Military Observations FOR THE EXERCISE OF THE FOOT CHAP. I. By way of Introduction HAving passed some few Collectives to the service of the Horse I was desired to do the like for the foot figuring out each Command or platforme after the proportion of Six in File which is according to our late Mode of discipline There have been many Books writ of this Military Art in the Exercise of the Foot both ancient and Moderne but of our later writers I referr our new commission'd Gentlemen to the perusal of Bingham Hexham Barrife and Ward I would not have Elton although a Parliament Officer wholly to be laid aside for I have received informations of the great Worth and parts of the Gentleman To them whose experience have been their masterpiece I am silent desiring with all submission rather to learn from such than presume to direct Those Gentlemen are to be commended that will bestow time in reading of this Art but especially such as put in practice what they read which is the readiest way to make men fit for the service of their King and Country For what maketh a man more confidently Couragious than knowledge There are many Gentlemen that are greater Readers of the Wars than Practitioners of the same who have had some cavelling disputes about the discipline thereof not considering the great change that time hath made and experience hath found out in Martial affaires In the reading of the Roman and Grecian Orders Discipline and Government of their Armies I had thought to have given you a tast thereof but deserving a better Pen than mine to set forth the Gallantry of them I shall be silent And yet if it were possible to renew them it would never work the like effect as it did against their Enemies One great cause thereof is supposed that they made better pay-men in those dayes Vice was severely punished Vertue most bountifully rewarded and when the Wars were ended such as deserved well were both regarded and rewarded or else remained inrolled in pensionary pay so by that meanes the Exercise of Armes continued It is to be observed that where Payment and Reward cease there Discipline and good Order ceaseth also As for the Exercise of Armes belonging to the Infantry it is the part of the young Souldier to learn and practise in the first place the Postures and well handling of Armes Which I may term to be the single Accidence of this Art before he enters his Syntaxis and it must be done by endeavouring to set some time apart for the exercise thereof There have been many that have not only disputed but have writ against the many Postures now used but being shamefully confuted by our Moderne Writers I shall be silent and proceede to those Postures belonging to such Armes that are now in use in the Country which are far short of what is compleat in Exercise in the Cities of London and Westminster and therein of those Honourable Societies of the Artillery and Military Gardens and also now of late The Criple with out Criplegate CHAP. II. Of the postures of the Pike and Musquet BEfore I give you the postures of them both I shall give you a brief definition of a Posture A Posture is a mode or Garb that we are fixed unto in the well handling of our Armes In which there are motions attendant unto the same for the better grace Presupposing your company to be in the Field and drawn up in a ready way for Exercise then the best way is to Exercise them apart by drawing of the body of Pikes from their Musquets that each may be Exercised in their particular Postures by themselves Only there are some Postures of the Pike and Musquet which are answerable to each other by conformity which ought to be performed in a Body or upon a March as occasion serveth as for Example In Marching All are to be shouldred In Trooping or in any other Motion the Pikes are to be advanced and the Musquets poysed In Porting of the Pike the Musquet to be rested In Trailing of the Pike the Musquet to be reversed which is the Funeral Posture When the Pike is Cheek'd the Musquet is to be rested at the Sentinel Posture when the Musquet is presented to fire the Pike is to be charged And when the Pike is Ordered most commonly especially in a stand or for Exercise the butt end of the Musquet is to be set to the Ground c. 〈◊〉 is most proper for the Captain to Exercise the Pikes himself I do not deny but he may Exercise both as he ought sometimes to do and the Ensign and Lieutenant are not to be negligent herein when they are commanded or in the absence of their superior Officer The next for the Exercise of the Pike in point of Antiquity and Honour the Gentleman of the Pikes craveth the precedency I have declared in the Exercise of the Horse what an excellent Vertue Silence is which ought in the first place to be commanded and most diligently observed The Body of Pikes from their March and standing all shouldered Command as followeth 1. Order your Pikes to your 1. open 2. close order This ought to be made use of always upon a stand And in the daytime it may serve for a Sentinel Posture And for the abatement of the fury of the Horse having the butt end of the Pike on the inside of the right foot Charge then to the Horse drawing your swords over your left arm having your Pike in your left hand you may then receive them by Commanding either to Charge to the Front Right Left Reere 1. Order your Pikes 2. Put up your swords This is only useful upon a stand of Pikes and by some able Souldiers it is not thought to be the securest charging against the Horse or of strength to make the greatest resistance in their full Career Therefore it hath been thought fit to be most convenient to close your files to your close Order and Ranks closing forward and being thus semented as it were will be the better able to ward any resistance From your Order Advance Shoulder Port Comport Cheeke Traile your Pikes Order as you were From your Order charge to the Front Right Left Reere Order as you were 2. Advance your Pikes This is useful upon all occasions when the Drum shall beat a Troop It is also useful in all motions of Doublings c. Only remember when they are reduced they put themselves or be commanded into the same Posture the standing Party was in From your Advance Shoulder Port Comport Cheeke Trail your Pikes Advance as you were From your Advance charge to the Front Right Left Reer Advance as you were 3. Shoulder your Pike This is useful and most proper upon a March It is useful in time of fight provided the Pikes be upon a stand for it doth not only preserve the Pikes from shattering but the Souldier also From your shoulder Port Comport Cheeke Trail your Pikes Shoulder as
may at one and the same time charge either in the Front or Reer in Front and Reer also in Front Reer and Flank and of these I shall demonstrate some that I at first learnt and some amongst others that are most convenient to be learnt Now that the Souldier might be expert in his firings against the Enemy let him be often exercised with firings only in the pan falling off and on as shall be Commanded All which being well performed by the Musquetteers is a full accomplishment of what hath been before taught him by which the Commander shall be credited and the Souldier preferred to his merit Of firing by forlorne files 1. That which is to be used in our modern exercise is two manner of wayes the two outmost files of each flank of Musquetteers to march with two Serjeants so far as shall be commanded and there to stand and the foremost ranks are to give fire and to fall into the Reer of themselves either by wheeling off to the right or to the right and left Then let the remaining do the like and fall into their places Those that have fired are to fall off on the inside of the Musquetteers between them and the Pikes and as they are thus trooping back after firing to their places the rest are in like manner to move away and fire and fall in next the Pikes 2. Accordingly as you draw out two files so you may draw out more files to the number of Musquetteers and so to fire and fall into the Reer of themselves and places c. 3. You may move them all clear of the Pikes and let them open from the midst leaving sufficient Intervals for their wheelings in the Reer of themselves and then to place themselves even with their Pikes the second having fired as before place themselves in the Reer of the first division c. 4. Advance the two outmost files by the Serjeants who are to lead them to the place for execution as by order received Commanding 1. Files to rank inward to present and give fire all together 2. You may rank inward two Files or more and fire as before And having fired are to wheel off to the right and left by their respective file leaders placing themselves next the Pikes I proceed to a second way of firing and that is by Ranks First By advancing before the Front Secondly firing even with the Front Thirdly firing even with the half files Advancing before the Front may be performed by advancing of single ranks and so firing in the Front or by advancing of both flanks into the Front before the Pikes and so to fire by single ranks Which is performed by Commanding Demyhearse 5. Pikes stand Musquetteers move forward and place your selves before in the Front of your Pikes and close your Divisions I mention nothing to tye up the hand of the ingenious to any stinted form whose ablities may command his figures at pleasure Observe that when the forlorn files or Ranks march out they are to give fire as upon a retreit that is to stand and fire and wheel off that their followers may do the like unless the Enemy give ground And when the two last ranks were presented the next two ranks must be ready to march forward being fixed to present and give fire also Thus having fired in the Front by one single Rank or more they are by wheeling off to place themselves in the Reer of their own divisions before the Pikes the rest doing the like until they have all fired round A second way of firing by this figure shall be a reducement to it First The Frontiers having performed their firing are to wheel off by division until they come down so low as to be even to the first ranks of Pikes and so to rank even a breast All the Musquetteers are so to do successively and flank themselves even with the Pikes 6. Ranks advancing from the Front of a standing Battalia A Serjeant from each Flank leading up the two formost Ranks according to order the first Rank is to give fire wheel off and place themselves in the Reer of their own divisions the second in order is to execute the same with speed being not above three foot distance from the first being ready with his Musquett palm'd his Cock bent and Muzzel mounted so to Present and give fire and so to wheel off and place themselves as their Leaders had done before them 7. Ranks firing even with the Front The first Rank having fired and wheeled off placing themselves in the Reer of their Divisions the next ranks are to move forwards at three motions into their places making good their leaders ground and there to present and give fire wheeling off and placing themselves as by the former directions By the way you must observe if the body be upon a march the Pikes must be shouldered and when they come to charge they are to close forward at their close order It is presupposed ere one firing or two be performed or past over the bodies are almost close Then the Pikes are to be at their Port and at length to be at their absolute Charge and push home and being so near they may do great execution with their Musquets firing upon the half files of Pikes as if they were even with the Front Which brings me to 8. Ranks firing even with the half files When the Pikes are charging then the musquetteers may perform this who are to advance no further than the half files of Pikes and there you may either fire one Rank or more at the discretion of the Commander and as soon as every Rank hath fired successively they are to wheel off and place themselves in the Reer of their own leaders When the firing is ended and each Souldier in his proper place the Musquetteers marching up even in breast with the Front of Pikes they are reduced But in this firing the Musquetteers are to make good their leaders ground except it be upon a retreit then they are to fire upon the same ground and to wheel off that their followers may doe the like unless the Enemy give ground Horn. Bat. 9. Command Pikes stand Musquetteers march until the bringers up rank even with the Front You may in this as with some of the former fire two Ranks ten paces advanced before the Front and so whel off and place themselves in the Reer of their own files OR Secondly let the first Rank of Musquetteers present and give fire and wheel off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of their own files then the second Rank firing are to advance into their leaders place firing and wheeling off in the same manner and so they are all successively to do the like Then Thirdly when they have all given fire let them begin again and the file leaders having fired they are to wheel off to the right and left flank themselves even with the Pikes the second Rank
you were From your shoulder charge to the Front Right Left Reer Shoulder as you were 4. Port your Pikes This is useful when the Souldiers are to enter either Gate or Sally-port and it is an ease for the Reer half Files to Port their Pikes when the Front is at their Charge From your Port Comport Cheeke Trail your Pikes Port as you were From your Port charge to the Front Right Left Reer Port as you were 5. Comport your Pikes This is necessary for a Souldier upon his March up a Hill to have his Pike Comported From your Comport Cheek Trail your Pike From your Comport charge to the Front Right Left Reer Comport as you were 6. Cheeke your Pikes This is useful for the Sentinel Posture From your Cheeke Trail your Pikes Cheeke as you were From your Cheeke charge to the Front Right Left Reer Cheeke as you were 7. Trail your Pikes This is useful in a Trench to move for security of any breach undiscovered and is seldom used else but marching through a Wood c. From your Trail charge to the Front Right Left Reer Trail as you were From your Trail Order your Pikes 8 Lay down your Pikes Oberve that if your Pikes be laid down when you begin your exercise then your Command must be 1. Handle 2. Raise your Pike to your Open order Order Close order c. You may observe that the Postures of the Pike some are for conveniency and ease to the Souldier as to expedition either in Marchings or other services commanded and the several charges serve either for defence or offence none ought to slight any of these Commands but to put them into practice for at some one time or other they may be useful Here followeth the Postures of the Musquet or Calliver In which I do affirm that the word of Command generally used Make ready is no Posture but a word for brevity presupposing the Souldier to be expert in all and doth include those postures precedent to that Present your Musquet and so from the Presenting of your Musquets the other postures following unto that Give fire which is the completement of all the rest of the Commands given Therefore for the better handling of Arms no Judicious Practitioner in this Art but will confess it is better to be Instructed from Posture to Posture for more comely and swifter execution thereof The Musquetteer being shouldered Command Snap-haunce Sloop your Musquets Let slip your Musquets 1. Vnshoulder your Musquet and Poyse 2. Palm or rest your Musquet 3. Set the Butt end of your Musquet to the ground 4. Lay down your Musquet 5. Take off your Bandeliers 6. Lay down your Bandeliers 7. Face about to the left march 8. Face about to the right and march to your Arms or stand to your Arms. 9. Take up your Bandeliers 10. Put on your Bandeliers 11. Take up your Musquet 12. Rest or Palm your musquet 13. Secure or Guard your cock 14. Draw back your hammer or steel 15. Clear your pan 16. Prime your pan 17. Put down your steel or hammer 18. Blow or cast off your loose corn 19. Bring or cast your musquet about to your left side Handle your Charger Open your Charger 20. Charge with Powder 21. Draw forth your scowring stick 22. Shorten your scowring stick 23. Charge with Bullet 24. Put your scouring stick into your Musquet 25. Rain home your charge 26. Withdraw your scouring stick 27. Shorten your scouring stick 28. Return your scouring stick 29. Bring forward your Musquet and poise 30. Palm or rest your Musquet 31. Fit your hammer or steel 32. Free your cock 33. Bend your cock 34. Present your Musquet 35. Give fire 36. Palm or rest your Musquet 37. Clear your Pan. 38. Shut your Pan. 39. Poyse your Musquet 40. Shoulder your Musquet Match-lock I need not here insert every Command but only add such as are used for the Match-lock wholly laying aside the rest Take your Match from between the fingers of your left hand Lay down your Match Take up your Match with your right hand Return or place your Match into your left hand Open your Pan. Clear your Pan. Prime your Pan. Shut your Pan. Draw forth your Match Blow your Coal Cock your Match Fit your Match Guard your Pan. Blow the ash from your Coal Open your Pan. Uncock and return your Match So you are ready for a March or in the Posture upon the first motion That which is called the Saluting Posture is to be performed from the resting or palming of the Musquet when he shall have an occasion as a Souldier to salute his Friend or to the honouring of any other person deserving And the Sentinel Posture is for the Musquet to be in the Palm of the left hand at his Resting posture But his Musquet to be charged with Powder and Bullet his Cock freed and to be secured with his Thumb so to be ready to execute his charge and commands given c. There is indeed a word of Command sometimes used Reverse your Musquet which is the marching Funeral Posture That is to put the butt end of your Musquet upwards under your left arm holding it in your left hand about the lock of your Musquet Thus I have finished the Postures of the Musquet or Caliver with a Snap-hance and with a Match-lock without a Rest for your further inquiry if there need be I refer you to Lieutenant Barriffe or Captain Ward If I should forget to say something of the excellency as to the use of the Half-Pike and Musquet that is now of use in the Artillery Garden Half-Pike first invented by Lieutenant Barriffe and Mr John Davis of London whatsoever is performed in the exercise thereof it is with greater ease than the Rest and Musquet is And knowing how far it hath been the care of many Souldiers by invention to make the Musquetteers as well defensive as offensive but none amongst many of their Projects was received like this all falling to the ground and this standing as the best being of most excellent service for it serveth as a Rest as a Pallisado to defend the Musquetteer from the Horse When the shot is all spent they may with that Weapon fall in among the Enemy and in the pursuit of an Enemy by reason of the lightness thereof and their nimbleness in Action may do great execution and in Trenches they are good seconds for the Souldiers preservation Those Souldiers that are thus Armed are the best to be commanded out upon any Party because they are the best able to defend themselves and offend their Enemies And when any hedges are to be lin'd with shot West Country that the Musquetteers by their forced service become silent and the ways deep and narrow then the Half-Pike will be of singular service And last of all the Souldâ—er so marching with his Half-Pike and Musquet It is not only a Grace to the Souldier but a Terrour to the Enemy Besides this hath
Division yet he is there misplaced for by the same rule in the second and third Opinion as you place the Collonel in the Dignity of a file leader the Lieutenant Collonel hath his Dignity in the place of a Bringer up the Major in the place of the half File leader the first Captain in the place of the Bringer up to the Front half-files Thus far all three joyntly go together and because there is no difference in number of men but equal in both parties they need not stand so much upon an equal opposement but that the second Captain Numb 5. may have his just place of honour immediately next unto his Collonel If it were not for this mode of Dignity according unto a File in the marching of a Regiment and so unto a Rank in a Body I might as well and better require satisfaction the number of each Company being equal in Souldiers why there may not be two field officers in the Collonels Division as well as in the Lieutenant Collonels which I leave to better judgments For the proof of my assertion as joyning with Barrife Ward and others in apointing the second Captain whose is the fift place of Honour next to the File leader or next to the Collonels own company both in Rank and File Bar. pa. 17. 1. The File leader ought to be the worthiest because he hath the Command of his File and marcheth first against the Enemie 2. The Bringer up ought to be the second place of Honour because his place of March is in the reer and is in most danger should the Enemie charge on that part 3. The half file leader is the third place of Honour because when the Front half files are taken off upon any occasion he is the leader unless he be commanded to face about 4. The last man or Bringer up of the Front half files is the fourth man in dignity for so he is when the Reer Division is taken of 5. The next man to the File leader hath the fift place of honour for one doubling brings him into the Front 6. The sixt place of Honour is before the Bringer up for if the Body be faced about one doubling brings him into that accidental Front or keeping of his proper Front by once doubling he becomes bringer up to the File leader 7. The seventh Dignity of place is his who marcheth next after the half file leader for when the half files double the Front or march forth then one doubling ranks him even with the Front 8. The eight place of Honour the File being but eight in depth is the third from the front for he may be made a File leader also although it may be with more trouble for by countermarching of the Front and Reere into the midst and then facing to the first Front and after doubling of Ranks makes him a File leader also I desire to speak nothing here to tye up the Ingenious to any particular fancy when his own reason shall guide him in this Military Discipline as may not be irregular and contrary to the rules of Art Now each Souldier being well exercised in the Postures of the Pike and Musquet and knowing their Dignity both in File and Rank will not stand still here but must be labouring to march farther in this field of Military Discipline that by the knowledge thereof his undaunted courage might conduct him to some higher worth or place of Dignity CHAP. IV. Of the Drum I Come in the next place to advise every Souldier to be careful and endeavour to know the several Beates thereof or else he may often fall short of his Captains Commands There are these several Beates to be taken notice of as Military signs for the Souldier to walk or guide his actions by and are termed Semivocall signes as you may see in the Horse service pa. 9. The several Beates or poynts of War are 1. A Call 2. A Troope 3. A March 4. A Preparative 5. A Battalia 6. A Retreit Besides these six there are two other Beats of the Drum 7. A Ta-to 8. A Revally The Ta-to is beaten when the Watch is set at the discretion of the Governour after which in most places or Garrisons of note there is a Warning piece discharged so that none are to be out of their houses without the word is given them c. A Revally is beaten in the morning by day light at which time the subofficers are to take off their out Sentinels It is when by reason of the great noyse of Guns men armes and Horses the Commanders voyce for it can neither be heard or obeyed without the beat of the Drum And the action of the Souldier whether valiant or otherwise is to be guided by it And For the better performance hereof it is the Captains duty to teach his Souldiers distinctly the several beats of the Drum that they may be the better able to perform their respective duties when ever they shall be so commanded by the Drum CHAP. V. Of Distances HErein I shall shew you what distance is and the several sorts of distances Without distance no motion can be performed Although distance in it self is not motion yet there is a motion in that action that produceth our several distances of place between man and man or that space or intervall of ground either in File or Rank And I may truly assert that the Discipline of a Foot Company c. consisteth so much in distance and motion that there is great necessitie of learning this very principle for they are not fixed in one station but are mutually interchanged one with another as occasion is offered by command and so are all brought into Order by their distances for if a perfect form of order be not observed disorder must necessarily follow the effect of which produceth confusion In our Modern discipline there are these four distances in use 1. Close Order 2. Order 3. Open Order 4. Double distance 1. Close Order which is both in File rank one foot and half 2. Order which is both in File rank three foot 3. Open Order which is both in File rank six foot 4. Double distance which is both in File rank twelve foot There are several distances to be performed in 1. March 2. Motion 3. Skirmish 1. The distance of marching between File and File is three foot between Rank and Rank is six foot 2. The distance for motion as for doubling of Files and Ranks for facings and Countermarches between File and Rank is six foot 3. Distances for intire doublings and skirmishes between Rank and File is three Foot 4. Distances for prevention of Cannon shott is 12 Foot or 24. Foot the double double distance Note that the close Order is useful 1. To the Files of Pikes to the charge of Horse 2. Before you Command any Wheelings 3. When the Commander is to deliver somewhat to the Souldier that all may hear Observe Before you open or
perform it outwards Command The first rank to stand the rest to face to the right and left outwards the second rank to advance clear of the first and then to move forth even with the Front in breast and all the rest successively do the same until they be all even with the Front in one intire rank To reduce this Ranks as you were OR The first 12 or 12 middlemost stand the rest face to the right and left inwards the second to move into the reer of the first rank the third into the reer of the second and successively the rest into the reer of the remainder and being faced to their Leader and even in their ranks they are reduced 2. To perform it Inwards Command Ranks rank inward into the Front To produce it the first rank to move to the right and left outwards and so to keep moving or opening then the second rank is to advance into the ground of the first and the second is then to move with the first to the right and left outwards then the third is to advance into the place of the second rank so all are to do until the last rank is advanced intire into the Front To reduce this The first six upon the right and left hand stand then Command Ranks rank six to the right and left outwards And close your Divisions Lastly the Conversion of Ranks by wheeling into the Flanks 14. Command Ranks wheel to the Right or Left into the right Flank To perform this Command Every particular rank to be at double Distance in rank and at close Order in file Then Wheel them to their right hand until they have brought their Faces or Aspects unto the right Flank After you may face them to the Front To reduce this Command Files rank twelve to the right The first man is to stand the rest is to move forward to the right successively twelve in rank But if you wheel them to the left hand into the right flank you must command them to face about and wheel your ranks to the left hand until their Faces or Aspects be brought to the right Flank 15. Command Ranks of your Front and Reer half files wheel outwards to your right Flank I shall put in execution but two Ranks one in the Front half files and the other of the Reer half files which is sufficient for Demonstration To perform this Command Ranks open all to your twice double distance then Front half files wheel to the right and Reer half files wheel to the left And face to your Leader To reduce them Command Front half files rank twelve to the right Reer half files rank twelve to the left Face to your Leader march up and close forwards to your due distance 16. Command Ranks of your Front and Reer half Files wheel inwards into your right Flank To perform this Command Front and Reer half files march clear to your twice double distance Front and Reer half files face about Front half files wheel your Ranks to the left and Reer half files wheel your Ranks to the right Face to your Leader To reduce this Command Front half files rank twelve to the left Reer half files face about and rank twelve to the right Face to your Leader and close your Divisions 17. Command Ranks rank to each Flank by wheeling to the right and left into the same by Division OR Ranks wheel to the right and left by Division into both Flanks advancing or placing themselves before their right and left hand men Observe they are to be at double distance in Rank and at Order in File Figure 17. To reduce them Command them to face to the Reer and wheel into their places OR Files rank twelve to the right and left inward into the Reer and close them to their order then face them to their Leader But if you would avoid mixture of Arms you may place all your Musquetteers either in Front and Reer Or else wheel only the Musquetteers first and leave the Pikes standing Or else it may be performed in marching and then the Reducement is Ranks as you were 18. Command Ranks of your Front and Reer half files wheel outwards to your right and left Flank by Division They are to observe the same distance as in the former To perform this Command Half files face about Ranks open to your double distance then Front and Reer half files wheel to the right and left outwards into both Flanks Figure 18. To reduce this Command Who being faced to their Leader Front half files face to the Reer rank twelve to the right and left inwards And Reer half files face about and rank twelve to the right and left inward Files close to the midst to your order Face to your Leader CHAP. XIV Of making File-Leaders successively both of Number and Place in a File and so for a whole Body The Sweedish Mode also AS I have stinted my self to a set Number of Files so I have also to a set Number in a File not exceeding six being according to our present Mode of Discipline for if I had gone to a various Number in Files and added two to each File my Figures had been more delightful to some Spectators others I hope will find enough in this to qualifie or make them fit to do their King and Country service c. And now the Souldery having marched sometimes together and so loving being Souldiers indeed by reason of such experiences as they have attained unto in the exercise of this Military Art that each Leader is willing his follower should take his place which is a great incouragement to an ingenious Souldier This ought not to be slighted because it is profitable to a Commander to bring what Ranks he pleaseth to lead in the Front and to exchange them again and at last to bring the proper File-Leaders into their places Besides the incouragement it hath in private exercises it makes men studious whereby they may be able to Command in their respective Files when they are become Leaders In the first place take these short Commands to produce them as followeth Command 1. A File-Leader 2. Rank two to the left and Files to the left double 3. Countermarch Front and Reer into the midst and face to that part which was the Reer 4. Face about to the right 5. Countermarch from the Reer into the midst and face to that which was the Reer 6. Files rank two to the right and Files to the right double This being performed they are reduc'd I shall demonstrate by Tables the succession of each man's Leading and give you some or several Words of Command according to my own and others severally that shall produce such Leader into his place as they shall stand in sequence and as they shall also stand in their respective Dignities The Front and standings of each File as they come to be Leaders according to various Commands A File       Â
when he heareth it sounded in the Field he must retire to them with all Speed 4. Tucquet Or March When this is sounded he is presently to March in which he is to observe his right-hand man and to follow after his Leader 5. Charga Or Charge When this is sounded by and with the examples or directions of his Commander the Souldier is to give proof of his valour in the speedy charging of his Enemy 6. Auquet Or Watch When this is sounded at night the Souldier is to repaire to the place for mounting of the Guard for Watch Or at the morning for dismounting of the Guards I have read of another sound called Attende Hoe for listening unto A call for summons A Senat for State and the like This when sounded the Souldier is to hearken unto it that he may the better be able to perform those Edicts that shall be then commanded The third and last Military Signe is 3. A Mute That is by signes to the eye as by the Cornets Colours or other motions by the hand of the Commander c. You see there are two principal senses of Advertisements the Eare and the Eye the true observation and use of these signes availeth much in Warr for he that is negligent in either may not only lose himself but be the cause of the loss of many others so that by being careless herein Victory it self is often lost How careful ought every Souldier then to be that by silence he may the beter hearken to all Commands that by the Vigilancy of his eye he may the better observe Vide Chap. 5. every sign that may by given For Vegetius saith that nothing profiteth more to Victory than to obey the Admonitions of signes CHAP. V. For the Marching and drawing up of a Troop of Horse EVery Troop of Horse must be furnished with a Captain Lieutenant Cornet and a Quartermaster two Trumpeters a Clark a Sadler a Chirurgeon and a Farrier And every Troop is usually divided into three equal parts each of which is called a Squadron and are severally known by the Captain 's Lieutenant's and Cornet's Squadron acordingly there are three Corporals There are as great diversitie of judgements almost as Authors about the placing of some Officers either in their marchings of a single Troop or being drawn up into a Battalia Some would have the Captain and one Trumpet in the front Then the Cornet leading of his Squadron and the third to be lead by the Eldest Corporal and the Junior Corporal in the reer Ward fo 26. with the Lieutenant who hath the command of a Trumpet with him Markham varieth something from this and but little only the two junior Corporals to be extravagant in the March who are so ordered on purpose to keep the Souldiers in their Ranks and to be orderly in their March Both Ward and Markham marcheth six in file but Ward marcheth Five in Rank and Markham Four only Others again differ in placing of Officers both in March and Battalia as Walhawsen would have the Harquebuzier to March eight in File and the Cuiraster ten in File But Markham and Ward being later Discipliners in this Art Military I shall only insert two platformes accordingly These of Markham and of Captain Ward are decyphered six in File and a File so drawn is distinguished according to their dignity of Place a Leader a Follower two Middlemen a Follower and a Bringer up The Ancient Dignity of a File 1 Dignity of place 1 H Leader 2 5 h Follower 3 4 H Middle man to the front 4 3 H Middle man to the reere 5 6 h Follower 6 2 H Bringer up Cruso exerciseth eight deep and therefore useless to our mode of fighting for our Custome is to make the Horse but three in File I shall not stand to answer the objections on both sides but shall leave it to the most expert in this Art I conceive it enough that our late experience hath taught otherwise And our present discipline being in practice to the Contrary Accordingly here shall follow a Troop of threescore Horse marching with each Officer in his respective place and also the form of a Troop drawn up in a body And when you march through any City or Town Observe your Pistols must be loaded and so fixed that you may be in a readyness to fire when ever occasion may be offered and command given having one of your Pistols drawn forth of your Holster mounting your muzzel and resting the butt end thereof upon your Thigh A Troop marching to our present mode A Troop drawn up In the March some place the Quartermaster to lead up the Lieutenant's Squadron and the two other Corporals to be extravagant that is to view and see each Souldier to keep his place In private exercises it is not denied but the Quartermaster may lead up the Lieutenant's Squadron But it is conceived best to place the Quarter-master in the Reere for it is presupposed that he is or may be to take up Quarters c. CHAP. VI. The Exercising of a Troop as Armed with a Carabine and Pistol THe Horse being in a body to exercise and to make the Souldier more able to handle his armes when he shall be called forth to fight The words of Command shall follow Notwithstanding there is but little difference between the words of Command for the Pistol with a Snaphans and the Carabine I shall however give them severally Although Mounting to Horse is no Posture of Arms and but a preparative to exercise and Service I shall presuppose the Souldiers to be dismounted annd stand ready by their Horses in a body The word of Command according to our English mode is To horse Now all being ready to Mount must be careful that his Horse be well girt c. And as a preparative to Exercise there is another word of Command Silence Without there be silence in the body the Souldier in no wise can distinctly hear what is commanded by the chief Officer It is the Souldiers Ear and care to preserve the body from fractions and where Silence is not diligently performed the Souldier doth not only fail in his motions but the event will be naught for it is the very footstep to rashness And it is as Livius saith Temeritas praeterquam quòd stulta est etiam infoelix not only foolishness but infortunate The words of Command for the Carabine All the Carabines being dropt let fall and hanging by their Swivells The Postures are as followeth Silence being commanded 1. Handle your Carabine Postures 2. Mount your Carabine Some terme this Order and others against that because it 's proper to the Pike placing your butt end upon your Thigh 3. Rest your Carabine in your bridle hand 4. Bend your cock to half bent 5. Guard or secure your cock 6. Prime your Pan. 7. Shut your pan or fix your hammer 8. Sink your Carabine on your left side 9. Gage your flask 10. Lade your
close your body by command to Distance to action let every Captain or chief Officer Command his Souldiers to streighten their Files and to even their Ranks In the next place to be silent that thereby they may be attentive to the words of Command Which for the several distances are as followeth Commands 1. Files to your close Order 2. Ranks to your close Order there might be abreviated into a shorter method but my intents is for plain capacities 1. Files open to the right 1. To your Order 2. To your open Order 3. To your double distance 2. Ranks open forward 1. To your Order 2. To your open Order 3. To your close Order 3. Files open to the Left 1. To your Order 2. To your open Order 3. To your double distance 4. Ranks open to the reer or backwards 1. To your Order 2. To your open Order 3. To your double distance 5. Files open to the right and left 1. To your Order 2. To your open Order 3. To your double distance 6. Ranks open to the right and left 1. To your Order 2. To your open Order 3. To your double distance Reducements 1. Files close to the right 1. To your open Order 2. To your Order 3. To your close Order 2. Ranks open forward 1. To your open Order 2. To your Order 3. To your close Order 3. Files close to the left 1. To your open Order 2. To your Order 3. To your close Order 4. Ranks close to the reer c. 1. To your open Order 2. To your Order 3. To your close Order 5. Files close to the right and left inward or to the midst 1. To your open Order 2. To your Order 3. To your close Order 6. Ranks close to the right and left inward 1. To your open Order 2. To your Order 3. To your close Order These are useful and may be used at the discretion of the Commander And for your better performance in the closing and opening of Files and Ranks take these following Observations 1. When Files open to the right the left hand File must stand fast every File taking his distance from the File next his left hand 2. When they open to the left the right hand File stands fast c. 3. When Ranks open forward the last rank stands every rank taking his distance from the rank next behind him 4. When they open backward or to the reer the first rank stands c. 5. When Files close to the right the right hand file stands the rest close to the right taking their distance from the right hand file 6. And if Files close to the left the left hand file stands the rest of the Files close to the left and take their distance c. 7. When Files close to the right and left then they close inward taking their distance from those Files within them nearest to the midst of the Body 8. When files close to the right and left by Division it must be outwards according to the fift and sixt observation 9. When Ranks close to the front and reer then the first and last Ranks stand the other taking their distance 10. If Ranks close to the midst then they close towards their two midlemost Ranks I have not used the word Center in any of these Commands because it is conceived that the word is more proper to a circle and not to a square or a broader fronted body It is not of absolute necessity that a Commander in the exercise of a private Company shall use all these openings and closings to those several distances mentioned but so many of them as may be thought fit for his present Exercise intended although it cannot be denied but that they may be useful at some time or other CHAP. VI. Of Marching and Drawing up of a Company THe Souldier being informed of the Dignity of Place together with the several Beats of the Drum and their respective distances I shall march a Company of Foot and draw them up which Company shall consist of twelve Files four Files of Pikes and eight Files of Musqueteers But the Deputy Lieutenants for the County of Sommerset have allotted some files more to each Company and it is a rare thing to have them compleat in the Field so that it hath been too apparent because there hath not been an equality in Files their Companies have been wholly unfit for Exercise but I hope these errors will be better looked into and amended hereafter A Company marching A Company drawing up Files are to be at their Order and Ranks at their open Order When the Company is drawing up the Drum is to beat a Troop the Pikes to be advanced the Musquets to be poised and being in a Body are ready for Command A Company drawn up A number of Men being thus drawn up and completed consisting of Pikes and Musquets there is in them according to the rules of Art a Front a Reer a right and left Flank Front half files Reer half files Right half ranks and left half ranks there is the length and depth of the Battel and these are extended in their number of men The front in this Figure is first of all to be taken notice of There are in all exercises a proper Front and an accidental Front the Company being drawn up and standing in a body with faces to their leader maketh a proper Front Vide Chap. of facings And the accidental front is as the Cheifetains shall command the face of the whole body In short the front is where the faces of the Company are directed one way The first Rank or row of men they are termed File leaders who have the command of their respective Files and are to Exercise them severally Observe that from and with the right hand file leader to and with the left hand file leader is the extent of the Front and is termed the length of the Battel And the Souldiers standing severally from and with their File leaders in a sequence to and with their Bringers up are termed Files or the depth of the Battel The Reer of the body is so termed where ever the back of the Company are turned Every File leader hath his bringer up that by death or other absence next in point of honour is to succeed them both in Place and power The extent and length of the Reer last rank or bringers up is the same with the Frontiers The right and left Flanks are the outmost Files upon either hand of the body from the Front to the bringers up There is in a body drawn up front half files and Reer half files the Front half files extend themselves three in depth to and with the third Rank and the Reer half files is the fourth Rank to and with the last both which have their extents divided in the whole length and depth of the body Half Ranks are from the midst of the Files so taking their length or bounds to the outmost man or file
leader either upon the right or left hand CHAP. VI. Of Facings SOme have thought that Facings are but of little use so that a commander might dispence with the Exercise thereof There being a mistake in such I must declare That facings are very necessary and of such excellent use as in no wise to be neglected for in service their executions are quicker than other motions and may be performed when other commands cannot be used both for time and place The Body being faced or the faces of the Body is termed an aspect and being particularly turned by command maketh an accidental front which is called a facing So that in short facing is the turning and altering of the aspect to either hand Front or Reer as may appear in the several commands following In which we must understand that facings are either Intire or Divisional There are Angular facings also 1. Intire Facing is when the aspect of the company is directed one way There are four intire facings besides Angular Command Face to the 1. Right Each man is to turn upon that foot to which hand the facing is commanded wheeling the Body to that Aspect When you face to any hand you may reduce them to the contrary 2. Left 3. Right about 4. Left about To reduce them Command As you were or To your Leader Angular facings are when directed to make their Aspects to the right or left corner men that is to the right or left Angle And so if you command to the four corners it is to face them to their four Angles which is Divisional Command Face to the Right Left Angle To reduce them Command As you were or To your leader These Angular facings are not so much in use as formerly Divisional facings are contrary to the Intire for they look divers wayes Which are Command Face to the 1. Right and left 2. Right and left inward 3. Four Angles To reduce them As you were or To your leader It is necessary that the half files doe many of these commands by themselves that they may the better understand it when the body shall come to be subdivided For Angular facings they are out of use or not so much in use as formerly By most Authors facings are to be performed at open order both in Rank and File But it is also necessary to exercise the Souldier in these facings at close Order for if a Souldier should be assaulted in a straight or narrow passage that he hath neither time nor ground to receive it either by doublings Counter-marches or wheelings they stand at their Order or close Order may then by their particular facings defend themselves against any such assault and with wore ease so charge their Enemy by some of these facings than by any other motion Facings are not to be slighted but carefully to be observed and practised they are the ground-work of Military discipline for all motions have relation in one respect or another to them There are two facings square as followeth set down in their platformes See Barrife Ward c. because they are not only useful but may serve as demonstrations of the former Command The two first Ranks stand the two last Ranks face about the rest of the body face to the right and left and march all To reduce them Command 1. Face about to the right march and close your Divisions 2. Face to your leader who standeth at his proper front Figure 2. Command 1. Musquetteers face to the right and left 2. Half Files of Pikes face about to the right 3. March all To reduce them Command 1. Face all about to the right march and close your divisions 2. Face all to your Leader By this little you may perceive much of the Nature of Facings and how useful they are towards the making of the Souldier apt and perfect in other motions I shall proceed to the Nature of doublings with the several branches or parts of them CHAP. VII Of Doublings IT is allowed by the Judicious that they are most necessary and completely useful for the strengthening any part of the Battle as occasion and discretion shall command All which consist in these two Generals 1. Doublings of Length 2. Doublings of Depth All times in quantity of Number sometimes in Number and place The several sorts of doublings are as followeth 1. Of ranks 2. Of half files 3. Of bringers up 4. Of the reer 5. Of files 6. Of half ranks 1. The doubling of Ranks is when every Rank double the odd 2. Half Files are said to be doubled when they shall double their Ranks into the Front 3. Bringers up are said to be doubled when they shall double their Ranks into the Front 4. The doubling of the Reer is when the Front half file doubles the Reer 5. The doubling of files is when even files double the odd 6. The doubling of half ranks is when one rank shall double the other And that is performed by Passing through Countermarches Intire or divisional doublings The doubling of Ranks half files or bringers up into the Front is a doubling of quantity or number and not of place But the doubling of ranks intire or for to double the front by half files intire either to the right or left or by Division It makes not only a doubling in quantity and of place but lengthens the battle also The doubling of files and half files or half ranks or doubling to either flank is a doubling in quantity and not of place But the doubling of files and right half ranks intire and the depth of the left flank intire is not only a doubling of number but of place and depth of the battle Observe that all divisional doublings are to be at open Order both in Rank and File Observe that in all motions they must be performed in three steps and first by stepping forth of that foot which is next to the place named And for reducement to return by the contrary hand Observe that in doubling of Ranks the doubling of Files reduceth them so in the doubling of Files to any hand the doubling of Ranks to the contrary hand reduceth them also Observe that in all motions of doublings that they who are to double before they move from their places are to Advance and Poyse their Arms and when they have performed their Commands they are immediately to conform to the same posture that those whom they double are in whether it be at shoulder or advance Observe that all intire doublings are to be performed at Order both in Rank and File And in all motions observe your right hand man I shall not only give you the words of command for most particular doublings that may be useful for service with directions for the performance of the same with their reducements And as I have been importuned by some of the Deputy Lieutenants to add to them their several platforms or Figures it is accordingly performed But my chief aim is to demonstrate
give my judgement with those who do not allow the firings by way of Introduction to be useful in our modern Wars nor are they secure to the Souldier unless when the Commander shall find his Souldiers to be well exercised then amongst other various curiosities these may be performed By the word Introduction is meant a passing through or between and by its motion doth advance and gain ground upon an Enemy 16. Command Make ready to give fire by Introduction Then Command the files of Musquetteers to open by division to their open order and to pass through to the right c. The first rank of each flank presents and gives fire so done they stand and make ready again The second rank so soon as the first have fired passeth through and placeth it self before the first and do their fire and stand also and make ready again The third is to pass forward and stand in rank even with the first and when the second rank hath fired they must step before the second and having fired are to stand and make ready again and thus every rank is to follow his Leader successively until the Bringers up of each Division are to give fire and stand in the Front of all Observe in this firing you may keep your Pikes shouldered still moving slowly forwards if there be no danger of Horse and so keep even with the Front of Musquetteers This done twice over will reduce them A Second way of Introductive firing The first Rank is to fire and stand as in the forementioned Figure then the Bringers-up or last Rank whilst the File-leaders are firing shall march up and place themselves even with the second Rank and when they have fired the Bringers-up are to step before them and immediatly to present and give fire and when the rest have followed their Bringers-up and fired once over be sure that the File-leaders fire twice Both produce the horn battle who ought to be the first and the last and so stand the Pikes are to march up even with the Front of Musquetteers as in the former direction and they are reduced Extraductive 17. Firing There have been in use two Extraductive firings I shall speak but of one which is allowed somewhat useful especially in narrow passages and in case your Enemy be too powerful either in Horse or Foot that then the passage might be filled up with the Pikes but if your Pikes be not sufficient to do it as you will perceive by my Figure then double your Ranks let your Pikes be in such posture and motion accordingly as occasion shall offer it self Command Musquetteers face about to the right and march until you are clear of the Body of Pikes then face inward and close your Divisions for the Pikes command them to double their Ranks to the right Or half Files double their Front to the right To perform this Command The first rank of Musquetteers next after the Pikes face to the right then to march forth file-wise close up by the right flank of Pikes and when the Leader is advanced into the Front of Pikes he is to lead them athwart the whole Front of Pikes after which they are all to stand present and give fire and having fired they are to wheel off to the left and fall into the Reer of Musquetteers and whilst the first Rank is firing the second is to be marching so as to be ready to fall into their Places To reduce them Command the Pikes to advance six foot if they be doubled their Ranks to the right let them now double their Files to the left then Command I could have mentioned a great many more firings to the Front but through my confinement to such a small number of men and not an equality in arms Art compleated cannot be expected from me Must of these firings are solid and serviceable yet it cannot be conceived that three Ranks can make any abidement of Battle for continuance against any Enemy although sometimes they may be forced to be reduced into less Numbers yet by shewing the nature hereof you will be the better able to manage a greater c. CHAP. XIX Of firing in the Front and Reer And Reer alone BEfore I demonstrate the firings in the Reer I thought it fit to give one Figure of firing to the Front and Reer which may serve also for a firing to each Flank when the Commander pleaseth 1. Command Front half Files of Musquetteers march until your Bringers-up be even in breast with the Front of Pikes Reer half Files of Pikes face about to the right Reer half Files of Musquetteers face about to the right and march until the half File-leaders are even in breast with the Bringers up of Pikes For the first firing by this Figure so soon as the Ranks upon each Division have fired they are to wheel off to the right and left and fall into the Reer of their own Divisions And having so fired all over they are to wheel off and place themselves even in breast with the Pikes as now they stand faced then being faced to their Leader they are reduc'd This is not our drift of firing in the Reer but if in a March an Enemy eagerly pursues and assaults then by facing about and firing in the Reer or by Countermarching or Wheeling about and so firing these repulses orderly performed may cause a disorder in the pursuants And it is good sometimes as occasion may offer to keep an Enemy in play whilst he may advantage himself in his Ground either for his Embattlement or Ambushes or for the conveyances of Gunns or other Carriages c. 2. Firing Upon a March the last Rank is to face about and so to give fire wheeling off in File by Division and marching up towards the Front and placing themselves before their File-leaders 1. Observing that they rank even with the second rank of Pikes 2. In the performance of this you will lose one rank in the Front 3. Observe that whilst the rank of Musquetteers are firing in the Reer the next rank although he be marching he ought to be preparing with his cock bent and garded that with his three motions he may next fire so soon as his precedent rank is wheeled off 4. Although you are upon a march yet you are to fall one rank nearer to the Reer that the Body may be preserved intire 5. Observe further in the performance of all this your preparations and firings ought to be at three motions Cock your match Blow your coal Present c. Let the first be with the right leg advancing the second with the left leg advancing bending your cock then a little advancing forward with the right foot to present and give fire Now I give these Reasons for the Observations of some motions in these firings to the Reer because so soon as the Souldier hath fired if the last rank should immediatly face about and present c. there would be a
present incumbrance This experience hath discovered and that firing upon motion to be the most speediest and safest way for firing in the Reer Now for a Publick Exercise when you have fired over once you may then face them to their Leader and fire in the Front But if you be upon a march and should be pursued by an Enemies Horse then Wheel your Flanks into the Front and face to the Reer your Pikes will defend your Body so your Musquetteers may fire over them as in the 17. Figure by extraduction and reduced accordingly Secondly In firing to the Reer the Musquetteers may be in the Reer of the Pikes And first having fired they are to wheel off and place themselves between the Front of Musquetteers and Reer of Pikes And secondly having fired in the Reer they may wheel off by Division and march into the Front of Pikes the Body still marching Or if both flanks be in the Reer they may fire wheel off by Division and double both flanks This last hath reduced it self and for the second you may for exercise fire them in the Front and in their wheeling off to flank their Pikes or for expedition for the Musquetteers to open to the right and left and march the Pikes up in the interval and they are reduced as at first You may perceive the use of firings in the Reer and that the Souldier ought to be very well exercised in them For a true experience herein doth not only add to the perfection of the Souldier but his safety also Before I conclude this Chapter I shall add two Figures of firing in Front and Reer marching 3. Command Front half Files of Musquetteers march until you be clear of the Front of Pikes Face in opposition and close your Divisions So for the reer half files face about to the right and march until you be clear of the Reer of Pikes face them in opposition and close their Divisions Having fired their first and last Ranks they wheel off to the right and left by Division the Front Division are to place themselves even in Rank with the Front of Pikes and the Reer Division of Musquetteers are to place themselves even in Rank with the Bringers-up and so each Rank successively after each other will reduce this Figure 4. Command Half Files of Musquetteers fire to your Front and Reer placing your selves between your Divisions This firing is plain without direction and the firing being ended they are reduced CHAP. XX. Of Firings in the Flanks THere are reasons to be given and Experience hath found it necessary for firing in the Flanks When you are upon a March an Enemy may endeavour an assault to molest you in your passages that your disadvantages may be the greater either by ambushments laid against you or to frustrate your designs Now in the performance hereof there are several circumstances that are to be taken notice of as the strength of your Enemy the time number and place all for your own security or advantages against him I shall begin with some Exercises upon the right flank and what is performed there by Figure may also be performed upon the left hand In order hereunto pass all your Musquetteers into your right flank by Commanding Musquetteers of the right Flank open to the right and being opened to a convenient distance stand then Musquetteers of the left Flank pass through your Ranks of Pikes to the interval of the right Flank then stand and face to your Leader Your facings to the right or left is that by which the flanks become accidental fronts and then for the firings thereupon you may to your discretion use such as are most convenient being already shewn Chapter 18. I shall not here take up any room with the demonstrations thereof and shall shew but some few firings in the right flank as the Body shall be marching in all which you are to observe the Pikes are to be shouldered 1. Command Musquetteers give fire to the right and wheel after your Bringers-up between your Divisions And this at the discretion of the Commander is done two wayes either by commanding to be lead into their places by their File-leader or by their Bringers-up and to place themselves before them c. Here by this Figure they in the first place as the Body is marching face to the right the outmost File presents and gives fire after their firing they face to the right and after their Bringer-up who leads them off in the Reer of the Musquetteers and up into the Interval between the Pikes and Musquets until the Bringer-up of the File hath placed himself even in breast with the Frontiers and so the marching Party as Command shall be given are to open that the Files of Musquetteers after they have fired may march up between the Divisions and so every File is successively to fire and wheel off and place it self This firing being performed twice over they are Reduced If but once you must countermarch your files of Musquetteers to reduce them 2. You may secondly after they have fired Command them to face to the right and to wheel off every man placing himself before his Bringer up or present Leader hereby the Bringer up will be in his due place and the file-leader in his proper place also 3. A Third way of firing upon this Figure is to fire in the right flank and to be lead off into their places by their respective File-leaders The Body marching the outmost File faceth to the right and fires and when the body is marched clear of the standing file then the next file presents to the right and fires and whilest he is firing the first file that is fired faceth to the left and marcheth up between the Musquetteers and Pikes Observing the former directions in their march that there may be space enough in the Interval for the several Files successively to march into these places 4. There is a fourth way of firing that is to give fire to the right and gather up your Files The Body marching the outmost file faceth to the right fires then stands and faceth to their Leader Then when the Body is clear of the standing file the second file faceth to the right and fires and stands also facing to their Leader then the first file is to advance up to the second and so when the first and second have fired they are to be lead up to the third Thus having fired they are to be lead up even in breast to the file that last fired and having all fired they are to be marcht up even with the Front Pikes To reduce this Command Left half Ranks of Musquetteers face to the left Pikes face to the right pass through interchanging of Ground Face to your Leader How beneficial this may be to the security of the Souldier they that will make use of it that are ingenious will better judge but I am of opinion it is more fit for a private Exercise
than for publick Service 5. Command Give fire to the right and place your selves even in Front with the Pikes marching up between the midst of the Pikes Observe in the performance hereof the Pikes as they march are to open to the right and left and the fired Musquetteers are to be lead up according to Command To reduce this Command 1. Pikes to face inwards 2. Musquetteers face to the right and left outwards 3. Pass all through and interchange Ground 4. Face to your Leader 6. Command Musquetteers give fire to the right placing your selves on the outside of the left Flank of Pikes If you will reduce this without any firing you may Command the right half Ranks to pass through your Ranks of Pikes The Ingenious may find many ways for the Reducement Or when all the Musquetteers are on the left flank you may fire them over again and they are reduced 7. Command Musquetteers give fire to the right and to the Reer placing your selves between the Pikes and your own Divisions Having placed your left flank of Musquetteers in the Reer A useful firing then Command The outmost file upon the right flank are to face to the right and the last rank of Musquetteers in the Reer are to face about and both are to present and give fire together and having fired the outermost file upon the right hand faceth to the left and marcheth after their Leader in the interval between the Musquets and the Pikes They are to march a reasonable pace and the rank fired in the Reer is to wheel to the right placing it self in the Reer of Pikes c. This is easily reduced by commanding the Musquetteers to draw off into the left flank again Observe that flank that is farthest from the Enemy ought to be drawn into the Reer 8. Command Musquetteers give fire to both Flanks marching and place your selves between the Pikes and your own Divisions To perform this the outermost file of each flank presents outward 9. Command The Body standing Advance your Pikes Musquetteers and Pikes face to the right and left Musquetteers present and give fire to both flanks and flank your Pikes The outermost file upon the right and left flank presents and fires wheeling off by Division ranking or flanking the Pikes as they stand faced leaving such a distance as the rest may securely follow them every rank is to fire upon the same Ground and wheel off by Division after the same manner From this Figure as they will stand after firing there may be produced a great many brave Figures but now I must leave them to the skilful Artist To reduce this Command The Musquetteers to march all until they are clear of the Pikes then face them to the right and left inwards and close their Divisions and face them to their Leader 10. Command Because it may easily be produced from the precedent Figure it shall be from the first Figure of firing in the Front and Reer Chap. 19. the Body being faced to the right and left will be a firing to both Flanks 11. Command Shall be a firing to right Flank and to the Front and Reer Left half Ranks double your right Flank by Division You may face the Divisions any way which you intend for their firing After firing they are to wheel off into their own Divisions every Rank moving into his Leaders Ground To reduce them face them to their proper Front then Command half Ranks that doubled face to the left and so march into your places See the doubling of Flanks Figure 17. CHAP. XXI Of several Divisional Firings I Might here make mention of a great many Figures for firings some serviceable and others not but all left to the judicious for censure and to make use of the best yet none useless for delight or Garden Exercises The Figures cannot be perfect because I am tied to the exercise but of twelve Files four of them Pikes and eight Musquetteers it being a Number that our Western Commanders can make use of and no more yet any who may be capable to perform them will be able to invent others and command the production of such like in geater Numbers and with better delight 1. Command The two outmost Files upon each Flank stand the two inmost half Ranks of the Reer face about to the right the two inmost half Ranks both of Front and Reer march until you are clear of the Body of Pikes then half Files rank to the right and left inwards by wheeling into the Front For the Pikes open them to the right and left from the midst then Command the right and left hand File of Pikes to stand the Reer half Files of the remainder face about to the right then both half Files rank to the right and left inward into the Front and Reer This Figure in great Bodies must be performed otherways and may be very serviceable against the Horse the Pikes may advance into the Front of Musquetteers to secure them against the Horses fury if occasion shall serve After their first firing and wheeling off to the right and left in the Reer of their own Divisions then when the Pikes are defending them from the Horse let them fire over the Pikes This being done pass through the Musquetteers before the several Fronts of Pikes as they were before any firing To reduce them Command Face the Front and Reer to the right and left inwards The Front and Reer Ranks of Pikes file to the right and left inwards the right and left hand files of Pikes close to the right and left inwards and close all to the midst Then Command the Front and Reer Ranks of Musquetteers file to the right and left inward face in opposition and march into your places closing the whole Body to their close Order and open them again to their Order Evening of their Ranks and streightning of their Files they are reduced 2. Command and Direction Musquetteers open six foot to the right and left Front half Files of the right Flank of Musquetteers Advance intire into the Front of Pikes The Reer Division of the left Flank of Musquetteers face about to the right and double intire the Reer of the Pikes The Front Division of Musquetteers of the left face about to the right and march even in breast with the Reer half Files of Pikes The Front half Files of Pikes face to the right and left outwards and march until you are clear c. Face them to their Leader To reduce them The Front Division of Musquetteers face to the right and march into your places Reer Division of Musquetteers face to the left and march forth into your places Front half Files of Pikes face in opposition and close your Divisions The left flank of Musquetteers advance even with the Front of Pikes Musquetteers close to the right and left inward and face them to their Leader And they are reduced 3. Command Front half Files face to the right and left
and march clear of your Reer half Files Face them to their Leader and march them until their Reer be even in Front with their Pikes The two first Ranks of each Division face to the right and left and march them clear of their own Divisions face them to their Leader The four first Ranks of Pikes open to your open Order and double your Ranks to the right the two last Ranks of Pikes face about to the right and march clear of the Reer of Musquetteers Face to your Leader To reduce them Command The first Body of Pikes to double their Files to the left the two last Ranks of Pikes march and close your Divisions The two first Ranks of Musquetteers face in opposition and close your Divisions Then the Front Divisions of Musquetteers face to the right and left inwards and march even to the Front of Pikes then face them to their right and left and close their Divisions Face them to their Leader evening their Ranks and streightning of their Files they are reduced 4. Command Front half files march clear from your Musquetteers The Reer half files of Musquetteers face about to the right and march clear of your Pikes and face to your leader The Reducement The Front Division of Pikes face about to the right and march into your places the Reer Division of Musquetteers march up into your places 5. Command Wheel both your Flanks of Musquetteers into the Front both flanks of Musquetteers open to the right and left Front division of Pikes march clear of the Front of Musquetteers and open to the right and left until you are clear of the Angles of the Reer half files The two inmost files of Musquetteers march until you are clear of the Front of Pikes The next two inmost files of Musquetteers face in opposition march and close your divisions in the Front of the Reer division of Pikes face all to your leader To reduce this The four middle files of Musquetteers face to the right and left and march into your places The files of Musquetteers in the Front face about to the right march into your places Face them to their leader The Front half files of Pikes face in opposition and close your divisions facing them to the Reer and march them into their places then close the Front of Musquetteers as at first and wheel the Front into your flanks c. they are reduced The two next figures are almost one and the same and with but a little alteration in their Commands they may be either produced or reduced 6. Command Pikes stand The Reer half files of Musquetteers face about to the right Musquetteers march all until you are clear both of your Front and Reer of Pikes face in opposition and close your divisions The four inmost Ranks of Musquetteers march clear of the remainder both in Front and Reer The two last Ranks of Pikes stand the rest to the right and left by division march clear of the Musquetteers and wheel to the right and left outwards Directions for firing upon this or others I must leave to the ingenious wishing the unskilful to fire only as the Figure lyeth lest it may prove trouble to them to reduce The Reducement The two ranks upon the flanks wheel to the right and left inwards and march into your places Front and Reer Musquetteers face about to the right and march forth into your places provided they are faced to the Reer only then the Front Musquetteers are to face about Then Musquetteers face to the right and left outwards and march clear of the Pikes face in opposition and close your divisions and face all to their leader they are reduced It is but marching up of the two last ranks of Pikes into the Reer of the Front division of Musquetteers and the Musquetteers even to the Reer of the Pikes which produceth this next figure 7. Command Half files double your Front to the right the two outmost files of Musquetteers of each flank march ten paces direct and stand The two next files of Musquetteers of each flank march to the Reer of the first and the two next Ranks in the Reer of the second until they are clear of the Front of the battel And thus is this figure produced Or by Commanding The two outmost in each flank to stand the rest of the Body face about to the right and march and so leaving the two outmost files in the Reer of the first and the third in the Reer of the second and the remainder of the Body in the Reer of the third facing all to their proper Front To reduce them Command Musquetteers face about to the right and march into your places Then half files that doubled face about to the right and march forth into your places Or Even files from the left double your files to the left 8. Command Half files double your Front to the right intire then command the two outmost files of Musquetteers of each Flank to march until they are clear of the Front and stand the four inmost files march until they are clear of the Battels also and stand To reduce them Musquetteers face about to the right and march forth into your places Then half ranks of the right double the depth of your left flank intire 9. Command Pikes march clear of your body Pikes wheel your flanks into the Reer Musquetteers close to the right and left inward Half files of Musquetteers double your Front to the right The four innermost files of Musquetteers face about to the right march clear of the Reer even your Ranks and streighten your files both of Pikes and Musquetts Then the four innermost files both of Pikes and Musquetteers march ten paces direct Then Pikes and Musquetteers of each Flank face to the right and left and march ten paces facing them to their leader To reduce this Command The front division of Pikes and Musquetteers face about to the right and march even in breast with the Reer of Musquetteers of each flank Then face the division to the right and left inwards and close your divisions then Command the Musquetteers to open to the right and left from the midst and the Reer divisions of Musquetteers march into the intervails or into your places as you were Then Command the Pikes to wheel their flanks into the Front then open the divisions of Musquetteers to the right and left facing the Pikes about to the right and march into their places so facing of them to their Leader they are reduced I might have added more as the Plinthium Battel For which and more read Captain Bingham Chap. 42. pa. 55. as also Barrif Ward And Elton as I am informed has written at large but I never saw his works CHAP. XXII IT may be expected I should treat also of large Battalias or great numbers of men demonstrating of them likewise by their several Plat-forms But having my Number proportioned as you see by my several exercises
attempts it is adjudged not safe and therefore not to allow of confused and disorderly running to the Sea side to encounter a select well trained Enemy invading and secondly neither is it safe to suffer the Enemy quietly to land all his forces munition c. It is by some conceived that a middle or a mean course far more serviceable than either of them both may be taken whereby the benefit of that old custome may be embraced and the disorders of the other well noted may be reformed and no advantage to annoy the invading Enemy omitted as by these following reasons may be judged Reasons and Resolutions against the second Opinion It is subject to invasion notwithstanding it is not meant but our Navy should annoy them both before and in landing if they can First I say one of the chiefest forces of this famous Island of England consisteth in this that it is fortified naturally with such a Trench or ditch as the Sea is whereby it is not so subject to invasion as other Countries lying on the main which singular benefit and peculiar advantage to our Countrey is utterly lost if we suffer the Enemy to land all his forces c. and take firm footing on the Main A reason made where there is no contradiction Secondly Whereas this noble Island hath such a number of Mariners and good Shipping both of his Majesties Royal Navy and also of Merchants as may hope with good success to encounter on Sea the force of any forreign Enemy Now if we suffer the Enemy quietly to land and then temporize afterward according to the second opinion we lose a great part of this our strength Rather by supposition than by experience Thirdly There is no man of any experience but knoweth with what danger men land out of boats if there be any ordinary force before landing to resist them for if any storm arise the Sea alone fighteth for us and with but small resistance on land may drown great numbers of our invading Enemy Fourthly No small work to entrench all the landing places about England Any small Trench on land shall lodge Musquetteers enough to spoil as many of our Enemies as in boat shall offer to land before they can approach the shoar Also In landing True if the Enemy would not resist you with a far greater force than can possibly be gathered together on such a suddain to encounter him before they can have time to put themselves in Order what an execution may a far less number of well armed men do on them before they shall have time to unite their forces Again After the Remnant shall land if they be not all drown'd slain or repel'd in or before their landing how easie a matter shall it be for a few well Armed Souldiers to put such a confused dispersed scattered Sea-beaten Company to the sword A strong Imagination upon a weak supposition before they shall be able to advance a Standard or put themselves in order of battel Besides all this No intendment but our Navy should impeach them upon all assays if his Majesties forces should not in time be assembled of such strength as to be able before landing to give them battel yet any mean force assailing their Ships while their men are in landing cannot but greatly annoy them if not utterly defeat them Again An Invador will both forecast and prevent those dangers In most places if except the Enemy bring his tide justly with him he cannot land and then if part land and any mean resistance made to give impediment to the rest till the tide pass their divided forces may more easily be defeated Also You grant him victuals enough if he can land you say he shall find houses and Barns full It is no small time that is requisite to land an Army with Horse Carriage and Ordnance Munition and Victuals without which an Invader shall never be able to prevail And then if any mean resistance be made at the landing it much prolongeth the same time so as any storm happening the Winds Tides Shelves Rocks Bars and Seas fight for us in our favour and to the ruine of our Enemies and therefore I utterly disallow that opinion to give an Enemy leave quietly to land and then by device to temporize afterwards It behoueth an Invader to be as wary of burning and spoiling as your self lest he make himself odious to his own party Further If any such resolution by the Prince and people be taken that the invading enemy should be suffered to land quietly to spoil and burn at his pleasure and the inward forces of the Countrey not permitted even at the first landing to come to their rescues Let the Company come down to the Randesvouze as fast as they can so they give no battel it would cause no doubt the Inhabitants of the Coasts to abandon their Towns and leave the Frontiers desolate which the wise Kings and grave Counsellers of this Land have everto sought to make populous by granting many privileges and immunities to allure Inhabitants on the Frontiers But touching driving or carrying away of Victuals No great difficulty though not easily done as wished and leaving the Countrey waste thereby to famish our landed Enemies it is a thing more easily wished than performed By which retreiting and driving away of Victuals and keeping of streights and passages they starve and weary them that follow them I confess in Ireland where most of their substance consisteth of Kine it is easily done But in this rich and wealthy Countrey of England it is not possible but that the Enemy if he be once landed with all his force shall find houses full of provisions and barns full of all kind of Forrage That is where the prince is a Tyrant otherwise he shall be obeyed in all things that tend to the preservation of the Countrey and Corn all the Country over unless the King should command all to be wasted with fire which president we see seldome or never put in use neither in the Wars in France Flanders nor in any former invasion that we read of for it will make the Prince odious and alienate the Subjects minds therefore not to be used but upon a great extremity when all other means fail and here in England above all other Countreys it may worst be done for our Towns be poor weak and unprovided and unfortified the Countrey full of habitations populous rich and abundance of all commodities In the Low Countries by reason of their great store of strong well fortified Towns they might much more easily drive and carry to their Cities at hand all victuals and forrage c. And yet when the great Army of the States and Don John were in the Field I grant for Forrage because they came in harvest but all other victuals came out of the Towns behind their backs notwithstanding all the Boars and Country People were