Horns of War

Horns of War
Bugles, Trumpets,
and Other Signal
Horns of the Armies in
North America, 17701800
by Sherri Rapp
INTRODUCTION
In this slideshow I have attempted to compile as many sources as I could find regarding the use of horns (bugles,
trumpets, etc) in North America at the time of the American War of Independence (AWI). Many of the slides contain
transcripts of primary source material. Others are secondary sources based on the authors research. I have included
links to the source material where available.
I like to make slideshows like this because I inevitably learn quite a bit each time I undertake the creation. This time, I
came to realize just how ubiquitous the sound of the horn was to the landscape of war in the new United States of
America struggling to break its political and economic ties with Britain. Many of us, when we think of musical
instruments more appropriately, signal instruments in the AWI, we think of the drum and maybe the fife. While
those were important and the primary instrument for the infantry, the horn was the sound of mounted troops and light
infantry! And it was heard quite frequently as we shall see.
Dragoons (cavalry) of the British and Continentals used trumpets or bugles for their signal instruments. Light infantry
companies in the British Regular and Loyalist regiments employed bugles and sometimes trumpets as their signal
instruments, whereas their sister companies used the drum (or drum and fife) for signaling. (A typical British regiment
was comprised of 10 companies, one of which was designated light infantry). German light troops, called yagers (or
jaegers), also employed the horn. The bugle horns took several shapes, as we shall see in the last two sections.
I welcome any and all feedback you may offer. The great thing about presenting these slideshows is that they generate
discussion which leads to more primary source material which leads to more information and greater collective
knowledge. My email address is staleyrapp@mebtel.net. I also run a Facebook group for those interested in 18th
Century British Drummers and Fifers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/150614468450256/.
To kick off the presentation, first up is the written duties and calls of the bugle and trumpet. To our disadvantage none
exist in print in English before 1798, therefore we are left to consider those as possibly (probably?) being handed down
by rote from one bugler to the next year after year from the time of each calls creation.
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CREDIT, RAOUL. F. CAMUS

CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING OF TRUMPET AND BUGLE SOURCES IN EASMES [EARLY AMERICAN SECULAR MUSIC AND ITS EUROPEAN SOURCES, 15891839]
HTTP://WWW.COLONIALMUSIC.ORG/RESOURCE/TRUMPETS.HTM
THESE ARE THE CURRENTLY KNOWN SOURCES OF BUGLE AND TRUMPET SOUNDINGS IN THE LAST HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY
1766
French Ordinances. Ordonnance Royale du 1er Juin 1766. Rep. Kastner, App. 12-13: Signaux pour la cavalerie franaise. Louis
XV.
1791
French Ordinances. Marguery pre. L Instructions pour les Tambours. Rep. Kastner, App. 14: Batteries dOrdonnance avec les
Airs de hautbois ou Fifres. Louis XVI.
1798
Hyde Trumpet, 1798. Hyde, James, Trumpet Major. A New and Compleat Preceptor for the Trumpet & Bugle Horn. London: J.
Hyde, [c.1798]. Pp.54. I:TR,BU. Uk,b.133.(1.).
1798
British Bugle, 1798. Regulations for the Exercise of Riflemen and Light Infantry, and Instructions for their Conduct in the Field.
Pls. 7-8. London: Printed for the War-Office by T. Egerton, 1798. The British Library, 289.i.14
1799
British Bugle, 1799. Great Britain. War Office. Regulations for the Exercise of Riflemen and Light Infantry. London: T. Egerton,
1799. I:BU.Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, IX (1930),166-67. NB: identical to 1798.
1799
Broderip Sounds, 1799. The Sounds for Duty & Exercise for the Trumpet & Bugle Horns of His Majesty's Regiments & Corps of
Cavalry. London: Broderip & Wilkinson, [c.1799]. Pp.20. UkOxU, Mus.106.d.2.
1799
Hyde, James, Trumpet Major. A New and Compleat Preceptor for the Trumpet and Bugle Horn. London: Button & Whitakers,
[c.1799]. Royal College of Music, London SW7 2BS, England. Note: not coded; trumpet duty identical to 1798 edition, W78.
1800
French Ordinances. Les Instructeurs de lEcole Nationale. LAbrg des principes de Musique. Rep. Kastner, App. 15:
Ordonnance militaire des trompettes pour toute la cavalerie de la republique franaise.
1800
Bugle Ms, 1800. To Horse. [c.1800.] Pp.2. I:BU. RPB-JH, Music NO.767h v.2.\.
1800
Hyde, James. A New and Compleat Preceptor for the Trumpet and Bugle Horn. Second Edition. London: Whitaker & Comp,
[c.1800]. Uk,b.133.(2.) Note: not coded; trumpet & bugle horn duties identical to c.1798 edition, W78.
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CREDIT, JARI VILLANUEVA

HTTP://TAPSBUGLER.COM/AN-INTRODUCTORY-HISTORY-OF-THE-BUGLE/
THE MILITARY BUGLE AND TRUMPET DID NOT TYPICALLY HAVE VALVES OR KEYS AND THEREFORE WERE LIMITED IN WHAT MUSIC OR NOTES COULD BE PLAYED. BUT
THERE IS ELEGANCE IN SIMPLICITY, AND SIMPLICITY IS PARAMOUNT WHEN SIGNALING TO SOLDIERS IN CAMP AND IN BATTLE.
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T. Egerton, At the Military

Library, Near Whitehall,
1798
Regulations for the
Exercise of Riflemen and
Light Infantry
Signals of the Bugle Horn
in the Movements of Light
Troops, Plate 7
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T. Egerton, At the Military

Library, Near Whitehall,
1798
Regulations for the
Exercise of Riflemen and
Light Infantry
Signals of the Bugle Horn
in the Movements of Light
Troops, Plate 8
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JAMES HYDE
A NEW AND COMPLEAT PRECEPTOR FOR THE TRUMPET AND BUGLE HORN, SECOND EDITION.
LONDON: WHITAKER & COMP, C. 1800
HTTP://TAPSBUGLER.COM/AN-INTRODUCTORY-HISTORY-OF-THE-BUGLE/3/
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JAMES HYDE
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JAMES HYDE
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JAMES HYDE
NOTICE THE TRUMPET DUTY FOR REVEILLE IS DIFFERENT FROM THE BUGLE DUTY
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JAMES HYDE
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JAMES HYDE
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WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION:
BRITISH & PROVINCIAL
FORCES
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Written
accounts of
British and
Provincial
forces using
horns for
signaling.
13
A SAMPLING OF VARIOUS BRITISH INFANTRY, CAVALRY, AND PROVINCIAL USE OF SIGNALING HORNS
"4th. (King's Own) Regiment of Foot. 7 April 1774

Inspection Return. Light Infantry Company has a
German post-horn to give signals. Hew Strachan,
British military uniforms 1768-1796: the dress of the
British Army from official sources
"20th. Regiment of Foot. 2 April 1774. Inspection Return.
Light Infantry.... had a German post-horn." Strachan
"Paid G. Rodenbostell, for a trumpet and Music for the
Light Infantry Company, 6 13s." Cox & Co. Agent's
ledgers, 43rd Regiment of Foot, Lloyds Bank Archvies,
London: 26 Feb. 1773 Don Hagist [*Note: this ledger
entry reflects when the bill was paid, which may have
been from a few months to a couple years after delivery
of the items]
The Corps of Provincial Light Infantry often referred to

their drummers as Horn or Bugle which may indicate
they carried that in place of, or in addition to, their drum.
All horns and bugles provided to Provincials were
purchased in America by the Inspector General's
Department. It was a fairly heavy contingent account in
their declared audit after the war. Todd Braisted
Clothing & Supplies
New Jersey Volunteers Uniforms & Accouterments,
1776-1783
The light infantry companies of the battalions wore
leather caps in lieu of hats and shorter coats as per the
British Light Infantry. The musicians of the light
companies also carried a horn to give their signals to the
troops. Todd Braisted
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COX & COMPANY, ARMY AGENTS

JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF ARMY HISTORICAL RESEARCH, VOL. 17 (1938)
PAGES 92-157
SELECTED EXTRACTS OF ITEMS AND COSTS
1st Foot Guards: 1793, 2 Dec., Bugle horns, 27 4s.

2nd Troop, Horse Grenadier Guards: 1773, 31 Dec., 5 Horns and 6 Trumpeters.
2nd Dragoon Guards: 1766, 29 Oct. 4 silk trumpet slings, 2 2s
2nd Dragoon Guards: 1779, 13 April, Lacing the Trumpeters hats and dressing, 8s.
104th Foot: 1796, 29 Feb. 2 bugle horns, 8 85s.
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CREDIT, LINNEA BASS
Letter Loudoun to Barrington 24 Feb. 1776

"Colonel Mathews who is appointed to the Command of the Detachment of the Brigade of Foot Guards, having demanded
several Extra Articles for the Light Infantry Company of that Detachment Vist --"
"A Pr. of Bugle Horns 7.7. I must apply to Your Lordship to issue Your order that those things may be delivered with all convenient speed."
(WO1/992)
Letter Loudoun to Mathew 29 Feb. 1776
"The King having yesterday agreed that the Detachment from the Three Regts. of Foot Gds. should be furnish'd wth.
wooden Tubs instead of Tin Water Flasks and also two Bugle Horns, as you had a Patern made and know where the
Horns can be made to your liking. I am to desire you will give Orders accordingly that they may be provided and deliver'd
before the Troops are ready to March . . . . " (Loudoun Papers, Huntington Library, LO 6518)
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CREDIT, JAY CALLAHAM

HTTPS://GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/NEO/GROUPS/REVLIST/CONVERSATIONS/MESSAGES/71156
Letter Loudoun to Mathew 29 Feb. 1776

"The King having yesterday agreed that the Detachment from the Three Regts. of Foot Gds. (the Light Company - newly
formed) should be furnish'd wth. wooden Tubs instead of Tin Water Flasks and also two Bugle Horns, as you had a
Patern made and know where the Horns can be made to your liking. I am to desire you will give Orders accordingly that
they may be provided and deliver'd before the Troops are ready to March I shall immediately send Orders to Mr. Hume to
provide Powder Horns & Ball bags-- last night I received your Letter of the 28th in answer to Colo. Jones's. My Quere to
you was that as His Majesty had order'd the new Cloathing to be sent out compleat in the Same Shape as it would have
been deliver'd here, I desire to know if you would have the Grenadiers new Caps sent out without hats or if you would
chuse to have the old Caps with new Hats. As to your Request, you see by the Kings order that I have mentioned above,
that I cannot comply with it. As to the old Cloathing, after the Detachment is given into your Hands I shall ask no
Questions.
Loudoun-Hunt. LO 6518
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ADJUTANT GENERAL JOSEPH REED TO HIS WIFE
17 September 1776
The Battle of Harlem Heights
Just after I had sealed my letter and sent it away, an account came that the enemy were advancing upon us in three
large columns. We have so made false reports that I desired the General to permit me to go and discover what truth there
was in the account. I accordingly went down to our most advanced guard and while I was talking with the officer, the
enemy's advanced guard fired upon us at a small distance. Our men behaved well, stood and returned the fire till,
overpowered by numbers, they were obliged to retreat The enemy advanced upon us very fast. I had not quitted a house
5 minutes before they were in possession of it.
Finding how things were going I went over to the General to get some support for the brave fellows who had behaved so
well. By the time I got to him the enemy appeared in open view and in the most insulting manner sounded their bugle
horns as is usual after a fox chase. I never felt such a sensation before; it seemed to crown our disgrace.
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CREDIT, BART REYNOLDS

HERE IS A RECORDED USE OF THE BUGLE HORN (SPELLED BUEGIL HORN BY THE WRITER) BY THE BRITISH. THE WRITER IS LEWIS MORRIS, JR. AND THE LETTER IS TO
HIS FATHER BRIGADIER GENERAL LEWIS MORRIS. THE WRITER WAS THEN SERVING WITH THE NEW YORK MILITIA AS THE MAJOR OF BRIGADE.
Head Quarters, Septr 18th, 1776.

Dear Papa,
I just now was informed of an Express going to Congress. Conveyances are so seldom that I am resolved not to let this slip. In my
last I think I informed you that we were soon to evacuate New York. Very luckily I got out my Baggage a Saturday afternoon and
myself in the evening. Genl Green, a brave, sensible, polite Man, was kind enough to offer Major Smith and myself a Room in his
House. I shall continue with him till Genl Sullivan is exchanged. Saturday evening six ships passed by our Batteries up the East
River and anchored just above Mr. Stuivinsons House, five having passed by the Night before. A considerable Number of Boats
being collected upon the opposite shore and the Ships laying at that Place made me suspect what happened the next Morning. I
was at Genl McDougall upon the hill above Harlem Bridge and heard a heavy Cannonade from the ships, under cover of the Pier,
they landed their Men and formed a Line across the Island to cut off our Retreat; but what with shameful Flight in some and good
conduct in others we evacuated the city with little or no loss. We got chief of our Baggage off and are now upon the Heights above
Harlem where we shall do or die. A Monday Morning an advanced Party, Colonel Knoultons Regiment, was attacked by the Enemy
upon a Height a little to the South West of Dayss Tavern, and after opposing them bravely and being overpowered by their
Numbers they were forced to retreat and the Enemy advanced upon the Top of the Hill opposite, to that which lies before Deyess
Doare, with a Confidence of Success, and after rallying their Men by a Buegil Horn and resting themselves a little while, they
descended the Hill with an Intention to force our Flanking Party which extended from the North River to the before mentioned Hill,
but they received so warm a Fusilade from that Flank and a Party that went up the Hill to Flank them and cut off their Retreat, that
they were forced to give Way. Their loss is something considerable, ours, about forty wounded and twelve killed. The Impression it
made upon the minds of our People is a most signal Victory to us and the Defeat a considerable Mortification to them. I must refer
you to the genl expesses for particularsfor my seat is uneasy, setting upon the Floore and writing upon a Chest. I will write you
again fully when we get settled. I wish you could send me a Blanket coat as the equinoctial storm is coming on and I am something
unwell. My Love to my dear Mother, Tomme, and all the Family.
I am your Son, L. M.
[Pattison, page 447-448.]
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CREDIT, STEVE RAYNER
Date 1777
Lieutenant Martin Hunter, 52nd Regiment of Foot Light Infantry Company, serving with the 2nd Battalion of Light Infantry;
his account of Germantown is pp. 33-35:
"We charged them twice, till the battalion was so reduced by killed and wounded that the bugle was sounded to retreat;
indeed had we not retreated at the time we did, we should have been all taken or killed, as two columns of the enemy had
nearly got round our flanks.
This was the first time we had ever retreated from the Americans, and it was with great difficulty that we could get the
men to obey our orders."
Source: Hunter, Anne, and Bell, Elizabeth; "The Journal of General Sir Martin Hunter." Edinburgh Press, Edinburgh,
1894.
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CAPTAIN ROBERT HINDE

THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LIGHT HORSE, 1778
HTTP://BOOKS.GOOGLE.COM/BOOKS?ID=JB5EAAAAYAAJ
Necessaries of a Light Dragoon

A brass trumpet 2 2s 0d
Sling and tassels 0 10s 0d
Trumpeters Hat and feather 1 0s 0d
Trumpeters pay a week 0 10s 0d
Trumpeters subsistence a week 0 7s 0d page 201-203
In the year 1764, his Majesty thought proper to forbid the use of brass fide drums in the Light Cavalry, and in their room
to introduce brass trumpets, so that each troop has one trumpet, who when they are dismounted, form a band of music,
consisting of two French horns, two clarinetts, and two bassoons, and also one fife, to a regiment; but when mounted, the
trumpets only sound.
They use also a bugle horn, which is slung over the shoulders of one of the Trumpeters, and is a signal to assemble the
Troops, in the same manner as beating to arms was formerly. It is of an antique form, and is also used during the
exercise as occasion requires. pages 206-207
*Note: The practice of a bugle horn slung over the shoulder of one of the trumpeters is still in use today, as videos of the
Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery clearly show.
A Trumpeter's [pall], [to be supported] by one serjeant, one corporal, and twelve men. Upon the coffin to be laid a
trumpet, with the sword and pistols; all the trumpeters attending and sounding a dead march. page 306
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PAGES 556-557
HTTP://BOOKS.GOOGLE.COM/BOOKS?ID=JB5EAAAAYAAJ
THIS SOURCE PROVIDED NO SHEET MUSIC FOR THE SOUNDS TO BE PLAYED FOR THESE COMMANDS. WE CAN LOOK TO JAMES HYDES A NEW AND COMPLEAT
PRECEPTOR FOR THE TRUMPET AND BUGLE HORN FOR POSSIBILITIES OF HOW THESE MAY HAVE SOUNDED AT THE TIME. SEE THE FIRST SECTION FOR HYDES MUSIC.
THE TRUMPET DUTY, OR SOUNDS OF THE TRUMPET.
For Stables.
To Boot and Saddle.
Horse and awaydone sometimes by the Bugle-Horn.
The March.
For Water.
For Stables.
The Setting the Watch or Taptoo at Night.For Stables in the Morning.
The Call.For Parade or the Assembly.
Sounding to Horse.For Stables in the Evening.
To Repair to the Alarm-Post by Bugle-Horn.
The Standards Call.
At Fetching and Lodging the Standards.
At Drawing and Returning Swords.
The Slow March on Footby the Band of Musick.
The Quick March on Footby the Fife.
Preparative for Firing.
To Cease Firing.
To Form Squadronsby Bugle-Horn.
To Advance.
To Charge, or Attack.
To Retreatby French-Horns.
To Trot.
To Gallop.To FrontTo Form.
To Form Squadrons, and the Lineby Bugle-Horn.
To Rallyby Bugle-Horn.
The Non-Commissioned Officers Call.
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CAPT. EYRE COOTES 37TH LIGHT INFANTRY COMPANY ORDER BOOK, 1778 1781
EYRE COOTE PAPERS, WILLIAM L. CLEMENTS LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
TRANSCRIBED AND EDITED BY PAUL L. PACE, JUNE 15, 2011
HTTP://WWW.REVWAR75.COM/LIBRARY/PACE/37-LIGHT-OB.PDF
TOWNSHEND, ORDER FOR LIGHT INFANTRY DRILL AND DISCIPLINE FOR THE IRISH ESTABLISHMENT, MAY 15, 1772
RULES AND ORDERS FOR THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LIGHT INFANTRY COMPANIES IN HIS MAJESTYS ARMY IN IRELAND.
All Officers Commanding Companies, or any body of Light Infantry, are to fix upon signals for extending their Front to the
Right or to the Left, or to both Flanks, or to Close to the Centre, to retire, or to advance, and these signals must be made
by a loud whistle, a posting horn, or some other instrument capable of conveying a sufficient sound to be heard at a
considerable Distance, and the stoutest of the Drummers is to be taught to sound these Instruments by directions from
the Commanding Officer, who is to give the strictest Orders to the Men to be silent and attentive without which it is scarce
possible that any action in a wood can be successful.
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THE WRITINGS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT SOURCES, 1745-1799
JOHN C. FITZPATRICK, EDITOR
HTTP://MEMORY.LOC.GOV/AMMEM/GWHTML/GWHOME.HTML
The text of this correspondence from General George Washington to General Sir William Howe reveals that a soldier in
the Continental army not only deserted the service, but enlisted with the enemy as a trumpeter. He then found himself on
duty under a flag of truce walking into familiar territory only to be taken prisoner for his previous desertion. Because of
General Washingtons respect for those under flag of truce, the trumpeter was released and allowed to return to the
British lines.
George Washington to Sir William Howe
Head Quarters, March 22, 1778.
Sir: Your several Letters of the 15th. 19th. and 21st. Instt. have been duly received.
The conduct of Lieutenant Col. Brooks [Note 14: Lieut. Col. John Brooks, of the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment.] in
detaining John Miller, requires neither palliation nor excuse. I justify and approve it. There is nothing so sacred in the
Character of the King's Trumpeter, even when sanctified by a flag, as to alter the nature of things, or consecrate infidelity
and Guilt. He was a Deserter from the Army under my Command; and, whatever you have been pleased to assert to the
Contrary, it is the Practice of War and Nations, to seize and punish Deserters Wherever they may be found. His
appearing in the character he did, was an aggravation of his Offence, in as much as it added insolence to perfidy. My
scrupulous regard to the priviledges of flags, and a desire to avoid every thing, that partiality itself might affect to consider
as a violation of them, induced me to send orders for the release of the Trumpeter, before the receipt of your Letter; the
improper and peremptory Terms of which, had it not been too late, would have strongly operated to produce a less
compromising conduct; I intended at the time to assure you, and I wish it to be remembered, that my indulgence in this
instance, is not to be drawn into precedent, and that, should any deserters from the American Army, hereafter have the
daring folly to approach our Lines in a similar manner, they will fall victims to their rashness and presumption.
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HTTP://WWW.REVWAR75.COM/LIBRARY/PACE/37-LIGHT-OB.PDF
Battn: Orders 10th: Decer 1779
the horns are to Sound the Retreate at 8 Oclock
Huntington [Lt. Inf.] Bregade Orders Augst 27 - 1780

No Noncomitioned offr or Soldier Will be Permited to go beyond hearing the Horn Without a pass Signed by a field offr.
Stragling, in this part of the Country, being Very Dangerous, on account of Small Partyes of The Enemy Which frequently
Sculk In the Neibourhood.
The Inhabitants Complean That the Soldiers Steal & Destroy there Vigatables
Lt. Coll: [Robert] Abercromby [37th/Lt. Inf. Brig.] Expects that The offrs Will pay attention To the behavior of there Men in
this as Well as in Other Pirticulars.
[Lt. Inf. Brig.Orders] Bedford 8th Novr 1780

B, O
At 8 OClock the Horns will Sound the Retreat, If any Man Is absent then Or at any Hour of the Night he must be Reported
to the Comdg Offr. of his Battalion and will be punished Severly for Disobeidence of Orders
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COLONEL VON EHWALD

A TREATISE UPON THE DUTIES OF LIGHT TROOPS, 1803
The principal rule is, to know your enemy and the country. But should an ambuscade be laid in vain, retire from it with the
greatest silence without being discovered by anyone, and not follow the example of that man whom Colonel Wurmb
placed in ambuscade in the campaign of 1779, in the church-yard near Philips Bridge, and ordered, if the enemy did not
appear, to return silently at day break. The enemy did not appear, and the dextrous partisan called back his sentries with
the bugle. It appears scarcely probable, but I heard it with my own ears. page 246
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Brigade Orders 17th Novr. 1780

The Troop to be Immedeatly Compleated to 2 Serjts, 2 Corpls, 1 Horn [man to play the horn], 1 Farrier and 44 privates
When men are Sent to the Troop Coln [Robert] Abercromby [37th/ Lt. Inf. Brig.] requests that they be Soulgers of the
beast caracter And Low Nature
Bragad Orders 13th Decr 1780

A Working party Consisting of 2 Captns 4 Subs 5 Serjts: 5 Corpls 2 Horns and 2 hundred Private men to parade to
morrow morning at half past 7 OClock
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DAVID SCHENCK
NORTH CAROLINA, 1780-'81: BEING A HISTORY OF THE INVASION OF THE CAROLINAS
18 August 1780
Musgrove's Mill, South Carolina
"The American commanders took up their line of march from Smith's Ford of Broad River, just before sundown, on the
evening of the 18th of August, 1780, continued through the woods until dark, and then pursued a road, leaving Ferguson's
camp about three miles to the left. They rode very hard all night, frequently in a gallop, and just at the dawn of day, about
a half a mile from the enemy's camp, met a strong patrol party. A short skirmish ensued, and several of them were killed.
At that juncture, a countryman, living just at hand, came up and informed them that the enemy had been reinforced the
evening before with six hundred regular troops (the Queen's American regiment from New York, under Colonel Innes,
destined to reinforce Ferguson's army.) The circumstances attending the information were so minute that no doubt was
entertained of its truth. To march on and attack the enemy then seemed to be improper; fatigued and exhausted .as were
the Americans and their horses, to attempt an escape was impossible. They instantly determined to form a breast- work
of old logs and brush, and make the best defence in their power. Captain Inman was sent out with twenty-five men to
meet the enemy, and skirmish with them as soon as they crossed the Enoree River. The sound of their drum and bugle
horns soon announced their movements.
Page 49
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CREDIT, PATRICK OKELLEY

HTTPS://GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/NEO/GROUPS/REVLIST/CONVERSATIONS/TOPICS/75016
18 August 1780
Fishing Creek
According to folks about to get hacked up by Tarleton at Fishing Creek he started the assault by a bugle command.
Elizabeth Peay had been riding with Sumters army so that she could be near her husband. Her house was burned,
everything destroyed, and she followed the army to escape starvation. She had been shadowing Sumters
army, and had fallen in with them a couple of days before. She had an infant that rode with her on one horse, and her
servant, a Negro man, riding another horse and carrying the other child. She had been sitting on a log, breast-feeding
her baby, when she heard Tarletons boys sound the trumpet to charge.[i] Tarletons horsemen dashed and jumped over
the logs on each side of her, without injuring her.
[i] She said that Tarleton had six boys who were his trumpeters
Nothing But Blood and Slaughter, pg 281. Original text in the Draper Manuscripts
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CREDIT, TODD W. BRAISTED

THE PROVINCIAL LIGHT INFANTRY AND THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS BOTH UTILIZED HORNS, OR AT LEAST THE LATTER HAD SIGNALS FOR THEIR USE. THIS COMES
FROM THE ORDERLY BOOK OF LIEUTENANT ANTHONY ALLAIRE OF THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS, COLLECTIONS OF THE NEW BRUNSWICK MUSEUM, ROBINSON
PAPERS, SHELF 128, BOX 6, PACKET 49.
"Detachment Orders Nestor Transport Jany. 1st 1780 Signals for the Drum, Bugle or Whistle (The German Jaegers used similar
calls)
1st 1 Short Sound - Flankers to go out.
2nd One long Sound Flankers and all other Party's to come in.
3rd two Short Sounds - to March.
4th two (Very) long Sounds - to form the Battn. & Prepare for Action. N.B. - Whenever this Signal is Used the Utmost Silence,
Steadiness and Attention to be Observed.
5th three Short Sounds - to Run or Advance without Dispersing in rough fighting Order.
6th the same frequently repeated - Rangers to pursue at full Speed.
7th A Short Sound followed by a long, if Marching to Halt, if firing to Cease.
8th the Same thrice Repeated - to Retreat.
N.B. - when a Signal is not Generally heard it will be repeated One time after.
When the Above Signals are Not used or cannot be heared, the Men will cast their eye on the Officer Commanding the Division or
Detachment.
When he waves his hat with An extended Arm above his head, they will form
Upon him in the Direction in which he faces.
If he holds his hat towards the Ground they will lay down in the Utmost Silence.
If he Points to the forward, Rear, Right or left, they will immeadiately face & March in the Same Direction.
The American Volunteers was the corps created in December of 1779 from volunteers in the Provincial Corps at New York City for
the Charlestown Campaign. This was the unit commanded by Patrick Ferguson, and those are his orders above. The corps was
issued initially with rifles, but at least a quarter of them maintained muskets. The "Rangers" he mentioned above were to be one half
of the corps (about eighty men), "the Most active And best Marksmen...the first Rank of whom to have Firelocks; the rear Rifles."
(continued next page)
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30

THE PROVINCIAL LIGHT INFANTRY AND THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS BOTH UTILIZED HORNS, OR AT LEAST THE LATTER HAD SIGNALS FOR THEIR USE. THIS COMES
FROM THE ORDERLY BOOK OF LIEUTENANT ANTHONY ALLAIRE OF THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS, COLLECTIONS OF THE NEW BRUNSWICK MUSEUM, ROBINSON
PAPERS, SHELF 128, BOX 6, PACKET 49.
Now as to the six companies of the Provincial Light Infantry, three companies specifically list something other than
"drummer." I realize drummer may not necessarily refer to someone playing a drum, but these list something else. On the
muster rolls of the corps taken at the Quarter House, South Carolina, for 24 October 1781 the following men are listed:
For Captain Jacob Van Buskirk's Light Infantry Company of the 4th Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers "Bugler Hugh
Christie."
For Captain Gilbert Willett's Light Infantry Company of the 3rd Battalion, DeLancey's Brigade, "Bugle Neal Kelly."
For Captain Thomas Cornwell's Light Infantry Company of the King's American Regiment, "Bugle Jesse Bostick."
Source: National Archives of Canada, RG 8, "C" Series, Volume 1900.
Jesse Bostick and his Light Company rejoined the King's American Regiment at Savannah in December of 1781 and was
transferred to the unit's troop of light dragoons, where in the April, 1782 muster he is listed as "Trumpeter."
For the Queen's Rangers, it is somewhat interesting, in that it is their Grenadier Company that is listed in having a
hornsman. For their muster at Kensington, outside Philadelphia, on 8 February 1778, their Grenadier Company lists
"Drummer John Thompson, Fifer Dennis May, Hoarn Arthur French."
Source: NAC, RG 8, "C" Series, Volume 1861, Page 21.
French was shortly thereafter transferred to the detachment (later troop) of Hussars, where he became their trumpeter.
He is referred to several times in Simcoe's journal. After French's posting to the cavalry, the Grenadier Company is listed
as having two fifers and two drummers, similar to British regiments.
Horns of War
31

29 May 1780
Waxhaws, South Carolina
Buford witnessed the capture of the rearguard and had his men form for battle. Buford detached his supply wagons, and
sent them on. He sent his artillery, under the command of Captain John Champe Carter, on with the supply wagons.
Buford would regret that he did not recall them. When he heard the sound of Tarletons bugle he deployed his infantry into
a single line, with a small reserve to the rear. Buford did not believe that this was a major threat and instead it was just a
few dismounted cavalry. Another Virginia officer told his men to remain calm because it was only a few light Horse who
could be defeated easily.
Horns of War
32
NORTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA
1 February 1781
At the British columns crossing at the Cowans Ford during the Race to the Dan River
The enemy [the British] moved steadily forward their fire increasing until their left reached the mouth of the branch
upwards of thirty poles from the Ford. The ravine was too steep to pass. The rear of their Infantry and front of their
Cavalry was about the middle of the river when the bugle sounded on their left, on which, their tire slacked, and nearly
ceased, (they were loading their pieces.) In about a minute it sounded again, when their whole line from the Ford to
the branch advanced up the bank, with their arms at a trail. The hill was in many places, so steep that they had to pull up
by the bushes.
Joseph Graham
North Carolina University Magazine, Revolutionary History of North Carolina, Page 107
Horns of War
33
LIEUT. COL. JOHN GRAVES SIMCOE

A HISTORY OF THE OPERATIONS OF A PARTISAN CORPS, THE QUEEN'S RANGERS
Lt. Colonel Simcoe wrote often about his buglers, even calling them by name. Their actions in military operations are
recounted in his memoirs. Presented here are excerpts.
31 January 1779, Raid into New Jersey: On the arrival at the cross roads, from Amboy to Elizabethtown, the troops were
challenged, the whole body halted, and with such profound silence, added to their being in the middle of the road, and at
night when the beaten path in it appeared among the snow like a dark streak, that the enemy were deceived and thought
themselves mistaken, as was learnt from their conversation, which was plainly over-heard : but another patrole on
horseback, falling in on the flank of the march, discovered the party ; the enemy's sentinels fired, and in succession the
bugle-horns, drums, and bagpipe of the Queen's Rangers sounded; an universal alarm being given and propagated, the
party returned towards Woodbridge page 133
January 1781, General Benedict Arnolds Raid into Virginia: "Lt. Col. Simcoe sent the bugle horns [the horn players
themselves], French and Barney, through an enclosure to the right, with orders to answer his challenging, and sound
when he ordered; he then called loudly for the light infantry, and hollowed "sound the advance;" the bugles were sounded
as had been directed, and the enemy fled on all sides, scarcely firing another shot. Trumpeter French and two
huzzars were wounded; about a dozen excellent horses were seasonably captured. page 166-167
(continued on next slide)
Horns of War
34
LIEUT. COL. JOHN GRAVES SIMCOE

A HISTORY OF THE OPERATIONS OF A PARTISAN CORPS, THE QUEEN'S RANGERS
26 June 1781, Battle at Spencers Ordinary: Trumpeter Barney, who had been stationed as a vidette, gave the alarm,
and gallopped off so as not to lead the enemy directly to where the cavalry were collecting their forage and watering, and,
with great address, got to them unperceived by the enemy, calling out draw your swords Rangers, the rebels are coming.
Capt. Shank, who was at Lee's farm waiting the return of the troops with their forage, in order to post them, immediately
joined, and led them to the charge on the enemys flank, which was somewhat exposed, while some of them were
engaged in securing the bat-horses at the back of Lee's farm : he broke them entirely. Serjeant Wright dashed Major
Macpherson, who commanded them, from his horse ; but, leaving him in pursuit of others, that officer crept into a swamp,
lay there unperceived during the action, and when it was over got off. Trumpeter Barney dismounted and took a French
officer, who commanded one of the divisions By a mistake, scarcely avoidable in the tumult of action, Capt. Shank
was not supported, as was intended, by the whole of his cavalry, by which fewer prisoners were taken than might have
been : that valuable officer was in the most imminent danger, in fighting his way back through the enemy, who fired upon
him, and wounded the Trumpeter Barney and killed some of the Huzzars, who attended him. page 228 & 235
Summer 1781, Approach to Yorktown: The peninsula was intersected with roads, full of small woods, and the enemy
were in force. Lt. Col. Simcoe expected to be ambuscaded ; so that he marched only with his cavalry, and through byepaths and the woods. In approaching the post, he left the party with orders for them to retreat whensoever the buglehorns sounded the advance, and proceeded himself with a small escort, some officers and the bugle-horns ; being
mounted on a tall horse, a matter of great utility in all reconnoitering parties, he saw the heads of some people in
ambuscade, before they could stoop from notice on his approach, and another party was plainly discovered on their
march to get behind him on the Williamsburg road : the horns sounded, the alarm was given, and the party retreated by
the ways they came, unmolested, to Williamsburg. page 238-239
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35
CREDIT, PAUL PACE

February April, 1780

Siege of Charleston
I may also declare that for ten weeks after landing in South Carolina the 11th February last [1780], I had neither my
clothes or side-arms off, except while shifting, or never lay down to sleep without my fuzee stretched alongside of me, or
within my arms, ready to start up with it to the first sound of the bugle horn, which the Light Infantry used instead of a
drum. it resembled a huntsmans horn, and by different notes, easily distinguished, loudly expresses the different words of
command, to be heard at two miles distance; twelve or fifteen of them together make the most lofty warlike music in the
world. With these I have known the whole Light infantry roused at one oclock in the morning on a sudden alarm, formed,
and ready for action within the short space of three minutes from the time of their being in a profound sleep after a
fatiguing march; and to the honour of these brave fellows be it told, not one man of a company in the whole battalion
missing.
Letter from Lt. Colin Campbell of the 74th Light Infantry Company
[Source: The Story of the Highland Brigade in the Crimea Founded on Letters Written During the Years 1854, 1855, and
1856, by Lieut. Colonel Anthony Sterling, Remington & Company, London, 1895, Google Books, pp.xiv-xvii
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36

HTTP://WWW.ROYALPROVINCIAL.COM/MILITARY/COURTS/CMCHAND.HTM
4 April 1780 May 1780

General Court Martial of Chandler, Dwight, Letchmore, Murray & Bacon
Q: At the time that the Prisoners went into his room, had either of them any sticks, or any kind of weapon?
A: LETCHMORE had a horn in his hand.
Q: Had the Prisoners any Weapons?
A: DWIGHT had a Sword (but not drawn), and LETCHMORE had a bit of a horn (what they call the hounds with.)
[Extract of the General Court Martial whereof Major Edmund EYRE was President, held at Bedford, Long Island between
4 April 1780 -- 5 May 1780.]
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37

HTTP://WWW.ROYALPROVINCIAL.COM/MILITARY/RHIST/SCMIL/SCMINSTRUCT.HTM
22 May 1780
Instructions to Major FERGUSON, Inspector of Militia.
By Virtue of the Commission of Inspector of Militia, with which you are vested, you will use your best Endeavours, without Loss of
Time, to form into Corps all the Young or unmarried Men of the Province of Georgia and the two Carolina's as Opportunity shall offer,
to serve under the Orders of Lieutenant General Earl CORNWALLIS, or other General Officer, commanding in these Provinces.
This Militia you will form into Companies consisting of, from 50 to 100 Men each, and will when the local and other Circumstances
will admit of it, form Battalions consisting of, from 6 to 12 Companies each, allowing such as cannot conveniently be assembled in
Battalions, to remain as Independent Companies.
Each Company to be under a Lieutenant chosen by the Men, to whom you may add if you find it necessary, an Ensign from the Non
Commissioned Officers and others who have served in the Army, to assist in establishing a certain Degree of Order, Regularity and
Discipline, which however must be done with great Caution, so as not to disgust the Men, or mortify unnecessarily, the Love of
Freedom.
Major TIMPANY of the 3d Battalion of Jersey Volunteers will act under you as Major and Captn. Lieutt. Frederick DePEYSTER as
Captain in the First Battalion to which you will appoint an Adjutant and Quarter Master, each to do the Duty of the other when
necessary; also a Surgeon.
The Officers during actual Service to have Army Pay, and those already in the regular Service only one Pay.
Each Company may be allowed two Serjeants, two Corporals and one Horn. The other Battalions to have a similar Establishment.
University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers, Volume 100, item 15
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38
C. STEDMAN
THE HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN, PROGRESS, AND TERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN WAR, VOLUME 2, 1794
6 August 1780
Battle of Hanging Rock,
The Loyalist reinforcement consisted only of forty mounted infantry of the [British] legion who were returning from Rocky
Mount: But the captains Stewart and Macdonald, who commanded it, by ordering the men to extend their files, gave it the
appearance of a formidable detachment. The bugle horns were directed to sound a charge: And the Americans, already
kept at bay, were now fearful of being overpowered, and hastily retreated, leaving behind them about one hundred of their
killed and wounded.
page 202
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39

20 November 1780
Blackstocks Plantation, South Carolina
The British rallied their exhausted men and retreated in order, but they left the field with half of their men lost to the action.
Daniel Stinson wrote, The British made three charges and after the final one, sounded the bugle for retreat, which was
known in Sumters camp.
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40
CREDIT, KATE
November 7, 1781
PHILADELPHIA, November 7.
Extract of a letter from General WASHINGTON, dated Head Quarters, near
York, October 27, 1781.
RETURN of Ordnance and Military Stores taken at York and Gloucester, in Virginia, by the surrender of the British army,
on the 19th of October, 1781.
...
Drums good 62, damaged 19 - Total 81
Drum slings 18, fife cases 10, fife slings 7 trumpet 1.
Bugle horns 18, French horns 5 - Total 23
(Signed) H. KNOX, commanding the artillery of the United States.
The Pennsylvania Gazette
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41

EMMERICK'S CHASSEURS, DISBANDING OF CORPS
31st of Augt 1779

Head Quarters New York
The Commander in Chief is pleas'd to make the follow'g Arrangement, of the Corps Command'd by Lt Col'l EMMERICH
One Troop Consisting of a Quarter Master, Two serjeants, 1 Trumpeter & 40 rank & file, to be form'd out of the Cavalry
under the Command of Capt'n HUCK, L't HUNT, and Cornet TWAINE, to be put under the Orders of L't Col'l TARLETON
but not to be incorporated with the Legion.
The remaind'r to be dismounted and from them and the Infantry a company of 3 serj't, 1 drum, 53 rank & file to be formed
and added to the New York Volunteers under the Command of Capt'n ALTHOUSE, Lieu't de BECK, & Ensign
ALTHOUSE the remainder to be put under the care of Lieu't OLDING and to join the company now commanded by Major
SHERIDAN in the New York Volunteers.
Sho'd any of the Infantry being Irish prefer Serving in the Queens Rangers or Volunteers of Ireland to Serving in the New
York Volunteers they will be permitted that Indulgence & the Scotch and English may if they please chuse the Queens
Rangers or the Legion command'd by Lord CATHCART.
University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers, Volume 67, item 1.
Horns of War
43
CREDIT PATRICK OKELLY

January 1781
In Peter Horry's diary he writes that he was sent to the Waccamaw to reconnoitre and drive off some cattle. After crossing
Socastee swamp he heard of a party of British dragoons under Colonel Campbell. He had in his command a Captain
Clarke, who seems to have been not too bright. Near the great Waccamaw road, the bugles of the British were heard
sounding the charge. Horry was prepared for the enemy, but such was not the case with Clarke. He confounded the
martial tones of the bugle with the notes of the hunting horn. "Stop," he said to his men -- "stop, and you will see the deer,
dogs and huntsmen, as they cross the road." He himself happened to be the deer. The dragoons were upon him in a few
moments, and he discovered his mistake only when their swords were about his ears. He was taken, but escaped.
Horns of War
44

HTTP://WWW.ROYALPROVINCIAL.COM/MILITARY/MUSTERS/BRITLEGN/MRBLMAIN.HTM
A SAMPLING OF TRUMPETERS ON THE ROLES OF THE BRITISH LEGION
Hovenden's Troop:
Muster Roll of Capt. Richard HOVENDENs Troop of Light Dragoons Commanded by Lieut. Colonel TARLETON for 25th
October to 24th December 1781
Trumpeter William POWEL
Trumpeter John McKEDDY at New York
James' Troop:
Muster Roll of Captain Jacob JAMESs Troop of Hussars of the British Legion Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
TARLETON from 25th October to 24th December 1781Fosters Meadow
Trumpeter Joseph BOWERS
Trumpeter William BUCHANAN
In Charlestown
Gildarts Troop:
Muster Roll of Capt. GILDARTs Troop of Light Dragoons belonging to the British Legion Commanded by Lieut. Colonel
TARLETON from the 24th of October 1781 to the 24th of December following
Trumpeter Peter ADKINS
Taken Prisoner 19 Octr. 1781
Trumpeter Patrick SMITH
do
do
National Archives of Canada, RG 8, C Series, Volume 1884, page 5.
Horns of War
45

HTTP://WWW.ROYALPROVINCIAL.COM/MILITARY/RHIST/KAD/KADSTDS.HTM
KING'S AMERICAN DRAGOONS, DELIVERY OF THE STANDARDS
7 August 1782
Mr. RIVINGTON,
THE delivery of the standards of the King's American Dragoons, to that regiment, by his Royal Highness PRINCE WILLIAM HENRY,
which was performed on Thursday last at their Camp near Flushing, was a ceremony attended with such solemnity, and productive
of so much real pleasure to a numerous and respectable assembly of people, that a spectator cannot omit attempting a description
of it.
The regiment (which consists of four complete troops mounted, and two dismounted) was formed on very advantageous ground in
front of their encampment, with two pieces of light artillery on their right.
As soon as the consecrating and saluting the standards was over, and the regiment formed, his Royal Highness Prince William
Henry, attended by Admiral DIGBY, and General BIRCH, and followed by the honourable Lieutenant-Colonel FOX, and Lieut.
Colonel SMALL, (bearing the standards) came forward to the centre of the regiment, where his Royal Highness receiving the
standards from his Excellency Admiral DIGBY, presented them with his own hand to Lieutenant-Colonel THOMPSON, who delivered
them to his eldest Cornets;
Upon a signal given the whole regiment with all the numerous spectators gave three shouts; the trumpets sounded; the music played
God Save the King; the artillery fired a royal salute, and the ceremony was concluded.
The singular dignity, and very gracious manner with which his Royal Highness conferred this peculiar honour on Lieutenant-Colonel
THOMPSON and the regiment, evidently excited the most genuine gratitude in him and his officers, and afforded the highest
satisfaction to many of the spectators, who have been witnesses of the disinterested zeal and spirited exertions of that distinguished
officer.
A SPECTATOR.
The Royal Gazette, (New York)
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46

21 April 1782
Dorchester, South Carolina, Siege of Charlestown
[Captain] Rudolphs [of Colonel Henry Lees Legion] prisoner [a trooper of the loyalist Black Dragoons] told him that a
single troop under the command of Captain Dawkins had gone by the way of the Goose Creek bridge and would return by
the way of Dorchester. [Lees Legion Captain] ONeal pursued the Loyalist troop and discovered Dawkins passing through
the village of Dorchester. Both sides charged simultaneously and a desperate fight began. A bugle sounded and
dismounted cavalry lying in concealment rose up on all sides. They were armed with carbines and fired a volley into
ONeals flanks.
Horns of War
47

HTTP://WWW.ROYALPROVINCIAL.COM/GENEALOGY/SETTLE/LNDQAR3.SHTML
Post War Settlement

Return of Queen's Rangers
His Majestys Corps of Queens Rangers
Return of Officers, Staff, Non Commissiond Officers, Privates, Women & Children for lands in Nova Scotia.
1 Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, 1 Major, 15 Captains, 17 Lieutenants, 14 Cornets & Ensigns, 1 Chaplain, 1 Qr.
Master Infantry, 5 Ditto Cavalry, 1 Surgeon, 1 Mate, 41 Serjeants, 28 Corporals, 14 Trumpeters & Drummers, 505
Privates, 60 Women, 70 Children.
University of New Brunswick, Edward Winslow Papers, Reel 152, 2-71.
Horns of War
48
BY WILLIAM FAWCETT, ADJUTANT GENERAL, PRINTED BY ORDER OF HIS MAJESTY

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CAVALRY, 1795
HTTP://BOOKS.GOOGLE.COM/BOOKS?ID=UIFEAAAAYAAJ
ALTHOUGH THIS DESCRIPTION OF DRESS IS FROM MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS AFTER THE END OF THE AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE, I HAVE INCLUDED IT HERE
BECAUSE NO OTHER EARLIER TEXTS ARE AS DETAILED AS THIS REGARDING THE SUBJECT.
DRESS OF THE TRUMPET MAJOR.

As he does not ride out in watering order, he has nothing to do with the stable dress, though he must have one in his possession,
because he may be called upon to ride out. He must wear, his uniform; coat, waistcoat, and breeches, black leggins, sword with the
belt over the coat, black stock and turnover, plain hat and feather, with his hair clubbed in the exact regimental form, with the
regimental rosette, and powdered, gloves and cane.
When for a parade, or any duty whatever, he must be dressed as above, with his trumpet slung.
On Sundays, and at a review, and on every occasion when the whole wear their hats, excepting field-days, he must wear his laced
hat.
He must have a regimental cap to wear at the riding school and horse drills.
His coat mull be hooked, as ordered for the Serjeants.
Whenever he turns out on horseback, his hat or cap, whichever he has on, must be tied quite fast.
DRESS OF THE TRUMPETERS.
At riding out in watering order, the Trumpeters must be dressed in the stable dresses, with their trumpets slung at their backs, and
foraging caps on; hair clubbed, without powder.
On a foot parade without arms, they must be in their uniform coat, waistcoat and breeches, black leggins, black stock and turnover; black cap; hair clubbed exactly like the men, and powdered; the trumpet slung over the right shoulder, with the bell upwards;
gloves on, and switches, unless they have their instruments, in which case they have no switches.
When they are ordered under arms on foot, they wear hats and feathers, if the men have their hats and swords, with the belt over
the coat; on Sunday the same.
At horse or foot drills they wear caps; on field days hats.
When they turn out on horseback, they must have their arms and accoutrements in the most perfect order, and in every respect as
well put on, as those of the men.
Whenever a Trumpeter wears his hat, his feather must be in it; in short, they must never be separated.
In common, going about his Quarters, he must not wear his trumpet, but it must be hung up in his Quarters; nor is he to wear his
sword, excepting on parades under arms on Sundays, and when the men parade with belts and bayonets.
Whenever they turn out on horseback, their caps or hats, whichever they have on, must be tied quite fast.
Horns of War
49
LIEUT. COL. A. EMMERICH

THE PARTISAN IN WAR, OF THE USE OF A CORP OF LIGHT TROOPS TO AN ARMY, 1789
Based in part on his experiences in the American War of Independence, Emmerich gives the advice:
Chapter VII
Of the Precautions to be Observed by a Partisan
10. The commanding officer of the Light Corps must always have a trumpeter or drummer at hand, that in case he
receives intelligence of any immediate danger, he may instantly order one or the other to sound, ot beat an alarm.
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50
AMERICAN FORCES
Horns of War
Written accounts
of American
forces using
horns for
signaling.
51
CREDIT, SCOOTER PIRTLE

HTTP://WWW.MIDDLEHORNLEADER.COM/EVOLUTION%20OF%20THE%20BUGLE%20--%20SECTION%202.HTM
By 1778, the Journals of the Continental Congress listed musicians used by the military in the following configurations
Configuration of Musicians used by the Continental Army as of 1778

Infantry Battalion
1 Drum major, 1 Fife major, 18 drums and fifes
Artillery Battalion
1 Drum major, 1 Fife major, 24 drums and fifes
Cavalry Battalion
1 Trumpet major, 6 Trumpeters
Provost
2 Trumpeters (29)
The number of musicians utilized by the military remained virtually unchanged until 1941. After 1875, bugles were used in
lieu of fifes until drummers were also discounted.
http://www.middlehornleader.com/Evolution%20of%20the%20Bugle%20--%20Section%202.htm
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52
CREDIT, JIM SIERADZKI

In the "General Account of the Expenses Made by General Count Pulaski for his Legion", the following entries relate to
trumpets and French horns:
"90 yards strings for the trumpets 5/.....$60.00 [likely the cord used for wrapping round the horn]
"To have the Trumpeters teached"..........$60.00"
"For 3 french Horns.......$140.00"
"60 yards green laces for the Trumpeters coat at 5/.....$46.00"
(Revolutionary War Rolls 1775-1783, National Archives Microfilm Publication M246, roll 116.)
Note that Pulaski's Independent Legion was a combined force of dragoons and infantry "equipped in the manner of light
infantry". The account entries above show that trumpets and French horns were purchased, but give no indication of how
they were distributed or used.
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53
PRE-REVOLUTION EPISCOPAL CHURCH BRISTOL, CT

FROM: A HISTORY OF BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
BY: EPAPHRODITUS PECK
PRINTED BY: THE LEWIS STREET BOOKSHOP, HARTFORD, CT, 1932
HTTP://WWW.ROOTSWEB.ANCESTRY.COM/~CTAHGP/HISTORY/BRISTOL2.HTM
The traditions in the Graves family give us the best information of any about the 'Sons of Liberty,' and it is probable that
the Graves homestead was the most frequent recipient of their unwelcome raids. 'Captain Wolson's Sons' they are in one
place called. Who Captain Wilson was is left to conjecture, but Wilson is a Harwinton name, and a name found to fit the
description is that of Captain John Wilson, who during these troublesome times was Harwinton's deputy to the General
Assembly. From the Graves family may be learned the precautions that the Tory families were compelled to resort to;
how, while the men worked together on the farm of one of their number with their guns near at hand for protection, the
woman each with her children at home listened for the sound of a horn and watched for a glimpse of the 'Sons'; how upon
sight of the marauders she blew a loud blast upon a conch or horn and then laid it in its hiding place, prepared to receive
the band, or how, when she heard a blast sounding in the air, she blew an even louder one herself, that the signal might
pass along to her neighbors. The story is told that Captain Wilson once presented his pistol to the head of a young girl in
the Graves household and threatened to shoot. her if she did not tell him where the noisy conch was concealed."
Horns of War
54
CREDIT, WAYNE BRUNT

HTTPS://GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/NEO/GROUPS/REVLIST/CONVERSATIONS/MESSAGES/234 ,
HTTP://ARCHIVE.ORG/STREAM/MUSTERROLLSETC1700MONT/MUSTERROLLSETC1700MONT_DJVU.TXT
Late June, early July 1775

Thompsons Battalion of Riflemen
Each company was to consist of one captain, three lieutenants, four sergeants, four corporals, a drummer or trumpeter,
and sixty-eight privates.
The pay of the officers and privates was a follows: ...a corporal, seven and one-third[dollars]; a drummer or trumpeter,
the same....
PA Archives, Second Series, vol X page 4
[Note: No mention is made of fifers.]
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55
THE WRITINGS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT SOURCES, 1745-1799.
JOHN C. FITZPATRICK, EDITOR.
HTTP://MEMORY.LOC.GOV/MSS/MGW/MGW3G/001/017.JPG
Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 12, 1775.

Parole Falmouth. Countersign Worcester.
When any Trumpeter, or Flagg of Truce, is sent from Boston, or any Post occupied by the Enemy; they are to be stop'd
by the first Sentry they are permitted to approach, who is to call for the Serjeant of the Guard, who will conduct them to
the Officer of his guard, and such Trumpeter, or Flagg of Truce, is not to be allowed to stir one step beyond that Guard.
The Officer commanding the Guard, will send any Letters or Messages brought from the enemy, immediately to the
Commander in Chief and no other person.
Horns of War
56
CREDIT, BOB ALLEGRETTO

2ND CONTINENTAL LIGHT DRAGOONS ROSTER 1777-1783
HTTP://HOME.COMCAST.NET/~2DRAGOON/2LDROSTER.HTML
Name
Rank
Troop
Number
Time of Enlistment
Trade or
Occupation
Stature
Complexion
Eyes
Hair
Casualties
Discharged
in 78
Jonathan Roberts
Trumpeter
First
13 Jan 1777
Farmer
5 5
Dark
Dark
Brown
Daniel Robinson
Private, promoted to
Trumpeter 1 May
1778
First
27 December 1776
Blacksmith
5 6
Light
Light
Brown
John Copley
Trumpeter
Second
4 March 1777
Weaver
5 9
Light
Light
Brown
Discharged
March 78
Asa Gilbert
Trumpeter
Second
12 May 1779
Farmer
5 7
Light
Light
Light
Discharged
1 May 1780
John Dorn
Trumpeter
Second
18 Feb 1780
5 8
Light
Light
Light
Deserted
80
William Gale
Trumpeter
Third
2 April 1777
Farmer
5 9
Light
Light
Red
Discharge
July 78
Lewis Hart
Trumpeter
Third
8 April 1777
Seaman
5 8
Light
Light
Light
James Hurbut (?)
Trumpeter
Fourth
27 March 1777
Farmer
5 8
Dark
Dark
Dark
Wincent Currio
Trumpeter
Sixth
1 July 1777
Soldier
5 4
Dark
Dark
Dark
---
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---
Killed 15
June 1781
---
58
BRITISH RAID OF DANBURY, 1777

HTTP://WWW.HISTORYOFREDDING.COM/HRREVWAR.HTM
26 April 1777
British Raid of Danbury, Connecticut
As the British marched toward Danbury, the remaining patriots of Redding anxiously awaited the approach of the Patriot
troops in pursuit. At length they came in view, marching wearily, in sodden, disordered ranks, a small army of five
hundred men and boys, led by Brigadier General Silliman. They were comprised of soldiers from the companies of
Colonel Lamb's battalion of artillery, with three rusty cannon, a field-piece, part of the artillery company of Fairfield, and
sixty Continentals; the rest were an untrained assemblage, chiefly old men and boys. It was eight o'clock in the evening
when the troops arrived at Redding Ridge-an evening as disagreeable as a northeast rainstorm with its attendant
darkness could make it. Here the troops halted an hour for rest and refreshment. At the expiration of that time a bugle
was heard from far down the turnpike; then the tramp of horsemen was heard, and presently Major General Wooster and
Brigadier General Arnold, dashed into the village of Redding Ridge.
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CREDIT, JOHN U. REES

HTTP://REVWAR75.COM/LIBRARY/REES/MONMOUTH/MONMOUTHB.HTM
June 1778
Monmouth Courthouse Campaign
25th June The Horn blowed (a substitute for a drum in the [light] Infantry corps) we marched about four miles - halted &
put ourselves in a fighting position - the enemy were close by - we moved to Allenstown and halted for the day.
26th
At the sound of the horn we marched eight miles and halted, owing to a heavy shower of rain which lasted
some time - After it abated marched two miles and halted in a wood.
27th
Early this morning, at the sound of the horn we marched three miles and were ordered back to our old
ground, then filed off in a bye road, on the left flank of the enemy - marched within one mile of English Town and made
brush huts.
Diary of Bernardus Swartout, 2nd New York Regiment, 10 November 1777-9 June 1783, Bernardus Swartout Papers,
New York Historical Society, 4-6.
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CREDIT, JOE WHITNEY

HTTPS://GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/NEO/GROUPS/BUGLE/CONVERSATIONS/MESSAGES/4009
REFERENCES BY WASHINGTON OF THE USE OF CAVALRY AND DRAGOON TRUMPETERS IN TRUCES/PARLEYS/CARTELS, AND THE TROUBLE THE LACK OF SUCH MAY
CAUSE.
To COLONEL STEPHEN MOYLAN

Head Quarters, April 3, 1778.
Sir: By command of His Excellency, I am to desire, you will send a corporal and six Dragoons, with a Trumpeter to Head Quarters,
without loss of time. They are wanted to escort the Commissioners on our part who are to meet on the subject of a General Cartel.
You need not be told they must be picked Men and horses, must make the best possible appearance, must be very trusty and very
intelligent. They should also be of the same regiment.
To SIR HENRY CLINTON
Head Quarters, West Point, August 25, 1779.
Sir: I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter from Major General Heath accompanied by a report from Captain Haywood, (lately
sent by him with a flag to your Lines) representing the treatment he met with from Colonel Wurmb, the commanding officer.
Persuaded that you will reprobate so gross a violation of a flag [of truce], I have no doubt that you will take effectual measures
to discountenance the indecent irregularity of Colonel Wurmb's behaviour and prevent a similar instance hereafter. I have the honor,
etc.
(Clinton's answer of September 29 inclosed Lieut. Col. Ludwig J. Adolph von Wurmb's report (September 7), which gave as his
reason for arresting the flag [the men bearing the flag of truce] and the threats uttered, that the flag consisted of two men, one "in a
blue coat and white cuffs, and another very indifferently dress'd. One of them had a white handkerchief tied to a little stick, and there
was neither a Trumpeter, nor a Drummer, and still less any military escort with them." Wurmb objected to what he called this irregular
manner of sending a flag and considered its purpose, "to ask, whether a certain woman would be allowed to go to New York" too
trivial to justify a flag of truce. Clinton's letter is in the Washington Papers.)
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GEORGE WASHINGTON PAPERS AT THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

1741-1799: SERIES 3G VARICK TRANSCRIPTS
APRIL 1, 1779 GENERAL ORDERS
HTTP://MEMORY.LOC.GOV/MSS/MGW/MGW3G/004/042.JPG
Head Quarters, Middle Brook, Thursday, April 1, 1779.

Parole Huntingdon. Countersigns Henly, Ham.
At a General Court Martial whereof Colonel Hall [Col. David Hall of the Delaware Regiment] was President March 1779,
Ludwich Wolfe, Trumpeter in the Marechausie Corps, was tried for "Concerting a plot to desert to the enemy and carry
with him two horses the property of Captn. Von Heer."
The court are of opinion he is guilty of attempting to desert to the enemy being a breach of the 4th. Article of the 6th.
section of the Articles of War and sentence him to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back well laid on.
The General approves the sentence and orders it to be put in execution tomorrow.
Note: The Marechausee Corps were a form of military police first formed at Valley Forge the winter of 1778-1779 to help
patrol the camp, keep the peace, apprehend deserters, and remove those who would prey on the soldiers.
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17 January 1781
Battle of the Cowpens
Howards Continentals turned and began firing a volley into the charging British, at a range of ten or fifteen yards. Each
company, from the left to the right fired their volley. Some of the British soldiers saw the Continentals turning on them and
threw down their arms and fell upon their faces. Thomas Young wrote, The militia fired first. It was for a time, pop-poppop-and then a whole volley; but when the regulars fired, it seemed like one sheet of flame from right to left. Oh, it was
beautiful! When the line fired, The ground was instantly covered with the bodies of the killed and wounded, a total rout
ensued. The Continentals followed up the devastating volley with a bayonet charge right into the front of the Highlanders.
At the same time Washingtons white-coated dragoons returned, smashing into the Highlanders left flank and rear.
[Militiaman Thomas] Young wrote, At this moment the bugle sounded. We about half formed, and making a sort of
circuit at full speed, came up in rear of the British line, shouting and charging like made men! This was what most
commanders dreamed of, the classic double envelopment. Kirkwoods Delawares wheeled to the right and attacked their
left flank so vigorously that they were soon repulsed. Young wrote, The British broke, and throwing down their guns and
cartouch boxes, made for the wagon road, and did the prettiest sort of running! The 71st fought back with irregular firing
but when Pickens riflemen came back onto the field and began firing on the Highlanders, they broke and ran. As the
British line fled from the field they left the artillery behind. Washingtons Dragoons rode through the Highlanders and
continued on toward the Legion cavalry in reserve. In their path were the artillerymen. The artillerymen did not run, but
stood by their guns. The Dragoons cut down the drivers of the artillery limbers, and rode on.
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CREDIT, JASON MELIUS
5 Feb 1781
Camp at the Trading Ford
O'Hara to Cornwallis
"My dear Lord The water has rose so considerably as to cover the waggon totally you saw yesterday overagainst the
upper ford. About nine last night we observed the number of their fires to decrease considerably, and at eleven two only
could be seen. At the reveillee this morning we heard their bugle horn and saw their centrys posted upon the bank of the
river retire from the water side. Till within this half hour we have not seen any people on the other side. About four or five
with their arms (apparently a small guard) are all we see at present. They are posted in the house by the ford.
Cornwallis Papers, Vol IV, p22.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR MEMOIRS OF GENERAL HENRY LEE

EDITED BY ROBERT E. LEE
13 February 1781, near Guilford Courthouse

The morning was cold and drizzly; our fires, which had been slow in kindling, were now lively; the meat was on the coals,
and the corn cake in the ashes. At this moment, a friendly countryman appeared, riding in haste to our camp, informed,
that Lord Cornwallis, had got into our road;
[Captain] Armstrong selected the dragoons mounted on the swiftest horses, and was in the act of moving, when the
amicable countryman protested against accompanying him, unless furnished with a better horse [Lieutenant Colonel
Henry] Lee dismounted his bugler [James Gillies], whose horse was given to the countryman; and the bugler was sent
back to camp. Lee led his detachment into the woods, and retired slowly, in sight of the road. He presumed, that should
Armstrong be followed.
Shortly thereafter, Lee heard the sound of muskets and Armstongs and Tarletons troops both appeared, but his
presence went unnoticed by both parties. As Lee was determined to interpose in time to rescue his bugler, and soon
saw the enemy's near approach to his defenceless bugler, who was immediately unhorsed, and sabred several times
while prostrate on the ground.
Lee was so distraught from this act of murder of a beardless, unarmed youth that he ordered Captain Miller on the
last counter-attack to give no quarters, which was not followed as Miller was unaware of Gillies death.
The main British force under General Lord Cornwallis soon approached and Lees Legion was forced to vacate the area.
At the conclusion of the action, the dead, eighteen in number, being left on the road where they fell, were buried by order
of Lord Cornwallis as he passed. On the part of the American officer no life was lost, except that of the beardless bugler,
who died soon after the advance of the enemy was announced. His corpse was necessarily deposited in the woods
adjoining the road, with the hope that some humane citizen might find it. Today, a monument to James Gillies stands on
the grounds of Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.
The Revolutionary War Memoirs of General Henry Lee, Edited by Robert E. Lee, pages 240-242
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8 September 1781
Eutaw Springs, South Carolina
[South Carolina State Dragoon] Lieutenant James Simons had also been wounded twice. He saw that Washington was
being spared and he cried out for quarter, and distinctly heard the reply, oh yes, well quarter you. He expected, of
course, that in the next moment he would be killed, when his horse, roused by the gleam of arms and array of steel
flashing before him, or more probably by the well known call of his own bugle sounding a retreat, made a sudden effort to
get up, and rose with Lieutenant Simons clinging to his neck, and did succeed in bearing him off in that way, until they
reached his retreating comrades, when the horse again fell down and died; but Simons was taken up by his own men and
recovered.
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THOMAS SUMTERS BUGLER SCOTT
"From this position, Sumter temporarily controlled all the river crossing near Camden. At one swoop he had blocked one
of the two routes to Charleston. "The Gamecock" was exuberant. Never had his guerilla army been so colorful. He had
recently enlisted two North Africans who had somehow been caught up in this war; he made a bugler of one of the Arabs,
and the other, Yusef ben Ali [later known as Joseph Benenhaley], was now a scout."
Rise and Fight Again, Charles Bracelen Flood
About the same time that Benenhaley volunteered, a man named Scott also came forward. Scott was believed to be a
mixed-blood Frenchman with an assumed name. Gen. Sumter appointed Benenhaley as his scout and Scott as his
bugler, and the two remained constantly with the general throughout the war. After the war, they were given land on
the general's plantation, and their families were referred to as Turks by people in the area.
http://www.geocities.ws/juliealleman/Taylor/pafn01.htm
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CREDIT, DELAWARE SELIG REPORT

HTTP://WWW.PENCADERHERITAGE.ORG/MAIN/PHHISTINS/PHSOL.HTML
24 December 1782
First review of Lauzuns Legion in their Wilmington winter quarters
First Squadron of Hussars consisted of seven officers, 10 NCOs, the fourrier-ecrivain, two trumpets, a medic, a farrier,
and 118 hussars, five of whom were in the hospital.
The Grenadier Company had six officers, 18 NCOs, two drummers, and 76 chasseurs (two of whom were listed as
absent).
The Second Squadron of Hussars numbered 7 officers, 13 NCOs, 2 trumpets, and 120 hussars, 9 of whom were in the
hospital.
The staff consisted of 11 officers, and 3 enlisted men.
On Christmas Day, 1782 Lauzuns Legion in Wilmington numbered 39 officers, 559 rank & file and 281 horses.
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SOUTHERN CAMPAIGN AMERICAN REVOLUTION PENSION STATEMENTS

TRANSCRIBED BY WILL GRAVES 12/31/08
HTTP://REVWARAPPS.ORG/S41545.PDF
Pension application of Joseph Fog (Fogg) S41545 fn9NC

State of North Carolina
Came before me Henry Crowell one of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity for the State
aforesaid Joseph Fog who first being duly sworn on the Holy evangelist of Almighty God, deposeth and saith that he
entered as a Trumpeter in Count Pulaski's Legion of Horse, and or about the latter part of April A.D. 1777, that he
continued in this capacity in the service of the United States until the 22nd day of April A.D. 1781 at which time he was
discharged at Richmond Virginia. This deponent further saith that from his reduced circumstances in Life he stands in
need of his countries [sic] assistance for support
S/ Joseph Fog, X his mark
Subscribed & sworn to before me this sixth day of April 1818
S/ Henry Crowell
State of North Carolina Warren County: Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions August Term 1820
On this 28th day of August 1820 personally appeared in open court it being a Court of Record expressly made
so by the laws of the State Joseph Fog aged 67 years, resident in said County who being first duly sworn according to law
doth on his oath declare that he Served in the revolutionary War as follows He enlisted in October 1777 and served until
1781 on Continental establishment, as will more particularly appear by reference to his original declaration now on file in
the war Department: -- That he received pension Certificate, number 128 -- dated 11th April 1818.
S/ Jo. Fogg, X his mark

Sworn to & declared in open Court the 29th day of August 1820. S/ Caswell Drake, Clerk
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GERMAN FORCES
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Written
accounts of
German forces
using horns for
signaling.
71
CREDIT, JUSTIN BOGGESS

Ewald's horn signals to be used by his Danish Jger Corps:

1 Blast HALT
2 Blasts MOVE (or move FASTER)
3 Short Blasts Rally on the officer
1 Short, 1 Long blast RETIRE (Think Re TIIIIRE)
Short blasts, over and over CEASE FIRE
1 Short Blast FIRE
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CREUZBOURG, CARL ADOLPH CHRISTOPH VON, REPORTS OF THE HESSE HANAU JAGER CORPS 1777-1783, TRANSLATED BY JOHN C. ZULEGER. LETTER Q OF THE
LIDGERWOOD COLLECTION.
CREUZBOURG, CARL ADOLPH CHRISTOPH VON, ORDER BOOK OF THE HESSE HANAU FELD JGER CORPS MAY 7, 1777 TO APRIL 30, 1783, TRANSLATED BY VIRGINIA
RINALDY, LETTER HZ-4 OF THE LIDGERWOOD COLLECTION.
Dated Sept 13, 1777. Isle aux Gallots on Lake Ontario (pgs 38-9) One of the Jgers in my company from Neuwied,
called Jger, had shown a kind of dementia for some time. He was lost while encamped near Riviere aux Sable. For an
entire day, a search was made for him in every possible place and, during the night, all the trumpeters were sent through
the woods to blow their horns.
Dated June 1, 1778. Terrebonne Canada (pg 61) A helicon player [bugler or horn-blower] named Sehnable deserted but
has since returned.
Dated September 24, 1779. Assomption, Canada (pg 85) Your Serene Highness' gracious approval of my proposal for
new tents comes at a very opportune time. Thus far, the results of my demands have awarded to the detachment of 1
captain, 2 officers, 8 non-coms, 3 helicon players, 1 field surgeon, and 100 Jgers which marched to Carleton Island on
the 10th of this month, not only new tents, from the government, but also new kettles, bottles, tent covers, axes,
hatchets, as well as a pair of new shoes and long woolen trousers for each man.
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From the daybook of the Hesse Hanau Jaeger Corps' journey across the Atlantic:
June 15 1777: Sunday, adverse wind, rough, foggy weather. We had to blow our tuba, fire shots, and rattle the anchor
chains to warn ships which were invisible because of the heavy fog. Other ships did likewise and thus we all escaped the
imminent danger of crashing.
July 3 1777, Thursday, beautiful but very warm, wind moderately good. Around nine o'clock, we sighted a foreign ship in
the distance on which we discovered, through a spyglass, what we believe to be Jaegers. We immediately conjectured
that it might be a part of the Kornrumpf Company, which had sailed away from us at Plymouth three weeks before. We
blew the tuba, but the wind carried the sound away from them. Around one o'clock, they blew and we answered.
Following this, they repeated all our signals quite intelligibly.
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From the Order Book of the Hesse Hanau Jager Corps.

Portsmouth May 7, 1777an oboe player is to be selected who can announce the orderly to me at all times. He is to have also his
rifle with him.
Carillon, October 3, 1777 The remainder of the entire corps is to remain dressed during the night, so that at the first signal from the
tuba, the men can immediately assemble on the parade with heavy and light weapons, and await further notice.
Carillon, November 8, 1777 In a thick fog, all boats must be directed by the tuba, which will be sounded from the Lieutenant
Colonel's boat.
No tuba will be blown by any of the companies except when a boat meets with an accident.
Point Levi, June 21, 1780 A tuba will be given each company, which in turn will be given the under officer so he will be able to signal.
Point Levi, November 11 1780 If the night trumpet is sounded, it is for the color sergeant. If the marching trumpet is sounded, it is for
the picket.
Wolf's Cove, September 8 1781 The signal for departure will be given on the tuba at exactly four-thirty, whereupon all boats may
range themselves in order.
Pointe Au Fer, October 13 1781 The men must have their weapons, munitions, and light equipment in such order that they can
prepare to march at the first signal on the tuba.
Pointe Au Fer, October 14 1781 Should the men go out, a tuba signal will be sounded through the entire camp. While the General is
in camp, neither overcoat nor grey breeches will be worn.
Carillon, November 9 1781 Tonight when the tuba signal is given, companies will fall in and march to the boats quietly. As soon as
Colonel St. Leger's signal, which is two musket shots, is given, all will proceed to the ship and, upon a repeated signal on the tuba,
all are to set out immediately.
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JOHANN EWALD
DIARY OF THE AMERICA WAR, A HESSIAN JOURNAL, 1776-1784
TRANSLATED AND EDITED BY JOSEPH P. TUSTIN
CREDIT, JUSTIN BOGGESS (EXCEPT FOR 3 SEPTEMBER 1777)
13 April 1777 The day dawned and I was exposed to a murderous fire. When I looked around for my men, I saw that no one had
followed me except the brave Lieutenant Trautvetter, my hornblower Muller, Corporal Doerinckel, and the jagers Reichmeyer,
Meister, Mergel, Haschell, Gurckel, Buchwald, and Ruppel; the last two being severely wounded. We had no choice but to lie down
on the ground before the bridge, whereupon I ordered "Forward!" [to be] sounded constantly. Luckily for us, Colonel Donop's column
appeared after a lapse of eight or ten minutes, whereupon the Americans abandoned the redoubt. We arrived in the town with the
garrison of the redoubt amidst a hard running fight, and the greater part were either cut down or captured.
3 September 1777 The Commander in Chief himself appeared and ordered Lieutenant Colonel Wurmb to drive the enemy off the
mountain. The charge was sounded, and the enemy was attacked so severely and with such spirit by the jagers that we became
masters of the mountain after a seven-hour engagement.
16 April 1777 Fortunately for me, the jagers had caught my horse, whereupon my hornblower Muller, jager Bauer, and jager Ewald
decided to search for me, even if it meant risking their lives and liberty. To my great joy, these faithful fellows appeared and found
me in my wretched situation. Since the Americans were placed some distance from the sunken road and fired in that direction, I
asked both jagers to return fire and had the hornblower blow "Forward!" Thereupon the enemy ceased firing; the rest of the jagers
came up; one put me on a horse, and I arrived safely at my post where I was bandaged. I was a du jour today and visited the outpost
toward evening. I had hardly ridden over it when I heard assembly blown in the Jager Corps. I hurried back as quickly as possible
and found that Major Prueschenck, Captain Lorey, and I, each with one hundred men, were ordered to march immediately to
Philipse's wharf.
15 February 1781 I quickly formed a front on the flank and directed my men to fire a volley as soon as they caught sight of the
enemy and then boldly attack the foe with the bayonet and hunting sword. I ordered the jagers to disperse on both flanks and kept
the rangers in close formation. We had not passed five to six hundred paces through the wood when we saw the enemy in a line
facing the side of the highway to London Bridge, firing freely against Captain Shank's advance. In doing so, they carelessly showed
us their left flank. I got over a fence safely without being discovered by the enemy. Here I had a volley fired, blew the half-moon, and
shouted "Hurrah!" I scrambled over a second fence and threw myself at the enemy, who was so surprised that he impulsively fled in
the greatest disorder into the wood lying behind him.
(continued)
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JOHANN EWALD
26 June 1781 (Spencers Ordinary) After I had advanced several hundred paces into the wood, I halted and reformed the
remainder of the three ranger companies which did not number sixty men. We fell in on a footpath which ran through a
thick brushwood. Here Lieutenant Bickell came to me with ten or twelve jagers and asked me to sound the call to
assemble the jagers, for they had dispersed so widely in attempting to outflank the enemy that he feared a part of them
would fall into enemy hands. I informed him that we did not dare to disclose ourselves by sounding the half-moon, and if
half of them were lost, I still would not allow it to be blown; he might see if he could assemble the men by whistling or
signaling. He was gone scarcely a minute, when he came running back and whispered softely in my ear that an entire
column of the enemy was approaching at quick step. I went several paces ahead on the path and suddenly ran into
people. I could not help myself and cried, "Fire! Fire! The rangers fired, and a running fire broke out from the enemy's
side for several minutes. Then it was quiet again. I now observed that it was time to fall back and signaled to the jagers
and rangers. I left the wood during the lull and took post on both small hills in the plain, which Bickell and the jagers had
gone around at the beginning of the action. Here I could look all around, and here I had assembly sounded in order to
give the jagers in the wood the signal to withdraw.
*Endnote 170- Literally, a "half-moon blower," from Halbermondblaser; hereafter called a hornblower, not a bugler or
trumpeter. Such hunting-type horns, called "half-moons", were brass cresecent-shaped horns made for the Jager Corps.
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JOHANN EWALD
10 January 1781
From the embarkation at Byrd's plantation up to the landing at Hardy's Ferry in the County of Isle of Wight.
The 10th. In the morning the entire corps embarked on its small vessels and set sail at once.
Toward evening the general received the news from shore that General Steuben was advancing with a corps from Petersburg, in order to occupy
the position at Hood's Point again and make our passage difficult.33
Despite a sudden gale and thunderstorm, General Arnold ordered me get into the boats with fifty jagers, along with Colonel Simcoe with two
hundred [Queens] rangers, Colonel Dundas with two hundred men of the 80th regiment, and Major Robinson34 with two hundred men of his corps.
We landed at ten o'clock in the evening on Hood's Point without seeing anything of the enemy.
I was the first to go ashore. Since the thunderstorm had subsided and a beautiful, clear evening with moonlight followed, by which one could see
all around, I took four men, a hornblower, and Captain Murray of the Rangers to reconnoiter and patrol a short distance into the country. I ordered
two men to proceed in front of me at a distance of fifty paces, and I followed with the people mentioned.
The way led through a wood which was enclosed by wooden railings, and the road, on which the heavy rain still lay, was wide and sandy. I had
hardly gone four to five hundred paces when I heard horses trotting through the water. I bent down to the ground and could detect something
approaching me. I had no desire to run back, since I thought that it would be several men whom I could seize. To the right on this side of the fence,
or railing, I found three or four trees, behind which I concealed myself and the other four men. A moment later, a body of twenty to thirty horse
appeared. I had a mind to let them pass and fire upon them from the rear. But the officer, who looked my way just as he approached me, ordered a
halt and called to me, "Who's there?" I kept still; he called again, "Who's there?" Since the game was now too serious for me, I jumped out from
behind the tree and shouted to him, "Friend of the watch!" At that moment I called for fire. The two jagers who were with me, and the hornblower,
who was armed with one of my double pistols, gave fire and the entire troop fled. The two jagers whom I had sent ahead dropped to the ground at
their approach and contributed their fire. This party had probably been sent out to patrol toward Hood's Point. I was annoyed to think that if I had
taken twenty-four men with me instead of four, the entire party would have been mine.
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COLONEL VON EHWALD

A TREATISE UPON THE DUTIES OF LIGHT TROOPS, 1803
Colonel Ehwald recommended that a corps of light troops ought to have 1 bugle horn major, 2 companies of foot riflemen
with 2 buglers each and 2 companies of light infantry with 2 buglers each to whom I would give also to the light
companies, in order to accustom the whole corps to obey the sounds, as well as the voice, and, because this instrument
is preferable to any other in the field, as it may be distinctly heard at the distance of three miles. page 18-20
Frequent use of calls must be made [in flanking maneuvers], and the men well practiced to obey them, as given with the
trumpet, bugle, drum. page 38
[R]ecollect always the old saying, he who never runs, can never be pursued. For instance, in a foraging that was
undertaken from New Brunswick to Quibeltown [New Jersey], I made the rear after it was ended, with my yager company
and a detachment of the English light infantry. The country was intersected with mountains and thickets; I therefore
placed the light infantry in the centre, and the yagers upon both flanks: I had scarcely retreated a step than the enemy
appeared, and pressed me on all sides. General Leslie rode up to me at the moment when a party of riflemen fell upon
my right flank; the general himself thought, that if I were not supported, many men and waggons must be lost. I reached a
small height at this moment, which lay in a thick wood: my plan was formed instantly, I ordered the bugle horn to sound
the attack, and rushed vigorously upon these desperadoes, many fell by the bayonets of the light infantry, and the enemy
renounced the pursuit. Lord Cornwallis testified his approbation in general orders, and each yager received a present of a
dollar. page 265
According to Todd Braisted, this is likely referring to a forage expedition that took place between January and June 1777,
and may specifically be part of the January 24th battle in that area.
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PICTORIAL RECORD
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ATTRIBUTED TO MARTIN FERDINAND QUADALL

LIGHT INFANTRYMAN, SOUTHERN FENCIBLES, 1778
REDCOAT IMAGES #1541
BUCCLEUCH COLLECTION
Although this is not a bugler, it is presented as it is a

rare look at an 18th century light infantry enlisted man
and the style of clothing seen in North America after
1770. Note the shorter length coat, red waistcoat without
skirts, shoulder wings (the other flank company grenadiers - also had these marks of distinction), and
cap rather than a cocked hat.
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L. ROUSSELOT
LIGHT INFANTRY DRUMMER, 7TH FOOT
ANNE S. K. BROWN MILITARY COLLECTION
This drummer of the British 7th Light infantry (circa 1787)

sports colorful embellishments on his coat and waistcoat that
distinguish his as the signaler for his company within the
regiment. Here, he is shown in his parade best, without bugle
and carrying his primary instrument.
Drummers and hornsmen in light infantry companies appear
to have worn the same head gear as the other ranks, which
differentiates them from the battalion men and grenadier
company drummers and fifers who were issued tall bearskin
caps for formal occassions. There is some evidence that light
infantry buglers primarily played drum, but switched to horn
on campaign or when in battle. To wit, as early as 1772,
Townshend, in his Order for Light Infantry Drill and Discipline
for the Irish Establishment, recommended that the stoutest of
the Drummers is to be taught to sound these Instruments
[loud whistle, a posting horn, or some other instrument]. And

according to Todd Braisted, noted authority on Loyalists in
the American Revolution, The Corps of Provincial Light
Infantry often referred to their drummers as Horn or Bugle
which may indicate they carried that in place of, or in addition
to, their drum. All horns and bugles provided to Provincials
were purchased in America by the Inspector General's
Department. It was a fairly heavy contingent account in their
declared audit after the war.
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RICHARD LIVESAY
THE GRAND REVIEW AT SANDHAM BAY IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT ON THE 4TH OF JUNE 1798
Bugler of a rifle company sounding signals on a half

moon style of bugle horn.
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DELLA GATTA
THE BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN 1777, 1782
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LEIB-JAGER CORPS
1950S COPIES OF THE BLECKWENN COPIES OF THE 1785 WATERCOLORS OF THE HESSIAN ARMY, COMMISSIONED BY THE LANDGRAF, FRIEDRICH II
CREDIT, TIM LOGUE
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JAGER CORPS
PRESUMEDLY COPIES OF THE BLECKWENN COPIES OF THE 1785 WATERCOLORS OF THE HESSIAN ARMY, COMMISSIONED BY THE LANDGRAF, FRIEDRICH II
CREDIT, OLA JM
NOTE THE ELABORATE CORD-WRAPPING AND TASSELS ON THE HORN
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GEORGE STUBBS, SOLDIERS OF THE 10TH LIGHT DRAGOONS, 1793, ROYAL COLLECTION
CAVALRY (DRAGOONS), BY TRADITION, CARRIED TRUMPETS OF A LONGISH SHAPE INSTEAD OF THE ROUND BUGLE OR GERMAN POST-HORN
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ATTRIBUTED TO J. WOOTTON
DETAIL FROM GEORGE III'S PROCESSION TO THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, 1764
REDCOAT IMAGES #2198, THANKS TO DR. GREGORY URWIN
ROYAL COLLECTION
The trumpeter here in the upper right corner belongs to

the troop of Horse Guards that surround him. His coat is
heavily embellished with gold lace befitting the occasion.
A red banner edged with gold fringe hangs from his long
silver trumpet.
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J BOYDELL
HIS MAJESTY REVIEWING THE VOLUNTEER CORPS ASSEMBLED IN HYDE PARK JUNE 4 1799
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J BOYDELL
HIS MAJESTY REVIEWING THE VOLUNTEER CORPS ASSEMBLED IN HYDE PARK JUNE 4 1799
DETAIL OF TRUMPETER
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BRIAN FOSTEN, AFTER DAVID MORIER

15TH LIGHT DRAGOONS BUGLER
WILTON HOUSE
NOTE: THIS IS A MODERN DEPICTION BASED ON PRIMARY SOURCES AND PREVIOUS ARTWORK OF THE SAME SUBJECTS
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W. HOLLAND
THE COCK OF THE ROCK ON HIS CHARGER, 1790
ALTHOUGH THIS IS A CARICATURE AND WHAT WE WOULD LABEL AN EDITORIAL CARTOON TODAY, IT DOES SHOW ONE MORE STYLE OF HORN THAT WAS IN USE, AS WE
SHALL SEE IN JUST A FEW MORE SLIDES.
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LIGHT HORSEMAN SOUNDING A BUGLE HORN. FROM A CONTEMPORARY POWDER HORN.

JOE KINDIG, JR., COLLECTION
HAROLD PETERSON'S BOOK OF THE CONTINENTAL SOLDIER, P 194
THANKS TO STEVE RAYNER
POWDER HORNS ARE PRONE TO FAKERY MORE THAN OTHER ANTIQUES AND ARTIFACTS OF THE TIME PERIOD. AS SUCH WHILE THIS HORN APPEARS IN ANOTHER
BOOK WITH A DEPICTION ON THE OTHER SIDE OF NATIVES THAT IS DISPUTED WE SHALL CONSIDER THIS ONE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT.
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PAGE 207
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ENGRAVING ON POWDER HORNS REPRESENTING VARIOUS STYLES OF BUGLE HORNS

MILITARY HISTORIAN AND COLLECTOR, SPRING 1984
ACQUIRED THROUGH HTTP://WWW.MIDDLEHORNLEADER.COM/EVOLUTION%20OF%20THE%20BUGLE%20--%20SECTION%202.HTM
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ALLAN J. FERGUSON
TRUMPETS, BUGLES AND HORNS IN NORTH AMERICA 1750 1815
HTTP://TAPSBUGLER.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2010/09/TRUMPETS-BUGLES-AND-HORNS-IN-NORTH-AMERICA-1750-1815-ALLAN-FERGUSON.PDF
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ALLAN J. FERGUSON
TRUMPETS, BUGLES AND HORNS IN NORTH AMERICA 1750 1815
HTTP://TAPSBUGLER.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2010/09/TRUMPETS-BUGLES-AND-HORNS-IN-NORTH-AMERICA-1750-1815-ALLAN-FERGUSON.PDF
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TRADE CARD OF WILLIAM BULL TRUMPETT MAKER, THE BISHOPSGATE INSTITUTE
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FLEMING, DER VOLLKOMMENE TEUTSCHE JAEGER, 1722, PLATE 12, BILDINDEX-DOT-DE
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ANTIQUES
& ARTIFACTS
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BRITISH 68TH LAMBTON CAP, LATE 1700S

DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY MUSEUM
BRITISH 7TH REGIMENT LIGHT INFANTRY CAP
Two extant samples of caps often worn by buglers of light infantry troops
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OFFICERS LIGHT INFANTRY HELMET OF THE KINGS LIGHT DRAGOONS, 1766

HTTP://WWW.BRITISHEMPIRE.CO.UK/FORCES/ARMYUNIFORMS/BRITISHCAVALRY/15THLTDRAGOONS1766.HTM
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HUNTING HORN (TROMPE DE CHASSE)

CARLIN, PARIS, MID XVIIITH CENTURY
MUSE DE LA MUSIQUE, PARIS
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DRUM, HORN, TAMBOURINE AND FIFE CASE

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, ENGLAND
THE HORN SHOWN HERE IS THE HALF MOON STYLE. THEY ARE OFTEN REFERENCED IN GERMAN ACCOUNTS, BUT CAN ALSO BE SEEN IN LIVESAYS THE GRAND
REVIEW AT SANDHAM BAY IN THE PICTORIAL RECORD SECTION OF THIS SLIDESHOW.
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18TH CENTURY BRASS POST HORN, TYPE USED BY LIGHT CAVALRY, LIGHT INFANTRY, AND HESSIAN JAGERS
DON TROIANI COLLECTION
HTTP://HISTORICALIMAGEBANK.COM/GALLERY/MAIN.PHP
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18TH CENTURY HANOVERIAN BUGLE HORN

NEW GROVE DICTIONARY OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
ACQUIRED THROUGH
HTTP://WWW.MIDDLEHORNLEADER.COM/EVOLUTION%20OF%20T
HE%20BUGLE%20--%20SECTION%202.HTM
MODERN REPRODUCTION OF A YAGERS HALBMOND OR HALFMOON

HTTP://WWW.ONSOSKE-COMPAGNI.NO/HALVMAANEHORNET.HTM
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CREDIT, RAOUL. F. CAMUS

CREDIT, JARI VILLANUEVA

T. Egerton, At the Military

T. Egerton, At the Military

"4th. (King's Own) Regiment of Foot. 7 April 1774

The Corps of Provincial Light Infantry often referred to

COX & COMPANY, ARMY AGENTS

1st Foot Guards: 1793, 2 Dec., Bugle horns, 27 4s.

CREDIT, LINNEA BASS

Letter Loudoun to Barrington 24 Feb. 1776

CREDIT, JAY CALLAHAM

Letter Loudoun to Mathew 29 Feb. 1776

ADJUTANT GENERAL JOSEPH REED TO HIS WIFE

CREDIT, BART REYNOLDS

Head Quarters, Septr 18th, 1776.

CREDIT, STEVE RAYNER

CAPTAIN ROBERT HINDE

Necessaries of a Light Dragoon

CAPTAIN ROBERT HINDE

THE TRUMPET DUTY, OR SOUNDS OF THE TRUMPET.

Battn: Orders 10th: Decer 1779

the horns are to Sound the Retreate at 8 Oclock

Huntington [Lt. Inf.] Bregade Orders Augst 27 - 1780

[Lt. Inf. Brig.Orders] Bedford 8th Novr 1780

COLONEL VON EHWALD

Brigade Orders 17th Novr. 1780

Bragad Orders 13th Decr 1780

CREDIT, PATRICK OKELLEY

CREDIT, TODD W. BRAISTED

CREDIT, TODD W. BRAISTED

CREDIT, PATRICK OKELLEY

NORTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

LIEUT. COL. JOHN GRAVES SIMCOE

(continued on next slide)

LIEUT. COL. JOHN GRAVES SIMCOE

CREDIT, PAUL PACE

February April, 1780

CREDIT, TODD W. BRAISTED

4 April 1780 May 1780

CREDIT, TODD W. BRAISTED

CREDIT, PATRICK OKELLEY

CREDIT, TODD W. BRAISTED

31st of Augt 1779

CREDIT PATRICK OKELLY

CREDIT, TODD W. BRAISTED

CREDIT, TODD W. BRAISTED

CREDIT, PATRICK OKELLEY

CREDIT, TODD W. BRAISTED

Post War Settlement

University of New Brunswick, Edward Winslow Papers, Reel 152, 2-71.

BY WILLIAM FAWCETT, ADJUTANT GENERAL, PRINTED BY ORDER OF HIS MAJESTY

DRESS OF THE TRUMPET MAJOR.

LIEUT. COL. A. EMMERICH

CREDIT, SCOOTER PIRTLE

Configuration of Musicians used by the Continental Army as of 1778

1 Drum major, 1 Fife major, 18 drums and fifes

1 Drum major, 1 Fife major, 24 drums and fifes

1 Trumpet major, 6 Trumpeters

CREDIT, JIM SIERADZKI

PRE-REVOLUTION EPISCOPAL CHURCH BRISTOL, CT

CREDIT, WAYNE BRUNT

Late June, early July 1775

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 12, 1775.