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Fort Abercrombie's commanding officer set the daily schedule of activities for the soldier's, from reveille to retreat. The schedule followed army regulations. The post bugler sounded the bugle to call the men to the scheduled events. A typical schedule at a frontier military post was something like this:
5:50 AM - Assembly of Trumpeters for Reveille
The first signal for the soldiers to rise and shine. This call was historically sounded between 4:45 AM - and 6:00 AM - depending on the season.
6:00 AM - Reveille
Upon the last note of this call, the flag was raised, the morning gun fired and the men all had to assemble for morning roll call.
6:15 AM - Stable Call
Soldiers in the cavalry would report to the stables to feed and groom their mounts.
6:30 AM - Breakfast Call
Breakfast usually consisted of bread and beef, perhaps potatoes or rice and plenty of hot, black coffee.
7:00 AM - Sick Call
Soldiers who were ill were to report to the hospital for examination by the surgeon. Those who were truly sick would be admitted to the hospital or given a dose of "quinine and pills." Those caught faking illness to escape work would get a dose of army discipline.
7:30 AM - Fatigue Call
Those soldiers appointed to a work party would report to their assignments. Typical work details included cleanup of the post grounds, firewood cutting and hauling water.
8:50 AM - Guard Mounting, Assembly of Trumpeters
First call for "Guard Mount", or the changing of the 24-hour guard detail.
8:55 AM - Guard Mounting, Assembly of Guard Detail
Men assigned to guard duty assemble in front of their respective barracks.
9:00 AM - Guard Mounting, Adjutant's Call
The guard details were marched to the guardhouse where the Guard Mount ceremony took place.
9:15 AM - Water Call
Horses received their watering.
9:55 AM - Drill, First Call
Preparatory call for soldiers assigned to morning drill.
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