1. It is called the "halt" and was played whenever the commander wanted the column to stop. It would be played over and over till all the troops were halted. If the column contained several hundred soldiers, each company would have it's own bugler. The bugler next to the commander would play it once or twice, then each company bugler would play it down the column till the entire column was stopped.

2. This one is called "stable call", which was played early in the morning before chow call and also in the evening. This is when the troopers would go to the stable and take care of their mounts (horses). The middle one is "to horse", which was played while on the trail. If the column had stopped for chow or a rest, the commander would have this played when he wanted to get ready to move out. This told the troopers to go get their horse off the picket line, saddle it up and be ready to move out.

3. The bottom one is called "boots and saddles". The would be played when the commander wanted the troopers to jump into their saddle because they were moving out RIGHT NOW. It required IMMEDIATE response by the troopers. Used when the enemy was in sight or just before an attack.

4. This bugle call is called "mess call", in other words, IT'S TIME FOR CHOW! This was played just before each of the meals, morning, noon and night.

5. This song is called "attention". This was played to call all the troops in a formation to attention.

6. This song is called "assembly". This was played to call all the troops out to the parade field to get into formation.

The song "Robin Adair", which was much favored by the 9th Infantry in the 1870s.

What's this dull town to me? R-o b-ins n-ot near;
What wasn't I wish'd to see? Wh-at wi-sh'd t-o hear?
Where all the joy and mirth, Made this t-o-w-n heav'n on earth,
Oh! they-'ve a-ll fled wi' thee, R-o b-in A-a dair.

What made th' assembly shine? Robin Adair
What made the ball so fine? Robin was there
And when the play was o'er, What made my heart so sore?
Oh! it was parting with, Robin Adair

But now thou'rt cold to me, Robin Adair
And I no more shall see, Robin Adair
Yet he I lov'd so well, Still in my heart shall dwell
Oh! I can ne'er forget, Robin Adair.