doubled the right Flank to your Leader Reducement Double your Ranks to the right intire to the Reer face to the Reer and the even Ranks from the Reer move forth and double the odd to your Leader Command Left half-Ranks double your right Flank to the right and left outward Direction Face all to the right and left half-Ranks move to the right and left outward and double your right Flank to your Leader Reducement Front and Reer half-files double your Ranks intire to the left Flank Front half-files face about and every even Rank from the midst move forth and double Ranks intire towards the left Flank face to your Leader Command Left half-Ranks double your right Flank to the right and left inward Direction Face all to the right and left half-Ranks move forwards to the right and left inward and double the right Flank face to your Leader Reducement Front and Reer half-files double your Ranks intire to the left Flank half-files face about and every even Rank from the Front and Reer move forth and double your Ranks intire towards the left Flank face to your Leader Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank to the right by Countermarch Direction Right half-ranks face to the right left half-ranks turn off to the left move forwards and double your right Flank face to your Leader Reducement Double your Ranks to the left intire every man placing himself on the out-side of his left-hand man Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank to the left by Countermarch Direction Right half-ranks face to the right and left half-ranks turn off to the right and double your right Flank to the left face to your Leader Reducement Double your ranks to the right intire to the reer every man placing himself on the out-side of his right-hand man face to the reer and every even rank from the reer move forth to the right and double the odd face to your Leader Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank to the right and left outward by Countermarch Direction Right half-ranks face to the right and left half-ranks face to the left and turn off to the right and left moving forward untill you have doubled the right Flank to the right and left outward face to your Leader Reducement Front Reer half-files double your Ranks intire to the left-Flank every man placing himself on the out-side of his right left-hand man Front half-files face about every even rank from the midst move forth to the left-Flank and double the odd placing your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men and every even rank from the Reer half files move forth and double the odd placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men face to your Leader Command Left half-ranks double your right-Flank to the right and left inward by Countermarch Direction Face all to the right and left out-ward left half-Ranks turn off to the right and left inward move forward untill you have doubled the right Flank face to your Leader Reducement Front and Reer half-files double your Ranks intire to the left-Flank every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man half-files face about and every even Rank from the Reer move forth to the left Flank and double the odd placing your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men and every even Rank from the Front move forth and double the odd placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men face to your Leader Command Double your Files to the right intire advancing Direction Every even File from the right move straight forth untill you be cleer and double the odd Reducement Half-files double your Front to the right or Front half-files double your Reer to the right Command Files double your Depth to the right intire Direction Every even File from the right face about move down untill you are cleer of the Reer and double the Depth of the odd Files face to your Leader Reducement Half-files double your Front to the left or Front half-files double your Reer to the left Command Double your Files inward intire to the right Direction Half-files of every even File from the left face about even Files from the left move forwards untill you are cleer of the standing part after face all to the right and then every even File from the right move forwards into the Intervalls and double intire the odd face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last Ranks double the six middle-most Ranks to the right the three first Ranks face about and move down to the midst by their own left-left-hands and the three last Ranks move forwards to the midst to their own right-right-hands face to your Leader Command Double your Files to the right intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader Direction Every even File from the right advance forwards and double the odd every man placing himselfe before his Leader Reducement Front half-files by Countermarch double your Reer to the right Front half-files turn off to the left and double the Reer face to your Leader Command Files double your Depth to the right every man falling behind his Bringer-up Direction Every even File from the right face about to the right and double the odd by placing your selves behind your Bringers-up Reducement Bringers-up double your Front to the left Command Left half-Ranks double your right Flank intire advancing Direction Left half-Ranks march straight forth untill you are cleer of the standing part after move to the right being first faced there and double the right Flank face to your Leader Reducement Front half-files double your Reer to the right intire face to the left and move cleer of the standing part after face to the Reer move down and even the Reer face to your Leader Command Left half-Ranks double intire the Depth of the right Flank Direction Left half-Ranks face about to the right and move down untill you are cleer of the standing part after face to the left and move forward untill you have doubled the Depth of your right Flank face to your Leader Reducement Half-files double your Front to the left intire face to the left and march cleer of the standing part after face to your Leader march up and even the Front Command Left half-Ranks double your right-Flank inward intire Direction Half-files of the right half-Ranks face to the Reer right half-Ranks move forward untill you are cleer of the standing part face all to the right and left half-Ranks move forwards and double the right Flank face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most ranks intire to the right Flank the three first and the three last ranks face to the right and march untill you are cleer of the standing part after face inward march and close your Divisions and face to your Leader CHAP. XXXV Divisionall Doublings to the right Flank Command DOuble your Files to the right by Division
Direction Half-files of the even Files from the right face to the Reer even Files march cleer of the standing part after move to the right and left and double the odd Files face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most ranks to the left the three first ranks face about and march down by your own right hands into the midst of ranks and the three last ranks move forwards to the midst to your own left hands face to your Leader Command Double your Files to the right by Division every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files of the even Files from the right face to the Reer the even Files march and double the odd every man placing himselfe before his Leader and Bringer-up face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most ranks to the left every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his Bringer-up the three first ranks face about to the left and move down to the midst of ranks by your own right hands placing your selves before your Bringers-up and the three last ranks march forwards unto the midst placing your selves before your Leaders to your Leader Command Left half-half-Ranks double your right Flank by Division Direction Half-files of the left half-half-Ranks face about to the right the left half-Ranks move cleer of the standing part after face all to the right Flank the left half-Ranks moving forward untill they have ranged even a Brest with the right Flank face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most ranks intire to the left-Flank the three first and the three last ranks face to the left-Flank and move cleer of the standing part after face inward march and close your Divisions face to your Leader CHAP. XXXVI Intire Doublings to the right Flank by Wheeling Command WHeel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank intire to the right Direction Face outward and left half-Ranks wheel about to the left and move forward untill you have doubled the right Flank intire to the right face to your Leader Reducement Wheel off your Reer half-files and double your Front to the left intire half-files face to the Reer and wheel about to the right and march fowards untill you have ranged your selves even with the Front Command Wheel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank intire to the left Direction Face outward left half-Ranks wheel about to the right and move forward untill you have doubled the right Flank intire to the left face to your Leader Reducement Wheel off your Front half-files and double your Reer to the right intire half-files face about and Front half-files wheel about to the left move down and double the Reer to the right face to your Leader Command Wheel the left half-Ranks inward into the midst and double your right Flank inward intire Direction Half-files of the right half-Ranks face about right half-Ranks move cleer of the standing part then face to the right and the left half-Ranks face to the left and wheeling inward into the midst moving forward untill they have doubled the right Flank inward intire to your Leader Reducement Wheel off from the right Flank the six middle-most Ranks and double In wheeling the six middle Ranks from the right Flank they must have ground sufficient for them to wheel about your Front and Reer intire to the left Flank the six middle Ranks face to the right and wheel about to the right and left moving forward untill they are cleer of the standing part and after facing to the Front and Reer they move again and double the Front and Reer toward the left Flank face all to your Leader march forwards and close your Divisions Or if they continue their aspect to the right Flank then command the six middle-most Files to wheel off to the right and left and to double intire the Depth of the out-most Files then face to their Leader and close their Divisions CHAP. XXXVII A Divisionall Doubling to the right Flank by Wheeling Command WHeel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank by Division Direction Face outward and left half-Ranks wheele off to the right and left about and move forward untill you have ranged even and doubled the right Flank to your Leader Reducement Wheel off the three first and the three last ranks and double the six middle-most ranks intire to the left Flank the three last ranks face about and wheel to the right about moving up towards the midst of the left Flank and the three first ranks at the same time wheel about to the left and move down to the midst of the left Flank face to your Leader Or if they continue their aspect to the right Flank then command the out-most Files to that doubled to wheel about to the right and left inward and double intire the Depth of the in-most Files to your Leader Here endeth all the plain Doublings to the right Flank performed by severall Countermarches and Wheelings which to any ingenious Souldier are sufficient directions to know how to double the left Flank only altering the hand by the Words of Command And here Fellow-Souldier endeth all the severall kinds of Doublings which if any shall seem hard or difficult unto thee either in their Commands Directions or Reducements thou maist care being taken with much ease and delight performe the same And here the Captain is to take speciall notice when he comes to the point of Doublings that his properest way and will be first to double the Front as being the most honourable part of the Body and next the Reer and after either to the right or left Flank leaving it to his discretion to use as many of them as he shall think fitting and convenient for his Exercise And although I have somewhat varied from the practise of former times in using more plenty of Words of Commands the ripenesse and curiosity of wits in these our dayes enforced me unto it for they having much refined the Military Discipline will not be pleased with ordinary stuffe as to say as you were which I confesse would save the Captain a great deal of pains and be more easie to the apprehension and capacity of every private Souldier for his returning back unto his place again Yet if Command should be given to double any part of the Body that Leader would quickly lie under a hard censure and be judged in most mens opinions insufficient that could not finde out some other Words of Command to reduce them again Endevouring therefore to give full satisfaction to both parties I have taken the pains to set down other Words of Command for Reducements whereby those which shall professe themselves curious may cull out such plenty as may best please their genious advising them withall not to presume in the exercising of their private Companies
for the satisfaction of those loving Gentlemen which have private Meetings in London but more especially for those of the Town-ditch unto whom I am most especially bound And therefore without more delay I shall lay before them certain figures of Battail upon all the Depths of files set forth in the former Table leaving them to their own discretion to make use of what shall best comply and suit to their intended purpose CHAP. LXV Military Experiment upon a File six deep branching forth eight severall Figures of Battail with their reducement Command FIle rank two to the left Command The middle-most rank open to the right and left to open order Command The last rank advance forward into the next rank that is before you and to open from the midst to open order and the first rank move forward one pace Command The first rank open outward two foot beyond open order the last rank close forward to order Command Division upon the left face about march all till you be cleer each of other face all to the left and march two paces face to your Leader the last rank open outward to double distance Command The first rank open outward to double distance the first man in the front face about move down and double the middle-most man to the right rank-wise Command The left-hand man of the middle-most rank face about the middle-most rank march two paces before the front and reer face to your Leader and close ranks and files to order Command The second rank from the front double the first to the right and left outward by Division the last man in the Reer close forward to order Command The out-most men of the middle rank face about and move down even with the Reer to your Leader Reducement The middle-most man in the Reer advance forwards to the left into the front Files close inwards to your order Files to the right double Half-files double your front to the left Files double your Depth to the right every man falling behinde his Bringer-up File rank two to the right Ranks rank intire to the left into the Reer every man placing himself on the out-side of his left hand man Direction Face about and after being faced to their Leader they will stand after this manner 6 5 4 3 2 1. Rank file to the right they are reduced CHAP. LXVI Words of Command to produce the first eight Figures of Battail with their reducements Command HAlf-file double your Front to the left Command The last rank face about the two middle ranks face outward march all some two paces to your Leader Command The first rank move forwards two paces the third rank close inwards to open order Command The third rank from the front face outward march all three paces to your Leader The first rank stand the rest face outward and move two paces to your Leader Command The first rank face about march all untill you be cleer one of another to your Leader Command The last rank move to the right and left and place your selves three foot behinde the Front Divisions Command Division on the right face about march all untill you be cleer one of another then face to the right and march untill you stand even a Brest of each other face to your Leader Command Reer Division face about the last man in each Division move forwards into the midst of the rank that is before you face to your Leader and close your Divisions to order Command The last man in the Reer move forwards to the right in the rank of him that stands before you the last rank open outwards to order to your Leader Reducement Face all about the last man in the Reer move forwards on the left into the rank that is before you even your ranks and streighten your files to your Leader Files double inward by Division Double your ranks to the left intire into the Front and Reer Direction Half-files face about after face to your Leader and the last rank close forward to order and even your ranks and straighten your files Wheel Front and Reer to the left flank Direction The last rank face about then face to your Leader and counter-march the file they are reduced CHAP. LXVII Words of Command for the second eight Figures of Battail with their reducement Command FIle rank to the left one three and four the last rank face outwards and move three paces to your Leader Command The two in-most men of the last rank close inward to close order the two out-most men of the last rank fall back two paces Command The middle-most man in the first rank face about march all till you are cleer one of another to your Leader Command Files close into the midst to order the last man move forward to order Command The middle-most rank open to the right and left to double distance Command The out-most men upon the flanks face inward the last man in the Reer face about the first the last rank face to the four Angles move all 3 paces to your Leader Command The first man in the Front and the last man in the Reer stand the rest face outward and march three paces to your Leader Command The last men of the out-most files move forward to the right and left untill you range even a Brest with the middle-men Reducement The last man in the Reer move forward and range even a Brest with the first rank Ranks file to the right following your Leader they are reduced CHAP. LXVIII Words of Command for the third eight Figures of Battail with their reducement Command BRingers-up double your Front to the left Command The first and the last rank stand the third rank double outward rank-wise the middle rank face outward march all two paces to your Leader Command The middle rank stand the rest double to the right file-wise face all to the Center and march some two paces to your Leader Command The middle rank double inward file-wise and move a little forward Command Half-file of the middle file double your Front to the left Front-division face to the right and move one pace to your Leader Command The left-hand file in the Front face about and march cleer of the Reer face to your Leader The middle file double to the left rank-wise files close into the midst to order Files rank outward into the Reer and then begin from the right to wheel them about to the left in a ring Command Files close into the midst to order the first rank close inward to close order the third rank open outward to open order the last man in the Reer move even a Brest with the rank that is before you Command Files open to the right and left untill you stand streight with your Bringers-up the rest moving forwards untill they have ranged even a Brest with the first man Command Angle-men face to the four Angles the middle-men in the out-most files face inward the middle-man in
the Front face about march all three paces face to your Leader Reducement The last man in the Reer of the middle file face about middle file march cleer of the standing part files close into the midst to order the last man in the Reer fall in Reer of the right hand file the first man in the Front move to the left and fall in the Front of the left hand file close your ranks and files forward to order and make an even Front files double your depth to the left every man falling behind his Bringer-up reduceth them CHAP. LXIX The way to make twelve severall Figures of Battail with a File ten deepe with their Reducement Command FAce to the right wheel your Front into the midst Face after to your Leader Command The last men in the Reer of the outmost files face about outmost files move cleer of the standing part face inwards and close your Divisions to your Leader Command The last man of the middle file and the last rank face about the first rank and the last rank and the middle file move forwards two paces the rest open outward two paces to your leader Command The last man in the front division advance forward three foot before the Front the first man of the Reer division face about and move three foot behinde the Reer the outmost files double ranks inward ranks close forwards to order and face to your Leader Command The first man in the Front face about the last man in the Reer stand the rest face outwards march all untill the first and the last man meet face all to your Leader middle men double to the right rank-wise and close outward to order The two middle-men in the Body face about and move cleer of the Reer three foot face to your Leader middle-men of the out-most files close inward to order Command Middle-man upon the right of the second Rank advance forward three foot before the Front the three first men in the Front and the middle-man of the second rank move forwards three paces the rest closing inward one pace Command The last rank open outward to double distance and the next rank open outward to open order and the third rank from the Reer to close inward to order Command The second man from the Front face about move down and range even with the Reer outmost men of the last rank advance forward and range even with the second rank from the Front the last rank move forwards untill they have exceeded three foot the next rank that stands before them divisisions on the wings face outward move two paces to your Leader Command Front-Division face about and march down even with the Reer the las◠man move forwards to order to your Leader Command Middle-Division advance forward cleer of the standing part Divisions in the Reer close inwards to order wheel your Reer into the midst to your Leader Command The last rank close inward to order and to double to the left file-wise the second man from the Reer move forwards into the second rank that is before you Reducement The first man in the Front move a little to the right the second man from the first rank double the first man to the left rank-wise the first rank wheel off by Division double the last man in the Reer to the right and left rank-wise ranks close forwards to order and face to your Leader Reducement The first and second rank face about the first rank double the second to the right and left outward to your Leader the last rank move forward and even your ranks and straighten their files wheel Front and Reer to the left flank the last rank face about before they wheel then facing to their Leader they are reduced CHAP. LXX Twelve severall Figures of Battail with a File 12 deep 〈◊〉 their reducement Command FRont half-file double your Reer to the left face to your Leader Half-files double your Front to the left Command the middle-most men upon each flank face outward the two middle-men of the last rank face about those that are thus faced and the two middle-men of the first rank move forward to your Leader three paces the first and the last rank stand the rest move outward two paces face to your Leader Command The out-most Divisions open from the midst almost to twice double distance the first rank face about and rank even with the midst of ranks face to your Leader the last rank double to the right file-wise the second man from the Reer advance forward and place himself 3 foot before the middle-men the last man at the same time closing forward to order Command The outmost division upon the right move away the rest successively falling in the Reeer of them untill they stand streight after the first division Command The outmost man upon the left of the middle division to open to the left to double distance the rest of that division to face to the right and to move cleer of the standing part face to your Leader the last man in the Front face about to the last Division the first man of the Front-division and the first man of the Reer-division to move forwards and to close to open order after facing to the left flank closing to the outmost man to order face to your Leader and after face all to the Center and move a little forward to your Leader Command The outmost man upon the right and the outmost man upon the left close inward to order Command The two middle-men move forth to the right and left three foot cleer of the standing part the first man in the Front face about the first man in the Front and the last man in the Reer move into the second that is before you to your Leader Command The two outmost men upon each Flank close inward to open order Command Face all to Front Reer and both Flanks and the four middle-men move forwards into the rank that is before them and they will stand in a Square face to your Leader Command Files rank outward the middle man of the first rank move forward and place himselfe three foot before his right and left hand man the outmost and the middle man of the last rank move backward and place himselfe three foot behinde the Reer-division close forwards to open order Command The first and the last rank move to the left one pace and after double to the right filewise the middle rank close inward to order Command The two out-most men of the middle rank face about move down and range even a brest with the middle-man of the Reer Division closing inward to order and facing to the Front even men from the left move forwards and rank even a brest with the middle-man of the Front-division and close inward to order the out-most men open outward to double distance Command Reer division face about and move two paces the outmost-man upon the left face about to
the right the outmost-men move forward and rank to the right with the last man in the Reer of each division face to your leader and move forward two paces Reducement Reer division face about middle-man of the first rank of each division move forward and rank two to the left into Front and Reer Files close into the midst to order ranks close forwards to order Halfe-files double the Front to the right intire Ranks rank outward into the Front every man placing himselfe on the outside of his right and left hand men Ranks file to the right and left inward Files double your depth to the left Face to your Leader It might be expected that I should shew the severall Charges upon all these Figures but in regard I may perhaps meet with some of them again in greater Bodies or the like I shall for present passe them over and in those places endeavour to give them the best satisfaction I can In the mean time they may with ease finde out in every one of them such charges as may instruct the Souldiers how to fight whether it be to Front Reer both Flanks or Angles they may be shewn and exercised in them according to the discretion of him that shall command them whether they be Muskettiers or Pike-men and therefore thus much shall suffice concerning the exercising of a file for matter of Figures In the next place followeth the Exercise of greater Bodies The end of the first Booke THE COMPLEAT BODY OF THE ART MILITARY The Second Book CHAP. 1. Concerning the Artillery and the Military Gardens together with the Private Meetings in and about the City of LONDON THe great delight in handling of Arms in Military Exercises makes the City of LONDON and the Suburbs thereof famous through the whole World by reason as I conceive of those two great Nurseries or Academies of MILITARY DISCIPLINE the ARTILLERY and MILITARY GARDENS from whom as out of pure Fountains all other our Private Meetings as of Town-ditch and Cripplegate c. are derived The Artillery Garden deserves the first place in respect it is the greatest Meeting from whence as it were out of a Nursery have been transplanted many able knowing souldiers both at home and in forreign Countries to the great honour of our Nation The Military Garden is famous likewise for the great improvement of diverse worthy persons of quality daily thither resorting whose excellent skill in Military Exercises hath raised many of them to high preferment here at home and places of honourable command abroad The Captains in chiefe of these Academies are Major Generall Skippon and Major Henry Tyllier which later was the first that ever shew'd in the Military Garden of which I am a member the marching of the Souldiers in a Regiment all way whose great pains amongst us deserves much honour and high commendation shewing unto us such variety of matter in a Souldier-like way as was never before seen by any member thereof Not to ecclipse the fore-mentioned Private Meetings in London but to give them that due which belongs unto them they likewise are of great honour and same for their frequent exercising of their Souldiers in the handling of their Arms whether it be of the Pike or Musket and instructing them in the knowledge of Drilling and drawing up of Companies and Bodies of men furnishing both Kingdoms with able knowing souldiers My hearty wishes therefore that all and every one of them may be propt up and supported to all ages that when need shall require we may draw from these fountains such skilfull and experienced Commanders and Officers as may be as it were a Bulwark to this our Nation Not to dwell any longer upon this discourse I come therefore briefly to set forth severall Exercises formerly practised by me amongst those loving Gentlemen of Town-ditch according to the usuall numbers there appearing whether they be great or small practised for the most part with 24 or 32 men and somtimes although seldome with 64 men unlesse it were upon generall days when they were drawn forth into the field at such times perhaps there might be an appearance of greater numbers as 120 and upwards My purpose therefore is to pitch upon and to make use of all and every one of these numbers making 12 Exercises dividing them by threes untill I have run over them all conceiving them sufficient for the industrious to gather from thence matter enough for his intended Exercise And for the more enabling of them I shall indeavour in these curious times to walk a long in as plain a way as possibly may be giving directions unto all Words of Command for the better performance of the same wishing all my loving fellow-souldiers to conceive well of my good meaning intended to them desiring withall to be rightly informed of what part soever they fall upon that they proceed leasurely and orderly in the same which will not only be an incouragement unto the Authour from whom they gather their Exercises but will bring much prayses and commendation to themselves But to leave every one to their own best thoughts whilest I proceed to practise what before promised concerning the severall Exercises following CHAP. II. The first Exercise of four Files six deep EAch File-leader as being his duty having gone over the Postures shewing and instructing his file with their uses and neat handling of their Arms hearing the Drums beat a Call for all to repair and stand to their Arms begin to lead up their files according to order the Leader then closing their ranks and files to close order craving their silence may proceed to shew unto them all their severall distances and facings according unto the former rule set down and after he may proceed to Doublings if he pleaseth as followeth CHAP. III. A Doubling consisting of sixteen in number every one differing from the other and not reduced untill the last Word of Command Command FIles file to the right intire advancing Command Bringers-up double your Front to the left Command Half-files double your Front to the left Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right intire Command Right half-ranks double your left flank intire advancing Command Half-files double your front to the right intire Command Left half-ranks double intire the Depth of your right flank Command Files file to the left intire advancing Command Bringer-up double your front to the right Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right and left outward following your Leaders Direction Reer half-files face about the file-leaders are to turn off to the right and left the rest are to follow them untill they are marched down into the Reer and have doubled it to the right and left outward Command Half-files double your front inward intire Command The two out-most files upon each flank double intire the Depth of the inmost files Direction The two out-most files face about inward and move streight down cleer of the standing part afterwards face inward march
file Command File file three to the left into the Front files double to the right intire advancing Front half-Files move forwards three paces files double your depth to the right of each division half-files double your front intire into the midst The two first and the two last men of Pikes upon each flank face inward the two middle ranks face outward the two last ranks of Muskettiers face about march all three paces to your leader To passe by the firings which may be performed upon this figure I shall proceed from hence to draw another Command The outmost divisions of Muskettiers close inward to order front and reer divisions of Pikes open outward to double distance Pikes double inward rank-wise and they will stand as followeth Upon this figure fire to the front in their severall divisions one after another and fall in the reer of themselves then wheel off to the right into the reer the rest of the divisions moving forward in their roome doing the like untill all have fired over twice Command Muskettiers double your Ranks outward in each division and they will stand as underneath Upon this figure as in the former they may fire like-wise to the front falling down into the reer and after every rank successively moving up into the front may fire and fall off in like manner this firing may be done twice to the front and being faced to the reer they may there give fire after the same manner and after face to there first front Command Muskettiers double to the right and left inward file-wise middle-most division of Muskettiers face outward and march untill you have placed your selves in front and reer of the out-most divisions of Pikes The last rank of front and reer divisions of Muskettiers double to the right file-wise and move for-ward untill your first men exceed two foot the front of each division which occasioneth the next figure It is now high time that we put a period to this Exercise wherefore let the Ensigne unsurle his Colours the souldiers shoulder their arms and the Drum beat a march upon which the Ensigne being in the midst may display his Coleurs so long as shall be convenient and after the Leader may proceed to their reducement as followeth Reducement Middle file of Muskettiers face about and march cleer of your owne divisions and double to the left rank-wise Muskettiers close inward to order Pikes double to the right and left outward file-wise files close into the midst to order ranks close to order Pikes move forward and even your front Pikes and Muskettiers inter-change ground they are reduced Now the Leader may command the Muskettiers to troop away and after he may lodge his Colours thereby refreshing both himself and his souldiers until the next summons by beat of the Drum CHAP. XV. The fourth Exercise consisting of foure Files eight deep THe Souldiers upon the fourth summons comming unto the place of Exercise makes fuller appearance then before insomuch that their files are drawn forth eight deep the Leaders thereof having spent some time in exercising them in each perticuler posture are called upon to joyne into a body where their leader stands be thinking of himselfe what new matter he should delight them with there being sufficient in any one perticuler motion for their Exercise pitches for present to spend his chiefest time in Motions upon facings continuing longer in them in respect of the several figures of Battail demonstrated by them Now for the more ready performance thereof I shall onely give the severall words of commands for each perticuler figure which may be drawn from these facings referring the reader to the figures themselves where I shal have occasion to make use of them upon firings which shall be made known unto him by Alphabetical letters pointing from each facing to the figure it produceth To come briefly to the exercise in hand silence being craved and ranks and files closed to order the Leader may proceed to these or the like perticuler facings producing eighteen figures of battail alphabetically set forth with their reducements Command Half-files double your front to the left Direction Files open from the right to open order half-files advance your arms and move forward to the left and double the front Command Files open from the midst to open order Muskettiers close outward to close order the inmost files of Pikes close outward to close order Ranks close to Front and Reer to order and they will stand in eight divisions Command Reer divisions of Pikes face about Muskettiers face outward move all three paces to your Leader pointeth to the first figure marked by the Alphabeticall letter A. Command Muskettiers face inward divisions of Pikes face outward march all untill the Pikes are cleer three foot of the Muskettiers to your Leader this formes the figure demonstrated unto you by the alphabeticall B. Command Reer Division of Muskettiers upon the left face about to the right Reer division of Muskettiers upon the right face to the right Front division of Muskettiers upon the left face to the left divisions of Pikes face to the center move all untill your Muskettiers be cleer three foot of Front Reer and both Flanks then let them stand and face the divisions of Muskettiers to the left and the divisions of Pikes to face about to the right and to move all two paces then face all to the center and close their divisions a little after face to their Leader C Command Reer divisions of Muskettiers stand the rest face to the Reer march all untill your reer division range even a brest with those upon the flanks to your Leader D Command Reer divisions of Pikes face outward march all untill the reer divisions of Pikes be cleer of the outmost divisions of Muskettiers then let the reer divisions of Pikes face to the Front the rest face to the reer march all three paces to your Leader E Command Divisions of Muskettiers in the midst face about march all untill the middle-division of Muskettiers range even with the Reer to your Leader F. Command Front-divisions of Pikes face to the outward Angles Reer-division of Pikes face about and after face to inward Angles of the Reer out-most division of Muskettiers face to your inward Angles Front-division of Muskettiers face about as you are now faced move all some three paces to your Leader G. Command Muskettiers face to Front Reer and both flanks divisions of Pikes face to the Center march all untill you be even a Brest in Front Reer and both Flanks to your Leader H. Command Reer-divisions of Muskettiers face about the out-most Divisions face inward Divisions of Pikes face to the Center march all some three paces to your Leader I. Command Division of Muskettiers upon the left in the midst and the three last Divisions of Pikes and Musktteiers to face to the Reer and move three paces and stand middle-divisions face to the left the rest face about to the right and move three paces
Muskettiers in the front face about then let them and the two last divisions of Muskettiers in the reer move forward untill they be even with the next divisions of Muskettiers to your leader The two middle divisions of Pikes close into the midst to order and to open their ranks from the midst to somthing more then open order the two outmost divisions of Pikes face inward and move forward into the midst of the two middle ranks in the body to your leader Front divisions of Pikes face about and front and reer divisions to move forward and to close their divisions to your leader Files close to the right and left inward to order Muskettiers in the front and reer double your Pikes by division Files double your depth to the right and left outward every man falling behind his bringer-up they will be reduced as at first Now the Serjeants may draw off the Muskettiers filing them to the right and left outward thereby making a guard for there Captain and other Officers to march through trooping away and lodging the colours which done one of the Serjeants command the Muskettiers to face about to the right and to present all and no man to give fire untill they heare the beat of the Drum no man pulling his tricker but once which will be a means that they all fire handsomly together which being ended every man may depart home untill he shall be called forth again CHAP. XXIV The eighth Exercise consisting of sixty four men eight Files eight deep THe Souldiers being again brought into the Field or place of Exercise the Serjeants according to their wonted manner drawing forth the Files bids each File-leader to take his File into some convenient place a part to exercise them in their severall Postures and Charges and after what manner they may fire whether it be to Front Reer or both Flanks Which being performed they are called up to joyn into a Bâ—dy and commanded to close their Ranks and Files to their distance of order and the Front doubled to the right and left inward by the half-files distance before hand being prepared for their moving up The Leader appoints one of the Serjeants to fetch the Colours which being brought up to the head of the Company the Leader for variety sake may spend the chiefest of his time in Firings as followeth The first firing Let the Muskettiers move forward untill their Bringers-up range even with the Front of Pikes after let the two out-most Files of Muskettiers move forward untill their Bringers-up range even a Brest with the Front of the two in-most Files Let the Front or fore-most Divisions of Muskettiers give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then let them face about and move down into their place where they were last then let the two in-most Files of Muskettiers of each Division advance forwards untill their Bringers-up range even with the Front of the two out-most Files and then let them give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after face about and march down into their places again where they were last drawn off The second firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand in each Division falling off to the right and left in the Reer of themselves The third firing Let the first rank in each Division fire as they stand and after move inward in a streight line before the Front of Pikes which gives way for the next rank to fire in each Division after to move inward into the Reer of the first Rank so consequently all the rest to fire in like manner untill they have all fired and stand streight before the Pikes The fourth firing Let their ranks rank outward into the Front and then give fire all intire in one rank and ranking again as they were The fifth firing Let the half-files of Muskettiers double the Front by Divsion and give fire by two ranks together and after to move back again into their places The sixth firing Let the two first ranks kneel down the other two stand upright and give fire four ranks together The seventh firing Let the half-files or Pikes to face about and move three paces to your leader and then Files to double their Depth to the right and left outward of each Arms then let them give fire eight ranks together after this manner two kneel down two kneeling two stand upright and the two last to be drawn off to the right and left and so to fire altogether which being ended command the Pikes by their Files to rank outward into the Front and then open outward to the right and left and charge on in the Front and File again as they were The eighth firing Let the Pikes open their Files from the midst to double distance then command the Muskettiers to face about and move down into the midst of the Pikes then let the half-files face abour and let the Muskettiers be at open order in their Files and the Pikes at order and then let them give fire first to Front and Reer by intraduction after this manner let the first rank in Front and Reer present and give fire on the ground they stand and presently make ready again the next ranks may move forward and place themselves three foot before them and fire in like manner and after stand the other ranks still moving forward into the next rank untill the first have fired and then immediately to clap before them and fire in like manner untill all have fired twice over The ninth firing Let them close their Files into the midst to order and fire on the same ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves The tenth firing Let them fire and fall off to the right and left into the midst of Pikes again then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer and when they are cleer of the Muskettiers let them close to the right and left inward to order The eleventh firing Let the Pikes port and let the Muskettiers be drawn forth one whole rank to the right and another to the left both to Front and Reer give fire and fall into their places again then let the other four be drawn forth in like manner and fire and fall into their places again the Pikes if occasion shall require may again charge on The twelfth firing Let the Muskettiers range to the right and left outward and fire even a Brest with the Reer of each Division and move in again into their places The thirteenth firing Let the Muskettiers rank outward and move even a Brest with the Front and Reer and there present and give fire and whilest the Pikes are charging on they may rank again as they were and fall in the Reer of the Pikes and make ready again The fourteenth firing The Pikes being retreated into their first ground you may open them to the right and left and then the Muskettiers may move forward and fire two ranks kneeling down the other two
double their depth intire to the right they are reduced Then the Leader may appoint one of the Serjeants to draw off the Muskettiers and file them away to the right and left outward either by ranks filing or files filing and every Muskettier to poyse his Musket then the Pikes may advance their arms and the Drum beat a troop and the Commander may lead them away and lodg his Colours CHAP. XXVI The ninth Exercise consisting of 64 men eight files eight deep IN this Exercise a Commander may in matter of motions present unto the Souldiers fâ—rther varietie to delight them withall in bringing up each man into the Front to be a File-leader according unto succession and dignity by proper words of Command by doublings with their Reducement Therefore to avoid any further circumstance wee will pass over the Postures and fetching of the Colours and suppose the Souldiers standing in a condition to be exercised begin first to make them all File-leaders by succession as followeth Command Ranks to the left double Command Files to the left double Command Half-files double your front to the right Command Double your files to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Command Ranks to the right double Command Files to the right double Command Front half-files double the reer to the right Command Double your files to the left intire advancing Command Double your ranks to the right into the reer face all about Command Double your files to the left advancing Direction Every even file from the left move forward to the left and by three steps double the odde advancing Command Half-files double your front to the left Command Double your files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Command Double your ranks to the left into the reer face all about Command Double your files to the right advancing Reducement Files rank to the right into the front Rank file eight to the right reduceth them Next followeth to make every man file-leader according unto dignity with their Reducement Command Bringers-up double your front to the left Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Half-files double your front to the left Command Double your files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Command Bringers-up double your front to the right Command Files double your depth to the right Command Ranks to the right double Command Front half-files double your reer to the right following your leaders Command Double your files to the right by division every man placing himself before his leader and his bringer-up Command Front half-files double your reer to the left following your leaders Command Double your files to the left by division every man placing himself before his leader and his bringer-up Command The two first and the two last ranks double the four middle-most ranks to the right following your leaders and your bringers-up Direction The four middle ranks stand the file-leaders are to turn off to the right and the next rank is to follow them untill the leaders rank even with the bringers-up of the front half-files and at the same instant of time the bringers-up are to move forward to the right the rest following untill the bringers-up range even a brest with the half-file-leaders to your leader Command Files double your depth to the left Reducement Half-files double your front to the right Bringers-up double your front to the right Then divide every four files distinctly apart making five divisions Files double to the right and left inward in each division and close files into the midst to order Files double to the left intire advancing reduceth CHAP. XXVIII Eight severall Counter-marches with their Reducement Command FIles to the right hand counter-march maintaining ground Command Ranks to the left hand counter-march losing ground Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files into the midst of ranks Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left and front half-files turn off to the right untill they meet the front and reer into the midst to your leader Command Right and left half-ranks counter-march into the midst of files Direction Face outward right half-ranks turn off to the right left half-ranks turn off to the left to your leader Command Files to the left hand counter-march losing ground by following your leaders Command Ranks to the right hand counter-march mayntaining ground Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files to the right and left following the half-file-leaders and the bringers-up of the front half-files Direction Half-files face about the bringers-up of the front half-files and the half-file-leaders are to begin the motion the rest are to follow untill they have gained so much ground beyond the front and reer as they formerly possest in the midst to your leader and close your divisions Command Counter-march your half ranks to the right and left by following of the inmost files Direction Face outward the inmost files are to begin the motion moving forward the rest following untill they have gained so much ground beyond the flanks as they formerly possessed in the inmost files to your leader and close files into the midst to order they are reduced CHAP. XXIX Ten severall Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel the battail off by division from the front Command Wheel the body off by division from the right flank face to the right Command Wheel the battail off by division from the reer face about Command Wheel the body off by division from the left flank Command Wheel your battail inward to the reer from the front Direction Open outward to convenient distance to your leader Command Wheel your battail inward to the left flank from the right Direction Face to the right and open to convenient distance to your leader Command Wheel your battail inward to the front from the reer Direction Face about and open to convenient distance and wheel inward into the front Close ranks forward to close order and files into the midst to close order Command Wheel your battail inward to the right flank from the left Command Wheel the outward angles of front and reer to the right and left about into the center face to the outward angles Command Wheel the inward angles to the right and left about from the center CHAP. XXX Plain firings and figures of Battail IN the next place I wil proceed to some plain firings wherefore first double your ranks forward to the left by half-files and fire even with the front of pikes fal in the reer of themselves then fire and fall between the Pikes then move forth after this manner one rank drawn forth to the right and another to the left fire fal in again as before Then command the first rank to stand and the rest to move forth both Pikes and Muskettiers to the right and left untill each rank be cleer of other then let the Pikes charge and Muskettiers give
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 speciall charge to the inferiour officers to be carefull 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 souldier 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 severall words of command Wherefore supposing them to be drawnup 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 severall Doublings with their Reducement Command FRont half-files double your reer inward intire Command The twelve inmost files double intire the depth of the six out-most files In-most files face about Command Half-files double your front to the right Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Half-files double your front inward intire Command The six outmost files upon each flank double intire advancing the twelve middle files Command Half-files double your front to the right intire Command Right half-half-ranks double your left flank intire advancing which being performed they are reduced CHAP. XXXIII Eight severall Counter-marches with their Reducement Command FIle-leaders stand the rest passe thorough to the right and place your selves before your leaders Command The right hand file stand the rest passe thorough to the right and place your selves on the out-side of your right hand men Command Counter-march your front and reer into the midst of ranks Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left front half-files turn off to the right to your leader Command Counter-march your flanks into the midst of files face outward Command Files to the right hand counter-march maintayning ground Command Ranks to the left hand counter-march losing ground Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files from the midst of ranks maintaining ground Direction Front half-files face about and turn off to the left the rest turn off to the right every man moving up into his leaders ground to your leader Command Counter-march your right and left half-ranks from the midst of files losing ground Direction Face inward and turn off every rank on the ground they stand face to your leader and close files into the midst to open order they are reduced CHAP. XXXIV Eight entire Doublings by Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel off your reer half-files and double your front to the right intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank intire to the left Face outward Command Wheel off your reer half-files and double your front to the left intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double your left flank to the left intire Face outward Command Wheel off your front half-files and double the reer to the right intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double the left flank to the right intire Face outward Command Wheel off your front half-files and double the reer to the left intire Half-files face about Command Wheeel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank to the right intire Face outward CHAP. XXXV Plain Firings and Figures of Battail The first firing LEt the two outmost files of Muskettiers upon each flank advance ten paces before the front give fire and fall in the reer of themselves after face about and move down into their places again then face to their leader Then let the next two files upon each flank move away in like manner and fire as the former did and move down into their places again After let the other remaining files be led forth by the other two Serjeants and give fire as before and fall back again into their places The second firing Let two Serjeants draw four files upon each flank and move them away 10 or 20 paces before the front and give fire and fall in the reer of themselves and after face about move down into their places And whilest they are moving down let the other two Serjeants draw forth the remayning four files upon each flank and fire as the former did and after return again into their places The third firing Let all the Muskettiers move forth cleer of the Pikes and let them open from the midst untill they stand in four divisions leaving sufficient intervalls for their wheeling into the reer of themselves first let them fire in each division falling in the reer of themselves untill they have all fired over two or three times after this kind The fourth firing Let them close their files before the front of â—ikes into the midst to order then let the two first ranks kneel down the next two stoop and the last two stand upright and give fire six ranks altogether then let the left half-ranks of Muskettiers be wheeled about to the left into the reer of the Pikes and the right half-ranks move to the left untill they stand streight before the front of Pikes The fifth firing Let the half-files face about and let them give fire to front and reer after this manner by two ranks drawn off ten paces before the front and reer and fall off to the right and left into the reer of themselves then facing about let them open outward and give way for the next two ranâ—s to come forward into their places who are to fire and fall off as the former did the other two ranks doing the same this firing may be continued as long as the Leader pleaseth The sixt firing Let them give fre on the ground they stand and fall off to the right and left into the reer of themselves The seventh firing Let them rank outward into front and reer and give fire altogether and rank again as they were The eight firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and flank the Pikes those in the front flanking the Pikes on the right they in the reer flanking them on the left after let the Pikes charge on and being retreated into their places let them face all to their leader and in the next place proceed to figures of battâ—â—â— Command Files open outward to open order ranks open backward to your open order then let every four files close outward to order and ranks close to front and reer to order they will stand in twelve divisions as followeth Command The two inmost
Body for one File alone cannot be said to have any Ranks in it but joyning two or more Files together unto one you may account them provided they be six deep to have so many Ranks for number as doth extend from their Leaders to their Bringers up And further know that a Rank is a Row of men standing shoulder to shoulder in an even line from the left Flank to the right or from the out-most man upon the left unto the out-most man upon the right standing all in a row File wise Neither can it be said of one Rank to have any Files in it for as the closing of Files to Files makes Ranks so the adding of Ranks to Ranks makes Files As for the Depth of Files they have in these latter Ages much varied therein sometimes making them sixteen deep others ten and eight deep and now lately they have brought them unto six deep as being the custome of the Swedes and the French and altogether now the practise here in England In which form and way I purpose to walk but to proceed to my former promise to the Souldier There is in every Body of men drawn up consisting of Pikes and Muskettiers whether of greater or smaller number it makes no matter a Front a Reer a Right-Flank and a Left-Flank there is also Front half-Files and Reer half-Files there is a Right half-Ranks and a Left half-Ranks and there is a Length and Depth of the Battail and of every one of these in their severall kinds they have their perticuler extents and bounds according to their number of men Therefore take notice in the first place that the Front is the first Rank or row of men which are the File-leaders and chief men of their Files who properly ought to take charge of their Files being as it were their Captains and leads them first on in the Brunt against a furious Enemy the extent of the Front is from the left hand File-Leader unto the Leader of the right hand File The Reer is the last Row or Rank of men being the Bringers-up of the Files who next the Leaders are the chiefest men of honour in the File and are as it were unto them their Lieutenants and in the absence of the Leaders they are to take charge of the File and to instruct them in their Postures the extent of the Reer is from the Bringer-up of the left hand File unto the place of the Bringer-up of the right The right Flank is the out-most File upon the right where always ought by the way to be very able Souldiers placed because they first give on-set or fire against the Enemy if on that part they shall be charged the extent of the right Flank is from the Leader of the right hand File unto the Bringer-up of the same The left Flank likewise is the out-most File upon the left and his extent is from the Leader of the left hand File unto the Bringer-up The Front half-Files extent or bounds reacheth no further then from the Front unto the midst of Ranks or to the Bringers-up of the Front half-Files which being but six deep is the third Rank from the Front and the Length of the same reacheth from the out-most part of the left Flank untill you come unto the right The Reer half-Files beginneth from the midst of Ranks or from the fourth Rank from the Front and runneth downward in his depth to the Bringer-up of the whole File and the Length of the same is to be taken side-wise as they stand shoulder to shoulder from the out-most man upon the left unto the out-most man upon the right The right half Ranks in their Length runneth no further then from the out-most man upon the right unto the midst of Files or to the left hand File-leader of the right half-half-Ranks the Depth of the right half-half-Ranks reacheth from the Front running down unto to the Reer As for the left half-half-Ranks as much may be said to take his Length from the midst of Files or from the right hand File-leader of the left half-half-Ranks unto the out-most Files upon the left the Depth of the left half-Ranks may be understood in form and manner conformable to the right Next come we to speak of the Length and Depth of the whole Battail the Length of the Battail is ever to be accounted of the number of men in a Rank and not in a File for the Files perhaps may not be above six deep when that there may be hundreds in a Brest in the Ranks and farther the Length of any Battail is to be taken from the out-most point of the left-Flank or left-hand File-leader stretching it selfe forth by an even Line along untill you come to the outmost point of right Flank or right-hand File-leader the Depth of the Battail always is to be taken from the Front or first Rank and going down backward in a straight Line down to the Reer to the last Rank or to the Bringers-up of the Files For as the Length of the Battail is to be taken from the left Flank going a long in Front unto the right so the Depth of the Battail is to be taken from the Front going backward down to the Reer There is also to be understood that in every Battalia drawn up there are other parts and Denominations very considerable to be known that is in every such an one there is a Van-Guard a Reer-Ward and Main-Battail The Van-guard are the Muskettiers upon the right or the right Flank or as most commonly called amongst us in these dayes the Right-wing or the Left-wing which are the Muskettiers and the Flankers of the Body of Pikes the reason as I conceive the Muskettiers are accounted and called Wings is because they are first drawn off as by flying motion in Forlorns to ingage against an Enemy but of this by the way to proceed the Reer-Ward or Reer-Guard are the Muskettiers on the left Flank and the Battail is the Body of Pikes and here I shall conclude concerning the Description of a Body CHAP. XXVI Directions to all such as shall desire to exercise a Foot-Company with some admonitions to the Souldiers as shall be exercised by them HE that intends to exercise a Body of men must truly know what he shall command and so to give his directions unto the Souldiers as they may aptly make ready execution of the same He must at such times above all the rest assume unto himself the confidence presence as near as he is able of a compleat Souldier He is also to stretch out his voice so as he may conveniently be heard understood by the inferiour Officers and Souldiers which will cause them more readily to obey his Commands He ought to carry a cheerfull countenance unto them provided they do well but otherwise if carelesly dis-regarding his Commands he may look harshly upon them His eyes ought to be quick and nimble observing all their Motions whether it be to the right or left to
such a streight that they cannot bring their faces against an enemy by a Counter march or by a Wheeling to bring their best Souldiers there to fight and likewise being debarred of room that they cannot double it neverthelesse facings are of such excellent use that they may with ease although standing at close Order turn every particular face to charge upon that part where they shall be assaulted by an enemy and farther this motion is performed with more facility then all the rest of the motions For in the others they alter the forme of the Battail or changeth the place but in this they preserve both and it is ready for any attempt of an enemy if they should be charged all at once in Front Reer Right and Left Flanks they may be commanded so to face as to answer them all in every one of their charges Facings likewise are so necessary that they can hardly be spared in any other of the motions having relation in one kinde or other to them all for to be used There is likewise farther to be understood that there are entire facings and divisionall Entire facings are when they turn their Aspects all one way Divisionall facings are when they diver or turn their faces severall ways as to the Front Reer and both Flanks all at one instant of time as shall be commanded There are likewise facings to the front and reer Angles that is to say of their outward and inward Angles Outward Angles are when they are commanded to face to the right Angle or to the left or both facing to the inward Angles as when they are commanded so as to face to the inward Angles towards the midst of files There is likewise facing to the inward Angles towards the midst of Ranks as to the Center where note when there is any use of these facings unto the inward Angles it is occasioned by some former words of command that hath made some large intervalls in the midst of Ranks or Files and therefore they may give them such commands as these for to open or stand so that they may march and close again as at first This facing to the Center I do conceive to be very usefull when the Captain or Leader hath any thing of importance to speake unto the Company they standing at close order he may sidewise move down into the midst of the Ranks and Files and command them to face all to the Center they standing all round about him so close cannot choose but hear and know what his pleasure and command will be and in obedience thereunto be very ready in performance for the execution of the same But before I come to set down the words of command for facings I shall desire all Leaders not to tie themselves up so as not to begin in their Exercise to command facings untill they have brought the souldiers to stand at open order both in Rank and File as if it were not proper for them to command them to face till then Therefore rather for the reasons before set forth command them to choose upon such close Distances to face that they may know the true use of them and at such times when they want ground that the other motions cannot be performed CHAP. XXVIII The words of command for Facings Face to the RIght As you were or to your Leader Left To both Flanks Right about Left about To Front and Reer Midst of Files Midst of Ranks Right Angle Left Angle Outward Angles in the Front Inward Angles in the Front Right Angle in the Reer Left Angle in the Reer Outward Angles in the Reer Inward Angles in the Reer Inward Angles of the right Flank Inward Angles of the left Flank Outward Angles both of Front and Reer Inward Angles both of Front and Reer Inward Angles of both the Fanks to the Center Front Reer and both Flanks from the Center To the outward Angles of Front and Reer from the Center Having concluded the words of command for performing of plain Facings there must be notice taken when any word of command shall be given to face to any of the Reer Angles they must be first faced to the Reer and they will make more easier performance of the same and likewise if any word of command be given to face to the inward Angles upon the Flanks they must face them there likewise first and it will be easier fulfilled and likewise if any command be given to face to the foure Angles or to Front Reer and Midst from the Center care must be first had that they may be first faced to the Center I might have proceeded a great deal farther in this place upon this Subject of â—acings to have shewn severall figures of Battail that might be produced and drawn forth affording much variety of formes and number and with much ease to be performed upon their severall marchings according as they are ordered to face which might be very uâ—efull for service and affording much matter for any perticuler Exercise to use severall firings upon the same But I shall have occasion in another place to make use of divers of them and setting them forth unto the view when I shall begin to set down in any perticuler Leadings of my own which I have performed in our private meetings at Town-Ditch in London every Thursday morning for the satisfaction of those loving Gentlemen who still do exercise there and to such which shall come after CHAP. XXIX The many variety of Doublings with their parts and uses set forth for the practise of any Commander to make use of according unto his own description SInce there is in the true account no other dimension of a Battail but the Length and Depth so likewise it is to be understood that the Length of the Bâ—ttail is doubled by the doublings of â—anks and half-files and the Depth of the Battail is doubled by the doubling of Files and of the half Ranks Now there are severall Words of Command for the performance of each of these as to double Ranks and Files which do consist either of the doubling of number of men and persons and not of place or else the doubling both of number and place as for example command either the Ranks the half-files or Bringers-up to double the Front to the right here only is the doubling of number of men and not of place for it adds but one man more to that hand whereunto they were commanded and gains but his perticuler place Again Double Ranks to any hand intire or double the Front by the half-files to the right intire it will be not only a doubling of the number of men but a doubling of the place and the Length of the Battail The use of doubling the Length of the Battail may be for two reasons the one to over wing an Enemy the other to avoid over winging our selves Yet there must be care taken that in doubling of the Length that we faile not or be too weak in our
before themselves be first well verst and truly knowing in all and every of the severall Commands Directions and Reducements before-mentioned which being obteined they may confidently and boldly proceed so to inure their Souldiers in the practise thereof that their own knowledge in a short time will reduce them to their former places without using these thred-bare words as you were variety being more profitable and delightfull unto them provided they understand it then to accustome them in an ordinary and plain way of reducing But here some men will be ready to carp and say that I have troubled my self to little purpose in setting down more Doublings then are used abroad upon service To whom I answer that there are none if rightly understood but are of singular use one time or another either in our private Meetings or in those great Nurseries of Military Discipline the famous Academies of this out Island the Artillery and Military Gardens who for â—ield-service have train'd up and sent forth many worthy able gallant Souldiers into the Armies lately raised in our Nation between the King and Parliament whom I pray God happily to reconcile But suppose many of these Doublings have not been seen by some to be used in the field Are they not therefore useful perhaps at such time they have had no occasion for to use them all which if not must they be rejected the answer positively that being rightly enquired into they have in them very usefull and serviceable things against an Enemy whether it be in the Field or in Garrison As for example the Muskettiers being brought either all into the Front or Reer or upon one of the Flanks which often hapneth an Enemy appearing there then they would be of singular good use for our advantage and very disadvantageous to the enemy The like may be spoken of the Pikes who are by severall of these doublings brought into those places being there very serviceable to receive a desperate charge of horse if upon any of these parts they should fall on Observe further that in many of these doublings as the one arms shall face or charge against an enemy so contrariwise the other lies more secure in safety to be preserv'd from danger of the shot Moreover according unto the number of men either in length or depth a Leader may by these words of Command or the like at the same time double his Front Reer or Midst by doubling of Ranks and may farther make use of them at one and the same time to double by files his right left Flank and Midst all at one instant But I shall not not need to set down words of Command for the doubling Front Reer Flanks and Midst after this manner but leave that unto the apt Souldier to make use of such words of Command formerly shewne and to frame them sutable for any such purpose so intended But before I shall conclude concerning the use of these doublings as I said before there are many of them which by comand will bring any men in the body to fight unto that part which shal be most weak or assaulted by an enemy And again he may cast them so into the body by a doubling as shall preserve from danger whom he shall think fit And to say more there is no part of the body or arms but by words of Command in doublings may be brought forth as Frontiers against the enemy and may be placed again into the midst of the body for more security and others in like manner may be brought forth for their relief Therefore it much concerns all Souldiers and Commanders to be truly knowing in all the severall kinds of doublings out of which he may make singular good use according to his discretion at all such times as need shal require whether it be in Field or otherwise in Garrison CHAP. XXXVIII Of Inversion and Conversion NOt to omit any thing which may be beneficiall for the knowledge of all them that intends to be good proficients in this Art of Military Discipline my subject in this Chapter shall be of Ranks filing and files filing and ranks ranking and files ranking which are by some called Inversion and Conversion yet seldome mentioned by any Leader in the time of his Exercise for this reason as I suppose because the souldiers for the most part are unacquainted with them which causeth all our Leaders in our private Meetings here in London to deliver forth unto their Souldiers such words of command as may readily and aptly be understood by them which are ranks file to the right or left or files file to any hand which is no other then Inversion and again ranks rank to the right or left either in equal or unequal parts or intire to the front or files to rank in the like kinde may be termed Conversion And in my opinion they do the better that shall thus express themselves to the capacity of every Souldier then for to pusle them with the words Inversion and Conversion I intend therefore without curiosity plainly to set downe their severall commands directions and reducements keeping my former method concerning doublings For in all and every one of them they do either double the length or depth of the Front Reer Midst or Flanks no part of the Military Exercise affording more plenty of matter then they carrying always along with them many things of excellent use For example suppose a Prince Generall or any other person of quality were to pass thorow the Company a discreet Commander would presently command their ranks to invert or file to the right and left inward which immediatly becomes as it were a Street or Gallery for the honouring and securing of their persons Moreover it is of use for the lodging of the Colours or upon funerall occasions or taking their leave from their Captain where they may poure forth their volley's of shot all at one and the same time To be short being necessitated to march against a battery it avoids the danger of the great Ordnance and likewise secures the front of the Battalia from the imminent danger of any great shower of small shot poured forth by the Enemy As likewise it is of excellent use to march over a narrow Bridge or thorow a Lane Thicket or Salliport or such like difficult passages or if any Commander have a desire to use ancient figures by it he may make the Saw Sheers or Diamond or being in one file they may aptly be drawn into a Ring where hee that is an able posture man standing in the midst may shew unto them their severall postures and after easily reduce them again and thus much briefly of Inversion or ranks filing Next come we to shew the excellent uses and services which may be performed by Conversion as first perceiving any man of worth to stand before the front of the battail or to pass by either of the flanks then ranks ranking or files ranking into the front or ranks wheeling to
either of the flanks by these commands the souldiers aspects are thither brought to present unto him a volley of shot It is likewise very usefull for the making of a Line against a Brest-work or lining of hedges carrying it self severall ways secretly to lye in Ambuscado whereby they may fire upon the Enemy as he marcheth by Or approching against any Fort or place of danger they may daringly make a large front and firing upon them after filing to the right or left making large intervalls they much preserve themselves from the danger of the great shot proceeding from the Enemy Again ranks ranking either in equall or unequall parts is of singular good use upon a narrow passage where they can march but 2 3 4 or 6 a Brest the Commander notwithstanding they marched before 20 a Brest may by it bring them to such small numbers whereby hee may much preserve them in time of imminent danger and perill To dwell no longer upon this discourse Inversion and Conversion many times requres larger distance then any other of the Motions as sometimes double distance or twice double distance wherefore being so many occasions for the use of them both I hold it requisite for a Leader frequently to practise his souldiers in them no part of the Art Military affording more commendations to the Souldiers that shall readily and handsomly perform the same Briefly therefore passing over what might be more spoken concerning them I shall in the next place set them all forth in their full view leaving every discreet Souldier to his own liberty to make use of as many of them as hee shall think fit and to use them after what manner he pleaseth CHAP. XXXIX The words of Command for Ranks Ranking and Files Ranking to the Front they being twelve a Brest and six deep Command RAâ—â—s rank to the right 2 3 4 or 6 as occasion shall require Direction If to two the two out-most men upon the right are to move away the next two to fall behinde them untill the first rank hath made six Ranks and the rest doing the like untill the first six Ranks are become thirty six Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the left the first Rank is to stand the rest are to move away two and two untill they have made up 12 in one rank and the rest are to do the like untill they are made up all again as at first or command Ranks rank as you were the same rule is to be observ'd if you rank to any of the other numbers to divide them accordingly Command Ranks rank three to the left Direction The first three men upon the left are to move away the next three are to fall in behind toward the left untill the first Rank have made foure Ranks the rest are to do the like untill they have made them 24 Ranks Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right the first Rank is to stand the rest are to move forth by three and three untill they have made twelve in one Rank the rest are to do the like untill they be as they were at first or ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank three to the right and left outward Direction The three out-most men of the first rank upon the right and the three out-most men upon the left move away the next three of each hand in the same rank are to do the like and every rank throughout to follow successively dividing themselves three to one hand and three to the other untill they have made twelve ranks in each Division and falling in the Reer successively to each hand of the first rank Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward or ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank intire to the right into the front Direction The first rank stand the rest face to the right and move away every rank placing it selfe successively to the right untill they stand all in one rank in the front Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the left the first 12 men upon the left are to stand the next 12 are to face to the left and to move and fall in the Reer of the first and so consequently all the rest or else to command ranks rank as you were Cmmand Ranks rank intire to the left into the front Direction The first Rank stand the rest face to the left and move untill they have successively placed themselves and made one intire rank into the front Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right the 12 out-most men upon the right stand the rest face to the right and move making 12 in every rank or ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank outward into the front Direction The first Rank stand the rest face outward and place your selves successively into the Front facing after to your Leader Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward the 12 middle-most men stand the rest face inward and move ranking 12 successively behinde the first rank and after facing to their Leader and to even their ranks Command Ranks rank inward into the Front Direction The first Rank is to move away to the right and left the next rank moving up into his ground doing the like and consequently so all the rest untill the last rank be come up intire into the front Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward the first six upon the right and the first six upon the left stand the rest move outward falling in the Reer of the first rank ranking six to the right and left and after closing their Divisions Command Files rank to the right into the front Direction Files open to the left to your double Distance and ranks close forwards to close order and move up to the right into the front Reducement Rank file six to the left the first six upon the left are to fall into a file the rest doing the like untill you have made 12 files as at first or command rank file as you were Command Files rank to the left into the front Direction Every man is to move forward to the left into the front beginning from the Leader of the File and moving up successively making one intire rank Reducement Rank file six to the right the six out-most men upon the right are to fall into a file the rest in like manner are to do the same or rank file as you were Command Files rank outward into the front Direction Right and left halfe ranks close into the midst to close order after move to the right and left outward untill they be come up into the front Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward the midde men are to stand the rest are to move side-wayes to the right and left inward and to file as before commanded or rank file as you were Command Files rank inward into the front Direction Right and left half Ranks open from the midst to twice double Distance and Files move up to the right and left intire
into the front Reducement Rank file six to the right and left outward the out-most men stand the rest move to the right and left outward filing according to command and after to close their Divisions CHAP. XL. Ranks ranking into the Front by Counter-march Command RAnks rank intire into the Front every man placing himself on the out-side of his right-hand man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move away to the right successively into the Front placing themselves on the out-side of their right-hand men Reducement Rank rank 12 to the left every man placing himself on the out-side of his left-hand man the first 12 upon the left are to stand the rest are successively to fall in behinde the first Rank placing themselves as before commanded or Rank rank as you were placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men Command Ranks rank intire to the left into the Front every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his left-hand man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move away to the left successively placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right every man placing himself on the out-side of his right-hand man or rank rank as you were every man placing man placing himself as before Command Ranks rank outward into the Front every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move forth to the right and left and successively to fall into the Front every man placing himself on the out-side of his right left-hand man Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward every man placing himself on the in-side of his right and left-hand man the 12 middle-men are to stand the rest are to move to the right and left inward six to one hand and six to the other making 12 in Rank and falling behinde the first Command Ranks rank inward into the Front every man placing himself on the in-side of his right and left-hand man Direction Right and left half-half-ranks open from the midst to twice double Distance the first Rank of each Division is to stand the rest are to move successively to the right and left inward into the Front making one intire Rank Reducement Rank rank six to the right and left outward every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right and left-hand man the first Rank of each Division stand the rest move to the right and left outward ranking as before commanded falling successively in the Reer of the first Rank and after to close their Divisions CHAP. XLI Files ranking into the Front by Wheeling Command FIles rank to the right into the Front by wheeling Direction Face to the right and wheel to the left untill they stand The Files are to be at double distance and Ranks at close order even a Brest in one intire Rank in the Front Reducement Rank file six to the left by wheeling face all to the Reer and the first six men then upon the right wheel to the right and so consequently all the rest wheeling by sixes to the right their Leaders that were before being the hinges of the motion and after face to their Leader Command Files rank to the left into the Front by wheeling Direction Face to the left and wheel to the right untill they make all one intire Rank in the Front Reducement Rank file six to the right by wheeling face to the Reer and the six out-most men upon the left wheel to the left the next six are to follow and consequently all the rest untill they have made 12 Files as at the first and after face to their Leader Command Files rank outward into the Front by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks close into the midst to order and face outward wheeling to the right and left untill you are one intire Rank Reducement Rank file six to the right and left inward by wheeling face about to the right and the 12 middle-most men are to wheel to the right and left inward and the rest are likewise to do the same by sixes untill they have made themselves into 12 files after face to their Leader Command Files rank inward into the front by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance after face inward and wheel to the right and left inward untill they are all in one rank in the front Reducement Rank file six to the right and left out-ward face all about and wheel by sixes to the right and left the Leaders being the hinges of the Motion after face to the front and right and left half-ranks may close into the midst again to their double distance Here endeth ranking into the front with all their severall kinds the Reer challengeth the next place but I shall spare the pains and labour to set them down in regard that he who hath a mind to rank his men thither may if he pleaseth make use of all the former words of Command for the performance of the same facing them upon every Command to the Reer I come therefore in the next place only to mention the ranking into the midst by Ranks and Files which may likewise be performed by the former words of Command provided they have convenient distance and be faced to the midst and after the Command is executed to face them to their first front Yet there is remaining a ranking unto all these places at once for the performance of which observe these few words of Command following CHAP. XLII Ranks ranking or Files ranking at one and the same time into Front Reer and Midst Command RAnks rank outward into the Front Reer and Midst Direction The two last ranks are to face about the first rank They are to stand at order in Rank and File and the last rank and the third rank from the front are to stand the other three are to move forth six to the right and six to the left untill they have ranked unto all these places after face to the front and the last rank moving forward to open order Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward the last rank face about the 12 middle-most men of each rank are to stand the six out-most men of each rank are to face inward to move and fall into the right and left behinde the middle-most men after the two last ranks are to face to the front Command Ranks rank inward into the Front Reer and Midst Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance the two last ranks face to the Reer the first and last rank and the third rank from the front stand the rest move to the right and left inward ranking into front reer and midst after that the last rank is to face to the front and to close forward to open order Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward the last rank face
about and the out-most six men upon each rank are to stand and the middle-men are to divide themselves six to the right hand and six to the left and to fall in the Reer of the first last and middle rank after the last rank is to face to the front and then to close ranks and files to their order Command Ranks rank outward into the front reer and midst every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Ranks ranking by Counter-march Direction The two last ranks face about the first and last rank and the third rank from the front stand the rest move forth to the right and left ranking into front reer and midst placing themselves on the out-side of their right and left-hand men face to your Leader Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward placing your selves on the in-side of your right and left-hand men the last rank face about the 12 middle-most men in each rank are to stand and the out-most six men in each rank are to move to the right and left inward placing themselves in the Reer of the former ranks and on the in-side of their right and left-hand men facing to their Leader Command Ranks rank inward into the front reer and midst every man placing himself on the in-side of his right and left-hand man Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance standing thâ—n at order in each division in rank and file the two last ranks face about and the first last and third rank from the Front stand the rest move inward placing themselves on the in-side of their right and left-hand men after the last rank may face about and move forward to open order Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right and left-hand man the last rank face about the six out-most men of each rank stand and the 12 middle-most men in each rank are to divide themselves six to the right and six to the left falling in the Reer of the out-most men placing themselves on the out-side of their right and left-hand men after face to the front and ranks and files close to the midst to order Of Files ranking into Front Reer and Midst Command FIles rank outward into Front Reer and Midst Direction The two last ranks face about the first last and third rank from the front stand the rest move to the right and left after the manner of doubling of ranks and rank to front reer and midst as before commanded and after the last rank face to the front closing forward to order Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward the last rank face about and the even men from the midst of â—iles are to fall in behinde the odd after the manner of doubling files to the right and left inward and after the two last ranks are to face to the Front Command Files rank inward into front reer and midst Direction They standing at the distance of order in rank and file command right and left half-ranks to open from the midst some thing more then to open order after the two last ranks are to face about and the first last and third rank from the front are to stand the rest are to move to the right and left inward after the manner of doubling ranks to the right and left inward after the last rank is to face to the front and to close forwards to open order Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward the last rank face about and every man from the flanks is to move outward after the manner of doubling files to the right and left outward then the two last ranks are to face to the front and the whole Body may close their ranks and files into the midst to order CHAP. XLIII Of Files ranking by Wheeling Command FIles rank outward into Front Reer and Midst by wheeling Direction The two last ranks face about after face all outward and The Ranks must be at close order and the Files at open order for these three words of Command following and it would be better to divide them into three Divisions that is to say between every two Ranks to have some six foot of ground intervall that they may more distinctly perform the same and wheel to the right and left by two and two untill they be ranked into front reer and midst the last rank may after move forwards unto the same distance the former stands at being first faced to their Leader Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward by wheeling the first two ranks face about and then every perticuler rank to wheel by two and two towards the midst of files untill they have made 12 files as at first and after to face all to the front Command Files rank inward into the front reer and midst by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst something more then open to order the two last ranks of each Division face about after face all inward and wheel by two and two to the right and left untill they have ranked into front and reer and midst to the right and left inward the last rank is after to face to the front taking his distance conformable to the rest Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward by wheeling the two first ranks face about and each perticuler rank is to wheel by two's towards the flanks untill they have made 12 files as at first after facing all to the front and closing their ranks and files into the midst to order Command Files rank inward into the midst by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance after face inward and let them know that the Bringers-up of the Front half-fiiles and the half-file Leaders are the hinges of the motion after face them to the Front and they will be in two Ranks Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward by wheeling the last Rank face about and both Ranks wheel to the right and left by threes untill they have made 12 Files as at first after face all to the Front and close Files into the midst to order Command Files rank outward into the Front and Reer by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks close into the midst to order after face outward and wheel to the right and left the Bringers-up and the Leaders are the hinges of the motion and when they are brought into two Ranks one in the Front and the other in the Reer face them to the Front Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward by wheeling the first Rank face about and both Ranks are to wheel by threes towards the midst of Files untill they have filed according unto command after facing to their Leader evening their Ranks and straightning their Files And thus much of
their Aspects being to the Front Or you may command the out-most file upon the right to face to the left and so begin to lead untill he be cleer of the second file the rest doing the same untill they have all placed themselves on the out-side of their left-hand men their Aspects being to the Front which I conceive to be the easier way Command Counter-march your Flanks into the midst Direction Face to the right and left outward right-flank turn off to the right left-flank turn off to the left untill they meet in the midst to your Leader Command Right and left half-ranks counter-march to the right or left Direction Face all to the right the right half-ranks are to turne off to the right by themselves and the left half-ranks in like manner to your Leader Command The out-most File upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-ranke stand the rest face to the right passe through and place your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men face to your Leader Command The out-most file upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the right and stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves before your right-hand men face all to the right and the motion being ended face to your Leader Command The out-most file upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the left and stand the rest face to the right passe through and place your selves behind your right-hand men to your Leader Direction For these three last Counter-marches is for the moving part to begin to Countermarch who are the next files of the standing part and so to follow successively until they have performed the command and after to face to their Leader Command The right-hand file of the left half-rank and the out-most file upon the right stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves on the out-side of your right hand men following your out-most files Direction The out-most files are to face to the right and to lead away untill they bee cleer of the next who likewise are to follow successively Command The out-most file upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-half-rank face to the right and stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves before your right-hand men Direction Face all to the right and the out-most files that were are to begin the motion placing themselves before their right-hand men the rest following successively to your Leader Command The outmost file upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the left and stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves behind your right-hand men Direction The out-most files are to turn about untill they have brought their aspects unto the right-flanke then move away untill they be cleer of the second file and in like manner they are to turn off doing the same untill they have placed themselves behind their right hand men then facing to the left-about and after to their Leader to even their ranks and straighten their files Command Counter-march your right and left half-half-ranks from the midst Direction Face inward right half-ranks turn off to the right left half-ranks turn off to the left to your Leader CHAP. LIV. Divisionall Counter-marches of the right and left half-ranks Command THe outmost file upon each flanke stand the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men Direction The rest face outward and begin the motion by the next files the others following in order and after to close their files into the midst to open order Command The out-most file upon each flanke face outward and stand the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selves before your out-side men Direction The rest are to face outward and the next files unto them that first faced are to begin the motion placing themselves before their out-side men after face to their leader and close files into the midst to order Command The out-most file upon each flanke face inward the rest passe through and place your selves behind your out-side men Direction The rest are to face outward and to passe through to the right and left placing themselves behind their right and left-hand men and after to move forward and close their divisions and face to their Leader Command The out-most file upon each flanke stand the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men following your in-most files Direction The in-most files are to begin the motion moving away to the right and left untill they be cleer of their second files and then they are to move away successively untill they have all placed themselves on the out-side of their right and left-hand men and then close files into the midst to open order Command The out-most files upon each flanke face outward the rest passe through to the right and left placing your selves before your right and left-hand men following your in most files Direction The rest are likewise to face outward and the inmost files are to begin the motion the rest following in order untill they have placed themselves before their out-side men after face to the Front and close files into the the midst to open order Command The out-most file upon each flanke face inward the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selves behinde your out-side men following the inmost Files Direction The rest are to face outward the in-most files begin to move forward to the right and left the rest consequently doe the same untill they all stand behind their out-side men then facing to the right and left about closing their divisions by moving forward after face to the Front Command Counter-march your right and left half-ranks from the midst losing ground and placing your selves before your out-side men Direction Face inward right half-ranks turn off to the right and left half-ranks turn off to the left and move forward untill you have placed your selves before your out-side men after face to your Leader and close files into the midst to open order Command Right and left half-ranks interchange ground Direction Face inward and passe through to your own right-hand untill you bee cleer six foot each of other after face to your Leader and close files into the midst to open order Command Right and left half-ranks counter-march to the right and left and interchange ground Direction Face outward right half-ranks turn off to the right left half-ranks turn off to the left and march cleer each of the other after face to the front and close files inward to open order Thus much may suffice to be spoken of all the several sorts and kinds of Counter-marches which if any shall conceive my pains fruitlesse in culling out such plentie and varietie there being
are reduced being faced to their Leader CHAP. LXVI Twelve severall Counter-marches with their reducements Command FIles to the right hand counter-march losing ground Command Ranks to the right hand counter-march losing ground Direction Face all to the right Command Front and Reer half-files inter-change ground Direction Front half-files face about to the left Command Right and left half-half-ranks inter-change ground Direction Face inward Command File-leaders face about the rest passe through to the right and place your selves behinde your Leaders face to the Front Command Counter-march your Front and Reer into the midst Command Counter-march your flanks into the midst Face out-ward Command File-leaders and half-file-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves before your Leaders and halfe file-leaders Direction The second rank from the front and from the halfe file-leaders are to begin the Motion placing themselves as before commanded Command The out-most file upon the right and the second file from the left stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men Command Files to the left-hand counter-march losing ground Command Front and Reer half-files counter-march to the right Direction Front and Reer half-files turn off distinctly by your selves on the ground you stand face to your Leader Command Right and left half-ranks counter-march to the right Direction Face to the right and right and left half-ranks turn off distinctly to the right face to your Leader they are reduced CHAP. X. Twelve severall Wheelings with their reducements Command WHeel your Reer half-files inward into the midst and double the Front inward intire Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to double distance Reer half-files face about and wheel your Reer inward into the midst moving forward doubling the front inward intire Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double your left flank to the left intire Direction Face outward right half-ranks wheel about to the right and double your left flank to the left to your Leader Command Right and left half-ranks double the Length of your Battail by wheeling outward to the front Direction Face outward and right half-ranks wheel to the left and left half-ranks wheel to the right and after close files into the midst to order Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double your left flank by Division Direction Face outward right half-ranks wheel about to the right and left outward moving forward and doubling the left flank to the right and left outward Command Wheel your left half-ranks inward into the right flank Direction Face outward and open from the midst to double distance the front and Reer half-files and after the left half-ranks may wheel inward and double the right flank inward intire Command Wheel off your Reer half-files and double your front to the left intire Half-files face about Command Wheel your right half-ranks inward into the midst and double the left flank inward intire Direction Face outward and Front and Reer half-files that were are to open from the midst to double distance and right half-ranks wheel inward and move forward into the left flank Command Wheel off your Reer half-files and double your front to the right intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank by Division Command Wheel off your Front half-files and double your Reer to the right intire Half-files face about Command Double the Depth of the Battail by wheeling front and reer into the midst of each Division Direction Front half-files move forward four paces then the last rank of each Division face about and wheel into the midst of Front and Reer of each Division face to your Leader Command Wheel off your Front half-files and double your Reer to the left intire Half-files face about Command Wheel your Battail off by Division from the Reer Direction Face all about and right half-ranks wheel about to the right and left outward to the front and closing files into the midst to order they will be reduced as at first and stand as underneath is set forth CHAP. XI Severall plain Firings upon this Exercise of 24 men with Figures of Battail belonging to the same A Commander having thus passed over the Motions may next prepare for Firings and calling up his Serjeants he may give them order how the Muskettiers shall fire in front and reer but before he begin his Firings it will be expedient that he double his Front to the right and left inward by the Bringers-up which being ended he may proceed as followeth The first firing Let them fire by Divisions drawn forth ten paces before the front of Pikes and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let them fire again and fall off to the right and left moving down before the front of Pikes and closing their Divisions The third firing Let the first rank kneel down the next stoop and the last stand upright and give fire altogether the Pikes in the mean time are to advance their Arms and open to the right and left charge on to the front untill they be cleer of the Muskettiers and then face inwards and close their Divisions then facing all about they may give fire to the Reer marching The fourth firing Let the last rank face about to the left and give fire and fall off to the right and left placing themselves before their Leaders of their own Divisions of Muskettiers The fifth firing Let them face about to the left again give fire fall off to the right and left and flank their Pikes the Pikes at the same instant facing about and charge on cleer of the Muskettiers the Muskettiers after facing inward and close their Divisions the Pikes may charge to the Horse and the Muskettiers may give fire over their heads after this manner The sixth firing Let the first rank stoop and the other two stand upright and give fire altogether after recovering of their Arms they may all face to the front commanding the Pikes to double the front inward intire and afterwards files to double their Depth to the right and left outward every man falling behinde his Bringer-up closing files into the midst to order and wheeling about into the first front he may proceed as followeth Command Front half-files advance forwards three paces the middle rank of each Division face outward and move cleer of the standing part face to your Leader The first firing Let the in-most Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front fire and fall off in the Reer of themselves after facing about move down and inter-change ground with them in the Reer they at the same instant moving up firing and in like manner inter-changing ground with them in the Reer and at the same time the out-most men are to move up and fire to the front and to fall off to the right and left into the place of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up and firing in
up even with the Front Reer divisions of Muskettiers face outward and move untill they stand streight with the out-most divisions of Muskettiers then face to their Leader and close ranks forward to order and march up and make an even Front and close files into the midst to order they are reduced CHAP. XXXVI The eleventh Exercise with 24 Files six deep THe Souldiers being met unto the place appointed and the Officers being vigilant and carefull in their severall places in drawing forth the files and joyning them into a Body the Leader without any farther delay may crave their silence and close their ranks and files to order and after some distances and facings shewn unto them drawn forth from the former rule he may proceed to this following doubling making every man a file-leader according to succession and after reduce them again Command Ranks to the left double Command Files to the left double Command Half-files double your front to the left Command Files double your depth to the left Command Bringers-up double your front to the right Command Double your files to the left intire advancing Command Bringers-up double your front to the left Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Ranks to the right double Command Files to the right double Reducement Files rank to the left into the front Rank file six to the left they are reduced CHAP. XXXVII Eight Counter-marches with their Reducement Command BRingers-up stand to the rest pass thorough to the right and place your selves behind your Bringers-up The rest face about Command File-leaders and Bringers-up stand the rest pass thorough to the right and place your selves before your Leaders and Bringers-up half-files face about Command Ranks to the left hand counter-march maintaining ground face to the left Command Right and left half-half-ranks counter-march from the midst of files maintaining ground face inward Command File-leaders face about the rest pass thorough to the right and place your selves behind your leader to your leader Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files from the midst of ranks losing ground front half-files face about Command Ranks to the right hand counter-march losing ground Command Counter-march your right and left half-half-ranks every man placing himself one the outside of his right and left hand-man they are reduced CHAP. XXXVIII Eight severall Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel your right and left half-ranks inward to the midst of files Face outward Command Wheel the battail off by division from the reer Command Wheel the battail inward to the right flank from left Face to the left Command Wheel front and reer half-files inward to the midst of ranks Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right and left half-ranks by division from the midst of files Face inward Command Wheel off your front and reer half-files by division from the midst of ranks front half-files face about Command Wheel off your front by division Command Wheel your battail inward to the left flank from the right face to the right CHAP. XXXIX Plain Firings and Figures of Battail The first firing LEt them give fire to the front by introduction where first command them to open their files outward to open order and then let the first rank give fire on the ground they stand then let the next rank move forward and place themselves before the first ranke and give fire likewise and stand and so successively every rank is to move forward and place themselves before the rank that fired untill all have given fire this being twice performed reducâ—th them and is tearm'd a firing of gaining ground The second firing Let them fire by files inward to order and fire on the ground they stand and fall off to the right and left into the reer of themselves The third firing Let them close their files ranking outward into one intire rank into the front all at one and the same time and to file again as they were The fourth firing Let the Muskettiers double ranks to the right and left outward and give fire three ranks together the first kneeling the second stooping the third standing upright and after to double files to the right and left inward The fifth firing Let them fire again and fall off to the right and left and flank the Pikes who may after charge on and after retreat back again into their places The sixt firing Let them face outward and give fire to both flanks on the ground they stand and fall in the reer of themselves The seventh firing Let the half-files of Muskettiers face outward and move cleer of the standing part then let every division give fire again and fall in the reer of themselves and then close their divisions The eight firing Let them give fire eight ranks together viz. two kneel down two stooping two standing upright the last two to be drawn forth so fire them altogether The ninth firing Let the four first ranks upon each flank fire again and fall off to the to the right and left and flank the Pikes and let those Muskettiers face to front and reer and draw forth the last rank of Muskettiers upon the flanks to the right and left outward and place them in the midst of those intervalls upon the angles the Pikes being impaled then fire them to front reer and both flanks and four angles and fall in the reer of themselves This firing may be continued as long as a leader shall think fit then face about those files standing at the angles and move them into the reer of those divisions of Muskettiers upon the flanks from whence they were first drawn forth then let them face all to their leader The tenth firing Let the Muskettiers in front reer face outward and march cleer of the standing part then let them face to front reer and give fire fall in the reer of themselves then let the reer divisions of Mukettiers face to the front and the outmost divisions of Muskettiers in the front face to the reer then let the outmost divisions move and close ranks forward to order and let the Pikes charge on and being retreated back again into their places face all to the front and proceed to figures of battail according to the next direction Command Half-files of Pikes face about half-files of the four outmost Files of Muskettiers face to the reer the four outmost files and the body of Pikes move forward cleer of the standing part to your leader then let them face outward and move two paces then face to front and reer and move the like face all to your leader and close ranks forward and files inward in each division they will stand as followeth The first firing Let the reer divisions face about then let the first divisions give fire and fall in the reer of themselves then wheel off to the right and left and fall in the room or place of the next divisions and they at the same time are to move up
108 men in a Company and the three Field Officers 144. which makes compleatly up 756 men whereof two thirds are Muskettiers and one third of Pikes the Files being six deep THe generall place of Randezvous being appointed out unto the Major it is his care to take a timely view thereof that there be ground and room sufficient enough for the drawing them up And having received orders from his Collonel Major Generall or other superiour officers for the Regiments marching thither he may appoint the Companies to march either of these two ways either by succession or dignity If by succession first the Collonels Company moves away next the Lieutenant Collonels in the reer of him then the Majors and so consequently all the rest from the eldest to the youngest who brings up the reer of all If by dignity first the Collonels Company and in the reer of him the youngest Captain and after him the eldest then the Majors then the second Captain the Leiutenant Collonel bringing up the reer of all But it concernes the Major before their marching to give notice unto the Leiutenant Collonel and the eldest Captain to countermarch their ranks of their two perticuler Companies as soone as they come into the place of the generall randezvous before he shall draw them up to preserve the honour of the right hand File-leaders and Bringers-up of both armes He is likewise to be there before hand attending their marching in and after the Collonels company have made Alt to draw up each perticuler company on the left of him all in one even range commanding them to close ranks forward to order and files into the midst unto the same distance He is likewise to informe himself of the Captaines Lieutenants and Serjeants how many files of Pikes and Muskettiers they have in each perticuler company and accordingly he is to enter it down in his paper book and to make use thereof as followeth He is to require one single file apiece of Muskettiers to be drawn off from the three smaller Companies and two files apiece from the greater which makes 9 files and contains 54 men which are to be led away by an able Serjeant into the Reer for to be a guard to the Bagage or other occasions From thence he may proceed commanding all the Muskettiers to stand and the Pikes to advance their Arms and move forward 10 or 12 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 Captaines being all upon the head of the Pikes with their Ensignes 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 assigne 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 find three files of Muskettiers more in the second grand division and two of Pikes then is in the first therefore he must take from thence one file of each Company and adde them to those nine files in the reer which makes them twelve and then he will have ballanced the divisions equall taking off one file of Pikes and placing it amongst 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 a brest 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 obsâ—rved in the drawing up of Regiments that the right flank as neer as may be ought to be sutable 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 equall with the Reer Now suppose thâ—se two grand Divisions stood even a brest we will begin to examine the first worth which is the Collonels 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 Collonel 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 aptly stand there to to lead the second Body of Pikes wherein the Lieutenant Collonel the Major and his own Colours are placed so that there remaines no more but the sixth worth or youngest Captain to place who is drawn up between the Collonel 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 Collonel the first worth who hath joyned to him the youngest Captain which is the sixt worth and they two make the number 7 then compare the Lieutenant-Collonel who is the second worth unto the second Captain joyn'd with him which is the fifth worth and they make a like the same number after compare the Major and eldest Captain who are drawn up into the midst of the Regiment whose places carry the third and fourth worth and their number is sutable with the rest And thus much may be spoken in generall now I shall come more perticulerly to give further satisfaction both for them
not on the left for the reasons as formerly for a File six deep declared I might now here conclude with other flourishing Tables which might be little profitable unto the Souldier though holding out discourse more fuller in an Arithmeticall way But I have no desire to fill this subject with plenty of unprofitable words and frothie flourishes but rather driving really in a Souldierly way to make all things both plain and easie to every courteous Reader that shall be pleased for to peruse the same And therefore here for present I shall conclude what more might here be spoken by dignities of Ronks and Files leaving what shall remain untill such time in course I shall again meet with them by the way in drawing up of Regiments CHAP. XVIII What Distance is and the reasons for the first beginning of the same with all their severall uses HAving thus now passed over severall reasons and with as much brevity as I could to satisfie the longing desire of the young Souldiers request of every particular place of honour as they stand in dignity both in Rank and File Which being passed over the next will follow by course before we come to joyne the Files into a Body to satisfie the Souldier of each particular distance with the severall reasons and uses of the same for next to the Postures it is the first thing or part of the Military exercise and most necessary for the Souldier to be knowing in and to be exercised in Yet I must confesse no Commander is so tied up or limited in the exercising of his men at all times to begin with Distances first so as to shew them all throughout but neverthelesse in all and every one of the Motions in the exercising of a Body care must be taken that the Souldier have his proper Distance for performance of the same Neither can any Leader exercise his men but first he must command them to some Distance sutable to what he will begin As some I have seen begin their Exercises with Faceings some other with Doublings others with Countermarches and with Wheelings Yet neverthelesse whoever they be that will so begin as I said before must command his Souldiers to some Distance which may be proper forâ— the same But for my own part my purpose is to goe throughout all parts of the Military Exercise of Foot and therefore will goe on in order as they lie and first as most properest I shall begin with Distances to shew them all throughout and what the nature of them be Distance therefore really considered in it selfe is no Motion but there are severall motions to the attaining of each particular Distance both in length and depth Therefore briefly thus Distance is a place or intervall of ground between every particular File and File and betwixt every Rank and Rank as they stand and attained by the severall motions of Ranks and Files and consisting of severall proportions of ground as easily may be understood by their severall words of command as they follow CHAP. XIX The severall sorts of Distances which are fit and proper for the Souldier to be exercised in CLosest Order Close Order Order Open Order Double Distance Twice double Distance Which is both in Rank and File Half a foot One foot and a half Three foot Six foot Twelve foot Twenty four foot Having thus set down every Distance with their severall proportions of ground I shall next proceed unto the words of command to the opening of the Ranks and Files from their closest Order and after satisfie the Souldier with the reasons and the uses of every particular Distance as they go along in order CHAP. XX. Words of Command for the opening of Ranks and Files to all their Distances with their closings again THe Commander craving silence and that they be commanded to close Ranks and Files to their closest Order the words of command for Distances are as followeth Files open to the right to your close Order Ranks open backward to your close Order Files open to the left to your Order Ranks open backward to your Order Files open to the right and left to your open Order Ranks open backward to your open Order Files open to the left to your double Distance Ranks open backward to your double Distance Files open from the midst to twice double Distance Ranks open backward to twice double Distance The Ranks and Files being thus opened unto their twice double Distance from their closest order I conceive it to be a more Souldierly like way in the opening and closing of Files that the discretion of the Commander do vary and alter the hand in the commanding of them then always from every Distance to tie himself to any perticuler hand as to open to the right and close to the right But as concerning the opening of Ranks the properest way in my judgement is to open them always to the Reer in respect it is performed with more facility For every Rank from the first takes his due Distance as he is commanded without any further trouble or to a halfe facing to the right by taking it from the Reer if from that place they shall be opened and so likewise it were a great deal better in the closing of Ranks to close them forwards in respect it is for the more coveniency of their closing then to the Reer For then again they must perform a half facing which is not only handsome but troublesome to the Souldier All that can be said for to maintain it as I conceive in opening Ranks forwards is because they have not room in the Reer which seldome happens so in any Exercise if discreetly ordered by him that leads them As for closing of the Ranks backwards I cannot conceive any solid reasons to confirme the same and therefore will passe over it and come to close our Ranks and Files to such Distance from whence they first were opened Files close to the right and left inward to double distance Ranks close forwards to double distance Files close to the right to your open Order Ranks close forwards to your open Order Files close into the midst to your Order Ranks close forwards to your Order Files close to the left to your close Order Ranks close forwards to your close Order Files close to the right to your closest Order Ranks close forwards to your closest Order Concerning the Words of Command for Distances in the openings and closings of Ranks and Files what before is set down may be sufficient for any Souldier to use in time of his exercise But now it will be expected to give some reasons for every one of these to shew them in their proper uses CHAP. XXI The use of each perticuler Distance and at what time to be used WHerefore first note that your Distance of closest Order is of chiefest use unto the Pike in these perticulers as first charging against the Horse for that the Ranks then clapping in their left legs behind their Leaders
right locking themselves so firme and stedfast one within another which 't were impossible for any Body of Horse to enter in amongst them Secondly it is of excellent use for to maintain a breach and to keep out an Enemy Thirdly it is very usefull to both arms at such time when a Commander hath any thing of consequence to discover unto his Company which he may have many occasions so to do as before his Exercise to advise them to silence to observe their words of command and their directions and when they are to fight against an Enemy to perswade and keep them off from fear by assuring them good reasons of hopes of overcoming These or such like speeches manytimes a Captain may have just occasion to expresse himselfe unto his Company and being at so close a Distance they may more aptly hear his words and obey his Comands But here now by the way too much preaching upon the head of a Company concerning matters of Exercise is too much a dulling of the Souldier who rather would fall into action then so to be confounded with much talking Close order may be of very good use also for most things which hath been spoken of the closest order only here the Souldier hath a little more liberty in the handling of his arms by being at a wider Distance This Distance also is of good use before wheelings because many times upon their moving they are apt to flie out to their proper Distance of order which they always should be at in their wheelings where note if first they were at order they would flie out to wider Distance Order is the Distance which the Souldier doth fight upon and is to be used skirmishing against an Enemy it is also usefull at such time when the Drum shall beat a Troop and that the Souldiers are marching to relieve some Court of Guard or making some expedition against an Enemy for then they are in a fit capacity of Distance for to fight It is also very usefull and to be observed upon facings for all intire doublings and for wheelings Order likewise in File and open order in Rank is to be used at such time when the Drum shall beat a march and the Body upon their moving or marching Open order is the Distance proper for all doublings of Ranks and Files by the half Files or by the Bringers up wherein they have intervall of ground sufficient to move in It is also a very proper Distance for facings and ever to be observed in time of Counter-marches It is the properest distance for the Ranks to be in upon a March but the Files are then to be at order as is before exprest The use of double Distance is to be observed at such times when the Souldiers shall stand or happen to be in some eminent danger of the Cannon shot from the Enemy for standing then so thinne they may be much preserved from danger it is likewise very good for Inversion and Conversion You may take notice of these briefe directions in openings of Ranks and Files when the Files are commanded to open to the right the left hand File stands and all the Files take their Distance from the left observing always in the Motions of Files their Leaders and to move altogether along with them If it be an opening of Files to the left then contrary wayes the right hand File stands and they take their Distance from the right So likewise for closings unto what hand soever they be commanded to close the out-most File is to stand the rest are to move and close to that In opening or closing of Ranks the first Rank is always to stand the rest are to move either opening or closing according as is commanded always observing in their motions their right-hand-men and moving altogether CHAP. XXII Directions of the way and manner of drawing up a private Company THe Postures being formerly described forth the diginity of places in a File and words of Command made known unto the Souldier for their severall Distances It next followeth to shew the joyning of Files and drawing up a Company where first pray minde at such times when the Drums are beating about the Quarters and in severall places makes Proclamation as by order from their Captain for all Gentlemen Souldiers that are under his Command to repair unto his Randezvous unto such a place and at such an hour then it must be the immediate care of every Officer under his Command punctually at that hour and place thither to repair for the more incouraging of the Souldiers as they shall come in and not to stir themselves from thence without some order from their Captain for fear of giving bad examples unto others And when they shall perceive some considerable number of men to come in the Serjeants then may take advice with their Lieutenant and Ensigne which of them they will appoint out to draw forth the Muskettiers and which the Pikes and whom they shall make the right hand File-leader of the Muskettiers and who shall be the left and again who shall be the Leader of the right hand File of Pikes and who shall be the left For these four being such remarkable places of Honour unto the knowing Souldier that speciall care must be had in placing deserving men to be there Now it is or ought to be the discretion of every Lieutenant and Ensigne as being Commission-Officers to resolve the Serjeants herein that they may with more alacrity go on to draw the rest up between and so to order unto each of them their perticuler duties as to carry equall paines in drawing forth the Files Therefore in respect that for the most part in every Company they have three Serjeants two of them ought to take charge in drawing forth the Muskettiers being helpâ— by the advice of their Lieutenant and the other to draw forth the Files of Pikes being assisted in Counsell by their Ensigne for at such times the Officers ought not to be idle and to stand gazing upon each other but every one according to his particular place and relation should be very active and assisting to each other In the drawing up the Company the properest way will be then as you may understand in perfecting up a Company to draw them forth into Files and to make them six deep as being our custome here in England and farther to have care in choosing able Souldiers to be File-leaders who having spent some time and pains in their Files in shewing them their Postures they may be called to joyne into a Body For farther direction herein unto the Serjeants whose proper place it doth belong unto to observe this order in drawing up their Files that they may ingrosse the Pikes into one Body by themselves and the Muskettiers into another and not to flank the Pikes untill such time they shall perceive that in both Arms they are compleat There are likewise severall places of honour that the Serjeants ought to take
the Front or Reer and nimbly stepping to them to stay them if disorderly they swerve awry from what he first intended He must likewise order all his Words of Command so as that they may be proper and cleerly pronounced forth unto the Souldier without any faltering And in every one of these to see the Souldier leasurely and easily perform the same in a compleat manner He must not be two quick in his Words of Command but carefully see what before commanded well done and then he may proceed unto the next In time of his Exercise he must seriously mind what he is to do and not to have his thoughts extravigantly carried away upon any other Subject for fear he be out but if any such thing should happen through forgetfulnesse he ought not to be daunted but to pull up the Spirit of a Souldier as well as he can and endeavour to reduce them again For it is a rare thing to be found for a Leader to be so exquisite in his Exercising as not to be somtimes out and in my observation of most at one time or another I have found them so to be His discretion also ought to be such as to cull out and chuse those things that be chiefest as flowers out of a Garden to fit and compleat up his Exercise in a Souldier-like way which may be most properest for service and use which will bring to him far more commendations and praise in the judgement of every knowing Souldier then to spend his time upon unnecessary â—oyes but yet somtimes to please the fancie of the curious at their private meetings he may use some things for delight to support and uphold their private Exercises which have nurst up here in London many able Souldiers and Commanders who have been serviceable to our Nation It is a very necessary thing likewise that a Leader somtimes do acquaint the Souldiers of the use of their severall Distances Facings Doublings Coun-marches and wheelings and of all things else he shall command but in such a manner that he dwell not too long upon any thing he shall declare unto them for dulling of the Souldiers who rather would be pleased with more actings then by too much talkings which spins out the time as somtimes ordered to very little purpose He must be very carefull of every Word of Command he gives that the Souldiers be ordered in their due Distance sutable to the same of what kind soever it be and if it shall be lost in their movings or marchings he must endeavour to bring them to it again He is likewise to acquaint the Souldiers when they are drawn up to look about them and to minde their severall places how they stand in the Body whether they be in even Ranks from the Front or odd if even and upon any doubling of Ranks they are the men to double the odd if half File-leaders that they be commanded to double the Front they must advance their Arms and are Leaders of that Motion to come up to double the Front if Bringers-up commanded to double they are a like to do the same if Bringers-up of the Front half-Files and that they be commanded to double the Reer they likewise are to advance their Arms to face about and are to begin to lead them down to the Reer They should likewise take notice how they stand in their Files whether even from the right or no if even and there be any command to double Files to the right they all are to move and to double the odd if commanded to double to the left they then stand odd and the others are to move and double them They likewise are to mind their places who are upon the Flanks for a doubling either to Front or Reer by the half-Files they first begin to march and how they stand there as right and left-hand men in even Ranks for by any doublings of Ranks entire or by Division they likewise are the Leaders of the Motion There ought also advice be given to the middle File-leaders to know their places for if there should be any doublings of the half-Ranks they then are first to move and to begin the Motion This caution being somtimes quickly run over in advising of the Souldiers that they should ever minde when they are first drawn up into a body these particular places they would not stand so carelesly and so ignorantly in a Body as many times they doe not knowing which way to move without a great deale of pains and directions from their Leader for there being so many occasions of doublings of these kinds that it is a necessary thing for every Souldiers to be acquainted with the same Yet it is not only sufficient that the Souldiers doe minde their places as they stand in a body according to the direction of their Leader as before set forth unto them but that they be likewise in the time of their Exercise very silent in the body and helpfull unto their fellow-Souldiers by pointing out unto them with signes with the hand where they should march to performe what was before commanded and to be very civill and orderly in their carriage to each other and to minde their Exercise so as a matter of great weight and high consideration in the well regarding of the same And if a word of command as somtimes may happen slip out of order as by the mistaking of a hand or the like yet neverthelesse it should be their modest care if not prevented by him to be ready to execute what they conceive he intended and walking along in this civill and respective way unto him that shall lead them it will not only be a great encouragement unto him but they will also reap much benefit unto themselves And thus much briefly may be spoken in way of advice unto every Leader before his beginning of his Exercise and unto each particular Souldier as shall by him be exercised CHAP. XXVII Of Facings of their severall kindes and of their use with the words of command for performance of the same FAcing is the altering or turning of the Aspect to either hand upon the ground they stand according to the words of command whether it be to the right lefâ— Front or Reer or to the midst of Files or Ranks or to any of the outward or inward Angles or to the Center The manner of execution of the same it is a particular turning of every Souldiers countenance unto each of those hands or places as above exprest and to be performed after this manner The left foot is alwayes to be kept fixed like the hinge of a door and unto what hand or part they shall be commanded to face every particular Souldier is immediately to turn his body upon the ball or center of his left foot by wheeling untill he hath brought his Aspest unto the place commanded Facings is one of the most necessary and usefullest motions amongst all the rest for when the body shall be in
Conversion or Ranks ranking or Files ranking they having more variety in them then many times can be usefull except it be to present unto the Souldiers some things that are new in the motions which many times they love to see I could upon this Subject have much more enlarged my selfe but conceiving what is already set down may be sufficient for the knowledge of any intelligible Souldier I come therefore briefly to treat of Inversion or of Ranks filing and Files filing CHAP. XLIV Of Ranks filing or of Files filing or of Inversion with their severall sorts and kinds Command FIles file to the right Direction The right-hand File is to move away cleer of the standing part and after the next File to fall in the Reer of the first and consequently so all the rest untill they become one File Reducement File-leaders lead up your Files to the left or file file six to the left Command Files file to the right intire advancing Direction The right-hand File stand the rest move away successively placing themselves in one direct file before the Front Reducement File file six to the right into the Reer face all about or File file six to the right towards the Front Command Files file inward into the right Flank Direction Half-files face about the out-most Files then upon the left as they are so faced are to move away forward and consequently all the rest are to fall in behinde them the like is to be performed by the Front the out-most File at the same time is to move away and the rest successively falling in untill they have made one intire File after they are to face to the Front Reducement Front-half-file file three to the left Reer half-file face about and file three to the right face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Files file to the right by Division Direction Half-files face about the out-most file upon the right is to stand the rest are to move forward and to place themselves successively into one intire file going forward after each other and after face to the Front Reducement Front half-file file three to the right and Reer half-file face about and file three to the left face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Ranks file to the right every man placing himself behind his right-hand man Ranks filing by way of Countermarch Direction This may be done marching or standing if marching the right-hand man of the first rank doth first move away the rest in the same rank do fall in behinde him and consequently all the rest untill they make one intire file if upon a Stand the ranks are to open backward to such a Distance as they may conveniently fall into one File Reducement File rank 12 to the left or File rank as you were Command Ranks file to the right advancing every man placing himself before his right hand man Direction The out-most file stand the rest are to move forward with their right leg The Ranks are to be at twice double distance and the Files at order placing themselves before their right-hand men Reducement File rank 12 to the right or file rank as you were Command Ranks file to the right every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction The half-files are to face about only the right-hand file is to stand the rest are to move forward filing to the right Flank every man placing himself before his Leader and his â—ringer-up face to your Leader Reducement Front half-file rank 12 to the right Reer half-file face about and rank 12 to the left face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Ranks file inward into the right Flank every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files face about Front and Reer half-files are to march to such covenient distance as the ranks may fall into the midst of the right flank after they are to face about or to face to the midst of ranks and then they are to move forward into the right flank every man placing himself as before commanded and after face to their Leader Reducement Front half-files rank 12 to the left Reer half-file face about and rank 12 to the right face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Files file to the right every man placing himselfe behinde his Bringer-up Files filing by way of Countermarch Direction The out-most file stand the rest face about and move forward each perticuler file to the left placing themselves behinde their right-hand file and their Bringers-up Reducement File file six to the left every man placing himself before his Leader Command Files file to the right every man placing himself before his Leader Direction The right-hand file stand the rest move forwards every file successively placing themselves before their Leaders and their right-hand file Reducement Files file six to the right into the Reer every man placing himselfe before his Bringer-up face all about the last six men stand the rest are to move and to file six to the right placing themselves before their Bringers-up and after to face to the Front Command Files file to the right flank by Division every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files face about the right-hand file is to stand the rest are to move forward to the right flank placing themselves before their Leaders and their Bringers-up making one intire file to the right face to your Leader Reducement Front half-files face about and file three to the right every man placing himself before his Bringer-up and Reer half-file file three to the left placing your selves before your Leaders face to your Leader Command Files file inward into the right flank every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files face about and Front and Reer half-files move forward until there be sufficient Distance to file into the right flank after face them about to the midst of ranks then the files may move successively into the right flank placing themselves before their Leaders and their Bringers-up face to your Leader Reducement Front half-file file three to the left every man placing himselfe before his Leader and Reer half-file face about and file three to the right every man placing himselfe before his Bringer-up face to your Leader and close your Divisions CHAP. XLV Ranks wheeling into the Flanks Command RAnks wheele to the right into the right Flank Direction Every perticuler Rank is to wheel to their right hand They ought to be at twice double distance in rank and at close order in file untill they have brought their aspects unto the right Flank after face to the Front Reducement File rank 12 to the right the first man is to stand the rest are to move forward to the right successively 12 in a Rank to the right Command Ranks wheel to the left to the right Flank Direction Face all about and Ranks wheel to the left
untill you have brought your aspects unto the right Flank face to your Leader Reducement File rank 12 to the left the first man is to stand the rest are to move forwards making up 12 a brest to the left untill they have made six Ranks as at first Command Ranks wheel outward to the right Flank Direction Half-files face about the first three Ranks wheel to the right and the three last Ranks wheel to the left to your Leader Reducement Front half-files Rank 12 to the right Reer half-files face about and rank 12 to the left face to your Leader march up and close forwards to your due distance Command Ranks wheel inward into the right Flank Direction Half-files face about Front and Reer half-files march from the midst to twice double distance after Front and Reer half-files face about Front half-files wheel your Ranks to the left Reer half-files wheel your Ranks to the right to your Leader Reducement Front half-file Rank 12 to the left Reer half-file face about and rank 12 to the right face to your Leader and close your Divisions The left Flank challengeth the next place but I shall spare that pains in regard it is to be done by the same words of Command only altering the hand I come therefore in the next place to shew how Ranks and Files may file outward to both Flanks and midst at one and the same time by proper words of Command as followeth CHAP. XLVI Of Files filing or Ranks filing to both the Flanks and the Midst at one and the same time Command FIles file to the right and left to both Flanks and the midst of files Direction The out-most file upon each Flank and the two middle files are to move away the rest are to fal in suceessively behinde to the right and left filing to both Flanks and to the midst after to stand and even their Ranks and streighten their files Reducement Files file six to right and left inward moving between the Flanks and the middle files Command Files file to both Flanks and to the midst of files advancing Direction The out-most file upon each Flank stand and so likewise the two inmost files the rest move forth and place themselves successively filing advancing towards both Flanks and the midst of files Reducement Files file six to the right and left inward to the Reer placing your selves between the flanks and the middle files the moving part is to face about and to march down according to command as before exprest after face to their Leader Command Files file to both flanks and the midst by Division They must be at order both in rank file Direction The out-most file upon each flank and the two in-most files stand half-files of the other files face about and march forth and file by threes to the right and left into both flanks and the midst facing to their Leader they will stand in four files 18 deep Reducement The six middle-most men in each File stand the three first and the three last ranks file six to the right and left inward the three first ranks face about then moving by threes between the out-most File of each flank and the middle Files after facing to their Leader Command Files file inward into both flanks and into the midst of files Direction Half-files face about march all and open from the midst to twice double distance face all about to the right the two in-most and the two out-most Files stand the rest move successively by threes untill they file into both flanks and into the midst face to your Leader Reducement Files file three to the right and left inward into the Front and Reer half-files face about the three first and the three last ranks stand the 12 middle-most men move inward by threes into front and reer between the out-most and the middle-most files face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Files file to both flanks and to the midst of files every man placing himselfe before his Bringer-up Direction Face all about the two out-most files and the two middle files stand the rest move forth to the right and left placing themselves successively before their Bringers-up filing towards both flanks and the midst of files face to your Leader Reducement Files file six to the right and left inward following your Bringers-up between the flanks and the middle files the first six ranks are to stand Command Files file to both flanks and to the midst of files advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Direction The out most file upon each flank and the two middle files stand the rest advance forward placing themselves successively before their Leaders filing to both flanks and to the midst of files Reducement Files file six to the right and left inward into the reer following your Leaders between the flankers and the middle files the six last ranks face about and after they have filed they are all to face to their Leader Command Files file to both flanks and to the midst by Division every man placing himself before his Leader and Bringer-up Direction The out-most file upon each flank and the two in-most stand half-files of the other files face about and then command them to move filing to both flanks and into the midst placing themselves before their Leaders and Bringers-up to your Leader Reducement The six middle-most men in each file stand the three first and the three last ranks file six to the right and left inward every man placing himself before his Leader and Bringer-up the three first ranks face about and then with the three last they are to move forward between the out-most and the middle-most files that is by threes to place themselves before their Leaders and their Bringers-up face to your Leader Command Files file inward into â—â—ch flanks and into the midst every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his â—â—â—â—â—er-up Direction Half-files face to the 〈◊〉 march all and open from the midst to twice double distance face all about to the right the two in-most and the two out-most files upon each flank stand the rest move successively by threes placing themselves before their Leaders and Bringers-up filing into both flanks and the midst face to your Leader Reducement Files three to the right and left inward into front and reer every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his Bringer-up half-files face about the three first and the three last ranks stand the 12 middle-most men move forwards by threes between the out-most and the middle files placing themselves as aforesaid face to your Leader and close your Divisions CHAP. XLVII Of Ranks wheeling to both tâ—e Flanks Command RAnks wheel to the right and left to both flanks advancing Direction The out-most men upon the right and left in every They are to be at double distance in Ranks and at order in Files rank are the hinges of the Motion the rest are to divide their ranks by
So that an expert Leader may venter so far in them as to continue his Exercise without reducing almost for an hour and not to expresse himself twice in any one word of Command they affording such plenty and variety in them that with pleasure using but four words of Command he may bring each Souldier into his proper place again observing these directions following As first to look down in the Body where his File-leaders are and where his Bringers-up and likewise making the severall places of his halfe File-leaders and the Bringers-up of his Front half-files together with his Flankers and his middle Files this speciall care being taken he may begin and proceed to their Reducement after this manner If by some former Counter-marches his File-leaders are in the place of his halfe File-leaders and that his Bringers-up are in the room of the Bringers-up of the Front half-files then he may proceed in this or the like kind commanding them to counter-march their Front and Reer into the midst which being performed they will stand in some pretty way of reducing after facing them to the Front where he meets with his Bringers-up in stead of his File-leaders which by one Counter-march will bring them up again into the Front Yet perhaps the Flankers have inter-changed ground with the middle File-leaders if so then counter-march their Flanks into the midst and face them to the Front and if it happen that the right Flank is become the left and the left the right then counter-march their Ranks to any hand and after face them to the first Front they are reduced And farther take this for a generall rule that when Files Ranks or Counter-march to any stand command them to counter-march to the contrary and it will reduce them or counter-marching your Front and Reer into the midst counter-marching of them back again from the midst will bring each man into his proper place again the same rule being observed reduceth the flankers or Front and Reer half-files counter-marching of them from the midst Counter-marches rightly considered branch themselves forth into these three particulars The Macedonian Lacedemonian Chorean The Macedonian is a Counter-march of gaining ground for that it leaveth the ground it formerly stood upon and in lieu thereof taketh the ground before the front and turneth their aspects unto the reer The Lacedemonian is a Counter-march of losing ground for that it leaveth the ground it first stood upon and in room thereof taketh the ground which is behind the reer thither likewise altering the Souldiers aspects The Chorean is a Counter-march maintaining ground keeping the ground the Battalia formerly stood upon every Souldier taking anothers place it likewise turns the Aspect towards the reere Thus you see for all their great varietie which latter ages have invented they consist but of three sorts or kinds either maintaining gaining or losing of ground and may bee performed as I said before either by intire or divisionall Counter-marches It may now be expected that I declare unto the Souldier the meaning of each particular Counter-march briefly therefore thus Files counter-marching is when every Souldier followeth his Leader ranks counter-marching is when every Souldier followeth his side man whether it be to the right-hand or to the left Front and reer half-files counter-marching is sometimes when every particular Souldier followeth his Leader or his Bringer up or else when they follow their half-file leaders or their Bringers-up of the Front half-files or the like Right and left half-ranks counter-marching is when every Souldier in the ranke followeth the outmost men upon the right and left or when they shall follow their inside right and left hand men or the like What hath hitherto been spoken may be sufficient both for the instruction and direction of any discreet souldier I come in the next place to set them all before them as they lie in Order CHAP. LI. Intire Counter-marching of Files Command FIles to the Right Hand Counter-march maintaining ground Left Direction File-leaders turn off upon the ground you stand the rest moving up successively into the file-leaders place turning off untill the bringers up come up into the Front after face to your Leader Command File-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders Command File-leaders face about the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Leaders face to your Leader Command File-leaders face to the reer the rest passe through to the right or left following your bringers-up and placing your selves behind your Leaders face all to your Leader Command File-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders following your bringers-up Command Files to the right or left counter-march losing ground placing your selves before your bringers up Direction Every file-leader turn off upon the ground he stands on the rest successively doing the same untill they come to the last ranke who need doe no more then face about after face all to their Leader Command The last rank stand the rest passe through to the right or left placing your selves behind your bringers-up every man following his Leader Direction File-leaders turn off to the right or left the rest following successively untill they are all cleer of the reer then face to their Leader Command Bringers-up stand the rest face about passe through to the right or left and place your selves behind your bringers up Command Bringers-up face about the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves before your Bringers-up Direction Face all to the Reer and begin the Motion with the second Rank from the Reer moving forward every man placing himself before his Bringer-up to your Leader Command Counter-march your Front and Reer into the midst Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left Front half-files turn off to the right to your Leader Command Front and Reer half files counter-march to the right or left Direction This is to be done distinctly the Front half-files turning off to the right by themselves the Reer half files turning off in like manner face to your Leader Command File-leaders and half file-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders and half file-leaders Command Counter-march your Front Reer half-files to the right left from the midst Direction Front half files face about and turn off to the right Reer half-files turn off to the left to your Leader Command File-leaders and half file-leaders face about the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves behinde your Leaders and your half file-leaders to your Leaders Command File-leaders and half file-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right or left place your selves before your Leaders and half file-leaders every man following his Bringer-up and the Bringers-up of the Front half-files Command File-leaders and halfe file-leaders face about the
and close your Divisions to your Leader Command Front half-files double your Reer inward intire Direction Reer half-files face about and move outward cleer of the standing part front half-files face about march down and even the Reer to your Leader Command The two outmost files upon each Flank double intire advancing the four inmost files Direction The two outmost files move forward cleer of the standing part face inward march and close your Divisions face to your Leader Command Double your files inward intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Direction The two inmost files stand the two outmost files move forwards and double your inmost files intire advancing placing your selves before your Leaders Command Half-files double your Front to the right they are reduced CHAP. IV. Eight severall Counter-marches with their Reducement Command FIle-leaders stand the rest pass thorough to the right and place your selves before your Leaders Command The right hand file stand the rest pass thorough to the right and place your selves on the out side of your right hand men Command File-leaders and Bringers-up stand the rest pass thorough to the right and place your selves before your Leaders and your Bringers-up Command The outmost file upon each flank stand the rest pass thorough to the right and left placing your selves before your outside men Direction Face outward and pass thorough to the right and left placing your selves before the outmost files to your Leader and close your Divisions to open order Command Bringers-up stand the rest pass thorough to the right and place your selves behinde your Bringers-up Direction The five first ranks are to face about the next rank to the Reer is first to begin the motion the rest are successively to follow until the Leaders are become the Bringers-up Command The left-hand file stand the rest pass thorough to the left and place your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men Command File-leaders and Bringers-up stand the rest pass thorough to the right and place your selves behinde your Leaders and Bringers-up Direction The first and the two next ranks from the Reer face about the two first ranks from the Front and the two last ranks from the Reer move forwards placing your selves behinde your Leaders and your Bringers-up face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command The out-most file upon each file face inward the rest pass thorough to the right and left placing your selves behind your right and left hand men CHAP. V. Ten severall Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel the Front half-files inward into the midst and double your Reer inward intire Direction Half-files face outward and march cleer of the standing part after face to the Reer front half-files open from the midst to open order after wheeling to the right and left inward into the Reer to your leader Command Right and left half ranks double the depth of the Battail by wheeling into the front Direction Right half ranks wheel to the left and left half ranks wheel to the right to your leader Command Wheel off the front half-files and double the Reer by division Direction Half-files face about and front half-files wheel off by division moving down even with the Reer to your Leader Command Wheel off your right half ranks and double your left flank to the right intire Direction Face outward and right half ranks wheel about to the left and move away and double the left flank to the right to your leader Command Front and Reer half-files double the depth of the Battail by wheeling into Front and Reer Direction Half-files face to the Reer and Front and Reer half-files wheel to the right and left inward face to your Leader and close your divisions Command Wheel off your left half-rankes and double your right flanke by division Direction Face outward and left half-ranks wheel off by division and move even with the right flank to your Leader Command Wheel off your Reer half-files and double the Front to the right intire Direction Half-files face about and wheel to the left untill you have ranged even with the front Command Wheel your Battail off by division from the Front Direction Right half-ranks wheel about to the right and left half-ranks wheel about to the left and move down to the Reer face to your Leader close into the midst to order Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right flanke to the left intire Direction Face outward left half-rankes wheel about to the right and move forward and double the right flank to the left intire to your Leader Command Wheel off your Front half-files and double the Reer to the left intire Direction Half-files face about and front half-files wheel about to the right move down and range even with the Reer face to your Leader reduceth them CHAP. VI. Six Figures of Battail with severall firings thereunto belonging Command RAnks and files close to order they will stand us underneath is set forth from which we will draw our figures after we have fired upon this Platforme three or four times Command Double your files inward intire advancing The first firing Let the first two ranks advance forward ten paces give fire and fall in the reer of themselves after wheeling off to the right and left placing themselves before the front of Pikes the next two Rankes and so the rest successively doing the like untill they have fired once over which reduceth them The second firing Let the first Rank advance three paces give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves the rest doing the like untill all have fired once over as before The third firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and fall off to the right and left and flank the Pikes The fourth firing Let them fire even with the front and fall in the Reer of the Pikes which being ended let the Pikes charge on Reducement Muskettiers double your front by division Command The first two Ranks stand the rest face outward and move cleer of the standing part to your Leader the two last Ranks move outward side-ways two paces The first firing Let every Division give fire on the same ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let them advance forwards untill they be cleer of the Pikes give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after moving down into their places Command Front division advance forward three paces the two next divisions move outward one pace Pikes in each division face about and move two paces to your Leader Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer advance forwards and range even in Front and Reer with the middle divisions of Pikes the first rank of Pikes in the Front division move three foot cleer of the standing part The first firing Let them give fire to the Front and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let them give fire to Front Reer and both flanks altogether Direction Reer divisions face outward
the last rank of Pikes and Muskettiers of the Front division face to the Reer the last rank of Muskettiers move down cleer of the Reer and close inward to order then let the Pikes port and after the Muskettiers have fired charge on then retreating into their places again Command The first and the last rank of Pikes face about and move down cleer of the Reer and close ranks forwards to order outmost divisions of Muskettiers face about move down and flank your own divisions of Pikes the first division of Pikes move forward and range even abrest with your own division of Muskettiers the Front division of Muskettiers closing into the midst to order The first firing Let the Front division give fire and fall in the reer of themselves after wheeling off to the right and left move down and flank the reer division of Pikes The second firing Let the Front divisions of Muskettiers fire and fall in the reer of themselves then face about and move down upon the inside of the next division of Pikes and after face to their Leader The third firing Let the Muskettiers upon the flanks move up into the roome of the former and fire falling in the reer of themselves and after face about and move down into their places again the Muskettiers on the inside moving up into their places again The fourth firing Let the reer division face about then let them fire to Front and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves let the Pikes charge and after ordering their armes the Reer division facing to their Leader the Muskettiers thereof may move up into their places again Command The outmost Divisions face outward and move two paces face to your Leader move up untill you range even a brest with the second Divisions next the Front Reer Division move streight forward two paces The first firing Let them all give fire and fall in the reer of themselves The second firing Let the Muskettiers advance forwards untill they be cleer of the front division and then rank outward and fire altogether after filing inward as they were move down again into their places the Pikes at the same time charging and after order their arms Command Front division advance forward three paces the outmost divisions upon the Flanks move up and range even with the Front The first firing Direction for the same let them all face to the Reer and the middle division of Muskettiers move forwards and flank the Reer Division of Pikes after let all the Muskettiers advance forwards three foot cleer of their own Divisions of Pikes and give fire falling in the Reer of themselves and after facing about move into their places again The second firing Let them fire as they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves and the Pikes in the Reer may charge on and after facing to their Leader Command The out-most Divisions face inward march three paces and the next two Divisions face outward and move two paces to your Leader Reer-Division move outward untill you stand streight with the Front-Divisions The first firing Let the Front-Division of Muskettiers give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after moving down in the room of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into the front firing in like manner moving down and exchanging places with them in the Reer The second firing Let the Muskettiers upon the flanks move forward even with the front give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after move down into their places again and face to their Leader The third firing Let them face to front-reer and both flanks and let the Pikes port and the Muskettiers give fire The fourth firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of the Pikes the Pikes charging whilest the Muskettiers make ready again The fift firing Let the Pikes charge at foot and the Muskettiers give fire over their heads then recovering their Arms face to their Leader Reducement Front-Divisions face about Front and Reer-Divisions march and interchange ground to your Leader The out-most Divisions face inward and close your Divisions to your Leader even your ranks and streighten your files and close to order they are reduced The Captain may now command the Muskettiers to poyse their Arms and file away to the right and left making as it were a Street or Gallery for him to troop away the Pikes and lodge his Colours CHAP. VII The second Exercise with four Files six deep THe Souldiers being the second time summoned to appear at their place of Randezvous the Serjeants having drawn forth the files may give liberty to the Leaders thereof to exercise them in their severall Postures which being ended their Captain or other Officers may command them to lead up their Files and to joyn them into a Body after which he may shew unto them their Distances and Facings with their severall kinds following the former rule and after proceed to these or the like Doublings following CHAP. VIII Eighteen severall Doublings with their reducements Command HAlf-files double your Front to the left Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right intire Command Left half-ranks double your right flank to the left Direction Face all to the right and left half-ranks move forward and double your right flank to the left to your Leader Command Double your ranks to the left intire Command Right half-ranks double your left flank intire advancing Command Left half-ranks double your right flank inward intire Direction Half-files of the right half-ranks face about right half-ranks move cleer of the standing part face all to the right left half-ranks move forwards into the right flank to your Leader Command The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most intire to the left flank Direction The three first and the three last face to the left march cleer of the standing part face inward move and close your Divisions to your Leader Command Right half-ranks double your left flank to the right Direction Face all to the left and right half-ranks move forwards and double your left flank to the right to your Leader Command Double your ranks to the right intire Command Right half-ranks double your left flank inward intire Command The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most ranks intire to the right flank Command Left half-ranks double your right flank intire advancing Command Front half-files double your Reer to the left intire Command Half-files double your front to the right Command Double your files to the left intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right following your Leaders Direction Half-files face about file-leaders turn off to the left and move down upon the right of the Reer the rest following successively to your Leader Command Files double your Depth to the left intire they
after facing above move into their places again The first 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 a brest 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 move three paces into the midst of Pikes and having made ready again let them face about and move forward and fire as they did before and after dismount their Muskets taking them in both hands they may as occasion shall require make use of the Butt end thereof against the horse and the Pikes may stand upon their charge The third firing Let the Muskettiers double inward file-wise the Pikes keep their aspects to the four angles the Muskettiers 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 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 formes the following figure The first firing Let the first division give fire together and wheel off into the reer the reer the next two divisions moving forward into their ground giving fire altogether and wheeling off to the right and left into the reer the rest stil 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 altogether to the front after this manner let the middle divisions move forth to the right and left cleer of the Pikes the reer division at the same time moving forward upon the out-side of those in the front and give fire and move into their places again making ready whilst 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 cleer of the Pikes the front division marching down into the reer may give fire altogether the out-most 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 untill 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 charg 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 untill you be cleer one of another then face to the right and move untill you be even a brest 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 performe the same firing to the reer being thither faced The second firing Let the reer divisions move to the right and left outward cleer of the standing part then face to the front move up even a brest 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 in most 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 cleer 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 comming up into their places firing and falling off again by wheeling about inward untill they be cleer three foot of the reer then facing to their leader they will stand as followeth where the Ensigne 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 cheerfully appear upon the next summons of the Drum and therefore we wil conclude this Exercise and prepare for the lodging of the colours Reducement Reer divisions of Pikes move streight forward untill you range even a brest with the
Enemy In the next place 3000 horse may be a good proportion for 10000 or 12000 foot which ought to be equally divided in their Troops and placed upon the flanks of the foot in such good order as the Troops may come with conveniency to fight for the relieving of each other But in case you shall perceive the Enemies horse as somtimes through necessity of ground or by other politicall ends may be inter-laced and placed between the intervalls and divisions of their foot it will be needfull then that we should observe the same form and likewise have horse to come forth and encounter with their horse least they should â—reak in upon our divisions of foot which by this means and good order may be timely prevented next follows the Figure of the Army as before described and ordered to be drawn up â—olio 176. CHAP. XXIII The severall duties belonging to the Foot in a Regiment as followth by degrees from a private Souldier unto a Collonel of the same and first of a private Souldier A Private Souldier ought to be very active not slothfull and idle informing himself of his duty learning from his Corporall or other Officers the true use and well handling of his armes always keeping them neat clean and well fixed Upon the beat of the Drum he is to repair to his Colours Squaâ—ron or Company upon the march he must observe his Leader and his right and left hand men that he may march streight in file and even in rank in time of Exercise he must be silent in the body well minding the words of command and directions which are given forth by the leader He ought likewise to be well verst in all the ordinary words of command and to mind the place wherein he stands that he may the more readier move and not be to seeke at such time when he shall be commanded wehther it be to face double counter-march or wheel He mâ—st informe himselfe of all the severall beats of the drum as first of a Call second a Troop third a March fourth a Preparative fifth a Battle or Charge sixth a Retreat and also of the Revallâ—y and the Tattoo By the first he is summoned to hear present proclamation or else commanded to repair to his colours upon the beat of the second he is to advance his armes and to close in rank and file to the distance of order and to troop along unto such places and services as he shall be comanded unto upon the hearing of the third he is presently to shoulder his arms and to take his distance of six foot in rank and three foot in file upon the fourth he is to close both in rank and file unto the fighting distance which is called order and to prepare himself for skirmish upon the beat of the next he is undauntedly to move forward boldly steping in good order into the place of his fellow souldier that shall happen to fall down dead before him Upon the beat of the last he must orderly fall back either for releife or advantage of ground or other polliticall ends whereby he may draw the enemy into a suare The first of the remaining two gives warning in the morning for some of the Sentinels to fall off or to be taken in the latter is used in the night to give notice unto the souldiers or others for their repairing to their severall guards watches and lodgings To conclude a private souldier ought to avoyd all quarrelling mutinies swearing cursing or lying and to be content with his wâ—ges and likewise to be a good husband in the well managing of his means keeping himselfe neat and handsome in his apparell avoyding drunkenness and all manner of gaming truly to serve and feare God and to be obedient unto all the commands of his superiours cheerfully going on upon all duties and to be loving kind and courteous unto all his fellow souldiers The duty of a Sentinel A Sentinel must be very vigilant carefully casting his eyes about him and harkning whether he heare the noyse or approach of any drawing neer him which if he perceive he is presently to command them to stand presenting his Musket or Pike to their brest and after calling his Corporal for to take the word unlesse he should be commanded to come in silently He is not to come off until he be relieved by the Corporall or Lanspassadoe His proper posture being a Muskettier is to have his Musketrested and loaded with powder and bullet his match cockt and his pan guarded being a pike-man if he stand Sentinell in the night he must have his pike check'd if in the day his pike ordered Or it may be a very proper posture for a pikeman to stand sentinell with his pike in his left hand holding it a little below the cheeks thereof and with his sword drawn being held in his right hand which I leave to judge or to be made use of according to discretion and as occasion shall require Of a Gentleman of a Company A Gentleman of a company ought to have such worth in him as may make him capable to be a file-leader or Captain of his file and he more especially above the rest ought to be well skill'd in all the postures of such armes he weares and at convenient times instructing and teaching his file in the neat and gracefull handling of their armes He ought to be of an undaunted courage and gallant resolution for the better example and imitation of the rest whose worth and valour many times indears them so much into the savour of their Comanders that they raise them up to greater places of preferment In the Low Countries a Gentleman of a Company hath his full pay having nothing kept back for after reckonings as common private souldiers have At his first entrance he somtimes stands Sentinell to informe himselfe of the duties thereof but most commonly he is placed to be a Sentinell per-due intime of iminent danger either in the field or upon approches He is to lie perdue with his sword and pistoll not removing from his place till he be relieved nor is he to retreat for one man but in case of more then he is to fall back to the second and discovering an enemy he is to come off betimes and silently to give the alarum whereby the Corps du Guard or company may be provided for their own defence A Gentleman of a Company doth many times goe the round with the Captain of the watch or his fellow Gentlemen who are likewise rounders either in the field or in garrison and doe give the Corporals of the Guards the word charging the Sentinells to looke well about them To conclude he ought truly to love respect and obey his Captain and to stick close unto him vindicating him upon all just occasions when he shall be wronged and injured by any muâ—â—â—es of the common souldiers or others Of a Barber Chyrurgion IN every Company there ought to be a Barber Chyrurgion
outward or inward into the front and filing again as they were Thus much briefly of firings to the Front the Reer challengeth the next place where suppose all the Muskettiers to be in the Reer of the Pikes the Body marching Firings to the Reer 1 Fire to the right about falling in the front of their own Divisions left about falling in the front of their own Divisions 2 Fire and fall off to the right and left and rank with the first rank of Pikes into the front 3 Fire even with the Reer and fall off before the Front of your own Divisions of Muskettiers 4 Fire even with the Reer or last rank and fall off to the right and left with a swift Motion placing your selves 10 20 or 30 paces before the front of Pikes still facing to the Body and making ready again and opening to the right and left untill they be cleer of the Pikes 5 Fire by Introduction to the Reer twice over untill they come down even with the Reer and flank the Pikes 6 Fire to the right and left about to the Reer Ranks drawn forth and in again 7 Fire so the Reer every rank drawn forth cleer each from other and falling in again and flanking the Pikes 8 Fire to the right and left about files ranking downward to the Reer and filing as they were 9 Fire to the right and left about ranks ranking downward to the Reer and ranking as they were 10 Fire losing ground falling off to the right and left about just before the front of Pikes 11 Now if the Enemy pursue eagerly and that you candot make a safe retreat marching face all about and fire upon them by way of Extraduction or by half-ranks divided as formerly hath been shewn And thus much likewise briefly concerning firings to the Reer in the next place I shall Firings to the Flanks marching shew some firings to the flanks for performance whereof it will be expedient to bring all the Muskettiers upon one of the flanks but for order sake I will begin with the firings from the right flank 1 Fire to the right and gather up your files it is to be performed after this manner the out-most file upon the right is to face to the right and to give fire and after to face to the front and stand untill the next file have fired in like manner and then the first file gathers up unto him upon the right even a Brest and standing untill the third file have faced to the right and fired in like manner and after facing to the front the other files moving up in the like way as before and following successively this rule untill all have given fire and then to march up and even the front of Pikes the Muskettiers will stand as at first when they were brought upon the right flank 2 Fire to the right File-leaders leading up their files next to the Pikes 3 Fire to the right Bringers-up leading away next the Pikes which being twice done reduceth them 4 Fire to the right leading up on the contrary flank either by the File-leaders or Bringers-up 5 Fire to the right and leading up by Bringers-up between the Pikes and passing thorough to their places again doing the same reduceth them 6 Fire to the right and leading up between the Pikes by the Leaders and passing thorough the Pikes again to the right they will be as at first the like may be done to the left or in some kind to both flanks at one and the same time 7 Fire to the right by ranks wheeling and ranks to rank as they were to the right upon their marching reduceth them 8 Fire to the right by ranks inverting or filing and upon the March the Souldiers ranking reduceth them 9 Fire to the right files filing and gathering up their files to the left reduceth them These firings being performed marching the next shall be upon a Stand where note you must cast all your Muskettiers upon that flank where you conceive the Enemy will fall on whether right left or both but for order sake we usually begin with the right wherefore face to the right and proceed as followeth Firings to the right Flank upon a Stand. 1 Fire and fall in the Reer of your selves 2 Fire and flank the Pikes 3 Fire even with the Pikes and fall in the Reer of themselves 4 Fire even with the Reer moving forth to the right and left by ranks falling in the Reer of themselves 5 Fire by extraduction by half-ranks drawn forth and falling rank after rank in the Reer of the Pikes after to reduce them as at first cause them to double their front by Division These firings may as well be performed to both the flanks as to one the Body being faced accordingly which would make many firings more but these already set down may be sufficient for any ingenious capacity to work upon for the present observing this rule that in every firing he shall make use in time of his Exercise he may reduce them by another which will be more pleasing to the Souldier by reason of the great variety it affords unto them And now in the last place I know it will be expected that I should speak something of the use of firings wherefore briefly thus Firings to the front marching or moving when we either pursue after or approach to an Enemy Firings to the front maintaining ground when two Bodies encounter one another Firings to the front losing ground when either we are forced thereunto by necessity or that we do it out of policy to draw the Enemy into a train or snare Firings to the Reer marching when we are pursued by an Enemy yet would continue our March untill we have gained some place of importance or advantage Firings to the Reer upon a Stand when we are compelled thereunto by the violent pursuit of an Enemy or else when we have gained a place of advantage of ground or have recovered the winde or Sun whereby we are the better able to encounter with them Firings to the flank or flanks marching when we are assaulted by some Ambuscado secretly placed to hinder our passage or supposing two Armies are marching to one and the same place a river being betwixt them Firings to flank or flanks standing when the Enemy chargeth on with a resolution to cut off or divide part of the Army from the other Having thus briefly set down severall firings to front reer and both flanks with their uses either marching or standing I hold it convenient in the next place to give some short directions in time of Battail both to the Officers and their Souldiers First that the Drummers have a vigilant eye upon their Commanders whose voices are drown'd by the loud thundering of the Cannon or Muskettiers as also by the neighing of Horses or the lamentable cries of the maim'd and wounded Souldiers at which time the Leaders Staffe half-Pike or what else he carries in his hand
may be sufficient for to instruct them to continue their charge retreat or else to charge home Secondly that the Serjeants be carefull in time of Battail that their Souldiers be at their due distance of order both in rank and file and that upon their firings whether they be by forlorns either of files or ranks drawn forth or otherwise by Divisions they see them neatly and handsomly perform'd by cocking their matches and presenting something lower then brest-high and after uncocking and returning them wheeling off either to the right left or both falling in the Reer of themselves or else where as shall be appointed in an orderly manner whereby they may decently come up again to fire against the Enemy Thirdly that the Souldiers present and give fire upon their Rests not using that slovenly posture of popping their Matches into the Pan their Muskets being on their left sides which is not only hurtfull unto themselves but much endangers their fellow-Souldiers and by so doing they scarce or ever do any execution against an Enemy But here I meet with an objection framed by the Souldiers after this manner our Rests are of little or no use unto us in time of skirmishing fit they are we confesse in the Military Gardens but in time of Battail both troublesome and cumbersome unto us to whom I reply what if they be a little cumbersome at the first must they therefore be rejected and carelesly thrown away nay rather they ought frequently to practise themselves in the use thereof which if they did they would finde the same very serviceable unto them in time of skirmishing wherewith they fire better and in a more comely and gracefull way far more securing both themselves and fellow-souldiers from danger and likewise upon their March it is both a help and support unto them Fourthly their eyes ought likewise in time of Battail to be fixed stedfastly upon their Captain always conforming to him in Posture when he shall prepare to charge or retreat and likewise they ought to be knowing and well verst in the severall beats of the Drum which if well observed by all there would not be so much confusion in time of Battail amongst them as many times by sad experience hath been found when disregarding their Officers commands and the beating of the Drums they ignorantly and rashly run on in a disorderly manner by which means they have cut off their own Officers and fellow-souldiers many times more then they have dangered the enemy Thus you see what great necessity there is of instructing and training up the Souldiers in their Postures and how requisite it is to conforme themselves to their Officers in time of Battail performing thereby better execution against their Enemies and by their decent and comely array preserve themselves from imminent dangers and perils The Souldiers having now all the ground-worke of the exercising a body of men laid down before them in the next place he labours to make experiment thereof but being no Officer he cannot attein thereunto without speciall leave from his Superiours and therefore being a File-leader he craves leave for to exercise his single File both in their Postures and Motions contenting himselfe for present with that small number whereby he is able to run through many plain things of Distances Facings Doublings Countermarchings and Wheelings But being not fully satisfied he presumes upon the former favour had from his Superiours to goe on to make every man in his File a File-leader first by succession and after being not called away by the beat of the Drum or by his Officers to lead up his File and to joyne into a Body according unto Dignity and after endeavours to reduce them again by proper words of command This liberty being granted at convenient times unto a File-leader much indeers the Souldiers good affections unto their Officers and is a means whereby many others are brought in to be true lovers of Military Exercises as being much taken and well pleased with the sight of the former things And therefore I could wish that they were not hereafter prevented as formerly I have observed by the malice of some who have had places of command bestowed upon them more through favour or by reason of their riches then for any worth or desert found in them They perhaps hold it a great disparagement unto them to be eclipsed but a judicious and discreet Captain accounts it a great honour to lead such gallant men that are as able and as well knowing as himself CHAP. LX. The way to make every man in a File six deepe according to succession a File-leader by doublings not The File 1 2 3 4 5 6 using one word of command twice 2 Command FIles rank two to the left Files to the left double Brings the second man into the Front 3 Command Halfe-files double your Front to the left Files double your depth to the left 4 Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right Double your Files to the left intire advancing 5 Command Bringers-up double your Front to the left Double your Files to the right intire advancing 6 Command File rank two to the right Files to the right double Reducement File rank to the left into the Front Rank file six to the left CHAP. LXI The way to make every man in a File six deep File-leader according to dignity by a doubling not using one Word of command twice The Dignity of the File 1 6 4 3 5 2 2 Command HAlf-files double your front to the left Files double to the right intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader 3 Command Front half-file double the reer to the left Files double to the left intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader 4 Command Bringer-up double your Front to the right Files double your depth to the right every man falling behind his bringer-up 5 Command Half-files double your Front to the right Files double to the left intire advancing Files ranke two to the right Files to the right double 6 Command Bringer-up double your Front to the left Files double your depth to the left every man falling behind his bringer-up Reducement File ranke two to the left Files to the left double CHAP. LXII The File 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The way to make every man in a File eight deep File-leader by succession and that by doubling not using one Word of command twice 2 Command FIle ranke two to the left Ranks invert to the left 3 Command Half-file double your front to the right Double your files to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader 4 Command Files ranke two to the right Files to the right double 5 Command Front half-files double your reer to the right Double your files to the left intire advancing 6 Command Files ranke two to the right into the reer Ranks invert to the right 7 Command Half-files double your Front to the left Double your files