Captain joyned unto him and makes his number 13 And so comparing all the rest dividing them by two's they will stand as followeth 2 11 5 8 10 3 4 9 6 7 12 1 13 13 13 13 13 13  39   39  Thus much I conceive may give a right understanding to any coming-on Souldier of the true and right stating of a Rank twelve abrest being a thing very needful for to know in respect that there are many Regiments which do consist of twelve Companies and when in course as in the sequel of this Book when as I shall shew the manner of drawing up of twelve Companies there will a little more light appear unto them to their farther knowledge of the same But thus much for the present as concerning a Rank twelve abrest And now I shall come to speak or to touch a little of a Rank ten abrest and a File ten deep CHAP. XVII Brief reasons to be given of the Dignity of places of a Rank ten abrest and of a File ten deep WHat hath been formerly declared concerning a Rank twelve abrest as before shewed by every particular place of honour as they stand with the reasons for the same it may give a cleer understanding by the same rule to find the Dignity of places ten abrest For walking by the same way and rule of examination and you will find them to carry by dividing by two's being added to the four first places of honour and they will carry sutable proportions as underneath is set forth 2 9 5 8 3 4 7′ 6 10 1 11  11 11  11.  27   28  But for as much that in this Range of ten abrest there will fall out some odd we must then of necessity-sake place it upon the right and not on the left for the reasons as formerly for a File six deep declared I might now here conclude with other flourishing Tables which might be little profitable unto the souldier though holding out discourse more fuller in an Arithmetical way But I have no desire to fill this subject with plenty of unprofitable words and frothy flourishes but rather driving really in a souldierly way to make all things both plain and easie to every courteous Reader that shall be pleased for to peruse the same And therefore here for present I shall conclude what more might here be spoken by Dignities of Ranks and Files leaving what shall remain until such time in course I shall again meet with them by the way in drawing up of Regiments CHAP. XVIII What Distance is and the reasons for the first beginning of the same with all their several uses HAving thus now passed over several reasons and with as much brevity as I could to satisfie the longing desire of the young souldiers request of every particular place of honour as they stand in dignity both in Rank and File which being passed over the next will follow by course before we come to joyn the Files into a Body to satisfie the souldier of each particular Distance with the several reasons and uses of the same for next to the Postures it is the first thing or part of the Military exercise and most necessary for the souldier to be knowing in Yet I must confess no Commander is so tied up or limited in the exercising of his men at all times to begin with Distances first so as to shew them all throughout but nevertheless in all and every one of the motions in the exercising of a Body care must be taken that the souldier have his proper distance for performance of the same Neither can any Leader exercise his men but first he must command them to some distance sutable to what he will begin As some I have seen begin their exercises with Facings some other with Doublings others with Counter-marches and with Wheelings Yet nevertheless whoever they be that will so begin as I said before must command his souldiers to some Distance which may be proper for the same But for my own part my purpose is to go throughout all parts of the Military exercise of Foot and therefore will go on in order as they lie and first as most properest I shall begin with Distances to shew them all throughout and what the nature of them be Distance therefore really considered in it self is no Motion but there are several motions to the attaining of each particular Distance both in length and depth Therefore briefly thus Distance is a place or interval of ground between every particular File and File and betwixt every Rank and Rank as they stand and attained by the several motions of Ranks and Files and consisting of several proportions of ground as easily may be understood by their several words of command as they follow CHAP. XIX The several sorts of Distances which are fit and proper for the Souldier to be exercised in CLosest Order Which is both in Rank and File Half a foot Close Order Which is both in Rank and File One foot and half Order Which is both in Rank and File Three foot Open Order Which is both in Rank and File Six foot Double Distance Which is both in Rank and File Twelve foot Twice double Distance Which is both in Rank and File Twenty four foot Having thus set down every Distance with their several proportions of ground I shall next proceed to the words of command to the opening of the Ranks and Files from their closest Order and after satisfie the Souldier with Reasons and the uses of every particular Distance as they go along in order CHAP. XX. Words of Command for the opening of Ranks and Files to all their Distances with their closings again THe Commander craving silence and that they be commanded to close Ranks and Files to their closest Order the words of command for Distances are as followeth Files open to the right to your Close Order Ranks open backward to your Close Order Files open to the left to your Order Ranks open backward to your Order Files open to the right and left to your Open Order Ranks open backward to your Open Order Files open to the left to your Double Distance Ranks open backward to your Double Distance Files open from the midst to Twice double Distance Ranks open backward to Twice double Distance The Ranks and Files being thus opened unto their twice double Distance from their closest Order I conceive it to be a more souldierly-like way in the Opening and Closing of Files that the discretion of the Commander do vary and alter the hand in the commanding of them then alwayes from every Distance to tie himself to any particular hand as to open to the right and close to the right But as concerning the opening of Ranks the properest way in my judgment is to open them alwayes to the Reer in respect it is performed with more facility For every Rank from the first takes his due Distance as he is commanded without any
further trouble or to a half-facing to the right by taking it from the Reer if from that place they shall be opened and so likewise it were a great deal better in the closing of Ranks to close them forwards in respect it is for the more conveniency of their closing then to the Reer For then again they must perform a half facing which is not only unhandsome but troublesome to the souldier All that can be said to maintain it as I conceive in opening Ranks forwards is because they have not room in the Reer which seldome happens so in any exercise if discreetly ordered by him that leads them As for closing of the Ranks backwards I cannot conceive any solid reasons to confirm the same and therefore will pass over it and come to close our Ranks and Files to such Distance from whence they first were opened Files close to the right and left inward to Double Distance Ranks close forwards to Double Distance Files close to the right to your Open Order Ranks close forwards to your Open Order Files close into the midst to your Order Ranks close forwards to your Order Files close to the left to your Close Order Ranks close forwards to your Close Order Files close to the right to your Closest Order Ranks close forwards to your Closest Order Concerning the words of Command for Distances in the openings and closings of Ranks and Files what before is set down may be sufficient for any souldier to use in time of his exercise But now it will be expected to give some reasons for every one of these to shew them in their proper uses CHAP. XXI The use of each particular Distance and at what time to be used WHerefore first note that your distance of closest Order is of chiefest use unto the Pike in these particulars as first Charging against the Horse for that the Ranks then clapping in their left legs behind their Leaders right locking themselves so firm and stedfast one within another which 't were impossible for any Body of Horse to enter in amongst them Secondly it is of excellent use for to maintain a breach and to keep out an enemy Thirdly it is very useful to both Arms at such time when a Commander hath any thing of consequence to discover unto his Company which he may have many occasions so to do as before his Exercise to advise them to silence to observe their words of command and their directions and when they are to fight against an Enemy to perswade and keep them off from fear by assuring them good reasons of hopes of overcoming These or such-like speeches many times a Captain may have just occasion to express himself unto his Company and being at so close a Distance they may more aptly hear his words and obey his Commands But here now by the way too much preaching upon the head of a Company concerning matters of Exercise is too much a dulling of the souldier who rather would fall into action then so to be confounded with much talking Close Order may be of very good use also for most things which have been spoken of the closest Order only here the souldier hath a little more liberty in the handling of his arms by being at a wider distance This distance also is of good use before wheelings because many times upon their moving they are apt to flie out to their proper distance of Order which they alwayes should be at in their wheelings where note if first they were at Order they would flie out to wider distance Order is the distance which the souldier doth fight upon and is to be used skirmishing against an enemy it is also useful at such a time when the Drum shall beat a Troop and that the souldiers are marching to relieve some Court of Guard or making some expedition against an enemy for then they are in a fit capacity of distance for to fight It is also very useful and to be observed upon facings for all intire doublings and for wheelings Order likewise in File and open Order in Rank is to be used at such time when the Drum shall beat a March and the Body upon the moving or marching Open Order is the distance proper for all doublings of Ranks and Files by the half-half-files or by the bringers-up wherein they have interval of ground sufficient to move in It is also a very proper distance for facings and ever to be observed in time of Counter-marches It is the properest distance for the Ranks to be in upon a march but the Files are then to be at Order as is before exprest The use of double Distance is to be observed at such times when the souldiers shall stand or happen to be in some eminent danger of the Cannon-shot from the Enemy for standing then so thin they may be much preserved from danger it is likewise very good for Inversion and Conversion You may take notice of these brief directions in openings of Ranks and Files when the Files are commanded to Open to the right the left-hand File stands and all the Files take their distance from the left observing alwayes in the motions of Files their Leaders and to move altogether along with them If it be an opening of Files to the left then contrary-wise the right-hand File stands and they take their distance from the right So likewise for closings unto what hand soever they be commanded to close the out-most File is to stand the rest are to move and close to that In opening or closing of Ranks the first Rank is alwayes to stand the rest are to move either opening or closing according as is commanded alwayes observing in their motions their right-hand-men and moving altogether CHAP. XXII Directions of the way and manner of drawing up a private Company THe Postures being formerly described forth the dignity of places in a File and words of Command made known unto the souldier for their several distances It next followeth to shew the joyning of Files and drawing up a Company where first pray mind at such times when the Drums are beating about the Quarters and in several places make Proclamation as by order from their Captain for all Gentlemen Souldiers that are under his Command to repair unto his Randezvous unto such a place and at such an hour then it must be the immediate care of every Officer under his Command punctually at that hour and place thither to repair for the more incouraging of the souldiers as they shall come in and not to stir themselves from thence without some order from their Captain for fear of giving bad examples unto others And when they shall perceive some considerable number of men to come in the Serjeants then may take advice with their Lieutenant and Ensign which of them they will appoint out to draw forth the Muskettiers and which the Pikes and whom they shall make the right-hand File-leader of the Muskettiers and who shall be the left and again who
by Counter-march or by a Wheeling to bring their best Souldiers there to fight and likewise being debarred of room that they cannot double it nevertheless Facings are of such excellent use that they may with ease although standing at close Order turn every particular face to charge upon that part where they shall be assaulted by an enemy and farther this motion is performed with more facility then all the rest of the motions For in the others they alter the form of the Battail or changeth the place but in this they preserve both and it is ready for any attempt of an enemy if they should be charged all at once in Front Reer right and left Flanks they may be commanded so to face as to answer them all in every one of their charges Facings likewise are so necessary that they can hardly be spared in any other of the motions having relation in one kind or other to them all for to be used There is likewise farther to be understood that there are Entire-Facings and divisional Entire Facings are when they turn their Aspects all one way Divisional Facings are when they divert or turn their faces several ways as to the Front Reer and both Flanks all at one instant of time as shall be commanded There are likewise facings to the Front and Reer Angles that is to say of their outward and inward Angles Outward Angles are when they are commanded to face to the right Angle or to the left or both facing to the inward Angles as when they are commanded so as to face to the inward Angles towards the midst of Files There is likewise facing to the inward Angles towards the midst of Ranks as to the Center where note when there is any use of these Facings unto the inward Angles it is occasioned by some former words of command that hath made some large intervals in the midst of Ranks or Files and therefore they may give them such commands as these for to open or stand so that they may march and close again as at first This Facing to the Center I do conceive to be very useful when the Captain or Leader hath any thing of importance to speak unto the Company they standing at close order he may side-wise move down into the midst of the Ranks and Files and command them to face all to the Center they standing all round about him so close cannot chuse but hear and know what his pleasure and command will be and in obedience thereunto be very ready in performance for the execution of the same But before I come to set down the words of Command for Facings I shall desire all Leaders not to tye themselves up so as not to begin in their Exercise to command Facings until they have brought the Souldiers to stand at open order both in Rank and File as if it were not proper for them to command them to face till then Therefore rather for the reasons before set forth command them to chuse upon such close Distances to face that they may know the true use of them and at such times when they want ground that the other motions cannot be performed CHAP. XXVIII The words of Command for Facings Face to the RIght Left To both Flanks Right about Left about To Front and Reer Midst of Files Midst of Ranks Right Angle Left Angle Outward Angles in the Front Inward Angles in the Front Right Angle in the Reer Left Angle in the Reer Outward Angles in the Reer Inward Angles in the Reer Inward Angles of the right Flank Inward Angles of the left Flank Outward Angles both of Front and Reer Inward Angles both of Front and Reer Inward Angles of both the Flanks to the Center Front Reer and both Flanks from the Center To the outward Angles of Front and Reer from the Center As you were or To your Leader Having concluded the words of Command for performing of plain Facings there must be notice taken when any word of Command shall be given to face to any of the Reer-Angles they must be first faced to the Reer and they will make more easier performance of the same and likewise if any word of Command be given to face to the inward Angles upon the Flanks they must face them there likewise first and it will be easier fulfilled and likewise if any command be given to face to the four Angles or to Front Reer and Midst from the Center care must be first had that they may be first faced to the Center I might have proceeded a great deal farther in this place upon this Subject of Facings to have shewn several figures of Battail that might be produced and drawn forth affording much variety of forms and number and with much ease to be performed upon their several marchings according as they are ordered to face which might be very useful for service and affording much matter for any particular Exercise to use several firings upon the same But I shall have occasion in another place to make use of divers of them and setting them forth in the view when I shall begin to set down in any particular Leadings of my own which I have performed in our private meetings at Town-Ditch in London every Thursday-morning for the satisfaction of those loving Gentlemen who still do Exercise there and to such which shall come after CHAP. XXIX The many variety of Doublings with their parts and uses set forth for the practice of any Commander to make use of according unto his own discretion SInce there is in the true account no other dimension of a Battail but the Length and Depth so likewise it is to be understood that the Length of the Battail is doubled by the doublings of Ranks and half-Files and the Depth of the Battail is doubled by the doubling of Files and of the half-Ranks Now there are several Words of Command for the performance of each of these as to double Ranks and Files which do consist either of the doubling of number of men and persons and not of place or else the doubling both of number and place As for Example command either the Ranks the half-files or Bringers-up to double the Front to the right here only is the doubling of number of men and not of place for it adds but one man more to that hand whereunto they were commanded and gains but his particular place Again double Ranks to any hand entire or double the Front by the half-Files to the right entire it will be not only a doubling of the number of men but a doubling of the place and the Length of the Battail The use of doubling the Length of the Battail may be for two Reasons the one to over-wing an Enemy the other to avoid over-winging our selves Yet there must be care taken that in doubling of the Length that we fail not or be too weak in our Depth for the want of both either Length or Depth may be very dangerous to our selves and
lie under the censure my self of mispending time I come therefore briefly in the next place to treat of Wheelings being a subject more profitable for the intelligible Souldier CHAP. LV. Of Wheelings with their several uses HAving proceeded thus far in shewing all the several sorts and kinds of Military Motions it will now in the next place be expected that I speak somewhat of Wheelings and as formerly so now to set before the Souldier their several kinds and uses Wherefore take notice of two sorts Wheelings Angular and VVheelings on the Center which latter is commonly called the Prince of Orange his VVheeling being acted or performed by the Souldier two several ways that is to say Intire or Divisional Intire VVheelings to the Angles are when the Souldiers turn their Aspects from the Front proper to either of the Flanks or Reer whereby they may gain the VVind or Sun or some like advantage bringing their best Souldiers thither for to encounter an Enemy For the better performance of this Motion it will be convenient to close Ranks and Files into the midst to order and to keep their due distance both in Rank and File observing in their Ranks their right and left-hand-men following their Leaders always conforming themselves in their Motion to the most commendable Posture which is Pikes advanced Muskets poysed Wheeling the Battail on the Center is when they are so straightened with ground that they have not room to wheel to the right or left as in the former which gaineth as much more ground before the Front as formerly they stood on This Wheeling brings their best Souldiers to either of the Flanks or Reer I could wish that this Wheeling were more often practised amongst us for by it the Souldiers are better kept together in their Motion being not so apt to flie out as in the former Divisional Wheelings provided they have sufficient number of men are of singular good use to encounter several Enemies at one and the same time which the Front of our Battalia bringing our best Souldiers for to skirmish with them It is likewise useful to bring either Arms into Front Reer or both the Flanks for suppose the Muskettiers to be upon the Flanks and fearing a desperate charge of the Horse to fall upon them by a Division of Wheeling the Pikes are thither brought to receive their on-set and in the mean space the Muskettiers have time to recruit their Bandiliers again Much more might be spoken but my intent is not to fill my Book with impertinent discourses knowing what is already spoken is sufficient for the intelligible Souldier CHAP. LVI Intire Wheelings Command WHeel your Battail to the Right Left Right Left about Direction The right or the left-hand-men in the Front are the hinges of these Motions the rest have a greater compass to march then they to bring their Aspects unto the place commanded following their Leaders Command Wheel your Battail on the same ground to the Right Left Right Left about Direction The left-half-Left-half-ranks moveth forwards wheeling to the right and the right Half-ranks contrariwise faceth to the left side-wise falling backward moving still unto the place commanded CHAP. LVII Divisional Wheelings Command WHeel the Battail off by Division from the Front Direction Turn off to the right and left Command Wheel the Battail off by Division from the Reer Direction Face to the Reer and turn off to the right and left Command Wheel the Battail inward to the Reer Direction Open from the midst to convenient distance and turn off to the right and left Command Wheel the Battail inward to the Front from the Reer Direction Face to the Reer open from the midst and wheel inward to the Front Command Wheel off the Body by Division from the right Flank Direction Face to the right Command Wheel off the Body by Division from the left Flank Direction Face to the left Command VVheel the Body inward to the left Flank from the right Direction Face to the right and open outward to convenient distance to wheel inward to the left Flank Command Wheel the body inward to the right Flank from the left Direction Face to the left and open outward to convenient distance to wheel inward to the right Flank Command VVheel off your Front and Reer-half-files by Division Direction Half-files face about Front Reer-half-files turn off by Division Command Wheel your Front and Reer-half-files inward to the midst of Ranks Direction Half-files face about and Front and Reer-half-files open outward to convenient distance to wheel inward to the midst of Ranks Command Wheel off your Front and Reer-half-files by Division from the midst of Ranks Direction Front-half-files face about and Front and Reer-half-files wheel off to the right and left by Division Command Wheel Front and Reer-half-files inward both to the Front and Reer from the midst of Ranks Direction Front-half-files face about and Front and Reer-half-files open from the midst to convenient distance and wheel inward into Front and Reer Command Wheel off your right and left Half-ranks by Division Direction Face outward and wheel off to the right and left by Division Command Wheel your right and left Half-ranks inward to the midst of Files Direction Face outward and open to the right and left to convenient distance to wheel inward to the midst of Files Command Wheel off your right and left Half-ranks by Division from the midst of Files Direction Face inward and cause them to move backward to convenient distance to wheel off by Division from the midst of Files Command Wheel your right and left Half-ranks inward to both Flanks from the midst of Files Direction Face inward and open to the right and left to convenient distance to wheel inward to both Flanks Command Wheel the outward Angles to the right and left about to the Center Direction Face to the outward Angles and close Ranks and Files to close order and the Angles on the right turn off to the right the Angles on the left turn off to the left Command Wheel the inward Angles to the right and left about inward from the Center Direction Face to the inward Angles or to the Center and wheel about to the right and left inward from the Center These are all the intire and divisional Wheelings that have hitherto been practised by any according to my best observation there are other Wheelings which may properly be term'd Doublings which I have placed amongst the Doublings where they more properly belong Now if any shall demand of me a reason why I have omitted the Reducements to each particular Command my answer thereunto is easie for as in the Counter-marches so in these they may be reduced by three or four words of Command except a Commander shall of set purpose keep them off from the same to make some experiment After any wheeling is performed face them after to the first Front and command them to even their Ranks and straighten their Files they will
last Rank wheel six to the right and six to the left inward to both the Flanks face to your Leader and close Files to the midst to order Command Files file three to the right and left outward into Front and Reer Direction Half-files face about the three first and the three last Ranks are to stand the rest are to move by threes filing to Front and Reer to the right and left outward and after face to the Front and close their Ranks forwards to order Command Files file to the midst by Division Direction Half-files of the outmost Files face about and the outmost Files move forwards and file by Division unto the midst of Files face to your Leader Command Files rank inward into the Front Direction Files open from the midst to twice double distance and move forward to the right and left inward into the Front Command Ranks file six to the right and left outward Direction The outmost men are to stand the rest are to move side-ways to the right and left making six in a File and then the next outside men in like manner are to stand the rest successively are to file as before CHAP. XIV Next followeth several Figures of Battail with Firings upon the same for the performance whereof Command BRingers-up to double their Front to the right and left inward and Ranks and Files to open to open order and Muskettiers to close outward to close order the inmost Files of Pikes close outward to the same distance and they will stand in four Divisions after let the Middle-rank in each Division open outward to open order they will produce the first Figure The first firing Let the first Rank give Fire and wheel off to the right and left and place themselves in the room of them in the Reer and they at the same time moving forwards in their places and give Fire as the first after wheel off into their places again The second firing Let the Middle-ranks advance three foot before the Front and give Fire face about and move down into their places again Command The last Rank in each Division move to the left one pace and double to the right File-wise and then advance forward until their first men exceed two foot the Front of each Division then let the first Rank open outward to open order and the last Rank close inward to the same distance The first firing Let the middle File give Fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let the first Rank give fire on the ground they stand and after fall off to the right and left into the room of them in the Reer they at the same time moving forward into their ground and give fire in like manner and fall off into their places again and then the Pikes may charge on whilest the Muskettiers make ready again Command Face all about middle File move forward three foot clear of the Reer the first Rank close inward to Order the last Rank open outward something more then to open Order Upon this Figure let the first man in each division kneel down and then to give fire altogether over one anothers heads the Pikes at the same time charging brest-high to the Horse then face all to their first Front Command The last men in the Reer double to the left Rank-wise Files close into the midst to Order Muskettiers double your Pikes inward entire advancing and move forward three paces Files double your depth to the right and left outward of each Arms every man falling behind his Bringer-up Front Half-files double your Reer entire into the midst Files double to the right and left outward Files file to the right entire advancing which being done wheel them to the right about into a Ring in form as followeth Upon this Figure let the Pikes charge round and the Muskettiers give fire all together which being ended let the Commander go to the place where the File-Leader stands and wheel them off again to the left until he hath brought them into one straight File and then proceed Command Half-files double your Front to the right Ranks double to the right and left inward Files double outward entire advancing Half-files of each Arms double your Ranks forwards to the left Front Half-files double the Reer to the left Files file to the left entire advancing and wheel about into a Ring then face all to the Center and close Files of each Arms to the right and left inward to close Order Command Middle-men in each Division move backward and place your selves two foot behind your right and left-hand-men face all about to the right and close Ranks inward to Order Upon this Figure let them Fire by circumduction after this manner let the odd men of Pikes port and then the odd Muskettier where the first Front was is to give Fire and to move away to the left and the next odd man of Muskettiers upon the right immediately comes stooping underneath the Pikes into the first mans place Firing in like manner moving away into the next odd mans place of the Muskettiers upon the left the rest doing the same until the Muskettier come into his place again Command Face all to the Center odd men move forwards and place your selves two foot before the right and left-hand-men after face all to the right about Upon this Figure you may Fire likewise by way of circumduction the Pikes porting all round and having performed one Firing in this manner in the next place let the odd Muskettiers and Pikes move forth again and kneel down the odd Pike-men charging at foot the Muskettiers may give Fire altogether then let them face to the Center and let the odd men move forwards and place themselves between the right and left-hand-men then moving and closing their ring let them face all about to the right Then let the Captain go where the Leader of the File stands and wheel him about to the left the rest following until they be all brought again into one streight File Command Files file three to the left into the Front Files double to the right intire advancing Front-half-files move forwards three paces Files double your depth to the right of each Division Half-files double your Front intire into the midst The two first and the two last men of Pikes upon each Flank face inward the two Middle-ranks face outward the two last Ranks of Muskettiers face about march all three paces to your Leader To pass by the Firings which may be performed upon this Figure I shall proceed from hence to draw another Command The outmost divisions of Muskettiers close inward to order Front and Reer Divisions of Pikes open outward to double distance Pikes double inward Rank-wise and they will stand as followeth Upon this Figure Fire to the Front in their several Divisions one after another and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right into the Reer the rest of the Divisions
charge The third firing Let the Muskettiers double inward File-wise the Pikes keep their Aspects to the four Angles the Musketttiers as before may give Fire to Front Reer and both Flanks and fall in the reer of those Pikes next their right hand and having their Aspects unto the same Angles they may fire there if they please by way of Extraduction and move forth to the left into their places again then let the Pikes face to the Front and Muskettiers upon the wings face about to the right and Muskettiers move forward three paces face to your Leader forms the following Figure The first firing Let the first Division give fire together and wheel off into the Reer the next two Divisions moving forward into their ground giving fire all together and wheeling off to the right and left into the Reer the rest still moving forward until the Reer-division is likewise come up into the Front and gives fire in like manner and falling off to the right into his first place again this firing may be continued twice The second firing Let them give fire all together to the Front after this manner let the middle Divisions move forth to the right and left clear of the Pikes the Reer-division at the same time moving forward upon the outside of those in the Front and give fire and move into their places again making ready whilest the Pikes close forward and charge on five or six paces they may retreat again into their places The third firing Let them face all to the Reer and fire after this manner the first Division kneel down the middle Divisions move forth clear of the Pikes the Front-division marching down into the Reer may give fire all together the outmost Division and the Front-division over the heads of them in the Reer and move in and back again into their places then face to their Leader Command The outmost Division of Muskettiers upon the left in the midst and the three last Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers face about march all three paces and stand Middle Divisions face to the left and move two paces face all to your Leader Divisions of Pikes face inward Front-division of Muskettiers and the second from the Reer face about and move little and close your Divisions to your Leader The first firing Let the first Division give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel down into the Reer the other Divisions successively moving up into the Front and firing in like manner this firing may be continued twice over The second firing Let the Divisions of Muskettiers double their Ranks to the right and left outward and give fire in single Ranks as they did before until all have fired twice over The third firing Let them double their Files to the right and left inward and the Reer Divisions to face about then let them give fire both to Front and Reer falling first in the Reer of themselves after to wheel off into the midst and facing to Front and Reer the middle Divisions may move forth into their ground firing in like manner the Pikes may after charge whilest the Muskettiers make ready again and after retreating into their places they may continue their firing as formerly the Pikes charging on as before The fourth firing Let each Division of Muskettiers double Ranks outward and fire to Front and Reer and to wheel off in one single rank to the right and left and rank again in the midst and after double inward File-wise and face to their Leader Command The four last Divisions face to the left the four first Divisions face to the right march all until you be clear one of another then face to the right and move until you be even abrest in Front and Reer to your Leader The first firing Let the first Divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after wheeling off to the right and left into the Reer they at the same time moving forwards into their places firing and falling off in like manner they may perform the same firing to the Reer being thither faced The second firing Let the Reer-Divisions move to the right and left outward clear of the standing part then face to the Front move up even abrest with the Front-Divisions and let every Division fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes may charge and after both they and the outmost Divisions may move down into their places Command The inmost Divisions of Pikes advance forward three foot before the Front the rest face inward and move two paces to your Leader Upon this Figure let the first Ranks of the Front-Division fire and fall behind the Front-Divisions of Pikes the next rank may fire and fall behind the first then let the Reer-division move up and give fire and fall in the reer of themselves and after wheel about to the right and left inward moving down clear of the reer and facing again unto their Leader then they may fire a second time in the same way the Front-divisions moving forth and firing first and falling behind the Pikes the reer-divisions coming up into their places firing and falling off again by wheeling about inward until they be clear three foot of the reer then facing to their Leader they will stand as followeth where the Ensign may display his Colours if the Leader pleaseth to march upon it Having now spent much time in these particular Firings it will be convenient to give the Souldiers some respit to refresh their almost tired spirits that they may more chearfully appear upon the next summons of the Drum and therefore we will conclude this Exercise and prepare for the lodging of the Colours Reducement Reer-Divisions of Pikes move straight forward until you range even abrest with the Front-Divisions of Pikes Reer-Divisions of Muskettiers move forward and range inward even abrest with the Front-Divisions Files close into the midst to Order Front and Reer half-half-files open from the midst to double distance the four inmost Files of Front and Reer half-half-files face inward and interchange ground then let each two Files of Pikes close outward to Order and after to double their Divisions to the right File-wise and to close Files to the left to Order the two outmost Files of Muskettiers upon the right double Ranks inward and lead them away before the left half-half-ranks of Muskettiers the next two Files double Ranks outward and lead them away behind the Reer by first facing them about Pikes face to the left and move straight before the Muskettiers and then double the Reer inward entire after Files to double their Depth to the right every man falling behind his Bringer-up they are reduced CHAP. XVIII The Sixth Exercise with four Files eight deep THe Souldiers being met at the place appointed and their Files being drawn forth according to the usual custom the Leaders being to shew each Souldier how to handle and use his Arms and after leads up their Files and
his File into some convenient place apart to exercise them in their several Postures and Charges and after what manner they may fire whether it be to Front Reer or both Flanks Which being performed they are called up to joyn into a Body and commanded to close their Ranks and Files to their distance of Order and the Front doubled to the right and left inward by the half-files distance beforehand being prepared for their moving up The Leader appoints one of the Serjeants to fetch the Colours which being brought up to the head of the Company the Leader for variety sake may spend the chiefest of his time in Firings as followeth The first firing Let the Muskettiers move forward until their Bringers-up range even with the Front of Pikes after let the two outmost Files of Muskettiers move forward until their Bringers-up range even abrest with the Front of the two inmost Files Let the Front or foremost Divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then let them face about and move down into their places where they were last then let the two inmost Files of Muskettiers of each Division advance forwards until their Bringers-up range even with the Front of the two outmost Files and then let them give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after face about and march down into their places again where they were last drawn off The second firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand in each Division falling off to the right and left in the Reer of themselves The third firing Let the first Rank in each Division fire as they stand and after move inward in a straight line before the Front of Pikes which gives way for the next Rank to fire in each Division and after to move inward into the Reer of the first Rank and so consequently all the rest to fire in like manner until they have all fired and stand straight before the Pikes The fourth firing Let their Ranks rank outward into the Front and then give fire all entire in one Rank and ranking again as they were The fifth firing Let the half-files of Muskettiers double the Front by Division and give fire by two Ranks together and after to move back again into their places The sixth firing Let the two first Ranks kneel down the other two stand upright and give fire four Ranks together The seventh firing Let the half-files or Pikes to face about and move three paces to your Leader and then Files to double their Depth to the right and left outward of each Arms then let them give fire eight Ranks together after this manner two kneel down two kneeling two stand upright and the two last to be drawn off to the right and left and so to fire all together which being ended command the Pikes by their Files to rank outward into the Front and then open outward to the right and left and charge on in the Front and file again as they were The eigth firing Let the Pikes open their Files from the midst to double distance then command the Muskettiers to face about and move down into the midst of the Pikes then let the half-half-files face about and let the Muskettiers be at open Order in their Files and the Pikes at Order and then let them give fire first to Front and Reer by Intraduction after this manner Let the first Rank in Front and Reer present and give fire on the ground they stand and presently make ready again the next Ranks may move forward and place themselves three foot before them and fire in like manner and after stand the other Ranks still moving forward into the next Rank until the first have fired and then immediately to clap before them and fire in like manner until all have fired twice over The ninth firing Let them close their Files into the midst to Order and fire on the same ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves The tenth firing Let them fire and fall off to the right and left into the midst of Pikes again then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer and when they are clear of the Muskettiers let them close to the right and left inward to Order The eleventh firing Let the Pikes port and let the Muskettiers be drawn forth one whole Rank to the right and another to the left both to Front and Reer give fire and fall into their places again then let the other four be drawn forth in like manner and fire and fall into their places again the Pikes if occasion shall require may again charge on The twelfth firing Let the Muskettiers range to the right and left outward and fire even abrest with the Reer of each Division and move in again into their places The thirteenth firing Let the Muskettiers rank outward and move even abrest with the Front and Reer and there present and give fire and whilest the Pikes are charging on they may rank again as they were and fall in the Reer of the Pikes and make ready again The fourteenth firing The Pikes being retreated into their first ground you may open them to the right and left and then the Muskettiers may move forward and fire two Ranks kneeling down and the other two standing upright then the Pikes may continue their charge till the Muskettiers make ready again and after they may retreat and fall in the Reer of the Muskettiers and close their Divisions inward to Order These firings being all upon a stand and the Muskettiers being now in Front and Reer they may be moved away and may give fire upon the march to Front and Reer after this manner The fifteenth firing Let the first Rank in the Front nimbly advance forward ten paces then present and give fire in which interim the rest will be moved up unto them the others having fallen off to the right and left in the Reer of their own Divisions of Muskettiers the next Rank may give fire in like manner until all have fired thus once over the Reer are to fire at the same time with the Front facing about the last Rank who are to fall off and to place themselves before their own Divisions of Muskettiers The sixteenth firing Let them fire as before and the first Rank of the Front-division to fall off and flank the Pikes to the right the rest of that Division falling off and placing themselves in the Reer of them and likewise the first Rank of the Reer-Division when they have fired let them fall off and range even abrest with the half-files of Pikes and still preserving themselves in their places to be right-hand-men to those which were at first and the rest to give fire and fall in the Reer of them The seventeenth firing Now the Muskettiers being all upon the right Flank let the outmost File face to the right and fire and lead away the Bringers-up between the Muskettiers and the outmost File of Pikes let this be
set forth to your view in Folio 147. Before the Major shall begin his Exercise he shall do well to appoint unto each Division the Captains and their Ensigns whose Colours in the mean time may be stuck in the ground or given to any of the File-leaders of Pikes to hold during the time of Exercise to take charge of them to order them according unto every word of command and the Lieutenant and Serjeants to each Division of Muskettiers that after silence is craved throughout the whole Regiment the Major by stretching out his voice in every word of Command the rest as his Eccho are immediately to give it out along the whole Front and from thence unto the Reer and every Officer to lead his men accordingly The Major having stated all things according to the former directions may if he please either face double counter-march or wheel to Front Reer or both Flanks in every particular Division And may after fire them by way of Divisions drawn off ten or twenty paces before the Front firing them 7 or 8 times over relieving them by other supplies marching up into their ground And may after face the Reer-divisions about and fire them to Front and Reer on the same ground they stand there being sufficient intervalls for their wheeling off in the Reer of themselves And after several firings in this kinde the Pikes may charge on but before they begin their firings the Pikes must close into the midst to order and Muskettiers to close their Pikes to open order and every Division to preserve so much ground betwixt each other for their conveniencie that after firing they may wheel off Now if you will fire or skirmish the one with the other then draw off the Reer or second grand Division and move them away and draw them up in opposition 100 foot distance of ground betwixt each Front and let the Lieutenant-Colonels Company be drawn up upon the right and the Majors upon the left of that grand Division that it may carry some answerableness with that of the Colonels The Muskettiers having six foot interval of ground betwixt each other before they begin to fire they may continue their firings of this nature as long as they please and the Pikes may after charge on to such convenient distance as that they come not within three Pikes length one of another for avoiding doing hurt the one to the other the Muskettiers still continuing their firing and falling in the Reer of themselves and when they come within distance not to present above knee-height for the above-named reasons Now the Souldiers being almost tired and all their Powder spent and retreating from each other that side which falls out to be strongest as being the Colonels grand Division or party may beat a parley to invite the weaker to come in to mercy offering them all fair Quarter provided they timely and presently receive it and that they will cheerfully and willingly go along with them and never any more revolt but be on their side to fight with them upon all just occasions as shall be required After which the Lieutenant-Colonel yeilding they may wheel about and march into the same ground from whence they were first drawn forth and be reduced to the same order and condition as they were before they began to skirmish And thus much shall suffice concerning the ordinary plain way of exercising of Regiments but those that shall desire a little more curiosity they may observe such Exercises as in the next place shall be set forth unto them CHAP. VIII A second way of exercising Regiments of the same number of men THe first grand Division being in the Front and clear of the second 12 paces every five Files being 18 foot of ground a part from each other and at their distance of order both in Rank and File in their own particular divisions as was mention'd in Folio 146. comes in this place to be set forth to their view And having past over some of the distances to bring them to this Station in standing in 24 Maniples or Divisions the next thing that I shall shew for Exercise shall be four several Figures of Battail branched from thence by proper words of Command with their reducement Command Divisions of Muskettiers face outward Pikes and Muskettiers march all twelve paces and stand to your Leader The two middle Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers in the Reer next the Flanks face about outmost Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers in Front and Reer face outward march all four paces and stand Again let the outmost Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers face about to the right then march all three paces then stand and face to their Leader it produceth the first Figure Each of the former Divisions containing five Files apiece excepting the outmost Division of Pikes upon the right in Front and Reer and they contain six Files in each of them Command Divisions of Muskettiers face outward Pikes face about to the right march all until the Pikes range even with the Reer then face to their Leader occasioneth the next Command The four last Divisions of each Arms in the midst face about the six outmost Divisions of each Arms face outward the two middle Divisions of Pikes in the Front face about march all four paces and stand then face the six outmost divisions about to the right and the four middle Divisions of Pikes about to the left then march all four paces and face to their Leader Command The two next Divisions of Pikes in the midst from the Reer face about middle Divisions of Pikes move forward six foot before the Front and Reer to your Leader Reducement The twelve last Divisions face about then set every Division march forward until they range even abrest with the Front and Reer and face to their Leader then let the Reer-divisions move forward within eighteen foot of the Front-divisions and they will be in two grand Divisions the one in the Reer of the other as at first when they began their facings Having past over part of the Distances and Facings the next which in order falls to be handled is Doublings and having by command gained eighteen foot distance betwixt every five Files if in their former motions they should chance to lose it you may then proceed to Doublings by way of Divisions as shall be in the next place set down CHAP. IX Doublings belonging to a Regiment Command DIvisions double to the right File-wise Direction Every even Division from the Front face to the right and march down clear until you stand straight with the next Interval then face to the left and move in and double those Divisions on the right File-wise to your Leader Command Divisions double to the right Rankwise Direction Every even Division from the Front face to the right and march forward six paces then face to the Front and move forward and double your Divisions to the right Command Divisions double the Length of the Battail to
the right and left outward Direction The 12 last Divisions face outward and march clear of the standing part face to your Leader move up all even abrest and double according to command Command The 12 inmost Divisions double the six outmost to the right and left outward advancing Direction The 12 middle Divisions advance forward until you be six foot clear of the standing part then face outward and march until you stand straight before the six outmost face to your Leader and after face inward and move forward until they stand again unto eighteen foot distance from each other to your Leader Command Divisions double the Depth of the Battail to the right Direction Every even Division from the right face about to the right and move down eighteen foot clear of the Reer face to the left and move until you stand straight with those Divisions on the right which you are to double to your Leader Command The 12 last Divisions in the Reer double the Front to the right Direction The 12 last Divisions face to the right and move six paces then face to the left march forward and double the Front to the right and they will be reduced CHAP. X. Four several Wheelings with their Reducement Command DIvisions wheel about to the right and move down into the Reer Direction Front-divisions wheel about to the right and move down into the Reer the rest march up into the same ground wheeling to the right hand and following successively after face to your Leader Command Divisions wheel about to the right to the left Flank Direction Face to the right and the outmost Divisions wheel about to the right and march away unto the place of the left Flank the rest moving up into the same ground wheeling about to the right and following accordingly to your Leader Command Divisions wheel about to the right from the Reer into the Front Direction Face to the Reer and let the first Divisions wheel about to the right and move up into the Front the rest marching forward into their ground wheeling off and following in like manner Command Divisions wheel about to the right to the right Flank Direction Face all to the left and let the outmost Divisions wheel about to the right and move forward to the right Flank the rest marching up into their ground following after in the same kind reduceth them CHAP. XI Countermarches not fit to be used in the Exercising of Regiments IT might be expected after Doublings that I should shew some kinds of Countermarches amongst the Military Motions in the exercise of a Regiment but being of very little use or practise amongst Commanders in these times especially in such great Bodies and for my own part I fancy them not therefore have passed them over and pitcht upon such wheelings which by some are accounted Countermarches Whose judgements my desire is better to inform by these several reasons following wherein and in what kind they differ from them As thus by these wheelings they keep their distance in Rank and File unto Order and wheeling entire unto any hand down to the Reer cannot be performed but by gaining in the Motion before the Front and unto all places as they move so much ground as is the Length of their particular Divisions and in the execution thereof they still preserve the honour of the right and left-hand-file-leaders and all others as are concerned in their particular Divisions unto any accidental Front which they shall be brought unto Now concerning Countermarches they are to be performed either by single Files Ranks half-Half-files or half-Half-ranks and at their distance of Open Order their words of Command having relation to all these particulars Their Countermarching of Files to the Reer gaineth no ground before the Front in the Motion but only the room of one particular File upon the right it preserveth not the honour of the right and left-hand-file-leader at one time by any one word of Command unto any of their Motions to such accidental Fronts they shall make but ever loseth it to some and giveth it to others And therefore it may appear cleerly unto any ingenious capacity that the former Wheelings cannot be accounted or given in their Motions in that kinde to the Souldiers for Counter-marches but by such terms as in their place are set down In the next place I shall speak something of the great benefit or use that may be made of these sorts of Wheelings as first a Commander may use them in the Motions of Doublings to Front Reer right-flank or left or double either the length or depth of the Battail unto all needful places as occasion shall require which I shall forbear to set down but leave them to the discretion of the ingenious Souldiers practise when time and opportunity shall serve him to make use of them In the next place they are very necessary to draw off any part and to bring them unto such needful places for Service as are in eminent danger Therefore passing over for present what might be more spoken of in this kinde I come in the next place to shew one Figure of Battail to fire upon and then conclude my Exercise upon this Regiment and go on unto the rest Command Pikes close Files to the right to Order then let them in the Reer double their Front to the left intire Muskettiers advance forward until your Front-divisions exceed six foot the Front of Pikes the two inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front move forward 20 paces and close inward to open Order the two inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer face about and move down six paces and close inward to open Order to your Leader Muskettiers upon the Flanks close to the Body of Pikes to open Order Middle-divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer by each Flank face about Middle-divisions of Muskettiers by each Flank move forward six foot cleer of the standing part face to your Leader and it will set forth the Figure as it stands in Folio 151. CHAP. XII Several Firings to be performed upon the former Figure and how to be managed by the several Officers THe Regiment being drawn up into the former Figure they may proceed to Firings upon it first let the Forlorns fire five or six times over being commanded by the eldest Captains Lieutenant who is to be assisted by a couple of able Serjeants after let him wheel them off to the right and left and bring them down in the Reer of the Pikes Then let the second Captains Lieutenant being assisted by two Serjeants lead up the reserves by the outside of the Pikes at such time when the Forlorns begin to come off for the better securing of them from danger upon their retreat then let them move forward to their ground and give fire in like manner falling in the Reer of themselves and after wheel them off to the right and left and bring them down in the Reer of those Muskettiers that are behind the Pikes
yet in regard the Harquebus differeth nothing from the Carbine in length only in the Bore the manner of using them is one and the same In Marching he is to carry his Carbine hanging at his Belt by his right side or else to order it upon his right thigh In Fight he is to strive to gain the left side of his Enemy contrary to the Curassier because that in presenting he is to rest his Carbine on his bridle-hand placing the butt-end on the right side of his Breast neer his Shoulder He must exercise himself that he may use his Carbine with exactness and dexterity and be exquisite in shooting at Marks For the manner of handling the Harquebus or Carbine the directions before delivered may serve for sufficient Instruction but forasmuch as now adays our Carbines are made with Snaphans and somewhat differ from the former I will set down the order of handling of it in the several words of Command Postures for the Snaphans-Carbine 1. Order your Carbine 2. Sink your Carbine into your Bridle-hand 3. Bend your Cock 4. Guard your Cock 5. Prime 6. Shut your Pan. 7. Cast about your Carbine 8. Guard your Flasque 9. Lade your Carbine 10. Draw your Rammer 11. Shorten your Rammer 12. Lade with Bullet and ram home 13. Withdraw your Rammer 14. Shorten your Rammer 15. Return your Rammer 16. Recover your Carbine 17. Order your Hammer 18. Free your Cock 19. Present 20. Give fire He is to use his Sword in all respects as the Curassier Of Exercising the Dragoon THe Dragoon is of special use and service to assist the Cavalry as Infantry for there be many considerable Exploits which cannot be effected by the Cavalry alone The Muskettier must therefore exercise himself to give fire on Horsback When they come to guard a Passage or do other the like service they are to alight and to demean themselves as Infantry and being alighted to do their service every of them is to cast his Bridle over the neck of his Sides-mans Horse in the same order as they marched keeping them so together by some purposely appointed to attend them Of Exercising the Cavalry in their Motions THe Horsman being sufficiently instructed in the managing of his Horse and in the use of his particular Arms it is time now that he be taught how to demean himself being joyned in a Body The Horse being to be exercised is to be drawn up into a Body not by Ranks as in the Infantry but by Files and those of 5 deep according to most Authors or of 6 deep according to others that of 5 being a number not divisible by 2 so that in doubling of Ranks or Half-files or the like there will always remain an odd Rank Others would have them especially the Harquebusiers to be 8 in File making the Troop to consist of 64 Men being drawn up into a square Body Being thus put into Battalia the first thing they are to be instructed in is Distance and herein there is a disagreement among Authors Some making Close order to be 2 paces Open order 4 paces and so forward to a triple quadruple Distance proportionable Others make but two kinds of Distances Close order which is 3 foot and Open order which is 6 foot And here a difference is to be observed between the manner of taking the Distance of the Cavalry and that of the Infantry for in the Foot the Distance is taken from the Center or middle of the Souldiers Body which here cannot be understood but only of the space of Ground between Horse and Horse But the best and latest Authors are of opinion that the Cavalry being to be exercised in their Motions should be at their Distance of 6 foot or Open order standing right in their Ranks and Files The Motions which belong to the Exercising of the Cavalry are principally four viz. 1. Facings 2. Doublings 3. Countermarches 4. Wheelings And here note that in the exercising of the Cavalry we use to this day the same words that the Graecians and Romans did of old for a File the Romans called Versus and Decura a Rank Jugum a File-leader Ducanus because their Decurae or File consisted of 10 Bringer-up they termed Tergi-ducor a Leader being every odd man in a File Phrastes a Follower which is every even number Substes a Side-man Astes Their Distances also were the same with ours their two Cubits every Cubit being a Foot and a half of our Measure agrees with our three Foot their four Cubits our six Foot and so increasing upon occasion They ordered their Horse-troops at six Foot Distance between File and File in March and three Foot in fight In all the motions we also retain the same words of Command which they used Facing they called Declinatio to the Right Left Hastam Scutum Facing about Immutatio Doubling by Ranks Files Duplicandi duo genera per juga versus Their Countermarches the same which we use Evolutio Chorica Macedonica Laconica per Decurias Scutum Wheelings the same with us Conversio ad Hastam Scutum Reversio est conversionis restitutio Inflexio Wheeling about The use of Facings is to make the Troop perfect to be suddenly prepared for a Charge on either Flank or in the Reer Doubling of Ranks or doubling by Half-files or by Bringers up is used upon occasion of strengthning of the Front Doubling of Files or doubling by Half-ranks serveth to strengthen the Flanks Countermarches serve either to reduce the File-leaders into the place of Bringers-up and so have the best men ready to receive the charge of the Enemy in the Reer or to bring one Flank into the place of the other or Front and Reer or either Flank into the middle of the Body The use of Wheelings is to bring the Front to be ready to receive the Charge of the Enemy on either Flank or Reer For the better information and satisfaction and for the easie apprehending of what hath been said those several Motions are here following represented in Figures by a Troop of Harquebusiers of 64 men and in every Figure the file-leaders are represented by this kind of A. the Bringers up by this kind of a. and the rest of the Body by this kind of a. The form of the first standing To face them to the Right is done by commanding Direction This is done by turning all at one and the same time to the right hand The Front is where the right Flank was To reduce them to their first form the word is Command As you were Direction It is performed by turning to the left hand From thence to face them to the left the Word is Command To the right hand Direction It is performed by turning to the left From hence they are to be reduced by saying Command As you were Direction It is performed by turning to the right Now to face them to the Reer though it be proper first to do it by the right hand yet for the more ready way I
the pains to be a good Muskettier certainly cannot be idle but hath gained something more to make him capable of such praise To conclude I shall desire the Gentlemen of the Pikes and the Gentlemen of the Muskettiers to go hand in hand in love like dear Brothers and neither of them to envy each other and in so doing God will give a blessing to their undertakings But now fearing I have dwelt too long upon this discourse of the Arms I shall next proceed to set down first the postures of the Pike then the postures of the Musket with all the words of command tending to their Motions after collect them in order in a brief way and then set forth unto you the equality of number that the one Arms hath with the other in the postures as followeth CHAP. III. The Postures of the Pike THE Pike lying on the ground the first word of Command will be Stand to your Arms. Handle your Pike to your Open Order Handle your Pike to your Order Raise up your Pike to your Close Order Charge with the But-end of the Pike at the inside of the right foot your Pike in the left hand drawing your Sword over your left arm Charge to the Front Right Flank Left Flank Reer Order your Pikes and put up your Swords This way of charging to the Horse I have set down as being practised sometimes amongst us in our private Meetings but I conceive it to be of little use to receive a desperate charge of the Horse for by these charges the Souldiers are in so lame and weak a posture that the Horse cannot choose if they come on with a full career but beat the Pikes and Pike-men down to the ground Therefore in my opinion the best way of opposing the Horse-charge is that which we learned of our ever-honoured Captain Major Henry Tillier in the Military Garden which was Files closing to the midst to their closest Order insomuch that there was not above half a foot interval of ground between File and File the Pikes Porting and after closing their Ranks forwards so close that they locked themselves one within another and then charged on Which in my judgment is so secure a way from routing that it is impossible for any Body of Horse to enter therein and farther to my best remembrance I never could meet with any Souldier that hath been a broad upon any service that ever saw any charging of the Pikes at the Foot therefore I will further proceed From Order Advance Shoulder Port Comport Cheek Trail Your Pike Order as you were From your Order charge to the Front Right Left Reer Order as you were Advance your Pike Shoulder Port Comport Cheek Trail Your Pike Advance as you were From your Advance charge to the Front Right Left Reer Advance as you were Shoulder your Pike Port Comport Cheek Trail Your Pike Shoulder as you were From the Shoulder charge to the Front Right Left Reer Shoulder as you were Port your Pikes Comport your Pikes Cheek Trail your pikes Comp. as you were From the Comport charge to the Front Right Left Reer comport as you were Cheek your Pikes Trail your Pikes Cheek as you were From the Cheek charge to the Front Right Left Reer Cheek as you were Trail your Pikes from your Trail charge to the Front Right Left Reer Trail as you were Order your Pikes Lay down your Pikes Here is to be observed by this Method an endeavouring to perform all the postures of the Pike from each particular posture only shortning it by degrees leaving out what was before commanded until we come unto the Trial. Yet notwithstanding I spared not the charges but have shewn them from every posture in their due order Next followeth the postures of the Musket wherein in answerableness to the Pike I shall lay them down in full and afterwards contract them in a shorter way CHAP. IV. The Postures of the Musket THE Musket lying on the ground the first word of Command will be as to the Pike Stand to your Arms Take up your Bandiliers Put on your Bandiliers Take up your Match Place your Match Take up your Rest Put the string of your Rest about your left wrist Take up your Musket Rest your Musket Here the Souldier may perform the saluting posture if he shall find any occasion so to do for the honouring of a friend or any Gentleman of worth Poyse your Musket Shoulder your Musket Un-shoulder your Musket and Poyse Joyn your Rest to the outside of your Musket Open your pan Cleer your pan Prime your pan Shut your pan Cast off your loose corns Blow off your loose corns and bring about your Musket to the left side Trail your Rest Ballance your Musket in your left hand Find out your charge Open your charge Charge with powder Draw forth your Scouring-stick Turn and shorten him to an Inch Charge with Bullet Put your scouring-stick into your musket Ram home your charge With-draw your scouring-stick Turn and shorten him to a handful Return your scouring-stick Bring forward your Musket and Rest Poyse your Musket recover your Rest Joyn your Rest to the outside of your Musket Draw forth your Match Blow your Coal Cock Your Match Fit Your Match Guard your Pan Blow the ashes from your Coal Open your Pan Present upon your Rest Give fire brest-high Dismount your Musket joyning the Rest to the outside of your Musket Vn-cock and return your Match Cleer Your Pan Shut Your Pan Poyse Your Musket Rest Your Musket Take your Musket off the Rest and set the Butt-end to the ground Lay down your Musket Lay down your Match Take your Rest into your right hand cleering the string from your left wrist Lay down your Rest Take off Your Bandiliers Lay down Your Bandiliers Here endeth the postures of the Musket from the taking of them up from the ground to make ready and the proceeding in them to the laying of them down again Now if the Souldier will take his Rest into his right hand for to be a support and help to him in his march he must observe the following words of command Lay your right hand upon the Butt-end of your musket The Musket being shouldered you may proceed in these words of command to recover the Rest into the right hand Lay your left arm over your musket Shift your match between the fingers of your right hand Take your Rest into your right hand cleering the string from your left wrist Return your match and take your Rest into your right hand 't will cause you to be in a fit capacity for to march CHAP. V. The Postures and Charges of the Pike to be performed in a shorter way all things acted in order and nothing done twice THE Pike lying on the ground the first word of Command will be Stand to your Arms Handle your Arms Raise up your Pikes to your Open Order Order Close Order From your close Order charge to the Horse Front Right
them if disorderly they swerve awry from what he first intended He must likewise order all his words of Command so as that they may be proper and clearly pronounced forth unto the Souldier without any faltering And in every one of these to see the Souldier leasurely and easily perform the same in a compleat manner He must not be too quick in his words of Command but carefully see what before commanded well done and then he may proceed unto the next In time of his Exercise he must seriously mind what he is to do and not to have his thoughts extravagantly carried away upon any other Subject for fear he be out but if any such thing should happen through forgetfulness he ought not to be daunted but to pull up the spirit of a Souldier as well as he can and endeavour to reduce them again For it is a rare thing to be found for a Leader to be so exquisite in his Exercising as not to be sometimes out and in my observation of most at one time or another I have found them so to be His discretion also ought to be such as to cull out and chuse those things that be chiefest as flowers out of a Garden to fit and compleat up his Exercise in a Souldier-like way which may be most properest for service and use which will bring to him far more commendations and praise in the judgement of every knowing Souldier then to spend his time upon unnecessary toyes but yet sometimes to please the fancy of the curious at their private meetings he may use some things for delight to support and uphold their private Exercises which have nurst up here in London many able Souldiers and Commanders who have been serviceable to our Nation It is a very necessary thing likewise that a Leader sometimes do acquaint the Souldiers of the use of their several Distances Facings Doublings Counter-marches and Wheelings and of all things else he shall command but in such a manner that he dwell not too long upon any thing he shall declare unto them for dulling of the Souldiers who rather would be pleased with more actings then by too much talkings which spins out the time as sometimes ordered to very little purpose He must be very careful of every word of Command he gives that the Souldiers be ordered in their due Distance sutable to the same of what kind soever it be and if it shall be lost in their movings or marchings he must endeavour to bring them to it again He is likewise to acquaint the Souldiers when they are drawn up to look about them and to mind their several places how they stand in the Body whether they be in even Ranks from the Front or odd if even and upon any doubling of Ranks they are the men to double the odd if half-file-leaders that they be commanded to double the Front they must advance their Arms and are Leaders of that Motion to come up to double the Front if Bringers-up commanded to double they are alike to do the same if Bringers up of the Front-half-files and that they be commanded to double the Reer they likewise are to advance their Arms to face about and are to begin to lead them down to the Reer They should likewise take notice how they stand in their Files whether even from the right or no if even and there be any command to double Files to the right they all are to move and double the odd if commanded to double to the left they then stand odd and the others are to move and double them They likewise are to mind their places who are upon the Flanks for a doubling either to Front or Reer by the half-Files they first begin to march and how they stand there as right and left-hand men in even Ranks for by any doublings of Ranks entire or by Division they likewise are the Leaders of the Motion There ought also advice be given to the middle File-leaders to know their places for if there should be any doublings of the half-Ranks they then are first to move and to begin the motion This caution being sometimes quickly run over in advising of the Souldiers that they should ever mind when they are first drawn up into a body these particular places they would not stand so carelessy and so ignorantly in a Body as many times they do not knowing which way to move without a great deal of pains and directions from their Leader for there being so many occasions of doublings of these kinds that it is a necessary thing for every Souldier to be acquainted with the same Yet it is not only sufficient that the Souldiers do mind their places as they stand in a body according to the direction of their Leader as before set forth unto them but that they be likewise in the time of their Exercise very silent in the body and helpful unto their fellow-Souldiers by pointing out unto them with signs with the hand where they should march to perform what was before commanded and to be very civil and orderly in their carriage to each other and to mind their Exercise so as a matter of great weight and high consideration in the well regarding of the same And if a word of command as sometimes may happen slip out of order as by the mistaking of a hand or the like yet nevertheless it should be their modest care if not prevented by their Leader to be ready to execute what they conceive he intended and walking along in this civil and respective way unto him that shall lead them it will not only be a great encouragement unto him but they will also reap much benefit unto themselves And thus much briefly may be spoken in way of advice unto every Leader before his beginning of his Exercise and unto each particular Souldier as shall by him be exercised CHAP. XXVII Of Facings of their several kinds and of their use with the words of command for performance of the same FAcing is the altering or turning of the Aspect to either hand upon the ground they stand according to the words of Command whether it be to the right left Front or Reer or to the midst of Files or Ranks or to any of the outward or inward Angles or to the Center The manner of execution of the same it is a particular turning of every Souldiers countenance unto each of those hands or places as above exprest and to be performed after this manner The left foot is always to be kept fixed like the hinge of a door and unto what hand or part they shall be commanded to face every particular Souldier is immediately to turn his body upon the Ball or Centre of his left foot by wheeling until he hath brought his Aspect unto the place commanded Facings is one of the most necessary and usefullest motions amongst all the rest for when the body shall be in such a streight that they cannot bring their faces against an enemy
Ranks wheel to the right and left towards the Reer Direction Face all about The outside-men are the hinges of this Motion who are to wheel from the Reer to the right and left until they have brought their Aspects unto both the Flanks face to your Leader Reducement Files rank 12 to the right and left inward the Right-hand-file is to begin to rank six to the left the Left-hand-file is to rank six to the right making up even abrest 12 in number the rest doing the same Command Front and Reer-half-files wheel your ranks outward into both Flanks Direction Half-files face about and Front and Reer-half-files wheel outward into both Flanks until you have brought your Aspects unto the right and left face to your Leader Reducement Front and Reer-half-files rank 12 to the right and left inward towards the midst of Ranks Front-half-files face about and begin the Motion from the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files and the Half-file-leaders ranking six to the right and left from each File making 12 abrest face to your Leader Command Front and Reer-half-files wheel your Ranks into both Flanks Direction Half-files face about and march all until you be at twice double distance in the midst then face all about to the right and wheel to the right and left until you have brought your Aspects unto both Flanks by wheeling inward to them face to your Leader Reducement Files rank 12 to the right and left inward into Front and Reer Half-files face about and rank in Front and Reer six to the right and six to the left making 12 abrest after face to your Leader CHAP. XLVIII Of Ranks wheeling to the midst of Files Command FRont and Reer-half-files wheel your Ranks inward to the midst of Files Direction Half-files face about and Front and Reer-half-files wheel your Ranks to the right and left inward until they face in opposition to your Leader Reducement Files rank six to the right and left outward unto the midst of Ranks Front-half-files face about and Rank six to the right and left outward Reer-half-files do the same to your Leader Command Front and Reer-half-files wheel your Ranks inward into the midst of Files Direction Half-files face about Front and Reer-half-files march until you have attained twice double distance in the midst of Ranks face all about to the right and wheel to the right and left inward into the midst of Files to your Leader Reducement Files rank six to the right and left outward into Front and Reer Half-files face about and Front and Reer-half-files rank six to the right and left outward as before commanded to your Leader move forward and close your Divisions to your double distance CHAP. XLIX Of Ranks wheeling to both Flanks and into the midst at one and the same time They ought to be at more then Open order in Ranks and at order in Files Command FRont and Reer-half-files wheel your Ranks to the right and left into both Flanks and the midst of Files Direction Half-files face about to the right and the middle Files and the outmost Files upon each Flank are the hinges of this Motion the rest are to wheel their Ranks to the right and left towards both the Flanks and to the midst of Files face to your Leader Reducement Files rank six to the right and left inward to the midst of Ranks and between the Flankers and the middle Files Front-half-files face about and rank six to the right and left inward towards the midst of Ranks between the Flankers and middle Files the Reer-half-files doing the same face to your Leader Command Front and Reer-half-files wheel your Ranks inward into both Flanks and into the midst of Files Direction Half-files face about and Front and Reer-half-files march until you be at double distance in the midst after face all about to the right and wheel your Ranks to the right and left inward into both Flanks and into the midst of Files face to your Leader Reducement Files rank six to the right and left inward into Front and Reer between the Flankers and the middle Files Half-files face about and rank six to the right and left inward to the Reer between the Flankers and the middle Files the Front-half-files doing the same to the Front after facing to their Leader Half-files move forwards closing their Divisions to the distance of the former Ranks Having dwelt thus long upon this subject of Inversion and Conversion occasioned thereunto by their great variety and difficulty in the performance of them I hold it convenient to give a breathing space unto the wearied Souldier whilst I in the mean time prepare further matter for his longing desire Yet before I enter in any other discourse of the Art Military I hold it requisite to give some admonitions to those that shall venture upon them For being very difficult they are not easily understood by every puny my advice therefore is to wave such things in time of Exercise which the Souldiers are unacquainted with providing for them such matter as is both plain and easie and being frequently practised in such he may after drill them on to harder till by degrees he hath brought them unto such perfection and knowledge that they shall be able to perform and execute what is commanded not gazing upon one another as I have often observed neither knowing their Leaders meaning or if they did they are altogether ignorant how to fulfil his commands Frequent practice therefore makes the Souldier expert witness our gallant Souldiers and Citizens of London who are most of them so well grounded by frequent practice that their Leaders can scarce give a word of Command which is not easily apprehended by them they being in their exercises so often inured to such difficult expressions as these of Inversion and Conversion CHAP. L. Of Counter-marches with thâ—ir several sorts and kinds affording much variety in time of Exercise THose which have a longing desire to be throughly knowing in this part or branch of Military Discipline must take notice of these four sorts viz. Counter-marching of Files next of Ranks after the Front and Reer-half-files and lastly of right and left Half-ranks all which are performed either by intire or Divisional Counter-marches or else by the intire changing of ground and that by many ways the front-half-Front-half-files with the Reer the right half-Half-ranks with the left So that an expert Leader may venter so far in them as to continue his Exercise without reducing almost for an hour and not to express himself twice in any one word of Command they affording such plenty and variety in them that with pleasure using but four words of Command he may bring each Souldier into his proper place again observing these directions following As first to look down in the Body where his File-leaders are and where his Bringers-up likewise marking the several places of his Half-file-leaders the Bringers up of his Front-half-files together with his Flankers his middle
Files this special care being taken he may begin and proceed to the Reducement after this manner If by some former Counter-marches his File-leaders are in the place of his Half-file-leaders and that his Bringers-up are in the room of the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files then he may proceed in this or the like kinde commanding them to countermarch their Front and Reer into the midst which being performed they will stand in some pretty way of reducing after facing them to the Front where he meets with his Bringers-up in stead of his File-leaders which by one Counter-march will bring them up again into the Front Yet perhaps the Flankers have inter-changed ground with the middle File-leaders if so then Counter-march their Flanks into the midst and face them to the Front and if it happen that the right Flank is become the left and the left the right then Counter-march their Ranks to any hand and after face them to the first Front they are reduced And farther take this for a general rule that when Files or Ranks Counter-march to any hand command them to Counter-march to the contrary and it will reduce them or countermarching your Front and Reer into the midst counter-marching of them back again from the midst will bring each man into his proper place again The same rule being observed reduceth the Flankers or Front and Reer-half-files counter-marching of them from the midst Counter-marches rightly considered branch themselves forth into these three particulars The Macedonian Lacedemonian Chorean The Macedonian is a Counter-march of gaining ground for that it leaveth the ground it formerly stood upon and in lieu thereof taketh the ground before the Front and turneth their Aspects unto the Reer The Lacedemonian is a Counter-march of losing ground for that it leaveth the ground it first stood upon and in room thereof taketh the ground which is behind the Reer thither likewise altering the Souldiers Aspects The Chorean is a Counter-march maintaining ground keeping the ground the Battalia formerly stood upon every Souldier taking anothers place it likewise turns the Aspect towards the Reer Thus you see for all their great variety which latter ages have invented they consist but of three sorts or kinds either maintaining gaining or losing of ground and may be performed as I said before either by intire or divisional Counter-marches It may now be expected that I declare unto the Souldier the meaning of each particular Counter-march briefly therefore thus Files counter-marching is when every Souldier followeth his Leader Ranks counter-marching is when every Souldier followeth his side-man whether it be to the right-hand or to the left Front and Reer-half-files counter-marching is sometimes when every particular Souldier followeth his Leader or Bringer-up or else when they follow their Half-file-leaders or their Bringers-up of the Front-half-files or the like Right and left Half-ranks counter-marching is when every Souldier in the Rank followeth the outmost men upon the right and left or when they shall follow their inside right and left-hand-men or the like What hath hitherto been spoken may be sufficient both for the instruction and direction of any discreet Souldier I come in the next place to set them all before them as they lie in Order CHAP. LI. Intire Counter-marching of Files Command FIles to the Right Left Hand Counter-march maintaining ground Direction File-leaders turn off upon the ground you stand the rest moving up successively into the File-leaders place turning off until the Bringers-up come up into the Front after face to your Leader Command File-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders Command File-leaders face about the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Leaders face to your Leader Command File-Leaders face to the Reer the rest pass through to the right or left following your Bringers-up and placing your selves behind your Leaders face all to your Leader Command File-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders following your Bringers up Command Files to the right and left Counter-march losing ground placing your selves before your Bringers-up Direction Every File-leader turn off upon the ground he stands on the rest successively doing the same until they come to the last Rank who need do no more then face about after face all to their Leader Command The last Rank stand the rest pass through to the right or left placing your selves behind your Bringers-up every man following his Leader Direction File-leaders turn off to the right or left the rest following successively until they are all clear of the Reer then face to their Leader Command Bringers-up stand the rest face about pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Bringers-up Command Bringers-up face about the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Bringers-up Direction Face all to the Reer and begin the Motion with the second Rank from the Reer moving forward every man placing himself before his Bringer-up to your Leader Command Counter-march your Front and Reer into the midst Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left Front Half-files turn off to the right to your Leader Command Front and Reer Half-files Counter-march to the right or left Direction This is to be done distinctly the Front half-files turning off to the right by themselves the Reer half-files turning off in like manner face to your Leader Command File-leaders and half-file-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders and half-file-leaders Command Counter-march your Front and Reer half-files to the right and left from the midst Direction Front half-files face about and turn off to the right Reer half-files turn off to the left to your Leader Command File-leaders and half-file-leaders face about the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Leaders and your half-file-leaders to your Leaders Command File-leaders and half-file-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders and half-file-leaders every man following his Bringer-up and the Bringers-up of the Front half-files Command File-leaders and half-file-leaders face about the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Leaders and half-file-leaders following your Bringers-up Direction The File-leaders and the Half-file-leaders being first faced are to stand and the Bringers-up of the Front and Reer-half-files are to move forwards until they be cleer of the standing part after they are to face to the Reer which being ended they are again to face to the Front CHAP. LII Divisional Counter-marching of Files Command FIle-leaders and Bringers-up stand the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders and your Bringers-up Direction Half-files face about the Counter-march being ended and faced again to the Front command them to
move forwards and close their Divisions Command File-leaders face about the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Leaders and your Bringers-up Direction The two last Ranks from the Reer face about and then they are to begin the Motion together which being ended face them to the Front and the Half-files are to move forward and to close their divisions Command File-leaders and Bringers-up stand the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders and your Bringers-up following the Half-file-leaders and the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files Direction Half-files face about this Motion is begun by the Bringers-up of each Division which being ended they are to face to their Leader the Half-files moving forwards closing their Divisions Command File-leaders face about the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Leaders and your Bringers-up following the Half-file-leaders and the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files Direction The two last Ranks from the Reer face about this Motion is begun by the Bringers-up of each Division who are to lead away the rest following until they be clear of the Front and Reer and after to face about placing themselves behind their Half-file-leaders and the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files then facing to the Front the Half-files moving forwards closing their Divisions Command Counter-march to the right and left your Front and Reer-half-files from the midst losing ground every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Front-half-files face about and turn off to the right and the Half-file-leaders turn off to the left and march cleer of the Front and Reer and after the File-leaders the Bringers-up are but to face about and the Counter-march will be ended then face the Half-files to the Front let them move forward and close their Divisions Command Front and Reer-half-files interchange ground to the right or left marching cleer each from other Direction Front-half-files face about and pass through to your own right hands until you be cleer six foot of each other then face to the Front the Half-files moving forwards and closing their Divisions Command Front and Reer-half-files Counter-march to the right and interchange ground Direction half-Half-files face about and turn off to the right and front-half-Front-half-files at the same time doing the like moving forwards until they be cleer one of another six foot then facing to their Leader close their Divisions CHAP. LIII Intire Counter-marches of Ranks Command RAnks to the right-hand counter-marching maintaining ground Direction Face to the right the Right-hand-file that was turn off to the right the rest moving up into the same ground turning off likewise to your Leader Command The outmost File upon the right face to the right the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Right-hand-men Direction Face to the right and pass through as before exprest to your Leader Command The Right-hand-file face to the left the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your right-hand-men Direction Face to the right and move forwards and place your selves behind your right-hand-men to your Leader Command Ranks to the left-hand counter-march losing ground Direction The outmost is to turn off to the left about until he hath brought his Aspect unto the right Flank and so consequently all the rest moving still forwards until they have gained upon the outside of the right Flank so much ground as they have lost or that they have placed themselves before their right-hand-men by following their left-hand-men face to your Leader Command The Right-hand-file face to the left the rest pass through to the right following your left-hand-men and placing your selves behind your Right-hand-file Direction The outmost File upon the left face to the right and march through the Intervals towards the right Flank and when he is moved away the rest upon the left are successively to do the same until they have in lieu of that ground they formerly stood gained so much upon the out-out-file of the right Flank then facing about toward the left Flank after face to your Leader Command Ranks to the left-hand Counter-march maintaining ground Direction Face to the left and the left-hand-left-hand-file that was turn off to the left on the same ground he stands the rest moving up successively doing the same to your Leader Command The left-hand-File stand the rest face to the left pass through and place your selves on the outside of your left-hand-men Direction The left-hand-File face to the left the rest pass through to the left and place your selves before your left-hand-men to your Leader Command The left-hand-File face to the right the rest face to the left pass through to the left and place your selves behind your left-hand-men Command The left-hand-File face to the left the rest pass through to the left and place your selves before your left-hand-men following your right-hand-men Direction Face all to the left and the outmost Files upon the right move forward upon the left the rest successively doing the same until you have all placed your selves before your left-hand-men to your Leader Command The left-hand-file face to the right the rest face to the left pass through to the left and place your selves behind your left-hand-men following your right-hand-men Direction The right-hand-File that was is to begin this Motion the rest are consequently to follow until they have gained as much ground on the outside of the left Flank as before they lost after face about to the right and after to their Leader Command Ranks to the right-hand counter-march every man placing himself on the outside of his left-hand-man by following his right-hand-man Direction The left-hand-left-hand-file stand the outmost File upon the right is to turn about to the right until he hath brought his aspect to the left Flank then moving forward until he be clear of the second File after the rest are to do the like forsaking the ground they stood upon and in lieu thereof to gain so much upon the outside of the left Flank placing themselves on the outside of their left-hand-men their aspects being to the Front Or you may command the outmost File upon the right to face to the left and so begin to lead until he be clear of the second File the rest doing the same until they have all placed themselves on the outside of their left-hand-men their aspects being to the Front which I conceive to be the easier way Command Counter-march your Flanks into the Midst Direction Face to the right and left outward right Flank turn off to the right left Flank turn off to the left until they meet in the midst to your Leader Command Right and left half-ranks Counter-march to the right or left Direction Face all to the right the right Half-ranks are to turn off to the right by themselves and the left Half-ranks in l ke manner to your Leader Command The outmost File upon
the right and the right-hand-file of the left Half-rank stand the rest face to the right pass through and place your selves on the outside of your right-hand-men face to your Leader Command The outmost File upon the right and the right-hand-file of the left Half-rank face to the right and stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves before your right-hand-men face all to the right and the motion being ended face to your Leader Command The outmost File upon the right and the right-hand-file of the left Half-rank face to the left and stand the rest face to the right pass through and place your selves behind your right-hand-men to your Leader Direction For these three last Counter-marches is for the moving part to begin to Counter-march who are the next Files of the standing part and so to follow successively until they have performed the command and after to face to their Leader Command The right-hand-file of the left half-rank and the outmost File upon the right stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves on the out side of your right-hand-men following your outmost Files Direction The outmost Files are to face to the right and to lead away until they be clear of the next who likewise are to follow successively Command The outmost File upon the right and the right-hand-file of the left Half-rank face to the right and stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves before your right-hand-men Direction Face all to the right and the outmost Files that were are to begin the motion placing themselves before their right-hand-men the rest following successively to your Leader Command The outmost File upon the right and the right-hand-file of the left Half-rank face to the left and stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves behind your right-hand-men Direction The outmost Files are to turn about until they have brought their aspects unto the right Flank then move away until they be clear of the second File and in like manner they are to turn off doing the same until they have placed themselves behind their right-hand-men then facing to the left about and after to their Leader to even their Ranks and straighten their Files Command Counter-march your right and left Half-Ranks from the midst Direction Face inward right Half-ranks turn off to the right left Half-ranks turn off to the left to your Leader CHAP. LIV. Divisional Counter-marches of the right and left Half-ranks Command THe outmost File upon each Flank stand the rest pass through to the right and left and place your selves on the outside of your right and left-hand-men Direction The rest face outward and begin the motion by the next Files the others following in order after to close their Files into the Midst to open Order Command The outmost File upon each Flank face outward and stand the rest pass through to the right and left and place your selves before your outside men Direction The rest are to face outward and the next Files unto them that first faced are to begin the motion placing themselves before their outside men after face to their Leader and close Files into the midst to Order Command The outmost File upon each Flank face inward the rest pass through and place your selves behind your outside men Direction The rest are to face outward and to pass through to the right and left placing themselves behind their right and left-hand-men and after to move forward and close their Divisions and face to their Leader Command The outmost File upon each Flank stand the rest pass through to the right and left and place your selves on the outside of your right and left-hand-men following your inmost Files Direction The inmost Files are to begin the motion moving away to the right and left until they be clear of their second Files and then they are to move away successively until they have all placed themselves on the outside of their right and left-hand-men and then close files into the midst to open Order Command The outmost Files upon each Flank face outward the rest pass through to the right and left placing your selves before your right and left-hand-men following your inmost Files Direction The rest are likewise to face outward and the inmost Files are to begin the motion the rest following in order until they have placed themselves before their outside men after face to the Front and close Files into the midst to open Order Command The outmost File upon each Flank face inward the rest pass through to the right and left and place your selves behind your outside-men following the inmost Files Direction The rest are to face outward the inmost Files begin to move forward to the right and left the rest consequently do the same until they all stand behind their outside-men then facing to the right and left about closing their Divisions by moving forwards after face to the Front Command Counter-march your right and left Half-ranks from the midst losing ground and placing your selves before your outside-men Direction Face inward right-half-Right-half-ranks turn off to the right and left-half-Left-half-ranks turn off to the left and move forwards until you have placed your selves before your outside-men after face to your Leader and close Files into the midst to open order Command Right and Left-half-ranks interchange ground Direction Face inward and pass through to your own right-hand until you be cleer six foot each of other after face to your Leader and close Files into the midst to open order Command Right and left half-half-ranks Counter-march to the right and left and interchange ground Direction Face outward right-half-Right-half-ranks turn off to the right left-half-Left-half-ranks turn off to the left and march clear each of the other after face to the Front and close Files inward to open order Thus much may suffice to be spoken of all the several sorts and kinds of Counter-marches which if any shall conceive my pains fruitless in culling out such plenty and variety there being so few of them practised among able and knowing Souldiers my best apology will be The high and venerable esteem I had of Antiquity necessitated me thereunto as also to give full satisfaction to the Leaders of our private Meetings who of late have laboured to inure their Souldiers in the full practice thereof made me the willinger rather to undergo the censure of some then to incur the displeasure of many Yet by the way give me leave fully to declare my self concerning the use of them for my opinion is that of all the Motions tending to Martial Discipline these may the best be spared as being of little use and not so much as practised abroad upon service and therefore the fewer of them any Leader shall use in his Exercise in my judgement he doth the better not spending time in needless speeches telling of his Souldiers that this is the Macedonian this is the Lacedemonian or Chorean Counter-march Not to
I have here set down words of Command to make every man a File-leader both by Succession and Dignity a Commander is not thereby tyed up but may if he please practise the same upon a whole Company altering but a little some words of Command As for Example we cannot say in a File Double your Ranks there being none until there be some other Files joyned thereunto and therefore if we intend a doubling by a single File we command it to rank two to the right or left which in a Company must be exprest Ranks to the right or left double Thus you see with a little alteration every man is brought up into the Front either by Succession or Dignity whether the Files be even numbers or odd great bodies or small But here by the way I must crave pardon to speak something in commendation of these Doublings in answer to them that account them but Toys to whom I will be so bold as to tell them that it is not for want of ignorance they so slightly esteem of them for were they truly knowing in the Art of Drilling they must of force confess abundance of variety in them affording much delight to him that shall command and great content unto them that are commanded perceiving themselves to be made File-leaders by the skill and worth of their Leaders And besides there may be just cause at one time or other many times to alter the Ranks exchanging the one for the other bringing thereby their best deserving Souldiers into the chiefest places of honour and casting others into their rooms at the discretion of the Commander Therefore I could wish all Leaders whatsoever to be well skill'd and verst in these Doublings the frequent practice whereof will make them more apt in the Exercise of more difficult things in the Art Military To which ingenious study I leave them and in the next place proceed to shew them several Figures of Battail to be performed by single Files consisting of several Depths of men CHAP. LXIV Concerning Figures of Battail to be performed by singles Files with some admonitions to those that shall practice themselves therein THe great plenty and variety of matter that may be performed in the exercising of a single File makes me wonder at the ignorance of those who are famed abroad for able knowing Souldiers who after they have passed over the Postures are at a stand as if there were nothing else to be done with the same But did they truely understand what dishonour and disparagement it is unto them they would not be so idle and backward but set times a part often inuring themselves to the practice thereof going through all the Motions Distances Facings Doublings Counter-marches and Wheelings and may farther if he please with his single File draw forth divers Figures of Battail declaring unto his Souldiers their several reasons and uses The exercising his Company after this manner affords unto them both content and delight and it is likewise very useful in greater Bodies when time of need shall require as shall appear in the sequel of this Book But here me thinks I hear some say Of what use are your Figures seeing for the most part in pitcht Battails or skirmishes in the field they commonly fire one against another in Square or by Forlorns drawn forth from the Body and being relieved return into their places again To whom I answer that in one respect it is true there being scarce any pitcht Battail in the field fought in these latter times but it hath been with even Fronts who are first engaged whether it be by Divisions drawn off by way of Forlorns Wings or Battail they fight with even Fronts or Squadrons as having every five or six Files divided a part from each other having six foot ground interval betwixt the abovesaid number of Files for the conveniency of the Ranks wheeling off after they have fired As concerning such Figures as are framed like the Wedge Saw Sheers or Diamond I must confess there is little or no use at all except it be for delight or for the practice and experience of some young Souldier whereby he may plainly see the custom of the Ancients in setting forth such ancient Figures But to let this pass and to come to the place where we left I shall shew unto the Souldier how needful it is for him to be well skilled in the framing of Figures of Battail and likewise to be throughly acquainted with their several uses Wherefore take this for a general rule that there was never any pitcht Battail but there were Reserves appointed out unto all the parts thereof whereby they might bring off and at time of need relieve each other and if so certainly they must of necessity carry along with them several forms and Figures of Battail according to the discretion of the Major-general or the Commanders in chief whom it shall concern It will therefore be expedient since there is a necessity of Figures of Battail and for the setting apart of Divisions for the relieving of each other for every Commander that will be truely knowing to have always some imprinted in his memory that in time of need he may not be to seek or wanting in them To which purpose I have collected some few putting them to their view being formerly practised by me for the satisfaction of those loving Gentlemen which have private Meetings in London but more especially for those of the Town-ditch unto whom I am especially bound And therefore without more delay I shall lay before them certain Figures of Battail upon all the Depths of Files set forth in the former Table leaving them to their own discretion to make use of what shall best comply and suit to their intended purpose CHAP. LXV Military experiments upon a File six deep branching forth eight several Figures of Battail with their reducement Command FIle rank two to the left 2 1 4 3 6 5 Command The middlemost Rank open to the right and left to open order  2 1  4   3  6 5  Command The last Rank advance forward into the next Rank that is before you and to open from the midst to open order and the first Rank move forward one pac e.   2 1   4 6   5 3 Command The first Rank open outward two foot beyond open order the last Rank close forward to Order  2   1  4  6 5  3 Command Division upon the left face about march all till you be clear each of other face all to the left and march two paces face to your Leader the last Rank open outward to double distance  1  5  3  2  4  6 Command The first Rank open outward to double distance the first man in the Front face about move down and double the middlemost man to the right Rank-wise 5   3  2 1  4   6
and left move down and Flank the Reer-division of Pikes The second firing Let the Front-division of Muskettiers Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then face about and move down upon the inside of the next division of Pikes and after face to their Leader The third firing Let the Muskettiers upon the Flanks move up into the room of the former and Fire falling in the Reer of themselves and after face about and move down into their places again the Muskettiers on the inside moving up into their places again The fourth firing Let the Reer-division face about then let them Fire to Front and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves let the Pikes charge and after ordering their Arms their Reer-division facing to their Leader the Muskettiers thereof may move up into their places again Command The outmost divisions face outward and move two paces face to your Leader move up until you range even abrest with the second divisions next the Front Reer-division move streight forward two paces The first firing Let them all give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let the Muskettiers advance forwards until they be cleer of the Front-division and then rank outward and Fire altogether after filing inward as they were move down again into their places the Pikes at the same time charging and after order their Arms. Command Front-division advance forward three paces the outmost division upon the Flanks move up and range even with the Front The first firing Direction for the same let them all face to the Reer and the middle-division of Muskettiers move forwards and flank the Reer-division of Pikes after let all the Muskettiers advance forwards three foot cleer of their own divisions of Pikes and give Fire falling in the Reer of themselves and after facing about move into their places again The second firing Let them Fire as they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves and the Pikes in the Reer may charge on and after facing to their Leader Command The outmost divisions face inward march three paces and the next two divisions face outward and move two paces to your Leader Reer-division move outward until you stand streight with the Front-divisions The first firing Let the Front-Division of Muskettiers give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after moving down in the room of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into the Front firing in like manner moving down and exchanging places with them in the Reer The second firing Let the Muskettiers upon the Flanks move forward even with the Front give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after move down into their places again and face to their Leader The third firing Let them face to the Front reer and both Flanks and let the Pikes port and the Muskettiers give fire The fourth firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of the Pikes the Pikes charging whilest the Muskettiers make ready again The fifth firing Let the Pikes charge at foot and the Muskettiers give fire over their heads then recovering their Arms face to their Leader Reducement Front-Divisions face about Front and Reer-Divisions march and interchange ground to your Leader The out-most Divisions face inward and close your Divisions to your Leader even your Ranks and streighten your Files and close to Order they are reduced The Captain may now command the Muskettiers to poyse their Arms and file away to the right and left making as it were a Street or Gallery for him to troop away the Pikes and lodge his Colours CHAP. VII The second Exercise with four Files six deep THe Souldiers being the second time summoned to appear at their place of Rendezvous the Sergeants having drawn forth the Files may give liberty to the Leaders thereof to exercise them in their several Postures which being ended their Captain or other Officers may command them to lead up their Files and to joyn them into a Body after which he may shew unto them their Distances and Facings with their several kinds following the former rule and after proceed to these or the like Doublings following CHAP. VIII Eighteen several Doublings with their reducements Command HAlf-files double your Front to the left Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right intire Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank to the left Direction Face all to the right and left-half-ranks move forward and double your right Flank to the left to your Leader Command Double your Ranks to the left intire Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank intire advancing Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank inward intire Direction Half-files of the right half-ranks face about right half-ranks move cleer of the standing part face all to the right left half-ranks move forwards into the right Flank to your Leader Command The three first and the three last Ranks double the six middle-most intire to the left Flank Direction The three first and the three last face to the left march cleer of the standing part face inward move and close your Divisions to your Leader Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank to the right Direction Face all to the left and right half-ranks move forwards and double your left Flank to the right to your Leader Command Double your Ranks to the right intire Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank inward intire Command The three first and the three last Ranks double the six middle-most Ranks intire to the right Flank Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank intire advancing Command Front half-files double your Reer to the left intire Command Half-files double your Front to the right Command Double your Files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right following your Leaders Direction Half-files face about File-leaders turn off to the left and move down upon the right of the Reer the rest following successively to your Leader Command Files double your Depth to the left intire they are reduced being faced to their Leader CHAP. IX Twelve several Counter-marches with their reducements Command FIles to the right hand countermarch losing ground Command Ranks to the right hand counter-march losing ground Direction Face all to the right Command Front and Reer half-half-files inter-change ground Direction Front half-half-files face about to the left Command Right and left half-half-ranks inter-change ground Direction Face inward Command File-leaders face about the rest pass through to the right a place your selves behinde your Leaders face to the Front Command Counter-march your Front and Reer into the midst Command Counter-march your Flanks into the midst Face out-ward Command File-leaders and Half-file-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves before your Leaders and Half-file-leaders Direction The second Rank from the Front and from the
Half-file-leaders are to begin the Motion placing themselves as before commanded Command The out-most File upon the right and the second File from the stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men Command Files to the left-hand counter-march losing ground Command Front and Reer half-half-files counter-march to the right Direction Front and Reer half-half-files turn off distinctly by your selves on the ground you stand face to your Leader Command Right and left half-Half-ranks counter-march to the right Direction Face to the right and right and left Half-ranks turn off distinctly to the right face to your Leader they are reduced CHAP. X. Twelve several Wheelings with their Reducements Command WHeel your Reer Half-files inward into the midst and double the Front inward intire Direction Right and left Half-ranks open from the midst to double distance Reer half-files face about and wheel your Reer inward into the midst moving forward doubling the Front inward intire Command Wheel off your Right half-ranks and double your left Flank to the left intire Direction Face outward right Half-ranks wheel about to the right and double your left Flank to the left to your Leader Command Right and left Half-ranks double the Length of your Battail by wheeling outward to the Front Direction Face outward and right Half-ranks wheel to the left and left Half-ranks wheel to the right and after close Files into the midst to order Command Wheel off your right Half-ranks and double your left Flank by Division Direction Face outward right Half-ranks wheel about to the right and left outward moving forward doubling the left Flank to the right left outward Command Wheel your left Half-ranks inward into the right Flank Direction Face outward and open from the midst to double distance the Front and Reer half-files and after the left Half-Ranks may wheel inward and double the right Flank inward intire Command Wheele off your Reer Half-files and double your Front to the left entire Half-files face about Command Wheel your right Half-ranks inward into the midst and double the left Flank inward entire Direction Face outward and Front and Reer Half-files that were are to open from the midst to double distance and right Half-ranks wheel inward and move forward into the left Flank Command Wheel off your Reer Half-files and double your Front to the right entire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your left Half-ranks and double your right Flank by Division Command Wheel off your Front Half-files and double your Reer to the right entire Half-files face about Command Double the Depth of the Battail by wheeling Front and Reer into the midst of each Division Direction Front Half-files move forward four paces then the last Rank of each Division face about and wheel into the midst of Front and Reer of each Division face to your Leader Command Wheel off your Front Half-files and double your Reer to the left entire Half-files face about Command Wheel your Battail off by Division from the Reer Direction Face all about and right Half-ranks wheel about to the right and left outward to the Front and closing Files into the midst to Order they will be reduced as at first and stand as underneath is set forth CHAP. XI Several plain Firings upon this Exercise of 24 men with Figures of Battail belonging to the same A Commander having thus passed over the Motions may next prepare for Firings and calling up his Serjeants he may give them order how the Muskettiers shall fire in Front and Reer but before he begin his Firings it will be expedient that he double his Front to the right and left inward by the Bringers-up which being ended he may proceed as followeth The first Firing Let them fire by Divisions drawn forth ten paces before the Front of Pikes and fall in the Reer of themselves The second Firing Let them fire again and fall off to the right and left moving down before the Front of Pikes and closing their Divisions The third Firing Let the first Rank kneel down the next stoop and the last stand upright and give fire altogether the Pikes in the mean time are to advance their Arms and open to the right and left charge on to the Front until they be clear of the Muskettiers and then face inwards and close their Divisions then facing all about they may give fire to the Reer marching The fourth Firing Let the last Rank face about to the left and give fire and fall off to the right and left placing themselves before their Leaders of their own Divisions of Muskettiers The fifth Firing Let them face about to the left again give fire and fall off to the right and left and flank their Pikes the Pikes at the same instant facing about and charge on clear of the Muskettiers the Muskettiers after facing inward and close their Divisions the Pikes may charge to the Horse and the Muskettiers may give fire over their heads after this manner The sixth Firing Let the first Rank stoop and the other two stand upright and give fire altogether after recovering of their Arms they may all face to the Front commanding the Pikes to double the Front inward entire and afterwards Files to double their Depth to the right and left outward every man falling behind his Bringer-up closing Files into the midst to Order and wheeling about into the first Front he may proceed as followeth 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 inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front fire and fall off in the Reer of themselves after facing about move down and interchange ground with them in the Reer they at the same instant moving up firing and in like manner interchanging ground with them in the Reer and at the same time the outmost men are to move up and fire to the Front and to fall off to the right and left into the place of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up and firing in like manner this firing may be continued twice over The second Firing Let them face to both the Flanks and let the Divisions of Pikes in the midst open outward until they be clear of the standing part then Porting let the Muskettiers give fire on the same ground they stand and the Pikes after may charge on until the Muskettiers make ready again and then retreating into their places again the Muskettiers may give fire as before is mentioned the Pikes in like manner charging on then retreating to their places face all to their Leader Command Inmost Divisions of Pikes move to the left one pace and double to the right File-wise and face to Front and Reer and march three paces middle File of Front and Reer-Divisions open from the midst to double Distance face to your Leader The first firing Face to Front and
fire by Extraduction Extraduction and the Pikes may after charge on and then retreat back again into their places Command Each division as they are faced to move forward three paces Half-files of each division open to the right until they be cleer of the standing part they will stand as followeth Upon the former Figure being faced to Front Reer and both Flanks fire then according unto all those places the formost Divisions fire first and let them wheel off to the right and left and fall in the room or place of them in the next Divisions firing twice in this kind Then let the formost Divisions fire and fall in the Reer of the Pikes then let the Pikes port and the Muskettiers in each Division may move forth again and give fire by Extraduction then let the Pikes charge on and after charge at foot and let the Muskettiers give fire over their heads which being ended let the formost Rank of Muskettiers in Front Reer and Flanks move forward and interchange ground with the Pikes and face all to the Front and after the third Divisions from the Front and the third Divisions from the Reer face inward and move three paces then face to their Leader and close Files outward and Ranks forward to Order in each Division and stand straight and even in their Divisions both Rank-wise and File-wise and then proceed to the next Figure Command The outmost Divisions upon the Flanks face about and move down two paces to your Leader Half-files of the two outmost Divisions double to the right and left inward Rank-wise and after move that part that doubled two paces to the right and left inward face all to your Leader Upon this Figure let the first and the last Rank of Muskettiers double to the right and left inward File-wise then let the first Division give fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right about down into the Reer and let every Division that are in the midst move up successively into the Front until all have fired and fallen off in like manner as the first and every Division become again into his place and the Front and Reer-Divisions have doubled Ranks to the right and left outward then command the first and the last Rank of Muskettiers from the Front and Reer to double to the right and left outward File-wise and let them give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after fall off into the Reer in like manner and form of the firing of the former Divisions either of these firings may be continued twice over after command the first Division of Muskettiers from Front and Reer to double to the right and left inward Rank-wise and then proceed Command The third Division from the Front and the third Division from the Reer to face outward and to move three paces until they stand straight in Front and Reer between the middle Divisions and after face to their Leader Then let the Front-Divisions face about and Front and Reer-Divisions move forward until they range even abrest with the second Divisions that stands before them and then face to their Leader it occasioneth the next Figure Upon this Figure you may fire them to Front Reer and both Flanks therefore face the two outmost crosses to the Flanks which contains on each side four divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers and let the rest face to Front and Reer and let all the Muskettiers in the Reer of each division of Pikes move forth to the Angles of the Pikes give fire and fall back again into their places and whilst the Pikes are charging on the Muskettiers may make ready again and fire in like manner as before and fall back again into their places the Pikes charging on to Front Reer and both Flanks as before and retreating again into their places Then face them all to the Front and let the second division from the Reer face about and then the second division from the Front and the second division from the Reer move forward until they be three foot cleer of the Front and Reer then face them to their Leader and they will stand in a convenient Figure for marching wherein the Colours may display so long as a Commander shall think fit Reducement The two middle-divisions face to the right and left outward and march cleer of the standing part to your Leader then let them double to the right and left outward file-wise After let them face to Front Reer and both Flanks and close their Files into the midst to Order Then command Front and Reer-divisions that formerly wheeled to the left to wheel back again to the right then face all to the Front and let the Front-division face to the right and move three paces and then face to their Leader then let the Reer-division move up upon the left of them in the Front and let the Pikes in each division double their depth to the right and left outward and let them close files into the midst to order ranks forward to order to move up even with else front they standing in their distance of order both in rank and file let the half-files double their Front inward intire and after Files to double their depth intire to the right they are reduced Then the Leader may appoint one of the Serjeants to draw off the Muskettiers and file them away to the right and left outward either by Ranks filing or Files filing and every Muskettier to poyse his Musket then the Pikes may advance their Arms and the Drums beat a Troop and the Commander may lead them away and lodge his Colours CHAP. XXVI The ninth Exercise consisting of 64 men eight Files eight deep IN this Exercise a Commander may in matter of Motions present unto the Souldiers farther variety to delight them withal in bringing each man into the Front to be a File-leader according unto succession and dignity by proper words of Command by doublings with their Reducement Therefore to avoid any further circumstance we will pass over the Postures and fetching of the Colours and suppose the Souldiers standing in a condition to be exercised begin first to make them all File-leaders by succession as followeth Command Ranks to the left double Command Files to the left double Command Half-files double your Front to the right Command Double your Files to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Command Ranks to the right double Command Files to the right double Command Front-half-files double the Reer to the right Command Double your Files to the left intire advancing Command Double your Ranks to the right into the Reer face all about Command Double your Files to the left advancing Direction Every even File from the left move forward to the left and by three steps double the odd advancing Command Half-files double your Front to the left Command Double your Files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself
before his Leader Command Double your Ranks to the left into the Reer face all about Command Double your Files to the right advancing Reducement Files rank to the right into the Front Ranks file eight to the right reduceth them Next followeth to make every man File-leader according unto dignity with their Reducement Command Bringers-up double your Front to the left Command Double your Files to the right intire advancing Command Half-files double your Front to the left Command Double your Files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right Command Files double your depth to the right Command Ranks to the right double Command Front-half-files double your Reer to the right following your Leaders Command Double your Files to the right by division every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Command Front-half-files double your Reer to the left following your Leaders Command Double your Files to the left by division every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Command The two first and the two last Ranks double the four middlemost Ranks to the right following your Leaders and your Bringers-up Direction The four middle-ranks stand the File-leaders are to turn off to the right and the next Rank is to follow them until the Leaders Rank even with the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files and at the same instant of time the Bringers-up are to move forward to the right the rest following until the Bringers-up range even abrest with the Half-file-leaders to your Leader Command Files double your depth to the left Reducement Half-files double your Front to the right Bringers-up double your Front to the right Then divide every four Files distinctly apart making five divisions Files double to the right and left inward in each division and close Files into the midst to Order Files double to the left intire advancing reduceth CHAP. XXVIII Eight several Counter-marches with their Reducement Command FIles to the right-hand Counter-march maintaining ground Command Ranks to the left-hand Counter-march losing ground Command Counter-march your Front and reer-half-Reer-half-files into the midst of Ranks Direction half-Half-files face about and turn off to the left and Front-half-files turn off to the right until they meet the Front and Reer into the midst to your Leader Command Right and Left-half-ranks Counter-march into the midst of Files Direction Face outward Right-half-ranks turn off to the right Left-half-ranks turn off to the left to your Leader Command Files to the left-hand Counter-march losing ground by following your Leaders Command Ranks to the right-hand Counter-march maintaining ground Command Counter-march your Front and reer-half-Reer-half-files to the right and left following the Half-file-leaders and the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files Direction Half-files face about the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files and the Half-file-leaders are to begin the motion the rest are to follow until they have gained so much ground beyond the Front and Reer as they formerly possest in the midst to your Leader and close your divisions Command Counter-march your half-Half-ranks to the right and left by following of the inmost files Direction Face outward the inmost Files are to begin the motion moving forward the rest following until they have gained so much ground beyond the Flanks as they formerly possessed in the inmost Files to your Leader and close Files into the midst to Order they are reduced CHAP. XXIX Ten several Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel the Battail off by Division from the Front Command Wheel the body off by Division from the right Flank face to the right Command VVheel the Battail off by Division from the Reer face about Command VVheel the body off by division from the left Flank Command VVheel your Battail inward to the Reer from the Front Close Ranks forward to close Orderr and Files into the midst to close Order Direction Open outward to convenient distance to your Leader Command VVheel your battail inward to the left Flank from the right Direction Face to the right and open to convenient distance to your Leader Command VVheel your battail inward to the Front from the Reer Direction Face about and open to convenient distance and wheel inward into the Front Command VVheel your battail inward to the right Flank from the left Command VVheel the outward Angles of Front and Reer to the right and left about into the Center face to the outward Angles Command VVheel the inward Angles to the right and left about from the Center CHAP. XXX Plain Firings and Figures of Battail IN the next place I will proceed to some plain firings wherefore first double your Ranks forward to the left by Half-files and fire even with the Front of Pikes and fall in the Reer of themselves then fire and fall between the Pikes then move forth after this manner one Rank drawn forth to the right and another to the left fire and fall in again as before Then command the first Rank to stand and the rest to move forth both Pikes and Muskettiers to the right and left until each Rank be cleer of other then let the Pikes charge and Muskettiers give fire altogether and after fall behind each Rank of Pikes then let the Pikes charge at Foot and let the Muskettiers give fire over their heads after let Pikes port and let the Muskettiers come forth again and give fire by extraduction and after command the Ranks to face to the right and left inward and to close their Divisions then let the Muskettiers move forth again into their first places and Flank their Pikes And having passed over some half a dozen firings after this manner then command Half-files to double their depth to the right intire and proceed to Figures of battail and firings which comes in the next place to view for a Leader to spend his time further in the exercising of his Souldiers therein Command Half-files face to the Reer and march six paces to your Leader Half-files of Muskettiers of each Division face to the Reer Muskettiers march all until you be cleer of the Pikes to your Leader The two middlemost Ranks of Pikes of each division face outward and move cleer of the Muskettiers to your Leader The first and third Ranks of Pikes in the body face to the Reer and close Ranks into the midst to Order the following Figure will appear The first firing Let the Front-divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves the rest of the Divisions moving up into their ground and fire wheeling off to the right and left having all fired over once they will be reduced The second firing Let the four inmost Divisions of Muskettiers face outward and move cleer of the Pikes then face to their Leader then let the eight last divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers face to the Reer then let them fire to Front and Reer falling in the Reer of themselves there being intervals for the Pikes to move forward upon
place your selves before your Leaders Command The right-hand-file stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves on the outside of your right-hand-men Command Countermarch your Front and Reer into the midst of Ranks Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left Front-half-files turn off to the right to your Leader Command Countermarch your Flanks into the midst of Files face outward Command Files to the right hand Countermarch maintaining ground Command Ranks to the left hand Countermarch losing ground Command Countermarch your Front and Reer half-half-files from the midst of Ranks maintaining ground Direction front-half-Front-half-files face about and turn off to the left the rest turn off to the right every man moving up into his Leaders ground to your Leader Command Countermarch your right and left half-half-ranks from the midst of Files losing ground Direction Face inward and turn off every Rank on the ground they stand face to your Leader and close Files into the midst to open Order they are reduced CHAP. XXXIV Eight entire Doublings by Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel off your Reer-half-files and double your Front to the right entire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right Flank entire to the left Face outward Command Wheel off your Reer half-files and double your Front to the left entire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double your left Flank to the left entire Face outward Command Wheel off your Front-half-files and double the Reer to the right entire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double the left Flank to the right entire Face outward Command Wheel off your Front-half-files and double the Reer to the left entire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right Flank to the right entire Face outward CHAP. XXXV Plain Firings and Figures of Battail The first firing LEt the two outmost Files of Muskettiers upon each Flank advance ten paces before the Front give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after face about and move down into their places again then face to their Leader Then let the next two Files upon each Flank move away in like manner and fire as the former did and move down into their places again After let the other remaining Files be led forth by the other two Serjeants and give fire as before and fall back again into their places The second firing Let two Serjeants draw four Files upon each Flank and move them away 10 or 20 paces before the Front and give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after face about and move down into their places And whilest they are moving down let the other two Serjeants draw forth the remaining four Files upon each Flank and fire as the former did and after return again into their places The third firing Let all the Muskettiers move forth cleer of the Pikes and let them open from the midst until they stand in four Divisions leaving sufficient intervals for their wheeling into the Reer of themselves first let them fire in each Division falling in the Reer of themselves until they have all fired over two or three times after this kind The fourth firing Let them close their Files before the Front of Pikes into the midst to Order then let the two first Ranks kneel down the next two stoop and the last two stand upright and give fire six Ranks all together then let the left half-ranks of Muskettiers be wheeled about to the left into the Reer of the Pikes and the right half-ranks move to the left until they stand straight before the Front of Pikes The fifth firing Let the half-files face about and let them give fire to Front and Reer after this manner by two Ranks drawn off ten paces before the Front and Reer and fall off to the right and left into the Reer of themselves then facing about let them open outward and give way for the next two Ranks to come forward into their places who are to fire and fall off as the former did the other two Ranks doing the same This firing may be continued as long as the Leader pleaseth The sixth firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and fall off to the right and left into the Reer of themselves The seventh firing Let them rank outward into Front and Reer and give fire all together and rank again as they were The eighth firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and flank the Pikes those in the Front flanking the Pikes on the right they in the Reer flanking them on the left after let the Pikes charge on and being retreated into their places let them face all to their Leader and in the next place proceed to Figures of Battail Command Files open outward to open Order Ranks open backward to your open Order then let every four Files close outward to Order and Ranks close to Front and Reer to Order they will stand in twelve Divisions as followeth Command The two inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer face about inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in Front and Reer move forward clear of the standing part and stand Pikes face outward Muskettiers upon the Flanks face inward the rest face about to the right move all two paces to your Leader The first firing Let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers give fire and fall in the reer of themselves then wheel off to the right left into the room of them in the reer they at the same time moving up into their ground firing falling off in like manner as before Then let the Front-divisions upon the Flank fire fall in the reer of themselves and after wheel off to the right and left into the ground of those divisions that stand in the reer of them they at the same time relieving them firing and falling off as before then let the Pikes charge on and after retreat into their places The second firing Let them face to Front and Reer and let the first Divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheeling off to the right and left and interchange ground with the next Divisions who are at the same instant of time to move up into their places and to give fire in like manner and to fall off and return where they were before then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer and after retreat into their places and face all to their Leader Command The four last Divisions next to the Reer both of Pikes and Muskettiers face about move down and range even abrest with the Reer Reer-divisions of Muskettiers that are faced to the Front move forward and place your selves three foot short of the next Divisions that stands before you to your Leader Upon this Figure let the Front-divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right and left and range
even abrest with the next divisions yet keeping themselves distinctly from the other divisions Then let those divisions of Muskettiers that stood in the Reer of them move forward into their ground and give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after face about and move down again into their first places then let those that first fired move up again into their ground and let the outmost divisions begin to fire after this manner let the first divisions fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after fall off to the right and left and place themselves in the room of the Reer-divisions who are likewise to move up into their ground and there to fire and fall off as before the Pikes may after charge on and retreat back again into their places The same firings may be performed to the Reer they being thither faced but to let that pass we will fall upon the next Figure wherefore Command Divisions of Pikes move forward until your Reer-divisions range even abrest with the outmost divisions of Muskettiers Reer-divisions of Muskettiers face inward and move streight in the Reer of the Reer-divisions of Pikes to your Leader The first firing Let the two last divisions of Muskettiers face about and the other divisions of Muskettiers to face to the right and left outward and let them give fire on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes may charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again The second firing Let them face all to the Reer and let the Reer-divisions move forth to the right and left outward and give fire altogether and fall in the Reer of themselves The third firing Let the four first divisions of Muskettiers and the two first disions of Pikes face to the Front and let them give fire to Front and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves then face all to the Front and proceed farther Command The Front and Reer-divisions to move outward two paces Reer-division of Pikes upon the left face about Reer-divisions of Pikes move three foot before the Front and Reer to your Leader divisions that moved outward close inward to your first ground then they will stand as followeth The first firing Let the first divisions of Muskettiers give fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves then face outward and march cleer of the standing part then face to their Leader then let every division of Muskettiers come successively into that ground fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then face about and move down into their places then let the Front-divisions of Pikes charge on and after retreat back into their places The second firing Let them face all to the Reer and let every division give fire on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves The third firing Let half the Muskettiers and three divisions of Pikes face about to the right and give fire to Front and Reer on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves then let the Pikes charge on and after retreat back into their places face all to their Leader Command The outmost divisions of Muskettiers face outward and move two paces to your Leader the other divisions both Pikes and Muskettiers open your Files outward to open Order the five first divisions face about the five first and the five last divisions move streight forward and interchange ground and after face to their Leader and close Files inward again to Order then lead up the two outmost divisions of Muskettiers to stand even abrest against the middle-divisions of Pikes face all to your Leader then move the two outmost divisions to the right and left inward to stand streight in the middle of the Front and Reer-divisions of Muskettiers Upon this Figure several firings might be performed to Front Reer both Flanks and four Angles all at one and the same time but being so easie to the view I shall leave them unto the discretion of those which shall be pleased to make use of them and in the next place endeavour to reduce them Reducement Middle-divisions of Muskettiers upon the Flanks face outward and move cleer of the standing part to your Leader the five first Divisions face about the five first and the five last Divisions open Files outward to open Order and move forward and interchange ground and close Files inward again to Order outmost Divisions face about and move down again into your first places face all to your Leader Here the Captain if he please may command the Ensign to display his Colours which being ended he may proceed commanding Reer-divisions of Pikes to move forward and to place themselves in the Reer of the outmost division of Pikes upon the left in the Front then let the Front-division of Pikes move down and place themselves in the Reer of the second division of Pikes upon the right then close Pikes into the midst to Order Inmost divisions of Muskettiers move forward to Order and march up even with the Front Reer-division of Muskettiers face outward and move until they stand streight with the outmost divisions of Muskettiers then face to their Leader and close Ranks forward to Order and march up and make an even Front and close Files into the midst to Order they are reduced CHAP. XXXVI The eleventh Exercise with 24 Files six deep THe Souldiers being met at the place appointed and the Officers being vigilant and careful in their several places in drawing forth the Files and joyning them into a Body the Leader without any farther delay may crave their silence and close their Ranks and Files to Order and after some distances and facings shewn unto them drawn forth from the former Rule he may proceed to this following doubling making every man a File-leader according to succession and after reduce them again Command Ranks to the left double Command Files to the left double Command Half-files double your Front to the left Command Files double your depth to the left Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right Command Double your Files to the left intire advancing Command Bringers-up double your Front to the left Command Double your Files to the right intire advancing Command Ranks to the right double Command Files to the right double Reducement Files rank to the left into the Front Rank file six to the left they are reduced CHAP. XXXVII Eight Counter-marches with their Reducement Command BRingers-up stand to the rest pass through to the right and place your selves behind your Bringers-up The rest face about Command File-leaders and Bringers-up stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves before your Leaders and Bringers-up Half-files face about Command Ranks to the left-hand counter-march maintaining ground face to the left Command Right and left-half-Left-half-ranks Counter-march from the midst of Files maintaining ground face inward Command File-leaders face about to the rest pass through to the right and place your selves behind your Leader to your
Leader Command Counter-march your Front and reer-half-Reer-half-files from the midst of ranks losing ground front-half-Front-half-files face about Command Ranks to the right hand Countermarch losing ground Command Counter-march your right and left-half-left-half-ranks every man placing himself on the outside of his right and left-hand-man they are reduced CHAP. XXXVIII Eight several Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel your right and left-half-Left-half-ranks inward to the midst of Files Face outward Command Wheel the battail off by division from the Reer Command Wheel the battail inward to the right Flank from the left Face to the left Command Wheel Front and Reer-half-files inward to the midst of Ranks Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right and Left-half-ranks by division from the midst of Files Face inward Command Wheel off your Front and Reer-half-files by division from the midst of Ranks Front-half-files face about Command Wheel off your Front by division Command Wheel your battail inward to the left Flank from the right face to the right CHAP. XXXIX Plain Firings and Figures of Battail The first firing LEt them give fire to the Front by Introduction where first command to open their Files outward to open Order and then let the first Rank give fire on the ground they stand then let the next Rank move forward and place themselves before the first Rank and give fire likewise and stand and so successively every Rank is to move forward and place themselves before the Rank that fired until all have given fire this being twice performed reduceth them and is tearm'd a firing of gaining ground The second firing Let them fire by Files inward to Order and fire on the ground they stand and fall off to the right and left into the Reer of themselves The third firing Let them close their Files ranking outward into one intire Rank into the Front all at one and the same time and to File again as they were The fourth firing Let the Muskettiers double Ranks to the right and left outward and give fire three Ranks together the first kneeling the second stooping the third standing upright and after to double Files to the right and left inward The fifth firing Let them fire again and fall off to the right and left and flank the Pikes who may after charge on and after retreat back again into their places The sixth firing Let them face outward and give fire to both Flanks on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves The seventh firing Let the Half-files of Muskettiers face outward and move cleer of the standing part then let every division give fire again and fall in the Reer of themselves and then close their divisions The eighth firing Let them give fire eight Ranks together viz two kneel down two stooping two standing upright and the last two to be drawn forth and so fire them altogether The ninth firing Let the four first Ranks upon each Flank fire again and fall off to the right and left and flank the Pikes and let those Muskettiers face to Front and Reer and draw forth the last Rank of Muskettiers upon the Flanks to the right and left outward and place them in the midst of those intervals upon the Angles the Pikes being impaled then Fire them to Front Reer and both Flanks and four Angles and fall in the Reer of themselves This firing may be continued as long as a Leader shall think fit then face about those Files standing at the Angles and move them in the Reer of those divisions of Muskettiers upon the Flanks from whence they were first drawn forth then let them face all to their Leader The tenth firing Let the Muskettiers in Front and Reer face outward and march cleer of the standing part then let them face to Front and Reer and give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then let the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers face to the Front and the outmost divisions of Muskettiers in the Front face to the Reer then let the outmost divisions move and close ranks forward to Order and let the Pikes charge on and being retreated back again into their places face all to the Front and proceed to Figures of Battail according to the next direction Command Half-files of Pikes face about Half-files of the four outmost Files of Muskettiers face to the Reer the four outmost Files and the body of Pikes move forward cleer of the standing part to your Leader then let them face outward and move two paces then face to Front and Reer and move the like face all to your Leader and close Ranks forward and Files inward in each division they will stand as followeth The first firing Let the Reer-divisions face about then let the first divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right and left and fall in the room or place of the next divisions and they at the same time are to move up into their ground giving fire and falling off in like manner The second firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand in each division and fall in the Reer of themselves then let the Pikes charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again The third firing Let the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers move up and range even abrest with the first division then let them fire altogether and fall in the Reer of themselves then let those that formerly moved up face about and march down again into their places then let the Pikes charge on again as before and being retreated let them face all to both Flanks and give fire in form and manner as they did to Front and Reer The fourth firing Let the middle-divisions of Muskettiers advance forward until they be cleer of the standing part then let them all fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and the middle-divisions to move back again into their places then face to their Leader and move the inmost division of Muskettiers upon the right in the Reer to the left three paces then proceed Command Inmost divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer double to the right file-wise and after that division that doubled to face about and pass through the intervals of Pikes and place themselves three foot behind the Reer and the other division that was doubled to advance forward through the interval of Pikes and place themselves three foot before the Front then face to their Leader Let the second division of Muskettiers from the Front stand and all the rest move forward three paces then move the second divisions of Muskettiers to the right and left inward until they stand streight between the Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes Front-division of Muskettiers face about and let them and the Reer-division move forward and inward three paces and after face to their Leader The first firing Let the Front-division of Muskettiers fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right by the outmost divisions of Muskettiers and come down into
Order and the like of the Muskettiers in the Reer to those hands to the same distance then they will stand in four Divisions two of Pikes in the Front and two of Muskettiers in the Reer In the next place let him count how many Files of Pikes there are in each Division and he will finde in the Colonels Divisions 26 Files and in the Lieutenant-Colonels but twenty two To make these even he must take off one File apiece from the youngest Captains and bring them into the midst of the Lieutenant-Colonels Division and then he will make them equal there being in each grand Division 24 Files of Pikes The Pikes being made thus equal let him move down into the Reer and examine the Muskettiers where upon the right he will finde 52 Files and upon the left but 44 to make these even in number he must take off one File apiece from the four Companies of the first grand Division and lead them away up into the midst of the second and then there will be in each grand Division of Muskettiers 48 Files apiece In the next place let him face them to the right and left outward and move them to such convenient distance as he may after divide his Muskettiers into four Divisions to move up and flank the Pikes This being performed he ought appoint unto every Captain and Lieutenant his place where to lead and where to bring up and what men upon all occasions they are to fight To which purpose there being in the first grand Division four Captains there must be four places to lead and four to bring up and therefore having their four Colours upon the long March that Body of Pikes may be divided into two Divisions and to march with two Colours in the first Division of Pikes which are to be led by the eldest Captain and brought up by the Captain-Lieutenants Bringer-up The second Division of Pikes is to be led by the fourth Captain and to be brought up by the eldest Captain-Lieutenant The Reer-guard of Muskettiers in this grand Division is to be led by the third Captain and to be brought up by his Lieutenant who upon the long March his Captain if he pleaseth may exchange places being more honour to him to be there to bring up then to lead that Division as hath been formerly exprest As concerning the Captain-Lieutenant his place is to be fixed according as in the Figure to lead the first Division of Muskettiers and to be brought up by the fourth Captains Lieutenant but at such time when they are drawn up all abrest they are to take their places as at first fixed both in their leading and bringing-up as shall be set forth in the following Figure with all their several places appointed thereunto As concerning all the rest they are placed in manner as was shewed in my discourse of a Regiment consisting of six Companies But here it may be objected that in the first grand Division I have placed the Colonel eldest Captain third and fourth and by casting up their number of dignity we finde it to amount unto 18 and in the second grand Division the Lieutenant-Colonel Major and second Captain whose number amounts but to ten Here we finde say they a great deal of difference and alteration your intentions principally tending to make them equal in dignity for certainly where the greater number is there is the lesser dignity and therefore a wrong unto that part where ever it so falls out To which I answer Where there is no just exceptions to be made to the contrary the former Rule ought ever to be preserved in the keeping an equal ballance of the number of dignity but herein it doth not For the Colonel ought always to have placed in his Division the eldest Captain who is to lead his Colours and the first Body of Pikes which is the first place of honour among the Captains And in the second place the Majors Company is always drawn up upon the outmost part on the right of the Lieutenant-Colonels grand Division to carry an equal proportion of number they being the second and third worth unto that of the first or fourth as is in the Colonels In the next place the second Captains turn comes to be regarded who by the same Rule as the eldest Captain layes claim to carry the first honour by leading the first Body of Pikes and the Colonels Colours so the second Captain cannot expect any other but to be placed to lead the second Body of Pikes the Lieutenant-Colonels Colours Now there being an odd Captain he must be either placed upon the right or left he is therefore thought in discretion to be rather placed with the Colonel in his Division that his Colours may there flie marching four together being far more honourable and graceful then that of three as in the Lieutenant-Colonels and therefore where there is an honour in that kinde which cannot be divided it is very fit and requisite to place and fix it with him that is the Commander in chief As for number of men both Divisions are equal alike and therefore I conceive what hath been spoken may take off all objections of this nature And now according to my promise I shall set forth the manner of the standing of seven Companies in a Regimental way with all the several places of honour appointed forth unto them either marching or standing all even abrest If they be upon the long march they are to observe that manner set down in six Companies onely to minde that alteration before expressed the Figure of their drawing up and the Officers stated in their proper places follows in Folio 156. From which Figure I shall draw up another placing the Souldiers in Battalia which may be useful for them to fight-upon Command Pikes in both Divisions face inward inmost Divisions of Muskettiers face outward march and interchange ground with other face to your Leader The four inmost Files of Muskettiers next the Pikes Let them be at open Order in their Ranks and Files and the two grand Divisions standing in one even Front together face about and march six foot cleer from the Pikes and stand then close their Files to the right and left to Order in their own particular divisions then face inward and march all together until they stand six foot cleer of each other face to your Leader The next five Files of Muskettiers in each side of Pikes advance 18 foot before the Front then close their Files into the midst to Order and Ranks forward to Order Pikes close your Ranks forward to Order and Files into the midst to Order every five Files of Muskettiers close inward to Order and Ranks forward to Order then face to the Pikes and march forward being betwixt every five Files of Muskettiers six foot of ground distance each from other and the same distance from the Body of Pikes face all to your Leader The 12 outmost Files of Pikes and Muskettiers advance
Hereupon it is to be supposed the Relievers are advanced toward the Main-Guard where the relieved are to be drawn off and to make a stand expecting till the Relievers shall come up which being done the relieved then are to troop homeward and after that they have attended and seen their Colours lodged they are to disband and not before And now further to satisfie the expectation of the Lovers of the Art Military it shall not seem unseasonable here to declare somewhat concerning the manner of Field-Watches or Vigils de Campe denoted unto us by the Expert and Ancients under these three Notions The first are Castra temporanea aleager ad placitum pitcht onely for the present and may perhaps alter and change it's Station in a day or an hour according to the pleasure and judgement of the General and Commanders in chief Secondly there are Castra a select or constant Camp so called because of their intentions of continuance in the besieging of a Castle or Town c. until they shall have taken the same or by some other necessity or further advantage forced to raise their Seige The third and last called Castra Such a Camp as is pitcht before or neer some Rivers side to oppose and frustrate the Incursions of the Enemy who otherwise might this way break in for the infesting or taking of a Country Now concerning such Watches or Guards which shall relate unto several Camps both in regard of the several and most convenient places for securing the Camps by Sentinels and Perdues they are to be primarily appointed and ordered according to the discretion command of the Masters of the Field whether Generals or Majors of Brigades afterwards the Serjeant-Majors Captains of Regiments according to their commands and relieved order are to design them for the aforesaid place To enlarge the several Arguments and Disputes that might further arise in-point of Field-duties relating thereunto would be too tedious and to little purpose in regard that whosoever shall but diligently observe what hath before been set down concerning the duty of Watches in Garrison and Fortresses may sufficiently be able to apprehend and perform all manner of Duties that shall concern this Field-service provided that he be careful to adhere to the directions of the Field-Officers in all points and diligent to observe the manner of managing of all things according to their instructions And therefore to avoid prolixity and fruitless disputes I refer the Reader to what hath been above related CHAP. XXV The ordering of a private Company unto a Funeral-occasion WHen any Commander or Souldier of worth shall be deceased a private Captain that would shew respect and honour by marching along with his Company attending the Corps to the place of burial must order his Souldiers after this manner They being summon'd by beat of the Drum to meet at their usual place of Rendezvous they may be drawn up according to the usual manner having a Van-guard Battail and Reer-guard being thus ordered and each of the Souldiers having either in his Hat a black Feather or Ribbin the Captain may draw them off and order them to their Long-march moving them away in an orderly manner unto the place of him that is deceased and there make Alt. After which he may command the Muskettiers in the Van to open to the right and left outward to such convenient distance as the Pikes may move up between them and take possession of their first ground and those Muskettiers may face about and move down cleer of the Pikes and after close their Files inward to Order and face to their Leader Now being in two Divisions let them so continue with their Arms ordered until such time as they shall perceive the Corps to be brought forth into the Street then the Captain may face them all about and move them some three Pikes length before the Corps after which he may command his Muskettiers to perform their Funeral-Posture which is to have their Muskets under their left Arm with the But-end upward their Rests likewise on that side trailing After which the Pikes are to face again to their first Front and to lay the narrow end of their Pikes down upon the ground after facing about to the left and bringing up the But-end of their Pikes on their right side conforming themselves with the Muskettiers in their Funeral-Postures In the next place the Ensign strips his Colours off from the Staff and ties them about his right Wast putting a black Ribbon towards the very end of his Staff he after faceth to the Body of Pikes standing in the Reer of them and trailing his Staff in the same Posture Next followeth the Captain having in his hand a Half-pike or Leading-staff conforming himself likewise to his Funeral-Posture Thus being all ready to march and rightly faced toward that place where the Corps are to be interred are after this manner following to lead and to bring up The first Division of Muskettiers which was the Reer-guard is led by the Lieutenant the next Division of Muskettiers that was formerly the Van-guard is led by the second Serjeant the Body of Pikes is led by the eldest Serjeant he trailing a Half-pike upon the head of them the Ensign bringing it up and the Captain twelve foot short of him bringing up the Reer of the whole Company And after him the Ministers marching just before the Coffin in the Reer next unto it the neerest kindred and after them those that are invited to the Funeral Having thus stated the manner and order of the Military Part with all others belonging thereunto for any ordinary Funeral-occasion I shall in the next place proceed to shew their Order upon the March and how each Arms ought to be disposed before the Corps enter into the Church with the rest of the Train All persons being ordered as before expressed the Drums being covered with Black-bays and placed betwixt the second and third Ranks in each Division and all being ready to move the Drums may begin to beat their Funeral-March and the Lieutenant leading them away with the But-end of his Pattison upward and comported the rest following and marching in a leasurable and slow way along together until they come within a hundred foot of the Church-door or place where the Corps are to be interred there making Alt. After which let the Muskettiers in their Ranks File to the right and left not advancing ground and face in opposition making a Guard for the rest to pass through and resting their Muskets or putting the But-end thereof to the ground with the Barrel towards them which is a conformity to the Pikes being ordered In the mean time let the Pikes advance their Arms and immediately after move forward betwixt the Guard of Muskettiers and let their Ranks afterward file to the right and left making also a Guard their Pikes being ordered and they as the rest facing in opposition Then let the Captain who brings up the
content themselves to learn of such who are of higher abilities And on this account the Art would be more highly prized and not only bring more Honour to the Professors thereof but even the Learners themselves would become more capable of good preferment abroad and our Military Gardens and Meetings would much more flourish and be beheld with more delight and satisfaction not only by the Souldiers themselves but all other Spectators whatsoever I do not desire to be mis-understood by this Discourse that herein I should go about to startle any ingenious Souldier or disswade him from any thing that shall be new to his Invention which is proper I shall rather incourage him and be glad to understand of him what Reason he can give for every thing he doth and of what use it may be unto the Publick and then it will admit of no controulment But vacant seasons may be used for variety and delight in making experiments of wit fancy and ingenuity provided they do not dwell too much upon them But the substantial and solid things of War are above all things to be precisely regarded without which an Army though of the most valiant men will be exposed to the greatest dangers and fall into a most certain Ruine I should here humbly offer my Advice to the most eminent Meetings in the Artillery and Military Gardens in the latter of which I was heretofore a Member and still am a true Lover and honourer both of that and all other places like unto it My advice is that on their days of publick Meeting they would have chiefly before their eyes the main Grounds and Principles in the Art of War which through permission I am perswaded would cause greater appearances and make their Ground to flourish more then ever to the Honour of our Nation and the increase of experienced and able Commanders if ever this Commonwealth should stand in further need of them And because the Ambition of some doth strive to aim at higher things in their thoughts then what is practised abroad I have thought good to set down the plain way of exercising a Company as usually it is practised in the Army our Companies consisting of one hundred men two parts being Muskettiers and a third Pikes the depth of our Files being always six deep in the Armies of England Scotland and Ireland the Company being drawn up abrest the Exercise is as followeth they standing in their closest Order in Ranks and Files First Command Open Ranks backwards to Order Command Files open to the Right to your Order Command Ranks open backward to open Order Command Files open to the left to open Order Command Ranks open backward to double Distance Command Files open outward to double Distance Command Ranks close forward to open Order Command Files close inward to open Order Command Ranks close forward to your Order Command Files close to the left to your Order Command Face to the Right as you were Command Face to the Left as you were Command Face to the Rear as you were Command Face to the Front as you were Command Face to the Center as you were Command Face to Front and Rear as you were Command Face to the Right and Left outward as you were Command Face to the Right and left inward as you were Ranks and Files being at Open Order Ranks to the Right Double Files to the Left Double Ranks to the Left Double Files to the Right Double Command Half-files Double your Front to the Right Command Files Double your Depth to the Left Command Half-files Double your Front to the Left Command Files Double your Depth to the Right Command Bringers-up Double your Front to the Right Command Files Double your Depth to the Left every man falling behind his Bringer-up Direction Bringers-up Double your Front to the Left Files double your Depth to the Right every man placing himself behind his Bringer-up Command Double your Ranks to the Right or Left intire as you were Command Half-files double your Front to the Right intire Command Right Half-ranks double intire the depth of your left Half-ranks Command Half-files double your Front to the Left intire Command Left Half-ranks double intire the depth of your Right half-ranks Direction The same may be done to the Rear Command Files to the Right hand Counter-march and maintain Ground Command Files to the Left hand Counter-march and maintain Ground Direction The same may be done in Ranks as also both in Ranks and Files either maintaining gaining or losing ground of these in the Army we use but little Command Wheel your Battle to the Right Command Wheel your Battle to the Left Command Wheel your Battle to the Right about Command Wheel your Battle to the Left about Command Files file to the Right or Left Command Ranks file to the Right and Left First The Muskettiers being on both flanks first firing let the first Rank stand and fire every Rank passing through before his Leader after standing and fire till all have fired over twice or four times the Pikes moving slowly in the mean time they will upon a stand be reduced as at first Secondly Bring all the Muskettiers before the Pikes then let them fire in the Front falling off and flank the Pikes upon the Right Fire upon the right flank the body marching and the Muskettiers to pass on the left flank after the Pikes may charge to the right the body moving again Let the Muskettiers fire on the left flank and fall in the Reer of the Pikes who may after charge their Pikes on the left The body marching the Muskettiers may fire in the Reer and fall off to the Right and Left and flank the Pikes as at the first the body facing about the Pikes may charge to the Reer We usually fire in the Front sometimes two ranks standing the rest passing by turns then standing after they have gained the ground before their Leaders do fire till all have fired twice other times three Ranks fire together the first kneels down the second stoops the third stands upright then falling down the three last Ranks pass through and do the like This being done twice reduces them all as at first the Pikes moving slowly this being the usual way of exercising our Companies in the Army Rich. Elton Lieut. Col. FINIS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE COMPLEAT BODY OF The Art Military THE PUBLISHER To the READER HAving now an opportunity of reprinting the preceding Treatise of Military Discipline written by Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Elton containing the Discipline and Exercise of Foot-companies Regiments Brigades c. I thought it not convenient to let the Infantry March into the Field of the World any more without the Cavalry nor they without their Train of Artillery I have therefore endeavoured to make good the words of the Title namely The Compleat Body of the Art Military by adding the following Treatises wherefore to the Infantry here is added Cavalry and Instructions for them both in Posture
first and the three last Ranks double the three middlemost Ranks to the left the three first Ranks face about and march down by your own right hands into the midst of Ranks and the three last Ranks move forwards to the midst to your own left hands face to your Leader Command Double your Files to the right by Division every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files of the even Files from the right face to the Reer the even Files march and double the odd every man placing himself before his Leader and Bringer-up face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last Ranks double the six middlemost Ranks to the left every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up the three first Ranks face about to the left and move down to the midst of Rrnks by your own right hands placing your selves before your Bringers-up and the three last Ranks march forwards unto the midst placing your selves before your Leaders to your Leader Command Left half-Ranks double your right Flank by Division Direction Half-files of the left half-Ranks face about to the right the left half-Ranks move clear of the standing part after face all to the right-Flank the left half-Ranks moving forward until they have ranged even abrest with the right-Flank face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last Ranks double the six middlemost Ranks entire to the left-Flank the three first and the three last Ranks face to the left-Flank and move clear of the standing part after face inward march and close your Division face to your Leader CHAP. XXXVI Entire Doublings to right Flank by Wheeling Command WHeel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank entire to the right Direction Face outward and left half-Ranks wheel about to the left and move forward until you have doubled the right Flank entire to the right face to your Leader Reducement Wheel off your Reer half-Files and double your Front to the left entire half-Files face to the Reer and wheel about to the right and march forwards until you have ranged your selves even with the Front Command Wheel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank entire to the left Direction Face outward left half-Ranks wheel about to the right move forward until you have doubled the right flank entire to the left face to your Leader Reducement Wheel off your Front half-Files and double your Reer to the right entire half-Files face about and Front half-Files wheel about to the left move down and double the Reer to the right face to your Leader Command Wheel the left half-Ranks inward into the midst and double your right Flank inward entire Direction Half-files of the right half-Ranks face about right half-Ranks move clear of the standing part then face to the right and the left half-Ranks face to the left and wheeling inward into the midst moving forward until they have doubled the right Flank inward entire to your Leader Reducement In wheeling the six middle Ranks from the right Flank they must have ground sufficient for them to wheel about Wheel off from the right Flank the six middlemost Ranks and double your Front and Reer entire to the left Flank the six middle-Ranks face to the right and wheel about to the right and left moving forward until they are clear of the standing part and after facing to the Front and Reer they move again and double the Front and Reer toward the left Flank face all to your Leader march forwards and close your Divisions Or if they continue their Aspect to the right Flank then command the six middlemost Files to wheel off to the right and left and to double entire the depth of the outmost Files then face to their Leader and close their Divisions CHAP. XXXVII A Divisional Doubling to the right Flank by Wheeling Command WHeel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank by Division Direction Face outward and left half-Ranks wheel off to the right and left about and move forward until you have ranged even and doubled the right Flank to your Leader Reducement Wheel off the three first and the three last Ranks and double the six middlemost Ranks entire to the left Flank the three last Ranks face about and wheel to the right about moving up towards the midst of the left-Flank and the three first Ranks at the same time wheel about to the left and move down to the midst of the left Flank face to your Leader Or if they continue their aspect to the right Flank then command the outmost Files too that doubled to wheel about to the right and left inward and double entire the Depth of the inmost Files to your Leader Here endeth all the plain Doublings to the right Flank performed by several Counter-marches and Wheelings which to any ingenious Souldier are sufficient directions to know how to double the left Flank only altering the hand by the words of Command And here fellow-Souldier endeth all the several kinds of Doublings which if any shall seem hard or difficult unto thee either in their Commands Directions or Reducements thou mayst care being taken with much ease and delight perform the same And here the Captain is to take special notice when he comes to the point of Doublings that his properest way will be first to double the Front as being the most honourable part of the Body and next the Reer and after either to the right or left Flank leaving it to his discretion to use as many of them as he shall think fitting and convenient for his Exercise And although I have somewhat varied from the practise of former times in using more plenty of words of Command the ripeness and curiosity of Wits in these our days enforced me unto it for they having much refined the Military Discipline will not be pleased with ordinary stuff as to say As you were which I confess would save the Captain a great deal of pains and be more easie to the apprehension and capacity of every private Souldier for his returning back unto his place again Yet if Command should be given to double any part of the Body that Leader would quickly lie under a hard censure and be judged in most mens opinions insufficient that could not find out some other words of Command to reduce them again Endeavouring therefore to give full satisfaction to both parties I have taken the pains to set down other words of Command for Reducement whereby those which shall profess themselves curious may cull out such plenty as may best please their genius advising them withal not to presume in the exercising of their private Companies before themselves be first well verst and truly knowing in all and every of the several Commands Directions and Reducements before mentioned which being obtained they may confidently and boldly proceed so to inure their Souldiers in the practise thereof that their own knowledge in
whereby they may fire upon the Enemy as he marcheth by Or approaching against any Fort or place of danger they may daringly make a large Front and firing upon them after filing to the right or left making large Intervals they much preserve themselves from the danger of the great shot proceeding from the Enemy Again Ranks ranking either in equal or unequal parts is of singular good use upon a narrow passage where they can march but two three four or six abrest the Commander notwithstanding they marched before twenty abrest may by it bring them to such small numbers whereby he may much preserve them in time of imminent danger and peril To dwell no longer upon this discourse Inversion and Conversion many times require larger distance then any other of the Motions as sometimes double distance or twice double distance wherefore being so many occasions for the use of them both I hold it requisite for a Leader frequently to practise his Souldiers in them no part of the Art Military affording more commendations to the Souldiers that shall readily and handsomly perform the same Briefly therefore passing over what might be more spoken concerning them I shall in the next place set them all forth in their full view leaving every discreet Souldier to his own liberty to make use of as many of them as he shall think fit and to use them after what manner he pleaseth CHAP. XXXIX The words of Command for Ranks ranking and Files ranking to the Front they being twelve abrest and six deep Command RAnks rank to the right 2 3 4 or 6 as occasion shall require Direction If to two the two outmost men upon the right are to move away the next two to fall behind them until the first Rank hath made six Ranks and the rest doing the like until the first six Ranks are become thirty six Reducement Ranks rank twelve to the left the first Rank is to stand the rest are to move away two and two until they have made up twelve in one Rank and the rest are to do the like until they are made up all again as at first or command Ranks rank as you were The same rule is to be observed if you rank to any of the other numbers to divide them accordingly Command Ranks rank three to the left Direction The first three men upon the left are to move away the next three are to fall in behind toward the left until the first Rank have made four Ranks the rest are to do the like until they have made them 24 Ranks Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right the first Rank is to stand the rest are to move forth by three and three until they have made twelve in one Rank the rest are to do the like until they be as they were at first or Ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank three to the right and left outward Direction The three outmost men of the first Rank upon the right and the three outmost men upon the left move away the next three of each hand in the same Rank are to do the like and every Rank throughout to follow successively dividing themselves three to one hand and three to the other until they have made twelve Ranks in each Division and falling in the Reer successively to each hand of the first Rank Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward or Ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank intire to the right into the Front Direction The first Rank stand the rest face to the right and move away every Rank placing it self successively to the right until they stand all in one Rank in the Front Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the left the first 12 men upon the left are to stand the next 12 are to face to the left and to move and fall in the Reer of the first and so consequently all the rest or else to command Ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank intire to the left into the Front Direction The first Rank stand the rest face to the left and move until they have successively placed themselves and made one intire Rank into the Front Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right the 12 outmost men upon the right stand the rest face to the right and move making 12 in every Rank or Ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank outward into the Front Direction The first Rank stand the rest face outward and place your selves successively into the Front facing after to your Leader Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward the 12 middlemost men stand the rest face inward and move ranking 12 successively behind the first Rank and after facing to their Leader and to even their Ranks Command Ranks rank inward into the Front Direction The first Rank is to move away to the right and left the next Rank moving up into his ground doing the like and consequently so all the rest until the last Rank be come up intire into the Front Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward the first six upon the right and the first six upon the left stand the rest move outward falling in the Reer of the first Rank ranking six to the right and left and after closing their Divisions Command Files rank to the right into the Front Direction Files open to the left to your double Distance and Ranks close forwards to Close Order and move up to the right into the Front Reducement Ranks file six to the left the first six upon the left are to fall into a File the rest doing the like until you have made 12 Files as at first or command Ranks file as you were Command Files rank to the left into the Front Direction Every man is to move forward to the left into the Front beginning from the Leader of the Files and moving up successively making one intire Rank Reducement Ranks file six to the right the six outmost men upon the right are to fall into a File the rest in like manner are to do the same or Ranks file as you were Command Files rank outward into the Front Direction Right and left Half-ranks close into the midst to Close order after move to the right and left outward until they be come up into the Front Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward the middle men are to stand the rest are to move side-ways to the right and left inward and to file as before commanded or Ranks file as you were Command Files rank inward into the Front Direction Right and left Half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance and Files move up to the right and left entire into the Front Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward the outmost men stand the rest move to the right and left outward filing according to Command and after to close their Divisions CHAP. XL. Ranks ranking into the Front by Countermarch Command RAnks rank entire into
to their Order Ranks ranking by Countermarch Command Ranks rank outward into the Front Reer and Midst every man placing himself on the outside of his right and left-hand-man Direction The two last Ranks face about the first and last Rank and the third Rank from the Front stand the rest move forth to the right and left ranking into Front Reer and Midst placing themselves on the outside of their right and left-hand-men face to your Leader Reducement Ranks rank twelve to the right and left inward placing your selves on the inside of your right and left-hand-men the last Rank face about the twelve middlemost men in each Rank are to stand and the outmost six men in each Rank are to move to the right and left inward placing themselves in the Reer of the former Ranks and on the inside of their right and left-hand-men facing to their Leader Command Ranks rank inward into the Front Reer and Midst every man placing himself on the inside of his right and left-hand-man Direction Right and left half-Ranks open from the midst to twice double distance standing then at Order in each division in Rank and File the two last Ranks face about and the first last and third Rank from the Front stand the rest move inward placing themselves on the inside of their right and left-hand-men after the last Rank may face about and move forward to open Order Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward every man placing himself on the outside of his right and left-hand-man the last Rank face about the six outmost men of each Rank stand and the twelve middlemost men in each Rank are to divide themselves six to the right and six to the left falling in the Reer of the outmost men placing themselves on the outside of their right and left-hand-men after face to the Front and Ranks and Files close to the midst to Order Of Files ranking into Front Reer and Midst Command FIles rank outward into Front Reer and Midst Direction The two last Ranks face about the first last and third Rank from the Front stand the rest move to the right and left after the manner of doubling of Ranks and rank to Front Reer and Midst as before commanded and after the last Rank face to the Front closing forward to Order Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward the last Rank face about and the even men from the midst of Files are to fall in behind the odd after the manner of doubling Files to the right and left inward and after the two last Ranks are to face to the Front Command Files rank inward into Front Reer and Midst Direction They standing at the distance of Order in Rank and File command right and left Half-ranks to open from the Midst something more then to open Order after the two last Ranks are to face about and the first last and third Rank from the Front are to stand the rest are to move to the right and left inward after the manner of doubling Ranks to the right and left inward after the last Rank is to face to the Front and to close forwards to open Order Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward the last Rank face about and every man from the Flanks is to move outward after the manner of doubling Files to the right and left outward then the two last Ranks are to face to the Front and the whole Body may close their Ranks and Files into the Midst to Order CHAP. XLIII Of Files ranking by Wheeling Command FIles rank outward into Front Reer and Midst The Ranks must be at Close Order and the Files at Open Order for these three words of Command following and it would be better to divide them into three Divisions that is to say between every two Ranks to have some six foot of ground interval that they may more distinctly perform the same by Wheeling Direction The two last Ranks face about after face all outward and wheel to the right and left by two and two until they be ranked into Front Reer and Midst the last Rank may after move forwards unto the same distance the former stands at being first faced to their Leader Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward by wheeling the first two Ranks face about and then every particular Rank to wheel by two and two towards the midst of Files until they have made twelve Files as at first and after face all to the Front Command Files rank inward into the Front Reer and Midst by wheeling Direction Right and left Half-ranks open from the midst something more then to open Order the two last Ranks of each Division face about after face all inward and wheel by two and two to the right and left until they have ranked into Front and Reer and Midst to the right and left inward the last Rank is after to face to the Front taking his distance conformable to the rest Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward by wheeling the two first Ranks face about and each particular Rank is to wheel by two's towards the Flanks until they have made twelve Files as at first after facing all to the Front and closing their Ranks and Files into the midst to Order Command Files rank inward into the midst by wheeling Direction Right and left Half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance after face inward and let them know that the Bringers-up of the Front Half-files and the Half-file-Leaders are the hinges of the Motion after face them to the Front and they will be in two Ranks Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward by wheeling the last Rank face about and both Ranks wheel to the right and left by threes until they have made twelve Files as at first after face all to the Front and close Files into the midst to Order Command Files rank outward into the Front and Reer by wheeling Direction Right and left Half-ranks close into the midst to Order after face outward and wheel to the right and left the Bringers-up and the Leaders are the hinges of the Motion and when they are brought into two Ranks one in the Front and the other in the Reer face them to the Front Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward by wheeling the first Rank face about and both Ranks are to wheel by threes towards the midst of Files until they have filed according unto Command after facing to their Leader evening their Ranks and straightning their Files And thus much of Conversion or Ranks ranking or Files ranking they having more variety in them then many times can be useful except it be to present unto the Souldiers some things that are new in the Motions which many times they love to see I could upon this Subject have much more enlarged my self but conceiving what is already set down may be sufficient for
right and left about Ranks ranking downward to the Reer and ranking as they were 10 Fire losing ground falling off to the right and left about just before the Front of Pikes 11 Now if the Enemy pursue eagerly and that you cannot make a safe retreat marching face all about and fire upon them by way of Extraduction or by half-half-ranks divided as formerly hath been shewen And thus much likewise briefly concerning Firings to the Reer Firings to the Flanks marching in the next place I shall shew some Firings to the Flanks for performance whereof it will be expedient to bring all the Muskettiers upon one of the Flanks but for order sake I will begin with the Firings from the right Flank 1 Fire to the right and gather up your Files it is to be performed after this manner The outmost File upon the right is to face to the right and to give fire and after to face to the Front and stand until the next File have fired in like manner and then the first File gathers up unto him upon the right even abrest and standing until the third File have faced to the right and fired in like manner and after facing to the Front the other Files moving up in the like way as before and following successively this rule until all have given fire and then to march up and even the Front of Pikes the Muskettiers will stand as at first when they were brought upon the right Flank 2 Fire to the right File-leaders leading up their Files next to the Pikes 3 Fire to the right Bringers-up leading away next the Pikes which being twice done reduceth them 4 Fire to the right leading up on the contrary Flank either by the File-leaders or Bringers-up 5 Fire to the right and leading up by Bringers-up between the Pikes and passing through to their places again doing the same reduceth them 6 Fire to the right and leading up between the Pikes by the Leaders and passing through the Pikes again to the right they will be as at first the like may be done to the left or in some kind to both Flanks at one and the same time 7 Fire to the right by Ranks wheeling and Ranks to rank as they were to the right upon their marching reduceth them 8. Fire to the right by Ranks inverting or filing and upon the March the Souldiers ranking reduceth them 9. Fire to the right Files filing and gathering up their Files to the left reduceth them These Firings being performed marching the next shall be upon a Stand where note you must cast all your Muskettiers upon that Flank where you conceive the Enemy will fall on whether right left or both but for order sake we usually begin with the right wherefore face to the right and proceed as followeth Firings to the right Flank upon a Stand. 1. Fire and fall in the Reer of your selves 2. Fire and flank the Pikes 3. Fire even with the Pikes and fall in the Reer of themselves 4. Fire even with the Reer moving forth to the right and left by Ranks falling in the Reer of themselves 5. Fire by extraduction by half-ranks drawn forth and falling Rank after Rank in the Reer of the Pikes after to reduce them as at first cause them to double their Front by Division These Firings may as well be performed to both Flanks as to one the Body being faced accordingly which would make many Firings more but these already set down may be sufficient for any ingenious capacity to work upon for the present observing this rule that in every Firing he shall make use of in time of his Exercise he may reduce them by another which will be more pleasing to the Souldier by reason of the great variety it affords unto them Now now in the last place I know it will be expected that I should speak something of the use of Firings wherefore briefly thus Firings to the Front marching or moving when we either pursue after or approach to an Enemy Firings to the Front maintaining ground when two Bodies encounter one another Firings to the Front losing ground when either we are forced thereunto by necessity or that we do it out of policy to draw the Enemy into a train or snare Firings to the Reer marching when we are pursued by an Enemy yet would continue our March until we have gained some place of importance or advantage Firings to the Reer upon a Stand when we are compelled thereunto by the violent pursuit of an Enemy or else when we have gained a place of advantage of ground or have recovered the Wind or Sun whereby we are the better able to encounter with them Firings to the Flank or Flanks marching when we are assaulted by some Ambuscado secretly placed to hinder our passage or supposing two Armies are marching to one and the same place a River being betwixt them Firings to Flank or Flanks standing when the Enemy chargeth on with a resolution to cut off or divide part of the Army from the other Having thus briefly set down several Firings to Front Reer and both Flanks with their uses either marching or standing I hold it convenient in the next place to give some short directions in time Battail both to the Officers and their Souldiers First that the Drummers have a vigilant eye upon their Commanders whose voices are drown'd by the loud thundring of the Cannon or Muskettiers as also by the neighing of Horses or the lamentable cries of the maim'd and wounded Souldiers at which time the Leaders Staff Half-pike or what else he carries in his hand may be sufficient for to instruct them to continue their charge retreat or else to charge home Secondly that the Serjeants be careful in time of Battail that their Souldiers be at their due distance of order both in Rank and File and that upon their Firings whether they be Forlorns either of Files or Ranks drawn forth or otherwise by Divisions they see them neatly and handsomely perform'd by cocking their Matches and presenting something lower then brest-high and after Uncocking and returning them wheeling off either to the right left or both falling in the Reer of themselves or elsewhere as shall be appointed in an orderly manner whereby they may decently come up again to Fire against the Enemy Thirdly that the Souldiers present and give fire upon their Rests not using that slovenly posture of popping their Matches into the Pan their Muskets being on their left sides which is not onely hurtful unto themselves but much endangers their Fellow-souldiers and by so doing they scarce or ever do any execution against an Enemy But here I meet with an objection framed by the Souldiers after this manner Our Rests are of little or no use unto us in time of skirmishing fit they are we confess in the Military Gardens but in time of Battail both troublesome and cumbersome unto us To whom I reply what if they be a little cumbersome at first must
the Reer to the left entire Direction Front half-files face to the right march clear of the standing part face all to the Reer Front half-files move down and double the Reer to the left Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank to the left Direction Face all to the left right half-ranks move forward and double the left Flank to the left to your Leader Command Double your Ranks to the left entire into the Reer Direction Face all to the Reer and every even Rank from the Reer move forth and double the odd to your Leader and close forward to Order Command The two outmost Files upon each Flank double entire advancing the four inmost Files Command Front half-files double the Reer to the right entire Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank inward entire Direction Half-files of the left half-ranks face about left half-ranks move clear of the standing part face all to the left right half-ranks move forwards and double the left Flank inward entire Command The four middle ranks double your Front and Reer inward entire Direction Half-files face about the two first and the two last Ranks open outward until you be clear of the standing part then the four middle Ranks move forward two to the Front and two to the Reer doubling entire to both places face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command The two outmost Files upon each Flank double the four middlemost Files by Division Direction Half-files of the two outmost Files face about outmost Files move clear of the standing part then close inward to Order and face to your Leader Command The two first and the two last Ranks double the four middlemost Ranks inward entire Direction The four middle Ranks face outward and move clear of the standing part then face to your Leader the two first Ranks face about move forward with the two last doubling the middlemost inward entire to your Leader Command The four inmost Files double entire advancing the two outmost Files Direction The two outmost Files stand the inmost Files move forward clear of the standing part then face outward and move straight with the outmost Files to your Leader and close Files into the midst to Order Command Front half-files double the Reer by Division Direction The four middle Files double the two outmost Files inward entire Direction Half-files of the two outmost Files face about outmost files move forward clear of the standing part face all to the right and left outward inmost Files move forward and double the outmost inward entire to your Leader and close Files into the midst to Order Command Front half-files double your Reer to the left Command Files double your Depth to the right Command The two first and the two last Ranks double the four middle Ranks by Division Direction The two first and the two last Ranks face outward and march clear of the standing part then face inward and move forward doubling the inmost Files by Division face to your Leader Command The two outmost Files upon each Flank double entire the Depth of the four inmost Files reduceth CHAP. XVIII Plain Firings and Figures of Battail HAving passed over these Motions of Doublings in the next place we will proceed to Firings command therefore Files to open from the midst to open Order and after let the Bringers-up double the Front to the left The first firing Let the Muskettiers give fire even in the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let the first Rank give fire and fall in between the Pikes every Rank doing the same until all have fired then let the first Rank move forth by Division give fire to the Front and fall in again every rank doing the same The third firing Let them face to both Flanks and give fire and fall off to the right and left and flank their Pikes to Front and Reer the Pikes may now port and move all forward three paces the Muskettiers may give fire again and fall in the Reer of the Pikes the Pikes charging on and after retreating to their first ground may charge at foot and the Muskettiers may give fire by two Ranks all together over their heads after recovering their Arms let them face to Front and Reer and let the Muskettiers move forth clear of the standing part then stand and give fire to Front and Reer and fall off to the right and left and flank the Pikes who after may charge on to Front and Reer then retreating face all to their Leader Command Half-files of Pikes face about Muskettiers face outward march all three paces Pikes face to the right and left Muskettiers face about to the right march all three paces then let the last Rank face about the first and the last Rank double File-wise inward advancing Pikes face to the outward Angles of Front and Reer Muskettiers face to Front Reer and both Flanks and move all two paces to your Leader The first firing Let the first Division of Muskettiers fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves and after wheel off to the Right moving down into the place of the Reer Division who may at the same time move forward into their ground and fire in like manner wheeling off as the former did The second firing Let the two outmost Divisions move forward into the Front give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after move down into their places The third firing Face all to the Reer and let the Muskettiers give fire there in the same manner as they did to the Front The fourth firing Let the Muskettiers face to Front Reer and both Flanks and the Pikes face to the outward Angles of Front and Reer then let the Muskettiers move forth three foot clear of the Pikes and fire to Front Reer and both Flanks and fall in the reer of themselves after facing about move into their places again The fifth firing Let them face as before and give fire on the same ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes may after charge on and retreat into their places again Command Muskettiers move forth and range even abrest with the Pikes into Front Reer and Midst and they will stand in a square as followeth The first firing Upon this Figure as they are faced to Front Reer and both Flanks and the Pikes to the outward Angles of Front and Reer it will be best to fire on the ground they stand and to fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes may after charge to the four Angles The second firing Let them double their Ranks outward and give fire after face about and move three paces into the midst of Pikes and having made ready again let them face about and move forward and fire as they did before and after dismount their Muskets taking them in both hands they may as occasion shall require make use of the Butt end thereof against the Horse and the Pikes may stand upon their
fall off to the right and left some six paces before the Front of Pikes and in the Reer of themselves then face the body about and let the Pikes charge to the Reer and after port the Muskettiers may give fire to the Reer by way of extraduction The fourth firing Next fire to the Reer by dividing the Muskettiers and bringing them even with the Reer and ranking outward and falling again as they were face to your Leader Command Ranks and Files open to your open Order Muskettiers close outward to Order the outmost Files of Pikes stand the rest close outward to Order Front-half-files open forward three paces Ranks close to Front and Reer to Order Pikes move forward two paces Pikes face outward Muskettiers face inward and move cleer one of another to your Leader The first firing Let them give Fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right and left into the Reer they at the same time moving up into their ground give Fire and falling off as before the Pikes may after charge on while the Muskettiers make ready The second firing Let Pikes and Muskettiers Rank outward and give Fire and fall off in like manner as before after let them Fire and fall in the Reer of the first Rank of Pikes of the Front-divisions then the Pikes may port then let the first Divisions give Fire and fall in behind the Pikes the Reer-divisions after moving up into their places may give Fire and face about march down into their places then face to their Leader This firing being continued twice or oftener over you may fire them to the Reer they being thither faced after the very same manner the Pikes there charging after facing all to their Leader let them double Files to the right and left inward of each division Command Front-divisions of Pikes face outward Front-divisions of Muskettiers face outward the rest face about move all six paces to your Leader Reer-divisions move forward two paces The first firing Let the Front-divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right and left into the Reer they at the same time moving forward into their places may give fire and fall off as before this may be twice performed The second firing Let the Front-divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of the Front-divisions of Pikes the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers moving into their ground firing and falling behind the Reer-divisions of Pikes then they may move forth cleer of the Pikes and fire and fall in again they may fire after the same manner to the Reer But I shall let that pass and go on to the next Command Reer-divisions of Muskettiers face outward and march three paces cleer of the Reer-divisions of Pikes then face to your Leader and move forward until they range even abrest with the Reer-divisions of Pikes The first firing Let the first divisions of Muskettiers give fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves after wheel off to the right and left into the room of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into their places firing and falling off in like manner this firing may be continued twice over then the Pikes may charge whilst the Muskettiers make ready again The second firing Let the Reer-divisions move forward even abrest then let the Muskettiers give fire altogether and fall in the Reer of themselves this firing may be continued twice over and the Pikes may charge after let those Divisions that moved march down again into their places Command Front-divisions of Pikes upon the left face about and move down four paces cleer of the Reer Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes move to the left two paces to your Leader Upon the former Figure fire first to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel down into the place of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into their places firing and falling off in like manner This firing being twice performed let the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers move up even abrest with the Front-divisions and fire altogether and fall in the Reer of themselves after let the Pikes charge on and the outmost Divisions of Muskettiers face about and move down into their places Command Front-division of Pikes face about and march until they range even abrest with the Front-division of Muskettiers to your Leader Reer-division of Pikes move forward three paces Upon this Figure let each division fire as they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves performing it twice over the Pikes may charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again who after may give fire by two Ranks together as they stand in each division the Pikes charging as before Command Outmost divisions of Muskettiers face about march until you range even with the Reer face inward and move until you stand streight after the Front-divisions of Muskettiers to your Leader middle-divisions of Pikes face outward and move cleer of the standing part to your Leader The first firing Let them give fire to the Front by divisions relieving each other after face them to both Flanks and let them give fire upon the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves This firing may be continued twice and after the Pikes may charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again and after retreating into their places The second firing Let the middle-division of Pikes in the Reer face about and the middle-division of Pikes face to the Front and Muskettiers to face to the outward Angles of Front and Reer and let them give fire to the four Angles and fall in the Reer of themselves or fire altogether and the Pikes may after charge on to Front Reer and both Flanks being all faced unto those places and retreating again to their places they may if they please fire a second time and charge on in manner as before Now if the Leader have a desire to fire to Front and Reer let him face them thither and let them fire on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes after charging on and retreating again into their places face them all to their Leader and open the Front and Reer-divisions from the midst to sufficient distance and let the Ensign display his Colours Reducement Reer-divisions of Pikes advance forward unto the left into the Front outmost division of Pikes face inward march and close your divisions Muskettiers in the Reer move and close Ranks forward to Order Files double your depth to the right every man falling behind his Bringer-up reduceth them Then let the Muskettiers poyse their Muskets if they be neer the place of lodging the Colours and to move unto that place making a guard their Muskets being rested after which the Colours being furled up and the Pikes advanced the Leader being on the right hand and the Lieutenant on the left and the Ensign in the midst the Serjeants following them and
continued in the same manner until all have fired The eighteenth firing The Body still marching let them fire again after the same manner as before The nineteenth firing Let them fire by Ranks wheeling to the right Flank and after to rank to the right so many abrest as they were at first marching along with the Body The twentieth firing Let them fire and fall off on the contrary Flank The one and twentieth firing Let them give fire upon the gathering firing after this manner let the outmost File upon the left face to the left give fire and then face to the Front and stand until the rest be clear and then the next File to face to the left and fire and after face to the Front and then the first File may gather up even abrest upon the left of the second File then the third File may face to the left and give fire after face to the Front and stand until the other two march up on the left and joyn even abrest with him and consequently so all the rest until every File have fired and that they be all moved up even abrest with the Pikes The two and twentieth firing Let them wheel Ranks to the left and fire and after rank four to the left as they were at first and march even abrest with the Pikes The three and twentieth firing Let them fire to the left Flank Ranks inverting and after face to the Front and to rank again as they were The four and twentieth firing Let them fire by Files filing to the right and facing after to the left and fire to the left Flank and then facing to their first Front and to lead up their Files to the left again as they were The five and twentieth firing Let them fire by the outmost Files to the left Flank and lead away by the Leader up between or in the middle of Pikes The six and twentieth firing Let them face outward and fire upon a stand after this manner by Ranks dividing moving forth to the right and left and fire and fall in again into their places the Pikes may after charge on and retreat again into their places The seven and twentieth firing Let them fire by Ranks ranking outward into both the Flanks and moving forward and firing even abrest and ranking again as they were but not returning again into the midst of Pikes from whence they were drawn forth but fire to both Flanks and fall in the Reer of themselves The eight and twentieth firing Let them fire again and fall in the Reer or midst of Pikes The nine and twentieth firing Let the Pikes port and let the Muskettiers fire by Extraduction to both Flanks and return again into their places The thirtieth firing Let the Pikes open to the right and the Muskettiers move up into the midst and the first Rank give fire and slieve up to the right and left and place themselves before the Pikes the next Rank moving forward into his ground and slieving away in the Reer of them until all have fired The one and thirtieth firing Let them close their Divisions and fire and fall in the Reer of themselves The two and thirtieth firing Let them fire by Files ranking outward and filing again as they were The three and thirtieth firing Let them fire by Ranks wheeling outward into both Flanks towards Front and Reer the half-files are to face about the left half-ranks are to wheel to the right the right half-ranks to the left the Front-half-files doing the like may give fire facing after to the right and left inward ranking as they were into the midst of Ranks and facing again to the Flanks The four and thirtieth firing Let them fire two Ranks together and slieving presently away and flank the Pikes The five and thirtieth firing Let them face to Front and Reer and after move outward and facing to the outward Angles of Front and Reer and let them fire and fall in the Reer of themselves The six and thirtieth firing Let them close Files into the midst to Order and fire again and let them fall off to the right and left and flank the Pikes then face all to their first Front they are reduced Having spent all this time in the plain Firings we will in the next place proceed to Firings upon such Figures of Battail as followeth CHAP. XXV Several Figures of Battail Command HAlf-files double your Front to the left Muskettiers double your Pikes entire advancing Files open from the midst to double distance the two outmost Files close outward to open Order and the two inmost Files close outward to the same distance half-files of each Division double the Front inward entire Ranks and Files close to Order the four outmost Files upon each Flank stand the four inmost Files upon the left face to the Reer then let the four inmost Files upon the left and the four inmost Files upon the right move forward three foot before the Front and Reer and then face to the left and move two paces then face all to the Front and move straight in their Divisions both Rank-wise and File-wise they will stand as followeth The first firing Let the Front-division of Muskettiers move forward until they be cleer of the standing part then give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and then closing their Files into the midst to Order before the Front of Pikes the Reer-division of Muskettiers may move forward unto the Front of the first division of Pikes and there rank outward and give fire altogether and file again as they were and after face about and move down again into their places the two outmost divisions of Muskettiers may next move forward some six paces there stand and rank inward and fire face about and file again as they were and move forward to the Front of their own divisions of Pikes face to their Leader The second firing Let the Front-division of Muskettiers fire and fall off to the right and left and flank their Pikes and at the same time let the Reer-division of Muskettiers move forward as they did before and fire even abrest with the first divisions of Pikes fall in the Reer of themselves then face about and move down into their places and face to their Leader then let the two outmost divisions upon the Flanks give fire on the ground they stand and fall off to the right and left and flank the Pikes they may fire to the Reer in the same manner being thither faced The third firing Let them face to Front Reer and both Flanks and fire the first Rank of each division and fall off to the right and left in the Reer of the Pikes and the last Rank at the same time move forth and give fire and fall into their places again but before they thus fire the Front and Reer-divisions are to be wheeled to the left and then let them fire by * Move forth those Muskettiers into their former places before they
face to the right and left inward and move and interchange ground then stand and face to your Leader The two last Divisions of Muskettiers in the midst face to the left and move clear of the Pikes face all to your Leader Then let every Division close forward to Order and move up even abrest with the Pikes they are reduced CHAP. XL. The twelfth Exercise consisting of 24 Files six deep THe place of Exercise appointed for the Souldiers to meet they upon a just summons make full appearance being indeed the very life of any Exercise affording much comfort to him that shall lead them And therefore seeing their readiness and forwardness as in duty they are concerned the Leader cannot chuse but forthwith to give order unto his Officers for the compleating up of the Body who knowing his commands go nimbly and chearfully to work in drawing forth the Files and joyning them together after fetching the Colours and bringing them to the head of the Company So that nothing being wanting the Leader craves their silence and attention commanding them to their distance of Order both of Rank and File and after some few distances shewen unto them he may proceed in the next place to such Facings as followeth Command Face to the right and left outward and move four paces Face to Front and Reer and move three paces Face to the outward Angles in the Front Face to the inward Angles in the Front Face to the inward Angles of the right Flank Face to the inward Angles in the left Flank Face to the outward Angles in the Reer Face to the inward Angles in the Reer Face to the outward Angles both of Front and Reer Face to the inward Angles both of Front and Reer Face to the midst of Files Face to the midst of Ranks Face to the Centre Face to the outward Angles of Front and Reer from the Centre Face all about to the right Face to Front Reer and both Flanks from the Centre As you were To your Leader CHAP. XLI A Doubling to make every man a File-Leader by dignity Command HAlf-files double your Front to the left Command Double your Files to the right entire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Command Front-half-files double your Reer to the left Command Double your Files to the left entire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right Command Files double your depth to the right every man falling behind his Bringer-up Command Half-files double your Front to the right Command Double your Files to the left entire advancing Command Ranks to the right double Command Files to the right double Command Bringers-up double your Front to the left Command Files double your depth to the left every man falling behind his Bringer-up Reducement Ranks to the left double Files to the left double CHAP. XLII Several Wheelings with their Reducements Command WHeel off your Reer-half-files and double your Front by Division Command Right and left half-ranks double the depth of your Battail by wheeling inward to the Reer Face to the Reer Command Double the length of your Battail by wheeling inward to Front and Reer Half-files face about Command Front and Reer half-files double the depth of your Battail by wheeling outward to the right Flank Half-files face about and wheel to the left Front half-files wheel to the right Command Front and Reer half-files double the length of your Battail by wheeling inward to the left Flank face all to the left Command Front and Reer half-files double the depth of both Flanks by wheeling to the right and left outward Half-files face about Command Front and Reer half-files double the length of the Battail by wheeling inward to the midst of Ranks Face inward Command Front and Reer half-files double the depth of your left Flank by wheeling to the right and left outward Half-files face about Command Front and Reer half-files double the length of your Battail by wheeling inward to the right flank Face to the right and as they then stand right half-ranks wheel to the left and left half-ranks wheel to the right until the right Flank meet together they are reduced CHAP. XLIII Plain Figures and figures of Battail The first firing LEt two Ranks advance forward ten paces and give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after wheel off to the right and left outward and move down in the Reer of their own Divisions of Muskettiers and then the next two Ranks are to move forward and to give fire as the former did and so consequently all the rest until all have fired and reduced back again into their places The second firing Let them fire even with the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves and let the Pikes charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again The third firing Let single Files be drawn off and Ranks inward into the Front and fire and File again face about and move down into their places then let two Files be drawn off clear and let the inmost Files rank inward the outmost Files rank outward and give fire and File again as they were and fall into their places The fourth firing Let the four outmost Files upon each Flank be drawn off until they be clear of the Front then let them close before the Front of Pikes face then the inmost Files of Muskettiers to both the Flanks and let them give fire to the Front and both Flanks on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves The fifth firing Let them give fire all together six Ranks at once in the Front and four in the Flanks observing the former Rules in firing so many Ranks together as you may find in the place of description of firings The sixth firing Let those Muskettiers upon the Flanks face to the Reer and move clear of the Pikes then close to the right and left inward to Order then let the half-files of Pikes face about and let the Muskettiers give fire to Front and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves The seventh firing Let the Pikes move forth to the right and left outward until they be clear of the Muskettiers then let the Muskettiers give fire in an oblique manner thus let every two Files open to the right and left outward to something more then open Order then close the two first Ranks of the four inmost Files to the Front to Order and let the other two Ranks close likewise almost to that distance but the two last Ranks only are to face to their Front and after in the same kind close the four Ranks inward to the Reer of the four outmost in manner and form there as the other Files were to the Front and so let them give fire in each Division an oblique way two Ranks kneel down two kneeling and two stand upright The eighth firing After the former firing close the four inmost Files to the right and left outward to
Then let the Front and Reer-divisions of Muskettiers next the Flanks advance forward 12 paces the Muskettiers upon the right to be led away by the Captain-Lieutenant and those upon the left by the third Captain being assisted by four Serjeants apiece let them fire the first Divisions some six or eight times over falling in the Reer of themselves then wheel them off to the right and left into the ground of those Divisions that follow them and facing again to their Front then let the Reer-divisions advance forward into their places and give fire in like manner to the former which being ended let those four divisions be led down into their first places Then let the next eight Divisions by the Pikes advance forward until they be cleer of the standing part those four Divisions upon the right are to be led away by the Majors Lieutenant and the Captain-Lieutenants Bringer-up and those four Divisions upon the left by the Lieutenant-Colonels Lieutenant and the third Captains Lieutenant assisted by 12 Serjeants then let them fire some half a score times the Front-divisions falling in the Reer of themselves after wheeling off to the right and left into the ground of their Reer-divisions they then moving up into their places may fire after the same manner and having ended they may be led down all again into their first places Then Command the first Divisions of Muskettiers to face about to the right and let them and the two last Divisions move forward and range even abrest with those that stand before them and after face all to the Front then let the Muskettiers face outward and move 12 paces and after face again to the Front then move up those divisions that were the Forlorn-hope to the right and left into the Front unto their first places and those that were the Reserves up even abrest with the Reer from whence they were taken after let them fire in and even Front altogether some half a score times over and fall in the Reer of themselves then let the Colonels eldest and second Captains move forward the Pikes and charge on if they please the Colours falling in the second Rank being furled up and after let all order their Arms and reduce them into Companies again Reducement Left-half-ranks of Pikes face about and move down until you range even with the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers face to your Leader Right-half-ranks of Pikes advance forward and range even abrest with the Front-divisions of Muskettiers Files close to the left to Order of each grand Division then they will stand in two grand Divisions as at first the one in the Reer of the other then draw up the second grand Division provided there be room upon the left of the first Then let a Serjeant of each particular Company draw off those thirteen Files which before were taken off to ballance the Divisions into equal number and were appointed for the guard of the Ammunition or Baggage and bring them to joyn with their own Arms where their Captains Companies stands Which being done let every Captain draw off his own men being assisted by his Lieutenants and Serjeants and compleating them up into a Body as at first his Pikes to be flanked with Muskettiers they may after march away in single Companies after such manner unto their several Quarters as shall be appointed to them by the Major And here I shall conclude concerning a Regiment of six Companies CHAP. XIII The manner of drawing up a Regiment consisting of seven Companies conteining in the four Captains twelve Files of Muskettiers and six of Pikes in each of their particular Companies and in the three Field-Officers sixteen Files apiece of Muskettiers and eight of Pikes which amounts to the number of 864 men IT hath been my observation in the City of London and the Suburbs thereof there being eighteen Regiments nine of the Trained Bands and nine of the Auxiliaries that their Regiments in some have but six Companies others and that for the most part seven and again in some and but a few to have eight Companies I shall therefore for the better satisfaction of such as remain unskill'd herein go through them all partly to shew the practise of this our City in their several drawings up with the reasons to confirm the same And having passed over as much as is convenient to satisfie any ingenious Souldier concerning the drawing up of six Companies in a Regimental-way with the confirmation and reasons of every particular Officer as he there stands it may in many things give full light to this that follows of seven Companies Yet nevertheless for more fuller satisfaction herein I shall shew the true manner hereof that I may not be wanting to any Souldiers benefit that he shall receive thereby Where note for better Order herein that I have pitcht upon a particular number of men although it may many times fall out so that the Captains Companies and the Field-Officers cannot be so full as I have here set down Or again it may chance to fall out as in our Trained Bands of London that they be a great deal fuller as sometimes they are for I have led a particular Company my self upon a general day being drawn into the Filed consisting of above 300 men Yet nevertheless whether the Companies be great or small observe this general Rule make two grand Divisions and ballance their number equal in both Arms and make no more Sub-divisions then what you have Captains to lead and Lieutenants to bring up and let the Serjeants march by the Flanks and not presume either to lead or bring up any divisions being conceived by most to be very improper And again if you fight the Regiment let your Muskettiers as neer as you can be equal alike in their Sub-divisions as they may most conveniently fall out whether four five or six abrest it makes no great matter always leaving in time of fight between such numbers of Files six foot of ground interval for to wheel off their Ranks after they have fired Now suppose the whole Regiment were marching to their general place of Randezvous the Major being there beforehand attending the Companies coming in he Orders to the Colonels Company the most convenient place for their drawing up and next to him the fourth Captains Company upon the left and next to him the third Captain and after him the eldest or first Captain which makes the first grand Division In the next place he orders the Lieutenant-Colonels Company to be on the left of the whole Regiment standing in even Front with the Colonel upon the right of him the second Captain is placed and after him the Majors own Company which make up the second grand Division Having thus far proceeded let the Major command the Pikes and Colours to advance forward ten paces before the Front of Muskettiers then let him close the Pikes of the first four Companies to the right to Order and the Pikes of the last to the left to
Reer of all his whole Body move forward with the rest to the Church-door then falling off in respect of ordering his Company the rest of the Train Marching into the Church After which the Captain may cause them all to face to the Church or to their Leader he standing then before the Church-door commanding them to Rank again as they were After every Leader may draw off his File and set their Arms apart in each File by themselves and go in to hear part of the Sermon if there should be any such order before-hand from their Captain placing Sentinels to look to their Arms. And when Sermon is almost done they ought to go forth of the Church and draw forth the Files by some little warning of Drums to be in readiness to answer such directions as they shall receive from their Captain who may if he have conveniency of room draw all his Muskettiers into a Ring and the Pikes in like manner on the outside of them and as soon as the Souldiers have notice being all ready and presented that the Body is laid down in the grave they may upon warning of the Drum give one volley of shot all together and after make ready again performing the same twice over more After which the Ensign may put his Colours upon his Staff and furl them up then the Pikes may be drawn up again into one Body and the Muskettiers into another and falling in the Reer of the Pikes they may troop away And a little before the place of lodging the Colours they may make Alt and the Muskettiers may sleeve up by the outside of the Pikes from the Reer filing to the right and left making a Guard for the Colours and Pikes to march through them and being cleer and the Colours lodged they may face about again to the right and give another volley of shot but if there should be such a streight of ground that the Muskettiers cannot be drawn into a Ring then they must be otherwise disposed of by making them into two Ranks the one on the one side of the Street and the other on the other side facing them either in opposition or in an oblique manner if in opposition they must present very low and give fire three times all together as before with one volley after another if oblique the one Rank is to be faced towards the upper end of the Street and the other towards the lower end and so may fire with less danger to each other the Pikes to be filed away to the right and left behind the Muskettiers before they were thus faced And again where they have not length of ground to contrive the Muskettiers into two single Ranks they may fire all together as they stand at Order mounting up the Muzzles of their Muskets into the Air without offending each other Therefore according to the conveniency of the ground it must be the discretion of every Commander to order his men accordingly to perform his three volleys of shot in the most gracefullest way which being ended they may all return to their Quarters And thus much may suffice for satisfaction to any Commander in ordering his single Company to any Funeral-occasion marching along of it self CHAP. XXVI The ordering of a Regiment to a Funeral-occasion WHen Companies are to march in a Regimental-way care must be had that the Regiment be first drawn up according to this Rule The Pikes to be in one Body and the Muskettiers equally divided to flank that Body after which let the Major make his Divisions appointing the places of every Captain and Lieutenant where they shall lead and where they shall bring up After that they may move away towards the place or lodging of him that is to be interred and there make Alt opening the Van-guard or Muskettiers and facing them to the Reer then let the Body of Pikes and them interchange ground that the Pikes may march next the Hearse in manner as before exprest of a private Company whose smaller Bodies take Rule from the greater Then let the Lieutenant-Colonel lead the Regiment and the Colonel bring it up and so in like manner in every Division the Bringers-up are to lead and the Leaders to bring up All Officers and their Arms being thus reverst the Front becomes the Reer and the Reer the Front they must move slowly away and before the Corps pass into the Church there must be ground reserv'd that after the Muskettiers have first made a Guard the Pikes may move through them and may also in like manner file in their Ranks as the Muskettiers did joyning to them and making a Guard in like manner of each Arms. After which the whole Train may pass through in an orderly manner into the Church the Souldiers in the mean time attending without until Sermon be passed over And being all in a readiness they may give three several Peals or Volleys of shot according to such warnings as shall be given them After which the Souldiers being ranked again as they were if they have conveniency of ground the Major may cause the Captains to draw off their Companies and troop home to their several Quarters according to their best conveniency But if they have not room it will be most properest for the Major to command the Muskettiers to stand and first to rank the Pikes again as they were Then let the Drums beat a Troop upon the head of the Pikes in the Reer of the Colours and let the Ensigns and Pikes first troop away through the Guard of the Muskettiers who being cleer of them and being led by the Colonel and other Officers there appointed the Muskettiers may also rank again in like manner and fall in the Reer of the Pikes following them until they come unto a convenient place or ground for the Captains drawing off their Companies as they shall receive order from the Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel or Major And here I will conclude my Discourse concerning the Exercising of the Infantry in all their Military Motions and Exercises FINIS The Postures of the Musket to be performed without the Rest The Musket lying on the ground with Bandeliers and Match the first Word of Command will be Stand to your Arms. Take up your Bandeliers Put on your Bandeliers Take up your Match Place your Match Take up your Musket letting the Butt-end rest upon the Ground Rest your Musket in your left hand bringing the Butt-end to your right side Poyse your Musket Shoulder your Musket Unshoulder your Musket and Poyse Ballance your Musket in your left hand with the Barrel upwards Open your Pan. Clear your Pan. Prime your Pan. Shut your Pan. Cast off your loose Corns Blow off your loose Corns and bring about your Musket to your left side carrying the Barrel downwards Ballance your Musket in your left hand Find out your Charge Open your Charge Charge with Powder Draw forth your Scowring-stick Turn and shorten to an inch Charge with Bullet Put your Scowring-stick in
the general being thus largely discoursed of I proceed next to the particular Quartering of the Souldiery Giving you VI. Examples of Quartering a Regiment both after the Old and New way With the Reasons which moved the Prince of Orange to alter the old Form VII I have discovered the manner of Quartering the Horse giving you an Example of Quartering four Cornets by which President a whole Regiment or Regiments may be quartered in the like manner VIII You have the manner of Quartering of a Foot-Army and IX An Example of Quartering of a whole Army both Horse and Foot and for an Example have added a Scheme of the Form in which the Prince of Orange Quartered his Army both Horse and Foot Artillery Waggons c. And to bring up the Reer for the farther satisfaction of the Reader I have added divers Orders for Watching and other General Orders to be observed in the Quarters with what else is necessary for the Encamping of an Army either in part or in whole What Rules are to be observed in the choice of the Ground to Quarter in IN chusing your Ground for your Quarters let it as neer as you can be upon high Ground lest your Enemy being higher may have an advantage of you by that means 2. Let it be neer no Woods nor Groves where your Enemy may lie in ambush and sally out upon you and vex you yet let it not be very far from neither Wood nor Water they being two as necessary things as can be But let the Ground be champion the better to discern your Enemy at a distance and if possible neer some River for the relief of Men and Cattle and for the cheaper conveying of necessaries for the use of the Souldiery 3. See that the Ground you quarter upon be not at any time subject to overflow with Water nor that any Water be let in upon you by Sluses or otherwise 4. That no boggy moorish or unwholsome Grounds be neer your Quarters which may be a means to bring Diseases and Sickness among the Souldiers 5. That Forrage Wood and Straw be neer you or may be easily conveyed to you 6. That the Quarters be not too neer your Enemy for fear of their Cannon nor very far distant but that timely relief may be given to the approachers 7. That the Ground be of a competent largeness to contain the number of Companies Horse Foot Artillery and other necessaries thereunto belonging with allowance of fit dimensions for every particular But it will rarely fall out that any place you can chuse will have all these conveniencies wherefore gain as many of them as you can and for the rest you must by industry supply Wherefore above all let the Fortifications and Intrenchments about your Quarters be well made and guarded lest by the neglecting of them you be surprized and your Enemy hinder your relief How the Quarter-master is to design his Quarters when the Ground is chosen THis work is not to be done of a sudden but the Quarter-master knowing the place where the Quarters are to be let him go to his Chamber and there consult with his List which he is to quarter namely how many Regiments of Horse how many of Foot what Waggons what Artillery and whatsoever else as Sutlers c. he is to quarter also how many Companies there is in each Regiment and how many men in each Company He having collected and gathered them all together in a Note let him take some pieces of fine past-board and cut them into pieces 300 foot by some small Scale deep and so broad as to contain the number of men of such a Regiment either Horse or Foot he is to quarter allowing true distance of Ground both for Hut Passage Stable c. and at that length let him cut off his past-board square and write upon that past-board the Colonels name and number of men and thus must he do for every Regiment both of Horse and Foot In like manner for the Generals Quarters and his Retinue for the Provost Quarter-master Minister Chirurgion and all others that require single Quarters and likewise for the Waggons and Sutlers All these must he lay one according as he finds their Numbers greater or lesser in his List and cut his past-boards accordingly writing upon them as before His past-boards being thus prepared let him upon a Table or rather upon a sheet of Imperial or Royal paper draw divers occult parallel lines at 50 foot distance for Streets and spaces of 300 foot for his several Regiments By help of these parallel Lines he may lay his past-boards upon this paper and move them this way and that way till he have brought them into a Square or Parallelogram or as regular a form as they will permit He having thus disposed them to the best advantage in his judgment he may draw a Scheme or Plat thereof upon fair Paper or Parchment writing the name of every Colonel and his number of men upon his particular Quarter with the Generals Quarters Market Streets Lanes c. making thereof a perfect Map and adding a Scale thereto he may measure the distance of any part thereof at pleasure This being done he may repair to his General and shew him his design which if he approve of he may proceed to the laying out of the Quarters in the Field The Past-boards laid together How the Quarters are to be laid out in the Field THe paper-design being approved on the Quarter-master-General repairs to the Field the several Quarter-masters of every Regiment accompanying him each of them having four staves of nine or ten foot high painted of the Colour of their Regiment with a Standard or Banner at the top thereof Then the Quarter-master-General coming to the Field with a Surveying Instrument pitcheth it down at one of the angular points of his Quarter and taking his sights setteth off a right Angle from the point where his Instrument standeth and measureth from thence with a Chain the whole length of his Quarter and at the end of that measure he setteth up a Standard of the Colour oâ— that Regiment that is to be quartered in that angle of the General Quarters Likewise from his Instrument at right angles he measureth out the bredth of his Quarters and at the end of that measure he causeth another Standard to be erected of the Colour of that Regiment that is to be there quartered and going to his Instrument he causeth another Standard to be erected there of the Colour of the Regiment that is there to be quartered Then removing his Instrument from this first place let him carry it to any of the other Standards and there place it laying his Index and sights upon the Diameter thereof and turning it about till he see his Standard that was set up where his Instrument last stood then fixing it there turn the Index to a Right-angle and looking through the sights measure out the length or bredth of your Quarters that way and