"The Daily Routine" & castrametation

[Nick Hoffman]

List,
I am wondering if there is a daily routine for the US army at this time? In the 18th Century the Daily Routine was a vital part of military order and I assume this would be the same here. In my F&I reenacting we use the daily routine as our main focus of our camp life. From Revellie to pioneers call to taptoo, it brings the military camp to life!

I also assume that the US Military had some sort of a regular castrametation. Can anyone suggest a book or provide the info on this? Sadly I dont have a good library yet on BHW's & the US Regulars (but it is growing)...so the closest I have for any idea on castrametation is the print "The Army of Occupation-1845". That's waaaay off!

Would the militia follow either of these systems? Many times the militia forces were moving in mass brigade consisting of several regiments. There has to be some way of keeping this army in order!

Thanks,
Nick Hoffman

[Greg Carter]

I believe that Scott's Abstract mentions something of a routine based on times for certain bugle calls. Perhaps if there is any published record of the daily activities at Fort Snelling or Armstrong, both active army posts at the time, then that may lead to some answer to this question. I am sure that somewhere within the tomes of the collections at either the Fort Snelling SHS or the RIA Small Arms Museum there must be some clue as to the daily goings on. On the other hand, perhaps logs of other frontier posts of the time period or reasonably close to the time period might shed some light on the subject too.

As for militia regiments, history paints an often unfavorable picture of their discipline. From their many brave and strategic actions during the Sauk War, I submit that for the most part they were held to some kind of disciplined routine. On the other hand, some reporting on Militia Musters from the book "The Reshaping of everyday life: 1790-1840" by Jack Larkin seems to indicate that many community militia companies resented discipline and military dealings period because they interfered with the needs of home.

GMC

[Nick Hoffman]

Here is a little hint to the daily routine of the militia. Perhaps we should consider this every morning at events?

"Head Quarters, near Rushville
(General Orders)
There is to be no firing of guns in the lines or encampment without permission from the field officer under whose command the applicant may be placed; nor will any other disorderly conduct whatever be allowed in the brigade. At 12 sounds of the bugle, officers and soldiers will rise up and prepare for the business of the day; at 6 sounds they will catch horses; at 8 sounds, saddle up; at 10 sounds, parade; at 3 sounds, march; at 4 sounds, halt; at 14 sound, officers to attend headquarters for orders.

By Order of Brig. Genl. S. Whiteside
N. Buckmaster, Brigade Major"

Of course we dont have horses, so this would have to be adjusted a little bit.

Take Care,
Nick Hoffman

[Robert Braun]

The Fort Winnebago Orderly Book (albiet post-Sauk War) speaks to the "duty day" of the garrison soldier. Elements of this very likely was expected among volunteer militia regiments.

HOWEVER, the rigors of active field campaign frequently over-ride the "brushed and polished" expectations of garrison troops. For example, it is clear from accounts that Gen. Henry's and Col. Dodge's troops were roused by the bugle during ther pursuit of the British Band to the Wisconsin River. It is unstated whether they observed the formalities of parade and tattoo while on the march.

Perhaps Whiteside's orders were carried out in the context of his command during the term of Illinois' "First Army." Whether or not such orders stood when the "Second," and later the "Third Army" was raised has yet to be determined.

On the other hand, it seems very plausable that SOME form of morning "duty", as hinted by Whitesides, was performed in the mounted militia. Whether formal or informal, it makes sense that such duties be observed.

Any more info. out there?? r.

[Greg Carter]

"Regimental Order! No. 1.

Head Quarters, 27th Regt. Illinois Militia, Galena, May 22d, 1832.

The Captains of all the Volunteers and Militia Companies (except the Artillery) for the future are ordered to operate their respective guard details in front of the guard house at 6 o'clock P.M. precisely, and the officers of the guard to mount guard at 7 o'clock P.M. precisely. The hour of mounting guard will be indicated by the fire of the cannon, and the guard are to be relieved in the morning at 5 o'clock precisely which will be indicated nby the fire of the cannon. The troops are also to parade for Roll Call at 7 o'clock in the morning to be indicated by the drum, the Captains of Companies will detail their Guards for Sentinels and Piquets at the morning Parades of their Companies, and furnish the Adjutant with the details, at half after 7 o'clock, A.M. there is to be no firing without special orders, nor any spirits sold, or suffered to be drank, at any of the Groceries or Taverns in Galena from 8 o'clock A.M. until 7 o'clock P.M. until further orders.

By orders of J.M. Strode, Col. COm. 27 Regt. Ill. Mil.
S.D. Carpenter, Adj."

WHITNEY, ELLEN
The Black Hawk War, Vol II, Part I
Springfield: Illinois Sate Library, 1973
P. 411

[Greg Carter]

At dawn the trumpeters of the post took their stations, and the ringing tones of reveille called the sleeping garrison to the duties of the day. The rolls of companies were called in front of the quarters; then the quarters were put in order; the ground in front swept; and the horses fed and watered. After sick call had sounded those who were ill in the barracks were taken to the hospital. Following a second roll-call breakfast was served at nine o-clock. Then came the various tasks of the day under the supervision of a member of the garrison designated as "officer of the day". A detail known as the "General Fatigue" swept the parade ground; or if the guardhouse held enough prisoners to do this work, they fell heir to this disagreeable task. Sentinels were posted, and details formed to do the work for that day.

At three o'clock in the afternoon a third roll-call was followed by dinner. Half an hour before sunset the trumpeters called the garrison for dress parade. Drills and maneuvers were practiced, and orders were read. Following dress parade, companies were dismissed, arms were placed in the armracks, and the horses were bedded for the night. Another roll-call was followed by tattoo, candles were extinguished, and the troops settled down for the night.

MAHAN, BRUCE. Old Fort Crawford and the Frontier. (Reprint of 1926 ed.) Prairie Du Chien, WI: Howe Printing Company, Inc. 2000.