even-files into the ground before the Front Contrariwise this doubling doth transferre them into the ground next behind the Reer And as in the other doubling you may perceive halfe the file-leaders to remaine in the Front the other halfe to be halfe-file leaders This doubling hath halfe the file-leaders in the front the other halfe being the last ranke of the Reere Those which were the former Bringers up being become the two innermost or middlemost ranks The figure followeth being demonstrated as the body stands the motion being ended The manner of the motion for this doubling is as followeth The command being given files double your depth to the right intire every man falling behinde his bringer up then the even files accounting from the hand named immediately face about to the right and the bringers up of each of the even files turne behinde the Bringers up of the odde files that stand And so every man as he commeth down to the Reere turneth to the left behinde him that marcheth downe the next before him untill those that were the leaders of the even files are become the bringers up to those which were the odde files The reducement is as followeth Bringers up that now are double your ranks forward to the left Which being performed they are as at the first If you would be instructed in the manner turne backe and see it where the bringers up double their ranks forward into the front It is the fourteenth Chapter I have willingly past over another doubling of the depth because it is much after the manner of that which is done by advancing file upon file which is the doubling of the last Chapter It differeth onely thus In the last figure the even files marched forth placing themselves before the odde files And in this which I have omitted the even files are to face about and march forth right towards the reere untill the file-leaders of the even files have placed themselves just behinde the bringers up of the odde files and then every man to face to his leader Some have a doubling of the depth by countermarch Which I conceive scarce worth penning yet willing to leave every man to his owne liking as I do nothing in it so I 'le say nothing of it There are others that have written concerning doublings of place nevertheles because they are nothing but the opening of ranks files wherby length or depth of your battell is extended and so doubled in place and not in number I forbeare to write further of them desiring not to treate of such things which are more curious then necessary CHAP. XXXI Of Conversion and Inversion with their words of Command and Reducements ACcording to my promise I will next shew the difference betweene Inversion and Conversion the very names whereof is such a puzzling unto many that they are more troubled with the words then the worke Some are of opinion that they are both one differing in letter not in matter Others would have a difference if they could tell how or where But generally they are so chopt and changed one for the other that the Souldier cannot in truth tell which is either But that you may not be deceived take this for a rule that Inversion doth alwaies produce file or files and Conversion ranke or rankes Inversion consists of the files filing or of rankes filing Conversion of ranks ranking to the right or left Or by increase of files ranking by even or uneven parts and of ranks wheeling to the right or left I shall speake further of them in their severall places But by the way you are to observe that Inversion and Conversion require larger distances of Ground then any other Motions which must be the Officers care to open the ranks or files to such distance as shall be necessary to containe the rankes or files so to be Inverted or Converted whether it be double-distance or twice double-distance for any other lesser or larger quantity of ground The words of Command with their severall Reducements are as followeth Inversion Files file one to the Right File-leaders lead up your files as you were Left Files file to the right and left by division Ranks file to the Right Files ranke as you were Left Right left Conversion Ranks ranke 3 5 7 or 9 to the right Ranks ranke as you were 4 6 8 or 10 to the left by increase 2. 4. 6. 8. c. to the right by increase 1. 3. 5. 7. c. to the left intire to the right into the front intire into the left into the front by division into the front Ranks wheele to the Right Left Right and Left Files rank 3 5 7 or 9. to the right Ranks file as you were 4 6 8 or 10. to the left by increase to the right 1 3 5 7 c. by increase to the left 2 4 6 8 c. to the right into the front to the left To avoid the words of Inversion and Conversion I have delivered the directions with once naming either of them Onely I have exprest the six first words of Command to be Inversion and these last sixteen to be Conversion For I conceive it not to be so necessary to adde to every word of Command Inversion or Conversion For by so doing the unlearned and ignorant Souldier will be so transported with the strangnesse of the word that he will scarce by any meanes be made capable of the matter For my own part I have ever held this opinion that the easiest expressions are ever to be preferred in the way of instruction to young Souldiers I might have much inlarged my self in the words of direction concerning this subject but these being perfectly attained others by practice wil be gained I at the first intēded to have drawn figure for every one of these words of Command but I have better considered that some of them will require so much roome and againe are so easie to be understood without their figures that I conceive I may both spare the pains and cost and onely deliver the figures of some few of them which will be the most necessary And for the others I will expresse in words what they will produce in figure CHAP. XXXII Of Files filing in sequence The Command is Files file on to the right TO performe this word of Command or Direction The right hand file marcheth away single The second file from the right falleth into the Reere of the first The third behind the second The fourth behind the third And so consequently all the rest of the files fall into the Reere of their next right-hand-files untill all the whole Company become one file It may bee usefull to passe some narrow bridge or thicket or else-where where but one at once can passe the Commander being willing to preserve his files intire and whole The way for the Reducement may be after this manner The place being convenient every file-leader is to lead up his file to the
Cretan or Chorean Countermarch The word of Command or Direction is Files to the Right hand Countermarch This Chorean Countermarch is by some called the Moderne Countermarch I conceive their reason to be because that it is more in use than any of the other Or else for antiquitie it might claime many ages It is a Countermarch for maintaining of ground for it worketh its effect on the same ground it stands neither loosing nor gaining But it transferres the file-leaders into the place of the bringers up and the bringers up into the place of the file-leaders withall turning the aspect of the body or battalia to the Reere The way to performe this motion is as followeth Assoone as the word of command is given if it be to the right then all the file-leaders step forwards with their right legges and face about to the right every file-leader with his file following him passing downe towards the Reere through the intervall on his right hand still observing to keepe even in ranke with his right hand man But by the way note that no man must turne untill he come to the ground where at first his file-leader began the Countermarch This motion is then performed when the bringers up have attained unto the place where before their file-leaders stood being faced right after them Files countermarch to the left To countermarch to the left worketh the same effect and is done after the same manner onely differing in the hand For reducement if you countermarch to the right do as much to the left and they will be as they were For any intire countermarch of files will be reduced of what kinde soever by making another intire countermarch to what hand soever CHAP. XLI Of Countermarching to loose Ground The Command is Files to the Right Countermarch every man turning after his Leader on the Ground he stands THis Lacedemonian countermarch is a Countermarch of losse of ground for that it leaves all the ground the Battalia formerly did conteine and in lieu or place thereof taketh the ground behinde the Reere This Countermarch is to be performed when the Bodie is upon a stand And as the Chorean turnes the Aspect towards the Reere The Greekes were wont with this Countermarch to bring their file-leaders to oppose any enemie appearing in the Reere thereby gallantly bearding their enemies in the teeth neither politickly making shew of flight whereby to bring the enemie into disarray nor over providently carefull of the advantage of ground The motion of this Countermarch is to be performed as followeth The file-leaders of each file are to step side wayes to the right and therewithall to face about to the reere and so march even in ranke together downe betweene the Intervalls no man advancing a foot forwards but turning in like manner after their leaders when they are past by them still observing to keep their due distance And so a whole ranke together still turning off to the right each Ranke successively doing the like untill the Countermarch be fully performed Any intire countermarch of files will reduce this But for order sake take one of the same sort to the contrary hand which is Files to the left Countermarch every man turning after his Leader on the ground he stands I shall not need to speake further concerning this Countermarch of losse of ground to the left seeing that it differs from the other onely in the alteration of the hand The substance and effect of both being one and the same onely I will now speake to a second fort of Countermarch which is of the same kinde The Command is Bringers up face about to the Right the rest passe through to the Reere and place your selues before your Bringers up This Lacedemonian Countermarch doth also loose the ground whereon it formerly stood and takes the ground behinde the Reere the manner of the motion is as followeth The last ranke or Bringers up face to the Reere and stand the rest of the Body facing about in like manner and passing through or betweene their bringers up and placing themselues even in ranke before them The motion is begun by the ranke next the bringers up and so continued successively by the rest untill the Countermarch be ended It may be reduced by doing the same to the contrary hand Neverthelesse for brevity sake I will make use of a sprigge from the same bough and reduce this Lacedemon countermarch by another of the same kinde The Command is Bringers up stand the rest passe through to the Right and place your selues behind your Bringers up This Lacedemonian countermarch is thus to be performed the last ranke or bringers up are to stand and the rest of the body to face to the Reere and passe through to the Right and place themselues behinde their bringers up contrary to the countermarch last showne where they placed themselues before The motion is also begun by the second ranke from the reere the rest following successively untill the file-leaders are become the Bringers up Then face them about after their proper file-leaders and they are reduced CHAP. XLII Of Countermarches to gaine ground or the Macedonian Counter-march The Command is File-leader face about to the right the rest passe through to the right and place your selves behinde your Leaders THis Macedonian Counter-march is for gaining ground for that it leaues the ground the Battalia formerly stood upon taking in lieu thereof the ground next before the front It also turnes the aspect towards the reere The motion of this Counter-march is from the reere to the front contrary to the Lacedemon whose motion is from the front to the reere This Macedonian Counter-march makes semblance in the reere of flight but presently produceth an orderly settled front when perhaps the enemy with a too early pursuit hath broken the order of their array The way to performe this Counter-march according to the directions formerly given is as followeth The file-leaders or first ranke face about to the right the rest of the body passe through betweene the Intervalles or distance of files to the left and place themselves behinde their leaders every ranke beginning with that next the file leaders passing through successively and taking their places untill the Counter-march be fully executed It may be reduced as the rest by doing the same to the contrary hand or as I have formerly said by any intire counter-march of file and therefore I will reduce it by another Macedonian counter-march The command is as followeth File-leaders face to the Reere the rest of the body passe through to the left following your bringers up placing your selves behinde your leaders This Macedonian counter-march is rather remembred for its antiquity then excellencie as some more of them be neverthelesse if any will be curious to observe the motion it may be performed as followeth The first ranke or file-leaders face to the reere then the last ranke begin the counter-march passing
placing your selves on the outside of your Right-hand-men THis passing thorough or Bastard Countermarch of Ranks doth alter both ground and flanke still reserving the Aspect without alteration It is to be performed as followeth The out-most or right-hand-file stands the rest of the body facing to the right passe thorough to the right every man placing himselfe on the right side of his right-hand-man and so standing euen in Ranke the Motion still continuing untill the left-hand-file is become the right the right the contrary If this Countermarch be done alone for the reducement let the left-hand-file stand and do as much to the left as before to the right and they will be as at first CHAP. XLVII Of Countermarching Front and Reere to the middest FOr the Intire Countermarches I have indeavoured to expresse them as well as I could in words but for the divisionall Countermarches I intend to expresse both in word and figure whereby they may be the more easily apprehended by such as shall be desirous to know them notwithstanding before I enter upon the divisionall Countermarches I would willingly cleere one thing which by some will be carped at which is the using of the word Middest insteed of the word Center The word Center I confesse hath been the more usuall word amongst us and yet it is not altogether so proper to our use as the other wherefore give me leave without offence to use those words which are not only more proper but more significant The Midst of the Battaile is to be understood either from the Front Reere or from both Flanks or wings If between Front and Reere the Midst must be betweene the half-file-leaders and the Reere ranke of the Front half-files extending it selfe from Flanke to Flanke The Midst betweene the Flankes is betweene the two innermost files continuing the whole depth from Front to Reere Our first Countermarch shall be Chorean the word of command or direction is This divisionall chorean countermarch brings our File-leaders and Bringers up together in the midst and the ranks that were in the midst in the Front Reere It is a countermarch mayntayning ground for every man marcheth up into his leaders ground before he faceth about to countermarch The way to performe the Motion is as followeth The command being given to countermarch either let the commander or some other of the Officers command the half-files to face about then the file-leaders stepping forwards with the right legge and face about to the right passing downe the Intervals on the right hand the rest of the Front-halfe-files following their Leaders and not turning untill they come to the ground where their Leaders turned down before them The bringers up with the Reere-half-files at the same instant turning downe their Intervales on the left hand the rest of their division following them untill the file-leaders and bringers up meet together in the midst of the Battaile and then having faced all to their Leader the Motion is performed For the reducement of this figure doing the same thing over againe will reduce it Or any other divisionall countermarch of File CHAP. XLVIII Of bringing Front and Reere together into the midst by the Bastard Countermarch The Command is File-leaders and half-fileaders stand the rest passe thorough to the right and place your selves before your Leaders THis Bastard Countermarch doth bring the Leaders and bringers up together into the midst and saves two facings and is quicklier performed then the other last done or any other in the precedent Chapters The way to performe the Motion is as followeth The first ranke stands and the half-file-leaders stand then those of the Front-half-files passe thorough their Intervals to the right placing themselves before their File-leaders The second ranke before the first the third before the second the fourth before the third The Reere-half-files at the same instant doing the like and placing themselves before their half-file-leaders as the other did before their File-leaders This Motion may be either reduced by doing the same over againe to the contrary hand or else by countermarching front and Reere into the midst or by any other of the divisionall countermarches of files The next shal be a Lacedemonian countermarch the word of command or direction is as shall be exprest in the ensuing Chapter CHAP. XLIX Of Countermarching to make a large Intervale between the first and last Ranks The Command is File-leaders and Bringers up stand the rest passe thorough to the right and place your selves before your Leaders and Bringers up Lacedemonian THis divisionall Lacedemonian Countermarch makes semblance of falling on or charging both to the Front and Reere and leaves all the ground which was occupied by the Souldiers which stood betweene the front and reere transferring them into the ground before the front and behinde the reere the ground or place of their former standing being vacant onely demonstrated in this figure by the pricks The Motion may be thus performed The Reere-halfe-files are commanded to face to the Reere and then the front-halfe-files passe through to the right placing themselves before their Leaders The second Ranke before the first the third before the second the fourth before the third the Reere-halfe-files at the same instant passing through to the Reere after the same manner and placing themselues before their Bringers-up You may perceive by the figures of Number placed on the Flanks of the figure of battell both how the men stood before the Motion began as also how and in what place they stand the Motion being ended For the reducement if you have not closed their distance you may face them about and so let them passe againe into their places Or else by doing the same Countermarch over againe or to the contrary hand or any such like way will reduce them This next following Countermarch will also reduce them or this will reduce that The word for the Command or direction is as you shall finde it placed over the front of the figure CHAP. L. Of making a large Intervalle betweene the first and last ranks by the Macedonian Countermarch THis divisionall Macedonian Countermarch is little different from that next before it onely the other turned the Aspect outward to the front and Reere this Countermarch turnes the Aspect inwards towards the midst It may be usefull if the Commander would shew or publish ought before his best Souldiers for that it not onely leaves a large distance but that it brings the best Souldiers into the midst with their Aspects directed inwards It may also serue to conduct any great personage crosse the length of your battell whereby to shew them the braverie of your Souldiers c. The figure followeth The Command is File-leaders face about Bringers up stand the rest passe through to the Right and place your selues behinde your file-leaders and Bringers up This motion may be thus performed The first ranke or file-leaders face about the last ranke
he useth in the handling of his Armes consisting of severall Motions for atchieving of each Posture The Motion being the working part the Posture the alteration or act either in circumstance or matter As to rest your Musket being one Posture to shoulder your Musket another so likewise for the rest howbeit some perchance will object as formerly hath bin to one of Athens making a long Oration in the praise of Hercules his valour who ever doubted of it So to me who ever questioned these for Postures yet I have known them not only questioned but written against peremptorily concluding that there are but three Postures to be used for the Musket whose errours I shal easily confute But more of this after the Postures of the Musket Wherefore for the more orderly proceeding conceive their Armes to lie before them on the ground and then the first command will be to stand to their Armes The Postures of the Musket TAke up your Bandeliers Put on your Bandeliers Take up your Match Place your Match Take up your Musket and Rest Rest your Musket Now if you please you may performe your saluting Posture Poyse your Musket Shoulder your Musket Take your Rest into your right hand and you are armed ready to March Now to begin to make ready which may be done either standing or marching Take your Match between the fingers of your right hand Put your Rest string about your left Wrist and carry your Rest in your left hand Return your Match between the fingers of your left hand Unshoulder your Musket and Poyse Ioyn your Rest to the outside of your Musket Open your Pan. Cleer Prime Shut Cast off your loose Corns Blow off your loose Corns and bring about your Musket to the left side Treile your Rest ballance your Musket in your left hand Charge with Powder Bullet Draw forth your Scowring stick Shorten Put your scowring stick into your Musket Ram home your Charge Withdraw your scowring stick Shorten Return Bring forward your Musket and Rest Poyse your Musket and recover your Rest Ioyn your Rest to the outside of your Musket Draw forth your Match Blow your Coale Cock your Match Fit Guard your Pan. Blow the Ash from your Coale Open your Pan. Present upon your Rest Give fire brest high Dismount your Musket joyning your Rest to the outside of your Musket Uncock and return your Match Cleer your Pan Shut Poise your Musket Shoulder Take your Match between the fingers of the right hand Take your Rest into your right hand cleering your string from your wrist Return your Rest into the left hand the string loose Return your Match into your left hand Unshoulder your Musket and Poyse Rest your Musket Set the But-end of your Musket on the ground Lay down your Musket and Rest Match Take off your Bandeliers Lay down March from your Armes There is likewise the Sentinell Posture which is The Muskettier having his Musket charged with Bullet his Match cockt his Pan guarded stands with his Musket rested to performe such duty as shall be commanded or given him in charge Some have likewise taught to make ready on or from the Sentinell Posture But note that as none comes to stand Sentinell but comes ready charged So if any occasion happen that he must give fire in the time of his standing Sentinel it causeth a generall Alarme So that he will have no fit time to make ready upon his Rest Wherefore I conceive it superfluous but will ever conforme to better judgement We have also the Funerall Posture which from the Rest is to be performed at 3. Motions which cannot so well be exprest in writing as it will expresse it selfe in Action Wherefore seeing that it is rather an Ornament to Obsequies than truly necessary for Armies I will not spend more time about it but come to the Postures of the Pike Yet before I passe upon them give me leave to answer some which out of a Criticall humour will alwayes be carping at others condemning these Postures saying There are more by halfe then are either good or usefull and that there are no more Postures to be used but Make ready Present Give fire The which wee will not deny that in Service there are any other usefull notwithstanding I would have them to know that Make ready is no Posture but a word of Command including all Postures from the first Arming of the Souldier to the present or if the Muskettier be charged shouldered or both then the word Make ready commands the prosecution of the rest of your Postures which are between the Posture you then immediatly are at when the word is given and the other Posture Present for which reason when wee teach Muskettiers at first it is most necessary to instruct them punctually from Posture to Posture Which being once attained he manageth his Armes more surely more comely with more celerity and with better execution and at the first may as easily be taught the best way But if he have got an habit of doing ill there wil be as much or more pains spent in reclayming his errours as at first to teach him the best safest and readiest way CHAP. II. Of the Postures of the Pike THat which followeth next of course is the Posture of the Pike Wherefore that we may observe order in our proceeding we will likewise conceive their Pikes to lie in like manner before them on the ground And then as before the first Command will be To stand to their Armes Handle your Pikes Order To your open Order close Charge with the But-end of your Pike at the inside of your right Foot your Pike in the left hand drawing your Sword over the left Arme. Charge to the Right Left Reere Order your Pikes and put up your Swords Note that these Charges at the Foot are to receive a desperate Enemy on Horse upon a stand in some strait or other place of advantage the Muskettiers to give fire over the Pikemens heads or else-where at the discretion of the Commander Port your Pikes Comport Cheeke Treile Order Charge to the Front Order as you were Right Left Reere  Shoulder your Pikes Advance your Pikes Port Comport Cheeke Treile your Pikes  Advance as you were Charge to the Front Right Left Reere Shoulder your Pikes Port Comport Cheeke Treile Shoulder your Pikes  Shoulder as you were Charge to the Front Right Left Reere From Comport Cheeke or Treile the Pikeman may at the discretion of the Commander charge either to the Front Reere or both Flanks as shall be necessary or thought expedient Wherfore we shall not need to do it but once over for the Charges will be all alike whether you Comport from Order from Advance or Shoulder And so likewise for Cheek and Treile c. From Comport Charge to the Front Comport as you were Right Left Reere Cheek your Pikes   From the Cheek Charge to the Front Cheek as you were Right Left Reere Treile your
may by this figure easily apprehend what the other would be CHAP. XIII Of doublings of Files IN this doubling of Files you may perceive that each of the even files doubleth into the odde files beginning from the hand named as in this doubling of files to the left the left hand file stands fast the second file doubleth into it the fourth file into the third and so for the rest If your command be to double your files to the right then contrariwise the right hand file stands fast the rest of the even files doubling into the odde accounting from the right as before from the left Thus much may suffice for the doubling of files onely take this by way of admonition that as in doubling of ranks any way you are to observe your right hand leader so in doubling of files you are to observe your file-leader so that as neere as possibly may be you may either in ranke or file be altogether in one motion If you please further to observe with me that this doubling is a doubling of number and not of place the depth of the battell not being thereby extended for further satisfaction observe this figure Files to the left double Files as you were CHAP. XIV Of doublings by bringers-up THis doubling which next followeth shall be a doubling by Bringers-up of which sort one figure will be sufficient which I hold most necessary to demonstrate in manner of motion The figure followeth This doubling of Ranks by Bringers up differeth from the other doubling of ranks first done both in quantity and quality In quantity it differeth in regard the other leaves a large distance betweene Ranke and Ranke being double the distance they formerly stood at this contrariwise continuing and preserving the same distance they formerly stood at betweene each Ranke In quality it also differeth in regard that it brings the best and second sort of Souldiers together into the Front The manner of this doubling you may plainely perceive by the figure where it is performed as followeth The eight or last ranke which are the bringers up passe forwards even in ranke through or betweene the intervales to the right of them that stand before them until they come even in ranke with the Front The seventh rank following those which marched from behinde them placing themselves in the second Rank the sixth in the third the fifth ranke or halfe file in the fourth or reere of the front halfe file This doubling maketh a very able Front in bringing all the best Souldiers together And although it hath diminished the number in regard of the depth yet it hath doubled the number in the length This doubling is in quantity of number not of ground When you march into your places remember this that the Rank which last tooke his place in the execution of this motion must first march into his place in the way of reducement For as they are led forth by their Bringers up contrariwise they are led off by their halfe file leaders In the doubling of the Front to the left by Bringers up it is the same onely differing in this that whereas before it was to the Right this is to the Left Wherefore let this suffice for doublings by Bringers up CHAP. XV. Doublings of Files outward and inward THe next doubling is a doubling of Files outward which workes the same effect as to double Files to the right and left For the right flanke is to double to the right the left flanke to the left As you may plainely perceive by the following Figure This doubling of Files to the right and left outward strengthneth both the Flanks at once by doubling their numbers in depth But it weakneth the Inward part where it taketh two Files cleane away leaving a large Interuale in the midst Some say it is good when a Commander will grace any to bring them through the center or midst of the Battalia But you must note if you have an odde File you cannot so punctually performe it as when the number of your Files be even The manner of the doubling you may perceive by the Figure The motion by the little lines drawen from the Pricks The performance is as followeth The outmost File of each Flanke stands The second Files double into them The third File from each Flanke stands The fourth File double into the third The sixt into the fift and so likewise for the rest If you would double Files to the right and left inward it is to be done the contrary way For whereas in this Figure of doubling last performed the outmost Files stand the other doubling outward into them Contrarywise the two inmost Files should stand the rest doubling to them inward And whereas in this there is a larger distance in the midst then is in any other part The other part Contra would bee closest in that part Some men doe not approove of either of these doublings I leave every man to his owne choice The practise of it makes perfection and he that can doe much may doe lesse when he liâ—teth CHAP. XVI Of doubling by Halfe-files THe next doubling is a doubling by Halfe-files whereby the length of the Battaile is extended to double the former proportion of number the depth being extenuated both in number and place This Figure will demonstrate unto you the manner of the motion which is as followeth This doubling our Rankes forward by our Halfe-files is a MorioÌ„ generally approved of by all for serviceable if it be done with conveniencie It differeth from the other doubling by Bringers up in quality not in quantity for therein they keepe one proportion In quality it differeth thus The doubling by Bringers up brought the best and second sort of souldiers together into the Front The fourth and third sort into the Reere So that the Reere was 4 7 worse then the Front This doubling by Halfe-files brings the best and the third together into the Front and leaves the second and fourth in the Reere So that the Front is made more able then the Reere by â…“ It differeth likewise in Motion thus For whereas in the other doubling by Bringers up the Motion was begun by the last Ranke every Ranke following the Ranke which came from behind him This contrarywise is directly led foorth by the fift Ranke from the Front if they be but eight deepe and so is executed more surely and suddenly the fift Ranke passing into the first the sixth Ranke into the second the seventh into the third and so for the rest For the reducement when they are commanded to face about to the left and march forth into their places Then as the Motion was led on by the Halfe-file-leaders so in the reducement they are led off by the Bringers up Doubling of halfe-files to the left produceth the same effect onely the contrary hand CHAP. XVII Of doubling the Reere by Front Halfe-files THe doubling of the Reere by Front halfe-files is differing
over some But marvell not the cause I do not show them It is not much materiall for to know them Those that are Skilfull in the Art of Warre And take delight to exercise their men Shall find more pleasure in these doublings farre If that they intermixe them now and then And so contrive their doublings in these cases That lastly one word brings them to their places Why in our Country do we Captains chuse That have no skill nor artfull inclination They do themselves and Country much abuse Thus to deceive them in their expectation I thinke the Cause of this fault in our Nation Is that our Gentry holds it not in fashion But some perhaps will say I am too bold There 's no such need for Captains to have skill The Muster-masters have enough some hold The Captains and the Counties for to fill So whilest the Muster-master doth the labour The Officers may play upon a Tabour But stay me thinks one puls me by the sleeve And tels me that I have my selfe forgot Wherefore of doublings here I take my leave Intreating those that read mistake me not Let Muster-masters take their money then But let the Captains exercise their men CHAP. XXXIX Of Countermarches Their Antiquity and words of direction THe next branch of Discipline which offers it selfe to your perusall are Countermarches which are of three kinds To wit Chorean Lacedamonian Macedonian which is Maintaining Loosing and Gaining Each of them are to be performed two manner of waies One by File the other by Ranke There are also Counter-marches Intire and Divisionall But divers men are divers for their opinions concerning the Macedonian and Lacedamonian Counter-marches Some will have the Macedonian A Counter-march of gaining of ground because that it transfers the Battalia into the ground before the Front Others will have it A Counter-march of losse of ground because say they the Enemy being in the Reere it makes a semblance of flying Some will have the Lacedamonian A Counter-march of gaining of ground because the Enemy appearing in the Reere it makes a semblance of Charging or falling on Others call it A Countermarch of losse of ground because it looseth all that ground the Battalia stood upon taking in stead thereof the ground behind the Reere There are others of opinion That there are Counter-marches of losse and gaine in either of them All these are furnished with reasons to backe their opinions But if I should stand to shew their many and severall reasons I might well be thought to be without reason my selfe My opinion is That taking the ground before the Front is gaining ground and that to leave the ground we stood on to take the ground next behind the Reere is losse of ground And yet to take either whereby there is advantage gotten must needs be gaining But where the matter it selfe is so indifferent it were fondnesse to spend longer time about it Wherefore note That Countermarches were of ancient use amongst the Greekes many hundred of yeeres since from them learned and practised by many other Nations and so still continued unto this day But as the Snow-ball by much rowling becomes the greater So in like manner these Counter-marches have received addition in all ages So that the three originall ones are now become more then thirty accounting those divisionall And yet are all of them fathered upon one or other of the three kinds Though some of them will scarcely be owned or acknowledged as you shall perceive when I come to shew them in their severall places But amongst all the Motions this might be the best spared as being least beneficiall to this our moderne Discipline But because that knowledge is no burthen and that at some times they may be usefull Therefore first take the words of command or direction which are as followeth Intire Countermarches by file Files to the right left hand countermarch Files to the light left countermarch every man turning on the ground he stands File-leaders face about to the right left the rest passe through to the right left and place your selues behind your Leaders File-leaders stand the rest passe through to the your Leaders right left placing your selues before File-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right left placing your selues before your Leaders following your Bringers up Bringers up face about to the right left the rest passe through to the right left and place your selues before your bringers up Bringers up stand the rest of the Body passe through to the right left placing your selues behinde your bringers up Intire Countermarches by Ranks Ranks to the right left Countermarch Ranks to the right left countermarch every man turning on the ground he stands This right hand file face to the left the rest passe Macedonian through to the right placing your selues behind your right hand men This left hand file may face to the right and do as much This light left hand file stand the rest passe through to the right left placing your selues on the our side of your right left hand men This right left hand file face to the right left the rest passe through to the right left placing your selues before your right left hand men Divisionall Countermarches by Files Countermarch front and â—e cre into the midst File-leaders and halfe-file-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selues before your Leaders File-leaders and Bringers up stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selues before your Leaders and Bringers up File-leaders face about Bringers up stand the rest passe through to the Right and place your selues behinde your Leaders and Bringers up Front-halfe-files interchange ground with the Reere Divisionall Countermarches by ranks Countermarch your wings or Flanks into the middest or Center The out-most-file of each Flanke face outward the rest passe through to the right and left placing your selues behinde your out-side men The out-most file of each Flanke face inward the rest passe through to the right and left placing your selues behinde your outside men The out-most file of each flanke stand the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selues on the outside of your outside men Interchange your Flanks Note what is done by the out most files may be reduced by converting the command to the innermost files but must be done before they have closed their divisions c. CHAP. XL. Of the Chorean Countermarch and the way to performe it I Could willingly have prickt a Figure for each of these severall countermarches but that they will take up too much roome And therefore I will onely pricke some few of the hardest of them and for the rest I will endeavour by words to make them as facile as I may that so they may be apprehended by the meanest capacitie And first I will begin with the Persian
forwarde betweene the Intervalls the seventh ranke following the eighth the sixt following the seventh and so likewise the rest untill the whole body be transferred into the ground before the front and then joyntly together facing to the right about after their leaders the counter marche is ended For reducement observe this for all that any intire countermarch of file may be reduced by another intire counter-march by file of what kinde or to what hand soever These three last Chapters of counter-marches are the originall grounds of all the rest yet I shall shew one in the insuing Chapter which time hath begotten out of the latter two which takes part with either being absolute in neither CHAP. XLIII Of the Bastard counter-march The Command is File-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves before your Leader THis passing through or bastard counter-march is partly Macedonian and partly Lacedemonian for first with the Macedon it takes the ground before the front the motion being from the reere forward it is partly Lacedemonian for that they passe through and place themselves before their Leaders and for that it makes semblance of falling on or charging the enemy neverthelesse the Macedonian disclaimes it for that it alters not his aspect The Lacedemonian refuseth it for that it takes the ground before the front and not that behinde the reere or with the Chorean it holds affinitie And many there be that will not allow it for a countermarch for indeed the word it selfe will not beare it notwithstanding seeing that it hath beene long ranged amongst them I will not be he that shall displace it but will passe forwards to shew the manner of the motion which is to be performed as followeth The file-leaders stand according to the former direction the rest of the body advance their armes the second ranke first passing through to the right and placing themselves before the first ranke the third ranke before the second the fourth before the third and so forwards for the rest untill the last ranke or bringers up are become the foremost which perfects the motion It may be severally usefull as to skirmish against an enemy advancing by way of introduction or upon occasion to bring the reere men to march in front and such like For the reducement you may doe as much to the contrary hand onely for order sake I will reduce it by another like it selfe The Command is File-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right placing your selves before your Leaders following your bringers up This motion may be done either to the right or left and is nothing differing from that last shewne but that whereas the other began with the second ranke this contrariwise begins with the last ranke or bringers up every ranke successively following the ranke which came from behinde them untill they which were the leaders are become the last in the reere If this countermarch be first done it may be reduced by any of those formerly shewn c. CHAP. XLIV Of countermarching ranks to maintaine ground The Command is Ranks to the right hand countermarch THis Chorean counter-march of rankes is an altering or changing of one flanke for the other the Battalia still keeping the same ground onely the right flanke becomes the left and the left becomes the right The way to performe this motion is as followeth the command being given then the whole body faceth to the hand named and every man in the outmost file to the right files by this facing being become rankes turnes down through the Intervalle or distance betweene ranke and ranke marching forth right unto the part which was the left flanke with their rankes file-wise following them being come unto their ground they face as before and the counter-march is performed for the reducement let rankes countermarch to the left after the same manner differing onely in the hand and they are as at first CHAP. XLV Of Countermarching Rankes to lose Ground The Command is Rankes to the right-hand Countermarch every man turning after his right-hand-man on the ground he stands THis Lacedemonian-Countermarch of Rankes is a falling on upon the left Flanke the Motion being begun by the right It leaves all the ground the Battalia stood on and takes in place therof the ground beside the left Flanke turning the Aspect to the left The manner or way to performe this Motion is as followeth The whole Bodie faceth to the right and then the right-hand-file being faced becomes a Ranke begins the Countermarch turning downe the Intervals of the Ranks which by this facing is made the distance between the Files and so marcheth forth-right beyond the left Flanke every man following him that was his right-hand-man but not stepping forwards one foot of ground untill the Countermarch be performed For the reducement of this Countermarch do as much to the left and they will he as at first Or if you please take another of the same kind The word of Command or direction is Right-hand-file face to the right the rest passe through to the right and place your selves before your right-hand-men THis Lacedemonian Countermarch of ranks makes a falling on upon the right Flanke the Motion being from the left Flanke to the right leaving all the ground whereon the Battalia stood and taking in lieu thereof the ground beside the right Flanke In those dayes when Countermarches were more usefull for their Discipline then now they are for ours the Lacedemonian Countermarches were of chiefe repute aswell amongst the Macedonians as the Spartans and others the way to performe this Motion is as followeth The right-hand-file faceth to the right and passeth through the Intervals or spaces to the right placing themselves before their right-hand-men untill the left-hand-file become the foremost ranke If you doe this Countermarch by it selfe then for reducement first face them to their Front proper then let the left-hand-files face to the left and do as much to the left and then they will be as at first CHAP. XLVI Of the Macedonian Countermarch by Ranke The Command is Right-hand-file face to the left the rest passe through to the right placing your selves behind your right-hand-men THis Macedonian Countermarch of ranks contrary to the Spartan dismarcheth from the enemy upon that Flanke where hee appeares and presents the contrary Flanke to receive the Charge It is performed after this manner The out-most-file to the right faceth to the left The rest of the body or Battalia faceth to the right every man passing thorough to the right and placing themselves behind their right-hand-men For the reducement of this Countermarch as all the rest there are divers and severall wayes but performe as much to the left as you have done to the right and they will be at first Or if you please this following Bastard Countermand will do the same The word of Command or direction is Right-hand-file stand the rest passe through to the right
stands the Reere-halfe-files face about and so the front-division passe forwards and place themselues behind the file-leaders the reere-halfe-files behinde their Bringers up The manner you may perceive the plainer if you note the figures of number which are placed on the flanks of the figure their number shewing the places they had from the front before the motion began This figure may be reduced either by the same word of command which produced it or else by any of the foregoing divisionall countermarches Our next shall be a countermarch of exchange of ground The words for command or direction are as followeth CHAP. LI. Of Interchanging Ground The Command is Front-halfe-files interchange ground with the Reere passing through to the Right Bast Countermarch In Motion This Bastard Countermarch may not rightly be said to be derived from any one of the particular grounds of Countermarch but rather participating of them all And yet considering it as it is to be it is different from them all for whereas the other countermarches of files in division although they bring the Front and Reere into the middest yet the front-halfe-files continue still on the same part and the Reere-halfe-files do not alter into the places of the other But this contrary to any other of the divisionall countermarches transferres the front-halfe-files into the ground or place of the Reere-halfe-files and them into the contrary part bringing the file-leaders and bringers up together into the midst The way to performe this Motion is as followeth The front-halfe-files face about passing forwards to the right being led by the bringers up of the front-halfe-files betweene the Intervalles towards the reere The Reere-halfe-files at the same instant in like manner marching forwards betweene the Intervalles on their right hands into the Front untill the Front-division have attained the places of the Reere and they contrariwise the places of the Front For the reducement of this countermarch do as much backe againe Or if you would reduce it some other way you may first make an intirc countermarch of files and then countermarch front and reere into the midst for under two countermarches it will not be reduced Now I will passe to shew divisionall countermarches of Ranks or Flanks The first shall be Chorean as in the Chapter following CHAP. LII Of counter-marching the flanks or wings into the midst of the Battell The Command is Countermarch your flanks into the midst THis Chorean counter-march of the flanks into the midst is of ordinary use when the Commander would have the outermost files to become the innermost the motion to bee performed on the same ground and is as followeth The command being given the whole body faceth to the right and left by division the outermost files by this facing becomming rankes every man in the right hand file being a leader in his halfe ranke file-wise and so likewise in the left hand file the same then they countermarch the right flanke to the right the left flank to the left which you must alwaies observe to doe and your flanquers will meet just in the midst of your Battalia Lastly having faced them to their first front the counter-march is ended To reduce them they may either use the same Counter-march againe or any of these following divisionall countermarches of flankes unlesse it bee that of interchanging of ground The next shall be Lacedemonian the Command or words of direction are as in the Chapter following CHAP. LIII Of Countermarching to take the ground before the flanks The Command is The outermost file of each flanke face outward the rest passe through to the right and left placing your selves before your out-side men THis Lacedemonian Countermarch of halfe ranks or flanks makes 〈◊〉 of charging on upon both flanks but leaves a wast distance of ground unoccupied betweene the two outmost-files or midst of the battell The way to performe this Motion is as followeth The right-hand-file faceth to the right the left-hand-file to the left the rest of the body faceth to the right and left the right-flanke passing through to the right and placing themselues before their right-hand-men The second file from the right begins the Motion on the right-flanke the left-flanke in like manner passing through to the left and placing themselues before their left-hand-men the second file accounting from the left begins the Motion on the left-flanke But you must note that the files become ranks with the facing For the reducement of this figure if you will first face them to their proper front you may then command the two inmost-files stand the rest passe through to the right and left inward and take their places Or if you please make use either of a Chorean or a Macedonian Countermarch of Ranks by division and with a facing and closing their divisions they will be perfectly reduced CHAP. LIV. Of Countermarching to take the ground on the outside of the Flanks and to direct their Aspects inwards The Command is The outmost file of each Flanke face inward the rest passe through to the Right and Left placing your selues behinde your outside men THis Macedonian Countermarch differeth nothing from that last shewed but onely in the turning of the aspect inwards whereas the other directed their aspect outwards The Motion is thus performed The outermost-files of each Flanke face inward the rest of the body face to the right and left outward those of the right flanke passing through to the right and placing them selues behinde their right-hand-men Those of the left flanke passing through to the left and placing themselues behinde their left-hand-men The Motion is begun by the second file from each flank I might here shew these Countermarches beginning their Motion from their middlemost-files But I am willingly silent hoping that these may suffice to the courteous not much forcing my selfe to give satisfaction to the curious For the reducement of this Countermarch having faced them to their first front you may if you please command the two innermost files to face outward the rest passe through to the right and left inward placing themselues behinde their right and left-hand-men which being done the whole body will stand faced to the right and left outward Then being faced to their Leader they are reduced If you would reduce it by some other way you may make use either of the Countermarch which is next before or of that which next followeth Or of any other divisionall Countermarch of Ranks which doth not interchange ground Our next two which follow will be Bastard Countermarches with the which we will conclude this our fourth branch of Discipline CHAP. LV. Of taking the ground on the outside of the flanks not altering the Aspects The Command is The outmost-file of each Flanke stand the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selues on the outside of your right and left-hand-men THis Divisionall bastard countermarch produceth the same effect which the other two next before it wrought
inward to the Reere   Front and Reere into the Right flanke Left your flankes into the Front  Reere  both flankes into the front and reere   your front and reere into both flanks   Observe that the first foure wheelings are angular the next foure are wheelings on the center or more properly on the midst of the front But all the first eight be intire the latter eight are all divisionall You may also observe that every following wheeling is a reducement unto that which is placed next before it and the wheeling next before may reduce that next following as to wheele your flankes into the front if you wheele your flanks into the reere it is reduced or to wheele front and reere into both flankes if you wheele both flankes into the front and reere they are likewise reduced as before For the last eight wheelings which are divisionall I will pricke for each of them his figure As for the first eight which are intire I conceive them so easie to be understood that I may spare the labour yet I will endeavour to expresse them as well as I can in words and first I will beginne with the wheelings anguler and then with the rest according to their places and therefore note that when you are Commanded to wheele to the right or left c. and no other command added it is to be understood an anguler wheeling and so to be performed CHAP. LVIII Of wheelings Anguler The Command is Wheele your battell to the right THis is an angular wheeling which transferres the aspect or countenance of the front proper into that part which was the right flanke It also removes the Battalia from the ground wheron formerly it stood and placeth it on that part before the front the hindge or Axell tree of the motion is the right corner man or right hand file-leader who with a small motion moveth to the right every man the more his place is remote from the right Angle the more swift must be his motion because his arch-quadrant or semi-circle is larger in proportion wherefore it must be the discretion of the Officers so to instruct their Souldiers that when they wheele to any hand they may so moderate their motion that they on the contrary flanke be not forced to runne but so orderly to containe themselves that they may still preserve an orderly and even front For the reducement wheele your Battaile to the left in the like manner as it was wheeled to the right neverthelesse you must then note that it will not bring you backe into the same ground you formerly stood on for it hath advanced you the length of your Battalia before the place of your first front But if you would be reduced into the same place or plot you first stood on then face your Battaile to the right and being so faced wheele your Battaile to the left which being performed face to the left and then they are compleatly reduced both for aspect and place The next Command is Wheele your Battaile to the right about This is also an anguler wheeling and transferres the aspect of the front proper towards the reere It is to be performed in the same manner as the wheeling to the right was onely the motion is twice so much Wherefore there ought to be the more care had that so the motion may be orderly performed by so much as every man is nearer or further off from the right corner man by so much the more swifier or slower must he continue his motion that so he may be sure to keepe still even in ranke with his right hand man This motion being thus performed your Battaile will be removed from its former station taking in lieu thereof the ground Diagonally opposite in the right Angle To reduce these to their former aspect wheele your Battell to the left about notwithstanding the ground you formerly did possesse will be twice the length of your Battaile to the left of your left flanke if you would reduce them as well to their first ground as their first aspect face them to the right and then wheele them to the left about which being done face them to the left and they are perfectly reduced as at first CHAP. LIX Of wheeling on the Center The Command is Wheele your Battell to the right on the same ground THis wheeling is by some called a wheeling on the Center by others a wheeling on the same ground I cannot absolutely maintain it to be either for that it onely wheeles about the midst of the first ranke Neither may it rightly bee termed a wheeling on the same ground because it loseth ¾ of the ground it formerly stood upon This wheeling is quicker performed then the anguler wheelings and may be done in farre lesse ground For the left flanke advanceth forward still wheeling to the right the right flanke contrariwise facing to the left and so falling backward If you have an odde file then the middle file-leader must be the center or axelltree of the motion if you have an even number of files then the middlemost file-leader from the left But if your wheeling be to the left then the contrary This by some is called the Prince of Oranges wheeling For the reducement wheele your Battell to the left on the same ground and they are reduced as at first Our next Command is to Wheele your Battaile to the right about on the same ground This wheeling is also a wheeling on the center or midst of the front and transfers the aspect of the front proper towards the reere removing the Battaile from the ground whereon it formerly stood and placing it on the ground before the front It is performed after the same manner as the last onely the motion is double so much as the other In this motion on the left flanke every man is to observe his right hand man and the right flanke must keepe even and straight after their left hand man which become their leaders file-wise untill they have attained their ground after which they face as before making an even front For the reducement wheele your Battaile to the left about upon the same ground and they will be reduced as at first I will next shew the divisionall wheelings and intend to giue to each of them his figure whereby they may appeare the more easie to such as doe not yet rightly understand them The first shall be a wheeling off by division as in the next Chapter CHAP. LX. Of wheeling off by division The Command is Wheele off your front by division THis wheeling off by division in greater bodies may be usefull to meete severall enemies at one and the same time with the front of your Battalia and so consequently with your best Souldiers But if you will wheele off your Battaile by division and ioyne them againe when they be in the reere then it brings all your Muskettiers from the flankes to the midst of your
thereby I may expresse farre more matter in fewer lines and shorter time CHAP. LXXXVI Of firing to the front and reere upon a march THe Muskettiers being all placed in the front and reere according to the directions in the last Chapter I will now shew the manner of firing to the front and reere upon a march Which however that it may bee rare and seldome usefull in service yet it must needs be excellent for practise For by the often using it the Souldier may be made capable of any firing The Pikes you are to understand are to be shouldered The Command for the firing is Muskettiers give fire to the front and reere and flanke your Pikes The Command being given as above said to give fire to the front and reere the first ranke presents the last ranke faceth about to the reere and doth the like and so both giving fire together wheele off by division The one halfe of the ranke following after the right hand man of the same ranke the other halfe after the left hand man who leads them close downe by the side or flanke of the Muskettiers untill they come to the Pikes The first ranke of Muskettiers now ranking even with the first rank of Pikes the last ranke of Muskets with the last ranke of Pikes leaving a sufficient intervalle betwixt them and their Pikes for the other Muskettiers to march betweene And here you must note that he that was outermost when they gave fire must likewise be outermost when they have taken their places on the flanke The first and last rankes having fired and wheeled off the next rankes the body marching on three or foure steps are in like manner to present and give fire wheeling off by division and passing betweene the divisions there placing themselves they of the front division behinde those which fired last before them and they of the reere division before them which fired last behinde them And so they may continue to give fire after the same manner untill they have all given fire once over Then may the body make a stand and the Pikes charge to the front and reere if need be Or if the Commander would continue his firing to the front and reere still upon the same figure Then let the Muskettiers of the front place themselves after they have given fire behinde the Muskettiers of their owne division those of the reere division placing themselves betwixt the reere of Pikes and the Muskets of their owne division and so the body moving but flowly forwards they may continue the firing Having given fire to the front and reere and flanked their Pikes if the occasion offer or the Commander please they may give fire to the front and reere upon that Figure which indeed I hold the better as you may perceive in the ensuing Chapter CHAP. LXXXVII A second way of firing to the front and reere THis second way of firing to the front and reere upon a march may easily be performed if the Souldiers bee well and often instructed Without which all matters in the Art militarie will seeme difficult and by which all things will be made facile and easie I could instance in divers motions and figures by some reputed superfiuous niceties which were the true uses knowne to the Commander and the way to execute to the Souldier would be found to be of singular good service Neverthelesse because to the ignorant nothing beyond their capacities may seeme excellent many good and serviceable motions are slighted and not accounted fit for service But I could well wish that some good course might be taken that the Souldiers of our trayned Bands might have a little oftener practise that so they might be able at least in some reasonable way to understand and exercise what shall bee commanded them But I have strayed from the matter And therefore take these words of Command and direction which being orderly executed produce this following firing Muskettiers give fire to the front and reere placing your selves betweene your Divisions The way to performe this firing is as followeth the Command being given the first ranke presents to the front the last ranke of Muskettiers facing about and doing the like towards the reere This done they both give fire wheeling off by division and place themselves betweene the Muskettiers of their divisions Those namely which were of the front halfe files falling into the reere of their owne division those of the reere halfe files contrariwise falling before their halfe file leaders and ranking even with the halfe file leaders of Pikes the next rankes successively firing and wheeling off after the same manner Having fired once over they are reduced every man to his place These two last firings to be performed upon a march would seeme very difficult to unexperienced Souldiers but by often exercising they may be made capable of these or of any other CHAP. LXXXVIII A firing to the Reere and right flanke marching HAving shewed firings in front reere and flanke some marching some standing I will shew one firing to the reere and right flanke upon a march which without question must needs be very serviceable at such times as the enemy shall skirmish with the body to annoy them in their passage in flanke and reere at one time I shall not need with arguments to inforce the usefulnesse of the firing for none that knowes any thing in the Art military but will ingeniously confesse that for some services it must needs be necessary You may if you please give fire to the flanke and reere your Muskettiers being in their ordinary places on the flankes of their Pikes Neverthelesse a securer way for the Pikes will be to draw the Muskettiers from that flanke which is in least danger crosse the reere of Pike-men And this shall be the way I will observe in this firing The words of Command and direction for this firing are as followeth Muskettiers give fire to the right and reere placing your selves betweene the Pikes and your owne divisions The Command being given to fire to the reere and right flanke the outermost file of Muskettiers presents to the right and the last rank of Muskettiers presents to the reere and so both give fire The rest of the Body in the meane time marching a reasonable pace The right hand file and last ranke having fired the file faceth to the left after their file-leader and so marcheth up between the Muskettiers of the same division and the Pikes the ranke wheeling off to the right and placing it selfe next after the reere of Pikes and before the first rank of Muskettiers of the same division If you please you may make an Intervalle betweene the Muskettiers that so part may wheele off to the right on the out side and the other part wheele off to the right and march up betweene the Intervalle into their places The first file and ranke that presented having given fire and wheeled cleere off the body the next file and ranke present and give fire
every particular doublings pointing at one of these although there be sundry and divers waies for the doing of them each of them being to very good purpose for some consideration or other Doublings of Ranks from what forme soever it be done doth make the number double so much as was before and sometimes doth extend the length of the battell to double the proportion of ground as well as well as number Doublings of files or flankes doe also double the number in depth and sometimes becomes a doubling both of number and place Wherefore for the better understanding of the doublings observe with me these sixe usuall waies following The severall parts or branches of Doublings Doublings of 1 Ranks 2 Halfe-files 3 Bringers-up 4 The Reere 5 Files 6 Halfe-rankes The first is the doubling of rankes and is when every even ranke doubleth into the odde the second is when the halfe-files double their ranks forwards into the Front the third when the Bringers-up double their ranks forwards into the Front The fourth when the Front-halfe files doubleth the Reere These first foure being doublings of ranks the length of the battell being by them extended either simply in number or both in number and place The next two are doublings of flanks the first whereof is the ordinary doublings of files every one of the even files being inserted into the odde files accounting from the hand named The next is the doubling of halfe-rankes which is to be understood when one flanke doubleth the other either by passing through countermarch doubling intire or divisionall You are to note in this motion of doubling that as there is one part of the body stands so the other part moves the standing part is to be doubled the part moving are those that double as you may perceive by the figures which shew the manner of each doubling That which next followes are the words of command and direction for doublings with their severall reducements following next after them The words of command for Doublings Ranks to the right double  left  Rankes as you were Files to the right double  left  Files as you were Bringers up double your ranks forward to the right Bringers up face about to the left march forth into your places Bringers up double your ranks forward to the left Bringers up face about to the right march forth into your places Files to the right and left double outward Files as you were  inward  Halfe files double your rankes forward to the right Halfe files face about to the left march forth into your places Halfe files double your ranks forward to the left Halfe files face about to the right march forth into your places Front halfe files face about to the left and double the reere to the right march forth into your places Front halfe files face about to the right and double the reere to the left march forth into your places Front halfe-files double the reere to the right by counter-march Front halfe-files face about to the left march forth into your places Front halfe-files double the reere to the left by counter-march Front halfe-files face about to the right march forth into your places Halfe-rankes to the right by counter-march double your left flanke Halfe-rankes that doubled face to the right march forth into your places Halfe-rankes to the left by counter-march double your right flanke Halfe ranks that doubled face to the left march forth into your places Halfe-ranks of the right double your left flank Halfe-ranks that doubled face to the right march forth into your places Halfe-ranks of the left double your right flank Halfe-ranks that doubled face to the left march forth into your right places Halfe-files double your front to the right intire Halfe-files face about to the left march forth into your places Halfe-files double your front to the left intire Halfe-files face about to the right march forth into your places Halfe-files double your front inward intire Halfe-files face about to the right march forth into your places Halfe-files double your front by diuision Halfe-files face about to the right and left march forth into your places Front halfe-files double your reere by division Front halfe-files face about to the right and left inward march forth into your places Front halfe-files double your reere to the right intire Front halfe-files face about to the left march forth into your places Front halfe-files double your reer to the left intire Front halfe-files face about to the right march forth into your places Halfe-ranks of the right double your left flank intire to the right Halfe-rankes that doubled face about to the left march forth into your places Halfe-ranks of the left double your right flanke intire to the left Halfe-ranks that doubled face about to the right march into your places Halfe-ranks of the right double your left flanke by division Halfe-rankes that doubled face about the right and left inward march forth into your places Double your ranks to the right intire Ranks that doubled face to the left march forth into your places Double your ranks to the left intire Ranks that doubled face to the right march forth into your places Double your ranks by division Ranks that doubled face to the right and left inward march forth into your places Double your files to the right intire advancing Files that doubled face about to the left march forth into your places Double your files to the left intire advancing Files that doubled face about to the right march forth into your places Files double your depth intire to the right files that doubled as you were left Files double your depth to the right every man falling behinde his bringer-up Files that doubled as you were CHAP. XII Of inversion and conversion and of doubling Ranks THere is yet another doubling of the depth which is called Inversion But because some out of their ignorance make little or no difference betwixt Inversion and conversion Give me leave for the clearing of the doubt to place Conversion and Inversion together that by their contrary effects the difference may be the more perspicuous to such as shall be desirous to know it Yet before I either enter upon figure or command for Inversion or Conversion I hold it necessary to shew some of the figures of those doublings for which I have already given the words of command and reducements And then next after them I will place both the words of Command and the figures belonging to Inversion and Conversion This figure next following is a doubling of rankes to the right where you may perceive how the even rankes are inserted into the odde rankes the pricks denotating the places they stood in before the doubling began the little line or stroke drawne from the pricks shewing the manner of the doubling I thinke it would be needlesse to make another figure to shew the doubling of rankes to the left for the meanest judgement
left then say they they by wheeling become file or files which is a palpable mistake For when we have any command for wheeling it is a maxime for us to wheele our aspects unto the hand or part named By which doing we either become ranke or rankes and not files as some have sought formerly to maintaine One use among many for this motion is It is the speediest way for a great body if they have their due distance to give fire to one or both flanks that as yet I know of The way to performe this motion is as followeth The right and left-hand-men of every ranke became the Hindges of the motion the rest of each ranke wheeling by equall division to the right and left about and above their right and left-hand Leaders untill they become ranks to the flanks As you may perceive by the Figure where the pricks denote unto you the places they stood in before the motion the quarter circles shewing the way of their motion themselves being converted into two ranks sheweth the motion executed I have onely converted three of the rankes for it would have taken too much roome to have wheeled all the ranks And it is easie by this that is shewne to conceive the rest If you would avoid mixture of Armes then place all your Muskettiers either in Front or Reere or else wheele onely your Muskettiers and leave your Pikes standing Or else it may be done the body marching at length the Muskettiers being in the front and reere Divisions The word for the reducement is rankes ranke as you were The easiest way for the reducement will be first for to face to the reere and then to wheele backe into their places Then face to their leader and they will be reduced as at first Now we will come to shew the next figure of Conversion which is of files converted into ranks by equall proportion CHAP. XXXVII Of Files ranking in equall parts IN this Chapter I intend to shew the manner of files ranking by Conversion in equall parts which Motion I have seene used by some Commanders at such times as their Companies have been but small having not had above two or three files of Muskettiers upon a flanke and being willing to march forth their Companies in divisions And this because that two a brest would be somwhat improper unlesse it were upon necessity in some narrow passage and that three a brest is also somewhat with the thinnest Therefore to augment the front of their march they have shartned somewhat of their depths in each division by causing their files to ranke foure or five according as their depth may be when the Command shall be given This Motion of Conversion may also be usefull for larger bodies For if upon a March you are to passe thorough some streight where not above foure or five can march a brest and that being past thorough you are to direct your course to the right or left If your way be to the right then cause your files to ranke to the left If to the left then let the files ranke to the contrary hand For by so doing having past the streight and faced your body that way which you intend your March by commanding the File-leaders to march and the half-files to stand and take their places your body will be led again by their proper file-leaders all a brest the Musketiers becomming again the Flankers which in the passage of the streight were in the Front and Reere For the better understanding the manner of the Motion observe the following figure The way to performe this Motion is as followeth The Command being first given as abovesaid the right-hand-file-leader leadeth forth his file the three next men behind him move forwards to the left of each other untill they ranke even a brest with their file-leader The next foure in like manner ranking to the left make the second ranke The file-leader of the second file placeth himselfe next after him that was the half-file-leader of the first which now is become the right-hand-man of the second ranke the three next men behind him making up of his rank in like manner And so forward for all the rest untill the Motion be fully perfected This converts each file into two ranks and brings all the proper file-leaders and half-file-leaders to make the outmost file to the right the Bringers-up both of the Front and Reere-half-files make the outermost file to the left The figures of Number which are on the left flanke of the figure in which the word file added to each of them demonstrate places of the first second third and fourth file and so consequently for all the rest according to their former standing and the places they now occupy being converted into ranks The letters f and h which are placed on the right flanke shewes the places of those which were the file-leaders and half-file-leaders each of the propex file-leaders having now his half-file-leader next after him I have showne this figure partly performed partly performing and partly standing as before the Motion began For reducement of this Motion of files ranking foure to the left One way is to cause your ranks to file or invert to the right which being done Command every File-leader to lead up his file to the left and so every man will have his place For another way Face the whole body to the right and command the File-leaders to march and half-files to stand and take their places and then they are all reduced onely the file-leaders of the right-flanke are on the left and the file-leaders of the left-flanke are on the right which is reduced by any entire Countermarch of ranke or file CHAP. XXXVIII The conclusion of doublings THere are yet another sort of Doublings both of length and depth which are performed by divisionall wheelings Which because they have ever been accounted for wheelings I will not displace them but stil rank them in their former places although in truth they are doublings The working part indeed is wheeling but the intent or thing wrought is Doubling I will speake further of them when I come to shew them in their severall places And here I mean to set a Period to our Doublings Concluding that those Souldiers who can put every one of these to his right use as also give to each his right reducement must needs be skilfull and expert in this part of the Art Military And contrariwise they that are ignorant in these Doublings can never truly attain to the right managing of a Foot-company either for exercise or service For doublings indeed are the only Motions for varicty and alteration of figures or formes of battaile No other Motions doing the like And therefore Doublings must needs be accounted the most excellent amongst all the Motions You that have eyes to read and skill to judge And have perus'd these doublings I have done Though I have tedious been yet do not grudge For you know well I have skipt
that hath already been shewen will be sufficient at least in some small measure to give satisfaction to those which as yet have not knowne what is meant by Inversion Yet I could wish that such as exercise the Companies of the Trained-Bands of this Kingdome would rather make use of the plainer word of demonstration which is Rankes file or Files file and leave out the word Inversion as a word not sutable with the Capacity of divers of our Souldiers of the Trained-Bands Especially of this City where Porters Colliars Water-bearers and Broomemen are thrust into the roomes of men of better quality as though they themselves were too good to doe the King and Country service CHAP. XXXV Of the severall parts of Conversion and how they-are to be understood THe next branch of Discipline which I offer to your view shall be of Conversion and of its severall parts wherein if there be any that thinke me tedious let them turne it over and settle on some other part which may be to them more delectable whilest I in the meane time shall endeavour to give content to all neither stuffing out my booke with needlesse discourses nor yet too much abbreviating the matter whereby to render it too obscure unto the commonest capacity Wherefore take their parts as they hereafter follow Conversion consists of these parts viz. Of Ranks ranking in equall parts 1 in unequall parts 2 intire into the Front 3 by division into the Front 4 by wheeling to the Flanks 5 Files ranking by equall parts 6 by unequall parts 7 intire into the Front 8 First of ranks ranking in even or equall parts Which is to be understood when there are twelve or twenty more or lesse marching abreast and the Commander either for the narrownesle of a passage or for some other intent causeth his rankes to ranke three or sixe abreast or five ten or any other number either according to the place or occasion every ranke holding equality of number Secondly rankes then ranke by unequall parts when they ranke by increase or decrease As when the first ranke shall be three the next five then seven nine c. which is commonly used for the making of Diamond and Triangular figures Thirdly ranks then ranke intire into the front when the first ranke stands the second ranke placeth it selfe on the right or left of the first the third by the second the fourth by the third and so forward for all the rest untill all the rankes either to the right or left according to direction are become one ranke in the front Fourthly rankes then ranke by division into the front when the second ranke and all the rest of the rankes behinde open to the right and left the one part going to the right the other to the left ranking even with the first as before and all together making one ranke Fiftly Ranks then ranke to the flanke or flankes when either the right hand man of each ranke or the left hand man or both together are as it were the Hindge of the motion the rest of each ranke wheeling about them to the right or left or each hand by division untill that every ranke be brought into the distance which was before the ranke betweene the right hand-man of the ranke next before and the right hand-man of the same ranke you stand in If it be to the left then they wheele into the distance between the left-hand-leaders of each ranke If it be by division then halfe the ranke wheeleth to the right the other halfe to the left and produceth two rankes Sixthly Files then rankes by equall parts when they rank three foure or five abrest more or lesse still keeping the number of men in ranke of due proportion If you ranke three abrest either to the right or left and your files be but eight deepe then the first sixe men make two rankes the third ranke must be made up by the leader of the second file And so for all the rest If you ranke foure and the files be eight deepe then every file makes two rankes If you ranke five the files being 8 deep then the first five men make a ranke and the first two men of the second file from the hand named make up the second ranke Five of the other sixe make up the third ranke And so forward for the rest If the depth of the file were ten men then it would make two even rankes Seventhly Files then ranke by unequall parts when they either ranke by progressionall increase or by decrease As when every ranke exceeds the ranke before it by two three or foure be it more or lesse Or else that each ranke decreaseth after the same manner Eightly Files then ranke intire into the front when there is so much distance betweene file and file as will containe each file ranke-wise every man in the file marching forwards to the right or left as shall be commanded untill he stand even in ranke with the leader of his file which brings the body into one ranke CHAP. XXXVI Of Rankes wheeling by Conversion IF I would strive to bee curious I should need no other subject to lengthen my discourse but onely this of Inversion and Conversion which of it selfe would yeeld matter sufficient to make a Booke of But I have taken a large taske And therefore like the Artists in Geography who sometimes by a spot present a Town and by a wrinckled line a large River so must I crave of the favourable Reader that in this small Treatise of Discipline he will not expect that I should inlarge my selfe so amply as I might upon every part For then my booke would grow beyond his bounds and I beyond my promise but lest I be taxed for digression this that hath already beene shewne may suffice for Conversion But because it may be expected that I should shew Conversion in Figure as well as the other Motions therefore to gratifie such I shall demonstrate two Figures unto them which may serve for all the rest The one shall be of rankes wheeling by Conversion the other of files ranking foure to the left The word of command for the first stands placed right over the figure This foregoing figure of Conversion is of Rankes wheeling to the right and left or ranks ranking to each flanke by wheeling It differeth from ranks filing both in manner and matter In the manner thus Whereas in ranks filing to the right and left the right and left-hand file-leaders preserve and continue their places and with that their honours In this wheeling by Conversion to the right and left contrariwise the innermost file-leaders become the outmost men in that pure where the front stood the other file-leaders ranking even within them Some men have called this Rankes filing by Conversion to the right and left but corruptly For conversion alwaies produceth rankes as I formerly said and inversion files But their mistake groweth from this that when rankes wheele to the right or right and