Selected quad for the lemma: fire_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
fire_n	fire_v	pike_n	rank_n	4,410	5	10.9040	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
B03201	The exercise of the foot with the evolutions, according to the words of command, as they are explained : as also the forming of battalions, with directions to be observed by all colonels, captains and other officers in His Majesties armies. Likewise, the exercise of the dragoons both on horse-back and foot. With the rules of war in the day of battel, when encountering the enemy, ordered by Sir Thomas Livingston, Major General, and commander in chief of their Majesties forces in Scotland. Recommended to all (officers as well as souldiers) in their Majesties armies.	England and Wales. Army.; Teviot, Thomas Livingston, Viscount, 1652?-1711. Exercise of dragoons both on horse-back and foot.; Mackay, Hugh, 1640?-1692. Rules of war for the infantry, ordered to be observed by their Majesties subjects encountring with the enemy upon the day of battel.	1693 (1693)	Wing E3863A; ESTC R232864	57,720	178

any Article of Warr can reach the Officer Commanding the Troop or Company is not to punish it himself nor smooth it over as many time is done Reasons why there are so great Disorders and so little Discipline amongst the Regiments But he is to Advertise his Collonel at Commander in Chief of it If any Officer be found to neglect this hereafter he is to be pursued and punished by a Counsel of Wart as if he had commited the Crime himself Magazins are to be erected to which Officers must give all the Assistance they can and make it as easie to the Commissaries as possible may be And take particular care that no Disorders be committed thereabout The Regiments being once compleat in all their Armes and Mounting the Captains must answer to keep it so Which if neglected the Major is hereby Ordered and Impowered to supply the Wants and stoop it out of the Captains pay For which end he is every two Months to go with the Muster-Master and revieu every particular If any Souldier goes off the Troops or Companys that hath particularly payd for his Arms he is to be repayed again and the Arms alwayes to remain nompleat in 〈◊〉 Troops or Companys No Officer or Souldier on a March is to leave his Regiment Troop or Company without particular leave upon his highest peril which should not without great Reason be granted Officers are to take more Notice of Souldiers Qu●●●●●ling as heretofore they have done being the Article 〈◊〉 War do reasonably mention the punishment due to 〈◊〉 FINIS Rules of War FOR THE INFANTRY Ordered to be Observed by Their MAJESTIES Subjects Encountring with the Enemy upon the Day of BATTEL WRITTEN By Lieutenant General MACKAY And Recommended to All as well Officers as Soldiers of the Scots and English Army In XXIII ARTICLES Published by his Excellencies Secretary Licenced EDM BOHUN EDINBVRGH Re Printed by John Reid to be sold at his house in Bells-Wynd 1693. MACKAYS RULES To be Observed by the Body of INFANTRY Of Their MAJESTIES Subjects Encountering with the Enemy in the day of BATTEL In Twenty three ARTICLES First THE Battalion ordinarly marching and forming six deep being come upon the Field of Battel shall put three Files of Pikes to cover the Flanks upon each Wing and then by the Rear half Files double their Front to the Left that the Corporals may fall to be the Right hand Man of their respective Companies II. To the End this motion may be made speedily without the encroaching upon the just Intervals which are ordinarly left betwixt the Battalions of the same Line the Commanders and Majors shall have a care when the Army is forming upon the field of Battel to make their Men in marching to their ground open their Files to the due distance for doubling their Ranks 〈◊〉 out further motion whereto they ou●●● to be often accustomed-in Exercise oth●● wayes that they may be the more capa●●● to perform it when there is occasion for●● III. If the Colonel be present the Lie●● tenant Colonel's post is in the Rear of th● Battalion in the center of the Pikes w●●● two Ensigns and two Serjeants with Orde● given in the hearing of all the Regime●● To Kill without Mercy any that sh●● offer to break their Ranks by falling 〈◊〉 from the Battalion But if there be no 〈◊〉 lonel by the Regiment the Rear is the 〈◊〉 of the Eldest Captain assisted by the for●●● number of Officers who beside the k●●●ing it up in advancing upon the Enemy 〈◊〉 charged with care to lead it off in the 〈◊〉 Order they can in case of a Retreat IV. The Officers of the Battalion 〈◊〉 be posted as near as may be upon the 〈◊〉 of their own Men supposing them to ha●● the most influence upon and more kn●●ledge of them than others so that in 〈◊〉 of Disorder they may call by name 〈◊〉 as they suppose to be the Men of most 〈◊〉 pour and Resolution V. To avoid confusion and noise t●● general motions of a Battalion in time Battel As Advancing Halting and Returning ought to be intimated by beat of Drum and all Officers and Souldiers upon Exercise and upon Action ought to be carefully Advertised to be Silent Attentive and Read to Obey what is commanded either by Drum or Verbal Expression VI. If the Regiment be compleat every company may make a Plotton which makes six Plottons upon each Wing but if considerably weakned a Wing may be divided into four Plottons which ought to be the least number to give time to charge again and be ready by that time the Fire is round that the Battalion if there be occasion may entertain a continual Fire VII The Officers commanding Plottons shall place themselves each in the center of his Plotton that when the Battalion advances they may march in a Rank two Paces before the Front of their Men. But when the signal or Command to Halt and make ready is given they shall enter the first Rank of the Plottons so that the Muzzels of the last rank may be advanced beyond their Bodies VIII To prevent disorders its fit the whole Battalion in advancing towards the Enemy halt when some Plottons are ordered to fire rather than to command the Plattons out of the Battalion which is the most usual visible reason of the Defeat of the Troops And therefore above all things ought to be avoided with all possible car● marching to an Enemy who understand his Trade and will not fail to lay hold on the confusions which those who come against him do offer IX When the Battalion is ordered to Halt that some Plattons may fire according as to the judgement of the Commander they stand best for Execution The first Rank of the Plotton which are to fire kneek and the other two Ranks which are supposed best in the disposition made for fighting to be at two paces distance closes as at the Wood the first Rank kneels without particular command to them for so doing to the thrusting of their left feet amongst those of their Leaders that the muzzels of the last Rank may be advanced beyond their Officers and standing upright shall wait the command for fireing the●● being no necessity for the second Rank stooping which is an uneasie posture and by the conclusion of some Souldiers judgement may endanger the kneeling Rank X. As soon as the Plotton shall have fire the second and third Rank opens withou furder command to them for so doing to their paces distance that they might have room to charge their Pikes immediatly without expecting order for it whether moving to the Enemy Halting or Retiring of which particulars a continual habit must be given to the Souldiers So that there be no necessity of a particular word of Command the first rank kneels the other two closes up levelling well their Pieces and taking Aim by bringing up the butt-end of them nearer their Shoulders than of late times is usual in Exercise of not presenting their

Pieces though kneeling and closed up without a command of their Officers no more than of firing tho already presented without his Orders because that if the battalion be attacqued by horse and the Commander to avoid confusion chosing rather to keep his fire whole till they be very close and then to fire by Plottons upon a mint of the enemies squadron as break in upon his Battalion think fit to cause it present without design of firing at that distance sometimes makes the first rank of the squadron not only to stoop short but fall in confusion upon those that follow but to bring the Souldiers to a custom of this last particular they must in Exercise be often accustomed commanded to present recover again their Arms without firing telling them at the same time the reason for i● particularly at the same time of Action and against Horse The Commander judging it safest to manage his first fire least their quick motion might prevent the second XI If the commanding Officer of a plotton be not altogether perswaded of his souldiers Patience and exact Obedience as to the order of firing to prevent a confused fire he shall march softly according to the motions of the line with shouldred Musquers permitting none to make ready but such plottons as he intends immediatly shall fire XII When a whole Line of Foot matches in order of Battel to the Enemy the Commanders of the respective Battalions shall have a special care to regulate their pace according to the motions of the Line it being apparent that when both Armies are very near the Battalion that advances beyond the Front of his line will readily be flanked and by its defeat give the Enemy opportunity to flank the Battalion to the right and left at the same time they are attack'd in the Front which may prove a dangerous Consequence this precaution is necessary at all times but most of all in close and covered grounds when the Troops are hindered and separated the sight of each other in which case they ought to have some Officer or good Serjeants on both the Flanks to bring the Commander continual notice of the Motion of the Troops to his right and left that he may be found neither too backward nor too forward at the approach of the Enemy XIII All Officers particulary commanders and Majors marching in the Line of Battel to the Enemy ought to know the order in which the Troops are Embattelled at least of their own Brigade and of that which they were to sustain or is appointed to sustain them according as they are Posted in the first or second line and know by special remarks to discern their own Troops from those of the Enemys To the End that in the confusions to which those genetal Actions are subject that they may not take the one before the other which is also most of all to be apprehended and prevented in close and covered ground where the troops are separated and it often falls out that Men are deceived on this Account XIV In cace a Battalion might be ordered or otherwise obliged to retire without being put in confusion or Beat after warning given not to be affrighted and telling them the reason of such a motion whether to make place for Troops of the Second Line coming to relieve it or being disadvantageously posted or press with number of Enemies to post it self behind in better ground or that a whole Brigade or Line whose motion the Battalion were obliged to observe were Retiring the Commander and Officer commanding plottons shall have a care it ●he done in such an order that the Enemy brake not in upon them in their Retreat being always ready at the command or signal giv●● Halt Face about and fire upon the Enemy observing that in this motion continues in way slowly except the Brigade or Line should happen to halt only the plottons which are ordered to fire shall halt face about and having made their fire shall gain their Intervals which they shall have lost in the Battalions charging their Pieces as they march and so of the rest of the Plottons as the Commanders shall see occasion XV. The Colonels or the Commander of the Regiments Post being the Head of the Pikes beside a Captain to assist him he ought to have two resolute Serjeants Men of service by him to carry his Orders to the right and left either for firing such Plottons as he shall judge of best service according as they stand to the Enemy whether advancing or retiring or any Orders or Advertisements which for present service he might have to impart to his Officers XVI The Front of a Battalion on such occasions being an ill Post for Men on horse back as Majors and Aid-Majors whose post is the Flanks to observe how the Battalion marches and upon occasion of Disorder or Confusion to keep up and rally such as break off or are sent with the Advertisement of the state of Affairs or for new Orders relating thereto to the Brigadier or next general Person XVII That such Regiments as are provided of good Bayonets fixt without the muzzels of their Pieces may in aproaching to the due distance of firing cause the first rank of the whole Battalion to fix their Bayonets and continuing their march till they be close upon the Enemy make the first rank kneel with the points of their Bay●he● upon the Ground and the other two Rank closed up fire over their heads upon the Enemy who supposing readily all the fire spe●● if he happen to stand it will come up the bolder upon your Battalion who receiving him with the first Rank second with the pu●● of pike and Bayonet will readily break him whether horse or Foot XVIII If by a Resolute Continuan● and close fire the Battalion happen to brea● the opposite Enemy the Officers must have a special care their men do not break af●● them but content themselves to make th●● Granadeers fire amongst them to augm●● their Terrour and Confusion that they may receive in good order such of the Enemy as shall come up to sustain those which you ought to have Routed This Article● the more carefully to be observed that in the advancing of the Line you are subject to be flanked by the Enemies Horse posted betwixt the Lines for that purpose XIX The Granadeers shall be well posted into two plottons upon the Right and 〈◊〉 Wing without the pikes which cover the Flanks of the Battalion and two fire locks of each Compay a Rank before the pikes to be employed as the Colonel or commanding Officer shall see occasion at the near approach of the Enemy Beside which it may be judged useful that the commanding Officer of each plotton keep off his best Fire-Men for a second who shall not fire with this plotton XX. To make these Granadeers upon the Wings and the Fire-locks before the Pikes be the more effectual against the Enemy I am of the Opinion since it s always found that unexpected Stratagems of Wars do surprise and contribute much to the defeat of those that are surprized therewith that the Plottons of the Granadeers upon the Wings ought rather to march behind than to cover the Flanks till you be close upon the Enemy that he cannot have time to make the like Disposition against you which if he did see them so posted at a Distance for the same Reason I would have the fire-locks rather posted betwixt the first and second rank of the Pikes then before the first till you be very near XXI The Battalions which may happen to be put in disorder by the Enemy shall retire to the intervals of the second line the Officer labouring to keep off the Enemy by forming in the Rear some plottons of the resolutest men to fire upon till relief came up and then with all possible diligence see to get their Ten in order and ready to second their seconds XXII When the Army is embattelled and the Troops ready to march towards the Enemy all Commanders Majors Officers commanding Plottons ought to affect a chearfull Countenance speaking friendly to and encouraging the Soldiers in the most touching Expressions and by the most persuading Arguments as Religion Liberty and Personal Honour and Safety humbly depending upon their good Behaviour the Justice of the Cause the Obligation of our Conscience to serve our Master faithfully the Reputation of our Countrey alledging the good Examples of our Predeceslours and the like which out of the Mouths of Officers shewing good Examples of their own Persons particularly it Just to and Beloved of their Souldiers will be good effect to Animate them to the Work LASTLY When all Dispositions are made and the Army waiting for the signa● to move towards the Enemy both Officers and Souldiers ought seriously to recommend together with their Souls and Bodys the care and protection of the cause for which they so freely expose their Lives to GOD Who over-ruleth the Deliberations and Councils Designs and Enterprises of his Creatures and of whose blessing alone the success of all Undertakings doth depend which they may do in these or the like words A PRAYER O Almighty KING of Kings and LORD of Hosts which by thy Angels thereunto appointed dost Minister both War and Peace Thou rulest and commandest all things and sittest in the Throne judging right And therefore we make our addresses to Thy Divine MAJESTY in this our necessity that Thou wouldest take us and our Cause into Thine Own Hand and judge between us and Our Enemies stir up Thy Strength O LORD and come and help us for Thou givest not alwayes the Battel to the Strong but canst save by Many or by Few O let not our sins now cry against us for Vengeance but hear us Thy poor servants begging mercy and imploring Thy help and that Thou wouldest be a Defenes for us against the Enemy Make it appear that Thou art our Saviour and Mighty Deliverer Through JESVS CHRIST Our LORD Amen

much as possible tell 1 2 ● then raise your self up with the stepping ba●● of your Left Foot turn your Right foot inward upon your Heel over the Pike setting it along by the Butt-end both your Ar●● hanging down your Body and stand with your Body in the same posture you did before the laying down of the Pike Word of Command 33. Take up your pikes Explanation This is also done as with the taking up 〈◊〉 the Musket Explan 40. Turn your right foot outwards upon the Heel over the Pike and set the hollow of your Foot against the But-end of the Pike At the same time turn your Right Hand with a small Motion outward to answer the Motion of your Foot as hath been shewn in the taking up the Musket Step foreward a large step with the left foot along the pike and come forward with a stiff Body as hath been said take the pike with your right Hand at the same place where you held it at laying down tell 1 2 3 raise your self up with the Pike with the stepping back of the left foot take up your Right foot set it inwards by the Butt-end observe the Posture as is shewn before the laying it down Word of Command 34. Plant your pikes Explanation Take hold of the Pike with the Left hand against the Body as much downwards as the Arm unforced will permit put back the Right Foot a little Thrust then the Pike with both Hands fast into the ground set your Right Foot forwards again let both hands hang down by the Body Word of Command 35. Order your pikes Explanation Take the pike with both hands in the same place where it was let loose draw it out of the Earth with the setting back of the right foot and then in the bringing up of the right foot let go the left hand put the pike down by the right foot and further obseru● the posture as in Explan 31. is shewn Word of Command 36. Advance your pikes Explanation Bring up the pike with the right hand just before the body as far as the arm can reach● take hold of the pike with a full left hand as much as the arm unforced will permit just before the middle of the body tell 1 2 bring the pike with your left hand letting loo●● the right as high as your shoulder then take hold of the pike with the right hand at the Butt-end tell 1 2 bring the pike to the right Shoulder tell again 1 2 let loose the Le●● Hand which must hang down by the Body a● often in the advanced pike hath been shewn General Words of Command for the Evolutions Word of Command Take heed to do the Evolutions 1. Take Heed Explanation AS soon as this Word of Command i● given there must be great silence observed throughout the whole Battalion the Souldiers doing no motions either with their Head Body Hands or Feet but such as shall be ordered looking stedfastly to the Commanding Officer who is to exercise and give the Words of Command as was formerly said in the Exercise Word of Command 2. Carry vvell your Arms. Explanation The Musketeers and Pikemen must carry their Arms as in the exercise has been shewn namely the Musketeer must carry his musket even upon his shoulder the muzzel even and high the Pikeman holding his pike firm and straight up as in the Exercise is shewn the whole Ranks and Files carry their Arms in a straight Line and high that when one stands behind or before the File or at the Wing or End of a Rank the pikes and the Mutketeers shew as if there was but one pike or Musket word of command 3. Dress your Banks and Files Explanation Those that stand next to one another in the Ranks look to the Right and to the Left Hand and must keep themselves in such ● posture that neither Head not Body is to 〈◊〉 seen before or after one another but that the Head Shoulder and Heels be in a straight line Also those in the Files must alway● stand with their face against the middle of the Neck of their Leader Further it is to be observed at the parade or when ye wi●● Exercise the Ranks must alwayes be fou●● ordinar paces asunder and the Files one ste●● or the length of an out streched Arm 〈◊〉 the marching up the Ranks must open 〈◊〉 the distance which shall be Commanded● either a whole step or a half Namely thus the Right files stands and those of the Left Hand must stand each from his Right-Hand-Man an whole Step or as far as he can teach with an out-stretched Arm● or an half pace which is the half of an ou● stretched Arm that is when the Hand is se● bent against the Side which distance is always to be observed when you Give Fire The Files in their Marching off must close so near that their Shoulders almost touch and the Ranks keep to their former distance They must begin their March always with the Left Foot and in their Facings must always turn upon the Left Foot except in some Commands in the following Evolutions They must March very softly and without turning their Heads look towards their Right and Left Hand but most to the right that the whole Rank may march straight their Hats cockt the Head upright and carry well their Arms. When Arms is mentioned it signifies both Musketeers and Pikemen You are not to charge with the Pikes when the Muskets are presented EVOLUTION with MUSKETEERS and PIKEMEN together VVord of Command Take heed the vvhole Battalion to present your Arms. 1. present your Arms. Explanation THE Musketeers must rest their Muskets and the Pikemen charge their pikes to the Front the Spears in a line breast high and observe when they have brought up their Arms before their Body to stand in that posture whilst they slowly tell 1 2 and after they have looked upon their Right and Left-hand Man and their Leaders that the Ranks and Files be straight they rest their Muskets and charge their pikes altogether and stand in that posture as in the Exercise of the Pike and Musket has been shewn Word of Command 2. To the right To the right To the right To the right Explanation In these Four Facings both Musketeers and Pikemen must raise their Arms up before their Bodies at the same time bringing up the Right foot tell 1 2 face four times upon the Left foot to the Right turning at each time the fourth part of a Circle in such a manner that the Heel of the right foot comes alwayes to stand in the hollow of the left and every one to take heed to observe his right and Left hand Man and his Leader that the Ranks and Files alwayes remain straight Tell 1 2 nimbly rest your Musket and charge your Pike with the stepping back of the Right Foot so as before is shewn word of command 3. To the Right about Explanation Raise your Arms at the same time bringing

by the left hand thrust it with your right hand from you with the upbringing of your right foot so that the Butt-end turn straight up the lock outwards and at the same time catch hold of it within a foot of the muzzle with your Thumb upwards and that of the left downward tell 1 2 take the left hand away and take hold with the full left hand within a● inch of the muzzle hold with out stretched Arms a little inclining to the Left shoulder tell 1 2 Lay it on your shoulder the cock upwards tell 1 2 quite your right Hand smartly bringing it down by your right side 43. Rest your firelock The fire-lock is with the left hand to be turned a little inwards catching hold of it at the same time with the right above the left hand the thumb upward the elbows alike high tell 1 2 bring it straight before your face with both your hands tell 1 2 take your left hand away your Right hand sink downwards at the same time with your left hand turned so as your Thumb come downwards catch hold of the Stock a foot from the lock smartly turning it so as that your right hand come behind the Cock your Thumb on it and the back-steping with your right foot be all at one time still observing the same posture as before hath been showen by a rested fire lock 44. shoulder your fire-lock The Thumb is to be let go from the Cock with your full Hand you are to catch hold of the Fire-lock behind the Cock and with the upbringing of your Right Foot the Fire-lock lock is to be brought smartly before your Face with your Right Hand the Arm stretched out and so forth as was shewn by Number 37. Take Notice to make ready for firing at three Words of Command 45. 1. Make Ready This is done as by the Mannual from Number 1. to Number 3. Inclusive 2. present This is done as was shewn by the number 4 and 5. 3. Give fire This as by number 6. and 7. Take Notice to make ready your Bagonets at two Words of Command 46 1. Make Ready This is done as will be found from Number 8. to 11. both Inclusive 2. Present to the Front This is done as is set down by number 12. in the Mannual Take Notice to Charge your Fire-lock again 47. Make ready your Fire-lock This is done as is at large expressed from number 13 to 37. both Inclusive When they are to March to their Horses the Words of Command are as followeth 1. Poise your Fire lock This is done as is expressed by the number 1. and 2. 2. Rest your Fire lock This to be done as is expressed by the number 3. in the Mannual of the Foot 3. Handle your Springs Keeping your Fire-lock in that same posture as rested take away your Right Hand and with it catch hold of your Carabine belt by the Spring tell 1 2 bring your hand within a Hands breadeth of the Ringe in which the Spring goes so holding it till the following Word of Command Note At the upbringing of your hand the spring is to be made ready for the ringe 4 Spring your fire lock At the word of Command the spring is to be put through the ringe tell 1 2 then with your right hand you are to catch hold of the small end of the butt smartly so holding it till the following word of Command 5 put back your fire lock This is to be done by stretching out your Butt with your right hand so that the Muzzel stand straight up tell 1 2 then with your Right hand you are to Catch hold of the stock above the left so that your Thumb stand downward tell 1 2 bring the Butt behind the knee as low as your Arm will reatch without constraint tell 1 2 quite your firelock let your hand hang straight by your body so that the palm hang inwards 6 March to your Horses This is to be done to the right or left according as the ground will allow faceing alwayes on your left heel and parting with your left foot punctually observing your right hand man and leader in marching care is to be taken that each man halt at the the head of his Horse 7. Vnlink your Horses At this word of Command you are to fall to your horses if you have marched by the Right you are to face on the right heel to the right and if by the left you are to face to the left tell 1 2 then you are to catch hold of your Links and unlink Holding your hands at your linking posture till the following word of Command This is left to the Discretion of the Officer Commanding Make Readie your Horse bridles Your left foot in the Stirrup Mount your Horses 8. Fix your Butts in your Buckets At this word of Command your fire-lock hanging with its Butt end down by the o●● side of the right Leg you are to Catch hold of it with the Right hand by the stock ha●● a foot above the Keeper tell 1 2 bring the Butt end tending that way as high as the Bucket tell 1 2 then thrust the Butt in the Bucket keeping your bodies as straight as possible tell 1 2 take your right hand away bringing it to the right thigh so that the back of the finger Lean as high as the haunch 9. Handle your Sword From the former posture of the Right hand you are to tell 1 2 than you are to catch hold of the handle of your Sword with your Right hand so holding it Note Care is to be taken that the Sword be loosed and ready waiting for the following word of Command 10. Draw your Svvords At this word of Command Care is to he taken that the Sword be pulled out at one pull so that the point stand straight upward the Blades broad-side outwards the hand as high as the Gravatt so holding it till the following word of Command 11. Put up your Svvords This is done by turning of the point of the Sword over the left Arm into the mouth of the seal bard so that the sword be freely entered tell 1 2 Thrust it in to the bilt at one thrust so holding it till another Order be given of putting up of the sword tell 1 2 Let your Right hand go bringing it to the pomel of your Saddle waiting the following word of Command 12. Loose your Butts from your Buckets This is to be done as by the first Word of Command on Horse-back which is Handle your Arms. Then followeth either Advance your Arms as before hath been expressed by the number 2 by the Mannual on Horse back or Dismount as it is formerly expressed by the number 14 in the foresaid Mannual as the Officer Commanding shall think fit ORDERS for the COMMANDING OFFICER of REGIMENTS TROOPS or COMPANIES EVery Officer is to Answer for the good behaviour of the Souldiers in his Regiment Troop or Company If any Souldier commits a fault that