Drills, Parades and Inspections
96th Pennsylvania Infantry at Camp Northumberland, Virginia
In today’s diary excerpt, Philip again
touches on the day to day monotony of a week of camp life. The biggest event of
this excerpt is the inspection and review on June 26, 1854 which he describes
in more detail than usual.
Drills were an important part of
the camp’s daily routine and typically focused on mastering marching,
weapon handling, and formations. The men spent many hours every day practicing
various formations, ways to use their rifles, how to march, and how to work as
a unit. They practiced changing quickly from one formation to another which
could mean the difference between success and failure during battle. They typically
did not practice shooting with live ammunition as supplies of ammo were
limited. It was assumed that the men could shoot, although many could not. The
men assigned to canons would line them and do everything except fire them. Some
men never knew what a cannon might do when fired until they were in the heat of
battle.
Inspections and parades were
commonly conducted on Sunday mornings. (June 26, 1864 happened to be a Sunday.)
Once the men were properly assembled, the inspector would evaluate the dress
and general appearance of the field and commissioned staff followed by
inspections of dress, weapons and other gear of each soldier.
Parades provided a sense of order
and purpose in the environment of camp life. They also boosted morale by
showcasing military strength and demonstrating the dedication of soldiers to
the cause. Parades were often used for public display and assessments of
discipline.
In modern times, drills, parades
and inspections are a large part of Civil War reenactments and help to educate
the public about camp life. I found so much information about this topic and
much of it came from modern reenactment group pages. I even found a group based
in the United Kingdom. I’m sure I haven’t done this topic justice. Much if the information was presented in minute detail - too much for my simple blog post. Here are
some of the sources I used for my summary.
Sources:
__________
JUNE 22ND
This morning I was detailed to
target shooting with our 30 lb parrott. We fired six shots, four shells and two
solid shots. The first was square over the top. 2nd went over and to
the left.
JUNE 23RD
Was on guard all day. Had very hot
weather and this evening this band came over and played for an hour. Went out
after cherries and found them in plenty. Had a mighty good time of it. Went to a
farm house and got some fine water.
JUNE 24 & 25
Nothing new in camp. No drills.
Lay around the quarters. Play cards and checkers is all of our enjoyment at the
present.
JUNE 26TH
Had a great review and inspection
by Colonel Smith. Then it was one of the hottest days I ever experienced. We
left our barracks at 700 and arrived at this parade ground at 9. We formed in
to line and stood in the sun for 1 hour without water. At last this long looked
for order came (to the rear open order march) then this colonel rode up and
down the line then took his stand in the center. Then we was wheeled by half
battery into column and then forward march for review and then we came back
into line again and marched a few maneuvers then went home. On the way home we
had one of our men to faint in the ranks from heat and I saw several more in
the same way. In the afternoon we was blessed with a little rain.
JUNE 27TH
Was on guard. Had some rain. Very
hot in the afternoon. No news from home. Plenty to eat but no money.
JUNE 28TH
Was on police this morning. Had a
general inspection of the company by Lieutenant Richard of the Jr. S. Brig. And
we was very closely inspected but as far as I learned gave general
satisfaction.
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