Half-File 4 3 Half File-Leader 5 6 Middlemen 6 2 Bringer up Number 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Place 2 6 7 3 4 8 5 2 Number 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 3 Place 2 6 3 4 5 2 4 4 Â Â Â Â Â 4 3 3 5 Â Â Â Â Â 3 4 7 6 Â Â Â Â Â 6 5 6 7 Â Â Â Â Â 2 6 2 8 A Rank 654321 A Rank dignified 263451 Now for as much as several Authors are of several opinions in this point so I will leave them to their own fancies and only set down the opinion of Captain Bingham in this point which is very clear Aelion's Tacticks lib. 1. the Notes of cap. 10. His Analogy is thus That if four Magnitudes be propounded in proportion that which ariseth of the first and fourth is equal to that of the second and third so that the first Tetrarch is allowed the first place of Dignity and is placed on the right hand Wing the second is placed on the outside Point of the left hand Wing the third next him in the left Wing on his right hand toward the middle Section the fourth in the right Wing on the left hand of the first toward the middle Section thus 2 3 4 1 5 5 Which cometh out of a Geometrical Proportion which Proportion giveth Law to the ordering of the rest of the Commands be they never so many and likewise for the Soldiers be they never so many the Rule is this Eucl. l. 7. pr. 19. Four Magnitudes which equally exceed the one the other being compared together that which ariseth of the first and the fourth is equal to that which ariseth of the second and third and if the Number produced of the first and fourth be equal to that produced of the second and third those four Numbers shall be in proportion CHAP. IX Reasons for precedence of Dignity in Ranks and Files BEING that perhaps some may stumble at this and say that it is superfluous and not necessary in Discipline I will endeavour to give some Reasons for the several places of Dignity in Rank and File It is the received opinion of the greatest Commanders that Geometrical Proportion gives both Life and Being to orderly Discipline if that be allowed then consider that all parts of the Body ought to be answerable for seeing that the joyning of Files and Ranks produce greater Bodies it is necessary that a true proportion should be kept throughout the whole Battel so that the left Wing may be equivalent in all respects of worth skill and valour to the Right the Reer to the Front and the Reer half Files to the Front half Files and that all parts of the Body be ballanc'd with true proportion so far as the knowledge of the Soldiers and number of Men will give you leave Otherwise it would be very unreasonable that all the chief Men should be on the right Flank and all the worst on the left who must oppose the right Flank of their Enemy and likewise the Front to have in it all the best Men and all the worst to be in the Reer who are principally to defend that part if that at any time the Enemy approach upon the Reer it would be certainly thought a very indiscreet thing of that Commander that should so order his Battel First therefore the File-Leader ought to be the worthiest because he not only Commands his File but makes the first onset against his Enemy Secondly The Bringer-up ought to be the second place in Honour because he is the last Man in the Field marching in the Reer which upon all occasion of danger he ought to defend Thirdly The Half File-Leader is the third place of Honour because he is the Leader of the Reer half Files upon several Motions as doubling the Front either intire or divisional or upon any other doubling to the Front Fourthly The last Man or Bringer up of the Front half Files is the fourth Man in Dignity for when the Reer half Files are commanded off he hath the Honour of defending the Reer Fifthly The next Man to the File-Leader hath the fifth place of Honour for one Doubling brings him to the Front Sixthly The next and last place of Honour is before the Bringer up for if the Body be faced about one Doubling brings him into the accidental Front or keeping his proper Front by once doubling he becomes Bringer up to the File-Leader So that it is plain by this Geometrical Proportion the whole Body is equivalent in skill and worth and as it were and indeed ought to be Seconds the one to the other so long as life endureth And then it may be said of them as Plutarch writeth of the holy Band of the Thebans Plutar. in Pelop. A. That it was never beaten until the Battel of Cheroea after which Battel Philip the Father of Alexander surveying the dead Bodies and coming to the place where these 300 lay all close mingled one with another and struck through with the Macedonian Pikes he wonder'd greatly but hearing that it was the Band of Lovers and belov'd wept and said Evilly may they perish that suspect any filthiness in deed or suffering to have been practised amongst such Men. So that you see that in all Ages care hath been taken to bestow Honour upon those Soldiers who have made it their employ to deserve it and on the other hand what indign Punishment hath been inflicted upon all those who either carelesly or wilfully neglect their Duty I might have inserted the several Punishments that have been inflicted upon the disobedient Soldier but being not material I shall wave it and proceed CHAP. X. Of the DRVM IT is requisite in the next place that care be taken that every Soldier be rightly instructed in all Military Signs and Directions for Experience hath sufficiently taught that the neglect and errour in the right understanding thereof hath not only brought great inconveniencies but the overthrow of great Enterprizes Therefore the Captain ought to be very circumspect that his Soldiers be well acquainted with all the signs of War which are only these three used viz. a Vocal a Semivocal and a Mute First A Vocal Sign is that when a Captain or some other Officer so immediately Commands that every Soldier shall hear him distinctly A Semivocal Sign is that which is distinguished by a Drum or other Warlike Instrument in which as to Foot-Service according to modern Discipline the Drum is the only Instrument that the Soldier is to take notice of and ought well to understand these several Beats or Points of War viz. 1. A Call 2. A Troop 3. A March 4. A Preparative 5. A Battalia 6. A Retreat Besides these there are two other Beats of the Drum viz. 7. A Tato 8. A Revally The Tato as some call it but rather Tapto that is to shut or make fast your Doors for when this is beaten all persons ought to
falling off to the left into the Reer the rest successively doing the like until they have fired all over which being done you may face them to the right and left outward then facing them to the Front proper you may cause them to march up and even the Front of Pikes Next you may Fire by Ranks ranking into the Front or Files ranking into the Front and filing or ranking as they were After you have fired them by Ranks you may do the same by Files wheeling outward or inward into the Front and filing again as they were Then you may fire by the outmost Files wheeling or ranking outward into the Front falling off likewise being lead off by Bringers up leading up next the Pikes this done twice reduceth The proper Firings to lose ground are these following Firings to lose ground The Muskettiers being supposed to be all in the front command the first Rank to make ready Present give Fire falling off to the right and left by Division each part falling Fileways down close by their Flanks of Muskettiers until the Leaders of the Ranks of Muskettiers have ranked even with the first Rank of Pikes observing always to leave an interval between the innermost Files of Shot and the outermost Files of Pikes So soon as the first Rank hath given Fire and wheeled away the second Rank is to do the like passing down between the intervals on the Flanks placing themselves after their Leaders The same is every Rank successively to do until they have all fired over and flanked their Pikes The Muskettiers being now all upon the Flanks command the first Rank to make ready Present and give Fire after they have fired command the first Rank both Muskets and Pikes to Countermarch to the right every Man turning on the ground he stands the second Rank is to give Fire as they stand observing to turn after their Leaders to the right hand on the ground they stand placing themselves behind their Bringers up following their Leaders If you please you may Fire even with the half Files and fall in the Reer of themselves Thus much briefly of Firings to the Front Firings to the Reer The Reer challengeth the next place where suppose all the Muskettiers to be in the Reer of the Pikes the Body marching Fire 1. To the right or left about which is thus performed If the Enemy appear in the Reer let the last Rank of Muskettiers face about and give Fire wheeling off by Division Fileways falling in the Front of their own Divisions When the first Rank are giving of Fire the next Rank are to be in readiness observing always that so soon as the first Rank hath fired they immediately blow and open their Pans stepping forward with their right Feet a little inclining to that hand to which you are to face about advancing your left Feet and to the Reer Present giving your Body a nimble turn and so give Fire to the rest successively doing the same at three Motions Note That in this Firing the Reer must be kept full leaving a vacancy of one Rank in the Front for the Rank that fired to place it self still keeping along with the Body the Muskettiers observing always to advance their right Legs and blow advancing with the left open their Pans then turning upon the Ball of their left Foot to the right about cast their right Leg backward and Fire This is the nimblest way for this Firing 2. Fire and fall off to the right and left and rank with the first Rank of Pikes into the Front 3. Fire even with the Reer and fall off before the Front of your own Divisions 4. Fire even in the Reer or last Rank falling off to the right and left with a swift Motion placing your selves 10 or 20 paces before the Front of Pikes still facing to the Body and making ready again whilst the Pikes make good the Retreat observing always to open to the right and left to give room for the Pikes then suddenly closing again you may 5. Fire losing ground falling off to the right and left about just before the Front of Pikes still facing to the Body as before and making ready as before the Pikes still continuing the Charge 6. Fire by Introduction to the Reer until they come down even with the Reer and stand making ready again 7. Fire by commanding the first Rank to Present and give Fire both Muskettiers and Pikes turning on the ground they stand by way of Countermarch sleave down the intervals placing themselves before the Front of their own Divisions the rest keeping their own ground and after having given Fire successively turn down after their Leaders on the ground they stand on Lastly If you are pursued eagerly so that you cannot make a safe Retreat by marching face all about and Fire by way of Extraduction If you be hard pressed upon by the Enemies Horse command the Muskettiers to double their Pikes and Fire falling off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of their own Divisions And thus much for Firings in the Reer In the next place it will be convenient to shew some Firings to the Flanks whereby the ingenious Commander may defend that part if attakced by an Enemy either upon a March or other ways Firings to the Flanks upon a March. 1. Fire to the right File-Leaders leading up their Files next to the Pikes 2. Fire to the right Bringers up Leading away next the Pikes and their own Division which being twice done reduceth them 3. Fire to the right leading up on the contrary Flank either by the File-Leaders or Bringers up 4. Fire by facing to the right and doubling the Pikes to the right and so fall off to the right and left by Division as before the rest still moving up and evening the Front of Pikes 5. Fire by Extraduction to the right or by half Ranks drawn forth and falling Rank after Rank in the Reer of the Pikes After to reduce them cause them to double their Front by Division so they will be as at first These Firings may be performed as well to both Flanks as to one the Body being faced accordingly likewise to Front and Reer at the same time or to Front Reer and both Flanks as shall be shewed in their proper places But these already may be sufficient to explain the ordinary way of Firings which any ingenious Capacity may augment or alter according as time and place will give leave And so much for plain Firings to the Front Reer and both Flanks and likewise for the second day's Exercise CHAP. XX. The third Days Exercise HAving the third time brought your Soldiers into the Field as formerly it will be very necessary in the first place that they be taught the Postures of each Arms either by the File-Leaders or some other of the Officers which must be careful to see the same decently and neatly performed and in a comely manner which is not
C. Double your Files to the left entire advancing every Man placing himself before his Leader C. Double your Ranks to the right entire every Man placing himself on the outside of his right hand Man C. Right half Ranks double your left Flank every Man placing himself on the inside of his left hand Man C. Double your Ranks to the left entire every Man placing himself on the outside of his left hand Man C. Left half Ranks double your right Flank every Man placing himself on the inside of his right hand Man C. Double your Ranks to the right and left by Division every Man placing himself on the outside of his right and left hand Man Direction Every even Rank from the Front move forth to the right and left outward and double the odd placing your selves on the outside of your right and left hand Man C. The outmost Files upon each Flank that moved double the inmost Files to the right and left inward every Man placing himself on the inside of his right and left hand Man C. Right half Ranks double your left Flank to the right following your right hand Men. Direction Right half Ranks face outward and turn off to the left and double the left Flank to the right to your Leader C. Double your Ranks to the right entire every Man placing himself on the outside of his right hand Man C. Left half Ranks double your right Flank to the left following your left hand Men. C. Double your Ranks to the left entire every Man placing himself on the outside of his left hand Man These or the like Doublings may be very proper to be used in Exercise sometimes to the younger Soldier which will not only delight him but cause him to understand the use of them though perhaps many old Experienced Officers will condemn these sort of Doublings and say that they are needless as to our present Mode of Discipline But because that Knowledge is no burden and that at some time or other they may be not only useful but serviceable I have here inserted them to delight the young Soldier in his private Exercises Having reduced your Men as at first upon these Doublings by Countermarches in the next place it will be requisite to proceed to Firings wherein shall be shewed several Figures of Battel and the several ways of Firing upon each CHAP. XXVIII Several Figures of Battel with Firings upon the same for this days Exercise of 72 Men. Command FRont half Files of Muskettiers and the two first Ranks of Pikes march three Foot The four last Ranks of Pikes wheel your Flanks into the Front by Division Face to the right and left and march even in the Reer of the Front Division of Muskettiers Reer half Files of Muskettiers face to the right and left and march clear of the Division of Pikes face to your Leader and march up and even the Flanks of Pikes 1. For the first Firing let the Front Division fire and fall off to the Reer of themselves 2. Command the Reer Divisions both of Muskets and Pikes to face to the right and left and march 'till clear of their Front Divisions then face to their Leader and march up and even the Front and so Fire all four Divisions falling off to the right and left in the Reer of their own Divisions 3. Command the three middle Divisions both of Muskets and Pikes to advance forward six paces then fire and wheel into the Reer of Pikes the Pikes maintaining the Retreat 'till they fall even a Breast with the Reer Divisions of Pikes which so soon as they are fallen into the Body the Reer Divisions of Muskettiers are to fire and fall off as before placing themselves in the Reer of their own Divisions which will produce this following form Note That upon this Firing the Front Divisions of Muskettiers are to place themselves in the Reer of the Reer Division of Pikes Reducement The middle Division of Pikes advance six Foot The two Divisions of Pikes that are upon the Flanks face in opposition and close your Divisions then wheel your Flanks inward into the Reer and face to your Leader Muskettiers march up and Flank your Pikes and they are reduced as at first Command Reer half Files of Pikes and Muskettiers to the right about Muskettiers march all until your Bringers up be even in Breast with the Front and Reer of Pikes to your Leader For to Fire upon this Figure 1. Cause the two Divisions both in Front and Reer to make ready and fire falling off to the fight and left in the Reer of their own Divisions 2. Command the Reer Divisions to face to the Front and march up even a Breast with the Reer of Pikes then let the Front Divisions Fire and wheel off to the right and left and place themselves in the Reer of the Reer Divisions of Shot the Reer Divisions of Shot at the same time advancing into their Leaders ground and so give Fire falling off as before which will reduce them Next if the Enemy appear in the Reer cause the whole stand of Pikes to face to the Reer and likewise all the Shot then command the two Reer Divisions to fire falling off to the right and left placing themselves in the Front of the Front Division of Muskettiers they at the same time marching down even with the Reer and firing and falling off as before which done reduceth them being faced to their Leader Command Reer half Files of Muskettiers to the right about The two outmost Files of both Front and Reer half Files march 'till clear of your own half Files then stand which produceth this following Figure For the first Firing let them Fire to Front and Reer every Division falling off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of their own Divisions For the second Firing command the two outmost Files of Pikes to face to the right and left and march 'till they stand even a Breast with the inmost Divisions of Muskettiers Reer half Files of the two inmost Files of Pikes face about inmost Files of Pikes wheel your Flanks into the Front and Reer and march up and even the four inmost Divisions of Muskettiers face all to the right about and they will stand as in the Figure following Upon this Figure you may Fire to the Front or Reer alone or to both as in the other or to the right or left Flank or to both Flanks or to all four at once as occasion offers every Division falling off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of their own Divisions But if the Enemy give on upon the right Flank you may face the whole Body to the right and cause the Divisions upon the right to Fire falling off to the right and left falling in the Reer of the left Division they at the same time advancing into the right Flank who are to fiâ—e and so to return into their places you may do the same to
Division of Pikes placing themselves before the Pikes then stand present and give fire the next moving up as before which will reduce them Note That this last Firing must be performed with the last Rank first and so the next to the last so that the first Rank must be last in this Firing Command The first Rank of Muskettiers both in Front Reer and both Flanks face to the right and move two paces The next Rank of Muskettiers of each Division face to the left and move likewise two paces then wheel to the right and left outwards Oblique before each Division of Pikes as in the following Figure For firing upon this Figure the Muskettiers being faced all outwards are to stand and present and fire all together in one Volley or if you would have the Muskettiers give fire one after another then the Vollies by succession which is commonly called The Peal will be best beginning at the right hand of the Front and so taking it round from one another 'till they have fired over the rest in the interim making ready again Reducement 1. Cause all the Ranks of Muskettiers to face to the right and left inward and take their places the left hand Ranks being the first beginners of the Motion 2. Command the Front and Reer Divisions to wheel Front and Reer inwards into both Flanks and face to their Leader 3. Divisions on the right and left Flank face inwards and close your Divisions after cause Ranks to double to the right and left outward Files closing inwards to order and and Ranks closing forward to order and they will be reduced as at first Command Half Files of Pikes face to the Reer and march until you are clear of the last Rank of Muskettiers Half Files of Muskettiers face outwards and wheel your Reer to the right and left by Division and march between the Division of Pikes Left half Ranks of the first Division of Muskettiers face to the Reer and march between the Reer Divisions of Pikes then even your Ranks and streighten your Files and close your Divisions to an equal distance and face all to the right about they will stand as in the Figure Note That all the Muskettiers must be in the midst and the Pikes on the Flanks when you begin to make this Figure if your Muskets be on the Flanks when you make it then the Cross will be Pikes and the Angles Muskets and your Command must be contrary as now you Command Half Files of Pikes in this you must Command Half Files of Muskettiers to face to the Reer as aforesaid The manner of Firing upon the aforesaid Figure may easily be apprehended every Division is to fire by Ranks wheeling all off to the right placing themselves in the Reer of their own Division For the second Firing if your Reer be secure you may reserve the Front half Files entire and so fire either to Front alone or to Front and both Flanks or to each at pleasure For a third Firing if your Muskettiers be in the Angles which will be very advantagious you may then give fire which way soever the Enemy approaches each Division being ready to assist the other Command Reducement of the Plinthium into the Solid Square flanked with Pikes Reer Division of Muskettiers face about march up on the left of your own Division of Muskettiers in Front the Pikes being first opened to give them place Divisions of Muskettiers upon each Flank face inwards and close your Divisions by wheeling into the midst face to your Leader Reer Divisions of Pikes face about march up and place your selves right after your Leaders Reer Division or Reer half Files of Muskettiers face to the Reer Muskettiers march all 'till clear of your Pikes then face to your Leader and close your Divisions which produceth this Figure For the first Firing let them fire to the Front every Rank of the Front Division after they have fired to fall off to the right and left into the Reer of the Reer Division of Muskettiers the rest advancing into their Leaders ground and so firing and falling off as before the Reer Division at the same time moving up into the Front and fire falling off into their places For the second Firing if your Reer be secure Command the Reer Division of Muskettiers to open to the right and left and sleeve upon the outside of the Pikes into the Front then presenting and firing at the same instant with those Muskettiers of the Front Division each part wheeling off and placing themselves in the Reer of their own Divisions the rest moving forwards into their Leaders ground or the two outmost Divisions may fall off to the right and left into the Reer You may likewise fire to both Front and Reer at discretion or to both Flanks as the discreet Commander shall think fit But the firing to both Flanks at this present time shall be a Reducement by commanding the Muskettiers both in Front and Reer to face outwards Pikes face inwards march and close your Divisions which being performed they will be reduced to their proper Square flanked with Muskettiers as at first Command Half Ranks of the left double your right Flank Front Proper Front of the Reer Front of the right Flank Front of the left Flank You may fire upon this Figure to Front and Reer by commanding the two last Ranks of the Division of Muskettiers upon the right Flank to wheel to the right and left into Front and Reer For a second Firing let them fire as now they stand either to the right or left Flank or to both at once as occasion shall serve falling of in the Reer of their own Divisions Reducement Command Half Ranks that doubled to face to the left march and take your places to your Leader Command Half Files of Muskettiers face to the Reer Muskettiers march to the Angles of your Pikes The two first and two last Ranks of Pikes stand and double Files to the right The rest face to the right and left and march 'till clear of the other Pikes Note If you Command the two last Ranks of the Front and Reer Division of Pikes to wheel to the right the other to the left the Cross will be equal in Pikes Reducement After the two last Ranks have wheeled into their places and the Front and Reer Divisions have doubled to the left they will stand as in the following Figure Note These two foregoing Figures are both as one only the two first and two last Ranks are not doubled to the right according to the word of Command For Firing upon these two foregoing Figures you may produce several with some little alteration either to Front or Reer alone or to either Flank or to both Front and Reer at the same time by commanding the one half both of Muskets and Pikes to face to the right about and so give fire these of the right Flank to wheel off to the right the left Flank to the left
in the Reer of their own Divisions the rest moving up into their Leaders ground Reducement Face them all after their proper File-Leaders then cause the Pikes to face in opposition and close their Divisions Muskettiers of the Front Division face to the right about Muskettiers both of Front and Reer close your Divisions face all to your Leader Command The two outmost Files of Muskettiers march forth being led by four Officers two of which are to return into their places the Serjeants that led forth the outmost Files are to stand to see them do their Execution the two inmost Files face inwards Oblique cross the Front of Pikes the outmost Files face outwards in an Oblique manner then to your Leader Observe the Figure For to fire upon this Figure let the Muskettiers present all together as now they stand and give fire and then suddenly facing after their Bringers up march down into their places then next two Files of each Flank in the interim moving forwards into their Leaders ground and so fire and fall off as before which reduceth them Command Muskettiers march until your half Files range even with the Front of Pikes then stand Half Files of each Arms face outward and march until you are clear of the Angles of your Arms then stand face all to your Leader This Figure fit to fire to the Front and both Flanks if to the Front and that you would preserve your Figure then the Muskettiers must move forwards into their Leaders ground If you please you may move forwards your Reer Division of Muskettiers and make Wings of them when having fired once or twice over may retreat into their places the Pikes in the mean time are to Advance Move forwards Port Charge Stand or Retreat If you would give fire to both Flanks and to the Front at one and the same time then the Front Divisions both Muskettiers and Pikes are to stand and fire to the Front falling off to the right and left in the Reer of their own Divisions the rest moving up into their Leaders ground the Reer Divisions as well Muskets as Pikes face to the right and left and fire to both Flanks falling off as before the rest moving up into their Leaders ground Reducement Command the Reer half Files both of Muskets and Pikes to face inwards and close their Divisions Pikes march up and even your Front of Muskettiers face to your Leader and they will be reduced Command Files to the right double then wheel your Flanks into the Reer then face the Body to one of the Flanks and wheel your Battel into a Convex Half Moon For to fire upon this Figure as now they stand let the Pikes Charge over-hand and the Muskettiers give fire as they stand presenting all to the Front For a second Firing if the Enemy press upon either of the Flanks or Reer you may cause the whole Body to face outwards and then let the Muskettiers give fire falling off to the right and left through their intervals placing themselves in the Reer of their Pikes the Pikes at the same time charging over-hand Command Wheel your Flanks to the right and left into an even Front then face to your Leader which being performed they will stand three deep in File then Command Files to file to the right into a Ring being led away by some Officer until the File-Leader of the right Flank falling just in the Reer of the Bringer up of the left Flank then face them all to the Center and let them close forwards to order then face them to the right about as in the following Figure For to fire upon this Figure command the Pikes to charge round and the Muskettiers give fire all together then let the Commander go to the place where the File-Leader of the right Flank filed first away and command them to file as they were which being performed they will stand three deep the Pikes being all in Front and thereupon become the File-Leaders Next command the Reer to wheel into both Flanks and Ranks to double to the left and they will be reduced Command Wheel your Front into the midst By this Command the Pikes will be all in the Reer and the Muskettiers in Front and they will stand six deep Then command Files to file to the right into a Ring by causing the File-Leader of the right Flank to march away the rest filing after him 'till they make one entire File and close in a Ring Observe the Figure following Fire upon this Figure if you please as now they stand the Pikes at the same time porting This may be continued so long as you think fit round For a second Firing you may cause every Division of Muskettiers to give fire then fall down even with their Front of Pikes and so fire again the Pikes at the same time charging over-hand to the Horse or they may fall behind the Pikes and then give fire over their shoulders Reducement Command File-Leaders to lead up their Files as they were and then to wheel their Reer into the midst and face to their Leader and they will be reduced as at first Command Muskettiers of the left Flank and the whole stand off Pikes face to the right and left inwards and interchange ground which being done the Muskettiers will be all upon the right Flank then cause each Division both Pikes and Muskets to file to the right the Pikes within the Muskets at the same time making two Rings as in the following Figure For to fire upon this Figure command both Muskets and Pikes to face to the right about then let the Muskettiers all present as they stand the Pikes at the same time charging and give fire then let them make ready a second time and give fire falling off between the intervals of their Pikes placing themselves behind their Pikes the Pikes falling to their close Order by putting the But end of the Pike at the inside of the right Foot the Pike in the left hand drawing their Swords over their left Arms. Then the Muskettiers the Pikemen stooping may give fire over their heads as often as the Commander pleases after they may pass through again into their places After which the Ensign in sign of Triumph may Display his Colours in the midst of the Circle which being performed command the File-Leaders to lead up their Files as they were then let the Pikes and Muskets interchange ground and they will be reduced as at first And herewith we will conclude this days Exercise and leave our Soldiers to their Rests until the morrow's Sun and the thundering Drum shall call us into the Field again CHAP. XXXI The sixth Days Exercise HAving the sixth time brought your Soldiers into the Field according to the accustomed manner and being doubtless well experienced by their former Exercises in the well managing and handling of their Arms and likewise in all other Commands as Distances Facings Doublings Countermarches and Wheelings which will not only encourage
the left Flank or to Front and Reer as occasion shall be given Observe the Figure which is to both Flanks at once Note The two outmost Divisions are to fire first and to be relieved by the two outmost of the left then the two inmost Divisions are to fire and to be relieved by the two inmost Divisions of the left who are to do the like and so to return into their places Note also That in this Figure the half Files of the two outmost Files were doubled to the right and left inward before they faced and begun their Motion Reducement Pikes face to the right about inmost Files of Pikes wheel your Flanks into the midst and close forward to order The two outmost Files of Pikes face to your Leader Half Files of the two outmost Files of Pikes that doubled face to the Reer and march forth and take your places the two outmost Files advance and even the two inmost Files and close Files into the midst to order The four inmost Divisions of Muskettiers face to the right and left and close your Divisions The four outmost Divisions face in opposition and close your Divisions then face them to their Leader and close Files into the midst to order and Ranks close forward to order and they will be reduced as at first Command Front half Files advance forwards three paces The middle Rank of each Division face outward and move clear of the standing part face to your Leader The first Firing Let the four first Divisions in the Front fire and fall off to the right and left into the Reer the rest at the same time moving up firing and interchanging Ground with them in the Reer 'till they have all fired over and are in their places The second Firing Let them face to both the Flanks Divisions of Pikes in the midst open outward until you be clear of the standing part then Port. Muskettiers give fire on the same ground you stand on then let the Pikes Charge on until the Muskettiers have made ready again and then retreat into their places The Muskettiers may give fire as before is mentioned the Pikes still in like manner Charging on then retreating into their places face all to their Leader Command Reer Divisions of Pikes both in Front and Reer Divisions face to the right about and double your Depth to the right and left inward advancing three paces to your Leader Divisions of Pikes both in Front and Reer Divisions double your Front to the right and left inward advancing three paces Or thus as in the third Figure Command the inmost Divisions of Pikes to move to the left one pace and double to the right Fileways and face to the Front and Reer and march three paces middle Files of Front and Reer Divisions open from the midst to double Distance face to your Leader The first Firing Face to the Front and Reer and then give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves The second Firing Inmost Division move forwards and rank outwards into Front and Reer and then give fire all together and file as you were the Pikes at the same time charging whilst they still make ready then whilst they fire they may fall into their places and so continue as often as the Commander pleases The third Firing Command the Muskettiers and the two outmost Divisions of Pikes to face to both Flanks The Front and Reer and two middle Divisions of the inmost Division of Pikes face to the right the four other Divisions face to the left march and even the two inmost Divisions of Shot to both Flanks then give fire falling off in the Reer of their own Divisions then let the Pikes face inward and take their places as they were and face to their Leader This is so plain it needs no Figure Command The outmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front Division face about The two outmost Divisions of Muskettiers both of Front and Reer Divisions move forward and close to Order to your Leader and close inward to open Order For the first Firing upon the two foregoing Figures let the Front Division of Muskettiers advance and even the Front of Pikes then give fire and fall off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of the Reer Division of Muskettiers the rest of the Divisions at the same time moving up into their Leaders ground and firing falling off as before 'till they are all reduced into their places as at first A second Firing may be to both Flanks or to Front and Reer at the same time Command Front and Reer Divisions of Pikes move to the right one pace The second Division of Pikes from the Reer face to the right about The second Divisions of Pikes both in Front and Reer Divisions move forward and double both Front and Reer to the left to your Leader Middle Divisions of Muskettiers open outward to twice double Distance face all to the Center and march three paces to your Leader For the first Firing the four last Divisions face to the Reer The two outmost Divisions both of Muskets and Pikes face to both Flanks likewise the four Divisions in the Front face to both Flanks then give Fire falling off to the right and left in the Reer of their own Divisions For the second Firing command the Front and Reer Divisions of Pikes to wheel their Flanks into the Front and Reer The Reer Divisions both of Muskettiers and Pikes face to the right about then give fire to both Front and Reer the Front Division falling off in the Reer of the second Division the second at the same time moving up into their Leaders ground and so firing falling off as before the Reer at the same time doing the like after command the Pikes to wheel their Front and Reer into both Flanks and face all to their Leader For the third Firing let them give fire by Extraduction and fall in the Reer of the Pikes For the fourth Firing let the Pikes charge to the Horse and the Muskettiers give fire all together over their heads then move forth into their first places and face to their Leader Command Front and Reer Divisions of Muskettiers open outward to double Distance The outmost Divisions of Pikes close inward to open Order The second Division of Pikes from the Front face about The third Division of Pikes from the Front and the second Division of Pikes from the Reer move forwards to order face to your Leader Front and Reer Divisions stand the rest face outward and move two paces to your Leader For the Firings let the first be to the Front by commanding the two first Divisions in the Front to fire falling off to the right and left into the Reer of the Reer Divisions they at the same time moving up into their File-Leaders ground after the second Divisions have fired the two outmost are to fire and are to be relieved by the two outmost in the Reer This firing is to be