for we often see Soldiers carry their Arms sometimes upon one shoulder and sometimes upon another and sometimes under their Arms which ought not to be suffer'd without cause for whoever neglects small things in time will also neglect greater things for neglect will turn into an habit and for that reason the under Officers ought to view their Soldiers Arms to see if they are fixed and in good order and in case they be not so after they have had warning of it they must be got mended and cleansed at their own cost and charge which they might do themselves if they were vigilant which is the mark of a good Soldier The Captains ought not altogether to trust to their inferiour Officers they ought from time to time to take a review of their Companies and at the same time to view their Arms and in case they don't find them as they ought to be after they have commanded the Serjeants to have a care of it they must get them to be mended at the charge of all the under Officers They shall no sooner have done it once but that every one shall mind his Duty according to his post For there must be some subordination in an Army CHAP. II. The manner how to Form a Battalion and the terms which are to be used with an easie method to learn the Military motions In the first Place THe terms of a square Battalion of Men. The Battalion is made up of a File Leader and a Bringer up of a half File Leader and of a Bringer up of a half File of a right hand File and of a left hand File The fore part of the Battalion is called the Head or the Front The hinder part is called the Rear The Explication of it The manner how to form a Battalion and the terms which are to be used 1. The first File of a Battalion is that which is on the right hand of the Battalion upon which all the rest are to order themselves 2. A File is so many Men directly behind one another all in a direct line so that no man leaneth neither to the right nor to the left 3. To keep a streight line every Souldier in his File shall look his File-leader on the right hand and on the left and shall bend his body of neither side 4. To even the Ranks is to post the Men of every Rank in a direct line side by side and all of a Front so that none be too much forward nor too backward 5. To even the Ranks the Men of each Rank shall look before and behind their right hand Man without leaving their post or as we shall shew hereafter they shall turn to the right or to the left afterwards they shall post themselves as it is order'd in the third Article 6. A Battalion is to be drawn up six deep when it is to fight But when you exercise more carefully you must put eight men to a File that you may have quarter Files 7 The depth of the Battalion is divided into quarter Files one is called the Front quarter File and the other the Rear quarter File or the out quarter File and the other the Center quarter File 8. When a Souldier turns it must always be upon the same foot which is commonly the left to observe the distances and when he changes place he must always begin to step with the right foot foremost 9. If a Souldier will march backward he must first turn to the right about 10. To the right is to turn a quarter turn towards the right hand and then to stand 11. To the left is to turn a quarter turn towards the left hand 12. To the right about is to turn half a turn to the right hand so that the man that was behind you may then be before 13. To the left about is to turn half a turn to the left hand and to stand as above 14. It is to observed that when the word of Command is given without further explication it is to be always understood to be forward 15. When the word of Command is to the Right or to the Right about it must be afterwards to the left as you were and if the word of Command is to the left or to the left about it must be afterwards to the right as you were and you must take care to keep your Ranks even and your Files streight 16. To double your Ranks to the right the second Rank must come up to the first the fourth to the third the sixth to the fifth and so in order come up upon the right hand of the Men that are before you and shall be as before only two Ranks shall make but one 17. To double your Ranks upon the left you must do as before the second Rank must come up to the first but instead of coming up upon the right you must come up upon the left 18. To double your Ranks upon the right by half Files the half Files must march forwards to the Front and pass between the Bringers-up of half files and every half file Leader must joyn upon the right 19. To double your Ranks upon the left by half Files you must march forward to the Front and follow as before taking the left hand of every half file Leader of them who are to follow 20. As you were is to take the same post you had before 21. Having doubled your Ranks single or by half Files upon the right you must quitting their Ranks turn to the right about and having taken your post to your first distance you must turn again to the right about and having doubled upon the left single or by half Files you must quiting your Ranks turn to the right about and having taken your distance turn to the left about and thus every man shall find himself behind him who did march before him 22. To double your Files to the right is when the second File of the right joyns to the first and of two makes but one and likewise the fourth to the third the sixth to the fifth and so of the rest by order as many Files as there is 23. To double your Files to the left is when the second File of the left joyns to the first the fourth to the third the sixth to the fifth in the same order as above 24. To open your Ranks is to make the distance of the Ranks wider 25. To close your Ranks is to make the distance of the Ranks less 26. The Ranks may be open three several ways to the Front to the Rear and to the Front and and Rear all at once and often at double distance 27. To open your Ranks to the Front at double distance is when all the Ranks do advance forward except the Bringers-up till they have taken a requisite distance which ought to be double of what it was before you opened your Ranks 28. To open your Ranks to the Rear at double distance is when all the Ranks
except the file Leaders do march backward till they have taken their distances as above 29. To open the Ranks to the Front and to the at double distance is when all the Ranks except the half-file Leaders do march some forward and the other backward till they have taken their distance 30. To open your Files is to make the distance wider 31. You open your files three several ways to the right and to the left and to the right and left at once at double distance 32. To open your Files to the right at double distance is when all the Files except the left hand File do march towards the right till they have taken their distance which ought to be double of what it was before 33. To open your Files to the left at double distance is when all the Files except the right hand File do march towards the left hand till they have taken their distance 34. To open your Files to the right and left at double distance is when all the Files except that which is in the Center of the Battalion march some to the right and the others to the left till they have taken their distance 35. Countermarch is a compound word that is to say to march one against another to interchange ground 36. The Countermarch is done four several ways that is to say by Files to the right by Files to the left by Ranks to the right and by Ranks to the left 37. The Countermarch by Files to the right is when the File Leaders followed by the whole Battalion do advance two paces and after they have faced to the right about do march and interchange ground 38. The Countermarch by Files to the left is when the File Leaders followed as above do advance two paces and after they have faced to the left about do march and interchange ground 39. The Countermarch by Ranks to the right is when the Battalions have faced to the right or left those of the right or left do observe what hath been said and shewed in the three and twentieth Article of the File Leaders for then the Ranks are Files and they become File Leaders 40. The Countermarch by Ranks to the left is when the Battalion doth as above in the right hand Files what hath been shewed in the eighteenth Article of the half Files 41. Conversion is a word taken from the Latin Converto it hath it's signification from the thing to which it is proper for it is as if one should say to wheel all together for the men must wheel as if they were all linkt together sometimes one way sometimes another there is a quarter turn a half turn three quarters turn and a whole turn of Conversion or wheeling to the right and left as the Commander pleaseth 42. To make a quarter turn of Conversion or to wheel to the right is when the whole Body of the Battalion wheels all together upon the right till the Front of the Battalion takes the place of the right Flank 43. To make half a turn of Conversion or to wheel to the right about is when the whole body of the Battalion wheels all together upon the right till the Front of the Battalion takes the place of the Rear 44. To make three quarters of Conversion or to wheel to the right when the whole body of the Battaillon joyned together wheels upon the right till the Front of the Battalion takes the place of the left Wing 45. To make the whole Conversion or to wheel to the right is when the whole body of the Battalion wheels upon the right hand till the File Leaders come to the same posts they have quitted 46. To make a quarter turn half a turn three quarter turn and the whole turn of Conversion or wheeling to the left is when the whole body of the Battalion wheels upon the left as they have done above upon the right 47. To make the Conversion or wheeling by Ranks to the right is when all the Ranks of the Battalion make all together a quarter turn of Conversion or wheel upon the right so that all together make but one Rank every Rank being contained between that Rank which hath the right hand of the same Rank and that which hath the right hand of the foregoing Rank 48. To make the Conversion or wheeling by Ranks to the left is when all the Ranks of the Battalion make all together a quarter turn of Conversion or wheel upon the left every Rank being contained between that Rank which hath the left of the foregoing Rank making as above of all the Ranks but one CHAP. III. The general Exercise of the Foot THe Officer who commands the Exercise ought to have always his eyes upon his Soldiers observing them from the head to the foot to see if they observe well all the motions for the least ill motion is enough to put the whole Battalion in disorder The Serjeants and Corporals ought to have a care when some young Soldiers come into their Companies to try if they know how to exercise well if they do not know it they must shew it them in private before they take them in the Battalion to exercise because an ignorant Soldier disorders and confounds all the rest as well as himself The Serjeants ought always to place upon the Wings and at the Front of the Battalion those men they know to be the most capable and especially in the right File because all the Soldiers are to have an eye upon their right hand man without turning the body or the head of any side and for that reason the Corporals and the Lanspassades are commonly posted there You must take care that when the word of Command is given without explication it is always understood to be to the Front When the word of Command is to march or to wheel you must alwaies step the right foot forward The Serjeants must always be upon the Wings of the Battalion to have a care that the Soldiers do their duty and above all that they observe the silence for if they make a noise it is impossible they should hear the word of Command After all the forces are come up into the Field and have formed the Battalions the said Battalions must open their Files at the following word of Command 1. Take heed to open your Files The right hand Files stand 2. The foregoing word of Command is only to give notice to the Soldiers To the left open your Files at a pace distance March You must turn a quarter turn towards the left hand the right hand Files must stand and keep their ground Halt To the right it is to return as you were You must observe when you turn to the right or to the right about you must return as you were by the left And if you turn to the left or to the left about you must return as you were by the right CHAP. IV. The Exercise of the Musket with the motions that are to
la maniére qu'il faut tirer Chap. 14. Page 178 FINIS THE PERFECT MAJOR Shewing the easiest way of handling ARMS THE MILLITARY MOTIONS WITH THE Manner how to enter into the Field and to form a BATTALION By F. d' Morains formerly an Officer in the French Army's Licensed April the 24th 1686. Ro. L'Estrange LONDON Printed by B. Griffin for the Author 1686. TO THE KING SIR THe natural and incomparable sweetness of your MAJESTY who receives the humble offerings of Strangers as well as those of your natural born Subjects incourages me to take the liberty to consecrate this Military Discourse to your MAJESTY which treates briefly of the most sublime most perillous and most difficult Subject in the World The skill of Noble Men the practice of Men of Valour and the Exercise of Princes and Kings An Art by which to get Honour we must be both Masters and Scholars at once For we must conquer in Learning and learn in Conquering This Discourse contains what the most experimented of the Ancients do write upon that Subject What I have heard say and seen practiced of late by the bravest Men that our Age affords amongst the most Warlike Nations of the World which is a sufficient Warrant for the Truth of this Discourse but not so sufficient as your MAJESTY's own experience having been your self in person in many dangerous rencontres at the head of Armies where your Royal Person was exposed as if you had been immortal which is the admiration of all Europe and the terrour of your MAJESTY's Enemies Heaven grant that you may so excel in it that the most generous Warriers may tremble at your Name and seek for no other examples in Histories than those of your great exploits But Sir if I was able to express my self upon this subject instead of an Epistle I should make a Panegyrick But I want expressions and I most humbly beg your MAJESTY's pardon for the liberty I take to offer you this Discourse and to give me leave to be silent wherein I cannot express my self There is often much art in being silent and silence was among the Ancients a great mystery And therefore I shall say no more but only beg your MAJESTY's protection and the favour to give me leave to make bold to subscribe my self with the deepest respect YOUR MAJESTIES Most Humble most Obedient and most faithful Servant F. De MORAINS TO THE READER Courteous Reader I Do not question but many envious people will blame me of temerity to have been so bold to dedicate this Discourse to so great a Monarch But if they reflect upon the Subject of this Book and the necessity there is for the preservation of a Kingdom that the King's Forces may understand their duty they may in a manner approve the Zeal which hath caused me to give it to the Publick seeing my design is only to teach with an easie way the Handling of Arms the Military motions with the manner how to enter into the Field Form a Battalion to fire Retreating and in the keeping of a Pass or a Hollow way and in Defils I give Reader this instruction of the manner of fighting now as I have seen it and practiced it my self in the last Compagnes which I offer very heartily to the Nobility who always make it their chiefest honour to fight for their King and for the glory of their Country for both which they are obliged to spend their blood If those that will follow this glorious profession can learn any thing in it I shall think my self the happiest man in the World to see that my labour hath not been in vain Farewell THE PERFECT MAJOR Shewing The easiest way of Handling Arms the Military motions ' with the manner how to enter into the Field and to form a Battalion CHAP. I. The Major's Duty 1. THe Major is to take the Colonel's Company with his Adjutant or Ayde Major or him that officiates in his place which is to lead into the field after having view'd it 2. The Major is to receive the Musketeers to make and order the Front of the Battalion 3. The Adjutant is to be at the head of the Pikemen which he shall order after the same manner behind the Musketeers at twenty paces distance if there be ground enough 4. The Major or Adjutant is to observe that the distance of the Files when they do not exercise is to be of half a pace but when they are to exercise they are to open at a pace distance 5. No Company ought to go into the Field but in it's proper Rank or Order and the Files are to be six deep 6. The Captains or Officers are to lead their Companies with their Pikes in their hands The Lieutenants are to be at the Rear of the Pikes but when there is no Ensign they must place themselves at the head of the Pikes when the Battalion is to be formed 7. The Companies entring the field shall File off and march upon the left Wing of the Pikes but before they are to leave their Pikes in the Field and the Musketeers shall follow their march until they joyn the Front of Musketeers 8. As soon as the last Company shall have joyned the Battalion the Adjutant must make the Pikes file off by four at a breast to go and joyn the Battalion upon the same Front of the Musketeers upon the left Wing and immediately without losing time as soon as the last quarter Rank is come up he must command the half Rank of the left of Musketeers to turn to the left and the Pikes to the right giving the word of Command March The Pikes and Musketeers shall keep the same ground after which the Command must be Return as you were In this motion there must be always a Serjeant upon the Wing of each rank to prevent their false march 9. No Officer ought to leave the head of his Company nor his Pike till the Battalion is formed 10. As soon as a Battalion is formed the Eldest Lieutenant must stay at the Rear of the right Wing of Musketeers and the youngest Lieutenant at the Rear of the left Wing an Ensign at the Rear of Pikes with one half of the Serjeants to prevent the Soldiers from breaking and quitting their Ranks 11. When the Major gives the word of Command the Officers and Serjeants must command the Soldiers to keep silence and no other but the Major ought to give the word of Command except he that commands the Regiment 12. The Captains and Officers shall in the execution of the Motions follow the Major's orders 13. The Drums are to be upon the Wings 14. It is requisite that the Officers take care that the Soldiers do not neglect any thing concerning their Duty as to keep well their Ranks to carry their Arms well and to observe their distance not only in the Battalion but in the least things as in their Marches into the Field Towns or Villages or when they stand Centry
Pike along your right arm the Spear also to the right you must still keep your eye upon the Spear of your Pike and lay your left hand between the but end of your Pike and your right hand raising your Pike and turning it let it fall upon the left hand taking hold with your right hand of the but end then charge 42. As you were To return as you were after you have turn'd to the right you must turn to the left about observing the following motions turn to the right raising your Pike with your left hand quitting the but-end which you hold with your right hand turn your Pike and lay it along your right arm you must lay it in your hand the second finger above the other bend your Wrist turn it inward your nail upward then turning to the left bring your Pike over your head extend your arm advancing the but end of your Pike towards your right foot so that you may bring at one motion forward your foot to the Pike turning to the left so that the Pike be upon your Shoulder the Spear forward between the Thumb and second Finger which we call the fork 43. Charge to the left Step forward with your right foot and the hand you hold your Pike with bringing it over your head your arm extended and your Pike forward lay your hand between the but-end and your right hand raise the Pike before you then lay your hand on the but-end and advance your right foot as you would turn to the right then charge to the left 44. As you were You must do as above when you turn to the left as in the forty third Command only you must return as you were by the right 45. Charge to the left about This Command is the same as when you turn to the left all the difference is that you must turn to the left about 46. As you were You must do as above when you turn to the left in the five and fortieth Command only you must return as you were by the right 47. Advance your Pike Bring your Pike over your head advancing your foot your right hand and your Pike forward bringing the left hand between the but-end of your Pike and your right hand then raise it bringing your right hand to the but-end and turning to the right then lay your Pike against your right Shoulder extend your arms and let your left hand fall carelesly along your thigh 48. Charge to the Horse Bring your left hand to your Pike even to your Shoulder then bring it forward advancing both your arms and your right foot quitting the but end of your Pike then bring your right-hand above the left sink your Pike bringing the but-end of it close to the lachet of your left shoo your right foot must be forward bending your body upon your right thigh and the Spear of your Pike to the height of the horse's poitrel 49. Draw your Swords Bring your right hand over your Pike and left arm with which you draw your Sword then bring it cross upon your Pike your arm extended 50. Return your Swords Draw back a little your foot and Pike bringing your Sword and right arm under it thon quit your Pike which you hold in the left hand laying it upon the right arm take the Scabbard with your left hand to return your Sword with more ease then take hold of your Pike with both hands at two foot distance 51. Advance your Pike Draw your right foot even with the other bring up your body streight raising your Pike with the right hand slipping it into the left quit the top of your Pike which you held in your right hand which hand you must bring to the but-end then lay it against your right shoulder your left arm along your thigh 52. Charge to the Front You must do as above in the ninth Command 53. March Step forward with your right foot and take heed you do not step more forward then the rest you must always cast your eyes to the right and left without bending your body of either side 54. Halt Stop all at once as if you were all link'd together 55. Push your Pikes To push your Pike well your must stretch your arm strongly not tossing the Spear but pushing it streight to the body of him you aim at you must bring the but-end near your left shoulder you must push and draw back as fast as you can that your strokes may be quick 56. Trail You must quit the but end of your Pike facing to the right about 57. March Step with your right foot forward and march till the word of Command Halt is given 58. As you were You must return as you were before facing to the left taking hold of the but-end of your Pike with your right hand 59. Advance your Pike Bring your right foot even with the other stretch your arms and bring your Pike forward then bring it to your right shoulder your left arm along your thigh CHAP. VI. The Exercise of the Foot WHen you have drawn up your Regiment in Battalia you must Command silence to be observed and your Soldiers to carry their arms well Then you Command the Battalion to open their Files Take heed to open your Files Let the right hand File stand To the left Open your Files at a pace distance March Halt To the reght CHAP. VII The Exercise of the Musket MVsketeers have a care of the Exercise Lay your right hand on your Musket Poise your Musket Rest your Musket Handle your Match Blow your Match Cock your Match Try your Match Guard your Pan with your two fore-fingers Blow your Match Open your Pan. Present At this word of Command the Pikes must charge Fire Recover your Arms. At this word of Command the Pikes must advance Handle your Match Return your Match Blow your Pan. Handle you Primer Prime Shut your Pan. Blow your Pan. Cast about to Charge Handle your Charger Open it with your Teeth Charge with Powder Draw forth your Scourer Hold up your Scourer Shorten it against your breast Put your Scourer in your Barrel Ram down Recover your Scourer Hold up your Scourer Shorten it against your breast Return your Scourer Lay your right hand to your Musket Poise your Musket Shoulder your Musket CHAP. VIII The Exercise of the Pike PIkes take heed Pikes to your outside order To the right to the right to the right to the right To the right about As you were To the left to the left to the left to the left To the left about As you were Advance your Pike Charge to the Front To the right to the right to the right to the right To the right about As you were To the left to the left to the left to the left To the left about As you were Advance your Pike Charge to the Front To the right to the right to the right to the right To the right about As you were To the