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s.s. Monterey, 17th March 1900
By Lt. Col. Steele, Commanding, The Troops

R.O. 135 – 17-03-1900

Officers, N. C. Officers and Men are to distinctly understand that all orders are to be obeyed to the letter.

R.O. 136 – 17-03-1900

The Officers Commanding Squadrons accompanied by all Troop Officers will until further orders inspect all their commands daily.

R.O. 137 – 17-03-1900

The Commanding Officers directs that Squadron and Troop Officers keep in touch with their men and pay particular attention to their messing.

R.O. 138 – 17-03-1900

The Quartermaster will have arms and accoutrements issued and placed in racks immediately.

R.O. 139 – 17-03-1900

Officers Commanding Squadrons will as soon as practicable have a muster roll of their Squadrons prepared showing the disposition (No. of hammock or berth) of their command and handed to the Adjutants for the information of the Officer Commanding.

R.O. 140 – 17-03-1900

Until further orders the following routine will be observed :-

Bells / Time A.M. / Bugle Call Meaning

4 / 6.00 / Reveille Turn out and stow hammocks. Take Bedding for airing on deck.

5 / 6.30 / Stables

6 / 7.00 / Breakfast Sit down to breakfast.

8 / 8.00 / Day watch mounting and on duty till 8.00 p.m.

1 / 8.30 / Officers Breakfast

4 / 10.00 / Assembly All but men on duty fall in on upper deck for inspection by Military Officers. The Orderly Officer of the Day to inspect the mess decks and troop decks.

5 / 10.30 / Roll up and stow aired bedding.

6 / 11.00 / Forage

6 / 11.00 / Orderly Room

7 / 11.30 / Stables

8 / 12.00 / Dinner Sit down to dinner.

2 / 1.00 p.m. / Officers Mess Lunch

2 / 1.00 p.m. / "4 C's” Sweep out messes and take refuse to shutes.

3 / 1.30 / Fall in and 1 “C” When troop decks are cleared up, bugle will sound and all but the watch on deck And sentries may go below.

4 / 2.00 / (Note: Unable to read original document)

2 / 5.00 / Supper / Sit down to supper.

2 / 7.00 / Officers Mess

4 / 8.00 / Fall In and 4 “C’s” Night Watch Mounting till 8.00 a.m.

2 / 9.00 / Lie Down / Lights Out, every man to be in or on His hammock.

2 / 9.00 / Retire / Everyone below but the watch and Sentries.

3 / 9.30 / Rounds by Orderly Officer and Police

6 / 11.00 / Lights Out in Sergeants Mess

8 / 12.00 / Lights Out in Saloon

(Editor’s Note at this time there is a mix-up in the Numbers of the Routine Orders, I have added the Numbers exactly as shown in original documents)

R.O. 131 – 17-03-1900

N. C. Officers and Men are not permitted in the stables at any time except on duty.

R.O. 132 – 17-03-1900

The following bugle calls are published for the information of all ranks.

General Calls

1. Halt – Silence – Everyone to remain still.
2. Advance – Carry On – This is to continue your business.
3. Retire – Everyone off upper deck but the watch and police.
4. “C’s” – Sweepers
5. “C’s” and double – Swabbers
6. Alert followed by Halt – Man Overboard
7. Commence Firing – Permission to smoke.
8. Cease Firing – Leave off Smoking
9. Close 4 “C’s” Assembly – Collision
10. Alarm (prepare for cavalry) – Fire

The following ships signals are in general use :-

For Fire – The bell is rung violently strokes in quick succession.
For Collision – The bell is rung 3 strokes at a time the groups in quick Succession.
Man Overboard – The steam whistle is sounded several short blasts in quick succession.

After Order

R.O. 133 – 17-03-1900

Orderly Officer for tomorrow Lieutenant Leckie, next for duty Lieutenant Fall.

R.O. 134 – 17-03-1900

Orders will until further orders be issued daily at 3 p.m.

R.O. 135 – 17-03-1900

Until further orders Officers Commanding Squadrons and the Orderly Officer of the day will attend all stables.