Beschreibung:

Author of Drill Regulations, 1886-1896; ca 180 items. Throughout his career, Ruger was respected for his knowledge of military science and discipline, as reflected in two of his most notable appointments: superintendent at West Point and Commander of the Infantry and Cavalry School at Fort Leavenworth. In 1895, he was tasked with overseeing the revision of the Infantry drill regulations and producing a new manual that took into account the tactical changes learned in fighting the Indian wars and the dramatic changes in weaponry. This lot begins with a series of nearly 100 letters congratulating Ruger on his promotion to command of Fort Leavenworth in 1886, and proceeds with a large sheaf of edited revisions and proofs, a range of correspondence, notes, and other materials relating to preparation of the new Drill Manual, ca 1895, including originals of the illustrations. Within the correspondence is some interesting commentary from fellow officers on how to improve it and make it more relevant (or appropriate) for the new army and its current missions. Capt. Francis Mansfield (11th Infantry) at Fort Apache, for example, calls Ruger's attention to "the lack of concerted action, that is liable to occur in an attack... in the present extended order frill regulations for a battalion of Infantry -- under the present system each company attacks independently though of course its attack is made with reference to that of other companies. In our drills I have noticed that the battalion (firing line) is soon out of range of the major's voice, or direction...." The information collected as background for the new manual is even more important, including everything from a lengthy typewritten manual of the "new carbine" (model 1892) used by the 7th Cavalry, to new approaches to shouldering arms, to seemingly odd suggestions such as a crusty insistence from one officer to "Restore the military command of 'Break ranks' for the very unmilitary one of 'Dismissed,' as applied to the squad and company -- the former means something when heard before a company, and has probably been in use ever since the language has been spoken, while the latter very appropriately belongs to the church, lecture, or school room." The prize in the collection, however, is a 28p. manuscript "Manual of Arms for U.S. Magazine Rifle," written by Capt. George Andrews of the 25th Infantry, one of the regiments of Buffalo Soldiers, 1895, with 3p. manual of the sword for NCOs and officers. The Buffalo Soldiers, of course, were renowned for their toughness, but this is a remarkable survival from one of their white officers detailing how they were trained. Also included, though not clearly related, are about 30 small maps of armaments and installations at U.S. harbors. Expected wear and tear, but generally sound condition. A fine collection for a military collector interested in the systemic response to the changes in weaponry and tactical adaptation to the Indian Wars. Provenance: Descended directly in the family of General Thomas H. Ruger