the right hand man, serving as a pivot for the rest to turn on, gains no ground, but turns on his heel; the officer will march on the flank, and when the wheeling is finished, command,   Take Care /Said on a left down foot (Pause) Halt said on the second left down foot !

On which the whole stop short on the foot then forward, bringing up the other foot, and dressing to the right.

To the Left, Wheel!  The whole continue to look to the right, except for the right hand man, who looks to the left. March!

These are to be taught and learned on the Parade for quick actions only those soldiers in the Grand squad can Perform these duties

Column Into Line & Line Into Column:

Oblique:

Street Fighting:

Open Order:

By Sections From the Right

By Files from The Right:

By Indian Files From the Right:

With the Right In Front: