Some members of the army revolted against the drillmaster and the adjutant general. He was a severe drillmaster, which made him unpopular among his troops. Mouton quickly made a reputation for himself as a strict disciplinarian and an efficient drillmaster. He is often seen hanging around the school with the Chinese teacher and the drillmaster. Brown hired him as his men's drillmaster and to write their tactical handbook. Major Colcock developed the "Drillmaster" concept to train troops in preparation for war. In 1857, Ellsworth became drillmaster of the "Rockford Greys", the local militia company. Amoss had been a cadet and drillmaster at Major Ferrell's Military School in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.