138… The name of each soldier will be labeled on his bunk, in the most conspicuous place; and the number, which he bears in his squad, will be placed against his arms and accoutrements. The arms and accoutrements of noncommissioned officers will, in like manner, be designated by the name and rank of each. 139… The arms will be placed in the arm-racks, the stoppers in the muzzles, the cocks let down, and the bayonets in their scabbards; the accoutrements suspended over the swords hung by the belts on pegs. 721… Arms will be so placed, if there be no racks, as to be secure from injury, and enable the men to handle them promptly- bayonets unfixed and in scabbard. 144… Unless under special circumstances, Saturdays will be particularly appropriated to police. The chiefs of squads will cause bunks and bedding to be overhauled; floors dry rubbed; tables and benches scoured; arms cleaned; accoutrements whitened and polished, and every thing put in the most exact order. 147… Noncommissioned officers, in command of squads, will be held more immediately responsible that their men observe what is prescribed above; that they wash their hands and faces daily-habitually, immediately after the general fatigue; that they, at the same time, shave themselves (if necessary) and brush or comb their heads; that afterwards, those who are to go on duty, put their arms, accoutrements, dress, &c., in the best order, and that such as have permission to pass the chain of sentinels are in the dress that may be ordered. 149… When belts are given to a soldier, the captain, or officer commanding the company, will see that they are properly fitted to the body; and it is strictly forbidden to cut any belt without the sanction of the captain, and then only, when it is ascertained, after careful examination, that it is impossible, without cutting the belts, to make them fit properly. White lead will not be used in cleaning belts and gloves, as it is prejudicial to health; pipe-clay or whiting will be used in stead. 150… Cartridge boxes and bayonet scabbards will be polished with blacking; varnish is injurious to the leather, and will not be used. 151… All arms in the hands of the troops, whether browned or bright, will be kept in the state in which they were issued by the Ordnance Department. Arms will not be taken to pieces, without the express permission of a commissioned officer. The barrel of the musket, if not browned, will not be polished, but will be kept clean and free from rust; great care should be taken in rubbing to prevent bruising or bending the barrel; it should never be rubbed lengthwise. After firing, it will be necessary to wash out the bore; to wipe it dry, and then to pass a bit of cloth, slightly greased, to the bottom. In these operations a rod of wood with a loop in one end is to be used instead of the rammer, which is never to be thus employed when it can be avoided. The bore of the barrel will at all times, except in exercise, be secured against the weather by means of a tompion. A rind of fresh pork, without salt, is better than oil for greasing the metallic parts of the musket. For exercise each soldier should keep himself provided with a bone snapper as a substitute for a flint. All practices, which tend to injure the musket or any of its parts, are strictly forbidden. 152… And at no time, and under no pretense, are the arms to be left loaded in quarters or tents, or when the men are off duty, or not in expectation of an attack. Fatal accidents may result from such a practice. 247… Soldiers who go on furlough will not be permitted to take with them their arms or accoutrements 309… The arms and accoutrements of noncommissioned officers and privates in arrest, will be deposited with the first Sergeants of companies. Should not be deemed unsafe to allow the prisoners, on a march, to carry their arms, they will be transported with the baggage of the company; otherwise the prisoners will be made to carry them. 563… On arriving at the camp, or post, the commander will send the detachments composing it, under the charge of an officer or noncommissioned officer, to their respective regiments, unless the officer of the day should be present to inspect the old guard, when he will cause the same to be done under their proper officers. Before the men are dismissed, their pieces will be drawn, or discharged at a target. On rejoining their companies, the chiefs of squads will examine the arms, &c., of their men, and cause the whole to be put away in good order. 575… The officer of the day will examine the guard; see that they are vigilant; that none are absent; and that their arms and accoutrements are in order; that the officers and noncommissioned officers are acquainted with their duty; and that the sentinels are properly posted, and have received proper orders. 629… Neither officers nor soldiers are, on any account, to take off their clothing or accoutrements while they are on guard; but are always to be in their uniform, fully equipped for the service. 738… For the sake of exercise, the troops will be occasionally called to quarters by the beat, to arms. Those appointed to the guns, will be frequently exercised in the use of them. The arms and accoutrements will be frequently inspected. The metallic parts of the former will be often wiped and greased again. 750… As soon as the recruiting stations are designated, the superintendents will notify the Assistant Commissaries of Subsistence at the military posts nearest to their recruiting stations, to supply rations, and will make requisitions for funds on the Adjutant-General, and for clothing, camp-equipage, arms, and accoutrements, on the several departments to which these supplies appertain; forwarding their requirements through the Adjutant-General. 795… A quarterly return of arms, accoutrements, ammunition, and of all ordnance stores. 844… In all cases of muster for payment, whether final or otherwise, the mustering officer will give his particular attention to the state and condition of the public property; such as quarters, camp-equipage, means of transportation, arms, accoutrements, ammunition, &c., which have been in the use of possession of the militia to be paid; and if any such public property shall appear to be damaged, or lost, beyond ordinary wear or unavoidable accident, such loss or damage shall be noted on the muster-rolls, in order that the injury or loss sustained by the United States may be stopped from the pay that would otherwise be due to the individual or detachment mustered for payment. This provision shall be read to all detachments of militia on being mustered into service, and as much oftener as may be deemed necessary. 
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Last updated: July 30, 2016