The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-08-23

discipline must be maintained otherwise
there will be constant confusion, and very lit
tie can be effected The greater the number
of soldiers, the more they would be in each
others way, and the more easily they could
be routed, if each man were not instructed
to occupy a particular place, and to move in
unison with his comrades. A single compa-
ny Of one hundred disciplined troops, will ca
silly put to flight a thousand persons assem-
bled in mob.
In order to proper discipline, all armies are
divided into small numbers of men, each un-
der command of its proper officer. The unit
or lowest branch of an army is called a COM
pauv. 1t contains from fifty to hundred
men, including officers. Most companies in
war have the latter number. The officers Of
a company are the captain and two leuten-
ants, & % called commissioned officers.
and from four to six sergeants, and the same
number of coporals called non-commission-
ed officers. The company formed on the
field is divided into two equal parts called
platoons, and each platoon is subdivided into
two sections. Each platoon is commanded
by lieutenant; each section by sergeant
assisted by a corporal. The captain com
mands the whole company; his orders being
repeated and carried out by the inferior off
GERS. The first sergeant is also called the
Orderly Sergeant. He carries the books of
the company, and calls the roll night and
morning. If the captain falls in battle. the
first lieutenant takes his place. Two or more
companies up to the number of five, or half a
regiment, form a Battalion. This name is
sometimes given also to whole regiment
a Regiment is made up of ten companies,
and thus numbers a thousand men. when
full. The officers of regiment, besides the
usual company officers, are the Colonel, or
first in command, next to him Lieutenant
Colonel, then . Majors, l adjutant, Quar-
termaster, CommiS>ary. The Quartermas-
ters duty is to provide lodging places or
quarters, and to furnish clothing for the re-
gimcut. The Commssary has charge of the
provision department. He purchases the
food, and gives out the rationS or portions to
which each man is entitled The other resi-
mental officers, named above, repeat to the
men and carry into effect the orders of the
colonel. A Brigade is composed of two or
more regiments, to which are usually added
one or two companies of cavalry, (soldiers On
horseback and number of cannon with
their artillerists or men to work them
The Brigade is commanded bv Brigader
General, who is assisted in executing his or
Gers by several officers called the Staff. who
are taken from the regimental officers.
They are also called Aides-de- Camp. When
two or more brigades are united they form /.
Division. which is commanded by VI .ior
General, assisted BY his Aides-de { amp. .A,I-
dltonal companies Of cavalry and artillery
are generally attached to division. The
Major General is the highest officer under
the Commander in Chief. In this countr,
the President is Commander in Chief of al!
the land and naval forces. One of the Major
Generals is, under the President, the acting
Commander in Chief of all the forces. Gen
eral Winfield Scott now holds that position.
and IN consideration of his long, efficient STR
wees, Congress conferred upon him the hon
orary title OF Lieutenant General.