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On the Firing Line

“RECOVER” we brought our muskets to a ready position.

The smoke of our volley floats away.

“HANDLE CARTRIDGE”. Hands reached into our haversacks or cartridge boxes and withdrew a paper cylinder. Gripping the paper tail in our teeth we ripped open one end and spat the tail out.

Just follow the orders. Dont think about it

“PRIME”. We poured a little powder in the pan and closed the frizzen to hold it in place.

Just a little powder. God, my hands tremble

“LOAD”. The butt of my musket dropped to the ground and I poured the remaining powder into the muzzle. The spherical ball, still wrapped in paper was thrust in.

Dont drop the bullet. Shove it into the barrel.

“RAM”. I drew out the ramrod from its place and gave two quick thrusts to seat the cartridge to the bottom of the barrel.

Remember to take the ramrod out again

“PRESENT”. The musket returns to my shoulder, I cock the hammer and point it at the enemy.

Pick your target, aim low.

“FIRE”. I close my eyes and squeeze the trigger.

Oh, God

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