Which manual maneuvers are correct? Which one should I use?

This question is hard to say what is right and what is wrong. All manuals are correct when they are used by the right unit. I know, through research, that the Civil War Reenacting Unit I belong to, Co. B, 32nd Iowa, found out which manual was used by our company, Rifle and light infantry tactics: for the exercise and maneuvers of troops when acting as infantry or riflemen, by Brevet Lt.-Col. W. J. Hardee, or as we lovingly call it "Hardee's."

Research your company. Call or write the state historical society, National Military archives, museums or any other source you can think of to get the information you need to know about your company.

Obviously there is no possible way to do exactly as the company you portray did. The interpretation of that manual was left to that company, battalion, brigade, regimen, corps, or division command who read it or was taught at one of the many military schools. Even then some commanders did things a tad differently due to how they thought things should be done.

The best I can offer anyone looking to portray the best impression they can is to read the manual, try to understand what they maneuver the book is explaining, and use physical models. I like to use chess pieces. I use about 30 or so and lay out a small company to get a feel for how it should look. There are some great websites that show how to do many maneuvers and even have video to watch. This is a nice one to quick refresh you here. (hosted by the 10th Battalion, AVN, 1st Division)

If you cannot find the manual you want, are short on cash, or just have free time online Google books has a nice collection of Civil War Military Manuals. I have found many on there. I found the manual for 1st Iowa Co. K, Scott's Militia Tactics, I could then read and get a better grip on what I needed to know as a breveted corporal.

The best thing any one person can do is cuddle up with the manual of choice and struggle through it. When you get stuck find someone who can explain it to you.

It doesn't matter which manual you use, whether it is Baxter's, Gilham's, Casey's or one of the many manuals used, read it and do your best to understand what you are doing. If you can explain to another person what you read then, I hope, you have gotten the idea. Happy hunting.

-Medic

All images used from Baxter's Volunteer Manual, hosted by Google Books, images located on page 55.

All Manuals linked are hosted by Google Books.