to the Right they must always observe theâ— Left-hand men And when they open to the Left their Right hand Men. If they open to the Right the Second File from the Right first takes its distance by little Steps and letting his Leader go as far from him as the distance he is Ordered before he stir the rest of the Files do the like successively And the Left-hand File is not to move at all In opening of Files they are to move extream slowly and directly forward Doublings Ranks to the Right Double March Ranks as you were March Ranks to the Left Double March Ranks as you were March The Ranks that double are to observe their Right-hand Men to move at the same time with them They are to begin the Motions with the Foot next the Hand named and to come into this doubling the even Ranks are to double into the odd and if tâ—â— odd Ranks are to double Faâ—â— the Body to the Rear and thâ— same Word of Command will perform it or else it may be doâ—â— by this Word of Command Odd Ranks that stood Tâ—â— the Right about double tâ—â— even Ranks To Reduce the Ranks The Ranks that double aâ— first to Face to the contraâ—â— hand and then with the contrary Foot come into their formâ— Ground But they are not tâ— stir not so much as to alter the aspect till the Word of Coâ—mand March be first giveâ— And 't is a constant Rule upoâ— all Doublings of Ranks or half Files That tho they are to turn to the contrary Hand they Doubled on from the Ground they Doubled to yet when they come to their own Ground they are always to turn to the Hand they doubled which brings them directly after their Leaders The doubling of Files is performed in the same manner and is the same thing with the Reduction of doubled Ranks Doubling of Front half-Half-Files by the Rear Half-files with the Reduction Rear Half-files to the Right hand Double your Front March Rear Half-files As you weâ— March Rear Half-files to the Leâ—â— hand Double your Fronâ— March Rear Half-files As you weâ—â— March If it be upon a March thâ— Rear Half-files are to move intâ— the Front with a quicker Motioâ— The Front Half-files still continâ—ing theirs But all must observe their Right-hand men And for Reduction Let thâ— Rear Half-files without Facing about stand till the Front Half-files have passed by and then fall after their proper Leaders But if the Front Half-files are to be doubled by the Rear the Body standing still the Rear Half-files are to March extreme slow observing well their Right-hand men that every Rank may double at one time And in the Reducement As in the Doubling of single Ranks no man is to stir till the word of Command March be first given And then they are all to turn together to the contrary Hand they doubled on And when they come upon their own ground they are always to turn to the same Hand they Doubled to Doubling of Rear half-Half-files by the Front half-Half-files with the Reduction Front half-Half-files to the Right about Double your Rear half-Half-files March At which VVord of Command the Front half-half-files or the Three front-Front-ranks turn to the Right about and passing on the Right Hand of their followers or thâ— Rear half-half-files they are to Double into them and assoon as doubled to face to the Left about to their Leader without any VVord of Command Reduction Front half-half-files as you were March At which word The Front half-Half-files are to March slowly observing to keep Three foot from their Right-hand-men which makes them incline to the Left and brings them directly upon their former ground In Doubling to the Left about the same thing is to be done onely observing the contrary hand Of Firing to the Front Soldiers are to be Exercised to Fire all manner of ways In keeping of ground Gaining of ground and losing of ground To make them Fire in keepiâ—â— of ground 't is necessary that 〈◊〉 Body be as close in Rank and Fâ—â— as can be conveniently with thâ— use of their Arms. One way is thus Musketiers make ready aâ—â— At which time the Musketiâ—â— are to be Cockt and Guarded anâ— their Arms streight before them the Pikes ported And when thâ— Musketiers Present The Pikes aâ— to be Charged The Five first Ranks Kneeâ— The Rear Rank Present Fire Fifth Rank stand up Present Fire Fourth Rank stand up Present Fire And so of the rest And as they have Fired They are to Charge again and to be in a readiness against the First word of Command This way of Firing may be performed either by Two Ranks at a time or Three Ranks The first kneeling and the second stooping or the Two first stooping 'T is necessary also to exercise them to Fire gaining ground which is to be performed in this manner The Battalion Marching the Commander in Chief Orders The first Ranks of Musketers Make ready Halt At which time the whole â—â—talion Halting He is to Coâ—mand the first Rank of Musktiers to Present and Fire When they have Fired they a to Recover their Arms withoâ— any word of Command and File off very quick to the Rigâ—â— and Left into the Rear When tâ—â— first Rank Presents the next Raâ—â— is to Make ready in course wâ—â—â— out any word of Command Aâ—â— as the first Rank Files off tâ—â— next makes good the Front Aâ—â— so the Battalion is to march â—gain and every Rank to Fire 〈◊〉 this Method The Pikes are to Charge whâ—â— every Rank Presents without 〈◊〉 word of Command Firing to the Front Retreating If a Body of men or Battalion be prest in Front and forc'd to Retreat The most commodious way of Firing is by single Ranks in the same Method as in gaining ground only after every Rank has Fired and Filed off to the Right and Left into the Rear Instead of the next Rank Advancing to make good the Front of Pikes The Pikes are to Retreat to the Musketiers who stand still till the Pikes make an even Front with them and so every Rank of Shot is to Fire successively in the same manner as the first Of Firing to the Flanks If upon a March a Body oâ— men be forced to Fire to boâ—â— Flanks the way of doing it is thâ—â— The Ranks being at six foot 〈◊〉 stance Intervals of about 〈◊〉 foot distance are to be left bâ—tween the Divisions of Musâ—â—tiers and the Pikes which the Oâ—ficers must have a great Care 〈◊〉 keep open by causing the Muslâ—tiers to encline to the Right anâ— Left after every Firing to thâ— Flanks which is to be performâ—â— in this manner The Right and Left-hanâ— Files of Musketiers Makâ—â— ready VVhich they are to do and keep along with the Body and not to Face to the Flanks till they are bid Present Assoon as they have Fired they are to Face to the Rear and so are by a Sargeant to be led athwart it very quick and so up between their own Divisions
AN ABRIDGMENT OF Military Discipline For the Use of His Majesties Forces in the Kingdom of Scotland By His Majesties special Command I R HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE EDINBVRGH Printed by the Heir of Andrew Anderson Printer to His most Sacred Majesty Anno Dom. 1686. WHITEHALL April 30. 1686. THis is the Book of Exercise Ordered to be Printed as the Rule for Exercising His Majesties Forces in His Ancient Kingdom of Scotland MELFORT AN ABRIDGMENT OF Military Discipline For the use of His Majesties Forces in the Kingdom of Scotland WHen a Regiment or several Companies are Commanded to draw out It is necessary that the Major and Adjutant or at least the Adjutant be there to give each Company its due Post The eldest on the Right the second on the Left so till the Youngest come into the Center And all Companies and Bodies of Men are to draw up at first at the same Order they march at both in Rank and File the single Companies observing to leave room for the Sargeants and Drums to stand on the Right and Left of each Company Before you form your Battalions remember always to draw out the odd Men from every Company Forming a Rank in Opposition at Fifty Paces distance from the Head of each Company thereby to have no broken Files which is much the better and quicker way to compleat your Files then after your Battalions are formed When your Companies are thus disposed the most ready way to Form a Battalion is by these words of Command Have a care to Form the Battalion Musketiers to the Right and Left outwards Pikes to the Right and Left inwards March interchanging Ground When Pikes and Musketiers Interchange Ground the first Rank of Pikes pass before the first Rank of Musketiers And it is always to be observed That after any Command for moving no Man stir before the Word of Command March be given thereby to make them all move together When they have thus changed Ground they are not to Face to their Leaders till the word of Command be so given At which time they are then in Battalia but at close Order in File And now it is to be observed that the Officers are no more limited to their particular Companies but are all concerned in the whole He that Commands is to see how many Sargeants there are present and dispose of them in this following manner Viz. If a Battalion consist of Eight or Ten Companies or more And the Companies have each Two Sargeants and Three Corporals who are designed to do Sargeants Duty It is necessary to place two on each Rank to the Right and Left and the rest in the Rear But if the number of Sargeants be fewer then there can be but one to each Rank on the Right and Left The remainder always to be in the Rear making a Rank parallel to the Souldiers at Three Paces distance from the last Rank The Sargeants being placed in this manner The Drums are to be disposed of one half on the Right and the other on the Left Ranging directly with the first Rank of the Souldiers unless there be many Drums and the Ground Streight And then they are to be formed into Two Ranks on the Right and Left to range with the Two first Ranks of the Souldiers And they are always to have their Drums slung unless Commanded to the contrary The Hoboys to be on the Right of the Drums which are on the Right of the Battalion ranged in the same Rank with them The Commission-Officers are to take their Posts at the head of the Battalion as the Colours are drawn But the more particular placing of the Officers will be directed hereafter Now it is to be observed That though the Files are still at their close Order the Ranks are to have their Distance of Twelve large Feet which the Sargeants are to be very diligent and active to see kept very even The Officer in Chief is to place himself before the Center of the Pikes about forty Paces from them the better to observe what is done And that he may be more easily understood by the whole Body He is to be on Horse-back The Words of Command are to be given leisurely that the Soldiers may have time to perform the Exercise without confusion And above all Silence is to be kept very strictly And the first Word of Command before you begin the Exercise is Silence When every thing is thus disposed The next Word of Command is Files Open to the Right 〈…〉 Leâ—t to your Order March At which Word every individual man turns to the Hand named and after a little pause tâ—â— Sergeants on the Flank lead tâ—â— Ranks which are theâ— Files directly forward as slow as posâ—ble by the least Steps they 〈◊〉 make with thier Halberts Aâ—vanced the Iron upwards observing always for a Rule To mind the Front that is If they move to the Right every man is to observe his Left hand man And if they move to the Left his Right hand man Assoon as the last man but one of the first Rank stirs his Foot They are to be commanded all to Halt And no man is to stir after that Word In this manner of Opening of Files no man is to stir till his â—eader be Four foot from him â—nd then to move and keep at â—hat Distance which will make â—hem Three foot distance from â—ach other when Faced to the Proper Front Assoon as they are commanded to Halt The next VVord of Command is To your Leader The Captains and Lieutenants are to carry their Pikes Comported always when they move to the Right or Left and the Colours to be Advanced The Sargeants are to be very mindful to keep the Ranks even and at Twelve large feet distance and the Files at Three And for the better keeping Files streight after they are Opened to their Order every man is to look to his Right and Left hand man and to see that he has an equal distance from both especially the File leaders by whom all the rest are governed The next thing is to Draw the Officers from the Front of the Battalion to the Rere which is done by these VVords of Command Have a Care of the Exercise At which VVord of Command the Musketiers are to pull off their Right hand Gloves and put them under their Girdles Officers take your Posts of Exercise in the Rere March VVhich is to be done by the Officers Facing to the Right about The Captains marching at a good round pace in one Rank and the Lieutenants and Colours in another Two paces behind the Captains who as well as the Lieutenants are to carry their Pikes Advanced VVhen they are come into the Rere the Lieutenants and Ensigns are to be in one Rank Eight paces from the Sargeants And the Lieutenants and Ensigns Eight The Captains being from the last Rank of Soldiers Thirteen paces and the Lieutenants and Colours Eleven At the same VVord of Command or
to March at the Head of every Sub-Division of Pikes The Sargeants are always to March on the Flanks and are never to Lead or Bring up a Division unless Commanded The Sargeants that are Posted in the Rear of the Battalion when Drawn up are always to take care of the Pikes in Marching When they March by Sub-Divisions they are to March Shoulder to Shoulder in Files but nâ—â— so as to croud one another Aâ—â— tho there may happen to be momen in one Rank then another yet no Gaps are to be left in the Ranks but they are to March as is said before Shoulder to Shoulder The Captains and Officers are always to March with their Pikeâ— under-hand except onely when they pass by a General Officer or come before a Guard to Relieve it or off the Parade and then they are to be Shouldered Of Defiles To pass a narrow Defile The readiest way to perform it and to Draw up again in order assoon as past is to make the Ranks File If to the Right the Right-Hand Man is to File first and the rest of his Rank is to follow him then they are to Rank again as they were which is better then Files Filing because it immediately makes a Front to the Enemy If the Ranks be great let them File Two a Breast beginning with the two Outwardmost File-leaders For larger Defiles the Commander may draw off as he judges the way will easily receive Of Wheeling When a Battalion is to Wheel to alter the Front either to one hand or the other or to bring the Front where the Rear was The Command is to Wheel â—â—ther to the Right or the Left first If to the Right you say Wheel to the Right March At which Word of Command every man in the Battalion moves and Wheels from the Left to the Right onely the maâ— on the Right Angel turns verâ— slowly being as it were the Hinge on which the rest move In this way of VVheeling theâ— must observe both their Right and Left-hand Men. And the first Rank is to take such a comâ— Pass of Ground as neither to press one another out nor yet to make a Gap or Interval in the Ranks The best way to avoid both which is for every man to be sure to observe what distance he is at in File when he is Commanded to VVheel And If he VVheels to the Right to be sure to keep that very same distance from his Right-hand Man And the Ranks are to observe their Leaders well and to Close quick to the Left in the Rear The same method must be observed to the Right if the Battalion be Commanded to VVheel to the Left Of Wheeling when a Battalion or a Body of Men March in Division VVhen upon March the VVord of Command is given to Wheel if it be to the Right thâ— Right-hand Man keeps hâ—â— Ground and onely turns upon hâ—â— Heel At the same time the Left hand Man moves about quick till he makes an even Line with his Right-hand Man and that the Officer bids him Stand. The Second Rank must noâ— begin to Wheel till they have taken the Ground of the first 〈◊〉 every Rank successively is tâ— March directly forward up tâ— their Leaders Ground before theâ— begin to VVheel upon which dâ—pends this way of VVheeling Before they come to VVheeâ— the Soldiers are to observe thâ—â— hand in Marching to which theâ— are to VVheel For as the Right hand Man is to be observed iâ— Marching when they VVheel to the Right so they must observe the Left Hand in Marching when they are to Wheel to the Left But when they are Wheeling they must observe the contrary Hand Of Wheeling by single Ranks VVhen an Officer is Marching a Body of men and there be occasion to Form them on a suddain into a single Rank either to make a Guard or to line a Hedge the VVords of Command are these Ranks to the Right or Left hand Wheel March If they are to VVheel to the Right the Right-hand Man of every Rank is to stand and onely turn to the Right on the Ground he stands on and the rest are aâ—â— to Wheel together into one Raâ—â— at the Word of Command March The Colours are to VVheel in before the Rank and the Drums to take their Posts a the Right and Left of the Ranâ— as also the Sargeants VVhen they are so VVheel'd they may either be Closed to the Right or to the Left that there may be no Gaps in the Ranks Reduction Form your Ranks to the Left or As you were March For the performance whereof the Left-hand Man of every Rank is to stand and onely turn to the Left And at the VVord March the rest are to VVheel into their places as they were Of Wheeling backward by half Ranks To VVheel backwards by half Ranks upon a long March the following Directions are to be observed The Number of men ought to be even in every Rank and the Right and the Left-hand Man of every Rank being Ordered to stand and onely to Turn to the Right and Left Inwards the following VVords of Command are to be observed By Half Ranks Wheel to the Right and Left Backward March At which Word of Commandâ— the Half-Ranks Separate and faâ—â— back to the Right and Left-hand men Forming Two Ranks in opposition to one another The Officers and Colours are to sepaâ— rate accordingly and to take their Posts Ranging themselves before the Soldiers to make a Guard The Sargeants and Drums are to be on the Right and Left Reduction By half Ranks to the Right and Left Inward Form your Ranks as you were March The Directions are the same as before For the Right and Left-hand Man of every Rank is to stand and onely Turn to the Right and Left Inward and the rest at the Word March are to Wheel and they will be in the same Marching Order that they were Closings and Openings Ranks Close forwards to Order Three Foot March Ranks Close forward to Close Order A foot and half March Ranks Open backward tâ— Order Three Foot March Ranks Open backward tâ— Open Order Six Foot March Ranks Open backwards tâ— double distance twelve Fooâ— March In this way of Opening backward the Ranks are to fall bacâ— without changing aspect obseâ—ving their Right-hand men anâ— their Leaders Files close to the Right March Files close to the Left March Files close to the Center March Files open to the Right March Files open to the Left March Files open from the Center March When Files open from the Center they are to face from the Center and if there be an odd File it is to stand which is the Center File Also when Files are to open to the Right or Left they are not to stir not so much as changing aspect till the Word of Command March be first given and then they are inâ—mediately to Face to the hand named and to take their distance Commanded every one from hiâ— Leader When they open
to Facing to the Left About When a Squadron of Horse is to Charge another it is better they should do it with their Swords in their Hands than either with Pistols or Carabines The Exercise of Granadiers on Horseback WHen they are on Horseback then the Common Exercise used by Horse is most proper for them onely they must strictly observe that whenever they March Wheel Face or Halt they keep Three foot distance betwixt every File that they may have room to Dismount their Horses March through or Face about And being thus Marched into the Field their Arms Charged and their Hatts on the Word of Command being given to Halt the Officer in Chief Commanding Silence is to proceed as followeth Viz. Granadiers have a Care Sling your Muskets Having your Left hand on your Sling Put on your Caps Right and Left-hand Meâ— of each Rank keep Mounted Clear your Right Foot of the Stirrup At which tâ—â— they are to Handle their Musâ—kets and to cast them backwardâ— over their Cloak Sismount Which is to be done quick and all together Make ready your Links Link your Horses to the Left March clear of your Horses Which may be done by the second or thrid Rank Marching through and assoon as clear Handling their Muskets Shoulder your Muskets Marching and the Sargeants and Corporals taking care of the Ranks c. and that the Files open in their Marching to three foot distance Halt Lay your Right hand on your Musket Poise your Musket Facing to the Right Rest your Musket Cock and Guard Present Fire Recover your Arms. Half-bending your Muskets Cast about to the Left Draw your Dagger Fix them in your Musket Recover your Arms. Charge to the Front To the Right Charge Four times To the Right about Charge As you were To the Left Charge Foâ—â— times To the Left about As you were Recover your Arms. Cast about to the Left Having your Riâ—â—â— Hand on your Dâ—â—ger Withdraw your Dagger Return your Dagger Poise your Musket Clean your Pan. Open your Cartridge Box. Take out your Primer Prime Return your Primer Shut your Pan. Bringing your Musket up quick before you Blow off your Loose Corns Cast about to Charge Take out your Cartridge Immediately after shutting the Cartridge Box. Vncap your Cartridge with your Teeth Load with Powder and Ball. Draw forth your Scowrer Shorten it to an Inch. Place it in the Barrel Ram home Powder and Ball. Withdraw your Scowrer Shorten it to a Handfull Return your Scowrer Poise your Musket Before you Shoulder your Musket Poise your Muskets Seizing their Slings wiâ—â— their Left Hands Sling your Muskets Handle your Pouch Stepping forward wâ—â— your Right Leg yoâ—â— Left Hand at the boâ—â—tom all of a height your Right hand held up all of a height Open your Pouch Take forth your Granade The Right Hand extended before you Shut your Pouch The left hand held up all of a height shut them all together at one motion Vncase your Fuse Falling back with your Right Leg even to your Left facing to the Front Handle your Match The Left hand to the Left side both Arms extended The three ranks doing it together Blow your Match The first Rank only salling back with the Right Leg blowing a strong blast The first Rank Fire your Fuse Deliver your Granade Afterwards they are to unsling their Muskets At which word of Command the second Rank is to march through on the Right Six Foot before the first with their Matches ready to blow Blow your Match Fire your Fuse Deliver your Granade Unsling and stand cockt and guarded At which word of Command the Third Rank is to march through on the Right Six Foot before the Second Blow your Match Fire your Fuse Deliver your Granade Unsling and stand 〈◊〉 and guarded At which word of Command the first or proper Front is 〈◊〉 march through Six Foot First Rank Present Fire After which they are to fix their Dâ—â—ger in their Musket Which the Second and Thiâ—â— Ranks are to perform in the samâ— manner successively by the samâ— words of Command Recover your Arms. Cast about to the Left Withdraw your Daggers Return your Daggers Poise your Muskets To the proper Front Shoulder your Muskets To the Right about Taking up your first ground opening your ranks in your march To your Leaders Poise your Muskets Rest upon your Arms. Lay down your Arms. To the Right about March Breaking their Ranks then the Drum beating they draw their Swords faceing to the Left about running with a Huzza to their Arms. Return your Swords Handle your Arms. Recover and Poise Shoulder your Muskets Poise your Muskets Face to the Right about Sling your Muskets March to your Horses The second and third ranks marching and standing at their Horses Head Facing to the Front Vnlink your Horses Fasten your Links When done they are shorten their Bridles Put your Foot in your Stirrup At which time the must lay their Muskets over their â—â—dles Mount Which must be done all togethâ—â— and the proper Officers are â—â—mediately to take care of 〈◊〉 Ranks Handle your Swords Draw your Swords Place your Swords In your â—â—dle Hands Handle your Pistol Which is aways the 〈◊〉 first Draw your Pistol Cock your Pistol Keeping your Thâ—â— on the Cock assisted 〈◊〉 the Left Hand Present The Cock equal with your hâ—â— in height on Exercise Fire Still holding it up till the next word oâ— Command Return your Pistol The same for the Right Pistol Handle your Muskets Vnsling your Muskets Mount your Muskets Here if you order the Muskets to be Charged you may proceed as followeth Cock your Muskets Present your Muskets Into the Air. Give fire Keeping the Muzzel still up till the next word of Command Sling your Muskets Handle your Swords By taking your Swords in your Right Hands Maâ—ch After which the Officer may proceed to Marchings Facings Wheelings or what other Exercise he shall think fit and propâ—â— for them on Horseback and tâ— shew them the Method of chargâ—ing their Arms on Horseback 〈◊〉 well as on foot and the words 〈◊〉 Command are to be given so 〈◊〉 stinctly that the other Officers mâ— have time to see every particulâ—â— person exactly observe the samâ— and that they be accustomed to Fire at Marks both on Horseback and on Foot Exercise of Dragoons 'T Is to be supposed That when the Officer in Chieâ— comes into the Field he finds the Dragoons Drawn up in Thrâ—â— Ranks with their Muskets Advanced Whereupon Silence being Commanded The Word is Dragoons have a Care Sling your Muskets Make ready your Links Clear your Right Foot of your Stirrup Dismount Standing at your Horses Head When they Dismount the Six Outside Men are to continue Mounted that they may take Care of the Horses Link your Horses to the Left March clear of your Horses and Shoulder as you March Halt Then the Battalion is to be Formed in the same Method as the foot by evening the Ranks and Streightning the