The following rules are intended as a guide for soldiers to pay the proper respects to officers.  Among the sources for these rules is Customs of Service for Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers, Practiced in the Army of the United States,  by August V. Kautz.  Katuz took these "customs" from the various manuals used by the army at the time as well as laws and regulations passed by Congress.  The same rules that Kautz gives in his manual, written in 1864, can be found word for word in Gilham's Manual, written in 1859/1860 and Hardee's written in 1855.  The standards of respect for officers were the same in both the Union and Confederate armies.

To salute the soldier raises his right hand to the right side of the visor of his cap, palm to the front and the elbow raised to the height of the shoulder (this is the same basic salute used by the British army).  Sergeants with muskets will salute by bringing the left hand across the body, so as to strike the musket near the right shoulder.  Corporals and privates out of ranks and with muskets will carry their muskets as sergeants (the sergeant's carry which is the same as shoulder arms for light infantry), and salute in the same manner.

1)  When a soldier meets an officer he is to salute looking at the same time in a respectful and soldier-like manner at the officer, who will return the compliment thus offered.  When approaching an officer the salute should be made six paces before meeting him and held until six paces after passing him.

2)  A NCO or soldier being seated, and without particular occupation, will rise on the approach of an officer, and make the customary salutation.  If standing, he will turn toward the officer for the same purpose.  If the parties remain in the same place or on the same ground, such compliments need not be repeated.

3)  A NCO or soldier when he addresses an officer or is spoken to by one, salutes; on receiving the answer or communication from the officer, he again salutes before turning to go away.

4)  When a soldier enters an officer's quarters armed, he simply makes the required salute, and does not take off his cap; but without arms, he takes off his cap and stands in the position of the soldier (stands at attention).  He remains standing until invited to sit down.

5)  A sentry or guard when on a post will salute lieutenants and captains by facing to them and coming to 'shoulder Arms' and holding until the officer passes.  A sentry or guard when on post will salute officers above the rank of captain, officers of the day,  and commanding officers  (weather above the rank of captain or not) by turning to them and 'presenting arms'.  Armed bodies of men passing near a sentinel's post, commanded by an officer are entitled to a 'present arms', if by a NCO they are saluted by a 'shoulder arms'.

1)  Sentinels and guards do not give a salute between retreat and reveille (sun-down to sun-up).  Pickets do not salute officers.

2)  When soldiers are marching or in ranks, they do not salute.  If employed at any work, they are not expected to discontinue their employment to salute.