Buglers and self defense

[PvtSmythe]

Im sure this has been discussed, but Ill ask anyway. What did Buglers do for self defense? did they carry a weapon?
Thanks

[NM1859]

Comrade Smith,

It depends on the branch of service, and the rank of the bugler. From my research a Chief Bugler (serving regimental, brigade or divison) was protected by those units riflemen. Cavalry trumpeters were issued a sword and pistol (Kautz-Customs of the Service). Sharpshooters fielded two buglers per company (you can find them listed on the descriptive-muster rolls as 'musician's' directly below the names of the corporals). Sharpshooter buglers were first required to 'make the string' (pre-requisite marksmanship trial of 10 shots at 200 yards-rest or 100 yards-off hand) same as the rest of the recruits before being mustered into service. The Ordnance records I have show these men were armed with the weapon carried by that regiment (Sharps, Spencer breechloaders). While very rare--Mounted Infantry buglers appeared to be similarly armed (Wilder's 'Lighting Brigade'; 1st Michigan Mounted Infantry>>5th Michigan Cavalry). Artillery buglers I know very little about. While they may have retained a personal arm (pistol), I don't have any historical reference for you. The heavy and cumbersome artillery sword originally designed for defense-in the age of rifled artillery with significantly increased range and power--were most likely sent to the Washington (or other theater) Arsenal for storage.

But the primary duty of a bugler is to relay orders issued by the commanding officer--not to fight . Don Troiani's great painting of the 124th New York 'Orange Blossom's at Gettysburg ((The Men must see us Today) shows a nicely detailed image of the regimental bugler waiting to sound the charge.

Hope this helps.

Bill Skillman
Bugler-Hudson Squad-USSS

[lincolnsguard]

Lanky,
An infantry bugler would hang our with the officer he was assigned to, and like the officer, and the rest of the battalion, he would run like all he11, if the situation called for it. I've never seen or read anything about a bugler or drummer carrying a weapon.

-Grumpy

[mississippian]

I've seen a few pictures of drummers in the field with musician swords. Not sure about infantry buglers, but wouldn't they (in theory) been issued those as well?