The Signal Strokes and Three Cheers commences the major camp duties – The Troop, The Retreat, The Tattoo, and The General.
Purpose of the Signal Strokes
The signal strokes are essentially a 4-beat ‘click off’. Most likely, the lead drummer performs them so that the corps commences the Three Cheers together.
This appears to correspond to the “slow, say 1, 2, 3” explained by Klinehanse that functions in the same manner.
Between Potter’s notation and Klinehanse’s explanation, it seems quite clear that the Signal Strokes were three sharp quarter notes, beaten in time, ending with a beat of rest.
Use in revolutionary war
The drummers used these strokes during the Revolutionary War (at least some variation).
A compilation of various military treatise includes a note that “The several Beatings in Camp to be taken regularly by Signals, from the Right or Left of the first Line, and then from the Right or Left of the rear Line” (System of Camp Discipline 1757, 64).
This most likely refers to the Signal Strokes, commencing on one end of the line (the Right most often in later sources) as a signal to commence the beating.
Two Revolutionary War sources, both American, explain this process more fully. One of Washington’s General Orders explains:
“For the sake of regularity, the drum of the regiment, on the right of the line, to give three taps, allowing a sufficient equal space between each, as a warning to the drum of the one next on the left; which is to do the same, and so on, through the whole—the second line taking it by the right from the regiment in front, and the advanced Brigades, by the right from the regiment in the rear—These taps over, and a proper interval allowed for the warning to become general; the drummer’s call must be given as the signal for what is to follow; and then the whole music of the line begin in concert—the revellie, troop, or retreat, as it may happen.”
Washington’s GO (Jan 20, 1777; v. 8)
Washington’s orders demonstrate a clear overlap with Potter’s explanation and the earlier British suggestion. The signal begins on the right, moving left; the rear and advanced lines also beginning on the right and conforming to the original, rightmost regiment.
He notes that the taps have “equal space” and that each set of taps has a “sufficient equal space between each”. This suggests that the drummers beat the taps steadily and in time with one another.
We see a very similar explanation in Captain Grimke’s General Orders:
“At ½ past 8 o’clock in the Morning the Drummers Call is to be beat on the Right of each Brigade, which will be answered on the Left and alternately to the Center, when the Drum Major observes the Beat has gone thro’ the Brigade, he will order one tap of the Drum on the Right which will be answered in like manner from the Right to the Left – then two taps, then three. Immediately after which the Drummers of each Regiment will give three Ruffles & begin Taptoo – beating.”
Grimke (“Order Book” vol. 14, no. 2, p. 109)
Overall, Grimke agrees with Washington’s description. The drummers beat from one regiment to the next as a signal to each other. For him, however, the drummers beat on the far right and then far left, alternating right and left until they reach the center.
Grimke’s description is distinct, though. He states that one tap moves down the line, then two, and finally the three taps. While playing them in this series is somewhat complex, it would present an opportunity for all the corps to be prepared. This may indicate a more in-depth explanation of the Three Taps or a sequence unique to Grimke’s experience.
Sequence of Beatings
Before the major duty calls can commence, first the guard drummers beat the Drummer’s Call to bring the corps together. When beating the Drummer’s Call, the drummers should begin on the right and answer down the line, just like the Signal Strokes (Grimke; Washington Jan 20, 1777 v. 8; Feb 8, 1778, v. 13; Sept 12, 1778, v. 16).
Washington’s General Orders dated Sept 12, 1778 orders the musicians to be “ready to beat off after the Drummer’s Call is beat before the Taps are received” (v. 16). Thus, after the Drummer’s Call has been completed, the Drummers have about 5-15 minutes to report to the parade ground, dressed and ready to play.
On the command, the Signal Strokes begin on the right and run down the line as before explained. The Three Ruffles or Rolls “immediately” followed, notes Grimke.
Washington also suggests as much. In his General Order from Sept 12, 1778, he states that after the taps, “the whole beat off at the hour appointed” (v. 16) and in a General Order from Feb 8, 1778, he explains that “Immediately upon this [the Drummer’s Call] three rolls to begin and run through in like manner as [drummer’s] call; then all the drums of the Army at the heads of their respective Corps should go thro’ the regular beat” (v. 13).
Washington’s two orders are slightly confusing, but do seem to overall agree with Grimke. After the Drummer’s Call, the drummers beat the Taps through the army and immediately follow it with the Three Rolls. The Three Rolls are the lead-in to the duty beating, which is commenced immediately following.
The Flam was most likely performed following the Three Cheers.
Do you have any resources or observations on the Signal Strokes? Contact me or comment below.
To learn more, go to the next section “The Three Rolls / Cheers / Chords”.
Or, skip to the conclusion “Summary: Commencing a Beating”.