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A39333 The compleat body of the art military in three books : I. The postures of the pike and musket ..., II. Twelve exercises ..., III. The drawing up and exercising of regiments after the manner of private companies ... : also, the duties of all souldiers and officers ... / by Richard Elton ... ; to which is added a supplement comprehending these particulars, I. the duties and qualifications of all officers belonging to an army .., formerly written by Capt. Tho. Rudd ... Elton, Richard, fl. 1650.; Rudd, Thomas, 1584?-1656. 1668 (1668) Wing E655 278,856 257

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placing your selves before your Leaders Command Half-files double your Front to the right they are reduced CHAP. IV. Eight several Counter-marches with their Reducement Command FIle-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right and 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 File-leaders and Bringers-up stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves before your Leaders and your Bringers-up Command The outmost File upon each Flank stand the rest pass through to the right and left placing your selves before your outside-men Direction Face outward and pass through to the right and left placing your selves before the outmost Files to your Leader and close your Divisions to open Order Command Bringers-up stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves behind your Bringers-up Direction The five first Ranks are to face about the next Rank to the Reer is first to begin the Motion the rest are successively to follow until the Leaders are become the Bringers-up Command The Left-hand-file stand the rest pass through to the left and place your selves on the out side of your left-hand-men Command File-leaders and Bringers-up stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves behind your Leaders and Bringers-up Direction The first and the two next Ranks from the Reer face about the two first Ranks from the Front and the two last Ranks from the Reer move forwards placing your selves behind your Leaders and your Bringers-up face to to your Leader and close your Divisions Command The outmost File upon each File face inward the rest pass through to the right and left placing your selves behind your right and left-hand-men CHAP. V. Ten several Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel the Front-half-files inward into the midst and double your Reer inward intire Direction Half-files face outward and march cleer of the standing part after face to the Reer Front-half-files open from the midst to open Order after Wheeling to the right and left inward into the Reer to your Leader Command Right and Left-half-ranks double the depth of the Battail by Wheeling into the Front Direction Right-half-ranks wheel to the left and Left-half-ranks wheel to the right to your Leader Command Wheel off the Front-half-files and double the Reer by division Direction Half-files face about and Front-half-files wheel off by Division moving down even with the Reer to your Leader Command Wheel off your right Half-ranks and double your left Flank to the right intire Direction Face outward and Right-half-ranks wheel about to the left and move away and double the left Flank to the right to your Leader Command Front and Reer-half-files double the Depth of the Battail by wheeling into the Front and Reer Direction Half-files face to the Reer and Front and Reer-half-files wheel to the right and left inward face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Wheel off your Left-half-ranks and double your right Flank by Division Direction Face outward and Left-half-ranks wheel off by Division and move even with the right Flank to your Leader Command Wheel off your Reer-half-files and double the Front to the right intire Direction Half-files face about and wheel to the left until you have ranged even with the Front Command Wheel your Battail off by Division from the Front Direction Right-half-ranks wheel about to the right and left Half-ranks wheel about to the left and move down to the Reer face to your Leader and close into the midst to order Command Wheel off your Left-half-ranks and double your right Flank to the left intire Direction Face outward Left-half-ranks wheel about to the right and move forward and double the right Flank to the left intire to your Leader Command Wheel off your Front-Half-files and double the Reer to the left intire Direction Half-files face about and Front-half-files wheel about to the right move down and range even with the Reer face to your Leader reduceth them CHAP. VI. Six Figures of Battail with several Firings thereunto belonging Command RAnks and Files close to order they will stand us underneath is set forth from which we will draw our Figures after we have fired upon this Platform three or four times Command Double your Files inward intire advancing The first firing Let the first two Ranks advance forward ten paces give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after wheeling off to the right and left placing themselves before the Front of Pikes the next two Ranks and so the rest successively doing the like until they have Fired once over which reduceth them The second firing Let the first Rank advance three paces give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves the rest doing the like until all have Fired once over as before The third firing Let them give Fire on the ground they stand and fall off to the right and left and Flank the Pikes The fourth firing Let them Fire even with the Front and fall in with the Reer of the Pikes which being ended let the Pikes charge on Reducement Muskettiers double your Front by Division Command The first two Ranks stand the rest face outward and move cleer of the standing part to your Leader the two last Ranks move outward side-ways two paces The first firing Let every Division give Fire on the same ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let them advance forwards until they be cleer of the Pikes give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after moving down into their places Command Front-division advance forward three paces the two next Divisions move outward one pace Pikes in each Division face about and move two paces to your Leader Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer advance forwards and range even in Front and Reer with the Middle-divisions of Pikes the first Rank of Pikes in the Front-division move three foot cleer of the standing part The first firing Let them give Fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let them give Fire to Front Reer and both Flanks altogether Direction Reer-divisions face outward the last Rank of Pikes and Muskettiers of the Front-division face to the Reer the last Rank of Muskettiers move down cleer of the Reer and close inward to order then last the Pikes port and after the Muskettiers have Fired charge on then retreating into their places again Command The first and the last Rank of Pikes face about and move down cleer of the Reer and close Ranks forwards to order outmost Divisions of Muskettiers face about move down and flank your own divisions of Pikes The first Division of Pikes move forward and range even abrest with your own Division of Muskettiers the Front-division of Muskettiers closing into the midst to order The first firing Let the Front-division give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after wheeling off to the right
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-files inter-change ground Direction Front half-files face about to the left Command Right and left 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-files counter-march to the right Direction Front and Reer half-files turn off distinctly by your selves on the ground you stand face to your Leader Command Right and left 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
Reer and then give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let the Muskettiers move forwards and the inmost Division rank outward into Front and Reer and then give Fire altogether and file as they were the Pikes may charge whilst they make ready and fall into their places again they may continue upon this Firing a second time The third firing Let the Muskettiers and the two outmost men of the Pikes face to both Flanks and likewise the Middle-divisions of Pikes are to face to both Flanks after this manner the first two of the Reer-division are to face to the right and the two last men of the Front-division are to face to the left then let the Muskettiers give fire to both Flanks and the Pikes may after charge to the Front Reer and both Flanks until the Muskettiers make ready again this Firing may be continued twice to your Leader Command The outmost single men of Muskettiers in the Front-divion face about the two outmost men of Muskettiers both of Front and Reer-divisions move forward and close to order face to your Leader and close inward to open Order The first firing Let them give Fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves then face about and move down into the Reer the rest moving up successively giving Fire and falling off in like manner this may be continued twice over then face them to the Reer and let the Muskettiers rank to the right and left outward The second firing Let the first Rank of each Division give Fire and fall off to the right and left in manner and form of the former Firing until they have Fired twice over then to file as they were and face to their Leader Command Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes move to the right one pace the second Division of Pikes move forward and double the Front to the left the second Division of Pikes from the Reer face about move down and double the Pikes in the Reer to the left to your Leader Middle-divisions of Muskettiers open outward to twice double distance face all to the Center and march two or three paces to your Leader The first firing The three last Divisions face to the Reer the two outmost men both of Pikes and Muskettiers face to the Flanks then let them all give Fire and fall in the Reer of the Pikes the Pikes may charge while the Muskettiers make ready again The second firing Let the Muskettiers move forth and give Fire as at first and after fall in again The third firing Let them give Fire by Extraduction and fall again in the Reer of the Pikes The fourth firing Let the Pikes charge the Horse and the Muskettiers give Fire altogether over their heads then move forth into their first places and face to their Leader Command Front and Reer-divisions of Muskettiers open outward to double distance the outmost men of Pikes close inward to open order the third Rank of Pikes from the Front face about the third Rank of Pikes from the Front and the third Rank of Pikes from the Reer move forwards to order face to your Leader Front and Reer-divisions stand the rest face outward and move two paces to your Leader The first firing Let the first Divisions Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheeling off to the right and left into the place of those Muskettiers in the Reer they at the same time moving forward into their places and firing falling off in like manner the Muskettiers may give Fire on the ground they stand falling in the Reer of themselves This firing being twice performed we proceed to another The second firing Let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers and those upon the Flanks give Fire and fall in the midst of Pikes in the mean time the last Division of Pikes may open outward until they be cleer of the standing part then let Pikes charge all whilst the Muskettiers make ready again This firing may be performed twice after which let them move forth into their places again and face to Front and Reer and give Fire and fall off in the Reer of themselves the Pikes may charge which being ended face them to their Leader Command The last Rank of Pikes of the Middle-division face about middle-division of Pikes move forward until you range even abrest with the midst of the Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes to your Leader the last man of the outmost divisions of Muskettiers face about outmost-men move forward three paces and face to your Leader Ranks of the Front and Reer-divisions open from the midst to open order Reer-divisions move forward two paces The first firing Let them Fire to the Front and fall in between the Pikes this may be done twice after which face to the Front and Reer and Fire there in the same manner then let Pikes and Muskettiers intercharge ground let them give Fire altogether unto Front and Reer then facing about interchange ground with the Pikes who are to charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready then retreating let them all face outwards and they will stand in form like a Saw after they have moved two paces The second firing Let the Muskettiers give Fire altogether to both Flanks and the Pikes to charge on after retreating they may order their Arms and face all to their Leader Reducement The outmost Muskettiers upon the Flanks move to right and left inward placing themselves in the midst of their own divisions the outmost men of Pikes to stand the rest to double Ranks to the left and the first Rank of Pikes to double to the right File-wise and the second Rank from the Reer to double to the left File-wise after let the outmost men of Pikes double their inmost Files into the midst then moving forward their divisions evening their Front closing Files to the midst to order they are reduced And now we will lodge our Colours and repose our selves until by the beat of the Drum we shall be summon'd to make our appearance CHAP. XII The third Exercise with four Files six deep BEing the third time brought into the Field compleatly arm'd where being drawn forth into Files and by the Leaders thereof exercised as before they are commanded to lead up their Files yet not presuming to place themselves but leaves that to the discretion of their Superiour Officers who knows best the desert of each particular man But by the way give me leave in this place to tell the Souldiers and Leaders of our private Meetings that this decorum is not rightly observed the Souldier thinking himself wiser then his Leader presumes to chop and change by Counter-marching of his File making some part of the Reer to be more honourable then the Front which cannot be for the youngest Souldier there is of more honor then the eldest in the Reer in regard it is the more honorable part of the Battalia therefore it is plain that they take more upon them then becomes them for no File-leader
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
Reer-divisions range even abrest with the Front to your Leader P. Command Front-division of Pikes upon the left face about march all until that Division be six foot cleer of the Reer then stand and Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes face to the left and move two paces to your Leader Q. Command Front-division of Pikes face about march all until the Front-division of Pikes range even abrest with the first Division of Muskettiers to your Leader R. Command The two outmost divisions of Muskettiers face about outmost divisions of Pikes face outward move all until the outmost Muskettiers stand streight with the Front-division of Muskettiers then face to your Learder S. Reducement Divisions of Pikes face inward the three last Divisions face about march all some six paces Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes face to the left Muskettiers face about move all two paces to your Leader Divisions move forwards and double your Front close Files inward to order and Ranks forward to order double Files to the left intire advancing reduceth them Thus much I conceive may be sufficient at one time for a Leader to exercise his Company with the motions upon their Facings so that he shall not need to trouble himself with any more then Firings Where first as is most properest we will begin with some plain Firings to the Front for the performance whereof let the Half-files double their Front to the left and Ranks and Files close forwards and inward to order The first firing Let them Fire by Divisions drawn forth ten or twentie paces and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let the Muskettiers close their Divisions before the Front of Pikes and give Fire and fall all off upon the right Flank The third firing The Body moving or marching let the outmost Files face to the right and give Fire and lead away by the contrary side of their Pikes by the Leaders of the File the next File may do the same and consequently all the rest until all have Fired then let them face to the right the Pikes in the interim charging on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again The fourth firing Let the Pikes open from the midst that the Muskettiers may come up between them two Ranks may kneel down and the other two stand upright and Fire altogether the Pikes then charging and after retreating they may close again into the midst continuing their Aspects to the right Flank the Pikes may port and the Muskettiers may slieve up upon the right and left of the Pikes the first Rank giving Fire and presently falling before the Front of Pikes the next Rank doing the same falling still behind their own Muskettiers and before the Front of Pikes as they are then faced and having all Fired after that manner they may Fire again and flank their Pikes then facing to Front and Reer they may give Fire to both places and fall off to the right and left and Flank their pikes from Front and Reer and after face to their Leader Command Files open outward to open order Muskettiers close outward to order the inmost Files of pikes close outward to order Ranks close to Front and Reer to order Reer-divisions of pikes face about Muskettiers face outward move all three paces to your Leader And now you have the Figure of battail pointed out in the first place unto you by the Alphabet The first firing Let them Fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right into the place of those Muskettiers in the Reer they at the same time moving up into the Front firing in like manner and moving down into their places again The second firing Let the Reer-divisions face about and after let them give Fire both to Front and Reer and falling in the Reer of themselves the Pikes may charge while the Muskettiers make ready again they may Fire a second time in the same manner The third firing Face all to both Flanks then let them give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes after charging on three paces and the Muskettiers retreating three paces after facing to their Leader produceth this Figure following The first firing Let the two first Divisions advance three paces before the Front give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after move down into the places of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into their rooms giving Fire in like manner falling down into their places again this may be perform'd twice over after face them to Front and Reer The second firing Let them give Fire their Divisions advancing three paces before the Front and Reer falling in the Reer of themselves the Pikes charging on and the Muskettiers retreating into their places again facing to their Leader Command Reer-division of Muskettiers upon the left face about Reer-division of Muskettiers upon the right face to the right Front-division of Muskettiers upon the left face to the left Muskettiers march all cleer of the Pikes then stand after face them in their several Divisions to the left and move two paces to your Leader If you finde by the words of Command given to make the former Figure that your Divisions stand too thin you may face them all to the Center and move forward every Division two or three paces then face to their Leader The first firing Let the Front-division of Muskettiers give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after wheel off to the right into the room or place of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into the Front Firing and falling off in like manner this Firing may be performed twice The second firing Let the Muskettiers upon the Wings advance forward three paces give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after face about and move into their places The third firing Let the Front-division of Muskettiers move to the right two paces Reer-division move up upon the left of them then let them all both in Front and Reer give Fire on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes after closing forward their Divisions may charge on and after retreating into their places again the Division of Muskettiers upon the left in the Front in the mean space facing about and moving down into their places The fourth firing Let the Muskettiers face to the Front Reer and both Flanks the Pikes face to the outward Angles of Front and Reer and Port then let them give Fire on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves Pikes may charge on to the four Angles then ordering all their Arms move the Reer-division of Muskettiers forward even with them of the Wings then face all to their Leader The first firing Let the first division Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after face about and move down into the Middle-rank of Muskettiers they at the same time marching up into their ground Firing and falling off in like manner
The second firing Let the Muskettiers upon the Wings advance forward even abrest with those in the Front and Fire altogether the three Divisions falling in the Reer of themselves and after the outmost Divisions facing about and moving into their places again The third firing Let the Front-Division of Muskettiers face about move down and double the middlemost by division after let the Muskettiers face outward and move three paces and give Fire to both the Flanks falling off to the right and left the middle-divisions making good their ground and firing in like manner falling off Having Fired twice over to both the Flanks face them to their Leader and draw forth the outmost Files of Muskettiers of the middle-division before the Front of Pikes and close their Files inward to Order Command Reer-division of Pikes face outward and move two foot cleer of the standing part to your Leader The first firing Let the first division of Muskettiers give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after wheel about and fall in the midst of the Reer and range even abrest between the outmost divisions of Pikes after face to their Leader The second firing Let the three other divisions advance forwards altogether three foot before the Front and give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes charge on and the Muskettiers still preserving their ground making ready again whilst the Pikes retreat into their places The third firing Let them give Fire again in like manner the Pikes charging on and retreating as before then let the last divisions of Pikes move inward in a streight line with the outmost divisions of Muskettiers in the Front and they will stand as followeth The first firing Let them give Fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves this may be performed twice then face to the Front and Reer the last Rank of the middle-division is to face about the first Rank are to continue their Aspects unto the Front The second firing Let the Pikes port to Front and Reer and the Muskettiers give Fire to Front and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves and after the Pikes may charge on and retreat again they may continue this Figure twice the Pikes charging and after face to their Leader Command Reer-divisions of Pikes face about and move three paces and face to their Leader Front-divisions of Muskettiers face about and move down into the midst as before interchanging ground with the Reer-division of Muskettiers the two last Divisions of Pikes move outward until they be two foot clear of the next range of Muskettiers middle Division of Muskettiers move backward even with the Reer Division of Muskettiers to your Leader Upon this Figure face the three last Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers to the right about and let them give fire to Front and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes may afterwards charge on to Front and Reer and retreat back again into their first places they may perform this firing twice the Pikes likewise charging up before and retreating into their places again face all to their Leader And now it will be expedient having almost tired the Muskettiers with these several Firings to end our fourth Exercise and lodge the Colours but first we will reduce them Reducement The outmost Division of Muskettiers on the right move forward and fall in the Reer of them in the Front Reer Division of Muskettiers move forward and fall in the Reer of the left Division of Muskettiers then let them move straight forwards and joyn with them in the Front and close the Pikes into the midst to Order and their Ranks forward to Order let the Pikes double the Front inward entire and after Files to double to the left entire advancing closing Files inward to Order they are reduced CHAP. XVI The Fifth Exercise with four Files Eight deep THe Souldiers having made timely appearance according to the Drums summoning unto such places as was appointed by their Commander and being by the Serjeants drawn forth into Files the Leaders thereof being permitted to instruct and teach their Files the Postures and handsome handling of their Arms are forthwith by warning of the Drum to lead up their Files and being joyn'd in a Body according to the discretion of the Superior Officers do there stand silently expecting what will follow The Captain or other that shall Exercise them first commands the Bringers-up to double their Front to the left and after appoints one of the Serjeants to fetch the Colours to which purpose he draws off the two inmost Files of Pikes and advancing their Arms the Drum beating a troop they may move away and bring them to the Company being led thither by the Ensign the Serjeant falling in the Reer of the Pikes and they falling into their places again they may be commanded Files to double their depth to the right every man falling behind his Bringer-up Now the former days Exercise being chiefly spent in the Motions by several Firings they may be spar'd in this and in lieu thereof the Leader may out of the former plain Doublings collect one that may continue long in exercise before reduced and in this Exercise he shall not need to trouble himself with Counter-marches or Wheelings but fall immediately alone upon the Motions with this Doubling or the like as followeth CHAP. XVII Thirty several Doublings with their Reducements Command HAlf-files double your Front to the left Command Double your Files to the right entire advancing Command Half-files double your Front to the right and left outward Direction Half-files advance your Arms and move to the right and left outward and double the Front Command Double your Files outward entire advancing Direction Even files from the Flanks move forward and double the odd and after close Files into the midst to Order Command Half-files double your Front to the right entire Command Right Half-ranks double the left Flank to the right Direction Face to the left right half-ranks move forward and double the left Flank to the right to your Leader Command Double your Ranks to the right entire Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank entire advancing Command Half-files double your Front inward entire Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank to the left Direction Face to the right left half-ranks advance your Arms and move forward to the left and double your right Flank Command Double your Ranks to the left entire Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank entire advancing Command Half-files double your Front inward entire Direction Front half-files face outward and march clear of the standing part to your Leader half-files move forward and double the Front inward entire Command Right half-ranks double entire the depth of the left Flank Direction Left half-ranks stand right half-ranks face about and march clear of the standing part then face to the right and move forward even with the left Flank to your Leader Command Front half-files double
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
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-files open from the midst to double distance the four inmost Files of Front and Reer 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-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
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
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-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
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
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-files into the midst of Ranks Direction 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-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-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-files from the midst of Ranks maintaining ground Direction 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-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-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-files from the midst of ranks losing ground Front-half-files face about Command Ranks to the right hand Countermarch losing ground Command Counter-march your right and 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-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
the place or room of them in the Reer and they at the same time are to move streight forward up into the Front and to give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then to wheel off to the right as the Front-divisions did until they come into their places again Then let the first outmost divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after wheel off to the right and left into the ground of the Reer-divisions who at the same time are to move forward into their places and give fire and fall off as the former did The same firings may be perform'd to the Reer they being thither faced The second firing Let them face to both Flanks and give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves in each division then let the Pikes charge on to both Flanks and being retreated back again into their places let the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers move forth cleer of the standing part then let them double Ranks to the right in each division and give fire altogether after let them double Files to the left and fire again four Ranks together two kneel down and two stand upright then let the Pikes charge on and being retreated you may farther proceed Command Front-divisions of Muskettiers face about and march into your first places face all to your Leader middle-divisions of Muskettiers face outward and move cleer of the standing part Front-divisions of Muskettiers face about Front-division and Reer-division of Muskettiers move forward until you be cleer of the next divisions of Pikes that stand before you face all to your Leader and they will stand as followeth The first firing Let them face all to the right Flank and let the Front-division give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then let them wheel down into the Reer they at the same time moving up into their ground firing and falling off and moving down accordingly into their first places then let the other six divisions fire after this manner First the Front-divisions and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right and left into the Reer of their own range and the next division may move forwards into their ground give fire and fall off in like manner and so successively let every division move up into their first ground relieving each other until they have fired two or three times over in this manner The second firing Let them face to both Flanks and let the inmost divisions of Muskettiers move forth to the right and left until they be cleer of the Pikes who are to port then the Muskettiers in each division may give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then the Pikes may charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again and being retreated into their places again you may proceed to another Firing The third firing Let the outmost divisions of Muskettiers face to the Front and Reer and the Pikes to the four Angles then let them give fire to Front Reer and both Flanks on the ground they stand in each division and fall in the Reer of themselves then let the Pikes charge on to the four Angles and being retreated into their places move in the outmost divisions of Muskettiers into their places again and then face all to their Leader Command Outmost divisions of Muskettiers face to the right and left inward and march until you range in the midst of Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes to your Leader Upon the former Figure let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers upon the Flanks move even with the Front of Pikes then let them fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel about to the right and left into the place of the Reer-divisions who are to move forward into their ground and to fire and fall off accordingly Then let the middle-divisions of Muskettiers in the Front move forward likewise until they range even abrest with the Front give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and then move cleer forth and wheel off to the right about into the ground of the reer-division of Muskettiers standing behind them they at the same time to move up into the Front and to give fire in like manner and to fall off accordingly until they have attained their first places Then let the three last divisions of Muskettiers and the Reer-divisions of Pikes face about and let the two middle-divisions of Muskettiers face outward and move cleer of the standing part then let the Muskettiers in Front and Reer move forward cleer of the Pikes and let them fire to Front Reer and both Flanks and fall in the Reer of themselves then the Pikes may charge on to Front and Reer and being retreated back into their places the Muskettiers in Front and Reer may face about and move down again into their first ground and the Muskettiers upon the Flanks are to face inward and to move into their places where formerly they stood then face them all to their Leader and proceed Command Reer-division of Muskettiers in the midst face about middle-divisions of Muskettiers move forward three foot before the Front and Reer Division of Muskettiers in the midst upon the right face to the left Angles and move until you stand even and straight in the next range of Muskettiers the next division of Muskettiers in the midst upon the left face about and then likwise face to the left Angle and move down into the next range of Muskettiers to them and to stand streight in the Reer of the Reer-division face all to your Leader produceth the next Upon the former Figure let the six last divisions face about and let the first divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel them about to the right and interchange ground with them that stand in the Reer who just upon their wheeling about are to move up cleer of the Pikes to make them room to fall down through the middle interval into their places who also are immediately to give fire and fall off accordingly Then let the outmost divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer face them after to the Front at such time when the Pikes have retreated back into their places again Now if you will fire them to the Front the Muskettiers stand in such good order that you may fire them by divisions by their several turns as long as you please they relieving each other After you may fire them to Front Reer and both Flanks the Muskettiers standing in fit condition for the same But fearing to keep the Souldiers too long in Exercise debarring them thereby of their wonted refreshment I will hasten to the Reducement and for present lodge the Colours and conclude the eleventh Exercise Reducement Outmost Divisions of Muskettiers face outward and move six paces to your Leader The two first Divisions of Muskettiers in the midst face to the right and move clear of the Pikes then
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
Order and to joyn with the outmost Files when their aspects being to the outward Angles of Front and Reer let the Pikes port and Muskettiers give fire to the four Angles and fall in the Reer of themselves then let the Pikes charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again and after retreat back into their places again The ninth firing Let them give fire again the first rank in each Division and wheel about to the right and move down into their first places where before they were drawn forth and every rank consequently fall in the reer of them then let the Pikes close into the midst to Order and face all to their Leader Command Muskettiers face to the right and left outward and move twelve paces then face to the reer and move likewise twelve paces after face to their Leader Front-half-files of each Division move forward three paces right and left half-ranks of each Division move outward two paces Front-Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers stand reer-divisions of both Arms move to the right and left outward until you be clear of the Front-divisions then close ranks and files in each Division to Order and face to their Leader they will stand in the first Figure The first firing Let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers move forward and range even abrest with the Front of Pikes give fire and fall in the reer of themselves then face about and move down into their own ground again and face to their Leader then let the outmost Divisions of Muskettiers move in like manner as the former did and give fire and fall off in like manner and down again into their places Let the Muskettiers in the next place face outward and move three paces and after face to the Front then let the reer-divisions of Muskettiers advance forward until they range even abrest with the Front-divisions then let them give fire all together in each Division and fall in the Reer of themselves and after let the outmost divisions that moved up move down again into their places then let the Pikes charge on and after retreat into their places The second firing Let the outmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front move forward before the Front of Pikes and the inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front let them likewise move at the same time before the Reer-divisions of Pikes then let the Pikes port and Muskettiers in each Division give fire on the ground they stand and after fall in the Reer of themselves and those Muskettiers that formerly moved forth from their places let the Serjeants wheel them off to the right and left into their first ground and face to their Leader Command Inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front face to the Reer Divisions of Pikes upon the left in the Front face about to the right Divisions that are thus faced move down three foot clear of the Reer of each Arms. Front-divisions both of Pikes and Muskettiers and those that last moved face to the left and move two paces face all to your Leader and Muskettiers move forward until your middle Divisions range even abrest with the Reer-divisions of Pikes and they will stand as followeth Upon this Figure let the Front-divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and then wheel off to the right and left into the ground of the Reer-divisions and they at the same time are to move up into their places and to give fire and fall off accordingly into their first places Then let the middle Divisions move forward until they range even with the Front of Pikes and let them give fire and fall first in the Reer of themselves and after face about and move down into their places again and face to their Leader then let the Pikes charge on and after retreat back again into their places They may fire to the Reer after the same manner as they did to the Front they being thither faced and after they have all fired face again to their Leader Command Let the four Divisions of Muskettiers upon the right move away and let the Divisions of Pikes fall in the Reer of them and the four Divisions of Muskettiers on the left to fall in the Reer of the Pikes then standing straight in their Divisions both Rank-wise and File-wise and they will stand as followeth Upon this Figure let the Reer Divisions face about to the right and let the first Divisions give fire to Front and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves then let them advance forward three paces and after wheel about to the right and interchange ground with the Reer-divisions and they at the same time are to move up and give fire and fall off accordingly Then let the other Divisions move forward until they range even abrest with Front and Reer give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after face about and move down into their places then face all to their Leader Command The four first divisions stand the rest face to the left and march cleer of the standing part then let the Pikes face to the Front and march up even abrest with the Muskettiers Reer-divisions of Muskettiers face to the Front and move up likewise Muskettiers face inward move all three or four paces until they stand in form of the second Figure face all to your Leader Reer-division of Pikes face about and move down three foot clear of the Reer to your Leader which produceth the last Figure Upon this Figure let the Reer-division of Pikes face about and Muskettiers face outward then let Pikes port and let the first Divisions of Muskettiers give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then face about and interchange ground with the Reer-divisions and face again to Front and Reer and let those that came up into their room give fire in like manner and fall off and down again into their places Then let the next Divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and let the Pikes charge on and being retreated back again into their places command the two middle Divisions of Muskettiers to face to the Reer and move down and range even with the Reer then let every Division of Muskettiers give fire on the ground they stand to both flanks and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes may charge on again and those Muskettiers that moved down into the Reer may face about and move back again into their places and face all to the Front Reducement Reer-division of Pikes advance forward to the left into the Front the two inmost Divisions of Muskettiers face about and march clear of the Reer then face to the right and left outward and place themselves behind the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers outmost divisions of Muskettiers face inward and move straight in the Reer of the Front-divisions and let the Pikes fall in the Reer of their Front-divisions and face all to their Leader Half-files of Muskettiers double your front to the right and left inward and after
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
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
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
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
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-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
Muskettiers move forward until you be cleer of the Pikes the two inmost Files of Muskettiers stand the two outmost Files of Muskettiers move forwards until you be cleer of the inmost Files the two outmost Files of Pikes face outward and move three foot cleer of the outmost Divisions of Muskettiers and after to face to Front and Reer and to move forward until they range even with the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers then let them face all to the Front and stand streight in their Divisions both Rank-wise and File-wise and they will stand as in the next Figure Upon this Figure let the first divisions of Muskettiers give fire 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 Then let the inmost divisions give fire in like manner as the former did and wheel off to the right and left and be relieved by their own Reer-divisions of Muskettiers then let the Pikes chaege on and after retreating back again into their places Command The two middle-ranks of Pikes face outward and move cleer of the standing part then let the first Rank of Pikes face about and the first and last Rank of Pikes to move forward to Order face all to your Leader The first firing Let the Front-divisions fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right and left into the room of them in the Reer they at the same time moving forward into their places firing and falling off in like manner Next let the inmost divisions of Muskettiers do the same who may be relieved by the inmost divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer The second firing Let them all face to the Reer and give fire as they did to the Front The third firing Let them face to Front and Reer and give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves first after falling off and interchanging divisions relieving each other then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer and after retreating back into their places Command The inmost divisions of Muskettiers to move forward until they be two foot cleer of the standing part then let them face all inward and move until the outmost divisions of Muskettiers range even abrest with the middle-divisions of Pikes to your Leader Upon this former Figure fire them to both Flanks where first face them outward let the first division give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after wheel off to the right and left into the places of the Reer-divisions and they move up at the same instant of time into their rooms giving fire and falling in the Reer of themselves afterward into their places Next let them fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after move inward and fall in the Reer of the next division of Pikes and then the first division of Muskettiers move forth and give fire in the ground they formerly stood on and fall in the Reer of themselves and stand and the next division of Muskettiers is likewise to move forth where formerly they stood and to fire and fall in the Reer of themselves the Pikes may after charge on and after retreat back again into their places and face to their Leader Command Reer-divisions of Muskettiers move to the left two paces and double to the right File-wise the two middle-divisions of Pikes face outward and move two paces to your Leader Reer-divisions of Muskettiers move forward until the first division of Muskettiers be placed three foot before the midst of the middle-divisions of Pikes and the second division be three foot behind the same standing streight with the Front-divisions of Muskettiers in the midst Upon this Figure they being faced to Front and Reer both Pikes and Muskettiers let the first divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and stand let the rest move forward until they be cleer of the Front-divisions of Muskettiers and fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after face about and move down into their places again then let the Pikes open a little outward and charge all to Front and Reer and when they shall retreat back again into their places the Muskettiers may fire again as they did before and continue it as long as they please Or they may fire upon this Figure either to Front or Reer according to discretion as long as they please Now in respect much time hath been spent in the Motions by wheelings in plain firings and Figures of Battail we will draw forth one Figure more from the former that the Colours may be displayed and that we may conclude our seventh Exercise to refresh the Souldiers for a space until they shall again have warning from their Commander for another appearance Command The last Division of Muskettiers in the midst to face about middle Divisions of Muskettiers advance forward until you be three foot clear of the Front and Reer to your Leader each Division of Pikes face outward and move to convenient distance for the Colours to display to your Leader Reducement Front and Reer-division of Muskettiers face about Front-division move down and double the Reer-division to the left rank-wise to your Leader the two first Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front face about then let them and the two last Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer move forward until they be even with the next Divisions of Muskettiers to your Leader The two middle Divisions of Pikes close into the midst to Order and to open their Ranks from the midst to something more then open Order the two outmost Divisions of Pikes face inward and move forward into the midst of the two middle Ranks in the Body to your Leader Front-divisions of Pikes face about and Front and Reer-Divisions to move forward and to close their Divisions to your Leader Files close to the right and left inward to Order Muskettiers in the Front and Reer double your Pikes by Division Files double your Depth to the right and left outward every man falling behind his Bringer-up they will be reduced as at first Now the Serjeants may draw off the Muskettiers filing them to the right and left outward thereby making a guard for the Captain and other Officers to march through trooping away and lodging the Colours which done one of the Serjeants command the Muskettiers to face about to the right and to present all and no man to give fire until they hear the beat of Drum no man pulling his Tricker but once which will be a means that they all fire handsomly together which being ended every man may depart home until he shall be called forth again CHAP. XXIV The Eighth Exercise consisting of sixty four men eight Files eight deep THe Souldiers being again brought into the Field or place of Exercise the Serjeants according to their wonted manner drawing forth the Files bids each File-leader to take
ARMA PACIS FVLCRA Printed for T. Basset and H Brome 1668 sculpsit THE COMPLEAT BODY OF The Art Military In THREE BOOKS I. The Postures of the Pike and Musket with their Conformities and the Dignities of Ranks and Files their manner of joyning to the compleating of a Body their several Distances Facings Doublings Counter-marches Wheelings and Firings II. Twelve Exercises viz. Three with 24 three with 32 three with 64 and three with 144 Men. III. The Drawing up and Exercising of Regiments after the manner of Private Companies with the forming Brigades and Armies and the placing of Cannon and Artillery according to the practice of several Nations ALSO The Duties of all Souldiers and Officers Of Military Watches and the ordering of Regiments and Private Companies to Funeral-Occasions With the Postures of the Musket performed without the Rest By RICHARD ELTON Lieutenant-Col To which is added A SUPPLEMENT Comprehending these Particulars 1. The Duties and Qualifications of all Officers belonging to an Army 2. The Enrolling Arming and Exercising of the CAVALRY both in Posture and Motion 3. The Marching of an Army both Horse and Foot with Train of Artillery c. 4. The Designing and laying out of the QUARTERS for the Encamping of an Army both Horse and Foot with the Train of Artillery c. 5. The manner of securing the Quarters by Intrenchments and FORTIFICATION 6. Some of the practick part of the Art of GUNNERY Formerly written by Capt. Tho. Rudd chief Engineer to K. Charls the First LONDON Printed for W. L. and are to be sold by Henry Brome at the Star in Little-Britain and Thomas Basset under St. Dunstans Church in Fleet-street 1668. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE Sir John Robinson Knight and Baronet PRESIDENT Sir Joseph Sheldon Knight VICE-PRESIDENT Colonel John Mew TREASURER And the rest of the COURT of ASSISTANTS Of the Ancient and Honorable ARTILLERY-COMPANY OF LONDON THE COMPLEAT BODY OF The Art Military The First BOOK CHAP. I. A discourse of the Postures and handling of Arms. HE that will be a compleat Souldier must first begin to learn the use of his Arms laying that down in his thoughts for his first foundation But this hath been the neglect of many in our times who have strived to know high thoughts in the Art Military before they can well perform their Postures Therefore my advice shall be unto all such that desire to thrive in this Art that they will not soar too high but first learn the A B C thereof after which they may proceed by degrees to pronounce to the Souldier with boldness their proficiency therein He therefore that with safety ease and delight desireth to handle his Arms must set times apart frequently to practise himself therein And here I cannot but much blame the Officers of our Trained Bands in London of two great neglects The first in making men File-leaders either out of respect or favour they bear unto them or else because one man hath a better Buff-coat than another I speak not this to encourage any man to come slovenly habited when he shall march forth with his Captain but rather advise all Souldiers to fit themselves with the best array they can and could wish all the Serjeants in drawing up their Files to pitch upon such Gentlemen to be File-leaders as may take charge of his File and shall be able willing and ready upon all convenient times to instruct and teach his File in all their Postures and neat handling of their Arms which if carefully observed they would reap the benefit of much ease to themselves and the private Souldiers readiness in the performance of the Postures would much redound to the honour of the Captain that shall lead them But for the farther satisfaction of the ingenious Souldier that shall enquire what Posture is I shall briefly resolve them thus Posture as I conceive is a garbe or figure that a man stands in in the handling of his Arms which he useth for the better grace and becoming of them There are several motions belonging to each Posture which some call Postures but they much deceive themselves as shall appear clearly unto them by the survey as they shall be set down in order And first we will begin to set down the Postures of the Pike CHAP. II. Several Reasons why the Pike is the more honourable Arms. FIrst I shall begin to set down the postures of the Pike before the postures of the Musket for these reasons following as conceiving First They are the more honourable Arms in respect the Colours flying upon the head of them and upon the drawing up of the Company there is the most properest place for the Captain to be either upon a Stand or upon a March provided he have ground sufficient to March them all abrest If upon a Stand the Captain shall have occasion to engage against an Enemy thither his Officers may repair unto him upon the head of the Pikes there to receive directions And if the Captain shall cause the Serjeants to draw off part or all the Muskettiers from the Body of Pikes to fire against the enemy the Gentlemen of the Pikes in the mean time stand undauntedly to undergo the cruel shot of the Cannon from the contrary part for to preserve their Colours who are likewise a place of Randezvous for the Muskettiers to repair unto when they shall retreat from fight Farther it hath been the ambition of many Gentlemen both in Holland France and in these our late unhappy Wars in England to trail Pikes with several Commanders whom they shall think fit And lastly to conclude all that the Pike is the more honourable Arms it is so in respect of antiquity for there hath been the use of the Pike and Spear many hundred years before there was any knowledge of the Musket as in many Histories you shall find And so for present I will conclude this discourse of the Pike desiring the Muskettiers to have a favourable censure of me for I intend not by it to perswade all Souldiers to the handling of the Pike and none to be Muskettiers for that cannot be I should rather advise all Captains that have occasion to raise their Companies to have two thirds of Muskettiers and but one of Pikes that is to say if they should have 18 Files to cause twelve of them to carry Muskets and the other six files Pikes And in my judgment they shall perform the better service unto any Nation where they shall be employ'd and I shall farther desire the Souldiers especially those that be of low stature to handle and take delight in the use of the Musket for it is an exceeding great honour to him so to handle his Musket as that he doth it with ease and in a comely manner and he that shall become expert therein I have often observed this commendation to follow him by the report of others Such a one is a good Muskettier and an able Souldier concluding thereby he that will take
Left Reer Recover your Pikes and put up your Swords Advance your Pikes Charge to the Front Port your Pikes Charge to the Front Shoulder your Pikes Charge to the right Comport your Pikes Charge to the left Cheeke your Pikes Charge to the Reer Trail your Pikes Charge to the Reer After lay the narrow end of the Pike to the ground face about to the left to your first Front and move forward with the butt-end of your Pike on your right side in your Funeral posture After face about to the right raise up your Pike face then again to your first Front you may lay down the Pike to the ground and march from your arms having ended all the postures charges in their due courses And here Fellow-Souldier whoever thou art thou maist perceive that there are no more then eight Postures of the Pike and four Charges that is to say to the Front Reer and both Flanks There are some would fain have another posture added to these which they call the Lazie posture which somtimes I have perceived upon a Stand that then the Pike-man le ts slip his Pike from the shoulder until the butt-end rest upon the ground then laying his right arm over it he stands in an ill-favour'd lazie way Such postures as these are not fit to be ranged among the former but rather to be condemned in regard the Souldier will be apt enough to find out such postures as these of himself if not prevented by the discretion of the careful Officers for upon a Stand the Souldiers properest posture is to Order his Pike And thus much in brief concerning the postures of the Pike CHAP. VI. The Postures of the Musket collected in a brief way ACcording to my former promise I shall endeavour to give the best satisfaction I can to the Muskettiers as well as to the Pikes that there is an answerableness of number in the proper postures of the Musket to them of the Pike and they are eight as I conceive and may be proceeded on in order from the taking up to the laying down of the Musket and nothing acted twice The words of Command for the postures followeth Stand to your Arms Handle your Arms. Now you are to take notice that in taking up the Bandiliers putting them on taking up the Rest putting the string about the left wrist the taking up of the match placing of it the taking up of the musket these or the like are no postures but motions to the first posture Therefore I will proceed upon them all in order as they lie leaving out the words of command tending to the Motions 1 Order your musket 2 Rest your musket 3 Poyse your musket 4 Shoulder your musket 5 Ballance your musket and Rest on the right side with the barrel upwards 6 Trail your Rest and ballance your musket on the left side with the barrel downwards 7 Recover your musket and perform your Sentinel-posture 8 From this perform your funeral-posture This being ended a man may recover his musket and rest that knows how to perform this last posture without bringing him again upon the Rest and may lay down his Arms again observing the former Rule where the postures of the musket are set down at large CHAP. VII There is also a conformity of Posture with the Musket to those of the Pike and Words of Command to be given as may in many things be received by both Arms. THe musket and pike lying on the ground these words of Command may properly be imployed to both That is to say Stand to your Arms Handle your Armes The butt-end of the musket standing or resting on the ground at the outside of right foot is conformable to the Pike ordered The musket poysed to the pike advanced The musket shouldered to the Pike shouldered The musket porting to the pike porting The musket reverst as in the funeral-posture to the Pike trailing The musket rested to the pike cheeked which is his proper sentinel-posture The musket presented to the pike charged As for the motions of posture which conduce to the lading and priming of the musket as to cast about trail recover and the like they are all included in that general word of Command properly to the muskettiers belonging which is to make ready Now methinks I hear some ingenious Souldier begin to ask me What are the use of these postures so fully laid down by you To whom I shall be so courteous as to satisfie them according to my former Method beginning with the Pike as followeth CHAP. VIII The use of the Postures of the Pike The use of Ordering the Pike THe Pike being ordered is the proper posture of a Souldier upon a stand which he ought ever to mind upon any such occasion so to make use of it And I have likewise seen in many places in the day-time this posture to be used by the Souldier standing sentinel The use of Advanceing the Pike The Pike advanced is useful for the Souldier upon a Troop when they are to march swiftly either for the relieving of some Court of Guard or to repair to their place of Randezvous or upon some sudden approaching to an Enemy to make a Charge for then he will be in a fit capacity to clap down quickly his pike upon the breast of the Enemy It is likewise very useful in the time of exercise to the half-files and bringers up upon any doubling to the Front for then they are always to be advanced in respect of a longer march in their doublings then those that double ranks and files but having doubled they must always conform in posture to the part doubled The use of Porting The use of Porting was invented for the ease of the reer half-files upon a charge for the front half-files are only for to charge the reer half-files in the mean time are to port It is likewise very useful at such times when the souldiers are marching through a gate or sally-port from whence I conceive it doth derive its name porting The use of Shouldering The use of shouldering the pike is only properest upon the march in some kind very useful upon a stand in time of Fight provided they are at convenient distance from the Enemy For it much preserveth the pikes and pike-men from the danger of the shot the bullets then gliding off from their Arms which if they stood at such times either ordered or advanced the bullets would make such a clattering amongst the Pikes that what with breaking of them and the shivers flying from them may much endanger the souldiers which carry them The use of Comporting The comporting of the Pike is only useful to the souldier marching up a hill for if then he should be shouldered the butt-end of the Pike would always be touching of the ground to hinder him in his march and much endanger his fellow-souldiers that shall come after him Neither can he march advanced for if there should be any
shall be the leader of the right-hand File of Pikes and who shall be the left For these four being such remarkable places of Honour unto the knowing souldier that special care must be had in placing deserving men to be there Now it is or ought to be the discretion of every Lieutenant and Ensign as being Commission-Officers to resolve the Serjeants herein that they may with more alacrity go on to draw the rest up between and so to order unto each of them their particular duties as to carry equal pains in drawing forth the Files Therefore in respect that for the most part in every Company they have three Serjeants two of them ought to take charge in drawing forth the Muskettiers being helpt by the advice of their Lieutenant and the other to draw forth the Files of Pikes being assisted in counsel by their Ensign for at such times the Officers ought not to be idle and to stand gazing upon each other but every one according to his particular place and relation should be very active and assisting to each other In the drawing up the Company the properest way will be then as you may understand in perfecting up a Company to draw them forth into Files and to make them fix deep as being our custome here in England and farther to have care in choosing able souldiers to be File-leaders who having spent some time and pains in their Files in shewing them their Postures they may be called to joyn into a body For farther direction herein unto the Serjeants whose proper place it doth belong unto to observe this order in drawing up their Files that they may ingrosse the Pikes into one body by themselves and the Muskettiers into another and not to flank the Pikes until such time they shall perceive that in both Arms they are compleat There are likewise several places of honour that the Serjeants ought to take notice of and to be informed of placing of men of worth and desert in both Arms that is to say in the body of Pikes and of the Muskettiers which underneath by figures I shall set forth for farther satisfaction therein Here I have set down the manner how the Serjeants should draw up their Files in each Arms apart by themselves and have figured forth unto them the four chief places of honour in both Arms. It concerns them therefore very much to mind and have regard to these particular places and to order such men of worth there which may be well deserving of the same and those Gentlemen whom they shall think fit after to be worthy of File-leaders places they are to draw them up between the figure 1 and the figure 4 and between the figure 3 and the figure 2 and that Rule to observe in both Arms and to be careful to place good souldiers in the Reer and such who may be able souldiers for half-File-leaders because there may be much occasion by Doublings to bring them up for to assist the Front Thus much I do confess may be sufficient for the present to give directions to the Serjeants for the drawing up the Files and joyning them together Next after I have shewn how to flank their Pikes with Muskettiers I will set forth unto them and the Drums where their places are upon a stand and where to be put upon a march Next followeth to flank the stand of Pikes with the Muskettiers command the Gentlemen of the Pikes to face to the right and left half-Ranks of Muskettiers to Face to the left and then to march and interchange ground facing after to their leaders and closing Files inward to order they will stand as underneath is set forth Having thus stated to them all their proper places next it will be convenient for the Captain to command them to shoulder their Arms both Pikes and Muskettiers and the Officers and Drums taking all their places as before directed they may begin to move and draw forth into a long march as here you see CHAP. XXIII Several reasons given for the placing of the Serjeants after this manner WHen a Body is drawn up in manner as before expressed the Captain being Commander in chief his discretion is to ballance the Officers as near as he can with equal dignity and worth his Front proportionally with the Reer To which purpose he takes unto himself the youngest Serjeant and places him on the right Angle in the Front whereby he may be there ready to march down into the Body or elsewhere according unto the discretion of the Captain to fulfil his commands as also to stand there as a spectator of the Captains actions and an assistant which may be much improvement to him And in like manner he commands the third Serjeant to the left Angle in the Reer as being the second youngest and may be a help unto his Lieutenant there as the fourth is to him in the Front The eldest Serjeant he orders to the left Angle in the Front as being the most honourable place for him being there ready to lead upon a march the Van of the Reer-Guard and the second Serjeant he is appointed to stand on the right Angle of the Reer to make them equal in dignity unto the Front Now if you please to examine the dignity of the Serjeants in the first place as the first Serjeant and the fourth making the number 5 and after take a view of the second place or Reer and there you shall observe that the second Serjeant and third may every way ballance themselves to be equivalent in the worth with the first and fourth carrying with them alike the same number So that it is clearly evident that the Serjeants are rightly stated in number and dignity the Front proportionably with the Reer in the judgement of any knowing Souldier Something more may be spoken of the second Serjeants place which you may take notice in his march to lead the second Division of Pikes which is the most honourablest place of leading that is appointed forth unto the Serjeants the first only excepted and upon a stand when they shall lead up their Divisions every Serjeant is to betake him unto his place as they were at first placed and to continue there until such time they shall receive further order from their Captain Thus much I conceive may give satisfaction unto the discreet Souldier in these particulars leaving them liberty to judge according unto their own best thoughts while we endeavour to draw up our Divisions all abrest again and to make some description of a Body The Captain upon his March having attained some convenient place to draw up his Company makes Alt and commands the Serjeants to lead up their Divisions upon the left and causes the Muskettiers to open from the Pikes making sufficient intervals for the Drums to beat two abrest even with the Front the first two between the right-hand-File-leader of Pikes and the Muskettiers upon the right the second two Drums doing the like upon the left
commanding all the Muskettiers to stand and the Pikes to advance their Arms and move forward ten or twelve paces and then to stand and close their Files outward to Order three of their Colours moving with their Pikes to the right hand the other three moving away to the left After he may command Muskettiers to close their Files outward to Order and they will stand in four Divisions two of Pikes and in the Reer of them two of Muskettiers as underneath is set forth the Captains being all upon the head of the Pikes with their Ensigns and the Lieutenants in the Reer the Serjeants attending upon the Flanks of each division This being done command each division of Muskettiers and Pikes to face outward and to move to such convenient distance that being faced to the Front there may be room sufficient upon the subdividing of each division of Muskettiers for their moving up and flanking each body of Pikes After which the Major may assign unto every Captain and Lieutenant his due place of honour as they stand all abrest and that they may also naturally fall into their proper places upon the march which shall be set forth in the next Figure standing in two grand Divisions the one in the Reer of the other which may happen sometimes for want of ground but provided they have ground enough they ought to stand in one even range as in folio 5. The Major after they are thus drawn up in one even range will finde three Files of Muskettiers more in the second grand Division and two of the Pikes then is in the first therefore he must take from thence one File of each Company and add them to nine Files in the Reer which maketh them twelve and then he will have ballanced the divisions equal taking off one File of Pikes and placing it amonst the eldest Captains Pikes CHAP. III. The Reasons follow for the placing of the Captains their Colours and their Lieutenants after the manner before set down WHat hath formerly been declared concerning a Rank or File six abrest or six deep may be satisfactory in some kind unto this point which takes his rule from hence For all private Companies smaller Bodies or single Files must or ought to be as neer as they can conformable to greater Bodies as to Regiments and consequently they to Brigades Therefore take notice that this rule ought ever to be observed in the drawing of Regiments that the right Flank as neer as may be ought to be suitable with the left both in strength number and dignity and likewise to be so when they are drawn forth upon a long march the Front equal with the Reer Now suppose these two grand divisions stood even abrest we will begin to examine the first worth which is the Colonels and the fourth worth which is the eldest Captains and placed upon the right and left of the first grand division with the second and third worth who are the Lieutenant-Colonel and Major drawn up upon the right and left of the second grand division and you shall finde they are every way equivalent in number worth and dignity with that of the first In the next place there are no more to place but the fifth and sixth worth who are the second and third Captains and therefore since it is the first place of honour among the Captains in a Regiment to lead the first Body or Stand of Pikes it must then consequently follow that the second place of honour must be to lead the second grand division of Pikes and therefore the fifth worth is brought into and placed between the second and third that he may stand there to lead the second Body of Pikes wherein the Lieutenant-Colonel the Major and his own Colours are placed so that there remains no more but the sixth worth or youngest Captain to place who is to be drawn up between the Colonel and eldest Captain Now if we shall further proceed to ballance it more cleerly consider them by dividing them by two's in their places as first we will begin with the Colonel the first worth who hath joyned to him the youngest Captain which is the sixth worth and they two make the number 7 then compare the Lieutenant-Colonel who is the second worth unto the second Captain joyn'd with him which is the fifth worth and they make alike the same number after that compare the Major and elder Captain who are drawn up into the midst of the Regiment whose places carry the third and fourth worth and their number is suitable with the rest And thus much may be spoken in general now I shall come more particularly to give further satisfaction both for them and for all the rest and therefore I will give reasons for the placing of the Officers of the first grand division and cleering that the second will quickly be laid open to the view CHAP. IV. More particular Reasons for the placing of the Captains and Lieutenants of the first grand Division IN this grand Division there is the Colonel the eldest Captain and the youngest drawn up into the midst and they having each of them Lieutenants take notice therefore of these reasons for their placing thus That always upon such small Bodies as these the first honour is ever placed upon the right and the second upon the left and that which remains must of necessity be drawn up into the midst they standing all abrest These three Companies being ordered into a right and left Flank and one Stand of Pikes or Van-guard Reer-ward or Main-battail as they may be term'd the reasons follow for the thus standing of the Officers whether marching all even abrest or upon a stand it is the Colonels proper place to be on the head or midst of his grand division which is his chiefest place of security and where he ought to fight for standing there the other may more conveniently repair unto him for their orders as occasion shall require Now the Colonel being a Field-Officer is not absolutely tyed to any one place to fight as the rest are many occasions calling him from thence the eldest Captain therefore is appointed to take charge of the Body of Pikes whether it be upon a March to lead them or upon a Stand to fight them he ought never to forsake them but upon special command from his Colonel or other Field-Officers Now the reason why the first Body of Pikes is the most honourablest place to lead is as I conceive because the Colonels Colours are there flying and besides being the more ancienter Arms far more honour it is to lead them for most commonly the gallantest men of the Infantry desire rather to trail Pikes then to carry Muskets Moreover it hath been a constant practise in most places that the eldest Captain should have that place to lead on foot although many times his Colonel being on horse-back may be a little before him Having spoken of these two it remains to speak something of the youngest Captain
who is appointed either upon the Marching all abrest or upon a Stand to take charge of the Reer-ward or left Flank of the first grand Division to fight them but upon the long March it is more honourable for him to fall down in the Reer and to bring up his own Lieutenant coming up into his place for it is greater honour though many times not believed to bring up a grand division then to lead a Sub-division In the next place it may be supposed that the Captain-Lieutenants place is too honourable to lead the Van-guard To which I answer That the Colonel himself is confined thither for upon the long March he draws off the Van-guard and leads them himself being attended on horse-back by the Martial and Quarter-master of his own Regiment Now leading away the Muskettiers of his own particular Company the Captain-Lieutenant being subservient unto him marcheth a foot upon the head of the first Division of Muskettiers and takes charge of them as assisting to his Colonel and fighting them if he receives no command to the contrary when they are all drawn up again even abrest it concerning him especially to be there resident in the absence of his Colonel for the better regulating of them The eldest Captains Lieutenant is always placed in the Reer of the Pikes either upon a Stand or upon a March it being very honourable unto him to bring up a grand Division of Pikes The third Captains Lieutenant is ordered to bring up the left Flank except it be upon the long March and then he is to exchange places with his own Captain There is yet one place vacant which is to bring up the right Flank and the Captain-Lieutenants Bringer-up many times through courtesie is called a Lieutenant therefore a Major may be so courteous as to assign him that place And here I shall conclude with the reasons of the places of the Officers of the first grand Division CHAP. V. Reasons for the placing of the Officers of the second grand Division ALthough the Colonel is Commander in chief yet his discretion is such as to leave the ordering of places to his Major and as he takes charge of the first grand Division so he leaves the second to his Lieutenant-Colonel who stands upon the head or midst of the same being drawn up all even abrest and many times leads the second grand Division as the Colonel doth the first as was the practise in the Regiments upon their March under the command of the Earl of Essex General of the Parliaments Forces To such as shall approve of this way which may be very good they shall not need to Counter-march the Ranks of the Lieutenant-Colonel as is before expressed before the drawing up of the Lieutenant-Colonels Company but draw them up on the right of that Division and to Counter-march the Ranks of the Majors and draw his Company up on the left But I shall leave that to the liberty of those that shall best fancie this kinde and proceed to that which is of more use The second grand Division standing in an even range with the first it will be convenient for the Lieutenant-Colonel to be upon the head thereof As concerning the Major he being an Officer at will hath no certain place assign'd unto him by reason of his moving as occasion shall require to both Divisions whereby he may give orders unto them all minding the good order of the Regiment throughout every part But if he will take his place to march in the properest place for him if they march all abrest will be in the Front between the Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel but in the long march in the midst of both grand Divisions whereby he may have freer access unto them both whose vigilant eye in the well ordering of the Regiment is chiefly concern'd observing all the passages whether there be need of sub-dividing their Divisions and if at any time they shall be divided when there is ground sufficient enough he must give order again for the drawing them all up even abrest it being far more graceful to the Regiments marching In the next place the second Captain may claim it as his due to lead the second Body of Pikes as the eldest Captain challengeth the first and the reason given for his place may suffice for both The eldest Lieutenant in this grand Division which is the Lieutenant-Colonels Lieutenant is assigned unto that place where he is set down for to be an assistant there unto his Lieutenant-Colonel for the well regulating of his men which march in the Reer as the Captain-Lieutenant is to the Colonels men who march in the Front and his Lieutenant-Colonel bringing up the whole Regiment is the second place of honour Some may conceive the Majors Lieutenant hath too great a place of honour in leading the Van of the second grand Division To which I answer If the Lieutenant-Colonel marcheth not there himself but shall bring up the Regiment certainly it must be cleer that it is the Majors due for to march there himself at times convenient and being so there is good reason in his absence his Lieutenant should lead his men or in his presence to be there as a helper unto him for the well regulating of his men as the other Lieutenants are to the other Field-Officers who every one of them according to their several places may have several occasions to call them off their Lieutenants therefore ought to be at hand and to march with them in their places whereby they may receive Orders from them and know how to act in their absence concerning their own particular Souldiers The second Captains Lieutenant is ordered to bring up the second Body of Pikes which being a grand Division it falls to him as due there as the eldest Captains Lieutenant doth in the first it being the greatest place of honour that can be given him in the Reer next to the Lieutenant-Colonel Having spoken thus much concerning every Field-Officer the Captains and their Lieutenants where their places are to march with the reasons for the same it will be expected to supply two places which are vacant in the Reer of the second grand division To which I answer Upon the long march the Lieutenant-Colonel himself moves down there and brings up the Reer of the whole Regiment and therefore it is left vacant for him But then you will say There wants an Officer to bring up the Reer of that Division wherein the Majors Lieutenant is placed To which I answer That there is none remaining to do it except it be the Majors Lieutenant himself For if the Major shall lead the second grand Division then his Lieutenant may move down to bring up that particular Division for to supply the same but in regard the Major as hath been shewn before hath many occasions to call him off it concerns his Lieutenant to keep his place which was first assigned unto him to avoid the trouble of moving up again in
his Majors absence Some are of opinion it would be convenient to place the Lieutenant-Colonels eldest Serjeant there but in my judgement it is very unhandsome to see any Halberdeer either to lead or bring up any Division marching in a Regimental way and rather then I should do it I would let it go unsupplyed but if he shall be there placed to bring up his best way of marching is either with Pallizado or half-pike and not with his Halberd CHAP. VI. The ordering of a Regiment to the long March with the placing of the Officers and the leading of Carriages THe Major giving to every Captain his proper place to march in and what Divisions they are to lead and what to bring up in written notes under his hand commands the Drum-Major to bea● a March and so consequently all the rest to take it from him The Souldiers being warned thereby begin to shoulder their Arms and prepare to move the Colonel on Horsback being attended on by his Martial and Quarter-master draws off the first Division of Muskettiers his Captain-Lieutenant being six foot behinde him which Division is brought up by the Captain-Lieutenants Bringer-up The eldest Captain follows next leading the first Division of Pikes and brought up by his own Lieutenant The next Division of Muskettiers is led by the third Captains Lieutenant and the Reer of the first grand Division is brought up by the third Captain There ought to be full 18 foot of ground betwixt each Division he that brings up a Division ought to be cleer six foot behinde the same and he that leads to be six foot before so that there will be six foot proportion of ground betwixt them both for the better distinguishing of their Divisions the Leaders and Bringers-up thereof And where there is not room sufficient for the marching so many abrest as they are now ordered they must subdivide being careful to preserve their Divisions marching in greater depths at their due distance of open order in rank and order in file For the Serjeants must not presume upon any sub-dividing to bring them down in the Reer of them that march before and keep them intire in all their respective Divisions And it must be their observation to attend upon the Flanks even abrest with those Leaders of Files that were taken off that when there is ground and room enough they more readier know where to finde them and to lead them up again as they were at first Care likewise must be had upon any sub-dividing of the Pikes that there be none of the Colours divided who are in a Regimental way to march all three together according to their first placing These rules and observations concern both grand Divisions Now the first being led away as is before exprest there ought to be sufficient ground betwixt each grand Division for the leading of the Carriages and in the first place there is to be considered that to most Regiments there is allowed two Waggons for the Baggage and Ammunition and two Field-pieces or great Cannon besides other Carriages which more concern the Victual for the Souldiers as occasion shall require now concerning the ordering and securest placing of all these upon the March will be in the midst of the Regiment and to have those which are ordred for their Guard to be Fire-locks or to have Snap-hances for the avoiding of the danger which might happen by the Cole of the Match and being placed where any attempt of the Enemy shall fall on either to Front Reer or either Flank the Cannon may thus be easily drawn forth to fire upon them and all the wood of the Carriages with their Guard to be ordred in the Reer where-ever the assault should happen for their better security and safety The Major in the next place if he please may lead the second grand Division to which purpose he draws off with the assistance of his own Lieutenant the first Division of Muskettiers his Lieutenant being six foot behinde him and so much before the Muskettiers The next that follows is the second Body of Pikes which is led by the second Captain and brought up by his own Lieutenant The last Division of Muskettiers is led by the Lieutenant-Colonels Lieutenant and the Reer of the whole Regiment is brought up by the Lieutenant-Colonel The Serjeants are to march upon the Flanks attending their own men that when they are to be reduced into Companies they may know more readier where to finde them and according to order they may draw them off to compleat up their Captains Companies As for the Drums the care thereof belongs to the Drum-Major to place and to ease them timely by reliefs to beat as many or as few as he shall think fit to which purpose he orders them to fall in betwixt the second and third Rank of Muskettiers and Pikes of each Division but when they are all even abrest the Drums are placed according as you see them marked The Figure for the long-March in the next place followeth CHAP. VII The first Exercise of a Regiment in the plainest and easiest way THe Major finding the commodiousness of the ground may draw them up all even abrest again and proceed to exercise them in a Regimental way conferring before-hand with the Captains Lieutenants Ensigns and Serjeants what he intends to do Whether he will exercise every Maniple or Division as is usual in a private Company in all their plain Motions and Firings which may be very proper and easily done or otherwise proceed to more variety in every Division to give them commands as one man either to face double or otherwise according to discretion And having fully instructed them of all his intents and purposes he must begin to consider of the best manner for the managing of the same To which end he shall do well to command the first grand Division to advance forward 12 paces clear of the second and after face them to the Front and they will stand in manner as in Folio 147. After he must consider how many Files of Muskettiers there are and whether he can branch them forth into equal Divisions sutable to the Pikes but finding them to stand but 18 of a side he shall do well for time of his Exercise to draw off eight Files of Muskettiers from the Reer which were formerly appointed to guard the Ammunition or Baggage and add two to every Division of Muskettiers which will make them 20 Files of each side of the Pikes and then he may thus proceed Command Files to their open order and Ranks to close forward to order in each grand Division every five Files of Muskettiers of each Division close to the right to order the first six files of Pikes in each grand Division close to the right to order the rest of the Pikes close every five Files to the right to the same distance then there will be in each grand Division four Divisions of Pikes and eight of Muskettiers in manner as
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-files or 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
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
Muskettiers upon the Flanks of each Body of Pikes after move forward the eight middle Files of particular division of Muskettiers some ten foot before the Front Then command the left-half-ranks or the four Files of Muskettiers upon the left of those divisions drawn forth to face about and to move down ten foot cleer of the Reer and after face to the Front Then let the 12 remaining Files of Muskettiers close to the Pikes to open Order and let every four Files of those remaining 12 upon the Flanks open outward six foot of ground betwixt each four Files and move the Front and Reer-divisions of Muskettiers just against the midst of those three divisions of Muskettiers that are the Flankers to the Pikes and they will stand in the Figure as it is placed in Folio 170. Place this between page 170 and 171. They standing now in a perfect Order of a Brigade the number of men in this Regiment allowing it in a full manner according to the small Brigades of the Swedes I shall not need to point out of what service this Figure or drawing up may be in respect there is no ingenious Souldier but may cleerly perceive they stand in a very good Order to fight against an Enemy their Commanders being appointed forth to manage it accordingly Therefore I shall leave it to the practise of such who in time of need shall have occasion to make use of it and in the next place shew the manner of reducing them again into Companies First move forward those 12 Files of Muskettiers in the Reer of each body of Pikes six to the right and six to the left next to the outside of their own body of Pikes After command the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers to advance forward upon the left of those Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front then face them about and move them down into the midst of those Muskettiers that were the Flankers After let every Captain draw off his Pikes and Muskettiers and ingross them into particular Companies and they will then be ready to march away to their several Quarters And here I shall conclude concerning a Regiment of twelve Companies CHAP. XXI The manner of drawing up a Brigade or Tertia being a third part of an Army according to the practise of the Netherlands under the command of the Prince of Orange BEfore I shall begin to draw up this Tertia Army or Brigade I shall set down the observation of Col. Hen. Hexam in his Book treating of the Office of the three Serjeant-Majors of the Tertia otherwise called the three Field-Corporals His words are these The States Army by order of his Highness is divided upon a March into three Brigades or Tertia's and a Serjeant-Major of a Tertia being one of the great Captains of the Field receives his Order immediate from the Lord-General or the Lord Martial but most commonly of the Serjeant-Major-General of the Army how he shall form and order his Brigade or Tertia and how many Regiments of Horse and Foot are to march under it and with what Ordnance and Baggage He assigns and shews him the place where they are to draw out into Battalia and receives Orders from the Serjeant-Major-General whether they are to march in the Van-guard the Battail or the Reer So that in marching in every one of these he shall attend upon his Brigade and several Divisions and in the absence of the Serjeant-Major-General see that the order of marching and embattailing be duly kept and observed And every one of these three Serjeants-Majors of Brigades are to be at the command of the Colonel General or be that leads or commands that Brigade or Tertia and is to be sent to the Lord-General Lord-Martial or Serjeant-Major-General upon any occasion belonging to the service These three Majors of the Tertia's are to be lodged as neer the Serjeant-Major-General as conveniently may be and those three which attend upon the Van-guard the Battail or Reer which the Serjeant-Major shall make choice of ground for the placing of Guards and assign them to the Serjeant-Majors of every Regiment They are to go the Round and to visit the Guard commonly every night and at such an hour as the Serjeant-Major shall appoint them either by day or night If any of these three Serjeant-Majors of the Field shall finde any want of Powder Ammunition or Victuals either in the Van-guard Battail or Reer as well upon the march as when the Troops are quartered or during fight he is presently to advertise the Serjeant-Major-General of the Field with the said wants And then by his direction shall go with an Officer of every Regiment of that Tertia to the General or Lieutenant of the Ordnance or to the Commissary General of the Ammunition or Victuals A Serjeant-Major of a Tertia to conclude having received his Orders from the Lord-General the Martial or Serjeant-Major-general gives them to the Serjeant-Majors of every particular Regiment But because the Word and Orders are to be sent to Quarters far distant one from another the Serjeant-Major of every Regiment cannot come conveniently to the Serjeant-Major-General Therefore the Majors of every Brigade are to attend every morning and evening upon the Serjeant-Major-General to receive their Orders and to carry the Word to the several Quarters whither the Serjeant-Majors of Regiments comes to him and from him receives the Word and Orders The drawing up of Brigades in the next place comes to be handled after the way of the Hollanders therefore first take notice that Brigades are not tyed to a set number of Companies or Regiments but are ordered according to the several strengths of an Army As sometimes they consist of 12 Companies some of two Regiments others of three or four having in them not alike number of Companies or men which ought accordingly unto the several Divisions of a Brigade to be ballanced alike both in number of men dignity and worth as is in particular Regiments fully set forth And in respect that several Divisions make a Brigade and that according to the disposition of an Army all the Officers and Souldiers are divided into three parts called Brigades or Tertia's each of them having a several name to wit the Van-guard Battail and Reer-guard Now that Tertia which is to march first is called the Van-guard that which marcheth next in the middle the Battail and that which comes up last the Reer Every one of these upon march as was formerly expressed in the Swedish Brigade take their turns interchangeably for the second day of the March the Battail becomes the Van-guard and the Reer the second day the Battail and the third day the Tertia that had first the Reer is become the Van-guard So likewise there ought to be in every particular Brigade or Tertia a Van-guard Battail and Reer-guard to each of them which with more conveniencie may be orderly brought to fight by him that shall be Commander in chief for the relieving each other according as
by the way laying of them secretly in some Ambushments Which being truely considered of care may be taken accordingly of Supplies in other remote places free from the danger of the Enemy To conclude a Quarter-Master ought to carry himself honestly and carefully in his place and to be well skill'd in the Art of Mathematicks that he may the better give Directions for fortifying and measuring of ground quartering of his whole Regiment and in hutting of the particular Souldiers The duty of a Serjeant HE that is a Serjeant to a Company ought to be well skill'd in the Postures and all Military Motions whereby in the first place he may endeavour to correct the errours of such who handle not the Arms in a handsome or a serviceable way And secondly that he may be helpful to his Captain or other Superiour Officer In time of his Exercise his duty is to draw forth the Files according to such depths as shall be appointed unto him by his Captain or other Superiour Officer and to order them in the drawing up and joyning together the Souldiers unto such places of honour as they shall direct him unto In a single Company he leadeth oftentimes a Division but ought not always there to march in respect he is concerned to see that the Souldiers march even in their Ranks at their distance of Order in File and open Order in Rank To which purpose he ought many times to be upon the Flanks and perceiving any Souldier out of order he may cast in his Halbert between their Ranks to cause him to march even abrest with his right and left-hand-men He is likewise either in Field or Garrison to lead his Squadron to their Guard and to carry to prison such Offendours as his Captain or other Superiour Officer shall commit to the Provost-Martial He is to see that the Muskettiers in time of skirmishing present all even abrest with their Matches all cockt giving fire all together in good Order and to direct them how to fall off and rally again in the Reer of their own Divisions His duty likewise is to fetch Ammunition Powder Match and all other Materials for the Company He is moreover every particular evening to attend at the place of Parade or at the Majors Lodging to fetch the Word and carry it to his Captain Lieutenant Ensign and Corporals and likewise as soon as he is come unto his Guard he must direct the Corporals where to set out the Perdues and Sentinels and how to order his Watch. He must likewise make Rounds and if he finde a Sentinel asleep in the Field he is to commit him to the hand of Justice And thus much concerning the duty of a Serjeant Of an Ensign AN Ensign being a Commission-Officer in the absence of his Captain and Lieutenant is Commander in chief of the Company and ought to march upon the head of the same leading them with a Half-pike His Captain and Lieutenant being present and upon a Stand his Colours ought to rest upon his side being held by his right or left-hand and unfurled upon the March his Colours ought to be shouldered taking up the corner-end of them in his right-hand and to let them be half flying the Pikes and Muskets all conforming unto the same Posture Marching through a City for the more grace his Colours may be wholly flying being advanced and held up by his right-hand or resting upon his right side He ought to be a proper man grave valiant and discreet and to be well skill'd in the Postures of the Pike in respect he leads them and they expect from him to be taught the Postures thereof He ought to be well skill'd in all the lofty Figures of the displaying of the Colours above the head and to make use of them according to discretion and command which is not onely a healthfull exercise to his body but also most becoming to him or any other Gentleman or Commander whatsoever that shall sometimes make use of the same although condemned through sloth and ignorance by others who will not take the pains to learn it An Ensign upon a Troop lodging he Colours or in time of skirmishing may fold them up and retreat into the second Rank for the securing of his Colours which he ought to stick by and not to stir from them at such a time although he hazardeth his last drop of blood or makes them his winding-sheet When the General shall pass by or any such man of worth he ought a little to vail his Colours inclining the head or narrow end thereof a little downward but not to bow his knee or uncover his head He may sometimes for his ease or recreation upon the March request some Gentleman of knowing trust of the Pikes to carry his Colours for him until such time as he shall come again for to take them In the absence of his Lieutenant when his Captain shall exercise the Company he may stick his Colours in the ground or deliver them to some Gentleman of the Pikes and fall down himself in the Reer with a Half-pike or Cane there to be an assistant to his Captain in supplying the Lieutenants place except his Captain should command him to the contrary He ought to have a Guard along with him as well to the lodging of his Colours as to any other place He ought to perform all courteous offices for the Souldiers unto his Captain which will gain him both love and reputation amongst them they thereby better respecting him and more couragiously following of him Of a Lieutenant HE that is a Lieutenant to a Company ought to be a good and able Souldier and well to understand the Duty of a Captain in respect that in his absence he is as Captain and Commander in chief over them He is likewise to receive all Orders Charges and Commissions from his Captain assuming no authority unto himself but in the absence of his Captain he is to see all such Orders he hath received duly executed for the better ease unto him He is likewise at such times frequently to exercise the Company in all their Military Motions Skirmishings and False-firings in the pan He is to hold the Serjeants and Corporals strictly to their duty causing them to provide all things necessary for the Company and to be assistants unto him where he shall see cause He is to teach and instruct the Souldiers in the use of their Arms and sometime for their ease he may command every File-leader to draw forth his File and to shew them their postures By which means he shall do such good service to his Captain that when he shall exercise them himself he may find them more apter and readier to fulfil his Commands at which time the Lieutenant ought to be in the Reer and to see all things there truly executed according to the Captains commands He is in time of danger and great importance to advise with his Captain about the welfare of the Company for knowing
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
your Musket Ram home your Charge Draw forth your Scowring-stick Turn and shorten him to a handful Return your Scowring-stick Bring forward your Musket Poyse Ballance your Musket in your left hand with your Barrel upward Draw forth your Match Blow your Coal Cock your Match Filt your Match Guard your Pan Blow the Ashes from your Coal Open your Pan. Present upon your left hand Give fire Brest-high Dismount your Musket holding him still in your left hand Uncock and return your Match Clear your Pan. Shut your Pan. Set the Butt-end of your Musket to the ground Lay down your Musket Lay down your Match Take off your Bandeliers Lay down your Bandeliers An Advertisement to the Souldiery of the Nation WHereas this Book in the several Tracts thereof with much variety doth set forth at large as to their several kinds and changes all your Military Motions and Postures which may not only serve to give light to the unexperienced and lead them by the hand into the Military Gardens of Honour and other * Place this Sheet betwixt Bb and Cc * places where they are trained up until by degrees they arrive unto perfection but may delight and confirm the most able and most knowing Souldiers whilst here they read over those several forms in which heretofore they stood when in so many Battails with such admirable success they have both opposed and overcome their Enemies And whereas even from hence may be extracted many excellent Directions and Rudiments of War which may incourage and fully inable all active and gallant Spirits in this City of London to perform such Commands and to follow those Conducts to which they shall be disciplined by those exquisite and most expert Souldiers who shall train them up either in the new Artillery or any other ground of such Honorable Imployment and hereby be so fitted and furnished with all directions that the performance of them shall render them most acceptable yet I cannot but confess that through the usual variety of this most Noble Profession proceeding from the great plenty which these times afford thereof the exercise of Arms being every where so frequently shown that the most plain and ordinary Rules though far more useful are not so well rellished many men looking more in such your publick Trainings after novelty and delight then solidity which was purposely contrived by the Authors of it only for variety and for drawing of one another to the love of Arms and not for any prejudice to the Fundamentals of War on which the Ruine or the Safety of the Kingdom and Commonwealth of the World depends If peradventure it be alleadged that he who can perform things of difficulty will be more apt to carry on things of more facility It may be speedily answered that the plain Rudiments and Principles of War being of greatest use and importance and practised in all Armies both in this and other Nations they are by no means to be neglected or omitted but to be preserved and esteemed in that high manner which they do deserve for the ability in the performance of them will no doubt more readily prefer a man and render him more capable of any imployment then the practice of any useless or impertinent things in War Add unto this that the more easie and plain a man is in his command the more readily it is received by the Souldiers and more promptly obeyed for new coined and Sesquipedalian words of Command do so puzzle and torment the apprehensions with directions and expositions to have them understood that not only they oftentimes transcend the reach of those that are to give them but they do much amaze and confound the capacities of those who are to be led and ordered by them I do the rather make mention of this in this place that a discreet care be taken that no man make himself ridiculous in his undertakings or Commands but that he may be able to give an absolute account of any Branch which in the whole Body of the Art Military shall be propounded to him to give satisfaction therein to any judicious Souldier as concerning the use purpose and property of it for otherwise it would signifie nothing at all But when a man being required thereunto can render a sufficient reason for what he doth or shall voluntarily give it himself as to this or that management of any service in War it will very much both content him and inform them who shall be under his Command and give them a just encouragement to proceed in it but if he should fail in this point of Knowledge and Judgment there is but little benefit to be expected from his Conduct for it were far better that a man did but a little in a Souldierly way which is proper and carrying good approbation to men of understanding then to spin forth a long thred with new expressions and inventions that are of no use or profit but tend rather unto laughter and to the loss of time and the offence of many and to the bringing of a generall contempt upon the Art And although there be many Rules which may be sufficient forms to direct and to teach to be expert in War and doubtless are of great concernment to them who have both the. Theorick and the Practick part yet nevertheless there is no rule but at some time or other doth admit of some exception there being espepially so many cross events in War that no Commander can positively tie himself up to any Rule for occasions do vary so in several places that the chiefest Rule a man can walk by is his Eye and his Intelligence wherein accordingly he must accommodate himself to encounter his Enemies And although a Commander should be qualified with much Knowledge Courage and Faithfulness the only accomplishments of a true Souldier yet they are to be attended with diligence for in all his undertakings and performances delays being always dangerous it is usually said That which is soonest done and well done is best done But above all he is to have an eye to order which is the very life of an Army And in acting against an Enemy great care is to be taken not to puzzle the Souldiers by confounding their understandings which may occasion their utter overthrow And this makes me to reflect on what hath been mentioned heretofore Let every Commander that truly delights in Military exercises study to be exact in all plain things and practice the Souldiers much in the exercise thereof for this is the only use and is altogether practised and observed in the Field If a man will be curious in new fancies there are stratagems enough to be found out in which he may exercise himself with much variety to delight the curious and find much matter in them to be highly valued and esteemed But this is to be carried on in a plain way the study whereof would ask some time and it is not easily obtained by ordinary capacities which should
be as at first and unto what hand soever they wheeled command them to wheel to the contrary hand and they will be reduced unto the first Front or what part is wheeled off by Division wheel them inward again from that place and it will easily reduce them Thus you see that it is almost impossible for a Leader to be out unless he be extreamly ignorant therefore he need not fear to venter far in the progress of them before he shall reduce them provided he use no Doublings which if he shall great care must be had that he be not put to a stand for the prevention whereof let him look back unto those doublings by wheelings wherein one doth reduce another where he may finde some remedy to help himself forth again CHAP. LVIII Of Firings either for delight or service THe chiefest thing required of the Muskettiers next their Postures by which they are taught how to handle their Arms with delight both marching or skirmishing is Firing which to speak the truth is the full accomplishment of all the rest for unless they be really performed the rest are of no great advantage For to what end is it for any man to Prime Lade or Cock if he Present not answerably therefore Firings are the execution of all the former in so much as my advice shall be to all Commanders that they be careful and diligent to have all their Muskettiers often practised with false Firing whch is Firing in the Pan only and falling off as hereafter followeth to the end that in time of need they may not spend their Powder and Bullets in vain And that they may likewise know where to fall off that others may do the like and where to place themselves securest from danger yet so as they may be still aiding the one unto the other I shall therefore for the good of my Country and for the benefit of all such as are herein concerned collect forth some Firings which shall be every one differing from the other in one kind or other either in the execution or reducing whereby the ingenious Souldier may cull forth such as he best likes to make use of what he shall think to be most fit and pertinent to his intended purpose be it either for delight or service briefly therefore thus Firings really considered can be performed but five ways that is to say to the Front Reer right or left Flank Oblique or Angular but there is so much variety to be expressed in the performance of each of these that it makes them seem so many several Firings as by the following discourse shall be fully demonstrated CHAP. LIX Several Firings to be performed with any number of men THe Front being the head of the Body and therefore the more honourable part challengeth the superiority or first place and therefore without any further circumstance I come directly to the Firings as they lie in order as followeth Draw all the Muskettiers before the Pikes before you begin your Firings Firings to the Front 1 Two Ranks advancing ten paces falling in the Reer of themselves 2 By single Ranks advancing three paces falling in the Reer of themselves 3 Fire and flank the Pikes 4 Fire by Files advancing 10 or 20 paces first single secondly ranking inward 1 2 3 4 or more falling down into their places again 5 Fire by Ranks filing and advancing 10 or 20 paces and moving down and ranking in the Reer of their own Divisions 6 Fire by Divisions drawn off 10 or 20 or 30 paces and returning again 7 Fire even with the Front and falling in the Reer of their own Divisions 8 Fire even with the Half-files and fall in the Reer of themselves 9 Fire by way of Introduction thus the first Rank fires and stands the last Rank passeth up between the Files and placing themselves before the File-leaders or first Rank then stand and give fire the rest doing the like till the File-leaders come up again into their places and fire the second time 10 Fire by Introduction after this manner the first Rank gives fire and stands the rest moving forward until the next Rank hath placed themselves before the first then stands and gives fire the rest moving up and doing the like until they have all fired twice 11 Fire even with the Front falling into the Reer of Pikes 12 Fire by Extraduction the first Rank passing from the Reer upon the outside of the Pikes upon the right until they have placed themselves in a Rank before the Pikes the rest successively doing the like until they have fired all over and brought themselves as at first Here the Muskettiers are upon the Flanks again 13 Fire by the outmost Files wheeling or ranking outward into the Front falling off likewise being led off by Bringers-up leading up next the Pikes this done twice reduceth 14 Fire two Ranks together falling off or falling down 15 Fire four Ranks together two kneeling and two standing upright falling off or falling down 16 Fire six Ranks together two kneeling two stooping and two standing upright 17 Fire some Ranks drawn forth to the right left or by Division and in again Note also if you please you may draw forth one Rank to the right and another to the left at one and the same time together 18 Fire by Files drawn forth oblique then face about move into their places Note also that several Figures may be made by these kinds of Firings as the V the W or the Fort-battail and the like 19 Fire by Ranks ranking into the Front or Files ranking into the Front and ranking or filing as they were 20 Fire by Files wheeling outward or inward into the Front and filing again as they were Thus much briefly of Firings to the Front the Reer challengeth the next place where suppose all the Muskettiers to be in the Reer of the Pikes the Body marching 1 Fire to the right left about falling in the Front of their own Divisions Firings to the Reer 2 Fire and fall off to the right and left and rank with the first Rank of Pikes into the Front 3 Fire even with the Reer and fall off before the Front of your own Divisions of Muskettiers 4 Fire even in the Reer or last Rank and fall off to the right and left with a swift motion placing your selves 10 20 or 30 paces before the Front of Pikes still facing to the Body and making ready again and opening to the right and left until they be clear of the Pikes 5 Fire by Introduction to the Reer twice over until they come down even with the Reer and flank the Pikes 6 Fire to the right and left about to the Reer Ranks drawn forth and in again 7 Fire to the Reer every Rank drawn forth clear each from other and falling in again and flanking the Pikes 8 Fire to the right and left about Files ranking downward to the Reer and filing as they were 9 Fire to the