not to speak above breath
not able to speak above one's breath {adj. phr.}
Not able to speak aloud.
not to speak above one's breath {v. phr.}
We arrived on the scene just after dark, — that is, General Walthall's Division of Stewart's Corps; this division was on the extreme right of the corps, and was the first infantry to arrive at Spring Hill that evening. We were halted in a cornfield, ordered to lie down under arms, be ready for action at a moment's notice, and not to speak above breath.
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Source: Using "Sketch of the Battle of Franklin and Camp Douglas" by John M. Copley.