Duty

in a military sense, is the exercise of those functions that belong to a soldier; yet with this nice distinction, that duty is counted the mounting guard, . where no enemy is directly to be engaged; for when any body of men marches to meet the enemy, this is strictly called going upon service. On all duties, whether with or without arms, picquets, or courts martial, the tour of duty begins with the eldest downwards. An officer who is upon duty cannot be ordered for any other before that duty is finished, except he be on the inlying picquet, as then he shall be relieved, and go on the duty ordered. Military Duties may be divided into two general cla es, under the heads of Brigade and Regimental duties . Brigade duties , are those which one regiment does in common with another, collectively or by detachments; and of which the brigade major keeps a regular roster. Regimental Duties , are those which the several companies of a regiment perform among themselves, and of which the adjutant keeps a regular roster. The following general regulations are to be observed, respecting duties in general. When field or other commi ioned officers, are given out at head quarters for one duty , they cannot be taken off to be put on any other duty . No officer is allowed to exchange his duty with another, after he has been put in orders for it, without leave of the commanding officer of his regiment. Guards, or detachments, which have not marched off from the parade, are not to be reckoned as for a duty done; but, if they should have marched from the parade, it stands for a duty done, though they should be dismi ed immediately. If any officer’s tour of duty for the picquet, general court martial, or duty of fatigue, happen when he is on duty , he shall not make good such duty when he comes off. No regiment can demand a tour of duty , unle it has marched off the place of parade, and beyond the main guard. General courts martial that have a embled, and the members sworn in, shall be reckoned for a duty , though they should be dismi ed without trying any person. Whenever the picquets are ordered to march to any parade, it is not to be accounted a duty , unle they march off that parade. All commands in the regular forces, fall to the eldest officers in the same circumstances, whether of cavalry or infantry, entire, or in parties. In case two commi ions, of the same date, interfere, a retrospect is to be had to former commi ions, or to lot. Officers, on all duties under arms, are to have their swords drawn, without waiting for any word of command for that purpose. e.