properly belongs to the Serjeant Major Generall whose place and charge is of an high degree his commands being full of action and therefore ought to be a wise grave and able person and an able an experienced Souldier In respect he hath the ordering and disposing of the Divisions and Battalions according to that forme which the Generall shall command him And upon all occasions he must be active and stirring up and down to spie out all advantages which might offend an Enemy and wisely to fore-see all disadvantages that may bring the Troops into any disorder or confusion He hath absolute command over the three Serjeant Majors of the Brigades otherwise called the three Grand Corporals of the Field who are to be his assistants and his mouth as he is the mouth of the Lord Generall or Martiall of the Field and therefore must have a vigilant eye over all things seeing that the Generals Command delivered to him be strictly kept and observed and withall acquainting and informing the three Serjeant Majors of the Brigades of the Generals pleasure that they may forthwith put the same into execution Now the Method that I shall observe shall be according to the forme of the former Brigade wherefore in the first place the Serjeant Major shall do well to appoint out unto the eldest Serjeant Major of the Brigades how to draw up that Brigade which shall be the Battail wherein the Lord Generals Regiment and the Collonels is to be upon the right and left of that Brigade and betwixt them the youngest Collonel and ninth Collonel according unto this rule of dignity in the figure set forth 4 9 12 1. In the next place let the next Serjeant Major of the Brigades in seniority draw up that which shall be the Van-guard and place the second Collonels Regiment upon the right and the fifth upon the left and between them the eleventh and eighth Collonels after this manner of this figure 5 8 11 2. Let the last Serjeant Major draw up that Brigade which shall be the Reer and let him draw them up after this manner the third Collonels Regiment upon the right and upon the left the sixth Collonels and between them the tenth and seventh Collonels Regiment after this manner 6 7 10 3. This charge being given by the Serjeant Major Generall unto the three Serjeant Majors of the three Tertia's or Brigades how each perticuler Regiment shall be drawn up being every one single and compared a like each to other being rightly stated according to the rule of dignity avoiding thereby confusion and disorder In the next place for the better expedition in drawing up the Army every Serjeant Major of each Brigade draws the former Regiments assign'd unto them unto such place as shall be appointed forth unto them by the Serjeant Major Generall being helped and assisted by the Field-officers of the same Regiments the Serjeant Major Generall likewise being an assistant unto them all seeing thereby all the Commands of the Generall rightly observed and fulfilled After this the Generall of the Ordance his duty and care must be in the day of battail to see that the Ordnance be well placed for at such time his wisdome is most discern'd keeping with the assistance of his Lieutenant the Tram of Artillery together in good order He must have a vigilant eye upon all accidents that may fall out and make choise of such ground for their planting as the Generall of the Army and he shall think most fit and convenient He must be carefull that all things be in a readinesse putting the Master Gunners Gentlemen of the Ordnance and Commanders in minde of their duty that they do their best endeavours and acquit themselves like men It is likewise partly his charge to see that the whole Army be well provided with Ammunition because the Ammunition marcheth under his Train He must also be neer the Gen. of the Army upon all occasious to receive his directions and commands and to know from him after what manner he will make his battail that he may plant his Ordnance accordingly finding out hills and heights to play over his own men And when the Enemy shall present himselfe and come up to charge he must draw and plant his Ordnance as neer their horse as possible may be to hinder them from breaking in upon the divisions of foot taking a long with him Saylours and Pioneers to help to draw up the Ordnance and sufficient Guards to defend them As concerning the planting of the Ordnance when the Battalia is drawn up they may be disposed off severall ways as somtimes they are placed upon the head of the Battalia others again between them by two and two and others by threes upon the flanks and wings of the Muskettiers Some are of opinion that they ought to be planted upon the flanks and in the Reer of the Battalia by leaving a free place for Armes which may give no offence to their own men But as concerning this last way it might be answered it can no way be expedient for if an Enemy should perceive that the Front is left bare without Ordnance it will give them cause to come up with more courage to fall on upon the Charge Therefore the best way amongst the ancient experienc'd Souldiers is that the Artillery be divided some here some there both before the Front between the Battalions and upon the Flanks and to be placed some 50 or an 100 paces one from another and then there will be no danger when the Enemy shall come up to shock to encounter you or to offend our own men Especially when they are fastened to them by drawing ropes and iron rings that upon an instant they may be removed and turn'd for the advantage of our own Troops giving fire as fast as they can charge and discharge against the Enemies Troops it being a matter of great moment for the obteining of a victory and gaining the day from the Enemy But that many times the Ordnance cannot be planted in such convenient places as could be wished for in respect an Army may be driven into such places as the Ordnance must be planted according to the best ground it will afford by reason of woods hills or marrish grounds and such like disadvantageous places may be oftentimes met withall for which no certain rule may be given but that the Generall by his wisdom and discretion may make choice of the best advantages which might annoy an Enemy most and give the least offence to his own men either by dazling them by the Sun or by raising of the dust observing the winde which drives the smoak both of the Ordnance and small-shot full upon them To conclude it is conceived the best way for every Captain of the Ordnance and Master Gunner to use some light Field peeces and small Drakes which upon any occasion may be removed from one place to another being with ease planted upon such places of advantage as may most annoy the
Enemy In the next place 3000 horse may be a good proportion for 10000 or 12000 foot which ought to be equally divided in their Troops and placed upon the flanks of the foot in such good order as the Troops may come with conveniency to fight for the relieving of each other But in case you shall perceive the Enemies horse as somtimes through necessity of ground or by other politicall ends may be inter-laced and placed between the intervalls and divisions of their foot it will be needfull then that we should observe the same form and likewise have horse to come forth and encounter with their horse least they should â—reak in upon our divisions of foot which by this means and good order may be timely prevented next follows the Figure of the Army as before described and ordered to be drawn up â—olio 176. CHAP. XXIII The severall duties belonging to the Foot in a Regiment as followth by degrees from a private Souldier unto a Collonel of the same and first of a private Souldier A Private Souldier ought to be very active not slothfull and idle informing himself of his duty learning from his Corporall or other Officers the true use and well handling of his armes always keeping them neat clean and well fixed Upon the beat of the Drum he is to repair to his Colours Squaâ—ron or Company upon the march he must observe his Leader and his right and left hand men that he may march streight in file and even in rank in time of Exercise he must be silent in the body well minding the words of command and directions which are given forth by the leader He ought likewise to be well verst in all the ordinary words of command and to mind the place wherein he stands that he may the more readier move and not be to seeke at such time when he shall be commanded wehther it be to face double counter-march or wheel He mâ—st informe himselfe of all the severall beats of the drum as first of a Call second a Troop third a March fourth a Preparative fifth a Battle or Charge sixth a Retreat and also of the Revallâ—y and the Tattoo By the first he is summoned to hear present proclamation or else commanded to repair to his colours upon the beat of the second he is to advance his armes and to close in rank and file to the distance of order and to troop along unto such places and services as he shall be comanded unto upon the hearing of the third he is presently to shoulder his arms and to take his distance of six foot in rank and three foot in file upon the fourth he is to close both in rank and file unto the fighting distance which is called order and to prepare himself for skirmish upon the beat of the next he is undauntedly to move forward boldly steping in good order into the place of his fellow souldier that shall happen to fall down dead before him Upon the beat of the last he must orderly fall back either for releife or advantage of ground or other polliticall ends whereby he may draw the enemy into a suare The first of the remaining two gives warning in the morning for some of the Sentinels to fall off or to be taken in the latter is used in the night to give notice unto the souldiers or others for their repairing to their severall guards watches and lodgings To conclude a private souldier ought to avoyd all quarrelling mutinies swearing cursing or lying and to be content with his wâ—ges and likewise to be a good husband in the well managing of his means keeping himselfe neat and handsome in his apparell avoyding drunkenness and all manner of gaming truly to serve and feare God and to be obedient unto all the commands of his superiours cheerfully going on upon all duties and to be loving kind and courteous unto all his fellow souldiers The duty of a Sentinel A Sentinel must be very vigilant carefully casting his eyes about him and harkning whether he heare the noyse or approach of any drawing neer him which if he perceive he is presently to command them to stand presenting his Musket or Pike to their brest and after calling his Corporal for to take the word unlesse he should be commanded to come in silently He is not to come off until he be relieved by the Corporall or Lanspassadoe His proper posture being a Muskettier is to have his Musketrested and loaded with powder and bullet his match cockt and his pan guarded being a pike-man if he stand Sentinell in the night he must have his pike check'd if in the day his pike ordered Or it may be a very proper posture for a pikeman to stand sentinell with his pike in his left hand holding it a little below the cheeks thereof and with his sword drawn being held in his right hand which I leave to judge or to be made use of according to discretion and as occasion shall require Of a Gentleman of a Company A Gentleman of a company ought to have such worth in him as may make him capable to be a file-leader or Captain of his file and he more especially above the rest ought to be well skill'd in all the postures of such armes he weares and at convenient times instructing and teaching his file in the neat and gracefull handling of their armes He ought to be of an undaunted courage and gallant resolution for the better example and imitation of the rest whose worth and valour many times indears them so much into the savour of their Comanders that they raise them up to greater places of preferment In the Low Countries a Gentleman of a Company hath his full pay having nothing kept back for after reckonings as common private souldiers have At his first entrance he somtimes stands Sentinell to informe himselfe of the duties thereof but most commonly he is placed to be a Sentinell per-due intime of iminent danger either in the field or upon approches He is to lie perdue with his sword and pistoll not removing from his place till he be relieved nor is he to retreat for one man but in case of more then he is to fall back to the second and discovering an enemy he is to come off betimes and silently to give the alarum whereby the Corps du Guard or company may be provided for their own defence A Gentleman of a Company doth many times goe the round with the Captain of the watch or his fellow Gentlemen who are likewise rounders either in the field or in garrison and doe give the Corporals of the Guards the word charging the Sentinells to looke well about them To conclude he ought truly to love respect and obey his Captain and to stick close unto him vindicating him upon all just occasions when he shall be wronged and injured by any muâ—â—â—es of the common souldiers or others Of a Barber Chyrurgion IN every Company there ought to be a Barber Chyrurgion
the severall duties of his Officers and to be a good Posture-man himselfe that when he sees any of his Souldiers handling their Arms in an undecent and slovenly manner he may the better reprove them for the same And although many Captains regardeth them not but leaveth them to be instructed by the inferiour Officers yet it is a great deal of honour to him when his Souldiers shall be â—aught by himselfe they more cheerfully and confidently marching a long with him when as they perceive that he is throughly knowing in all things belonging to his charge He shall do well to exercise his Company somtimes himselfe teaching them how to fight upon all occasions whether it be to Front Reer or Flanks or upon surprise of an Ambuscado or any other disadvantage which may befall them informing them how to fall off and rally again in good order And at such times he must couragiously and wisely behave himselfe and incourage his Souldiers of hopes of victory casting off all appearances of fear or danger whatsoever cheerfully animating his Souldiers to fall on taking care and making much of them and not to forsake them untill such time they may be relieved by others He is to have a fatherly care of his Souldiers timely providing for the maimed wounded and sick such helps and remedies as their present conditions requires He must likewise see that there be no want of Victuall Arms or Ammunition he ought not to be covetous nor keep back his Souldiers pay but to see them duly paid visiting and relieving them according to their severall wants and necessities His care must be to execute justice appease quarrels punish offendors by doing whereof he will maintain the honour and dignity of his place He ought to carry a very even hand over his Souldiers and to be very courteous and kind unto them yet with that restriction of familiarity that he come not under contempt And again he must not be too rigid and harsh caning or beating them without just cause lest he incurre their hatred who secretly or in time of battail will seek to be revenged of him endevouring to kill him before their enemy Therefore he ought to be wise and discreet in his commands and carriage towards them his place of marching with his Company is some six foot before the first division of Muskettiers but if his Company be drawn up he is either upon a Stand or upon the March to be on the head of the Pikes six foot before his Ensigne In time of battail although he leads his men up first against the Enemy yet he is not always tied to be in the Front having often just occasion to remove down into the Reer Midst or Flanks carefully casting his eye upon all parts of the Body thereby preventing the least errour or neglect of his Souldiers directing them what to do keeping them in good order as long as occasion shall require Moreover he ought to be very religious temperate and discreet faithfull in his trust valiant in the field against the face of his Enemy and being besieged in either Town or Fort for to preserve his honour never give his consent for the yeilding it up untill it be past hope that there is no possibility to hold it out any longer Of a Serjeant Major HIs duty is every morning and evening or upon any other occasion to attend upon the Generall Martiall of the Field or Serjeant Major Generall of the Army to receive his Orders how or in what manner the Regiment shall march whether in a single Battalion or else in two to be joyned with others After which he gives order accordingly unto the Captains how to draw up their Companies orders them accordingly At which tune of imbattelling or marching he ought to be as neer the midst of the Regiment as he can for the better regulating of them He is to place all the Officers according to their dignity where they are to lead whereto bring up which men they shall take charge of to sight causing the Drum Major after they are all drawn up the other Drummers to beat a March and to move all at one instant as occasion shall require He ought to make all the Divisions as neer qually a like as possible he can he must likewise be well verst in the severall drawing up of Regiments with their various forms of Battail that according to the condition of the place ground number of men and Orders received from the Major Generall or Majors of the Brigades he may not shew himselfe a Novice or one that is to seek nor ought he to go dully or slothfully upon his Charge or place but to be very ready quick and nimbly performing with much ease and readinesse his Battalions and grand Divisions In their drawings up he may be permitted to have pen ink and paper for to take an accompt of the severall strengths of the Captains Companies and to order his men accordingly and ought to give unto all the Officers of the Regiment notes in writing of their severall charges and places In time of fight or otherwise marching with the Regiment he is to be on horse-back in regard he is the eyes hands and feet thereof in time of battail he is to see every Officer to perform his charge and Souldier his duty forcing and compelling them forward if in case they turn their backs He is also to distribute to the Captains and other Officers such Orders as he shall receive from his Collonel or other superiour Officer In marching with the Regiment not alone but with the Army he must know from the Generall Martiall or Major Generall whether the Regiment be to march in the Van-guard Battail or Reer He ought to have some knowledge or information of the Countrey whether it be long or streight thereby judging how to order his marching so as he may not be disturbed by the Enemies Horse or Artillery Being troubled with baggage if there be any difficult passage he ought to be there present to prevent such disorders as may happen giving directions for their placing and marching as they may not be any hinderance to the Regiment putting them in order again before the Regiment shall enter into their Quarters at which time he may give license to the Captains and their Ensignes to take their Iodgings excepting only those who are appointed for Guardians who must enter the Corps due Guard and place their Sentinels untill such time as they shall be relieved by others Now if a Regiment be to be quartered or lodged either in the Field or under shelter if in the Field he must cause it to be barrcadoed or intrenched by the waggons or other defences of the Field after which he is to place his Corps due Guard round about the Quarters and the Sentinels at so neer a distance that they may hear one the other speak being about 80 or 100 paces off from the Corps due Guard being placed double a
before themselves be first well verst and truly knowing in all and every of the severall Commands Directions and Reducements before-mentioned which being obteined they may confidently and boldly proceed so to inure their Souldiers in the practise thereof that their own knowledge in a short time will reduce them to their former places without using these thred-bare words as you were variety being more profitable and delightfull unto them provided they understand it then to accustome them in an ordinary and plain way of reducing But here some men will be ready to carp and say that I have troubled my self to little purpose in setting down more Doublings then are used abroad upon service To whom I answer that there are none if rightly understood but are of singular use one time or another either in our private Meetings or in those great Nurseries of Military Discipline the famous Academies of this out Island the Artillery and Military Gardens who for â—ield-service have train'd up and sent forth many worthy able gallant Souldiers into the Armies lately raised in our Nation between the King and Parliament whom I pray God happily to reconcile But suppose many of these Doublings have not been seen by some to be used in the field Are they not therefore useful perhaps at such time they have had no occasion for to use them all which if not must they be rejected the answer positively that being rightly enquired into they have in them very usefull and serviceable things against an Enemy whether it be in the Field or in Garrison As for example the Muskettiers being brought either all into the Front or Reer or upon one of the Flanks which often hapneth an Enemy appearing there then they would be of singular good use for our advantage and very disadvantageous to the enemy The like may be spoken of the Pikes who are by severall of these doublings brought into those places being there very serviceable to receive a desperate charge of horse if upon any of these parts they should fall on Observe further that in many of these doublings as the one arms shall face or charge against an enemy so contrariwise the other lies more secure in safety to be preserv'd from danger of the shot Moreover according unto the number of men either in length or depth a Leader may by these words of Command or the like at the same time double his Front Reer or Midst by doubling of Ranks and may farther make use of them at one and the same time to double by files his right left Flank and Midst all at one instant But I shall not not need to set down words of Command for the doubling Front Reer Flanks and Midst after this manner but leave that unto the apt Souldier to make use of such words of Command formerly shewne and to frame them sutable for any such purpose so intended But before I shall conclude concerning the use of these doublings as I said before there are many of them which by comand will bring any men in the body to fight unto that part which shal be most weak or assaulted by an enemy And again he may cast them so into the body by a doubling as shall preserve from danger whom he shall think fit And to say more there is no part of the body or arms but by words of Command in doublings may be brought forth as Frontiers against the enemy and may be placed again into the midst of the body for more security and others in like manner may be brought forth for their relief Therefore it much concerns all Souldiers and Commanders to be truly knowing in all the severall kinds of doublings out of which he may make singular good use according to his discretion at all such times as need shal require whether it be in Field or otherwise in Garrison CHAP. XXXVIII Of Inversion and Conversion NOt to omit any thing which may be beneficiall for the knowledge of all them that intends to be good proficients in this Art of Military Discipline my subject in this Chapter shall be of Ranks filing and files filing and ranks ranking and files ranking which are by some called Inversion and Conversion yet seldome mentioned by any Leader in the time of his Exercise for this reason as I suppose because the souldiers for the most part are unacquainted with them which causeth all our Leaders in our private Meetings here in London to deliver forth unto their Souldiers such words of command as may readily and aptly be understood by them which are ranks file to the right or left or files file to any hand which is no other then Inversion and again ranks rank to the right or left either in equal or unequal parts or intire to the front or files to rank in the like kinde may be termed Conversion And in my opinion they do the better that shall thus express themselves to the capacity of every Souldier then for to pusle them with the words Inversion and Conversion I intend therefore without curiosity plainly to set downe their severall commands directions and reducements keeping my former method concerning doublings For in all and every one of them they do either double the length or depth of the Front Reer Midst or Flanks no part of the Military Exercise affording more plenty of matter then they carrying always along with them many things of excellent use For example suppose a Prince Generall or any other person of quality were to pass thorow the Company a discreet Commander would presently command their ranks to invert or file to the right and left inward which immediatly becomes as it were a Street or Gallery for the honouring and securing of their persons Moreover it is of use for the lodging of the Colours or upon funerall occasions or taking their leave from their Captain where they may poure forth their volley's of shot all at one and the same time To be short being necessitated to march against a battery it avoids the danger of the great Ordnance and likewise secures the front of the Battalia from the imminent danger of any great shower of small shot poured forth by the Enemy As likewise it is of excellent use to march over a narrow Bridge or thorow a Lane Thicket or Salliport or such like difficult passages or if any Commander have a desire to use ancient figures by it he may make the Saw Sheers or Diamond or being in one file they may aptly be drawn into a Ring where hee that is an able posture man standing in the midst may shew unto them their severall postures and after easily reduce them again and thus much briefly of Inversion or ranks filing Next come we to shew the excellent uses and services which may be performed by Conversion as first perceiving any man of worth to stand before the front of the battail or to pass by either of the flanks then ranks ranking or files ranking into the front or ranks wheeling to
matters of Advice and Counsel but more especially when any Stratagem Siege or intended Battail is in agitation to be put in action the Collonel ever as one of the Primary Field-Officers is summon'd to consult with the Generall and with all freedom to deliver his opinion in all things that shall be there discussed for the best advantage as he shall conceive for the designes in hand how weighty and important soever and to be ready to go upon any such service as shall be cast into his change to be executed by the Major-part of the said Councell and to expresse his obedience to his Generall although it be a service that corresponded not with his own opinion at the first but being cleered by the large number to be more conducing to the good of the Designe courageously to undertake it and faithfully to performe it In the quartering of his own Regiment which is always ordered for Quarter in two grand Divisions regard is to be had that his own Lodgings be ever taken up in the most equall place between his grand Divisions that so he may with more facility and celerity dispense and import his command to either Party What commands soever shall descend unto him in charge from his superiour Officers as relating to the Guards disposing of Marchings appointing Imbattailings ordering of Quarters c. He is carefully to see executed He must do justice unto all without partiality so far as he exceed not his proper Authority and at all times to be diligent in suppressing of Mutinies even in their first growth by a discreet punishment of the principall offenders for preveution of further mischief and incovenience Of Guides MAps with the right use and knowledge of them are great helps towards the finding out of the best and most convenient ways Skilfull and expert Inhabitants of the Countrey are most proper to be elected for Guides and it is necessary for their better encouragement and the Armies suddain and necessary use of them to have them listed in Souldiers pay For the finding out of the fittest and ablest persons for this employment it is most especially the duty of the Wagon Masters who are to see and enquire certainly that they be men known and practised in all passable By-paths Crosse-ways c. That they be able to give an accompt of the distance of places of the evennesse and streightnesse of them whether they be plain or crooked hilly or stony and difficult for passage what Rivers Hedges Ditches and Bridges lye in the way and which way if there shall be severall ways is the safest and shortest which the neerer or farther to or from the Enemies Quarters which more probable for their approaches as likewise for Quarter what Forrage what Water is to be had and how convenient the way is for Baggage If it shall happen that these Guides may be chosen partly out of the Souldiers and partly from the Countrey-men and so any scruple jar or difference happen in opinion such Officers and others as are best skill'd in those parts and places are either to reconcile the difference or from the most probable intelligence to conclude upon the most convenient passages In respect of the danger and great hazards if not utter ruine that the Guides somtimes do and often may draw the Souldiers into by treachery and false play they are many times caused to ride halter'd about the neck to put them in mind of capitall punishment if they shall mislead the Party they guide but in case they discharge their trust faithfully and ably they ought to be as well rewarded for the encouragement as otherwise to be punished for the terrour of others Of Scouts AN active Enemy is always watchfull and diligent to apprehend every opportunity that may make for his advantage and therefore it concerns every Commander by way of Counter-mine as it were to be carefull that he rightly and fully informe himselfe of their ways and courses for prevention of his own danger in case of suddain assaults and the better infesting of his Enemy And to this end he must make choise of such as are approved for their valour and fidelity discretion and vigilancy not probable to be corrupted with gain or daunted through fear These men are not only to take direct plain or high ways but also by private and unsuspected passages and scouring as they scout all places whatsoever that are accessible and when they have made diligent observation in all places to informe of nothing but what they can give the ocular proof of lest by their errour and mistake the whole Army possibly may be led into an irreparable ruine and whosoever is the Conduct or Officer of these Scouts for one and an able one they must have always with them must be exceeding carefull of his reputation that he informe of nothing more then what he can justifie from his own eyes or eares and if he informe further to informe them also that that information is but from report that it may be considered of accordingly and his Repute preserved intire Of Spies OF all men these are at all times necessary for an Army and in all Armies of all men they will deserve to be most certainly and liberally rewarded to the intent that they may at all times cheerfully and faithfully undertake any imployment of the greatest trust hazard or danger And he that will make choise of able and trusty men in this kind must after diligent observation and weighing of their dispositions and courage select them out of his own Souldiers who under pretence of some discontent for want of pay c. may thereby with lesse suspition receive entertainment from the Enemy and if it be possible to be listed with the Horse whereby they may gain the fairer Opportunities in Field or Garrison to give certain intelligence of all Designes and Occurrences in the Enemies Quarters Before their departure from you let them take their severall instructions for the more you have the better so that that they be design'd for severall places and unknown unto each other both for times and places of conveyance which places must be strictly observed and duly searched for such informations as your Spies shall convey thither and thither let your answers and advises be re-conveyed for their further instruction Somtimes there may arise matters of such importance and consequence that it will not only be convenient to certifie by letter but most necessary to make appearance in person and there to consult and advise together if perhaps the Enemy shall be resolved to fall upon some of the opposite Quarters suddainly c. For Cursary Spies and present Intelligence the people of meanest rank and quallity are the fittest Instruments as common Peasants Pedlars Sellers of Strong-waters or Tobacco and the like who may passe unsuspected and with more security effect your purpose There are yet another sort of Spies of another nature who are denominated Double who being chosen to this Office upon