Here is when you have to take a first person account into overall context.

Maintaining order and discipline on the march was and is paramount while conducting a march. Leaders have to ensure that they maintain at all times the men to ensure they can go into battle at a moments notice. If men fall out pell-mell it will not only take away from the combat power of the regiment, brigade, or division but it also provides the opportunity for the faint hearted to find somewhere else to be. Private Snuffy Reb or Yank often does not see it from that perspective.

The swords of the leaders were not always used to look sexy at the head of the troops. It was not unknown that the flat of the sword was used to correct any deviation in direction while marching or in line of battle.

It does suck not having water on a march. Been there, done that, and almost became a heat casualty in 15 degree weather when I was an enlisted infantryman in 1984.

Even today, the Uniform Code of Military Justice- Article 134 (Straggling) addresses the issue.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

War Between the States Historian
M.A. Military History - Civil War Concentration