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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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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
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-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
wind it would be ready to blow him down Therefore as above that which is most commodious for the souldiers marching up a hill is to comport his pike The use of Trailing The Trailing of the Pike is seldom used but when the souldier shall march straight forward through a Wood the File-leader before he enters in trails his pike and consequently all the rest in his file then stooping down they take up the butt-end of their leaders pikes which they may easily gripe with their own in their right hands and after march forward through the busling leaves in a straight line every file single by himself but as neer each other as possible they can march for more security sake that when they are clear they may find each other and be in a condition to rally up again as occasion shall require The trailing of the Pike may also be of excellent use in a Trench that at such time when they shall have intelligence where the Enemy are preparing to make a breach they may then move forwards unto that place undiscovered and may defend the same The use of Cheeking The cheeking of the Pike is the proper sentinel-posture and then to be used CHAP. IX The use of the Postures of the Musket I Conceive it will not be material to go over every posture of the musket to describe the use of them in respect the greater part of them have conformity to the Pike Those that shall remain and of the chiefest consequence I shall not be wanting to satisfie the souldier in The ballancing the musket and rest on the right side The use of ballancing the Musket on the right side with the barrel upward is one of the chiefest postures belonging to the musket from thence he begins to make ready as to open clear and prime the pan all being motions to this posture To traile the rest and ballance the musket on the left side with the barrel downward is a posture likewise of as great consequence The use of ballancing the Musket on the left side for there are several motions belonging also to this posture as to find out the charge to open it to charge with powder to take bullet out of the bag and to charge with bullet with divers other motions before you can recover your musket and rest again How a Muskettier shall perform the Sentinel-posture THe Sentinel-posture is to be performed after this manner first the musket is to be laded with powder and bullet afterwards he is to cock his match and to stand with his pan guarded his musket being upon his rest until such time he is relieved but as concerning him I shall more fully set forth his duty treating upon the duty of the Sentinel CHAP. X. The manner and way to do the Funeral-posture NExt followeth to shew how to do the Funeral-posture the properest and the best way to begin this posture is when the musket is rested and is to be performed after this manner You must first slip up your musket upon the rest so high until the fork of the rest be within a handful of the cock after you must bring your right hand under the barrel of the musket close to the fork of the rest and then lift him off and after cast your Rest backward trailing him on the left side and bring your Musket under your left arm with the barrel downwards bearing the butt-end upward with your two fore-fingers and your thumb holding off the pan and that with the left hand Now if you begin to be weary in the march by reason of the weight of the musket you may to ease your self bring your right hand backward and there take hold of the musket keeping still your left hand in its first place until you shall reduce him to the Rest again The reducement of the Musket from the Funeral-posture FIrst raise up your Musket a little with your two fingers and thumbs of the left hand as you formerly held him then turn the Musket until you perceive the barrel to be upward after lay your right hand upon the barrel much about the lazie pin and then taking him bring him up forward on the out-side of the Rest recover your Rest fall back with the right legge you may with ease bring your Musket again upon the Rest as at first This posture being so seldome used makes the Souldier much to seek in performance of the same but he that takes pleasure in handling of the Musket and shall exercise himself therein cannot chuse but find it very easie and much delightful to him And I know no posture more becoming a Muskettier then this if it be near and well performed by him And here I shall conclude and end discoursing of the postures CHAP. XI The Souldiers desire to know every particular place of Dignity as they stand in Rank and File THe Souldier now having obtained some pretty knowledge skill and ready aptness in the managing and performing the postures begins to look about himself what next is needful for to fasten upon to make a further progress in this Art and straight he meets with some that whispers to him That it were a gallant thing to know the Dignity of a File true and rightly stated To which he answers But where can it be found the opinions of souldiers are so various and differing therein that none knows where for to attain it My Captains eye saith he is upon me because I do the postures well which causeth the Serjeants to make me a File-leader and that I know to be the chiefest and first place of Honour in the File the second place to be the bringer-up the third the half-file-leader the fourth the bringer-up of the Front half-files Thus far no souldier of any known judgment can deny but now a-dayes our Files being drawn up six deep makes me altogether ignorant of the honour of the rest neither know I the Dignity of a File eight or ten deep which still in some places they do retain drawing them up so deep If my ambition were but now fully satisfied herein I should in time come for to know the Dignity of the Captains as they are drawn up all in a Regiment by which Rule I am informed they walk And in my judgment there cannot be a truer stating the Dignity of a Rank and File then that which shall conform to the Dignities of the Captains as they are drawn up abrest all in a Regiment Now for as much as many Regiments consist of several numbers of Captains and Companies in them as some six Companies others eight some greater as ten and twelve Companies It is expedient therefore not only for my self but for every souldier that will be truly knowing to be resolved herein concerning those several numbers and as occasion shall alter to any other they may inform themselves by these how to fit their purpose And therefore not to keep the apt and forward souldier longer in suspence but that
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
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
time that his Lieutenant Colonel shall come unto that place and then he is to bring up that Division being near at hand that if his Lieutenant-Colonel should upon some just occasions be called off he may immediatly move up and lead there in his absence For upon the Long-march as the Colonel leads the first grand Division so it is conceived by some they marching in two grand Divisions some twenty paces distance from each other in manner of two regimental Marchings that the Lieutenant-Colonel ought to lead the second Next let the First Division of Pikes be led by the second Captain and to be brought up by the fifth Captains Lieutenant and the second Division of Pikes to be led by the fifth Captain and brought up by the second Captains Lieutenant the last Division of Muskettiers to be led by the Majors Lieutenant and the Reer of the second grant Division being left for the Major to bring up at such time as with conveniency he may be spared Therefore to march thus it being a very good way and with very little alteration to be made I was unwilling to pass it by leaving it to the discretion of every ingenious Souldier to make use of which way he best pleaseth or likes of whilest I in the next place shall set forth the Figure which follows in pag. 161 affording more variety in the same CHAP. XV. How to make the Figure of a Ring with its use and service But methinks I hear some say Of what use or service upon any occasion may this Ring be unto the Souldier To whom I answer that it is one of the most serviceable Figures that can be made to secure the Souldier from danger against the furious charge of Horse in Campania the accomplishing or making of it up being easily and suddenly performed the Muskettiers having Pallizadoes may advance three or four paces and stick them down in such manner as they may keep the Horse from breaking in among them And after if they should be charged round they may give fire over them against their enemies and fall in the Reer of themselves yet nevertheless if the Horse should be undaunted and attempt to come on again they may resist them with a more desperate charge after this manner bringing all hands to fight and to pour out their shot or to fire altogether after this kind Command first the Pikes to move forward until they be three foot behind the Muskettiers then let every File rank to the right which will make them to stand but one abrest in one single Ring behind the Muskettiers Now that all hands may be brought to fight together command the first Rank of Muskettiers to kneel down the second stoop and the third stand upright then let all close forward to close Order and let the Pikes as occasion shall require charge betwixt the Muskettiers who may fire altogether and the Pikes may charge on whilest the Muskettiers make ready again The Pallizadoes formerly stuck keeping off the Horse from breaking in upon them they may fire after this manner as often as they please And so much may suffice to be spoken concerning the service and use that may be made of it in time of fight and now in the next place I come to reduce them into Companies again as at first Let the Pikes that ranked to the right file three to the left as they were and let the Bringers-up that doubled face about to the right and march forth into their places Then let the Major come to that place where he closed the Ring and brake it off wheeling them all along about to the left until he hath brought them to stand in one even Front as at first the same in like manner to be performed of the Pikes and to stand in the Reer of the Muskettiers Next let the Muskettiers and Pikes face outward and move to such convenient distance that after the Muskettiers may be subdivided again and the Pikes move up and double their Front inward entire in each grand Division Which being brought into that form each Captain may draw off his men being so commanded by the Major and compleat up his Company again and be after disposed of to farther duty or to march home to their Quarters according to command And here I shall conclude this Regiment of eight Companies CHAP. XVIII The manner of drawing up a Regiment consisting of ten Companies having in it seven Captains and three Field-Officers being in each particular Company the former numbers which in all amounts unto 1198 men THe Major having ground sufficient for the drawing up the Regiment after the Colonels Company hath made Alt next to him upon the left he draws up the youngest Captain which is the tenth and the next to him the third Captain which is the sixth after that the fourth Captain which is the seventh then the first Captain which is the fourth then the Majors which is the third next to him the fifth Captain which is the eighth and after that the second Captain which is the fifth then the sixth Captain which is the ninth All these being drawn up upon the left of the Colonels Company the closier of all upon the left is the Lieutenant-Colonels Company whose figure carries the number 2. Place now all these numbers of Dignity according to the former Figures and they will stand as followeth in a Rank 2 9 5 8 3. 4 7 6 10 1. 27 28. In the next place compare the Dignity of the right Half-ranks with the left and they are ballanced as neer as can be possible to be equal there being one odd which of necessity must be cast upon the right Half-ranks for the reasons formerly exprest in placing the second Captain into the Lieutenant-Colonels Division Then according to the former rule draw forth the Pikes and ingross them into two Bodies and the like of the Muskettiers after sub-divide the Muskettiers and make them four divisions and move them up to flank the Pikes and then they will be in two compleat grand Divisions In the next place let the Major order forth unto the Captains and Lieutenants their several places to lead and to bring up after this manner There being two grand Divisions having in them five Captains and five Lieutenants it will be necessary to appoint our five several Charges in the first grand Division to lead and five to bring up after this manner As first divide the Van-guard into two Divisions the first to be led by the Captain-Lieutenant and brought up by his Bringer-up the second Division of Muskettiers in the Van to be led by the third Captains Lieutenant and to be brought up by the fourth Captains Lieutenant The first division of Pikes is to have the three first Colours to fly upon the head of them and to be led by the eldest Captain and brought up by the seventh Captains Lieutenant the next division of Pikes to be led by the fourth Captain having his own and the
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
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
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
their charge and being retreated back into their places will produce the following Figure After the Figure is reduced unto his first aspect command the Muskettiers or Divisions upon the wings to face to the right and left inward and to march until they stand as in the first Figure then face to their Leader and command the eight first Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers to face outward marching until you perceive an interval for the eight Reer-divisions to move up and make an even range with the Front-divisions which being done they will appear as followeth Upon this Figure let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right into the room of them in the Reer they at the same time firing and wheeling off into their places again Then let the Commander face them all to the right and they will stand in four crosses with Muskettiers on the wings File-wise upon which facing they may march the Officers being placed according unto discretion and after they have marched let them face again to their first Front Command Front-divisions of Muskettiers face to the right and move two paces to your Leader Reer-divisions of Muskettiers move up and double the Front-Divisions to the left Rank-wise which produceth the next Figure Upon the former Figure let all the Muskettiers give fire together and fall off to the right and left in the Reer of themselves the Pikes after charging through the intervals and after retreating again Then command Muskettiers that doubled to face about and to move down into the Reer until they be clear of the Pikes and stand then let the Muskettiers both in Front and Reer face to the left and march until they stand straight in their Divisions then face to their Leader and they will stand as in the former Figure then proceed Command The four inmost Divisions both of Pikes and Muskettiers on the left face to the Reer inmost Divisions both of Pikes and Muskettiers both upon the right and left march clear of the standing part then let them face to the left and move three paces to your Leader The four outmost Divisions both of Pikes and Muskettiers upon the right wheel to the right the four outmost Divisions upon the left both of Pikes and Muskettiers wheel to the left which will set forth the next Figure Tht first firing Let them face to the Front Reer and both Flanks and give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after wheeling off to the right your Divisions on the outside of the Pikes into the place of the Reer-Divisions which are to advance forward into the Front performing the like as the other Front-Divisions The second firing Let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers move to the right two paces after command Divisions of Muskettiers to double to the left Rank-wise and let them give fire in Front Reer and both Flanks all together the Pikes may after charge to all these places whilest the Muskettiers make ready again and retreat again into their places The third firing Let them give fire again and fall in the Reer of themselves which being ended you may proceed to another Figure Command The left Division of Muskettiers wheele off to the left and place your selves in the left interval between the Pikes which occasioneth the next Figure Upon this Figure let the Muskettiers give fire in the Front Reer and Flanks and Angles falling in the Reer of themselves and the Pikes may after charge on Many other firings might be performed upon this Figure but I shall not be tedious to relate any more but leave them to the discretion of every Leaders genius and shall now shew the way to reduce them Reducement Divisions of Muskettiers upon the Angles face to the Center and move three paces after wheel the Divisions a little to the right until they be brought in the Reer of their own Divisions of Muskettiers which being done command the four Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers on the right to wheel to the left and the four Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers upon the left to wheel to the right After command the four Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers upon the left to face to the left and march to such a convenient distance as that the four last Divisions both Pikes and Muskettiers may move up on the left to range even with the Front they on the Flanks moving up also until they stand all even abrest After command the inmost eight Divisions to face to the Reer and let them all move until they be clear one of another then face to their Leader and let the eight Front-divisions face inward and to move until they stand straight with the Reer-divisions After let the Pikes in the Body in each Division open their Ranks to Front and Reer to their open Order And then command Divisions of Pikes upon the Flanks to face to the right and left inward and march in and strengthen the Body of Pikes which being done let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers face to the Reer commanding them all to close their Ranks forward to Order and face to their Leader they are reduced Which being performed the Leader may lodge his Colours having finished his ninth Exercise CHAP. XXXI The tenth Exercise consisting of 24 Files being six deep according to the first drawing up of a private Company THere being a greater number appearing upon this days Exercise then in the former it concerns a Leader more especially to give special charge to the inferiour Officers to be careful in the drawing forth the Files that they make no man a File-Leader Bringer-up Half-file-Leader or Bringer-up of the Front-half-files but such able Souldiers as may be deserving of the same whose diligence and care upon all motions is principally required being as it were the hinges of the Leaders several words of Command Wherefore supposing them to be drawn up in Battalia and the Colours being brought to the head of the Company the four Serjeants ready at hand attending their Captains commands and the body being closed in Ranks and Files to their distance of Order and silence craved at the Company he that shall exercise them may begin after Distances and Facings shewen with this or the like doubling following CHAP. XXXII Eight entire several Doublings with their Reducement Command FRont half-files double your Reer inward entire Command The twelve inmost Files double entire the depth of the six outmost Files Inmost Files face about Command Half-files double your Front to the right Command Double your Files to the right entire advancing Command Half-files double your Front inward entire Command The six outmost Files upon each Flank double entire advancing the twelve middle Files Command Half-files double your Front to the right entire Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank entire advancing which being performed they are reduced CHAP. XXXIII Eight several Countermarches with their Reducement Command FIle-Leaders stand the rest pass through to the right and
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
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
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-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
with us the Horse and Foot have but one Auditor-General who passeth no sentence himself but it is done by a Council of War in which every Captain hath a Vote XII Of the Provost-Marshal THe Provost-Marshal ought to be an honest man for that he is to look to the Weights and Measures and to protect the Victuallers and Sutlers from the insolencies of the Souldiers Himself or one of his men must always be in the Market-place and is to inform himself at what rates the Sutlers buy their Victual that the Commissary and Auditor may rate them accordingly He must see the Orders published in the Horse-quarter strictly observed and he must cleer those Quarters of vagrants and idle fellows He must always carry his Truncheon in his hand and having the same it is death for any Souldier to lay hands on him If he be to take a prisoner he is not to enter the Quarter without leave of the Chief who is to cause the Delinquent to be delivered up to him but if the Delinquent offer to make escape he may then enter the Quarter by his own Authority In marching he is to cleer the Ways and to prevent the stragling Souldiers of Pillaging CONCERNING The Enrolling Arming and Exercising OF THE CAVALRY ALl things must be presupposed in a Souldier to be enrolled into the the Cavalry which are common to him with the Infantry as soundness of Body vigour of Members of fitting Age between 20 and 40. a Resolution to addict himself to that Profession and a Desire to learn it a vertuous emulation of Advancement by Merit due Obedience to his Superiours and a strict observation of Military Discipline above all the fear of God which will direct him to follow Virtue and abhor Vices with these general Qualifications he ought to be endowed and as to the Profession he hath now undertaken these particular Faculties are necessary He ought to be active nimble and to know well what belongs to a Horse he must be curious and careful to keep his Horse and Arms in good order He must wear a Scarf of his Princes or Generals Colours and not put it off though he go out of his Quarter whether alone or in Company by which means besides the Ornament they will by the thoughts of whose Badge it is forbear many unfitting Words and Actions they being subject by that to be discovered I. Of the Arming of the Cuirassier THe Cuirassier is to be armed in this manner His Horse being about 15 hand high strong swift and well managed His Arms a close Casque or Head-piece Gorget Brest Pistol and Caliver-proof the Back Poldrons Vanbraces two Gauntlets Tassers Cuissets Culets or Guard de vain all fitting to his Body A good Sword very stiffe and sharp pointed with Girdle and Hangers so fastned upon his Cuirass as he may readily draw it a Buff-Coat with long skirts to wear between his Armour and his Cloaths He must have two Cases with good Fire-lock-Pistols hanging at his Saddle the Barrel being 18 Inches long and the bore fitting for Bullets of 20 or 24 in the pound to rowl in He is to have a Boy and a spare Nag to carry his spare Arms and Oat-sack and to get him Forrage His Saddle and Bit must be strong made after the best manner he must wear his Scarf and must have his Bridle made with a Chain to prevent cutting II. Of managing of the Horse and Arms. COncerning the Horse supposing him to be of sufficient stature and strength nimble of joynts and sure of foot he must of necessity be made fit for service so that you may have him to be ready at command to pace trot gallop to run in full carreer also to advance stop retire and turn readily to either hand and all with alacrity and obedience Now to bring him to this ready turning he is to be ridden the Ring and Figure of 8. first in a large then in a narrower compass First upon his pace then upon the trot and so to the gallop and carreer He may be taught these things by using the Hand Leg and Voyce for the Hand observing not to move the Arm only the Wrist if you would have him to face to the Left a little motion of the little Finger on that Rein and a touch of the left Leg without using the Spur doth it If to face or turn to the Left about then a little harder If you would have him to Trot move both your Legs a little forward for the gallop more forward and for the carreer to yerk them most forward and to move the Body a little forward also with it After every motion performed it were good to keep him some small time in that motion As when you bid him stand to stand a while c. Also it were not amiss after every thing well performed to give him some Bread or Grass for a reward For the Voyce you may use the Words Advance Hold Run or the like but because the Voyce cannot always be heard it were therefore best to use him most to the motion of the Hand and Leg. It is also very necessary that you teach him to go side-ways this he may be brought unto by laying his Provender somwhat far from him in the Manger and keeping him from turning his head towards it You must use him to the smell of Gun-powder the sight of Fire and Armor the hearing of Shots Drums and Trumpets all by degrees and with discretion When he is at his Oats you may fire a little Gun-powder at a good distance from him and so neerer by degrees Afterwards a Pistol at a distance and so neerer by degrees and in like manner may a Drum or Trumpet be used He may sometimes be dressed in Armor and eat his Oats upon a Drum-head It will be useful sometimes to cause two Muskettiers at convenient distance from you to fire at each other and thereupon to ride up close to him Also to ride him upon a compleat Armor upon a stake and overthrow it and trample upon it by which means he will grow bold not fearing to attempt any Object You may use him to mountanous and uneven Ways and teach him to Leap Swim c. Of Exercising the Cuirassier BEfore I speak of the particular Postures belonging to the exercising of the Cuirassier I will begin with this necessary preparative to Posture viz. Command 1. To Horse Direction Both Reins hanging in a loose posture over the Horse-neck and upon the Pummel of the Saddle the Horsman is first to take the end of the Reins above the Button in his right Hand and with the Thumb and two first Fingers of that Hand to draw them to an even length Then putting the little finger of his left Hand between both Reins under the Button with the other three fingers of the same Hand on the farther Rein and the Thumb on the nether side of the Button to grasp both Reins that so before he endeavour to mount he may
have his Horse-head in ballance and at command then grasping the Pummel of the Saddle with his left hand and standing with his full body close to the Horse-side and just between the Bolster and Cantle of the Saddle always on the nere side of the Horse with the help of his right Hand he shall put the left Foot into the left Stirrup and with his right Hand taking fast hold on the highest part of the Cantle behind he shall by the help of both Hands gently but strongly and in an upright posture without inclining his body to either hand raise himself until he may stand perpendicular upon his left Foot and then casting over his right-leg place himself in the Saddle He being now mounted his Postures are as follow Command 2. Vncap your Pistols Direction Turn down the Caps of your Pistol-cases or Holsters with your right-hand Command 3. Draw your Pistol Direction Draw your Pistol out of the Case with your right-hand always the left Pistol first mounting the Muzzle of it Command 4. Order your Pistol Direction Sink your Pistol into your Bridle-hand and remove your right-hand towards the Muzzle and rest the But-end upon the right Thigh Command 5. Span your Pistol Direction Sink your Pistol into your bridle-hand and take your Spanner in your right-hand and put it upon the Axle-tree winding it about till it stick and return your Spanner to its place Command 6. Prime your Pistol Direction Holding your Pistol in your bridle-hand as when you Span'd it take your Priming-box in your right-hand pressing the Spring with your fore-finger to open the Box put Powder into the Pan. Command 7. Shut your Pan. Direction Press in the Pan-pin with your Thumb and shut it Command 8. Cast about your Pistol Direction With your bridle-hand cast about your Pistol and hold it on your left side with the Muzzle upwards Command 9. Gage your Flasque Direction Take your Flasque in your right-hand and with your fore-finger pull back the Spring then turn the mouth of the Flasque downwards and let go the Spring Command 10. Lade your Pistol Direction Press down the Spring which openeth the Flasque with your fore-finger and bringing the mouth thereof to the Muzzle of the Pistol turn the Powder into the Barrel Command 11. Draw your Rammer Direction Draw your Rammer with your right-hand turned and hold it with the head downwards Command 12. Lade with Bullet and ram home Direction Hold the Rammer-head in your right-hand and take the Bullet out of your mouth with your thumb and fore-finger and put it into the Muzzle of your Pistol and your Rammer after it and so ram home Command 13. Return your Rammer Direction Draw forth your Rammer with your right-hand and return it to its place Command 14. Pull down your Cock Direction Bring your Pistol towards your rightside with your bridle-bridle-hand and resting the But-end upon your thigh with your right-hand pull down the Cock. Command 15. Recover your Pistol Direction Take your Pistol into your right-hand and mount the Muzzle Command 16. Present and give Fire Direction Your Pistol being in your right-hand with your fore-finger upon the Tricker incline the Muzzle thereof towards your Mark with a fixed eye and by degrees on the right side of your Horse-head turning your right-hand so that the Pistols Lock may be upwards having obtained your Mark draw the Tricker and give Fire Command 17. Return your Pistol Direction Return your Pistol and with your right-hand put it into your Case Concerning the Snap-hans Pistol those Postures wherein it differeth from the Fire-lock Pistol are these Command 18. Bend your Cock Direction Hold your Pistol in your Bridle-hand and with your right hand bend your Cock Command 19. Guard your Cock Direction Pull down the Back-lock with your right hand it will secure the Cock from going off Command 20. Order your Hammer Direction Draw down the Hammer upon the Pan with your right hand Command 21. Free your Cock Direction Thrust back the Back-lock with your right thumb thereby to give the Cock liberty For the more easie and speeding lading of the Pistol for the gaining of time and avoiding the carrying of either Flask or Touch-box there is an invention of a Spanner or Key which contains six Charges of Powder at the least and priming-Powder sufficient for those Charges and for the Cartouches wherewith the Pistol-cases be furnished which the Cuirassier will find to be of very good use The Cartouches are made of white Paper cut into convenient breadth and length and rowled upon the Rammer or other small round stick the edge being passed down and the Rammer drawn out one end of the Paper is to be doubled in to keep the Powder from falling out these Cartouches are to be made so big as to fill neerly the bore of the Pistol and of length to contain as much Powder as the Pistol requires for a Charge When the Powder is in tie it with thred and then put in the Bullet also tying that also these the Souldier may make at spare hours and have them always by him When he uses his Cartouches he must bite off the Paper at the head of it and so put it into the Barrel of the Pistol with the Bullet upwards and then ram it home these being beforehand prepared it will much expedite the work of lading his Pistol The Cuirassier being well mounted and throughly exercised in his Postures the next thing he should apply himself unto is to be a good Marksman to attain which he must be frequently shooting at Marks on Horsback having such set upon a Tree some higher and some lower The Cuirassier being armed Pistol-proof he must not give fire but at a very neer distance being careful to make his Bullet do execution the principal place of advantage to aim at is the lower part of the belly of his Enemy his arm-pits or his neck Some are of opinion that it is not fitting for a Cuirassier to give fire till he have his Pistol under his Adversaries Armor or against some unarmed place and if he miss of an opportunity of hitting the man he may aim at the head or brest of his Horse He is commonly to give the charge upon a Trot and seldome galloppeth but upon a pursuit Having spent both his Pistols and having no opportunity to load again he must then betake himself to the last refuge his Sword placing the Pummel of it upon his right thigh and with his right hand to direct the point thereof by his eye raising it higher or lower as ocsion serveth aiming at his Enemies Neck Arm-pits Eye or about the Pummel of the Saddle at his Belly c. but being past his Enemy he is to make a back-blow at him aiming to cut the buckle of his Poldron thereby disarming one of his Arms c. Of Exercising the Harquebusier and Carbine NOtwithstanding there be some difference between the Harquebusier and Carbine in their Horse their Arming and their Piece
doubt he had lost his Country In a word if you fight you set your fortune upon the Dice if you husband your business warily the storm will over If you be an undertaker the sooner you bring your Cause to trial the better you are like to speed delays are dangerous for change of Air Diet and other inconveniencies may breed sickness and divers ill humors in your Army and if your Enemy will not fight but make a Fabian or lingring War he may put you to your shifts therfore first acquaint your self with the strength and quality of your Enemies forces with the state of his Country with his own disposition and the disposition of those that are neerest about him and before you declare your self gain some of his great men if it be possible to take your part maintain good Spies in his Court. Forecast all that can further or hinder your design before you undertake it and let your Cause be just left you draw the vengeance of God and jealousie of other Princes upon you In your preparation let your first care be of the belly want of Victuals hath been the loss of many a brave design and the ruine of great Armies Let your men be well trained and such as have been used to exercise and labour if you can let them be all of your own Subjects provide plenty of materials and other necessaries for your design and use the means to begin your War with some notable loss to your Enemy so shall you terrify him and discourage his Allyes and friends from giving him assistance When you come to fight chuse ground as neer as you can to fight upon proper for the number and quality of your men if you be strong in Horse chuse champion if your strength be on foot and that you want Horse chuse uneven bushy or inclosed ground and place some Muskettiers in the distances between those Troops you have which may advance and give fire upon the Enemies Horse if they offer to charge cover one of your Flanks if you can with some River Morass or Wood. Make your Front so large that your Enemy may not be able with his Wings to charge you in Flank Let your Battalions be small as of five or six hundred at the most which may nimbly move charge retire or succour each other at their pleasures for great Bodies are unweildy and being forced to move cannot keep their order unless the ground be very even for upon uneven ground they will either fall foul or be forced to open and if an Enemy can then make use of his advantage and charge they are easily broken and being broken are irrecoverable whereas small Troops although they break may under the favour and succour of their seconds put themselves again in order and be able to do good service Use means to draw your Enemy off the ground he hath chosen to stand upon it may to your advange perhaps bring some disorder in his Troops Be sure to have store of Seconds and always keep some Troops in reserve rather give then attend the charge it will encourage your own men and dishearten the Enemy Charge on that hand you think your self the strongest Let the distances between the Battalions as also between the Ter●●a's of your Army be carefully kept and get the advantage of Sun and Wind if you can Of a Chase IF your Enemy turn his back and fly let the third part of your Van-guard Battail and Reer as also a third part of both the Wings of Horse be appointed for the Chase and let one third part of them so appointed chase the Enemy disbanded the rest following in their order to succour the disbanded Troops if the Enemy should turn head and make resistance and let the other two thirds of the Army leisurely advance in good order to countenance the Troops in Chase if occasion should require When you would have the Chasers retire let the Drums and Trumpets of those Chasers that keep their order sound the Retreat that the disbanded Chasers may know where to find their Troops and if it be night let the Drums and Trumpets of the rest of the Army likewise sound And let there be fires made in divers places in the Army whereby all the Chasers may the better find the way to their Quarter Of a Retreat TO make a good Retreat is one of the Master-pieces of a General nor is it dishonorable for him to take the advantage of any time that he finds useful for the safety of his Army and good of the Cause although some young Souldiers more hardy then wise think it a disparagement to retire in the night but he that will not retire in the night when reason and the benefit of his party doth require may stay and be beaten in the day Many Examples there are in Histories of Armies that have been lost by such gallantry and their party thereby ruined There is no experienced General so indiscreet or ill advised as to follow a retiring Enemy with his Gross in the night especially if he find him retire in good order for so he may be drawn into Ambuscadoes or his enemy may wait for him in places of advantage and do him an affront and what knows he when he finds the Retreat made orderly but his Enemy seeks to draw him out purposely to intrap him by this means the party retiring may before day get into a place of safety whereas if he retire by day his Enemy may safely follow him with his whole Army and pass upon all advantages whereof he shall find plenty in a well-ordered Army if he know how to make use of them and take his opportunity I therefore conclude that to retire by night without sound of Drum with matches covered or to use any other secret way to avoid an Enemy when occasion doth require is not dishonorable but the duty of a good Captain The Order that the Prince of Orange retired in from Gelders FIrst He possessed a high piece of Ground that lay half-way between Gelders and Rhineberk to which Town he was resolved to March and lodged there 2000 men well intrenched with some pieces of Ordnance then he made ready three ways for the Tertia's of the Army to march in Front before the Troops began to march he sent away the Baggage and great Ordnance with some part of the Ammunition An hour before day or thereabouts he gave Order that the Army should march and the three Tertia's drew out of the Quarter without sound of Drum and marched in even Front about 200 paces distant from each other until they came an English mile or more from the Quarter and then Command was given that the Drums should beat In the Reer of each Tertia came ten or twelve Field-pieces with Ammunition and all other necessaries belonging to them On either Flank marched sixteen Troops of Horse and after the Foot at a large distance came the rest of the Horse In this Order did he