Gilhams Manual of Arms - Commands to Load

Commands to Load in ten times

1. LOAD IN TEN TIMES - LOAD
Extend the left arm and with the right hand grasp the musket just above the lower band. Then move the right foot forward and place the right heel against the instep of the left foot. With the right hand gently lower the butt along the left thigh. At the same time grasp the musket with the left hand just above the right hand and continue lowering the butt to the ground just to the left of the left foot. The muzzle should be in front of the chest. Then place right hand on cartridge box.

2. HANDLE - CARTRIDGE
Reach into cartridge box, grasp a cartridge, and place cartridge between teeth.

3. TEAR - CARTRIDGE
Tear cartridge with teeth, and place torn cartridge upright in front of and level with muzzle. Hold the cartridge with the thumb and first two fingers, back of the hand to the front.

4. CHARGE - CARTRIDGE
Turn the back of the right hand toward the body and pour the powder into barrel. Leave the hand at the muzzle. (Re-enactors keep paper in hand ready to place in pocket or bread-bag.)

5. DRAW - RAMMER
With the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, draw rammer halfway out and then grasp the rammer at the muzzle with the left thumb and forefinger, thumb down and palm to the front. Invert the rammer and place large end of rammer (butt) inside the muzzle, then place the rammer half way down to the right hand.

6. RAM - CARTRIDGE
Grasp the rammer between the right thumb extended and the fore-finger bent, the other fingers closed. With force ram home twice and grasp the rammer at the small end between the thumb and forefinger, the right elbow touching the body.

7. RETURN - RAMMER
Raise the rammer from the barrel as in Draw-Rammer. Invert the rammer and place the small end near the upper band. Insert the rammer and force it down to the middle band with the thumb. Then raise the hand and force the rammer the rest of the way with the little finger. At the same time lower the left arm without dropping the elbow.

8. CAST - ABOUT
Raise the musket vertically to the left shoulder with the left hand. Grasp the small of the stock with the right hand and slide the left hand down level with the chin. Face half right and place the instep of the right foot against the left heel. Bring the musket opposite to the right shoulder. Lower the musket with the right hand. With the left hand grasp the musket at the lower band, the thumb extended along the stock. Raise the butt under the right forearm, the small of the stock against the body, the right hand grasping the small of the stock and the muzzle at eye level.

Load in Ten Times - 1. Load Cast About

9. PRIME
With the right hand, cock the hammer to safety lock. Reach into cap box and place cap on nipple, removing any old cap first. Grasp small of stock with right hand.

10. SHOULDER - ARMS
Face to the front by turning on the left heel; at the same time with the right hand bring the musket to the left shoulder, and place the left hand under the butt. Let the left hand slide into its position at Shoulder-Arms.

Commands to Load in four times

LOAD IN FOUR TIMES - LOAD
Perform Load, Handle-Cartridge, Tear-Cartridge and Charge-Cartridge