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A54357 The perfection of military discipline after the newest method, as practised in England and Ireland, &c., or, The industrious souldiers golden treasury of knowledge in the art of making war containing instructions for the exercising the pike and musket in all their postures, with the signs of the drum, by its beating the several points of war, the exercise of granadeers, horse, and dragoons : the explanation of the words of command, and how to be put in practice ... : the several doublings, wheelings, and drawing up of battalions, squadrons of horse, &c. with the conduct of armies in open or inclosed countries, or upon any occasion or immergency ... the method to be observed in garrisons, and the manner of fortification, with that of besieging strong holds, &c. to which is added, as a second part, The art of gunnery, or, The compleat engineer : shewing the practice of the ordnance, mortars, &c. with the manner of making and using fire-works for war, at sea and land, and many other things necessary to be known for the improvement of souldiers. 1690 (1690) Wing P1532; ESTC R18339 60,614 163

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the Musketiers must be in the middst and the Pikes as Flankers The Figure of the four Fronted Battle c. To Fire upon this Figure the Musketiers must do it in Rank and after Fireing wheel off to the Right making their passage through the intervals and placing themselves in the Rear of their own Division successively maintaining the same Ground or if you would bring the Musketiers to the Angles and reduce the Pikes to the middle then must the Musketiers take place on the Flanks when you make the Figure To reduce this Figure The whole Body is commanded to Face to the proper Front And then Musketiers in the Rear March up on the Left of the Musketiers in the Front Musketiers in the Flank Face inward and close your Division These Commands given cause the Pikes to march up taking their places directly after their Leaders and by that means they will be brought into a sollid square The Commands are Musketiers Face to the Right and Left inward Pikes Face inward interchanging Ground The Hollow Fronted Cross Battle how to form it THE Files in this case being eight Men in depth the words of Command are thus to to be given The two first Ranks wheel your Front into the midst Two last Ranks wheel your Rear into the midst The rest Face to the Right and Left March Here they must move untill they have made the Cross then the Musketiers must Flank the Pikes as for example in the following Figure Proper Front Front of the Right Flank Front of the Rear Front of the left Flank If you come to Fire in this Figure it may be done every way as at Front Rear and Flanks the Fire made they must wheel off by Division and take their stations in the Rear of their own Division moving forward into the Leader's Ground that the form of the Figure may not be altered and when the second Fire is given the Pikes must move leisurely up Porting as they Advance till they make an even Front with the Musketiers the second Fireing being made those that fired are to wheel and place themselves in the Rear of that Division of Pikes which they Flanked which order all the Ranks must observe upon Fireing and by the Pikes Charging and Re-advancing the Figure will be preserved and the Reducement may be observed in what is directed for the Reducement of the cross Battel How to frame the hollow Square with Angles when required to be guarded with Pikes IN this case the Pikes being Advanced the Command must be Pikes close your Divisions before the Musketiers Pikes face all to the Right upon this they must Advance and move into the space between the Angles of the Musketiers by which means the following Figure will be formed c. Front In fireing upon this Figure you have your choice to fire either to the Rear Front or Flank as many Ranks as will stand with conveniency who upon fireing must wheel off and keep the ground or upon fireing they may retire into the Figure and charge for a second fireing How to form the Quintuple hollow Square c IN forming the following Figure the Musketiers having made Ready and taken their station in the middle make the hollow Front cross Battel by wheeling the Front of the two first Ranks into the middle which done the Rear of the two last Ranks must be wheeled into the midst likewise then the rest of the Body must Face to the Right and the Left and March till they have formed a Square whereupon the words of Command are Face to the Front Rear and Flanks This done the Pikes in the Front of the Musketiers must be Commanded viz. Open to the Right and Left Upon this the last Rank of Pikes must be even with the first Rank of Musketiers and then these words of Command follow viz. Two first Ranks of Musketiers of each Division move forward clear of the Pikes This done the following Figure will be produced In fireing upon this Figure the Command is Musketiers in the midst close to the Front Rear and Flanks Fire c. The Musketiers ought upon the first fireing to make good their Ground the second time fireing over they must Rank even with the Pikes and upon the third fireing the Pikes must move somewhat forward and the Musketiers loose Ground by which means a hollow Fronted Cross is formed and the Pikes must Port and Charge in the Angles whilst the Fire is made by the Musketiers The form of a hollow square Battle impaled with Shot TO bring this into Figure and Order the Serjeants must draw forth the odd Files on the right Flanks as well Muskets as Pikes then give Command to the odd Files of the left Flank Pikes and Musketiers viz. Face to the Rear This must be observed in wheeling to the left Cross the Rear following the Bringers up then the Command to the rest of the Body is Close to the Right and Left outward This must be till the Rear Angles of each Division be in opposition to each other then the Command is All Face to the Center Face all about to the Right By this means the following Figure is formed Noe In these Figures that C stands for Commander in Chief L for Lieutenant E for Ensign S for Serjeant and D for Drums P are Pikes and M Muskets To Fire upon this Figure when the Ranks of Musketiers have presented and fired they are to wheel off to the right and left through the Intervals that so they may be made in the middle of each Division as appears in the Figure and then they must place themselves in the Rear of their own Division the next Rank moving into their Ground or if any urgency require it the Musketiers having fired they may wheel off and take their station in the Rear of their following Division of Pikes which Division is to move forward and maintain the Musketiers Ground If you would reduce the Order the word of Command to the whole Body is Face to the left Angles of the Front Division Upon this they must March and even their Ranks and straighten their Files upon which the half Files must double their Ranks to the left forwards and the first Order will be regained Directions or general Observation in giving Battel THough there can no certain Rule be ascribed where the Contingencies are various yet it has been observed by experienced Commanders that Rules are necessary wherefore a Commander must avoid engaging against his Will as much as in him lies and take the happy moment to charge the Enemy when he sees an active Liveliness and sprightly Vigour in his Souldiers chosing the most advantageous Ground according to the quality and number of his Men sheltering for fear of being enclosed one of the Wings or Flanks to a place strong either by Nature or Art and bring on the Divisions of Horse and Foot at their ordinary distance placing the best Regiments of Horse and Foot on the Wings if
always in this there is one Battery bigger than the rest called the Royal Battery which generally fronts the Town besieged and is frequently raised as high as the Walls and these Batteries must labour to dismount the Cannon of the besieged as well as batter the Walls for thereby the Enterprise will be facilitated but many times the Flankers are covered in a manner by the Counterscarp which must thereupon be laid open or possessed by the besiegers to gain a more uninterrupted Access and if the besieged Parly and send out to make terms Hostilities ought to cease till those that came out are returned unless the besiegers will refuse to hearken to any Parly which is not often observed unless the matter be carried so far that the breaches are laid open and there is no way or means for a longer Defence then instead of gaining Conditions they are forced to surrender upon Discretion If by Battery Mining throwing Bombs or a perpetual tiring the Enemy the Town is saultable and a general Storm be intended it must however be the General 's care as much as in him is to keep his intentions from the besieged but pretending one thing suddenly change the Order into another for by it the Enemy is accused and the Souldiers Spirits are kept up this Rule was observed by the Duke of Lorain in taking of Buda and proved very successful as it has done in the like upon other occasion The Court Martial or Council of War what is to be considered therein IT is necessary the young Souldiers should have some insight in this Affair to prevent his ignorantly incurring Danger and in this Case in an Army or Incampment the Council of War meet at the General 's Tent or Quarters and to this are called the Lieutenant-Generals the Major-Generals the Brigadiers as likewise the Collonels and Commanders of Bodies where it is requisite or that the Matter concerns their Regiment There are private Court-Martials or Councils of War frequently held in Garrisons and these may be held at the Governour 's House or in any other convenient place as the Governour shall appoint or if it be in a Camp it may be at the Collonel's Tent and he thereupon is to send notice to the Captains of his Regiment to be present those whose business it is to be there being assembled the Collonel or Governour or whose Right it is to be President takes place at the upper end of the Table and the Captains in their Degree and if there be no Judge-Advocate or he be absent the Town-Major Aid-Major or Quarter-Master discharges that Office and accordingly takes his place at the lower end of the Table As for the Lieutenants Sub-Lieutenants and Ensigns they have Priviledge to be there but only as Spectators with their Hats off and if the Matter be of consequence after it is opened by the President the youngest Officers gives first his Opinion and so the rest in Order the President being the last and being put all in Writing the Matter happens conform to the plurality of Votes and then is to be signed by the President if the matter is to be judged of by this Council or Court then the Party accused is brought before them and being informed of what he stands accused the Questions proper to the matter of his Accusations are asked him and then he has Liberty to reply as in case of civil Judicature when being withdrawn in the custody of the Marshal who is the Goaler of this Court the proof against him is considered and every one gives his opinion upon his Conscience and he stands or falls by the plurality of Voices and being called in and made acquainted with what has been determined the Sentence is pronounced by the President in the name of the Court c. and if he be guilty 't is the business of the Provost Martial to see it put in Execution and if the Punishment be publick the Regiment ought to be drawn up Spectators as a warning to them in offending c. but a Souldier for the Honour of the Profession is not to undergo any infamous Punishment before he be degraded of his Arms and his Coat in publick strip'd off and to frame this Court there must be no less than Seaven the President being one many times for want of a sufficient number of Superiour Officers Inferiour Officers are admitted but not often Of divers Figures in Battel-Array or for Fireing c. THere are various Figures wherein an Army or a Body of Men may be drawn up besides these we have named wherefore for the satisfaction of the more curious and for the greater variety it will be convenient to incert them by way of Prospect c. If you would draw up a cross Battle in the following Figure you may do it with a private Company or as many as you please and to bring them into form The words of Command are viz. The first two Ranks wheel your Front into the midst The two last Ranks wheel your Rear into the midst These words being given the next Command must be The rest of the Body Face to the right and left March The March must be continued till the Rear of the four Divisions make an even Hollow that may be square after that the Commander must go into the middle and give these words of Command viz. To the Center face all by which means he may give them directions what to do and then proceed further to say Face all about to the Right which makes the cross Battle Of the two Divisions one after the other Then Face all to the proper Front So you have all your Musketires in the midst flanked with Pikes Then Musketiers Face The Cross Battel Face to the right and left outward Pikes face to the right and left inward pass through and interchange ground So is your Body reduced to its first Front and Order If you would fire upon this Figure consider there are two ways in general and of these first it is to be noted when the Musketiers give Fire thereupon placing themselves in the Rear of their own Division the next Rank is after they have Fired place themselves in the Rear of the Pikes To Reduce the Cross Battle The Officers in the middle must give the Command viz. Face all to the Centre And then further proceed to Command those Divisions that were Flankers viz. Close to your Order The four fronted Battle called the Plynthium how to frame it by Command TO order this the Command must be viz. Half Files of Pikes Face to the Rear March This they must observe till clear of the Ranks of the Musketiers and then the Command is Half Files of Musketiers Face to the Right and Left March This must be done in marching between the Divisions of Pikes then the further word is Left half Ranks of the first Division of Musketiers Face to the Right and March between the Rear Division of Pikes In this case it is noted that
are to have their Arms straight before them ready Cockt and Gaurded and the Pikes being Ported they must charge when the Musketiers Present and then ensue the further words of Command viz. The five first Ranks kneel The Rear Ranks Present Fire The Fifth Rank stand up Present Fire The Fourth Rank stand up Present Fire In this manner the rest must be Commanded when they have fired they are to Charge again and make themselves in readiness to expect the next word of Command and this Order of Fireing may be performed by two or three Ranks at a time the first kneeling the second stooping and the third standing up In fireing to gain ground observe this Order The Battalion marching he that is to give the word of Command proceeds thus First Ranks of Musketiers make ready Halt Upon this the intire Battalion must Halt then he is to Command the Musketiers of the first Rank To Present Fire And as soon as they have fired they must recover their Arms not expecting any word of Command and with a swift pace File off to the Right and Left into the Rear observing ever when the first Rank Presents the next Rank is to make Ready and as the first files off the next must make good the Front Battalion marching and every Rank to fire in this Order and at the presenting of every Rank the Pikes without Command The manner of Fireing to the Front Retreating If the Enemy press your Battalion in Front and you cannot make good your Ground you may to prevent their pressing on Fire Retreating in single Ranks in the same manner as when you are to gain Ground except after the fireing of every Rank and their having filed off to the Right and Left into the Rear instead of the next Ranks advancing to make good the Front of the Pikes the Pikes must make their Retreat to the Musketiers who must keep their Ground till the Pikes make an even Front equal with them and the rest of the Ranks in their Fireing and Retreating are to observe this Method The manner of Fireing in the Flank If a Battalion be upon the March and is constrained by reason of the pressing of the Enemy to Fire to both Flanks it is to be thus performed Keep the Ranks at six foot distance and the intervals of that distance must be carefully observed between the Muskets and Pikes in their Divisions and this must be done by causing the Musketiers to incline to the right and left upon every fireing to the Flanks The words of Command are viz. To the right and left hand Files of Musketiers make Ready Which they must do and keep along with the Body not facing to the Flanks till they are commanded to Present and when they have fired they are to face to the Rear being thereupon lead a thwart very quick by the Serjeants and so up between their own Divisions and the Pikes and as soon as ever the next Flank Files Present those that succeed or support them are to make Ready without expecting the word of Command as is many other cases has been instanced keeping a long with the Body till they are bid Present and this Order must be observed till all the Files have fired each man upon fireing falling back with his right Leg in case of fireing to the Rear which many times stands instead especially upon being Charged by a greater number or upon a Retreat you must observe the following Order The manner of Fireing in the Rear The words of Command directing this way of Fireing are first The Rear Ranks of Musketiers make Ready By which is understood Cocking and Guarding Then Present Fire Upon these words the Souldiers must turn to the Right-about casting their left Legs backwards then Present and Fire which done they must recover their Arms without any word of Command marching up into the Front and there taking their Stations and note that as soon as the first Rank is bid Present the next is to make Ready without Command but must not face to the Rear till Commanded to Present and when the first Rank is bid to Present the Pikes must march till such time as the Rear of the Pikes are even with the next Rank of Musketiers that have made Ready by which means room will be left in the Front for that Rank that fires to bring themselves up even with the first Rank of Pikes every Rank being to do the like by the same Order The manner of Fireing the Street-way THis Fireing is generally made to defend against Horse that attempt to Charge in the Front when the Pikes are few then the Rear half Files of Pikes must double the Front upon this Command viz. Rear half Files of Pikes to the Right Double your Front March Musketiers to the Right about March The Musketiers being clear of the Pikes the following Commands are to be given Musketiers face to the Right and Left inwards March Upon this Command they are to joyn the Center of the Pikes and the Commandan● proceeds viz. Face to your Leader Hereupon the care of the Officers must b● to observe the Shot and the Pikes equall● Wing the former keeping no more distance from the latter then to give space for the Ensigns Drums and Hoitboys to com● between then the Captains are to take place in the first Ranks of the Pikes and the Lieutenants with the Musketiers and according as the Body is bigger or lesser one or more of the Serjeants must see the two first Ranks of Musketiers to face to the right or left and when the Command is given by the Chief Commandant viz. Port your Pikes The Musketiers of the two first Ranks must make Ready and at the word March the two first Ranks are to be brought up by the Serjeants to the right or left according as it is ordered who by two and two siting up they thwart under the Pikes and there they are to face to the proper Front without expecting any VVord of Command and to make two Ranks and that some are may be ever reserved 't is most expedient to fire but one Rank at a time the second being cock'd or guarded to stand either of them as near to the Pikes as the Management of their Arms will permit then the VVord is to be given viz. First Ranks of Musketiers kneel Upon which they must fall-back with their right legs keeping their left fixed their arms-upright before them their left hands even with their mouths then the further word of Command is given viz. Present Fire Immediately upon fireing they are to recover their Arms without expecting the word of Command and so file off on the contrary hand they advanced on with as much speed as they can the Serjeants leading them close by the Body unto the Rear placing them there in their proper Files The Musketiers being commanded to Present the Pikes must port very low without any other word and in the same Order to raise their Pikes as soon
as they have fired to their proper heighth the sub-altern Officers always minding that the next Rank of Musketiers be ready at the Angle to make their March under the Pikes instead of the second Rank which is to take the Place of the first when the first Rank has fired In this manner of fireing if the street to be defended be very broad then a space or interval must be made over and above the passage on the flanks sufficient for two Men a breast which will prevent the Horse from making any advantagious Attack To reduce this Order the Words of command are viz. Musketiers face to the right and left outward March and as soon as they are quit the farther Command is given viz. Musketiers to your proper Front March. This they must observe to do till such time as they are even with the first Rank of Pikes and then the Officers Drums Colours and Hoitboys must take their proper Posts Of the hollow Square and the manner of forming it by Words of Command IF you proceed to this the Battalion must be drawn up in Ranks at Twelve Foot distance the Files being at three then the Muskets shouldered and the Pikes advanced the Words of Command ensue viz. Colours Drums and Hoit-boys to the Centre of the Pikes March Ranks close forward to Order March Three outward Files of Pikes on the Right and Left double your Files to the Right and Left inwards March Half Files of Musketiers to the left-hand double your Front March Files close all to the Right to your close Order March To your Leader Pikes face square Pikes close forward to the Front Left Wing of Musketiers to the Right about Both Wings of Muketiers March Halt Musketiers Face to the Left March Halt Face to your proper Front all Officers and Serjeants take your Posts March Granadiers take your Posts in the Angles March Face square Musketiers make ready At this VVord the Pikes must be ported very low when the Musketiers present and the next VVord is First Rank kneel which must be done in such a manner that the two last Ranks may advantageously Fire over Then again The two last Ranks present Fire Having fired the next is Recover your Arms upon which the first Rank is to stand up with their Muskets recovered ready cock'd and guarded whereupon the two Ranks that have fired take the opportunity to Load again and these VVords of Command ensue viz. Front Ranks present Fire which done the Commandant proceeds viz. Recover your Arms and hereupon the Pikemen recover from their Port then again To your Leader March Halt Face Square c. These being performed after the same Order they may March and fire to every Front noting that when they are hid to Face to their Leader it must be to the Commandant in chief wherever he takes his Station but in facing to the proper Front it must be done to the Front of the Battalion as it was before it was formed into this manner of Figure Words of Command used to reduce this Form The Battalion being faced to the proper Front the Commander in chief proceeds viz. Granadiers take your Posts on the right of the Battalion March The Right and Left of each Wing of Musketiers Face to the Right and Left outward March Halt The three Files of Pikes of the Right and Left that doubled as you were March Musketiers Face to the Right March Halt To your Leader Rere half files of Musketiers that doubled to the Right about as you were March Ranks open backward to Twelve Foot March Colours Drums and Hoitboys to your former Posts March Files close to the Right to close Order March To your Leader Things proper to be observed by a Commander being in an Enemies Country c. HE must be carefull to observe the situation of the Place and gain as good Intelligence of the Enemy as he can and if he Command a Troop of Horse he must beware of skirting the side of a Wood for fear of an Ambush the strength of Horse consisting in the open Country as that of the Foot do's in a VVood for the Enemy is all ways to be expected to take advantage it is therefore dangerous for a Troop of Horse by reason it may be fallen upon before it can get to any secure Post An Officer of Foot marching through an inclosed VVoody Country must avoid if he can marching in the middle of a Plain or too near a VVood by which means if the Enemy approach he will have time to consider what course to take and if he be attacked by Horse then ought he to retreat unto the Wood Skirmishing to make it good for if he get into it the Horse will not attack him there but if he has to deal with Foot and observes himself the weakest he must regain the last Defile or narrow Post and drawing up in Battalia dispute it till he can better secure himself and the like is to be observed by the Horse if overmuch pressed wherefore it is good for a Commander to take special notice of the places he passes through sending his Scouts before him to discover the Enemy and search the Places where Ambushes are suspected for although it be in a Village there may be a Party of the Enemy there who will suffer the Scouts to pass by and conceal themselves till they see an opportunity to set upon the main Body When an Officer is arrived where he intends to Encamp he ought to Draw up his Men and having set his Guards he may permit them to take some ease by alighting from their Horses if it be Horse or if Foot to repose themselves always facing towards the Town or Place possessed or suspected to be possessed by the Enemy having if possible a Defile in the Front and Rear or some other security to prevent surprize the Scouts ought to be sent out from one half hour to another and when day appears they may venture farther into the Country and if there be no convenient Town or Place the best way if two or three days March in the Enemies Country is to lye in a Wood when it has been well searched to prevent an Ambush nor must an Officer suffer his Men to straggle though he be near a Friendly Town for it may so fall out that a Party may lye hid who taking that advantage may fall upon him and rout him though a lesser number for there it is the Enemy most commonly lays Ambuscades thinking as it often happens that by a Confidence of Security they shall find Men negligent and disordered When at any time the VVord is required of a Party you meet it is generally given by the weakest however it ought not lightly to be credited nor the Souldiers to Return their Arms till the Officer be assured whether they are Friends or Foes for many times a Deserter may betray the Word to the Enemy and he make an advantage of it Considerations in Marching an Army through