AMERICAN CIVIL
WAR
CAVALRY
BUGLE SIGNALS FOR NON-BUGLERS
WRITTEN
WITH THE CAVALRY RE-ENACTOR IN MIND
GIVING
ALL
THE CALLS FOR CAMP AND FIELD DUTY
COMPLETE
DEFINITIONS AND
USAGE FOR EVERY SIGNAL
TO
WHICH IS ADDED
MEMORIZATION DITTIES FOR EVERY CALL
BY RICHARD D.
LYNCH
CAPTAIN,
1ST NEW HAMPSHIRE CAVALRY (REENACTING)
EDITED
BY R. J. SAMP
2ND
WISCONSIN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY (REENACTING)
CHIEF
BUGLER-FEDERAL FORCES AT GETTYSBURG 135
CALIFORNIA:
PUBLISHED
BY THE ARMY OF THE PACIFIC PRESS
DOM
DAL BELLO, BVT. COLONEL
1998.
FORWARD!
Nothing stirs the emotion of the
cavalryman more than the sound of a bugle signaling the "Charge." Signaling the
troops by the use of a horn goes back to the Roman empire. The daily routine of the
American Civil war soldier was regulated by bugle signals, with the infantry, artillery
and cavalry all having their own signals. Although the rank of bugler has disappeared from
the modern army and the bugle is a symbol of an era gone by, bugling is a tradition that
continues to live on for ceremonies and special occasions.
As reenactors we constantly strive to
improve upon our impression. If this work helps to assist the cavalry reenactor with a
better understanding of the bugle, its proper use in reenacting and its importance in
communicating commands by signals, then our objective has been met.
R. Lynch
U.S. CAVALRY BUGLE SIGNALS 
WITH DEFINITIONS: 1841-1867
Numbered
as per Cavalry Tactics, (J. R. Poinsett's, 1841 Manual, Third Part.)
1)
The
General
Signal to pack up and break camp. Thirty minutes later you will hear, boots and saddles, fifteen minutes later assembly, and in another fifteen minutes march. note:
In the recently published book, "The Diary
of a Bugler" by George Sargent, he indicates that while on campaign boots and saddles has the same effect as the General, only with more immediacy.
2) Boots & Saddles
When a regiment is to mount, boots and saddles
is sounded; at this signal the horses are saddled, bridled and prepared to be led out.
First Part, P. 7
[note: Many sources confirm that in actual
practice, boots and saddles was used to saddle,
pack, bridle, and mount with utmost speed.]
3) To Horse
At the signal to horse, the 1st. Sergeants
direct the men to lead out. The Sergeants, Corporals, and Privates, being in two ranks, in
the order of their platoons, at the head of their horses, the Orderly Sergeant calls the
roll. In case of alarm or surprise, to horse is
sounded; the men then saddle, pack up, bridle and mount with the utmost celerity and
repair to the place of assembly, which is always previously designated. First Part, P. 8 [when acting as dismounted skirmishers, return to
the # 4 individual & horseholder.]
4) Assembly
The trumpeters sound the assembly for troops to form-rank for Roll Call without weapons
and for marching the squadrons to the parade.
5) To Arms
When a regiment is to turn out under arms on foot, "to arms" will be sounded; at this signal,
the men are formed and inspected and the reports are made as is prescribed. First Part, P.
8 [signal of "alarm" while on
campaign.]
6) To The Standard
As soon as the standard appears, the Captain orders the sabres to be presented; the
trumpets sound to the standard. First Part, P.
10 [also sounded at head of column to prepare
for action.]
7) March
After "to the standard" has been twice
repeated, the Captain orders the sabres to be carried, and breaks in the same order in
which he came; the trumpets sound the "march." First Part, P. 10
[to move forward at the walk.]
8) The Charge
Keeping the horses straight, charge as directed: The
charge in line is executed by the squadron when in line; it should be as short
as possible, so as to arrive in good order, and without fatiguing the horses. The charge in column is executed by the squadron
broken with distance. To execute the charge as
foragers, all the troopers of the squadron disperse, and direct themselves each upon
the point he wishes to attack, observing not to lose sight of their officers, who charge
with them. The squadron being in line, the first captain orders the sabres to be drawn,
and the platoons to charge one after another, commencing by the right. For this purpose
the first Captain advances 240 paces to the front, taking a trumpeter with him; and when
he wishes the movement to commence, he causes a signal to be given. The platoon
moves forward at the command of its chief, as prescribed, No. 569. It passes successively
from the walk to the trot, and from the trot to the gallop, and from the gallop to the
charge. Second Part, P. 262-3.
9) Rally
When the squadron is dispersed as foragers, the first Captain causes the rally to be sounded. In rallying, the troopers
direct themselves to the right and to the left, outside of the flanks of the squadron in
order to unmask promptly the front of the squadron, and to reform in passing by the rear.
Second Part, P. 267.
10) Reveille
Morning Roll Call. Signals the beginning of the morning roll call count. note: This is not the signal to awaken.
"Assembly of Buglers # 16 is that signal.
11) Stable Call
Feed and groom horses.
12) Watering Call
Water horses.
13) Breakfast
Time for breakfast.
14) Assembly Of Guard
Posting of guards/pickets. Change of guard every 24 hours.
15) Orders
Time to receive orders. NCO's report to commander. Roll call and Daily reports are
submitted to the Adjutant.
16) Assembly Of Buglers
It is played first thing in the morning and called "First Call.". It is the
signal to awaken. The signal is for all buglers to assemble.
17) Retreat
(short version) Retreating
while continuing to fire. *
(long
version)
Evening colors ceremony. (flag lowering)
*
#17. Retreat.
At the signal retreat, the troopers of the first
rank move forward 5 paces, fire, then turn to the left-about,
in order to move to the rear; and retire loading their pieces. When they have marched 50
paces, or more if necessary, the chief of platoon
causes
the about, No. 5 to be sounded. At this signal,
the troopers, who were retiring,
face
to the front by turning to the right-about.
The troopers who are in the first line fire and turn to the left-about, retire in loading their pieces,
pass in the intervals of the line which is the rear, move 50 paces farther, and face to
the front at the signal the about, No. 5. The
troopers of the line which is in rear, move 5 paces to the front the moment the troopers
who retire pass into their intervals; they then commence firing by the flank indicated.
The alternate movement of the two lines continues as long as the skirmishers move to the
rear. To halt the retreat, the chief of platoon orders forward, No. 1, to be sounded. The skirmishers
who are in rear move up, in doubling the gait, abreast of those the most advanced, and all
march forward until the signal, to halt, No. 2
is sounded. If the whole line of skirmishers is to retire at once, he orders the about, No. 5 to be sounded. The reserve retires
and faces to the front, regulating its movement by that of the skirmishers, so as to
remain always at 60 paces from the 2d line. It executes its rear
movement
at the moment the retreating line passes into the intervals of the line which moves
forward. Second Part, P.178
18) Fatigue Call
Assemble for work details-wood, water, cook, police, etc.
19) Dinner Call
Time for dinner.
20) Distributions
Pay, mail, provisions, etc.
21) Drill Call
Fall in line and dress ranks for drill.
22) Officers Call
Officers meeting at Headquarters.
23) Common Step
Ceremonial pass in review and marching tune.
24) Cease Firing
Stop firing.
25) Officers Take Place
Officers are behind the firing line and return to their battle lines after firing. Used to
reform ranks after battle.
26) Sick Call
Bring the sick to the Medical Staff for examination.
27) Tattoo
Lights out. As a trio this is used for returning the men to camp.
U.S. CAVALRY BUGLE SIGNALS
For The Service Of Skirmishers
WITH
DEFINITIONS: 1841-1867
With
respect to the signals, as well as to commence firing and to cease firing, the troops
conform to what is prescribed in the school of the platoon mounted and PL 52 Fig. C.
Second Part P. 268. The chief of the platoon, followed by his Trumpeter, places himself
half way between the skirmishers and the reserve; he moves along the line wherever he
thinks his presence most necessary. Second Part, P. 177. The same signals are also used
for dismounted cavalry as well.
1) Forward
If the chief of the platoon wishes the skirmishers to move forward, he causes the forward,
No. 1, to be sounded; each skirmisher moves forward, regulating his movements by those of
the guide and preserving his interval; the reserve follows them, keeping at its proper
distance. Second Part, P. 177.
2) Halt
The commander causes the halt to be sounded when the skirmishers are a 100 to 150 paces
from the reserve. Second Part, P. 176. Brings troops to a stop.
3) To The Left
Left turn 1/4 of a circle. To move the skirmishers towards the left, to the left, No. 3 is sounded; each skirmisher
turns to the left and marches in the new direction of those who precede him, taking care
to preserve his distance. The reserve also turns to the left. To face the skirmishers
again to the front, to the right, No. 4 is
sounded; the skirmishers and the reserve turn to the right. Second Part, P. 177.
4) To The Right
Right turn 1/4 of a circle.
5) About
If, after having turned to the right, the instructor wishes the skirmishers to move
towards the opposite side, [rear] he orders the
about, No. 5, to be sounded; the skirmishers and the reserve turn to the left-about, and move forward. If after having
turned to the left, the instructor wishes the skirmishers to move towards the opposite
side, [rear] he causes, the about, No. 5, to be sounded; the skirmishers
and the reserve turn to the right-about, and
move forward. Second Part, P. 177.
6) Rally On Chief
When the squadron is dispersed as foragers, the first Captain should sometimes establish
himself to the right or to the left of the direction followed by the troopers, and then
order the rally to be sounded to accustom them
to rally upon any point he may select. Second Part, P. 268. At this signal, each platoon
rallies as rapidly as possible upon its chief. Second Part, P. 271.
7) Trot
200 to 220 paces per/min. over a 1000 pace distance. Second Part, P. 197.
8) Gallop
300 paces per/min. over a 1000 pace distance. Second Part, P. 197. A horse gallops true
when he gallops on the right foot, in exercising or turning to the right hand, and on the
left foot, in exercising or turning on the left hand. Second Part, P. 74.
9) Commence Firing
Discharge weapon. Continue until ordered to cease fire.
10)
Disperse
At the signal to disperse, the squadron
disperses in every direction to the front. Second Part, P. 267.
The “MUST KNOW” CAVALRY
Bugle Signals
For
American Civil War Cavalry Reenactors
The following 15 bugle signals are a
condensed list of calls that are absolutely necessary for you to correctly pull off an
American Civil War Cavalry impression. You not only must know the signal and what it
means, but you must react appropriately and
instantaneously when you hear the call. Memorization ‘ditties’ to help you sing
and learn the tunes are provided later on.
Numbering is per Poinsett’s
2.-Boots
and Saddles Go to your horses bridle and saddle
‘em up
8.-CHARGE!!
4.-Assembly means form up, including
on the battlefield
9.-Rally (fall
back quickly to your reserves)
10.-Disperse we do not want the troops bunched up, lie
down, take cover, spread out
11.-Stable Call is very important, care
of the livestock comes first (Water Call One hour later)
15.-Orders
{NCO’s and Adjutants ONLY}
16.-Assembly of the Buglers is important to wake the
troops up
17.-Retreat the first measures as a
signal mean ‘Fall Back!’. Complete call is Flag Lowering.
22.-Officers Call
{Officers ONLY}
24.-Cease Firing
S
1.-Forward (March)
S
2.-Halt
(stop)
S
5.-About
(Turn Around)
S 9.-Commence
Firing
Inf. Recall to get the troops
back to the camp, return from detached duty/sutlers, dismissal from drill
Your Unit’s Signal(s)
Others Bugle Signals of Importance to Cavalry
Unit Call
A
call composed by the unit bugler that is unique and unlike any other call and is used to
signal that the next signal is for your unit only. Used by the chief bugler to
order specific manuever elements to respond to a particular signal. Platoon and company
calls may also be developed in addition to the regimental call.
Recall
The
recall serves to withdraw troops, so that they rejoin the main body, or the commander, at
the ordinary gait; and also for the occasion of exercises. note: This signal is also used to dismiss the
troops from drill or fatigue duty and recall the troops back to camp should they be at the
sutlers or performing some other such activity. Although, recall is mostly known as an
infantry signal, it was utilized by some units that did in fact use Cooke’s “Cavalry
Tactics…”
Taps
The
24-note melancholy bugle call known as "Taps" is a revision of the 1835 Tattoo,
second stanza. A bugle signal, the "Tattoo," notified soldiers to cease an
evening's drinking and return to their garrisons. It was sounded an hour before the final
three drum taps that ended the day. The revision that gave us the present-day
"Taps" was made during the Civil War, by Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield,
heading a brigade camped at Harrison Landing, Va., near Richmond. Up to that time the U.S.
Army's infantry call to end the day was the French final call, "L'Extinction des
feu," (To Extinguish Lights) followed by the three drum taps. General Butterfield as
the story goes, decided the "lights out" music was too formal to signal the
day's end. One day in July of 1862 he recalled the "tattoo" music and hummed a
version of it to an aide who wrote it down to music. Butterfield then asked his brigade
bugler, Oliver W. Norton, to play the notes and, after listening, lengthened and shortened
them while keeping his original melody. He ordered Norton to play this new call at the end
of each day thereafter, instead of "To Extinguish Lights”. The music was heard
and appreciated by other buglers, who asked for copies and adopted this bugle call. It was
even adopted by Confederate buglers. This music was made an unofficial Army bugle call
after the war, and officially became a signal in 1891. The first time "Taps" was
played at a military funeral may also have been in Virginia soon after Butterfield
composed it. Union Capt. John Tidball, head of an artillery battery, ordered it played for
the burial of a cannoneer killed in action. Not wanting to reveal the battery's position
in the woods to the enemy nearby, Tidball substituted "Taps" for the traditional
three rifle volleys fired over the grave. "Taps" was also played at the funeral
of Confederate General, Stonewall Jackson 10 months after it was composed.
Quick March (“The American Flag”) The Common Step
These and other tunes, quicksteps, marches, and ceremonial calls are used to keep cadence and increase the morale of the men and their horses.
U.S. CAVALRY
BUGLE SIGNALS
General
Notes:
Posts
of the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Field and Staff of a Regiment in
order of battle. The Colonel 25 paces in front of the center of the regiment; having a
chief bugler behind him. The Trumpeters, formed in
two ranks are posted 25 paces in rear of the center of the regiment. The Trumpeters of a
squadron acting separately, are posted in the same manner, but in one rank. First Part, P.
4 (Pl.1)
Posts
of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers of a Company acting singly. The
Buglers 20 paces in rear of the center. First Part, P. 7
Formation
of the Escort of the Standard.
The 1st platoon of the escort furnishes the advance guard, composed of two men in front
with the carbine advanced or pistol raised. A Corporal and four men with drawn sabres (or
lances at a carry) march 10 paces from
them.
The Trumpeters, formed by fours and conducted by the Adjutant, march 10 paces from the
four men who precede. First Part, P. 9
Reception
of the Standard. See page 1, #7 - March
Pass
in Review. At this command the band and trumpeters repair to the head of the
regimental column, 6 paces in
front of the Colonel. First
Part, P. 20
Form
and Course of Inspection.
The trumpeters of each company take post on the alignment of the front rank, 6 paces from
the right. First Part, P. 23
Division,
Order And Progression of Instructions.
The horses of the Orderly Sergeants, and Trumpeters, cannot be excused on any pretext from
participating in the different classes of instruction. First Part, P. 28
Soundings.
Are the trumpet signals, which make known to the troop the movements or details of service
which are to be executed. First Part, P. 81
U.S. CAVALRY
BUGLE SIGNALS
THE
BUGLE SIGNALS FOR A TYPICAL DAY
5:45
AM Assembly of Buglers "First Call," Awakens troops
6:00 Assembly (for Roll Call)
6:15 Reveille (as soon as Reveille ends
the Roll Call count begins)
At
sunrise To
the Standard (Flag Raising Ceremony at Headquarters)
6:30 Stable Call
7:00 Breakfast
7:30 Sick Call (sounded after every
meal)
7:45 Officers Call
8:00 Watering Call
8:15 Orders (Sergeants turn in the
Daily Report)
8:30 Fatigue Call (report for work
detail)
9:00 Assembly of Guard (changing of the
guard every 24 hours)
9:30 Boots & Saddles
9:45 To Horse
10:00 Drill Call
12:00PM
Recall (dismissal from drill and Fatigue duty)
12:30 Dinner call
1:00 Sick Call
1:15 Distributions
1:30 Officers Call
1:45 Boots & Saddles
2:00 To Horse
2:15 To The Standard (not needed unless
formal parade or going into battle)
2:30 Drill Call or March, going into
battle
4:30 Recall (dismissal from drill,
return to camp)
4:45 Stable Call
5:00 Watering Call
5:30 Dinner
At
sunset
Retreat (long version, lowering of flag)
8:30 Tattoo, the Trio Return to quarters
9:00 Tattoo (to extinguish lights)
9:15 Taps (After 1862 in Eastern
Theatre & after Winter 1863 Western Theatre)
U.S. CAVALRY BUGLE SIGNAL DITTIES
{to aid in
memorization of the bugle signals}
NO. 1 THE GENERAL:
|
Time
to get up and marching, time to get up and onward, Time
to get up and marching, time to get up and onward, Time
to trot today, we're packing and moving and |
NO. 2 BOOTS & SADDLES
 |
Go
to your hor-ses Bridle and saddle 'em up. Surcingles, cinchas on them all. |
NO. 3 TO HORSE
|
Go
to the picket line and get your horse, (or) |
NO. 4 THE ASSEMBLY
|
Time
to fall into ranks, time to stop your foolish pranks, |
NO. 5 TO ARMS
|
To Arms! Men, to Arms! Go get your guns, its time
to hunt some Rebs, |
NO. 6 TO THE STANDARD
|
>>Hand,
Carbine, or Saber Salute! |
NO. 7 March
(battalion)
|
>>This is the big mounted procession |
NO. 8 THE CHARGE
|
Gal-lop
boys with your sabers, with your sabers, for the Charge. |
NO. 9 THE RALLY
|
>>Reform
on your reserve. |
NO. 10 REVEILLE
|
>>
Amble over and form up for roll call. |
NO. 11 STABLE CALL
|
Come
to the stable as soon as you're able, |
NO. 12 WATERING CALL
|
Time
to get Wa-Ter for your horses, Now! |
NO. 13 BREAKFAST
|
Soupy,
soupy, soupy, without a single bean, Coffee,
coffee, coffee, without any cream, Porky,
porky, porky, with nary any lean. |
NO. 14 ASSEMBLY OF GUARD
|
Time
to be posting and mounting the guard for the day, Time
to be posting and mounting the guard for the day, Time
to be posting and mounting the guard for the day, Time
to be posting and mounting the guard! |
NO. 15 ORDERS
|
Time
to get Orders now, Time
to get Orders now, Time
to get Orders now! |
NO. 16 ASSEMBLY OF BUGLERS
|
Time
to get Orders now, Time
to get Orders now, Time
to get Orders now! |
NO. 17 RETREAT
|
Time
to re-TREAT! We can not be Beat, |
NO. 18 FATIGUE CALL
|
Come
on and shovel it up, join in the fun (3 times). |
NO. 19 DINNER CALL
|
“Roast
Beef” |
NO. 20 DISTRIBUTIONS
|
Go
to the Adjutant, boys, time for your pay! Go
to the Adjutant, time for your pay! |
NO. 21 DRILL CALL
|
To the left, to the right, fall in line, dress your ranks, I'm getting tired of this To
the left, to the right, till the end of your days, I'm getting real sick of this! |
NO. 22 OFFICER'S CALL
|
Ah-Ah-Fi-Cers
Call, Ah-Fi-Cers Call, Ah-Fi-Cers Call Ah-Ah-Fi-Cers
Call, Ah-Fi-Cers Call on the run. |
NO. 23 COMMON STEP
|
>> Smile pretty for the
parade. |
NO. 24 CEASE FIRING
|
C-ease
Fire! C-ease Fire! C-ease Fire! |
NO. 25 OFFICER'S TAKE PLACE
|
Officer!
Officer! Officer's! Form. |
NO. 26 SICK CALL
|
Call
for the sick, call for the dead. Now
it's time to form up in a line. Call for the sick, call for the dead. Now
it's time to march on as it's off to bed we go. |
NO. 27 TATTOO
|
Gen
tle men it's time to Ex Ting guish lights, snuff
out your lamps and go to sleep! Gen
tle men it's time to Ex Ting guish lights, snuff
out your lamps and go to sleep. |
RECALL (Infantry)
|
Come
back here now, come back here now. Co-ome,
Co-ome, Co-ome back here now. (repeat one time) |
Quick March (The American Flag)
Stanza 1
|
A-as we were mar-ching u-up a hill, my heart did stir at the si-ght, of our flag so bold in Red White and Blue, that will lead us into the fight! A-s we were marching do-own the
street, by chance did I es-py-y Was a sight so True in Red, White and Blue, wa-ving high up in the sky! {Three cheers, my Boys and give us a shout, March on and cheer for the Stars and the Stripes Three cheers, my Boys and a mighty Hurrah, |
U.S. CAVALRY
BUGLE SIGNAL
DITTIES
FOR THE
SERVICE OF SKIRMISHERS
NO. 1 FORWARD
|
We're
Ma-ar-ching Forward! and moving ahead We're
Ma-ar-ching Forward! and moving ahead. |
NO. 2 HALT
|
Time
to Halt! Stand fast men. |
NO. 3 TO THE LEFT
|
To
the Left. |
NO. 4 TO THE RIGHT
|
Turn-ing
To The Right. |
NO. 5 ABOUT
|
Turn
ing around, turning around, turning around, boys! |
NO. 6 RALLY ON CHIEF
|
Rally
Boys!, Rally Boys!, Forming up on the Chief Rally
Boys!, Rally Boys!, Forming up on the Chief. |
NO. 7 TROT
|
[A
syncopated rhythm on the same note (E)] |
NO. 8 GALLOP
|
Galloping,
Galloping, Galloping. |
NO. 9 COMMENCE FIRING
|
[Oh]
Keep up the Fi-re, Keep up the Fi-re, Keep up the Fi-re Boys. |
NO. 10 DISPERSE
|
Time
to spread out and fight b-oys, spread it a-round and Fight like Hell Time
to spread out and fight b-oys, spread out and Fight like Hell. |
I wish to acknowledge the assistance of R. J. Samp, Chief Bugler-Federal Forces at Gettysburg135, and Trooper Tim Short, Bugler, First NH Cavalry for their assistance in preparing this work. A tape of the bugle signals accompanies this work.
Author/Cavalry
Researcher |
Editor/Bugling
Researcher |
Capt.
R. D. Lynch, First NH Cavalry |
RJ
Samp, 2nd WVI |
46
Highland Ave. |
Three
Danada Square East, Suite 173 |
Jaffrey,
NH 03452 |
Wheaton,
IL 60187 |
A Trooper’s Friend
My friend and I rode off to war,
My friend did not arise this morning,
When country and duty called;
And though he tried to lift his head…
We fought four long and bitter years…
I saw within his silent eyes,
By glory unenthralled.
There were lonely roads ahead.
I loved him dearer than a brother,
The captain rode up beside us,
More than tongue can tell;
And said “Ben we must retire.”
And though he never spoke a word…
His next order died unspoken…
He loved me just as well.
He knew the shot I’d never fire.
Though we both were often hungry,
I knelt beside my friend and stroked his mane,
If there was grain, it went to him;
As the column rode away;
I knew I would get by on salt pork,
I gave him water from my canteen,
And on moldy hardtack grim.
And kept the flies at bay.
A bursting shell at Chickamauga,
He struggled once more to gain his feet,
Took one of his ears away…
And he seemed to say, “We tried!”,
But he stood outside the surgeon’s tent,
I could not see him for my tears…
As they cut lead from me that day.
And I held him as he died.
He saved my life at Brice’s Crossroads,
With only cup and saber,
And took a bullet meant for me;
I mounded him with clay…
A saber slashed across his neck,
For such a true and faithful friend,
When we charged some battery.
I could not leave for vulture prey.
And now here in Alabama,
He’s galloped beyond war’s flame and fury,
The end is drawing near…
Past the battle smoke and din,
Dark smoke and bloody hoof prints,
If there are horses up in Heaven…
Across the land and cause so dear.
May we ride together again.
Sgt.
Benjamin R. Gormley
Georgia
Division Cavalry
March
21, 1990