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Instructions for the First Sergeant of a Company

The soldier having so far acquired the confidence of his captain as to be appointed first sergeant of the company, should consider the importance of his office. He should be intimately acquainted with the character of every soldier of the company, and will take great pains to impress upon their minds the indispensable necessity of the strictest obedience, as the foundation of order and regularity. He will keep the details of the company, and never warn a man out of his turn, unless particularly ordered so to do.

He will take the daily orders in a book kept by him for that purpose, and show them to his officers.

He will every morning make a report to the captain of the state of the company, in the form prescribed; and at the same time acquaint him with any thing material that may have happened in the company since the preceding report.

He will parade all guards and detachments furnished by his company, examine their arms, ammunition, accoutrements and dress, before he carries them to the parade.

The first sergeant is not to go on any duty, unless with the whole company; but is to be always in camp or quarters, to answer any call that may be made.