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than usual having England sent some recruits to
await the arrival from
Artillery Battery stationed
here, and as there men had not gone through
that part of their drill, it was necessary
before they could be considered efficient
and capable of performing all the duties required of an Artillery man!
With regard to the firing practice, I could not, therefore, issue orders to the Artillery to carry out the exercise ordered, as they had not completed any portion of the training required by these orders.
The system of training not only for the Artillery but for every arm is strictly laid down in orders from the Horse Guards, and it is the duty of all Officers Commanding Regiments and Batteries to see that these orders are carried out in every particular.
In the midst of the town, the Commandant cannot avoid firing here, and it is to be avoided if possible. In no other place is Artillery available where the Artillery can maneuver and inside the Lines practiced.
The ground is not optional with any Officer to be made suitable for the exercise with considerable expertise and labor.
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It is certainly as necessary to practice the Artillery in firing as any other part of their drill.
Journal entries were likely split across pages or columns; reordering has been done to form coherent paragraphs.
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