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

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the pains to be a good Muskettier certainly cannot be idle but hath gained something more to make him capable of such praise To conclude I shall desire the Gentlemen of the Pikes and the Gentlemen of the Muskettiers to go hand in hand in love like dear Brothers and neither of them to envy each other and in so doing God will give a blessing to their undertakings But now fearing I have dwelt too long upon this discourse of the Arms I shall next proceed to set down first the postures of the Pike then the postures of the Musket with all the words of command tending to their Motions after collect them in order in a brief way and then set forth unto you the equality of number that the one Arms hath with the other in the postures as followeth CHAP. III. The Postures of the Pike THE Pike lying on the ground the first word of Command will be Stand to your Arms. Handle your Pike to your Open Order Handle your Pike to your Order Raise up your Pike to your Close Order Charge with the But-end of the Pike at the inside of the right foot your Pike in the left hand drawing your Sword over your left arm Charge to the Front Right Flank Left Flank Reer Order your Pikes and put up your Swords This way of charging to the Horse I have set down as being practised sometimes amongst us in our private Meetings but I conceive it to be of little use to receive a desperate charge of the Horse for by these charges the Souldiers are in so lame and weak a posture that the Horse cannot choose if they come on with a full career but beat the Pikes and Pike-men down to the ground Therefore in my opinion the best way of opposing the Horse-charge is that which we learned of our ever-honoured Captain Major Henry Tillier in the Military Garden which was Files closing to the midst to their closest Order insomuch that there was not above half a foot interval of ground between File and File the Pikes Porting and after closing their Ranks forwards so close that they locked themselves one within another and then charged on Which in my judgment is so secure a way from routing that it is impossible for any Body of Horse to enter therein and farther to my best remembrance I never could meet with any Souldier that hath been a broad upon any service that ever saw any charging of the Pikes at the Foot therefore I will further proceed From Order Advance Shoulder Port Comport Cheek Trail Your Pike Order as you were From your Order charge to the Front Right Left Reer Order as you were Advance your Pike Shoulder Port Comport Cheek Trail Your Pike Advance as you were From your Advance charge to the Front Right Left Reer Advance as you were Shoulder your Pike Port Comport Cheek Trail Your Pike Shoulder as you were From the Shoulder charge to the Front Right Left Reer Shoulder as you were Port your Pikes Comport your Pikes Cheek Trail your pikes Comp. as you were From the Comport charge to the Front Right Left Reer comport as you were Cheek your Pikes Trail your Pikes Cheek as you were From the Cheek charge to the Front Right Left Reer Cheek as you were Trail your Pikes from your Trail charge to the Front Right Left Reer Trail as you were Order your Pikes Lay down your Pikes Here is to be observed by this Method an endeavouring to perform all the postures of the Pike from each particular posture only shortning it by degrees leaving out what was before commanded until we come unto the Trial. Yet notwithstanding I spared not the charges but have shewn them from every posture in their due order Next followeth the postures of the Musket wherein in answerableness to the Pike I shall lay them down in full and afterwards contract them in a shorter way CHAP. IV. The Postures of the Musket THE Musket lying on the ground the first word of Command will be as to the Pike Stand to your Arms Take up your Bandiliers Put on your Bandiliers Take up your Match Place your Match Take up your Rest Put the string of your Rest about your left wrist Take up your Musket Rest your Musket Here the Souldier may perform the saluting posture if he shall find any occasion so to do for the honouring of a friend or any Gentleman of worth Poyse your Musket Shoulder your Musket Un-shoulder your Musket and Poyse Joyn your Rest to the outside of your Musket Open your pan Cleer your pan Prime your pan Shut your pan Cast off your loose corns Blow off your loose corns and bring about your Musket to the left side Trail your Rest Ballance your Musket in your left hand Find out your charge Open your charge Charge with powder Draw forth your Scouring-stick Turn and shorten him to an Inch Charge with Bullet Put your scouring-stick into your musket Ram home your charge With-draw your scouring-stick Turn and shorten him to a handful Return your scouring-stick Bring forward your Musket and Rest Poyse your Musket recover your Rest Joyn your Rest to the outside of your Musket Draw forth your Match Blow your Coal Cock Your Match Fit Your Match Guard your Pan Blow the ashes from your Coal Open your Pan Present upon your Rest Give fire brest-high Dismount your Musket joyning the Rest to the outside of your Musket Vn-cock and return your Match Cleer Your Pan Shut Your Pan Poyse Your Musket Rest Your Musket Take your Musket off the Rest and set the Butt-end to the ground Lay down your Musket Lay down your Match Take your Rest into your right hand cleering the string from your left wrist Lay down your Rest Take off Your Bandiliers Lay down Your Bandiliers Here endeth the postures of the Musket from the taking of them up from the ground to make ready and the proceeding in them to the laying of them down again Now if the Souldier will take his Rest into his right hand for to be a support and help to him in his march he must observe the following words of command Lay your right hand upon the Butt-end of your musket The Musket being shouldered you may proceed in these words of command to recover the Rest into the right hand Lay your left arm over your musket Shift your match between the fingers of your right hand Take your Rest into your right hand cleering the string from your left wrist Return your match and take your Rest into your right hand 't will cause you to be in a fit capacity for to march CHAP. V. The Postures and Charges of the Pike to be performed in a shorter way all things acted in order and nothing done twice THE Pike lying on the ground the first word of Command will be Stand to your Arms Handle your Arms Raise up your Pikes to your Open Order Order Close Order From your close Order charge to the Horse Front Right
commanding all the Muskettiers to stand and the Pikes to advance their Arms and move forward ten or twelve paces and then to stand and close their Files outward to Order three of their Colours moving with their Pikes to the right hand the other three moving away to the left After he may command Muskettiers to close their Files outward to Order and they will stand in four Divisions two of Pikes and in the Reer of them two of Muskettiers as underneath is set forth the Captains being all upon the head of the Pikes with their Ensigns and the Lieutenants in the Reer the Serjeants attending upon the Flanks of each division This being done command each division of Muskettiers and Pikes to face outward and to move to such convenient distance that being faced to the Front there may be room sufficient upon the subdividing of each division of Muskettiers for their moving up and flanking each body of Pikes After which the Major may assign unto every Captain and Lieutenant his due place of honour as they stand all abrest and that they may also naturally fall into their proper places upon the march which shall be set forth in the next Figure standing in two grand Divisions the one in the Reer of the other which may happen sometimes for want of ground but provided they have ground enough they ought to stand in one even range as in folio 5. The Major after they are thus drawn up in one even range will finde three Files of Muskettiers more in the second grand Division and two of the Pikes then is in the first therefore he must take from thence one File of each Company and add them to nine Files in the Reer which maketh them twelve and then he will have ballanced the divisions equal taking off one File of Pikes and placing it amonst the eldest Captains Pikes CHAP. III. The Reasons follow for the placing of the Captains their Colours and their Lieutenants after the manner before set down WHat hath formerly been declared concerning a Rank or File six abrest or six deep may be satisfactory in some kind unto this point which takes his rule from hence For all private Companies smaller Bodies or single Files must or ought to be as neer as they can conformable to greater Bodies as to Regiments and consequently they to Brigades Therefore take notice that this rule ought ever to be observed in the drawing of Regiments that the right Flank as neer as may be ought to be suitable with the left both in strength number and dignity and likewise to be so when they are drawn forth upon a long march the Front equal with the Reer Now suppose these two grand divisions stood even abrest we will begin to examine the first worth which is the Colonels and the fourth worth which is the eldest Captains and placed upon the right and left of the first grand division with the second and third worth who are the Lieutenant-Colonel and Major drawn up upon the right and left of the second grand division and you shall finde they are every way equivalent in number worth and dignity with that of the first In the next place there are no more to place but the fifth and sixth worth who are the second and third Captains and therefore since it is the first place of honour among the Captains in a Regiment to lead the first Body or Stand of Pikes it must then consequently follow that the second place of honour must be to lead the second grand division of Pikes and therefore the fifth worth is brought into and placed between the second and third that he may stand there to lead the second Body of Pikes wherein the Lieutenant-Colonel the Major and his own Colours are placed so that there remains no more but the sixth worth or youngest Captain to place who is to be drawn up between the Colonel and eldest Captain Now if we shall further proceed to ballance it more cleerly consider them by dividing them by two's in their places as first we will begin with the Colonel the first worth who hath joyned to him the youngest Captain which is the sixth worth and they two make the number 7 then compare the Lieutenant-Colonel who is the second worth unto the second Captain joyn'd with him which is the fifth worth and they make alike the same number after that compare the Major and elder Captain who are drawn up into the midst of the Regiment whose places carry the third and fourth worth and their number is suitable with the rest And thus much may be spoken in general now I shall come more particularly to give further satisfaction both for them and for all the rest and therefore I will give reasons for the placing of the Officers of the first grand division and cleering that the second will quickly be laid open to the view CHAP. IV. More particular Reasons for the placing of the Captains and Lieutenants of the first grand Division IN this grand Division there is the Colonel the eldest Captain and the youngest drawn up into the midst and they having each of them Lieutenants take notice therefore of these reasons for their placing thus That always upon such small Bodies as these the first honour is ever placed upon the right and the second upon the left and that which remains must of necessity be drawn up into the midst they standing all abrest These three Companies being ordered into a right and left Flank and one Stand of Pikes or Van-guard Reer-ward or Main-battail as they may be term'd the reasons follow for the thus standing of the Officers whether marching all even abrest or upon a stand it is the Colonels proper place to be on the head or midst of his grand division which is his chiefest place of security and where he ought to fight for standing there the other may more conveniently repair unto him for their orders as occasion shall require Now the Colonel being a Field-Officer is not absolutely tyed to any one place to fight as the rest are many occasions calling him from thence the eldest Captain therefore is appointed to take charge of the Body of Pikes whether it be upon a March to lead them or upon a Stand to fight them he ought never to forsake them but upon special command from his Colonel or other Field-Officers Now the reason why the first Body of Pikes is the most honourablest place to lead is as I conceive because the Colonels Colours are there flying and besides being the more ancienter Arms far more honour it is to lead them for most commonly the gallantest men of the Infantry desire rather to trail Pikes then to carry Muskets Moreover it hath been a constant practise in most places that the eldest Captain should have that place to lead on foot although many times his Colonel being on horse-back may be a little before him Having spoken of these two it remains to speak something of the youngest Captain
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 several sorts and kinds Command FIles file to the right Direction The right-hand File is to move away clear of the standing part and after the next File to fall in the Reer of the first and consequently so all the rest until they become one File Reducement File-leaders lead up your Files to the left or Files file six to the left Command Files file to the right entire advancing Direction The right-hand File stand the rest move away successively placing themselves in one direct File before the Front Reducement Files file six to the right into the Reer face all about or Files file six to the right towards the Front Command Files file inward into the right Flank Direction Half-files face about and the outmost Files then upon the left as they are so faced are to move away forward and consequently all the rest are to fall in behind them the like is to be performed by the Front the outmost File at the same time is to move away and the rest successively falling in until they have made one entire 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 outmost File upon the right is to stand the rest are to move forward and to place themselves successively into one entire File going forward after each other and after face to the Front Reducement Front-half-files file three to the right and Reer-half-files 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 Counter-march 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 behind him and consequently all the rest until 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 Files rank 12 to the left or Files rank as you were Command Ranks file to the right advancing every man placing himself before his right-hand-man Direction The outmost File stand The Ranks are to be at twice double Distance the Files at order the rest are to move forward with their right leg placing themselves before the right-hand-man Reducement Files rank 12 to the left or Files 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 onely 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 Bringer-up face 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 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 convenient 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-files 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 himself behind his Bringer-up Files f●ling by way of Counter-march Direction The outmost File stand the rest face about and move forward each particular File to the left placing themselves behind their Right-hand-file and their Bringers-up Reducement Files 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 himself 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-files 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 himself 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-files file three to the left every man placing himself before his Leader and Reer-half-files face about and file three to the right every man placing himself before his Bringer-up face to your Leader and close your Divisions CHAP. XLV Ranks wheeling into the Flanks They ought to be at twice double Distance in rank and at Close order in file Command RAnks wheel to the right into the right Flank Direction Every particular Rank is to wheel to their right hand until they have brought their Aspects unto the right Flank after face to the Front Reducement Files 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 until you have brought your Aspects unto the right Flank face to your Leader Reducement Files rank 12 to the left the first man is to stand the rest are to move forwards making up 12 abrest to the left until 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
Order and the like of the Muskettiers in the Reer to those hands to the same distance then they will stand in four Divisions two of Pikes in the Front and two of Muskettiers in the Reer In the next place let him count how many Files of Pikes there are in each Division and he will finde in the Colonels Divisions 26 Files and in the Lieutenant-Colonels but twenty two To make these even he must take off one File apiece from the youngest Captains and bring them into the midst of the Lieutenant-Colonels Division and then he will make them equal there being in each grand Division 24 Files of Pikes The Pikes being made thus equal let him move down into the Reer and examine the Muskettiers where upon the right he will finde 52 Files and upon the left but 44 to make these even in number he must take off one File apiece from the four Companies of the first grand Division and lead them away up into the midst of the second and then there will be in each grand Division of Muskettiers 48 Files apiece In the next place let him face them to the right and left outward and move them to such convenient distance as he may after divide his Muskettiers into four Divisions to move up and flank the Pikes This being performed he ought appoint unto every Captain and Lieutenant his place where to lead and where to bring up and what men upon all occasions they are to fight To which purpose there being in the first grand Division four Captains there must be four places to lead and four to bring up and therefore having their four Colours upon the long March that Body of Pikes may be divided into two Divisions and to march with two Colours in the first Division of Pikes which are to be led by the eldest Captain and brought up by the Captain-Lieutenants Bringer-up The second Division of Pikes is to be led by the fourth Captain and to be brought up by the eldest Captain-Lieutenant The Reer-guard of Muskettiers in this grand Division is to be led by the third Captain and to be brought up by his Lieutenant who upon the long March his Captain if he pleaseth may exchange places being more honour to him to be there to bring up then to lead that Division as hath been formerly exprest As concerning the Captain-Lieutenant his place is to be fixed according as in the Figure to lead the first Division of Muskettiers and to be brought up by the fourth Captains Lieutenant but at such time when they are drawn up all abrest they are to take their places as at first fixed both in their leading and bringing-up as shall be set forth in the following Figure with all their several places appointed thereunto As concerning all the rest they are placed in manner as was shewed in my discourse of a Regiment consisting of six Companies But here it may be objected that in the first grand Division I have placed the Colonel eldest Captain third and fourth and by casting up their number of dignity we finde it to amount unto 18 and in the second grand Division the Lieutenant-Colonel Major and second Captain whose number amounts but to ten Here we finde say they a great deal of difference and alteration your intentions principally tending to make them equal in dignity for certainly where the greater number is there is the lesser dignity and therefore a wrong unto that part where ever it so falls out To which I answer Where there is no just exceptions to be made to the contrary the former Rule ought ever to be preserved in the keeping an equal ballance of the number of dignity but herein it doth not For the Colonel ought always to have placed in his Division the eldest Captain who is to lead his Colours and the first Body of Pikes which is the first place of honour among the Captains And in the second place the Majors Company is always drawn up upon the outmost part on the right of the Lieutenant-Colonels grand Division to carry an equal proportion of number they being the second and third worth unto that of the first or fourth as is in the Colonels In the next place the second Captains turn comes to be regarded who by the same Rule as the eldest Captain layes claim to carry the first honour by leading the first Body of Pikes and the Colonels Colours so the second Captain cannot expect any other but to be placed to lead the second Body of Pikes the Lieutenant-Colonels Colours Now there being an odd Captain he must be either placed upon the right or left he is therefore thought in discretion to be rather placed with the Colonel in his Division that his Colours may there flie marching four together being far more honourable and graceful then that of three as in the Lieutenant-Colonels and therefore where there is an honour in that kinde which cannot be divided it is very fit and requisite to place and fix it with him that is the Commander in chief As for number of men both Divisions are equal alike and therefore I conceive what hath been spoken may take off all objections of this nature And now according to my promise I shall set forth the manner of the standing of seven Companies in a Regimental way with all the several places of honour appointed forth unto them either marching or standing all even abrest If they be upon the long march they are to observe that manner set down in six Companies onely to minde that alteration before expressed the Figure of their drawing up and the Officers stated in their proper places follows in Folio 156. From which Figure I shall draw up another placing the Souldiers in Battalia which may be useful for them to fight-upon Command Pikes in both Divisions face inward inmost Divisions of Muskettiers face outward march and interchange ground with other face to your Leader The four inmost Files of Muskettiers next the Pikes Let them be at open Order in their Ranks and Files and the two grand Divisions standing in one even Front together face about and march six foot cleer from the Pikes and stand then close their Files to the right and left to Order in their own particular divisions then face inward and march all together until they stand six foot cleer of each other face to your Leader The next five Files of Muskettiers in each side of Pikes advance 18 foot before the Front then close their Files into the midst to Order and Ranks forward to Order Pikes close your Ranks forward to Order and Files into the midst to Order every five Files of Muskettiers close inward to Order and Ranks forward to Order then face to the Pikes and march forward being betwixt every five Files of Muskettiers six foot of ground distance each from other and the same distance from the Body of Pikes face all to your Leader The 12 outmost Files of Pikes and Muskettiers advance
have his Horse-head in ballance and at command then grasping the Pummel of the Saddle with his left hand and standing with his full body close to the Horse-side and just between the Bolster and Cantle of the Saddle always on the nere side of the Horse with the help of his right Hand he shall put the left Foot into the left Stirrup and with his right Hand taking fast hold on the highest part of the Cantle behind he shall by the help of both Hands gently but strongly and in an upright posture without inclining his body to either hand raise himself until he may stand perpendicular upon his left Foot and then casting over his right-leg place himself in the Saddle He being now mounted his Postures are as follow Command 2. Vncap your Pistols Direction Turn down the Caps of your Pistol-cases or Holsters with your right-hand Command 3. Draw your Pistol Direction Draw your Pistol out of the Case with your right-hand always the left Pistol first mounting the Muzzle of it Command 4. Order your Pistol Direction Sink your Pistol into your bridle-Bridle-hand and remove your right-hand towards the Muzzle and rest the But-end upon the right Thigh Command 5. Span your Pistol Direction Sink your Pistol into your bridle-hand and take your Spanner in your right-hand and put it upon the Axle-tree winding it about till it stick and return your Spanner to its place Command 6. Prime your Pistol Direction Holding your Pistol in your bridle-hand as when you Span'd it take your Priming-box in your right-hand pressing the Spring with your fore-finger to open the Box put Powder into the Pan. Command 7. Shut your Pan. Direction Press in the Pan-pin with your Thumb and shut it Command 8. Cast about your Pistol Direction With your bridle-hand cast about your Pistol and hold it on your left side with the Muzzle upwards Command 9. Gage your Flasque Direction Take your Flasque in your right-hand and with your fore-finger pull back the Spring then turn the mouth of the Flasque downwards and let go the Spring Command 10. Lade your Pistol Direction Press down the Spring which openeth the Flasque with your fore-finger and bringing the mouth thereof to the Muzzle of the Pistol turn the Powder into the Barrel Command 11. Draw your Rammer Direction Draw your Rammer with your right-hand turned and hold it with the head downwards Command 12. Lade with Bullet and ram home Direction Hold the Rammer-head in your right-hand and take the Bullet out of your mouth with your thumb and fore-finger and put it into the Muzzle of your Pistol and your Rammer after it and so ram home Command 13. Return your Rammer Direction Draw forth your Rammer with your right-hand and return it to its place Command 14. Pull down your Cock Direction Bring your Pistol towards your rightside with your bridle-hand and resting the But-end upon your thigh with your right-hand pull down the Cock. Command 15. Recover your Pistol Direction Take your Pistol into your right-hand and mount the Muzzle Command 16. Present and give Fire Direction Your Pistol being in your right-hand with your fore-finger upon the Tricker incline the Muzzle thereof towards your Mark with a fixed eye and by degrees on the right side of your Horse-head turning your right-hand so that the Pistols Lock may be upwards having obtained your Mark draw the Tricker and give Fire Command 17. Return your Pistol Direction Return your Pistol and with your right-hand put it into your Case Concerning the Snap-hans Pistol those Postures wherein it differeth from the Fire-lock Pistol are these Command 18. Bend your Cock Direction Hold your Pistol in your bridle-Bridle-hand and with your right hand bend your Cock Command 19. Guard your Cock Direction Pull down the Back-lock with your right hand it will secure the Cock from going off Command 20. Order your Hammer Direction Draw down the Hammer upon the Pan with your right hand Command 21. Free your Cock Direction Thrust back the Back-lock with your right thumb thereby to give the Cock liberty For the more easie and speeding lading of the Pistol for the gaining of time and avoiding the carrying of either Flask or Touch-box there is an invention of a Spanner or Key which contains six Charges of Powder at the least and priming-Powder sufficient for those Charges and for the Cartouches wherewith the Pistol-cases be furnished which the Cuirassier will find to be of very good use The Cartouches are made of white Paper cut into convenient breadth and length and rowled upon the Rammer or other small round stick the edge being passed down and the Rammer drawn out one end of the Paper is to be doubled in to keep the Powder from falling out these Cartouches are to be made so big as to fill neerly the bore of the Pistol and of length to contain as much Powder as the Pistol requires for a Charge When the Powder is in tie it with thred and then put in the Bullet also tying that also these the Souldier may make at spare hours and have them always by him When he uses his Cartouches he must bite off the Paper at the head of it and so put it into the Barrel of the Pistol with the Bullet upwards and then ram it home these being beforehand prepared it will much expedite the work of lading his Pistol The Cuirassier being well mounted and throughly exercised in his Postures the next thing he should apply himself unto is to be a good Marksman to attain which he must be frequently shooting at Marks on Horsback having such set upon a Tree some higher and some lower The Cuirassier being armed Pistol-proof he must not give fire but at a very neer distance being careful to make his Bullet do execution the principal place of advantage to aim at is the lower part of the belly of his Enemy his arm-pits or his neck Some are of opinion that it is not fitting for a Cuirassier to give fire till he have his Pistol under his Adversaries Armor or against some unarmed place and if he miss of an opportunity of hitting the man he may aim at the head or brest of his Horse He is commonly to give the charge upon a Trot and seldome galloppeth but upon a pursuit Having spent both his Pistols and having no opportunity to load again he must then betake himself to the last refuge his Sword placing the Pummel of it upon his right thigh and with his right hand to direct the point thereof by his eye raising it higher or lower as ocsion serveth aiming at his Enemies Neck Arm-pits Eye or about the Pummel of the Saddle at his Belly c. but being past his Enemy he is to make a back-blow at him aiming to cut the buckle of his Poldron thereby disarming one of his Arms c. Of Exercising the Harquebusier and Carbine NOtwithstanding there be some difference between the Harquebusier and Carbine in their Horse their Arming and their Piece
yet in regard the Harquebus differeth nothing from the Carbine in length only in the Bore the manner of using them is one and the same In Marching he is to carry his Carbine hanging at his Belt by his right side or else to order it upon his right thigh In Fight he is to strive to gain the left side of his Enemy contrary to the Curassier because that in presenting he is to rest his Carbine on his bridle-bridle-hand placing the butt-end on the right side of his Breast neer his Shoulder He must exercise himself that he may use his Carbine with exactness and dexterity and be exquisite in shooting at Marks For the manner of handling the Harquebus or Carbine the directions before delivered may serve for sufficient Instruction but forasmuch as now adays our Carbines are made with Snaphans and somewhat differ from the former I will set down the order of handling of it in the several words of Command Postures for the Snaphans-Carbine 1. Order your Carbine 2. Sink your Carbine into your bridle-Bridle-hand 3. Bend your Cock 4. Guard your Cock 5. Prime 6. Shut your Pan. 7. Cast about your Carbine 8. Guard your Flasque 9. Lade your Carbine 10. Draw your Rammer 11. Shorten your Rammer 12. Lade with Bullet and ram home 13. Withdraw your Rammer 14. Shorten your Rammer 15. Return your Rammer 16. Recover your Carbine 17. Order your Hammer 18. Free your Cock 19. Present 20. Give fire He is to use his Sword in all respects as the Curassier Of Exercising the Dragoon THe Dragoon is of special use and service to assist the Cavalry as Infantry for there be many considerable Exploits which cannot be effected by the Cavalry alone The Muskettier must therefore exercise himself to give fire on Horsback When they come to guard a Passage or do other the like service they are to alight and to demean themselves as Infantry and being alighted to do their service every of them is to cast his Bridle over the neck of his Sides-mans Horse in the same order as they marched keeping them so together by some purposely appointed to attend them Of Exercising the Cavalry in their Motions THe Horsman being sufficiently instructed in the managing of his Horse and in the use of his particular Arms it is time now that he be taught how to demean himself being joyned in a Body The Horse being to be exercised is to be drawn up into a Body not by Ranks as in the Infantry but by Files and those of 5 deep according to most Authors or of 6 deep according to others that of 5 being a number not divisible by 2 so that in doubling of Ranks or Half-files or the like there will always remain an odd Rank Others would have them especially the Harquebusiers to be 8 in File making the Troop to consist of 64 Men being drawn up into a square Body Being thus put into Battalia the first thing they are to be instructed in is Distance and herein there is a disagreement among Authors Some making Close order to be 2 paces Open order 4 paces and so forward to a triple quadruple Distance proportionable Others make but two kinds of Distances Close order which is 3 foot and Open order which is 6 foot And here a difference is to be observed between the manner of taking the Distance of the Cavalry and that of the Infantry for in the Foot the Distance is taken from the Center or middle of the Souldiers Body which here cannot be understood but only of the space of Ground between Horse and Horse But the best and latest Authors are of opinion that the Cavalry being to be exercised in their Motions should be at their Distance of 6 foot or Open order standing right in their Ranks and Files The Motions which belong to the Exercising of the Cavalry are principally four viz. 1. Facings 2. Doublings 3. Countermarches 4. Wheelings And here note that in the exercising of the Cavalry we use to this day the same words that the Graecians and Romans did of old for a File the Romans called Versus and Decura a Rank Jugum a File-leader Ducanus because their Decurae or File consisted of 10 Bringer-up they termed Tergi-ducor a Leader being every odd man in a File Phrastes a Follower which is every even number Substes a Side-man Astes Their Distances also were the same with ours their two Cubits every Cubit being a Foot and a half of our Measure agrees with our three Foot their four Cubits our six Foot and so increasing upon occasion They ordered their Horse-troops at six Foot Distance between File and File in March and three Foot in fight In all the motions we also retain the same words of Command which they used Facing they called Declinatio to the Right Left Hastam Scutum Facing about Immutatio Doubling by Ranks Files Duplicandi duo genera per juga versus Their Countermarches the same which we use Evolutio Chorica Macedonica Laconica per Decurias Scutum Wheelings the same with us Conversio ad Hastam Scutum Reversio est conversionis restitutio Inflexio Wheeling about The use of Facings is to make the Troop perfect to be suddenly prepared for a Charge on either Flank or in the Reer Doubling of Ranks or doubling by Half-files or by Bringers up is used upon occasion of strengthning of the Front Doubling of Files or doubling by Half-ranks serveth to strengthen the Flanks Countermarches serve either to reduce the File-leaders into the place of Bringers-up and so have the best men ready to receive the charge of the Enemy in the Reer or to bring one Flank into the place of the other or Front and Reer or either Flank into the middle of the Body The use of Wheelings is to bring the Front to be ready to receive the Charge of the Enemy on either Flank or Reer For the better information and satisfaction and for the easie apprehending of what hath been said those several Motions are here following represented in Figures by a Troop of Harquebusiers of 64 men and in every Figure the file-leaders are represented by this kind of A. the Bringers up by this kind of a. and the rest of the Body by this kind of a. The form of the first standing To face them to the Right is done by commanding Direction This is done by turning all at one and the same time to the right hand The Front is where the right Flank was To reduce them to their first form the word is Command As you were Direction It is performed by turning to the left hand From thence to face them to the left the Word is Command To the right hand Direction It is performed by turning to the left From hence they are to be reduced by saying Command As you were Direction It is performed by turning to the right Now to face them to the Reer though it be proper first to do it by the right hand yet for the more ready way I
the Captains being lodged so neer them You may observe that in this lust form of Quartering there are 20 foot of the 200 allowed the Souldiers in depth taken off and added to the street between the Captains and the Sutlers for the street being in the former Quarter but 20 foot broad was found to be too narrow for the Waggons and Carriages to pass to and fro which did continually go and come through it with Provisions for the Army And whereas in the allowance of 200 foot in depth for the Souldiers there were but two allotted to lodge or hut together it happened sometimes that they came to quarter in places where there was small store of Provision to but withal so that the Souldiers could neither fit the ground allotted to them nor make any uniform or handsome huts therefore it was thought fit to take from them the said 20 foot and to allow them but 180. Note that the Officers must see the Souldiers build formally and that they make their Beds a foot and half or two foot from the ground to prevent sickness which they will be subject to fall into by lying upon the ground Note that when the Regiment is quartered in one Division the Colonels Company quarters on the right hand the Lieutenant-Colonels on the left the Sergeant-Majors next the Colonel the eldest Captain next him and so all the rest of the Captains by seniority in order from the right hand But if the Regiment be quartered in two Divisions then the Lieutenant-Colonels Company quarters on the right hand of the second Division the Sergeant-Majors in his place on the left hand of the first the eldest Captain next the Colonel the second on the left hand of the second Division the third next the eldest the fourth next the Lieutenant-Colonel the fifth next the third the sixth next the fourth in the second Division and so all the rest of the Captains according to this Order Observing if it may be that the youngest Captain be always placed next to him that closeth the left flank of the second Division Quartering of Horse THe Horse unless pressed by an Enemy are always or most commonly quartered in Houses both for the commodity of Forrage and that their Horses may stand under covert which otherwise by standing three or four nights in rain and cold would be in danger to be spoiled and made unserviceable So careful saith Melzo was the Duke of Alva of his Horse that he not only quartered them in Houses but made Courts of Guard upon the Avenues and places where they watched to shelter them from the weather But seeing they may be sometimes forced to make Huts I will shew you their manner of Quartering which is the same as the Foot but that they have more ground allowed them especially in bredth for their main streets are twenty foot broad and the men have ten foot allowed them whereas the Foot have but eight foot for either Hut their Horses are allowed ten foot in bredth and four in depth so the ground allowed for 100 Horse is 300 foot in depth and 70 in bredth The Explanation of the following Figure The Quartering of four Cornets of Horse A Alarm-place B Lieutenants lodging C Cornets lodging D Souldiers Huts E Stables F Street between the Souldiers Huts G Street between the Souldiers and Horses H Street between the Captain and Souldiers I Captains K Street between Captain and Sutlers L Sutlers The Quartering of an Army of Foot A Alarm-place B Entrenchment C Generals Pavilions D General of the Ordnance his loding E Ammunition and Ordnance F Divisions of Foot The Quartering of foure Cornets of Horse The Quartering of an Army of Foote A Good Commanders Judgment is to be discerned by his well chusing of ground to quarter on for he must not only chuse a place advantageous to resist an Enemy but where there is plenty of Forrage Water and other Necessaries and where the Air is wholsome and how necessary it is to intrench a Quarter and what ease and safety it brings to an Army dayly experience tells us and whereas by lying open you are subject to be affronted and forced to fight by an Enemy it is in your choice being Intrenched whether you fight or not which is no small advantage besides your Watches will fall nothing so often nor your Guards so troublesome The Romans were the first that found out the right use of the Spade and the benefit of Intrenching and it is from Caesar that our late great Generals have learned the way to Beleaguer and single Towns with Works and Trenches though the use of Powder have made them alter the form and manner of working and how advantageous it its to make such Works the taking not to speak of Alexis and other places by the Prince of Orange but of Groll Bolduke Mastricht and Breda within these few years in the view as I may say of an Enemies Army are sufficient testimonies and as divers Armies have in vain attempted the relief of Towns thus beleaguered so have some out of negligence and want of care in making their Lines of circumvallation been forced to quit their design and rise with dishonour The manner how the Prince of Orange his Army was Quartered with the General Officers Artillery Waggons c. A His Excellency B Count William C Count Henry D Strangers of Quality E Du. of Kessel F Waggons G Sutlers Market-place H Ryhoven 3 Troops of Horse R John Bax 3 Troops of Horse S Wageman 3 Troops of Horse T La. Salle 3 Troops of Horse Y Stabenbrook 4 Troops of Horse Z Co. John 3 Troops of Horse Δ Marquette 3 Troops of Horse Θ M. Bax 4 Troops of Horse Φ Count Henry 3 Troops of Horse Π Guardens 4 Troops of Horse Ω Quaet 3 Troops of Horse Σ Smelsing 3 Troops of Horse I Dragoons K Count Ernest 6 Dutch Companies X 8 Companies of Frisons O Rob. Hinderson 19 Scotch Companies W Count John Ernest 16 Companies of Wallons P Bechune 19 French Companies Q Chastillon 19 French Companies L Hollis 10 English Companies M. Cheek 10 English Companies N. Cecil 10 English Companies V. Horatio Vere 15 English Companies Orders to be given out in a Quarter 1 NO man without leave of his Officer shall go further then Cannon-shot out of the Quarter or lie in the night out of the Quarter upon pain of the Strappado and if he have done any man hurt he shall be hanged without mercy 2. No man shall do hurt to such as are under Neutrality or Safe-guard upon pain of bodily punishment 3. No man shall fight within the Quarter draw his Sword or make any uproar in the night upon the like pain 4. No man shall molest any Sutler or such as bring Provision into the Leaguer spoil or take any of their Goods from them within or without the Leaguer upon the like pain 5. No man shall sell any Booty or Goods in the Leaguer without sound of Drum and
wind it would be ready to blow him down Therefore as above that which is most commodious for the souldiers marching up a hill is to comport his pike The use of Trailing The Trailing of the Pike is seldom used but when the souldier shall march straight forward through a Wood the File-leader before he enters in trails his pike and consequently all the rest in his file then stooping down they take up the butt-end of their leaders pikes which they may easily gripe with their own in their right hands and after march forward through the busling leaves in a straight line every file single by himself but as neer each other as possible they can march for more security sake that when they are clear they may find each other and be in a condition to rally up again as occasion shall require The trailing of the Pike may also be of excellent use in a Trench that at such time when they shall have intelligence where the Enemy are preparing to make a breach they may then move forwards unto that place undiscovered and may defend the same The use of Cheeking The cheeking of the Pike is the proper sentinel-posture and then to be used CHAP. IX The use of the Postures of the Musket I Conceive it will not be material to go over every posture of the musket to describe the use of them in respect the greater part of them have conformity to the Pike Those that shall remain and of the chiefest consequence I shall not be wanting to satisfie the souldier in The ballancing the musket and rest on the right side The use of ballancing the Musket on the right side with the barrel upward is one of the chiefest postures belonging to the musket from thence he begins to make ready as to open clear and prime the pan all being motions to this posture To traile the rest and ballance the musket on the left side with the barrel downward is a posture likewise of as great consequence The use of ballancing the Musket on the left side for there are several motions belonging also to this posture as to find out the charge to open it to charge with powder to take bullet out of the bag and to charge with bullet with divers other motions before you can recover your musket and rest again How a Muskettier shall perform the Sentinel-posture THe Sentinel-posture is to be performed after this manner first the musket is to be laded with powder and bullet afterwards he is to cock his match and to stand with his pan guarded his musket being upon his rest until such time he is relieved but as concerning him I shall more fully set forth his duty treating upon the duty of the Sentinel CHAP. X. The manner and way to do the Funeral-posture NExt followeth to shew how to do the Funeral-posture the properest and the best way to begin this posture is when the musket is rested and is to be performed after this manner You must first slip up your musket upon the rest so high until the fork of the rest be within a handful of the cock after you must bring your right hand under the barrel of the musket close to the fork of the rest and then lift him off and after cast your Rest backward trailing him on the left side and bring your Musket under your left arm with the barrel downwards bearing the butt-end upward with your two fore-fingers and your thumb holding off the pan and that with the left hand Now if you begin to be weary in the march by reason of the weight of the musket you may to ease your self bring your right hand backward and there take hold of the musket keeping still your left hand in its first place until you shall reduce him to the Rest again The reducement of the Musket from the Funeral-posture FIrst raise up your Musket a little with your two fingers and thumbs of the left hand as you formerly held him then turn the Musket until you perceive the barrel to be upward after lay your right hand upon the barrel much about the lazie pin and then taking him bring him up forward on the out-side of the Rest recover your Rest fall back with the right legge you may with ease bring your Musket again upon the Rest as at first This posture being so seldome used makes the Souldier much to seek in performance of the same but he that takes pleasure in handling of the Musket and shall exercise himself therein cannot chuse but find it very easie and much delightful to him And I know no posture more becoming a Muskettier then this if it be near and well performed by him And here I shall conclude and end discoursing of the postures CHAP. XI The Souldiers desire to know every particular place of Dignity as they stand in Rank and File THe Souldier now having obtained some pretty knowledge skill and ready aptness in the managing and performing the postures begins to look about himself what next is needful for to fasten upon to make a further progress in this Art and straight he meets with some that whispers to him That it were a gallant thing to know the Dignity of a File true and rightly stated To which he answers But where can it be found the opinions of souldiers are so various and differing therein that none knows where for to attain it My Captains eye saith he is upon me because I do the postures well which causeth the Serjeants to make me a File-leader and that I know to be the chiefest and first place of Honour in the File the second place to be the bringer-up the third the half-file-leader the fourth the bringer-up of the Front half-files Thus far no souldier of any known judgment can deny but now a-dayes our Files being drawn up six deep makes me altogether ignorant of the honour of the rest neither know I the Dignity of a File eight or ten deep which still in some places they do retain drawing them up so deep If my ambition were but now fully satisfied herein I should in time come for to know the Dignity of the Captains as they are drawn up all in a Regiment by which Rule I am informed they walk And in my judgment there cannot be a truer stating the Dignity of a Rank and File then that which shall conform to the Dignities of the Captains as they are drawn up abrest all in a Regiment Now for as much as many Regiments consist of several numbers of Captains and Companies in them as some six Companies others eight some greater as ten and twelve Companies It is expedient therefore not only for my self but for every souldier that will be truly knowing to be resolved herein concerning those several numbers and as occasion shall alter to any other they may inform themselves by these how to fit their purpose And therefore not to keep the apt and forward souldier longer in suspence but that
Captain joyned unto him and makes his number 13 And so comparing all the rest dividing them by two's they will stand as followeth 2 11 5 8 10 3 4 9 6 7 12 1 13 13 13 13 13 13   39     39   Thus much I conceive may give a right understanding to any coming-on Souldier of the true and right stating of a Rank twelve abrest being a thing very needful for to know in respect that there are many Regiments which do consist of twelve Companies and when in course as in the sequel of this Book when as I shall shew the manner of drawing up of twelve Companies there will a little more light appear unto them to their farther knowledge of the same But thus much for the present as concerning a Rank twelve abrest And now I shall come to speak or to touch a little of a Rank ten abrest and a File ten deep CHAP. XVII Brief reasons to be given of the Dignity of places of a Rank ten abrest and of a File ten deep WHat hath been formerly declared concerning a Rank twelve abrest as before shewed by every particular place of honour as they stand with the reasons for the same it may give a cleer understanding by the same rule to find the Dignity of places ten abrest For walking by the same way and rule of examination and you will find them to carry by dividing by two's being added to the four first places of honour and they will carry sutable proportions as underneath is set forth 2 9 5 8 3 4 7′ 6 10 1 11   11 11   11.   27     28   But for as much that in this Range of ten abrest there will fall out some odd we must then of necessity-sake place it upon the right and 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 Arithmetical way But I have no desire to fill this subject with plenty of unprofitable words and frothy 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 Ranks and Files leaving what shall remain until 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 several uses HAving thus now passed over several 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 joyn the Files into a Body to satisfie the souldier of each particular Distance with the several 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 Yet I must confess 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 nevertheless 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 Facings some other with Doublings others with Counter-marches and with Wheelings Yet nevertheless whoever they be that will so begin as I said before must command his souldiers to some Distance which may be proper for the same But for my own part my purpose is to go throughout all parts of the Military exercise of Foot and therefore will go 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 self is no Motion but there are several motions to the attaining of each particular Distance both in length and depth Therefore briefly thus Distance is a place or interval of ground between every particular File and File and betwixt every Rank and Rank as they stand and attained by the several motions of Ranks and Files and consisting of several proportions of ground as easily may be understood by their several words of command as they follow CHAP. XIX The several sorts of Distances which are fit and proper for the Souldier to be exercised in CLosest Order Which is both in Rank and File Half a foot Close Order Which is both in Rank and File One foot and half Order Which is both in Rank and File Three foot Open Order Which is both in Rank and File Six foot Double Distance Which is both in Rank and File Twelve foot Twice double Distance Which is both in Rank and File Twenty four foot Having thus set down every Distance with their several proportions of ground I shall next proceed to the words of command to the opening of the Ranks and Files from their closest Order and after satisfie the Souldier with 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 alwayes from every Distance to tie himself to any particular hand as to open to the right and close to the right But as concerning the opening of Ranks the properest way in my judgment is to open them alwayes 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
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 clearly 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 too 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 extravagantly carried away upon any other Subject for fear he be out but if any such thing should happen through forgetfulness 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 sometimes 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 toyes but yet sometimes to please the fancy 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 sometimes do acquaint the Souldiers of the use of their several Distances Facings Doublings Counter-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 sometimes ordered to very little purpose He must be very careful 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 mind their several 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 alike 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 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 sometimes quickly run over in advising of the Souldiers that they should ever mind when they are first drawn up into a body these particular places they would not stand so carelessy and so ignorantly in a Body as many times they do not knowing which way to move without a great deal 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 Souldier to be acquainted with the same Yet it is not only sufficient that the Souldiers do mind 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 helpful unto their fellow-Souldiers by pointing out unto them with signs with the hand where they should march to perform what was before commanded and to be very civil and orderly in their carriage to each other and to mind 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 sometimes may happen slip out of order as by the mistaking of a hand or the like yet nevertheless it should be their modest care if not prevented by their Leader to be ready to execute what they conceive he intended and walking along in this civil 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 several kinds 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 left 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 always 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 Centre of his left foot by wheeling until he hath brought his Aspect 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 such a streight that they cannot bring their faces against an enemy
first and the three last Ranks double the three middlemost 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 himself before his Leader and Bringer-up face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last Ranks double the six middlemost Ranks to the left every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up the three first Ranks face about to the left and move down to the midst of Rrnks 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-Ranks double your right Flank by Division Direction Half-files of the left half-Ranks face about to the right the left half-Ranks move clear of the standing part after face all to the right-Flank the left half-Ranks moving forward until they have ranged even abrest with the right-Flank face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last Ranks double the six middlemost Ranks entire to the left-Flank the three first and the three last Ranks face to the left-Flank and move clear of the standing part after face inward march and close your Division face to your Leader CHAP. XXXVI Entire Doublings to right Flank by Wheeling Command WHeel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank entire to the right Direction Face outward and left half-Ranks wheel about to the left and move forward until you have doubled the right Flank entire to the right face to your Leader Reducement Wheel off your Reer half-Files and double your Front to the left entire half-Files face to the Reer and wheel about to the right and march forwards until you have ranged your selves even with the Front Command Wheel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank entire to the left Direction Face outward left half-Ranks wheel about to the right move forward until you have doubled the right flank entire to the left face to your Leader Reducement Wheel off your Front half-Files and double your Reer to the right entire 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 entire Direction Half-files of the right half-Ranks face about right half-Ranks move clear 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 until they have doubled the right Flank inward entire to your Leader Reducement In wheeling the six middle Ranks from the right Flank they must have ground sufficient for them to wheel about Wheel off from the right Flank the six middlemost Ranks and double your Front and Reer entire to the left Flank the six middle-Ranks face to the right and wheel about to the right and left moving forward until they are clear 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 middlemost Files to wheel off to the right and left and to double entire the depth of the outmost Files then face to their Leader and close their Divisions CHAP. XXXVII A Divisional 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 wheel off to the right and left about and move forward until 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 middlemost Ranks entire 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 outmost Files too that doubled to wheel about to the right and left inward and double entire the Depth of the inmost Files to your Leader Here endeth all the plain Doublings to the right Flank performed by several Counter-marches 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 several kinds of Doublings which if any shall seem hard or difficult unto thee either in their Commands Directions or Reducements thou mayst care being taken with much ease and delight perform the same And here the Captain is to take special notice when he comes to the point of Doublings that his properest way 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 Command the ripeness and curiosity of Wits in these our days enforced me unto it for they having much refined the Military Discipline will not be pleased with ordinary stuff as to say As you were which I confess 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 find out some other words of Command to reduce them again Endeavouring therefore to give full satisfaction to both parties I have taken the pains to set down other words of Command for Reducement whereby those which shall profess themselves curious may cull out such plenty as may best please their genius advising them withal not to presume in the exercising of their private Companies before themselves be first well verst and truly knowing in all and every of the several Commands Directions and Reducements before mentioned which being obtained they may confidently and boldly proceed so to inure their Souldiers in the practise thereof that their own knowledge in
the Front every man placing himself on the outside 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 outside of their right-hand-men Reducement Ranks rank twelve to the left every man placing himself on the outside of his left-hand-man the first twelve upon the left are to stand the rest are successively to fall in behind the first Rank placing themselves as before commanded or Ranks rank as you were placing your selves on the outside of your left-hand-men Command Ranks rank entire to the left into the Front every man placing himself on the outside of his left-hand-man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move away to the left successively placing your selves on the outside of your left-hand-men Reducement Ranks rank twelve to the right every man placing himself on the outside of his right-hand-man or Ranks rank as you were every man placing himself as before Command Ranks rank outward into the Front every man placing himself on the outside 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 outside of his right and left-hand-man Reducement Ranks rank twelve to the right and left inward every man placing himself on the inside of his right and left-hand-man the twelve 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 twelve in Rank and falling behind the first Command Ranks rank inward into the Front every man placing himself on the inside of his right and left-hand-man Direction Right and left 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 entire rank Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward every man placing himself on the outside 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 The Files are to be at double distance and ranks at close a Order Direction Face to the right and wheel to the left until they stand even abrest in one entire Rank in the Front Reducement Ranks 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 fixes 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 until they make all one entire Rank in the Front Reducement Ranks file six to the right by wheeling face to the Reer and the six outmost men upon the left wheel to the left the next six are to follow and consequently all the rest until they have made twelve 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 until you are one entire Rank Reducement Rank file six to the right and left inward by wheeling face about to the right and the twelve middlemost men are to wheel to the right and left inward and the rest are likewise to do the same by Sixes until they have made themselves into twelve 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 until they are all in one Rank in the Front Reducement Ranks File six to the right and left outward 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 the ranking into the Front with all their several kinds the Reer challengeth 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 please 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 They are to stand at Order in Rank and File Command RAnks rank outward into the Front Reer and Midst Direction The two last Ranks are to face about the first Rank 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 until they have ranked unto all these places after face to the Front and the last Rank moving f r ward to open Order Reducement Ranks rank twelve to the right and left inward the last Rank face about the twelve middlemost men of each Rank are to stand the six outmost men of each Rank are to face inward to move and fall into the right and left behind the middlemost 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 outmost 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
Files this special care being taken he may begin and proceed to the Reducement after this manner If by some former Counter-marches his File-leaders are in the place of his Half-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 kinde commanding them to countermarch 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 general rule that when Files or Ranks Counter-march to any hand command them to Counter-march to the contrary and it will reduce them or countermarching 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 Reer Thus you see for all their great variety which latter ages have invented they consist but of three sorts or kinds either maintaining gaining or losing of ground and may be performed as I said before either by intire or divisional 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 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 Rank 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 Left Hand Counter-march maintaining ground Direction File-leaders turn off upon the ground you stand the rest moving up successively into the File-leaders place turning off until the Bringers-up come up into the Front after face to your Leader Command File-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders Command File-leaders face about the rest pass 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 pass 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 pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders following your Bringers up Command Files to the right and 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 until they come to the last Rank who need do no more then face about after face all to their Leader Command The last Rank stand the rest pass 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 until they are all clear of the Reer then face to their Leader Command Bringers-up stand the rest face about pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Bringers-up Command Bringers-up face about the rest pass 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 pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders and half-file-leaders Command Counter-march your Front and Reer half-files to the right and 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 pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Leaders and your half-file-leaders to your Leaders Command File-leaders and half-file-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right or left and 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 half-file-leaders face about the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Leaders and half-file-leaders following your Bringers-up Direction The File-leaders and the Half-file-leaders being first faced are to stand and the Bringers-up of the Front and Reer-half-files are to move forwards until they be cleer of the standing part after they are to face to the Reer which being ended they are again to face to the Front CHAP. LII Divisional Counter-marching of Files Command FIle-leaders and Bringers-up stand the rest pass through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders and your Bringers-up Direction Half-files face about the Counter-march being ended and faced again to the Front command them to
and left move down and Flank the Reer-division of Pikes The second firing Let the Front-division of Muskettiers Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then face about and move down upon the inside of the next division of Pikes and after face to their Leader The third firing Let the Muskettiers upon the Flanks move up into the room of the former and Fire falling in the Reer of themselves and after face about and move down into their places again the Muskettiers on the inside moving up into their places again The fourth firing Let the Reer-division face about then let them Fire to Front and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves let the Pikes charge and after ordering their Arms their Reer-division facing to their Leader the Muskettiers thereof may move up into their places again Command The outmost divisions face outward and move two paces face to your Leader move up until you range even abrest with the second divisions next the Front Reer-division move streight forward two paces The first firing Let them all give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves The second firing Let the Muskettiers advance forwards until they be cleer of the Front-division and then rank outward and Fire altogether after filing inward as they were move down again into their places the Pikes at the same time charging and after order their Arms. Command Front-division advance forward three paces the outmost division upon the Flanks move up and range even with the Front The first firing Direction for the same let them all face to the Reer and the middle-division of Muskettiers move forwards and flank the Reer-division of Pikes after let all the Muskettiers advance forwards three foot cleer of their own divisions of Pikes and give Fire falling in the Reer of themselves and after facing about move into their places again The second firing Let them Fire as they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves and the Pikes in the Reer may charge on and after facing to their Leader Command The outmost divisions face inward march three paces and the next two divisions face outward and move two paces to your Leader Reer-division move outward until you stand streight with the Front-divisions The first firing Let the Front-Division of Muskettiers give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after moving down in the room of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into the Front firing in like manner moving down and exchanging places with them in the Reer The second firing Let the Muskettiers upon the Flanks move forward even with the Front give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after move down into their places again and face to their Leader The third firing Let them face to the Front reer and both Flanks and let the Pikes port and the Muskettiers give fire The fourth firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of the Pikes the Pikes charging whilest the Muskettiers make ready again The fifth firing Let the Pikes charge at foot and the Muskettiers give fire over their heads then recovering their Arms face to their Leader Reducement Front-Divisions face about Front and Reer-Divisions march and interchange ground to your Leader The out-most Divisions face inward and close your Divisions to your Leader even your Ranks and streighten your Files and close to Order they are reduced The Captain may now command the Muskettiers to poyse their Arms and file away to the right and left making as it were a Street or Gallery for him to troop away the Pikes and lodge his Colours CHAP. VII The second Exercise with four Files six deep THe Souldiers being the second time summoned to appear at their place of Rendezvous the Sergeants having drawn forth the Files may give liberty to the Leaders thereof to exercise them in their several Postures which being ended their Captain or other Officers may command them to lead up their Files and to joyn them into a Body after which he may shew unto them their Distances and Facings with their several kinds following the former rule and after proceed to these or the like Doublings following CHAP. VIII Eighteen several Doublings with their reducements Command HAlf-files double your Front to the left Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right intire Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank to the left Direction Face all to the right and left-half-ranks move forward and double your right Flank to the left to your Leader Command Double your Ranks to the left intire Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank intire advancing Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank inward intire Direction Half-files of the right half-ranks face about right half-ranks move cleer of the standing part face all to the right left half-ranks move forwards into the right Flank to your Leader Command The three first and the three last Ranks double the six middle-most intire to the left Flank Direction The three first and the three last face to the left march cleer of the standing part face inward move and close your Divisions to your Leader Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank to the right Direction Face all to the left and right half-ranks move forwards and double your left Flank to the right to your Leader Command Double your Ranks to the right intire Command Right half-ranks double your left Flank inward intire Command The three first and the three last Ranks double the six middle-most Ranks intire to the right Flank Command Left half-ranks double your right Flank intire advancing Command Front half-files double your Reer to the left intire Command Half-files double your Front to the right Command Double your Files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right following your Leaders Direction Half-files face about File-leaders turn off to the left and move down upon the right of the Reer the rest following successively to your Leader Command Files double your Depth to the left intire they are reduced being faced to their Leader CHAP. IX Twelve several Counter-marches with their reducements Command FIles to the right hand countermarch losing ground Command Ranks to the right hand counter-march losing ground Direction Face all to the right Command Front and Reer half-files inter-change ground Direction Front half-files face about to the left Command Right and left half-ranks inter-change ground Direction Face inward Command File-leaders face about the rest pass through to the right a place your selves behinde your Leaders face to the Front Command Counter-march your Front and Reer into the midst Command Counter-march your Flanks into the midst Face out-ward Command File-leaders and Half-file-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves before your Leaders and Half-file-leaders Direction The second Rank from the Front and from the
his Majors absence Some are of opinion it would be convenient to place the Lieutenant-Colonels eldest Serjeant there but in my judgement it is very unhandsome to see any Halberdeer either to lead or bring up any Division marching in a Regimental way and rather then I should do it I would let it go unsupplyed but if he shall be there placed to bring up his best way of marching is either with Pallizado or half-pike and not with his Halberd CHAP. VI. The ordering of a Regiment to the long March with the placing of the Officers and the leading of Carriages THe Major giving to every Captain his proper place to march in and what Divisions they are to lead and what to bring up in written notes under his hand commands the Drum-Major to bea● a March and so consequently all the rest to take it from him The Souldiers being warned thereby begin to shoulder their Arms and prepare to move the Colonel on Horsback being attended on by his Martial and Quarter-master draws off the first Division of Muskettiers his Captain-Lieutenant being six foot behinde him which Division is brought up by the Captain-Lieutenants Bringer-up The eldest Captain follows next leading the first Division of Pikes and brought up by his own Lieutenant The next Division of Muskettiers is led by the third Captains Lieutenant and the Reer of the first grand Division is brought up by the third Captain There ought to be full 18 foot of ground betwixt each Division he that brings up a Division ought to be cleer six foot behinde the same and he that leads to be six foot before so that there will be six foot proportion of ground betwixt them both for the better distinguishing of their Divisions the Leaders and Bringers-up thereof And where there is not room sufficient for the marching so many abrest as they are now ordered they must subdivide being careful to preserve their Divisions marching in greater depths at their due distance of open order in rank and order in file For the Serjeants must not presume upon any sub-dividing to bring them down in the Reer of them that march before and keep them intire in all their respective Divisions And it must be their observation to attend upon the Flanks even abrest with those Leaders of Files that were taken off that when there is ground and room enough they more readier know where to finde them and to lead them up again as they were at first Care likewise must be had upon any sub-dividing of the Pikes that there be none of the Colours divided who are in a Regimental way to march all three together according to their first placing These rules and observations concern both grand Divisions Now the first being led away as is before exprest there ought to be sufficient ground betwixt each grand Division for the leading of the Carriages and in the first place there is to be considered that to most Regiments there is allowed two Waggons for the Baggage and Ammunition and two Field-pieces or great Cannon besides other Carriages which more concern the Victual for the Souldiers as occasion shall require now concerning the ordering and securest placing of all these upon the March will be in the midst of the Regiment and to have those which are ordred for their Guard to be Fire-locks or to have Snap-hances for the avoiding of the danger which might happen by the Cole of the Match and being placed where any attempt of the Enemy shall fall on either to Front Reer or either Flank the Cannon may thus be easily drawn forth to fire upon them and all the wood of the Carriages with their Guard to be ordred in the Reer where-ever the assault should happen for their better security and safety The Major in the next place if he please may lead the second grand Division to which purpose he draws off with the assistance of his own Lieutenant the first Division of Muskettiers his Lieutenant being six foot behinde him and so much before the Muskettiers The next that follows is the second Body of Pikes which is led by the second Captain and brought up by his own Lieutenant The last Division of Muskettiers is led by the Lieutenant-Colonels Lieutenant and the Reer of the whole Regiment is brought up by the Lieutenant-Colonel The Serjeants are to march upon the Flanks attending their own men that when they are to be reduced into Companies they may know more readier where to finde them and according to order they may draw them off to compleat up their Captains Companies As for the Drums the care thereof belongs to the Drum-Major to place and to ease them timely by reliefs to beat as many or as few as he shall think fit to which purpose he orders them to fall in betwixt the second and third Rank of Muskettiers and Pikes of each Division but when they are all even abrest the Drums are placed according as you see them marked The Figure for the long-March in the next place followeth CHAP. VII The first Exercise of a Regiment in the plainest and easiest way THe Major finding the commodiousness of the ground may draw them up all even abrest again and proceed to exercise them in a Regimental way conferring before-hand with the Captains Lieutenants Ensigns and Serjeants what he intends to do Whether he will exercise every Maniple or Division as is usual in a private Company in all their plain Motions and Firings which may be very proper and easily done or otherwise proceed to more variety in every Division to give them commands as one man either to face double or otherwise according to discretion And having fully instructed them of all his intents and purposes he must begin to consider of the best manner for the managing of the same To which end he shall do well to command the first grand Division to advance forward 12 paces clear of the second and after face them to the Front and they will stand in manner as in Folio 147. After he must consider how many Files of Muskettiers there are and whether he can branch them forth into equal Divisions sutable to the Pikes but finding them to stand but 18 of a side he shall do well for time of his Exercise to draw off eight Files of Muskettiers from the Reer which were formerly appointed to guard the Ammunition or Baggage and add two to every Division of Muskettiers which will make them 20 Files of each side of the Pikes and then he may thus proceed Command Files to their open order and Ranks to close forward to order in each grand Division every five Files of Muskettiers of each Division close to the right to order the first six files of Pikes in each grand Division close to the right to order the rest of the Pikes close every five Files to the right to the same distance then there will be in each grand Division four Divisions of Pikes and eight of Muskettiers in manner as
the right and left outward Direction The 12 last Divisions face outward and march clear of the standing part face to your Leader move up all even abrest and double according to command Command The 12 inmost Divisions double the six outmost to the right and left outward advancing Direction The 12 middle Divisions advance forward until you be six foot clear of the standing part then face outward and march until you stand straight before the six outmost face to your Leader and after face inward and move forward until they stand again unto eighteen foot distance from each other to your Leader Command Divisions double the Depth of the Battail to the right Direction Every even Division from the right face about to the right and move down eighteen foot clear of the Reer face to the left and move until you stand straight with those Divisions on the right which you are to double to your Leader Command The 12 last Divisions in the Reer double the Front to the right Direction The 12 last Divisions face to the right and move six paces then face to the left march forward and double the Front to the right and they will be reduced CHAP. X. Four several Wheelings with their Reducement Command DIvisions wheel about to the right and move down into the Reer Direction Front-divisions wheel about to the right and move down into the Reer the rest march up into the same ground wheeling to the right hand and following successively after face to your Leader Command Divisions wheel about to the right to the left Flank Direction Face to the right and the outmost Divisions wheel about to the right and march away unto the place of the left Flank the rest moving up into the same ground wheeling about to the right and following accordingly to your Leader Command Divisions wheel about to the right from the Reer into the Front Direction Face to the Reer and let the first Divisions wheel about to the right and move up into the Front the rest marching forward into their ground wheeling off and following in like manner Command Divisions wheel about to the right to the right Flank Direction Face all to the left and let the outmost Divisions wheel about to the right and move forward to the right Flank the rest marching up into their ground following after in the same kind reduceth them CHAP. XI Countermarches not fit to be used in the Exercising of Regiments IT might be expected after Doublings that I should shew some kinds of Countermarches amongst the Military Motions in the exercise of a Regiment but being of very little use or practise amongst Commanders in these times especially in such great Bodies and for my own part I fancy them not therefore have passed them over and pitcht upon such wheelings which by some are accounted Countermarches Whose judgements my desire is better to inform by these several reasons following wherein and in what kind they differ from them As thus by these wheelings they keep their distance in Rank and File unto Order and wheeling entire unto any hand down to the Reer cannot be performed but by gaining in the Motion before the Front and unto all places as they move so much ground as is the Length of their particular Divisions and in the execution thereof they still preserve the honour of the right and left-hand-file-leaders and all others as are concerned in their particular Divisions unto any accidental Front which they shall be brought unto Now concerning Countermarches they are to be performed either by single Files Ranks Half-files or Half-ranks and at their distance of Open Order their words of Command having relation to all these particulars Their Countermarching of Files to the Reer gaineth no ground before the Front in the Motion but only the room of one particular File upon the right it preserveth not the honour of the right and left-hand-file-leader at one time by any one word of Command unto any of their Motions to such accidental Fronts they shall make but ever loseth it to some and giveth it to others And therefore it may appear cleerly unto any ingenious capacity that the former Wheelings cannot be accounted or given in their Motions in that kinde to the Souldiers for Counter-marches but by such terms as in their place are set down In the next place I shall speak something of the great benefit or use that may be made of these sorts of Wheelings as first a Commander may use them in the Motions of Doublings to Front Reer right-flank or left or double either the length or depth of the Battail unto all needful places as occasion shall require which I shall forbear to set down but leave them to the discretion of the ingenious Souldiers practise when time and opportunity shall serve him to make use of them In the next place they are very necessary to draw off any part and to bring them unto such needful places for Service as are in eminent danger Therefore passing over for present what might be more spoken of in this kinde I come in the next place to shew one Figure of Battail to fire upon and then conclude my Exercise upon this Regiment and go on unto the rest Command Pikes close Files to the right to Order then let them in the Reer double their Front to the left intire Muskettiers advance forward until your Front-divisions exceed six foot the Front of Pikes the two inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front move forward 20 paces and close inward to open Order the two inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer face about and move down six paces and close inward to open Order to your Leader Muskettiers upon the Flanks close to the Body of Pikes to open Order Middle-divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer by each Flank face about Middle-divisions of Muskettiers by each Flank move forward six foot cleer of the standing part face to your Leader and it will set forth the Figure as it stands in Folio 151. CHAP. XII Several Firings to be performed upon the former Figure and how to be managed by the several Officers THe Regiment being drawn up into the former Figure they may proceed to Firings upon it first let the Forlorns fire five or six times over being commanded by the eldest Captains Lieutenant who is to be assisted by a couple of able Serjeants after let him wheel them off to the right and left and bring them down in the Reer of the Pikes Then let the second Captains Lieutenant being assisted by two Serjeants lead up the reserves by the outside of the Pikes at such time when the Forlorns begin to come off for the better securing of them from danger upon their retreat then let them move forward to their ground and give fire in like manner falling in the Reer of themselves and after wheel them off to the right and left and bring them down in the Reer of those Muskettiers that are behind the Pikes
Then let the Front and Reer-divisions of Muskettiers next the Flanks advance forward 12 paces the Muskettiers upon the right to be led away by the Captain-Lieutenant and those upon the left by the third Captain being assisted by four Serjeants apiece let them fire the first Divisions some six or eight times over falling in the Reer of themselves then wheel them off to the right and left into the ground of those Divisions that follow them and facing again to their Front then let the Reer-divisions advance forward into their places and give fire in like manner to the former which being ended let those four divisions be led down into their first places Then let the next eight Divisions by the Pikes advance forward until they be cleer of the standing part those four Divisions upon the right are to be led away by the Majors Lieutenant and the Captain-Lieutenants Bringer-up and those four Divisions upon the left by the Lieutenant-Colonels Lieutenant and the third Captains Lieutenant assisted by 12 Serjeants then let them fire some half a score times the Front-divisions falling in the Reer of themselves after wheeling off to the right and left into the ground of their Reer-divisions they then moving up into their places may fire after the same manner and having ended they may be led down all again into their first places Then Command the first Divisions of Muskettiers to face about to the right and let them and the two last Divisions move forward and range even abrest with those that stand before them and after face all to the Front then let the Muskettiers face outward and move 12 paces and after face again to the Front then move up those divisions that were the Forlorn-hope to the right and left into the Front unto their first places and those that were the Reserves up even abrest with the Reer from whence they were taken after let them fire in and even Front altogether some half a score times over and fall in the Reer of themselves then let the Colonels eldest and second Captains move forward the Pikes and charge on if they please the Colours falling in the second Rank being furled up and after let all order their Arms and reduce them into Companies again Reducement Left-half-ranks of Pikes face about and move down until you range even with the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers face to your Leader Right-half-ranks of Pikes advance forward and range even abrest with the Front-divisions of Muskettiers Files close to the left to Order of each grand Division then they will stand in two grand Divisions as at first the one in the Reer of the other then draw up the second grand Division provided there be room upon the left of the first Then let a Serjeant of each particular Company draw off those thirteen Files which before were taken off to ballance the Divisions into equal number and were appointed for the guard of the Ammunition or Baggage and bring them to joyn with their own Arms where their Captains Companies stands Which being done let every Captain draw off his own men being assisted by his Lieutenants and Serjeants and compleating them up into a Body as at first his Pikes to be flanked with Muskettiers they may after march away in single Companies after such manner unto their several Quarters as shall be appointed to them by the Major And here I shall conclude concerning a Regiment of six Companies CHAP. XIII The manner of drawing up a Regiment consisting of seven Companies conteining in the four Captains twelve Files of Muskettiers and six of Pikes in each of their particular Companies and in the three Field-Officers sixteen Files apiece of Muskettiers and eight of Pikes which amounts to the number of 864 men IT hath been my observation in the City of London and the Suburbs thereof there being eighteen Regiments nine of the Trained Bands and nine of the Auxiliaries that their Regiments in some have but six Companies others and that for the most part seven and again in some and but a few to have eight Companies I shall therefore for the better satisfaction of such as remain unskill'd herein go through them all partly to shew the practise of this our City in their several drawings up with the reasons to confirm the same And having passed over as much as is convenient to satisfie any ingenious Souldier concerning the drawing up of six Companies in a Regimental-way with the confirmation and reasons of every particular Officer as he there stands it may in many things give full light to this that follows of seven Companies Yet nevertheless for more fuller satisfaction herein I shall shew the true manner hereof that I may not be wanting to any Souldiers benefit that he shall receive thereby Where note for better Order herein that I have pitcht upon a particular number of men although it may many times fall out so that the Captains Companies and the Field-Officers cannot be so full as I have here set down Or again it may chance to fall out as in our Trained Bands of London that they be a great deal fuller as sometimes they are for I have led a particular Company my self upon a general day being drawn into the Filed consisting of above 300 men Yet nevertheless whether the Companies be great or small observe this general Rule make two grand Divisions and ballance their number equal in both Arms and make no more Sub-divisions then what you have Captains to lead and Lieutenants to bring up and let the Serjeants march by the Flanks and not presume either to lead or bring up any divisions being conceived by most to be very improper And again if you fight the Regiment let your Muskettiers as neer as you can be equal alike in their Sub-divisions as they may most conveniently fall out whether four five or six abrest it makes no great matter always leaving in time of fight between such numbers of Files six foot of ground interval for to wheel off their Ranks after they have fired Now suppose the whole Regiment were marching to their general place of Randezvous the Major being there beforehand attending the Companies coming in he Orders to the Colonels Company the most convenient place for their drawing up and next to him the fourth Captains Company upon the left and next to him the third Captain and after him the eldest or first Captain which makes the first grand Division In the next place he orders the Lieutenant-Colonels Company to be on the left of the whole Regiment standing in even Front with the Colonel upon the right of him the second Captain is placed and after him the Majors own Company which make up the second grand Division Having thus far proceeded let the Major command the Pikes and Colours to advance forward ten paces before the Front of Muskettiers then let him close the Pikes of the first four Companies to the right to Order and the Pikes of the last to the left to
Reer of all his whole Body move forward with the rest to the Church-door then falling off in respect of ordering his Company the rest of the Train Marching into the Church After which the Captain may cause them all to face to the Church or to their Leader he standing then before the Church-door commanding them to Rank again as they were After every Leader may draw off his File and set their Arms apart in each File by themselves and go in to hear part of the Sermon if there should be any such order before-hand from their Captain placing Sentinels to look to their Arms. And when Sermon is almost done they ought to go forth of the Church and draw forth the Files by some little warning of Drums to be in readiness to answer such directions as they shall receive from their Captain who may if he have conveniency of room draw all his Muskettiers into a Ring and the Pikes in like manner on the outside of them and as soon as the Souldiers have notice being all ready and presented that the Body is laid down in the grave they may upon warning of the Drum give one volley of shot all together and after make ready again performing the same twice over more After which the Ensign may put his Colours upon his Staff and furl them up then the Pikes may be drawn up again into one Body and the Muskettiers into another and falling in the Reer of the Pikes they may troop away And a little before the place of lodging the Colours they may make Alt and the Muskettiers may sleeve up by the outside of the Pikes from the Reer filing to the right and left making a Guard for the Colours and Pikes to march through them and being cleer and the Colours lodged they may face about again to the right and give another volley of shot but if there should be such a streight of ground that the Muskettiers cannot be drawn into a Ring then they must be otherwise disposed of by making them into two Ranks the one on the one side of the Street and the other on the other side facing them either in opposition or in an oblique manner if in opposition they must present very low and give fire three times all together as before with one volley after another if oblique the one Rank is to be faced towards the upper end of the Street and the other towards the lower end and so may fire with less danger to each other the Pikes to be filed away to the right and left behind the Muskettiers before they were thus faced And again where they have not length of ground to contrive the Muskettiers into two single Ranks they may fire all together as they stand at Order mounting up the Muzzles of their Muskets into the Air without offending each other Therefore according to the conveniency of the ground it must be the discretion of every Commander to order his men accordingly to perform his three volleys of shot in the most gracefullest way which being ended they may all return to their Quarters And thus much may suffice for satisfaction to any Commander in ordering his single Company to any Funeral-occasion marching along of it self CHAP. XXVI The ordering of a Regiment to a Funeral-occasion WHen Companies are to march in a Regimental-way care must be had that the Regiment be first drawn up according to this Rule The Pikes to be in one Body and the Muskettiers equally divided to flank that Body after which let the Major make his Divisions appointing the places of every Captain and Lieutenant where they shall lead and where they shall bring up After that they may move away towards the place or lodging of him that is to be interred and there make Alt opening the Van-guard or Muskettiers and facing them to the Reer then let the Body of Pikes and them interchange ground that the Pikes may march next the Hearse in manner as before exprest of a private Company whose smaller Bodies take Rule from the greater Then let the Lieutenant-Colonel lead the Regiment and the Colonel bring it up and so in like manner in every Division the Bringers-up are to lead and the Leaders to bring up All Officers and their Arms being thus reverst the Front becomes the Reer and the Reer the Front they must move slowly away and before the Corps pass into the Church there must be ground reserv'd that after the Muskettiers have first made a Guard the Pikes may move through them and may also in like manner file in their Ranks as the Muskettiers did joyning to them and making a Guard in like manner of each Arms. After which the whole Train may pass through in an orderly manner into the Church the Souldiers in the mean time attending without until Sermon be passed over And being all in a readiness they may give three several Peals or Volleys of shot according to such warnings as shall be given them After which the Souldiers being ranked again as they were if they have conveniency of ground the Major may cause the Captains to draw off their Companies and troop home to their several Quarters according to their best conveniency But if they have not room it will be most properest for the Major to command the Muskettiers to stand and first to rank the Pikes again as they were Then let the Drums beat a Troop upon the head of the Pikes in the Reer of the Colours and let the Ensigns and Pikes first troop away through the Guard of the Muskettiers who being cleer of them and being led by the Colonel and other Officers there appointed the Muskettiers may also rank again in like manner and fall in the Reer of the Pikes following them until they come unto a convenient place or ground for the Captains drawing off their Companies as they shall receive order from the Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel or Major And here I will conclude my Discourse concerning the Exercising of the Infantry in all their Military Motions and Exercises FINIS The Postures of the Musket to be performed without the Rest The Musket lying on the ground with Bandeliers and Match the first Word of Command will be Stand to your Arms. Take up your Bandeliers Put on your Bandeliers Take up your Match Place your Match Take up your Musket letting the Butt-end rest upon the Ground Rest your Musket in your left hand bringing the Butt-end to your right side Poyse your Musket Shoulder your Musket Unshoulder your Musket and Poyse Ballance your Musket in your left hand with the Barrel upwards Open your Pan. Clear your Pan. Prime your Pan. Shut your Pan. Cast off your loose Corns Blow off your loose Corns and bring about your Musket to your left side carrying the Barrel downwards Ballance your Musket in your left hand Find out your Charge Open your Charge Charge with Powder Draw forth your Scowring-stick Turn and shorten to an inch Charge with Bullet Put your Scowring-stick in
with us the Horse and Foot have but one Auditor-General who passeth no sentence himself but it is done by a Council of War in which every Captain hath a Vote XII Of the Provost-Marshal THe Provost-Marshal ought to be an honest man for that he is to look to the Weights and Measures and to protect the Victuallers and Sutlers from the insolencies of the Souldiers Himself or one of his men must always be in the Market-place and is to inform himself at what rates the Sutlers buy their Victual that the Commissary and Auditor may rate them accordingly He must see the Orders published in the Horse-quarter strictly observed and he must cleer those Quarters of vagrants and idle fellows He must always carry his Truncheon in his hand and having the same it is death for any Souldier to lay hands on him If he be to take a prisoner he is not to enter the Quarter without leave of the Chief who is to cause the Delinquent to be delivered up to him but if the Delinquent offer to make escape he may then enter the Quarter by his own Authority In marching he is to cleer the Ways and to prevent the stragling Souldiers of Pillaging CONCERNING The Enrolling Arming and Exercising OF THE CAVALRY ALl things must be presupposed in a Souldier to be enrolled into the the Cavalry which are common to him with the Infantry as soundness of Body vigour of Members of fitting Age between 20 and 40. a Resolution to addict himself to that Profession and a Desire to learn it a vertuous emulation of Advancement by Merit due Obedience to his Superiours and a strict observation of Military Discipline above all the fear of God which will direct him to follow Virtue and abhor Vices with these general Qualifications he ought to be endowed and as to the Profession he hath now undertaken these particular Faculties are necessary He ought to be active nimble and to know well what belongs to a Horse he must be curious and careful to keep his Horse and Arms in good order He must wear a Scarf of his Princes or Generals Colours and not put it off though he go out of his Quarter whether alone or in Company by which means besides the Ornament they will by the thoughts of whose Badge it is forbear many unfitting Words and Actions they being subject by that to be discovered I. Of the Arming of the Cuirassier THe Cuirassier is to be armed in this manner His Horse being about 15 hand high strong swift and well managed His Arms a close Casque or Head-piece Gorget Brest Pistol and Caliver-proof the Back Poldrons Vanbraces two Gauntlets Tassers Cuissets Culets or Guard de vain all fitting to his Body A good Sword very stiffe and sharp pointed with Girdle and Hangers so fastned upon his Cuirass as he may readily draw it a Buff-Coat with long skirts to wear between his Armour and his Cloaths He must have two Cases with good Fire-lock-Pistols hanging at his Saddle the Barrel being 18 Inches long and the bore fitting for Bullets of 20 or 24 in the pound to rowl in He is to have a Boy and a spare Nag to carry his spare Arms and Oat-sack and to get him Forrage His Saddle and Bit must be strong made after the best manner he must wear his Scarf and must have his Bridle made with a Chain to prevent cutting II. Of managing of the Horse and Arms. COncerning the Horse supposing him to be of sufficient stature and strength nimble of joynts and sure of foot he must of necessity be made fit for service so that you may have him to be ready at command to pace trot gallop to run in full carreer also to advance stop retire and turn readily to either hand and all with alacrity and obedience Now to bring him to this ready turning he is to be ridden the Ring and Figure of 8. first in a large then in a narrower compass First upon his pace then upon the trot and so to the gallop and carreer He may be taught these things by using the Hand Leg and Voyce for the Hand observing not to move the Arm only the Wrist if you would have him to face to the Left a little motion of the little Finger on that Rein and a touch of the left Leg without using the Spur doth it If to face or turn to the Left about then a little harder If you would have him to Trot move both your Legs a little forward for the gallop more forward and for the carreer to yerk them most forward and to move the Body a little forward also with it After every motion performed it were good to keep him some small time in that motion As when you bid him stand to stand a while c. Also it were not amiss after every thing well performed to give him some Bread or Grass for a reward For the Voyce you may use the Words Advance Hold Run or the like but because the Voyce cannot always be heard it were therefore best to use him most to the motion of the Hand and Leg. It is also very necessary that you teach him to go side-ways this he may be brought unto by laying his Provender somwhat far from him in the Manger and keeping him from turning his head towards it You must use him to the smell of Gun-powder the sight of Fire and Armor the hearing of Shots Drums and Trumpets all by degrees and with discretion When he is at his Oats you may fire a little Gun-powder at a good distance from him and so neerer by degrees Afterwards a Pistol at a distance and so neerer by degrees and in like manner may a Drum or Trumpet be used He may sometimes be dressed in Armor and eat his Oats upon a Drum-head It will be useful sometimes to cause two Muskettiers at convenient distance from you to fire at each other and thereupon to ride up close to him Also to ride him upon a compleat Armor upon a stake and overthrow it and trample upon it by which means he will grow bold not fearing to attempt any Object You may use him to mountanous and uneven Ways and teach him to Leap Swim c. Of Exercising the Cuirassier BEfore I speak of the particular Postures belonging to the exercising of the Cuirassier I will begin with this necessary preparative to Posture viz. Command 1. To Horse Direction Both Reins hanging in a loose posture over the Horse-neck and upon the Pummel of the Saddle the Horsman is first to take the end of the Reins above the Button in his right Hand and with the Thumb and two first Fingers of that Hand to draw them to an even length Then putting the little finger of his left Hand between both Reins under the Button with the other three fingers of the same Hand on the farther Rein and the Thumb on the nether side of the Button to grasp both Reins that so before he endeavour to mount he may
would say Command To the left hand Direction It is done by turning towards the left hand until their faces front to that place which was before the Reer To reduce them to their first form as that must be observed the word is Command To the right hand about as you were Command To the left hand about Command Ranks to the right double The use hereof hath been shewed before but to perform it this is the Direction Every other Rank that is every even Rank is to pass into the odd upon the right hand of his Leader the second Rank into the first and so successively To reduce them the Word is Command Ranks as you were Direction It is best done by causing those Ranks which doubled to stand and those that stood to advance Command Ranks to the left double Direction The difference of this Motion from the former is nothing but that here they which double do it to the left hand of their Leaders which before they did to their right hands as the Figure maketh it plain This done they must be reduced by commanding Command Ranks as you were Command Files to the Right Double Direction Let the second File pass into the First every man behinde his side-man accounting from the right hand the fourth into the third and so the rest which must be done through the whole Company at one instant But because the first Rank of the Troop is as the edge and the Files are for the most part appointed but five deep there seemeth no great necessity of doubling Files To reduce them the Word is Command Files to the left as you were Command Files to the left double Direction The Difference between this and the former Motion is the difference of hands only And by this means those Files which stood before must move now and they which moved before now stand as appears by the Figure They are reduced by commanding Command Files as you were or Ranks to the Right double Command Half Files to the Right hand double the Front Direction Middle Men double the first Rank on the right hand the other three Ranks double the threee following Ranks To reduce them the Word is Command Half files as you were But it is better to cause them that doubled to stand and the first Division to advance Command Half-Files to the Left hand double the Front Direction This Motion differs from the former in the hand only There is also doubling of Ranks by the Half Files entire to the right or left or both by Division but because the Files especially of Guirassiers are seldome above five deep the doubling of Ranks Half-files c. is little used The reducing of them is shewed in the former Motion Command Bringers-up to the right hand double the Front Direction The last Rank must pass into the first and so successively every one by the right hand of his Leader as in the figure It is of goood use but troublesome for the Horse to perform especially in the reducing so it may be used or omitted as shall be thought fit To reduce them Command Bringers-up as you were Command Files to the Left hand Countermarch Though it were fit to begin with the right hand yet for the convenient turning of the Horse to the left I think it not amiss to prefer the left Direction The Figure sufficiently represents the manner of the Motion which represents the Choraean manner there be also Countermarches after the Macedonian and Lacedemonian ways which for brevity are here omitted Command Files close to the right and left to your close Order Direction Being about to wheel the Troop they must be closed first the Files and then the Ranks And being to open them again the Ranks are first to be opened and then the Files All the Files close to the right and left towards the middle of the Body Command Ranks close forward to your close Order Direction All the Ranks move forward saving the first which stand The second Rank having their distance stand and so all the rest The Horse being to wheel it must be conceived that it cannot be performed by them in so exact a manner nor in so strait a room as the Foot therefore the Commander is to ride a reasonable compass that so the Horse may do it with convenience Command To the left hand Wheel Certain Authors as Melzo and Basta would have the Horse in all their Wheelings to do it by the left which is the readier way unless the ground or other hinderace will not permit it the Wheeling to the Right is here omitted which should in order go first Direction All the Body must move to the left upon the left File-leader who is the Center or Hinge upon which the whole Body turneth To reduce them Command Wheel as you were There is also Wheeling to the Right or Left about Wheeling Wings into the Front c. To reduce them into their first Order Direction First the Ranks are to be opened then the Files which bringeth them to their first form In opening of Ranks the only way is to do it by opening forward These and such like Motions are directed and commanded by the Voice of the Commander but because the Voice cannot at all times be heard especially in gross bodies by reason of the clashing of Armor trampling and neighing of Horses tumultuous sounds and noise of the Multitude and that especially in fight Antiquity hath invented helps making three kinds of Military Signs or Directions 1. Vocal which is by the Commanders Voice pronounced by the inferior Officers to the Ear. 2. Semivocal by Drum Trumpet or other Warlike instrument to the Ear. 3. Mute By Signs to the Eye as by the Ensign Standard c. The Cavalry therefore must be taught distinctly to know the Sounds of the Trumpet as when to clap on their Saddles when to mount when to repair to their Cornet when to Troop away when to give a Charge when to retreat when to attend the Watch and the like All which being the louder Voice of the Commander they must perfectly observe and obey Notwithstanding I have here propounded a Troop of 64 Horse to be exercised in their Motions and those of eight in File yet the general opinion is that a Troop ought not to be deeper then five in File though the Troop do consist of 100 Horse Every Troop must be furnished with A Captain A Lieutenant A Cornet A Quartermaster Three Corporals Two Trumpetters A Clerk A Sadler A Ghyrurgeon A Farrier When the Troop is to March they are to be divided into three equal parts according to the number of Corporals which parts are called Squadrons and distinguished by these Names The Captains Lieutenants and Cornets Squadron The first Squadron is to be led by the Captain the second by the Cornet the third by the eldest Corporal the Lieutenant and Quartermaster are to march in the Reer The manner how a Troop of 60 Horse besides Officers should March
O The Pummel sometimes called the Cascabel A L B M The Concave Cylinder M O The Breech of the Piece M N The thickness of the Metal at the Breech The Metal of the Piece which is about the Mouth above A and B is called the Muzzle-Ring Thus much for the Description of the parts of the Gun now for its Carriage c. What proportion the several parts of the Carriage ought to bear to the Gun it is to carry as also of the Rammer Ladle Lanade or Spunge c. EVery Carriage ought to be in length once and an half the length of the Concave Cylinder of the Piece The Planks at the fore-end of the Carriage ought to be in depth four Diameters of the Bore of the Piece At the middle of the Planks three Diameters and an half and at the end next the ground two and an half And they ought to be in thickness one Diameter For the Traverses or bars of Wood that joyn these Planks together the foremost must be three Diameters and an half in length and must enter one half of a Diameter in length into either of the Cheeks or Planks That in the middle must be four Diameters in length and enter into the Cheeks as the former And that at the foot or lower end of the Carriage must be in length five times the Diameter and entred into the Planks as the former The Wheels must be in height one half of the length of the Piece the Circles must be equal both in breadth and thickness to one Diameter of the Bore the Spokes or Arms three times the Diameter The Cube three Diameters in thickness and three and an half in length The Bore of the Cube must be one Diameter and the length of the Axle-tree eight Diameters and two third parts more The Wheels for the Saker and Minnion must be in height the half length of the Piece and 1½ part more And the Faulcon and Faulconet half the length and ⅙ part more Of the Ladle It is by some taken for a general rule that the Circumference of a Bullet being divided into five equal parts that three of those parts must be the breadth of the Ladle The bottom of every Ladle must be one Diameter and ⅓ long and of such a thickness as may with ease enter into the Bore of the Piece Of the Rammer The Rammer of every Piece must be made of hard Wood once and an half the Diameter long and so thick as it may with ease enter into the mouth of the Piece It must be bound at the lower end with a plate of Brass set on with brass or Copper-nails to strengthen it Of the Lanade or Spunge The bottome of the Lanade must be one Diameter and ⅔ parts in length and ⅔ parts of a Diameter in thickness covered with Lambs or Sheeps-skin the Wool-side outwards and made fast to the bottom with small brass Nayls The Staff both for the Lanade and Rammer must be one foot longer then the Cylinder of the Piece To every Piece there must be Coyns of several sizes some great some small and also Leavers proportionable to the Piece the Coyns to keep the Piece at any elevation it shall be set to and the Leavers to move the Piece and Carriage upon the Platform Cautions Before you attempt to charge your Piece see that the Ground or Platform be level that the Wheels of your Carriage be of equal height that the Trunnions of your Gun lie right in the Carriage If they be not cause them to be amended or expect to make no perfect shot How to Load any piece of Ordnance both surely and fafely BEfore you load your Piece take care to cleanse the Touch-hole and sweep the Piece clean within with a dry Lanade or Spunge then observing the Winde set your Powder-barrel to weather your Piece and your Linstock on the contrary Then filling your Ladle give it a gentle knock on the foot that the loose Corns may shake off into the barrel then put your Ladle into your Piece and being come to the bottome of the bore draw it back two fingers breadth and turn it over then take it out and with your Rammer you standing on the right side of your Piece ham the Powder close into the Chamber of the Piece another in the mean time holding the Finger or Thumb upon the Touch-hole that the Powder may not fly out that way If the Touch-hole be full it is a sure sigh that the Powder is well rammed and if your Piece be to be charged at twice you must do this after each Ladle-ful Then take a wisp of Hey or Straw and chrust it hard into the mouth of the Piece after the Powder that no loose Corns may remain in the empty part of the Cylinder and ram that ha●d home upon the Powder Then again take a dry Lanade and cleanse the Cylinder of the Piece that ●oothing be left in the hollow Cylinder to hinder the Bullets way This done make your Bullet very clean that neither Earth nor Sand hang upon it and put it gently into your Piece and after it a wad of Hey or Straw easily rammed And here note that in doing this you must not stand right before the mouth of your Piece but on one side for fear of mischances and having charged your Piece you must lay your Ladle Lanade Scowrer and Rammer on the right side of your Piece the Ladle and Lanade their heads towards the mouth and the Rammer and Scowrer towards the Breech of the Piece Your Piece being thus charged direct her to the intended Mark and then Prime her in the doing of which First with your Priming-iron enter the Touch-hole and let your Powder come from the Touch-hole to the Base-ring for there you may fire safely for if you fire at the Touch-hole your Linstock may be forced out of your hand therefore some use to prime their Gun two or three inches forward off the Touch-hole for if that be large the more care must be had in firing In firing of any Piece take your Linstock in your right hand and coming to the side of your Piece set forward one Leg keep your Body upright and your Arm extended at full length the cole of your Match being cleared give fire to the Powder so shall you perform your work both safely and gracefully Another way of Loading a Piece of Artillery There is another way used to load Guns which is by Cartredges these Cartredges are made either of Canvas or Paper rowled upon a Former or Rowler turned something less then the hollow Cylinder of your Piece these being sewed or pasted and having bottoms put to them are filled at spare times in Garrisons or other places with a due charge of powder belonging to the Piece for which they were made and are ready whensoever occasion shall require one of these being put into the mouth of the Piece together with the Bullet and well wadded and rammed with your priming-iron