Flank Reer Order your Pikes and put up your Swords This way of charging to the Horse I have set down as being practised somtimes 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 weake a posture that the Horse cannot choose if they come on with a full career but beare 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 intervall 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 judgement 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 abroad upon any service that ever saw any charging of the Pikes at the Foot therefore I will further proceed From Order Advance Your Pike Shoulder Your Pike Port Your Pike Comport Your Pike Cheek Your Pike Trail Your Pike Order as you were From your Order charge to the Front Right Left Reere Order as you were Advance your Pike Shoulder Your Pike Port Your Pike Comport Your Pike Cheek Your Pike 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 Your Pike Comport Your Pike Cheek Your Pike Trail Your Pike Shoulder as you were From the Shoulder charge to the Front Right Left Reere Shoulder as you were Port your Pikes Comport your Pikes Cheek your Pikes Trail your Pikes Comport 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 performe all the postures of the Pike from each particular posture only shortning it by degrees leaving out what was before commanded untill we come unto the Trail 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 answerablenesse 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 Bâ—ndilieres Take up your Rest Put the string of your Rest about your left wrist Take up your Match Place your Match Take up your Musket Rest your Musket Here the Souldier may perform the Saluting Posture if he shall finde any occasion so to doe for the honouring of his friend or any Gentleman of worth Poyse your Musket Shoulder your Musket Un-shoulder your Musket and Poyse Joyne 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 Finde 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 Withdraw your Scouring-stick Turn and shorten him to a handfull 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 Cole Cock Your Match Fit Your Match Guard your Pan Blow the ashes from your Cole Open your Pan Present upon your Rest Give fire brest high Dismount your Musket joyning the Rest to the outside of your Musket Un-cock and return your Match Cleere 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 Lay your left arme over your Musket The Musket being shouldered you may proceed in these words of command to recover the Rest into the right hand 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 Raise up your Pikes to your Order Raise up your Pikes to your close Order From your close Order charge to the Horse Front Right Left Reer Recover your Pikes and put up your Swords Advance your Pikes Port your Pikes Charge to the Front Shoulder your Pikes Charge to the right Comport your Pikes Charge to the left Cheeke your Pikes Trail your Pikes Charge to the Reer After lay the narrow end of the Pike to the ground face about to the left to your first Front and move forward with the Butt end of your Pike on your right side in your Funerall Posture After face about to the right raise up your Pike face then again to your first Front you may lay down the Pike to the ground and march from your Arms having ended all the Postures and Charges in their due courses And here Fellow Souldier whoever thou art thou maist perceive that there are no more then eight Postures of the Pike and foure Charges that is to say to the Front Reer and both Flanks There are some would fain have another Posture added to these which they call the Lazie Posture which somtimes I have
12. Jer. l. 42. Esay v. 28. lXVI 19. XXII 6. Ezec. XXVI 8. XXIII 24. 1 Chro. XII 8 24. VIII 40. X. 3. 11 Chro. XIIII 8. Zech. IX 13. Psal lXXVIII 9. Amos 11. 15. of Bow Arrow Buckler Launce Spear Sheild (a) Neh. VII 7. Ezech. XXXII 2. Jer. XXXVI 1. 13. 11 King IX 17. Watches and Wards (b) Deut. XXXIII 17. Numb XXXI 14. 1 Sam. VIII 12. Exod. XVIII 21. Armies of Myriads Reg'ments of Thousands Bands of Hundereds Fifties Files of tens (c) 11 Chron. XIII 3. 1 King XX. 14. Closeing Hosts for fight And what I have not roome to write PTRPRY THE COMPLEAT BODY OF THE ART MILITARY The First Book CHAP. I. A discourse of the Postures and the handling of Arms. HE that will be a compleat Souldier must first begin to learn the use of his Arms laying that down in his thoughts for his first foundation But this hath beene the neglect of many in our times who have strived to know high thoughts in the Art Military before they can well performe their Postures Therefore my advice shall be unto all such that desire to thrive in this Art that they will not soar too high but first learn the A B C thereof after which they may proceed by degrees to pronounce to the Souldier with boldnesse their proficiencie therein He therefore that with safety ease and delight desireth to handle his Arms must set tiâ—es apart frequently to practise himselfe therein And here I cannot but much blame the Officers of our Trained Bands in London of two great neglect the first in making men File-leaders either out of respect or favour they bear unto them or else because one man hath a better Buf-coat than another I speake not this to encourage any man to come slovenly habited when he shall march forth with his Captain but rather advise all Souldiers to fit themselves with the best array they can and could wish all the Serjeants in drawing up their Files to pitch upon such Gentlemen to be File-leaders as may take charge of his File and shall be able willing and ready upon all convenient times to instruct and teach his File in all their Postures and neat handling of their Arms which if carefully observed they would reap the benefit of much ease to themselves and the private Souldiers readinesse in the performance of the Postures would much redound ro the honour of the Captain that shall lead them But for the farther satisfaction of the ingenious Souldier that shall enquire what Posture is I shall briefly resolve them thus Posture as I conceive is a garbe or figure that a man stands in in the handling of his What Posture is Arms which he useth for the better grace and becomming of them There are severall motions belonging to each Posture which some call Postures but they much deceive themselves as shall appear clearly unto them by the survey as they shall be set down in order And first we will begin to set down the Postures of the Pike CHAP. II. Severall reasons why the Pike is the more honourable Arms. FIrst I shall begin to set down the postures of the Pike before the postures of the Musket for these reasons following as conceiving First They are the more honourable Arms in respect the Colours flying upon the head of them and upon the drawing up of the Company there is the most properest place for the Captain to be either upon a Stand or upon a March provided he have ground sufficient to March them all a brest If upon a Stand the Captain shall have occasion to engage against an Enemy thither his Officers may repair unto him upon the head of the Pikes there to receive directions And if the Captain shall cause the Serjeants to draw off part or all the Muskettiers from the Body of Pikes to fire against the enemy the Gentlemen of the Pikes in the mean time stands undauntedly to undergoe all the cruell shot of the Cannon from the contrary part for to preserve their Colours who are likewise a place of Randezvous for the Muskettiers to repair unto when they shall retreat from fight Farther it hath been the ambition of many Gentlemen both in Holland France and in these our late unhappy Wars in England to trail Pikes with severall Commanders whom they shall thinke fit And lastly to conclude all that the Pike is the more honourable Arms it is so in respect of its antiquity for there hath been the use of the Pike and Spear many hundred years before there was any knowledge of the Musket as in many Histories you shall finde And so for present I wil conclude this discourse of the Pike desiring the Muskettiers to have a favourable censure of me for I intend not by it to perswade all Souldiers to the handling of the Pike and none to be Muskettiers for that cannot be I should rather advise all Captains that have occasion to raise their Companies to have two thirds of Muskettiers and but one of Pikes that is to say if they should have 18 Files to cause twelve of them to carry Muskets and the other six Files Pikes And in my judgement they shall performe the better service unto any Nation where they shall be employ'd and I shall farther desire the Souldiers especially those that be of low stature to handle and take delight in the use of the Musket for it is an exceeding great honour to him so to handle his Musket as that he doth it with ease and in a comely manner and he that shall become expert therein I have often observed this commendation to follow him by the report of others Such a one is a good Muskettier and an able Souldier concluding thereby he that will take the pains to be a good Muskettier certainly cannot be idle but hath gained somthing 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 goe hand in hand in love like dear brothers and neither of them to envie each other and in so doing God will give a blessing to all 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 Raise up your Pike to your Open Order Order 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
outward or inward into the front and filing again as they were Thus much briefly of firings to the Front the Reer challengeth the next place where suppose all the Muskettiers to be in the Reer of the Pikes the Body marching Firings to the Reer 1 Fire to the right about falling in the front of their own Divisions left about falling in the front of their own Divisions 2 Fire and fall off to the right and left and rank with the first rank of Pikes into the front 3 Fire even with the Reer and fall off before the Front of your own Divisions of Muskettiers 4 Fire even with the Reer or last rank and fall off to the right and left with a swift Motion placing your selves 10 20 or 30 paces before the front of Pikes still facing to the Body and making ready again and opening to the right and left untill they be cleer of the Pikes 5 Fire by Introduction to the Reer twice over untill they come down even with the Reer and flank the Pikes 6 Fire to the right and left about to the Reer Ranks drawn forth and in again 7 Fire so the Reer every rank drawn forth cleer each from other and falling in again and flanking the Pikes 8 Fire to the right and left about files ranking downward to the Reer and filing as they were 9 Fire to the right and left about ranks ranking downward to the Reer and ranking as they were 10 Fire losing ground falling off to the right and left about just before the front of Pikes 11 Now if the Enemy pursue eagerly and that you candot make a safe retreat marching face all about and fire upon them by way of Extraduction or by half-ranks divided as formerly hath been shewn And thus much likewise briefly concerning firings to the Reer in the next place I shall Firings to the Flanks marching shew some firings to the flanks for performance whereof it will be expedient to bring all the Muskettiers upon one of the flanks but for order sake I will begin with the firings from the right flank 1 Fire to the right and gather up your files it is to be performed after this manner the out-most file upon the right is to face to the right and to give fire and after to face to the front and stand untill the next file have fired in like manner and then the first file gathers up unto him upon the right even a Brest and standing untill the third file have faced to the right and fired in like manner and after facing to the front the other files moving up in the like way as before and following successively this rule untill all have given fire and then to march up and even the front of Pikes the Muskettiers will stand as at first when they were brought upon the right flank 2 Fire to the right File-leaders leading up their files next to the Pikes 3 Fire to the right Bringers-up leading away next the Pikes which being twice done reduceth them 4 Fire to the right leading up on the contrary flank either by the File-leaders or Bringers-up 5 Fire to the right and leading up by Bringers-up between the Pikes and passing thorough to their places again doing the same reduceth them 6 Fire to the right and leading up between the Pikes by the Leaders and passing thorough the Pikes again to the right they will be as at first the like may be done to the left or in some kind to both flanks at one and the same time 7 Fire to the right by ranks wheeling and ranks to rank as they were to the right upon their marching reduceth them 8 Fire to the right by ranks inverting or filing and upon the March the Souldiers ranking reduceth them 9 Fire to the right files filing and gathering up their files to the left reduceth them These firings being performed marching the next shall be upon a Stand where note you must cast all your Muskettiers upon that flank where you conceive the Enemy will fall on whether right left or both but for order sake we usually begin with the right wherefore face to the right and proceed as followeth Firings to the right Flank upon a Stand. 1 Fire and fall in the Reer of your selves 2 Fire and flank the Pikes 3 Fire even with the Pikes and fall in the Reer of themselves 4 Fire even with the Reer moving forth to the right and left by ranks falling in the Reer of themselves 5 Fire by extraduction by half-ranks drawn forth and falling rank after rank in the Reer of the Pikes after to reduce them as at first cause them to double their front by Division These firings may as well be performed to both the flanks as to one the Body being faced accordingly which would make many firings more but these already set down may be sufficient for any ingenious capacity to work upon for the present observing this rule that in every firing he shall make use in time of his Exercise he may reduce them by another which will be more pleasing to the Souldier by reason of the great variety it affords unto them And now in the last place I know it will be expected that I should speak something of the use of firings wherefore briefly thus Firings to the front marching or moving when we either pursue after or approach to an Enemy Firings to the front maintaining ground when two Bodies encounter one another Firings to the front losing ground when either we are forced thereunto by necessity or that we do it out of policy to draw the Enemy into a train or snare Firings to the Reer marching when we are pursued by an Enemy yet would continue our March untill we have gained some place of importance or advantage Firings to the Reer upon a Stand when we are compelled thereunto by the violent pursuit of an Enemy or else when we have gained a place of advantage of ground or have recovered the winde or Sun whereby we are the better able to encounter with them Firings to the flank or flanks marching when we are assaulted by some Ambuscado secretly placed to hinder our passage or supposing two Armies are marching to one and the same place a river being betwixt them Firings to flank or flanks standing when the Enemy chargeth on with a resolution to cut off or divide part of the Army from the other Having thus briefly set down severall firings to front reer and both flanks with their uses either marching or standing I hold it convenient in the next place to give some short directions in time of Battail both to the Officers and their Souldiers First that the Drummers have a vigilant eye upon their Commanders whose voices are drown'd by the loud thundering of the Cannon or Muskettiers as also by the neighing of Horses or the lamentable cries of the maim'd and wounded Souldiers at which time the Leaders Staffe half-half-Pike or what else he carries in his hand
the last rank of Pikes and Muskettiers of the Front division face to the Reer the last rank of Muskettiers move down cleer of the Reer and close inward to order then let the Pikes port and after the Muskettiers have fired charge on then retreating into their places again Command The first and the last rank of Pikes face about and move down cleer of the Reer and close ranks forwards to order outmost divisions of Muskettiers face about move down and flank your own divisions of Pikes the first division of Pikes move forward and range even abrest with your own division of Muskettiers the Front division of Muskettiers closing into the midst to order The first firing Let the Front division give fire and fall in the reer of themselves after wheeling off to the right and left move down and flank the reer division of Pikes The second firing Let the Front divisions of Muskettiers fire and fall in the reer of themselves then face about and move down upon the inside of the next division of Pikes and after face to their Leader The third firing Let the Muskettiers upon the flanks move up into the roome of the former and fire falling in the reer of themselves and after face about and move down into their places again the Muskettiers on the inside moving up into their places again The fourth firing Let the reer division face about then let them fire to Front and Reer and fall in the Reer of themselves let the Pikes charge and after ordering their armes the Reer division facing to their Leader the Muskettiers thereof may move up into their places again Command The outmost Divisions face outward and move two paces face to your Leader move up untill you range even a brest with the second Divisions next the Front Reer Division move streight forward two paces The first firing Let them all give fire and fall in the reer of themselves The second firing Let the Muskettiers advance forwards untill they be cleer of the front division and then rank outward and fire altogether after filing inward as they were move down again into their places the Pikes at the same time charging and after order their arms Command Front division advance forward three paces the outmost divisions upon the Flanks move up and range even with the Front The first firing Direction for the same let them all face to the Reer and the middle division of Muskettiers move forwards and flank the Reer Division of Pikes after let all the Muskettiers advance forwards three foot cleer of their own Divisions of Pikes and give fire falling in the Reer of themselves and after facing about move into their places again The second firing Let them fire as they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves and the Pikes in the Reer may charge on and after facing to their Leader Command The out-most Divisions face inward march three paces and the next two Divisions face outward and move two paces to your Leader Reer-Division move outward untill you stand streight with the Front-Divisions The first firing Let the Front-Division of Muskettiers give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after moving down in the room of them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into the front firing in like manner moving down and exchanging places with them in the Reer The second firing Let the Muskettiers upon the flanks move forward even with the front give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after move down into their places again and face to their Leader The third firing Let them face to front-reer and both flanks and let the Pikes port and the Muskettiers give fire The fourth firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and fall in the Reer of the Pikes the Pikes charging whilest the Muskettiers make ready again The fift firing Let the Pikes charge at foot and the Muskettiers give fire over their heads then recovering their Arms face to their Leader Reducement Front-Divisions face about Front and Reer-Divisions march and interchange ground to your Leader The out-most Divisions face inward and close your Divisions to your Leader even your ranks and streighten your files and close to order they are reduced The Captain may now command the Muskettiers to poyse their Arms and file away to the right and left making as it were a Street or Gallery for him to troop away the Pikes and lodge his Colours CHAP. VII The second Exercise with four Files six deep THe Souldiers being the second time summoned to appear at their place of Randezvous the Serjeants having drawn forth the files may give liberty to the Leaders thereof to exercise them in their severall Postures which being ended their Captain or other Officers may command them to lead up their Files and to joyn them into a Body after which he may shew unto them their Distances and Facings with their severall kinds following the former rule and after proceed to these or the like Doublings following CHAP. VIII Eighteen severall Doublings with their reducements Command HAlf-files double your Front to the left Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right intire Command Left half-ranks double your right flank to the left Direction Face all to the right and left half-ranks move forward and double your right flank to the left to your Leader Command Double your ranks to the left intire Command Right half-ranks double your left flank intire advancing Command Left half-ranks double your right flank inward intire Direction Half-files of the right half-ranks face about right half-ranks move cleer of the standing part face all to the right left half-ranks move forwards into the right flank to your Leader Command The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most intire to the left flank Direction The three first and the three last face to the left march cleer of the standing part face inward move and close your Divisions to your Leader Command Right half-ranks double your left flank to the right Direction Face all to the left and right half-ranks move forwards and double your left flank to the right to your Leader Command Double your ranks to the right intire Command Right half-ranks double your left flank inward intire Command The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most ranks intire to the right flank Command Left half-ranks double your right flank intire advancing Command Front half-files double your Reer to the left intire Command Half-files double your front to the right Command Double your files to the left intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right following your Leaders Direction Half-files face about file-leaders turn off to the left and move down upon the right of the Reer the rest following successively to your Leader Command Files double your Depth to the left intire they
six deep Command Files file outward intire advancing Direction The out-most file stand the rest advance forward and place your selves before the out-most files after close files into the midst to order Command Files file to the right Direction The right-hand file stand the rest face about and fall in the Reer of your right-hand file to your Leader Command File file 12 to the right Direction The first 12 stand the other move forward filing 12 to the right Command Files wheel inward into Front and Reer Direction Files open from the midst to twice double distance after face inward and wheel six to the right and six to the left untill you have made two ranks 12 a Brest face to your Leader and close ranks forwards to order Command Ranks wheel inward to both the flanks Direction Ranks open from the midst to twice double distance the first rank face about the first and the last rank wheel six to the right and six to the left inward to both the flanks face your Leader and close files to the midst to order Command Files file three to the right and left outward into Front and Reer Direction Half-files face about the three first and the three last ranks are to stand the rest are to move by threes filing to Front and Reer to the right and left outward and after face to the Front and close their ranks forwards to order Command Files file to the midst by Division Direction Half-files of the out-most files face about and the out-most files move forwards and file by Division unto the midst of files face to your Leader Command Files rank inward into the Front Direction Files open from the midst to twice double distance and move forward to the right and left inward into the Front Command Rank file six to the right and left outward Direction The out-most men are to stand the rest are to move side-ways to the right and left making six in a file and then the next out-side men in like manner are to stand the rest successively are to file as before CHAP. XIV Next followeth severall Figures of Battail with Firings upon the same for the performance whereof Command BRingers-up to double their Front to the right and left inward and ranks and files to open to open order Muskettiers to close outward to close ordâ—â— the in-most files of Pikes close outward to the same distance and they will stand in four Divisions after let the middle rank in each Division open outward to open order they will produce the first Figure The first firing Let the first rank give fire and wheel off to the right and left and place themselves in the room of them in the Reer and they at the same time moving forwards into their places and give fire as the first after wheel off into their places again The second firing Let the middle ranks advance three foot before the Front and give fire face about and move down into their places again Command The last rank in each division move to the left one pace and double to the right file-wise and then advance forward untill their first men exceed two foot the Front of each division then let the first rank open outward to open order and the last rank close inward to the same distance The first firing Let the middle file give fire to the front and fall in the reer of themselves The second firing Let the first rank give fire on the ground they stand and after fall off to the right and left into the room of them in the reer they at the same time moving forward into their ground and give fire in like manner and fall off into their places again and then the Pikes may charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again Command Face all about middle file move forward three foot cleer of the reer the first rank close inward to order the last rank open outward somthing more then to open order Upon this figure let the first man in each division kneel down and then to give fire altogether over one anothers head the Pikes at the same time charging brest high to the horse then face all to their first front Command The last men in the reer double to the left rank-wise files close into the midst to order Musketties double your Pikes inward intire advancing and move forward three paces Files double your depth to the right and left outward of each arms every man falling behind his Bringer-up Front half-files double your reer intire into the midst Files double to the right and left outward files file to the right intire advancing which being done wheel them to the right about into a ring in form as followeth Upon this figure let the Pikes charge round and the Muskettiers give fire altogether which being ended let the Commander goe to the place where the file-Leader stands and wheel them off again to the left untill he hath brought them into one streight file and then proceed Command Half-file double your front to the right ranks double to the right and left inward files double outward intire advancing Half-files of each armes double your ranks forwards to the left â—ront half-files double the Reer to the left files file to the left intire advancing and wheel about into a ring then face all to the center and close files of each armes to the right and left inward to close order Command Middle men in each division move backward and place yourselves two foot behind your right and left hand-men face all about to the right and close ranks inward to order Upon this figure let them fire by circumduction after this manner let the odde men of Pikes port and then the odde Muskettier where the first front was is to give fire and to move away to the left and the next odde man of Muskettiers upon the right immediately comes stooping underneath the Pikes into the first mans place firing in like manner moving away into the next odde mans place of the Muskettiers upon the left the rest doing the same untill the first Muskettier come into his place again Command Face all to the center odde men move forwards and place your selves two foot before your right and left hand-men after face all to the right about Upon this figure you may fire likewise by way of circumduction the Pikes porting all round and having performed one firing in this manner in the next place let the odde Muskettiers and Pikes move forth again and kneel down the odde Pike-men charging at foot the Muskettiers may give fire altogether then let them face to the center let the odd men move forwards and place themselves between their right and left-handmen then moving forward and close their ring let them face all about to the right Then let the Captain goe where the Leader of the file stands and wheel him about to the left the rest following untill they be all brought again into one streight
front divisions of Pikes Reer divisions of Muskettiers move forward and range inward even a brest with the front divisions files close into the midst to order front and reer half-files open from the midst to double distance the four in most files of front reer half-files face inward and interchange ground then let each two files of Pikes close outward to order and after to double there divisions to the right filewise and to close files to the left to order the two outmost files of Muskettiers upon the right double ranks inward and lead them away before the left half-ranks of Muskettiers the next two files doubler ranks outward and lead them away behind the reer by first facing them about Pikes face to the left and move streight before the Muskettiers and then double the reer inward intire and after files to double their depth to the right every man falling behind his Bringer-up they are reduced CHAP. XVIII The sixth Exercise with four Files eight deep THe Souldiers being met at the place appointed and their files being drawn forth according to the usuall custome the Leaders begin to shew each Souldiers how to handle and use his Arms and after leads up their files and joyns them into a Body where the Commander having sent for his Colours stands at the head of them commanding their silence and attention unto the words of Command Now having in his former Exercise spent most of the time upon plain Doublings he may in this shew unto them the great variety of Doublings by Counter-marches and although they are very difficult yet they will afford much delight and content unto the Souldiers CHAP. XIX Thirty Doublings by Counter-marches with their reducement Command BRingers-up double your Front to the left Command Double your files to the left intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right and left outward following your Leaders Command Double your files outward intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right and left inward Command Double your files inward intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right and left inwards following your Leaders Command Files double your Depth to the right and left outward following your Bringers-up Command Double your files to the right by Division every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files of the even files from the right face about even files advance forward and double the odd according to command to your Leader Command The four first and the four last ranks double the eight middle-most ranks to the right and left inward following your Leaders and your Bringers-up Direction The four first and the four last ranks advance your Arms and the file-leaders and the bringers-up begin the Motion the rest are to follow after order their Arms and face to their Leader Command Double your files to the left by Division every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction The eight middle ranks double your Front and Reer to the right and left outward following the half-file-leaders and the Bringers-up of the Front half-files Direction The four last ranks of the Front and Reer half-files face about the middle-ranks are to begin this Motion and to advance their Arms and to turn off to the right and left every rank following them untill they have doubled the Front and Reer then face all to the Front order their Arms and close their Divisions forward to open order Command Double your files inward by Division every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files of the out-most files face about the out-most files advance your Arms and move forward placing your selves before your Leaders and your Bringers-up face to your Leader and order your Armes Command The four first and the four last ranks double the eight middle-most ranks to the right and left outward following your Leaders and your Bringers-up Direction The four first and the four last ranks advance your Arms and move away to the right and left and double the eight middle-most ranks to your Leader Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right following your Leaders Command Files double your Depth to the right every man placing himself behinde his Bringer-up Command Right half-ranks double your left flank to the right following your right-hand men Direction Face outward and right half-ranks turn off to the left and double the left-flank to the right to your Leader Command Double your ranks to the right intire every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right-hand man Command Left half-ranks double your right flank to the left following your left-hand men Command Double your ranks to the left intire every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his left-hand man Command Double your ranks by Division every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Command The in-most files double the out-most files placing your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men Derection The in-most files advance your Arms face outward and move forward and double the out-most files placing your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men order your Arms and close files into the midst to open order Command Double your ranks by Division into the Reer Command The two out-most files double the four in-most by following of your out-side men Direction The in-most files face inward the rest face outward and turn off to the right and left towards the Reer and double the four in-most files to your Leader Command Double your ranks by Division into Front Reer and Midst every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Direction The two last ranks of the Front and Reer half-files face about even ranks from the Front Reer and Midst advance your Arms and face outward and move forth and double the Front Reer and Midst of ranks placing your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men face to your Leader and close ranks forward to open order Command Double your two out-most files to the right and left outward and Midst following of the in-most files Direction The two out-most files face outward the rest face inward and Front and Reer half-files distinctly turn off to the right and left and double the out-most files to the right and left outward and midst following of the in-most files to your Leader files close into the midst to order Command Double your files to the right intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right Command File-leaders double your Reer to the left Command Double your files to the left intire into the Reer every man placing himselfe before his Bringer-up Direction Face to the Reer and even files from the left advance your Arms and move
standing upright then the Pikes may continue their charge till the Muskettiers make ready again and after they may retreat and fall in the Reer of the Muskettiers and close their Divisions inward to order These firings being all upon a stand and the Muskettiers being now in Front and Reer they may be moved away and may give fire upon the march to Front and Reer after this manner The fifteenth firing Let the first rank in the Front nimbly advance forward ten paces then present and give fire in which interim the rest will be moved up unto them the others having fallen off to the right and left in the Reer of their own divisions of Muskettiers the next rank may give fire in like manner untill all have fired thus once over the Reer are to fire at the same time with the Front facing about the last rank who are to fall off and to place themselves before their own divisions of Muskettiers The sixteenth firing Let them fire as before and the first rank of the Front-division to fall off and flank the Pikes to the right the rest of that Division falling off and placing themselves in the Reer of them and likewise the first rank of the Reer-division when they have fired let them fall off and range even a Brest with the half-files of Pikes and still preserving themselves in their places to be right-hand men to those which were at first and the rest to give fire and fall in the Reer of them The seventeenth firing Now the Muskettiers being all upon the right flank let the out-most file face to the right and fire and lead away by Bringers-up between the Muskettiers and the out-most file of Pikes let this be continued in the same manner untill all have fired The eighteenth firing The Body still marching let them fire again after the same manner as before The nineteenth firing Let them fire by ranks wheeling to the right flank and after to rank to the right so many a Brest as they were at first marching a long with the Body The twentieth firing Let them fire and fall off on the contrary flank The one and twentieth firing Let them give fire upon the gathering firing after this manner let the out-most file upon the left face to the left give fire and then face to the Front and untill the rest be cleer and then the next file to face to the left and fire and after face to the Front and then the first file may gather up even a Brest upon the left of the second file then the third file may face to the left and give fire after face to the Front and stand untill the other two march up on the left and joyn even a Brest with him and consequently so all the rest untill every file have fired and that they be all moved up even a Brest with the Pikes The two and twentieeh firing Let them wheel ranks to the left and fire and after rank four to the left as they were at first and march even a Brest with the Pikes The three and twentieth firing Let them fire to the left flank ranks inverting and after face to the Front and to rank again as they were The four and twentieth firing Let them fire by files filing to the right and facing after to the left and fire to the left flank and then facing to their first Front and to lead up their Files to the left again as they were The five and twentieth firing Let them fire by the out-most files to the left flank and lead away by the Leader up between or in the middle of Pikes The six and twentieth firing Let them face outward and fire upon a stand after this manner by ranks dividing moving forth to the right and left and fire and fall in again into their places the Pikes may after charge on and retreat again into their places The 27th firing Let them fire by ranks ranking outward into both the Flanks and moving forward and firing even a brest and ranking again as they were but not returning again into the midst of Pikes from whence they were drawn forth but fire to both flanks and fall in the Reer of themselves The 28th firing Let them fire again and fall in the Reer or midst of Pikes The 29th firing Let the Pikes port and let the Muskettiers fire by extraduction to both flanks and return again into their places The 30th firing Let the Pikes open to the right and the Muskettiers move up into the midst and the first rank give fire and slieve up to the right and left and place themselves before the Pikes the next rank moving forward into his ground and slieving away in the Reer of them untill all have fired The 31th firing Let them close their Divisions and fire and fall in the Reer of themselves The 32th firing Let them fire by files ranking outward and filing again as they were The 33th firing Let them fire by ranks wheeling outward into both flanks towards Front and Reer the half-files are to face about the left half-ranks are to wheel to the right the right half-ranks to the left the Front half-files doing the like may give fire facing after to the right and left inward ranking as they were into the midst of ranks and facing again to the flanks The 34th firing Let them fire two ranks together and slieving presently away and flank the Pikes The 35th firing Let them face to Front and Reer and after move outward and facing to the outward Angles of Front and Reer and let them fire and fall in the Reer of themselves The 36th firing Let them close files into the midst to order and fire again and let them fall off to the right and left and flank the Pikes then face all to their first Front they are reduced Having spent all this time in the plain Firings we will in the next place proceed to Firings upon such Figures of Battail as followeth CHAP. XXV Severall Figures of Battail Command HAlf-files double your Front to the left Muskettiers double your Pikes intire advancing Files open from the midst to double distance the two out-most Files close outward to open order and the two in-most Files close outward to the same distance half-files of each Division double the Front inward intire Ranks and Files close to order The four out-most Files upon each Flank stand the four in-most Files upon the left face to the Reer then let the four in-most Files upon the left and the four in-most Files upon the right move forward three foot before the Front and Reer and then face to the left and move two paces then face all to the Front and move streight in their Divisions both rank-wise and file-wise they will stand as followeth The first firing Let the front division of Muskettiers move forward untill they be cleere of the standing part then give fire and fall in the reer of themselves and then closing their files
their leader they are reduced Which being performed the leader may lodge his colours having finished his ninth Exercise CHAP. XXXI The tenth Exercise consisting of 24 Files being six deep according to the first drawing up of a private Company THere being a greater number appearing upon this days Exercise then in the former it concerns a Leader more especially to give speciall charge to the inferiour officers to be carefull in the drawing forth the files that they make no man a file-leader bringer-up half-file-leader or bringer-up of the front half-files but such able souldier as may be deserving of the same whose diligence and care upon all motions is principally required being as it were the hinges of the Leaders severall words of command Wherefore supposing them to be drawnup in battalia and the colours being brought to the head of the Company the four Serjeants ready at hand attending their Captains commands and the body being closed in ranks and files to their distance of order and silence craved at the Company he that shall exercise them may begin after distances and facings shewen with this or the like doubling following CHAP. XXXII Eight entire severall Doublings with their Reducement Command FRont half-files double your reer inward intire Command The twelve inmost files double intire the depth of the six out-most files In-most files face about Command Half-files double your front to the right Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Half-files double your front inward intire Command The six outmost files upon each flank double intire advancing the twelve middle files Command Half-files double your front to the right intire Command Right half-ranks double your left flank intire advancing which being performed they are reduced CHAP. XXXIII Eight severall Counter-marches with their Reducement Command FIle-leaders stand the rest passe thorough to the right and place your selves before your leaders Command The right hand file stand the rest passe thorough to the right and place your selves on the out-side of your right hand men Command Counter-march your front and reer into the midst of ranks Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left front half-files turn off to the right to your leader Command Counter-march your flanks into the midst of files face outward Command Files to the right hand counter-march maintayning ground Command Ranks to the left hand counter-march losing ground Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files from the midst of ranks maintaining ground Direction Front half-files face about and turn off to the left the rest turn off to the right every man moving up into his leaders ground to your leader Command Counter-march your right and left half-ranks from the midst of files losing ground Direction Face inward and turn off every rank on the ground they stand face to your leader and close files into the midst to open order they are reduced CHAP. XXXIV Eight entire Doublings by Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel off your reer half-files and double your front to the right intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank intire to the left Face outward Command Wheel off your reer half-files and double your front to the left intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double your left flank to the left intire Face outward Command Wheel off your front half-files and double the reer to the right intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double the left flank to the right intire Face outward Command Wheel off your front half-files and double the reer to the left intire Half-files face about Command Wheeel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank to the right intire Face outward CHAP. XXXV Plain Firings and Figures of Battail The first firing LEt the two outmost files of Muskettiers upon each flank advance ten paces before the front give fire and fall in the reer of themselves after face about and move down into their places again then face to their leader Then let the next two files upon each flank move away in like manner and fire as the former did and move down into their places again After let the other remaining files be led forth by the other two Serjeants and give fire as before and fall back again into their places The second firing Let two Serjeants draw four files upon each flank and move them away 10 or 20 paces before the front and give fire and fall in the reer of themselves and after face about move down into their places And whilest they are moving down let the other two Serjeants draw forth the remayning four files upon each flank and fire as the former did and after return again into their places The third firing Let all the Muskettiers move forth cleer of the Pikes and let them open from the midst untill they stand in four divisions leaving sufficient intervalls for their wheeling into the reer of themselves first let them fire in each division falling in the reer of themselves untill they have all fired over two or three times after this kind The fourth firing Let them close their files before the front of â—ikes into the midst to order then let the two first ranks kneel down the next two stoop and the last two stand upright and give fire six ranks altogether then let the left half-ranks of Muskettiers be wheeled about to the left into the reer of the Pikes and the right half-ranks move to the left untill they stand streight before the front of Pikes The fifth firing Let the half-files face about and let them give fire to front and reer after this manner by two ranks drawn off ten paces before the front and reer and fall off to the right and left into the reer of themselves then facing about let them open outward and give way for the next two ranâ—s to come forward into their places who are to fire and fall off as the former did the other two ranks doing the same this firing may be continued as long as the Leader pleaseth The sixt firing Let them give fre on the ground they stand and fall off to the right and left into the reer of themselves The seventh firing Let them rank outward into front and reer and give fire altogether and rank again as they were The eight firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and flank the Pikes those in the front flanking the Pikes on the right they in the reer flanking them on the left after let the Pikes charge on and being retreated into their places let them face all to their leader and in the next place proceed to figures of battâ—â—â— Command Files open outward to open order ranks open backward to your open order then let every four files close outward to order and ranks close to front and reer to order they will stand in twelve divisions as followeth Command The two inmost
108 men in a Company and the three Field Officers 144. which makes compleatly up 756 men whereof two thirds are Muskettiers and one third of Pikes the Files being six deep THe generall place of Randezvous being appointed out unto the Major it is his care to take a timely view thereof that there be ground and room sufficient enough for the drawing them up And having received orders from his Collonel Major Generall or other superiour officers for the Regiments marching thither he may appoint the Companies to march either of these two ways either by succession or dignity If by succession first the Collonels Company moves away next the Lieutenant Collonels in the reer of him then the Majors and so consequently all the rest from the eldest to the youngest who brings up the reer of all If by dignity first the Collonels Company and in the reer of him the youngest Captain and after him the eldest then the Majors then the second Captain the Leiutenant Collonel bringing up the reer of all But it concernes the Major before their marching to give notice unto the Leiutenant Collonel and the eldest Captain to countermarch their ranks of their two perticuler Companies as soone as they come into the place of the generall randezvous before he shall draw them up to preserve the honour of the right hand File-leaders and Bringers-up of both armes He is likewise to be there before hand attending their marching in and after the Collonels company have made Alt to draw up each perticuler company on the left of him all in one even range commanding them to close ranks forward to order and files into the midst unto the same distance He is likewise to informe himself of the Captaines Lieutenants and Serjeants how many files of Pikes and Muskettiers they have in each perticuler company and accordingly he is to enter it down in his paper book and to make use thereof as followeth He is to require one single file apiece of Muskettiers to be drawn off from the three smaller Companies and two files apiece from the greater which makes 9 files and contains 54 men which are to be led away by an able Serjeant into the Reer for to be a guard to the Bagage or other occasions From thence he may proceed commanding all the Muskettiers to stand and the Pikes to advance their Arms and move forward 10 or 12 paces and then to stand and close their files outward to order three of their colours moving with their Pikes to the right hand the other three moving away to the left After he may command Muskettiers to close their files outward to order and they will stand in four divisions two of Pikes and in the reer of them two of Muskettiers as underneath is set forth the Captaines being all upon the head of the Pikes with their Ensignes and the Lieutenants in the reer the Serjeants attending upon the flanks of each division This being done command each division of Muskettiers and Pikes to face outward and to move to such convenient distance that being faced to the front there may be room sufficient upon the subdividing of each division of Muskettiers for their moving up and flanking each body of Pikes After which the Major may assigne unto every Captain and Lieutenant his due place of honour as they stand all abrest And that they may also naturally fall into their proper places upon the march which shall be set forth in the next figure standing in two grand divisions the one in the reer of the other which may happen sometimes for want of ground but provided they have ground enough they ought to stand in one even range as in folio 5. The Major after they are thus drawn up in one even range will find three files of Muskettiers more in the second grand division and two of Pikes then is in the first therefore he must take from thence one file of each Company and adde them to those nine files in the reer which makes them twelve and then he will have ballanced the divisions equall taking off one file of Pikes and placing it amongst the eldest Captains Pikes CHAP. III. The Reasons follow for the placing of the Captains their Colours and their Lieutenants after the manner before set down WHat hath formerly been declared concerning a Rank or File six a brest or six deep may be satisfactory in some kind unto this point which takes his rule from hence For all private Companies smaller Bodies or single Files must or ought to be as neer as they can conformable to greater Bodies as to Regiments and consequently they to Brigades Therefore take notice that this rule ought ever to be obsâ—rved in the drawing up of Regiments that the right flank as neer as may be ought to be sutable with the left both in strength number and dignity and likewise to be so when they are drawn forth upon a long March the Front equall with the Reer Now suppose thâ—se two grand Divisions stood even a brest we will begin to examine the first worth which is the Collonels and the fourth worth which is the eldest Captains and placed upon the right and left of the first grand Division with the second and third worth who are the Lieutenant Collonel and Major drawn up upon the right and left of the second grand Division and you shall finde they are every way equivalent in number worth and dignity with that of the first In the next place there are no more to place but the fifth and sixth worth who are the second and third Captains and therefore since it is the first place of honour among the Captains in a Regiment to lead the first Body or Stand of Pikes it must then consequently follow that the second place of honour must be to lead the second grand Division of Pikes and therefore the fifth worth is brought into and placed between the second and third that he may aptly stand there to to lead the second Body of Pikes wherein the Lieutenant Collonel the Major and his own Colours are placed so that there remaines no more but the sixth worth or youngest Captain to place who is drawn up between the Collonel and eldest Captain Now if we shall further proceed to ballance it more cleerly consider them by dividing them by two's in their places as first we will begin with the Collonel the first worth who hath joyned to him the youngest Captain which is the sixt worth and they two make the number 7 then compare the Lieutenant-Collonel who is the second worth unto the second Captain joyn'd with him which is the fifth worth and they make a like the same number after compare the Major and eldest Captain who are drawn up into the midst of the Regiment whose places carry the third and fourth worth and their number is sutable with the rest And thus much may be spoken in generall now I shall come more perticulerly to give further satisfaction both for them
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 fleeve up by the out-side 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 astreight 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 of 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 altogether 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 lesse danger to each other the Pikes to be siled away to the right and left behinde 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 altogether as they stand at order mounting up the Muzzels of their Muskets into the aire 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 performe his three volleys of shot in the most gracefullest way which being ended they may all returne to their Quarters And thus much may suffice for satisfaction to any Commander in ordering his single Company to any Funerall Occasion marching alone of it selfe CHAP. XXVI The Ordering of a Regiment to a Funerall Occasion WHen Companies are to march in a Regimentall way care must he 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 of 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 Collonel lead the Regiment and the Collonel 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 passe 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 passe through in an orderly manner into the Church the Souldiers in the mean time attending without untill Sermon be passed over And being all in a readinesse they may give three severall 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 Captain to draw off their Companies and troop home to their severall 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 Ensignes and Pikes first troop away through the Guard of the Muskettiers who being cleer of them and being led by the Collonel and other Officers there appointed the Muskettiers may also rank again in like manner and fall in the Reer of the Pikes following them untill they come unto a convenient place or ground for the Captains drawing off their Companies as they shall receive order from their Collonel Lieutenant Collonel or Major And here I will conclude my Discourse concerning the Exercising of the Infantry in all their Military Motions and Exercises FINIS The CONTENTS of the Chapters The first Booke A Discourse of the Postures and the handling of Arms page 1 Several reasons why the Pike is the more honorable arms p. 2 The postures of the Pike ibid. The Postures of the Musket p. 3 The postures and charges of the Pike to be performed in a shorter way all things acted in order and nothing done twice p. 4 The Postures of the Musket collected in a brief way p. 5 There is also a conformity of posture with the Musket to those of the Pike and words of command to be given as may in many things be received by both arms p. 6 The use of the postures of the Pike ibid. The use of the yostures of the Musket p. 7 How a Muskettier shall perform the Sentinel posture ibid. The manner and way to do the Funerall posture ibid. The reducement of a Musket from the Funeral posture p. 8 The Souldiers desire to know every perticuler place of Dignity as they stand in rank and file p. 8 Reasons for the places of dignity both in rank and file for the first foure in a file 8 deep p. 9 Reasons of the place of the second four as they stand in rank and file the file being 8 deep p. 10 Other reasons to cleer it further to the Souldier ibid. Reasons given for the last Table of every perticuler place of Honour and Dignity as they stand ibid. Reasons likewise to be given for the Table 12 a brest and 12 deep p. 11 Brief Reasons to be given of the Dignity of the places of a rank 10 a brest and of a file ten deep p. 12 What distance is and the reasons for the first beginning of the same with all their severall uses ibid. The severall sorts of distances which are fit and proper for the Souldier to be exercised in p. 13 Words of command for the opening of ranks and files to all their distances with their closings again ibid. The use of each perticular distance and at what time to be used p. 14 Directions of the way and manner of drawing up a private company p. 15 Severall reasons given for the placing of the Serjeants after this manner p. 17 Reasons given for the placing the Serjeants and Drums of lesser Companies
not on the left for the reasons as formerly for a File six deep declared I might now here conclude with other flourishing Tables which might be little profitable unto the Souldier though holding out discourse more fuller in an Arithmeticall way But I have no desire to fill this subject with plenty of unprofitable words and frothie flourishes but rather driving really in a Souldierly way to make all things both plain and easie to every courteous Reader that shall be pleased for to peruse the same And therefore here for present I shall conclude what more might here be spoken by dignities of Ronks and Files leaving what shall remain untill such time in course I shall again meet with them by the way in drawing up of Regiments CHAP. XVIII What Distance is and the reasons for the first beginning of the same with all their severall uses HAving thus now passed over severall reasons and with as much brevity as I could to satisfie the longing desire of the young Souldiers request of every particular place of honour as they stand in dignity both in Rank and File Which being passed over the next will follow by course before we come to joyne the Files into a Body to satisfie the Souldier of each particular distance with the severall reasons and uses of the same for next to the Postures it is the first thing or part of the Military exercise and most necessary for the Souldier to be knowing in and to be exercised in Yet I must confesse no Commander is so tied up or limited in the exercising of his men at all times to begin with Distances first so as to shew them all throughout but neverthelesse in all and every one of the Motions in the exercising of a Body care must be taken that the Souldier have his proper Distance for performance of the same Neither can any Leader exercise his men but first he must command them to some Distance sutable to what he will begin As some I have seen begin their Exercises with Faceings some other with Doublings others with Countermarches and with Wheelings Yet neverthelesse whoever they be that will so begin as I said before must command his Souldiers to some Distance which may be proper forâ— the same But for my own part my purpose is to goe throughout all parts of the Military Exercise of Foot and therefore will goe on in order as they lie and first as most properest I shall begin with Distances to shew them all throughout and what the nature of them be Distance therefore really considered in it selfe is no Motion but there are severall motions to the attaining of each particular Distance both in length and depth Therefore briefly thus Distance is a place or intervall of ground between every particular File and File and betwixt every Rank and Rank as they stand and attained by the severall motions of Ranks and Files and consisting of severall proportions of ground as easily may be understood by their severall words of command as they follow CHAP. XIX The severall sorts of Distances which are fit and proper for the Souldier to be exercised in CLosest Order Close Order Order Open Order Double Distance Twice double Distance Which is both in Rank and File Half a foot One foot and a half Three foot Six foot Twelve foot Twenty four foot Having thus set down every Distance with their severall proportions of ground I shall next proceed unto the words of command to the opening of the Ranks and Files from their closest Order and after satisfie the Souldier with the reasons and the uses of every particular Distance as they go along in order CHAP. XX. Words of Command for the opening of Ranks and Files to all their Distances with their closings again THe Commander craving silence and that they be commanded to close Ranks and Files to their closest Order the words of command for Distances are as followeth Files open to the right to your close Order Ranks open backward to your close Order Files open to the left to your Order Ranks open backward to your Order Files open to the right and left to your open Order Ranks open backward to your open Order Files open to the left to your double Distance Ranks open backward to your double Distance Files open from the midst to twice double Distance Ranks open backward to twice double Distance The Ranks and Files being thus opened unto their twice double Distance from their closest order I conceive it to be a more Souldierly like way in the opening and closing of Files that the discretion of the Commander do vary and alter the hand in the commanding of them then always from every Distance to tie himself to any perticuler hand as to open to the right and close to the right But as concerning the opening of Ranks the properest way in my judgement is to open them always to the Reer in respect it is performed with more facility For every Rank from the first takes his due Distance as he is commanded without any further trouble or to a halfe facing to the right by taking it from the Reer if from that place they shall be opened and so likewise it were a great deal better in the closing of Ranks to close them forwards in respect it is for the more coveniency of their closing then to the Reer For then again they must perform a half facing which is not only handsome but troublesome to the Souldier All that can be said for to maintain it as I conceive in opening Ranks forwards is because they have not room in the Reer which seldome happens so in any Exercise if discreetly ordered by him that leads them As for closing of the Ranks backwards I cannot conceive any solid reasons to confirme the same and therefore will passe over it and come to close our Ranks and Files to such Distance from whence they first were opened Files close to the right and left inward to double distance Ranks close forwards to double distance Files close to the right to your open Order Ranks close forwards to your open Order Files close into the midst to your Order Ranks close forwards to your Order Files close to the left to your close Order Ranks close forwards to your close Order Files close to the right to your closest Order Ranks close forwards to your closest Order Concerning the Words of Command for Distances in the openings and closings of Ranks and Files what before is set down may be sufficient for any Souldier to use in time of his exercise But now it will be expected to give some reasons for every one of these to shew them in their proper uses CHAP. XXI The use of each perticuler Distance and at what time to be used WHerefore first note that your Distance of closest Order is of chiefest use unto the Pike in these perticulers as first charging against the Horse for that the Ranks then clapping in their left legs behind their Leaders
about and the out-most six men upon each rank are to stand and the middle-men are to divide themselves six to the right hand and six to the left and to fall in the Reer of the first last and middle rank after the last rank is to face to the front and then to close ranks and files to their order Command Ranks rank outward into the front reer and midst every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Ranks ranking by Counter-march Direction The two last ranks face about the first and last rank and the third rank from the front stand the rest move forth to the right and left ranking into front reer and midst placing themselves on the out-side of their right and left-hand men face to your Leader Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward placing your selves on the in-side of your right and left-hand men the last rank face about the 12 middle-most men in each rank are to stand and the out-most six men in each rank are to move to the right and left inward placing themselves in the Reer of the former ranks and on the in-side of their right and left-hand men facing to their Leader Command Ranks rank inward into the front reer and midst every man placing himself on the in-side of his right and left-hand man Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance standing thâ—n at order in each division in rank and file the two last ranks face about and the first last and third rank from the Front stand the rest move inward placing themselves on the in-side of their right and left-hand men after the last rank may face about and move forward to open order Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right and left-hand man the last rank face about the six out-most men of each rank stand and the 12 middle-most men in each rank are to divide themselves six to the right and six to the left falling in the Reer of the out-most men placing themselves on the out-side of their right and left-hand men after face to the front and ranks and files close to the midst to order Of Files ranking into Front Reer and Midst Command FIles rank outward into Front Reer and Midst Direction The two last ranks face about the first last and third rank from the front stand the rest move to the right and left after the manner of doubling of ranks and rank to front reer and midst as before commanded and after the last rank face to the front closing forward to order Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward the last rank face about and the even men from the midst of â—iles are to fall in behinde the odd after the manner of doubling files to the right and left inward and after the two last ranks are to face to the Front Command Files rank inward into front reer and midst Direction They standing at the distance of order in rank and file command right and left half-ranks to open from the midst some thing more then to open order after the two last ranks are to face about and the first last and third rank from the front are to stand the rest are to move to the right and left inward after the manner of doubling ranks to the right and left inward after the last rank is to face to the front and to close forwards to open order Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward the last rank face about and every man from the flanks is to move outward after the manner of doubling files to the right and left outward then the two last ranks are to face to the front and the whole Body may close their ranks and files into the midst to order CHAP. XLIII Of Files ranking by Wheeling Command FIles rank outward into Front Reer and Midst by wheeling Direction The two last ranks face about after face all outward and The Ranks must be at close order and the Files at open order for these three words of Command following and it would be better to divide them into three Divisions that is to say between every two Ranks to have some six foot of ground intervall that they may more distinctly perform the same and wheel to the right and left by two and two untill they be ranked into front reer and midst the last rank may after move forwards unto the same distance the former stands at being first faced to their Leader Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward by wheeling the first two ranks face about and then every perticuler rank to wheel by two and two towards the midst of files untill they have made 12 files as at first and after to face all to the front Command Files rank inward into the front reer and midst by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst something more then open to order the two last ranks of each Division face about after face all inward and wheel by two and two to the right and left untill they have ranked into front and reer and midst to the right and left inward the last rank is after to face to the front taking his distance conformable to the rest Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward by wheeling the two first ranks face about and each perticuler rank is to wheel by two's towards the flanks untill they have made 12 files as at first after facing all to the front and closing their ranks and files into the midst to order Command Files rank inward into the midst by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance after face inward and let them know that the Bringers-up of the Front half-fiiles and the half-file Leaders are the hinges of the motion after face them to the Front and they will be in two Ranks Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward by wheeling the last Rank face about and both Ranks wheel to the right and left by threes untill they have made 12 Files as at first after face all to the Front and close Files into the midst to order Command Files rank outward into the Front and Reer by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks close into the midst to order after face outward and wheel to the right and left the Bringers-up and the Leaders are the hinges of the motion and when they are brought into two Ranks one in the Front and the other in the Reer face them to the Front Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward by wheeling the first Rank face about and both Ranks are to wheel by threes towards the midst of Files untill they have filed according unto command after facing to their Leader evening their Ranks and straightning their Files And thus much of
Conversion or Ranks ranking or Files ranking they having more variety in them then many times can be usefull except it be to present unto the Souldiers some things that are new in the motions which many times they love to see I could upon this Subject have much more enlarged my selfe but conceiving what is already set down may be sufficient for the knowledge of any intelligible Souldier I come therefore briefly to treat of Inversion or of Ranks filing and Files filing CHAP. XLIV Of Ranks filing or of Files filing or of Inversion with their severall sorts and kinds Command FIles file to the right Direction The right-hand File is to move away cleer of the standing part and after the next File to fall in the Reer of the first and consequently so all the rest untill they become one File Reducement File-leaders lead up your Files to the left or file file six to the left Command Files file to the right intire advancing Direction The right-hand File stand the rest move away successively placing themselves in one direct file before the Front Reducement File file six to the right into the Reer face all about or File file six to the right towards the Front Command Files file inward into the right Flank Direction Half-files face about the out-most Files then upon the left as they are so faced are to move away forward and consequently all the rest are to fall in behinde them the like is to be performed by the Front the out-most File at the same time is to move away and the rest successively falling in untill they have made one intire File after they are to face to the Front Reducement Front-half-file file three to the left Reer half-file face about and file three to the right face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Files file to the right by Division Direction Half-files face about the out-most file upon the right is to stand the rest are to move forward and to place themselves successively into one intire file going forward after each other and after face to the Front Reducement Front half-file file three to the right and Reer half-file face about and file three to the left face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Ranks file to the right every man placing himself behind his right-hand man Ranks filing by way of Countermarch Direction This may be done marching or standing if marching the right-hand man of the first rank doth first move away the rest in the same rank do fall in behinde him and consequently all the rest untill they make one intire file if upon a Stand the ranks are to open backward to such a Distance as they may conveniently fall into one File Reducement File rank 12 to the left or File rank as you were Command Ranks file to the right advancing every man placing himself before his right hand man Direction The out-most file stand the rest are to move forward with their right leg The Ranks are to be at twice double distance and the Files at order placing themselves before their right-hand men Reducement File rank 12 to the right or file rank as you were Command Ranks file to the right every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction The half-files are to face about only the right-hand file is to stand the rest are to move forward filing to the right Flank every man placing himself before his Leader and his â—ringer-up face to your Leader Reducement Front half-file rank 12 to the right Reer half-file face about and rank 12 to the left face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Ranks file inward into the right Flank every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files face about Front and Reer half-files are to march to such covenient distance as the ranks may fall into the midst of the right flank after they are to face about or to face to the midst of ranks and then they are to move forward into the right flank every man placing himself as before commanded and after face to their Leader Reducement Front half-files rank 12 to the left Reer half-file face about and rank 12 to the right face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Files file to the right every man placing himselfe behinde his Bringer-up Files filing by way of Countermarch Direction The out-most file stand the rest face about and move forward each perticuler file to the left placing themselves behinde their right-hand file and their Bringers-up Reducement File file six to the left every man placing himself before his Leader Command Files file to the right every man placing himself before his Leader Direction The right-hand file stand the rest move forwards every file successively placing themselves before their Leaders and their right-hand file Reducement Files file six to the right into the Reer every man placing himselfe before his Bringer-up face all about the last six men stand the rest are to move and to file six to the right placing themselves before their Bringers-up and after to face to the Front Command Files file to the right flank by Division every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files face about the right-hand file is to stand the rest are to move forward to the right flank placing themselves before their Leaders and their Bringers-up making one intire file to the right face to your Leader Reducement Front half-files face about and file three to the right every man placing himself before his Bringer-up and Reer half-file file three to the left placing your selves before your Leaders face to your Leader Command Files file inward into the right flank every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files face about and Front and Reer half-files move forward until there be sufficient Distance to file into the right flank after face them about to the midst of ranks then the files may move successively into the right flank placing themselves before their Leaders and their Bringers-up face to your Leader Reducement Front half-file file three to the left every man placing himselfe before his Leader and Reer half-file face about and file three to the right every man placing himselfe before his Bringer-up face to your Leader and close your Divisions CHAP. XLV Ranks wheeling into the Flanks Command RAnks wheele to the right into the right Flank Direction Every perticuler Rank is to wheel to their right hand They ought to be at twice double distance in rank and at close order in file untill they have brought their aspects unto the right Flank after face to the Front Reducement File rank 12 to the right the first man is to stand the rest are to move forward to the right successively 12 in a Rank to the right Command Ranks wheel to the left to the right Flank Direction Face all about and Ranks wheel to the left
So that an expert Leader may venter so far in them as to continue his Exercise without reducing almost for an hour and not to expresse himself twice in any one word of Command they affording such plenty and variety in them that with pleasure using but four words of Command he may bring each Souldier into his proper place again observing these directions following As first to look down in the Body where his File-leaders are and where his Bringers-up and likewise making the severall places of his halfe File-leaders and the Bringers-up of his Front half-files together with his Flankers and his middle Files this speciall care being taken he may begin and proceed to their Reducement after this manner If by some former Counter-marches his File-leaders are in the place of his halfe File-leaders and that his Bringers-up are in the room of the Bringers-up of the Front half-files then he may proceed in this or the like kind commanding them to counter-march their Front and Reer into the midst which being performed they will stand in some pretty way of reducing after facing them to the Front where he meets with his Bringers-up in stead of his File-leaders which by one Counter-march will bring them up again into the Front Yet perhaps the Flankers have inter-changed ground with the middle File-leaders if so then counter-march their Flanks into the midst and face them to the Front and if it happen that the right Flank is become the left and the left the right then counter-march their Ranks to any hand and after face them to the first Front they are reduced And farther take this for a generall rule that when Files Ranks or Counter-march to any stand command them to counter-march to the contrary and it will reduce them or counter-marching your Front and Reer into the midst counter-marching of them back again from the midst will bring each man into his proper place again the same rule being observed reduceth the flankers or Front and Reer half-files counter-marching of them from the midst Counter-marches rightly considered branch themselves forth into these three particulars The Macedonian Lacedemonian Chorean The Macedonian is a Counter-march of gaining ground for that it leaveth the ground it formerly stood upon and in lieu thereof taketh the ground before the front and turneth their aspects unto the reer The Lacedemonian is a Counter-march of losing ground for that it leaveth the ground it first stood upon and in room thereof taketh the ground which is behind the reer thither likewise altering the Souldiers aspects The Chorean is a Counter-march maintaining ground keeping the ground the Battalia formerly stood upon every Souldier taking anothers place it likewise turns the Aspect towards the reere Thus you see for all their great varietie which latter ages have invented they consist but of three sorts or kinds either maintaining gaining or losing of ground and may bee performed as I said before either by intire or divisionall Counter-marches It may now be expected that I declare unto the Souldier the meaning of each particular Counter-march briefly therefore thus Files counter-marching is when every Souldier followeth his Leader ranks counter-marching is when every Souldier followeth his side man whether it be to the right-hand or to the left Front and reer half-files counter-marching is sometimes when every particular Souldier followeth his Leader or his Bringer up or else when they follow their half-file leaders or their Bringers-up of the Front half-files or the like Right and left half-ranks counter-marching is when every Souldier in the ranke followeth the outmost men upon the right and left or when they shall follow their inside right and left hand men or the like What hath hitherto been spoken may be sufficient both for the instruction and direction of any discreet souldier I come in the next place to set them all before them as they lie in Order CHAP. LI. Intire Counter-marching of Files Command FIles to the Right Hand Counter-march maintaining ground Left Direction File-leaders turn off upon the ground you stand the rest moving up successively into the file-leaders place turning off untill the bringers up come up into the Front after face to your Leader Command File-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders Command File-leaders face about the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves behind your Leaders face to your Leader Command File-leaders face to the reer the rest passe through to the right or left following your bringers-up and placing your selves behind your Leaders face all to your Leader Command File-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders following your bringers-up Command Files to the right or left counter-march losing ground placing your selves before your bringers up Direction Every file-leader turn off upon the ground he stands on the rest successively doing the same untill they come to the last ranke who need doe no more then face about after face all to their Leader Command The last rank stand the rest passe through to the right or left placing your selves behind your bringers-up every man following his Leader Direction File-leaders turn off to the right or left the rest following successively untill they are all cleer of the reer then face to their Leader Command Bringers-up stand the rest face about passe through to the right or left and place your selves behind your bringers up Command Bringers-up face about the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves before your Bringers-up Direction Face all to the Reer and begin the Motion with the second Rank from the Reer moving forward every man placing himself before his Bringer-up to your Leader Command Counter-march your Front and Reer into the midst Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left Front half-files turn off to the right to your Leader Command Front and Reer half files counter-march to the right or left Direction This is to be done distinctly the Front half-files turning off to the right by themselves the Reer half files turning off in like manner face to your Leader Command File-leaders and half file-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves before your Leaders and half file-leaders Command Counter-march your Front Reer half-files to the right left from the midst Direction Front half files face about and turn off to the right Reer half-files turn off to the left to your Leader Command File-leaders and half file-leaders face about the rest passe through to the right or left and place your selves behinde your Leaders and your half file-leaders to your Leaders Command File-leaders and half file-leaders stand the rest passe through to the right or left place your selves before your Leaders and half file-leaders every man following his Bringer-up and the Bringers-up of the Front half-files Command File-leaders and halfe file-leaders face about the
their Aspects being to the Front Or you may command the out-most file upon the right to face to the left and so begin to lead untill he be cleer of the second file the rest doing the same untill they have all placed themselves on the out-side of their left-hand men their Aspects being to the Front which I conceive to be the easier way Command Counter-march your Flanks into the midst Direction Face to the right and left outward right-flank turn off to the right left-flank turn off to the left untill they meet in the midst to your Leader Command Right and left half-ranks counter-march to the right or left Direction Face all to the right the right half-ranks are to turne off to the right by themselves and the left half-ranks in like manner to your Leader Command The out-most File upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-ranke stand the rest face to the right passe through and place your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men face to your Leader Command The out-most file upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the right and stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves before your right-hand men face all to the right and the motion being ended face to your Leader Command The out-most file upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the left and stand the rest face to the right passe through and place your selves behind your right-hand men to your Leader Direction For these three last Counter-marches is for the moving part to begin to Countermarch who are the next files of the standing part and so to follow successively until they have performed the command and after to face to their Leader Command The right-hand file of the left half-rank and the out-most file upon the right stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves on the out-side of your right hand men following your out-most files Direction The out-most files are to face to the right and to lead away untill they bee cleer of the next who likewise are to follow successively Command The out-most file upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the right and stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves before your right-hand men Direction Face all to the right and the out-most files that were are to begin the motion placing themselves before their right-hand men the rest following successively to your Leader Command The outmost file upon the right and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the left and stand the rest passe through to the right and place your selves behind your right-hand men Direction The out-most files are to turn about untill they have brought their aspects unto the right-flanke then move away untill they be cleer of the second file and in like manner they are to turn off doing the same untill they have placed themselves behind their right hand men then facing to the left-about and after to their Leader to even their ranks and straighten their files Command Counter-march your right and left half-ranks from the midst Direction Face inward right half-ranks turn off to the right left half-ranks turn off to the left to your Leader CHAP. LIV. Divisionall Counter-marches of the right and left half-ranks Command THe outmost file upon each flanke stand the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men Direction The rest face outward and begin the motion by the next files the others following in order and after to close their files into the midst to open order Command The out-most file upon each flanke face outward and stand the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selves before your out-side men Direction The rest are to face outward and the next files unto them that first faced are to begin the motion placing themselves before their out-side men after face to their leader and close files into the midst to order Command The out-most file upon each flanke face inward the rest passe through and place your selves behind your out-side men Direction The rest are to face outward and to passe through to the right and left placing themselves behind their right and left-hand men and after to move forward and close their divisions and face to their Leader Command The out-most file upon each flanke stand the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men following your in-most files Direction The in-most files are to begin the motion moving away to the right and left untill they be cleer of their second files and then they are to move away successively untill they have all placed themselves on the out-side of their right and left-hand men and then close files into the midst to open order Command The out-most files upon each flanke face outward the rest passe through to the right and left placing your selves before your right and left-hand men following your in most files Direction The rest are likewise to face outward and the inmost files are to begin the motion the rest following in order untill they have placed themselves before their out-side men after face to the Front and close files into the the midst to open order Command The out-most file upon each flanke face inward the rest passe through to the right and left and place your selves behinde your out-side men following the inmost Files Direction The rest are to face outward the in-most files begin to move forward to the right and left the rest consequently doe the same untill they all stand behind their out-side men then facing to the right and left about closing their divisions by moving forward after face to the Front Command Counter-march your right and left half-ranks from the midst losing ground and placing your selves before your out-side men Direction Face inward right half-ranks turn off to the right and left half-ranks turn off to the left and move forward untill you have placed your selves before your out-side men after face to your Leader and close files into the midst to open order Command Right and left half-ranks interchange ground Direction Face inward and passe through to your own right-hand untill you bee cleer six foot each of other after face to your Leader and close files into the midst to open order Command Right and left half-ranks counter-march to the right and left and interchange ground Direction Face outward right half-ranks turn off to the right left half-ranks turn off to the left and march cleer each of the other after face to the front and close files inward to open order Thus much may suffice to be spoken of all the several sorts and kinds of Counter-marches which if any shall conceive my pains fruitlesse in culling out such plentie and varietie there being
to both the flanks Command Wheel the outward Angles to the right and left about to the Center Direction Face to the outward Angles and close ranks and files to close order and the Angles on the right turn off to the right the Angles on the left turn off to the left Command Wheel the inward Angles to the right and left about inward from the Center Direction Face to the inward Angles or to the Center and wheel about to the right and left inward from the Center These are all the intire and divisionall Wheelings that have hitherto been practised by any according to my best observation there are other Wheelings which may properly be term'd Doublings which I have placed amongst the Doublings where they more properly belong Now if any shall demand of me a reason why I have omitted the Reducements to each perticuler Command my answer thereunto is easie for as in the Countermarches so in these they may be reduced by three or four words of Command except a Commander shall of set purpose keep them off from the same to make some experiment after any wheeling is performed face them after to their first Front and command them to even their ranks and straighten their files they will be as at first and unto what hand soever they wheeled command them to wheel to the contrary hand and they will be reduced unto the first front or what part is wheeled off by Division wheel them inward again from that place and it will easily reduce them Thus you see that it is almost impossible for a Leader to be out unlesse he be extreamly ignorant therefore he need not fear to venter far in the progresse of them before he shall reduce them provided he use no Doublings which if he shall great care must be had that he be not put to a stand for the prevention whereof let him look back unto those doublings by wheelings wherein one doth reduce another where he may finde some remedie to help himselfe forth again CHAP. LVIII Of Firings either for delight or service THe chiefest thing required of the Muskettiers next their Postures by which they are taught how to handle their Arms with delight both marching or skirmishing is firing which to speak the truth is the full accomplishment of all the rest for unlesse they be really performed the rest are of no great advantage For to what end is it for any man to prime lade or cock if he present not answerably therefore firings are the execution of all the former in so much my advice shall be to all Commanders that they be carefull and diligent to have all their Muskettiers often practised with false firings which is firing in the pan only and falling off as hereafter followeth to the end that in time of need they may not spend their powder and bullets in vain And that they may likewise know where to fall off that others may do the like and where to place themselves securest from danger yet so as they may be still aiding the one unto the other I shall therefore for the good of my Countrey and for the benefit of all such as are herein concern'd collect forth some firings which shall be every one differing from the other in one kind or other either in the execution or reducing whereby the ingenious Souldier may cull forth such as he best likes to make use of what he shall think to be most fit and pertinent to his intended purpose be it either for delight or service briefly therefore thus Firings really considered can be perform'd but five ways that is to say to the Front Reer right or left-Flank Oblique or Angular but there is so much variety to be expressed in the performance of each of these that it makes them seem so many severall firings as by the following discourse shall be fully demonstrated CHAP. LIX Severall Firings to be performed with any number of men THe Front being the head of the Body and therefore the more honourable part challengeth the superiority or first place and therefore without any farther circumstance I come directly to the firings as they lie in order as followeth draw all the Muskettiers before the Pikes before you begin youâ— firings Firings to the Front 1 Two Ranks advancing ten paces falling in the Reer of themselves By single miles advancing three paces falling in the Reer of themselves 2 Fire 3 Fire and flank the Pikes 4 Fire by Files advancing 10 or 20 paces first single secondly ranking inward 1 2 3 4 or more falling down into rheir places again 5 Fire by Ranks filing and advancing 10 or 20 paces and moving down and ranking in the Reer of their own Divisions 6 Fire by Divisions drawn off 10 or 20 or 30 paces and returning again 7 Fire even with the Front and falling in the Reer of their own Divisions 8 Fire even with the half-files and fall in the Reer of themselves 9 Fire by way of Introduction thus the first rank fires and stands the last rank passeth up between the files and placing themselves before the File-leaders or first rank then stand and give fire the rest doing the like till the file-leaders come up again into their places and fire the second time 10 Fire by Introduction after this manner the first rank gives fire and stands the rest moving forward untill the next rank hath placed themselves before the first then stands and gives fire the rest moving up and doing the like untill they have all fired twice 11 Fire even with the Front falling in the Reer of Pikes 12 Fire by Extraduction the first rank passing from the Reer upon the out-side of the Pikes upon the left untill they have placed themselves in a rank in the Reer of the Muskettiers the rest successively doing the like untill they have fired all over and brought themselves as at first 13 Fire by the out-most files wheeling or ranking outward into the Front falling off Here the Muskettiers are upon the Flanks again likewise being led off by Bringers-up leading up next the Pikes this done twice reduceth 14 Fire two Ranks together falling off or falling down 15 Fire four Ranks together two kneeling and two standing upright falling off or falling down 16 Fire six Ranks together two kneeling two stooping and two standing upright falling off or falling down 17 Fire some Ranks drawn forth to the right or by division and in again left or by division and in again Note also if you please you may draw forth one Rank to the right and another to the left at one and the same time together 18 Fire by files drawn forth oblique then face about and move into their places Note also that severall figures may be made by these kinds of firings as the V the W or the Fort-battail and the like 19 Fire by ranks ranking into the front or files ranking into the front and ranking or filing as they were 20 Fire by files wheeling
may be sufficient for to instruct them to continue their charge retreat or else to charge home Secondly that the Serjeants be carefull in time of Battail that their Souldiers be at their due distance of order both in rank and file and that upon their firings whether they be by forlorns either of files or ranks drawn forth or otherwise by Divisions they see them neatly and handsomly perform'd by cocking their matches and presenting something lower then brest-high and after uncocking and returning them wheeling off either to the right left or both falling in the Reer of themselves or else where as shall be appointed in an orderly manner whereby they may decently come up again to fire against the Enemy Thirdly that the Souldiers present and give fire upon their Rests not using that slovenly posture of popping their Matches into the Pan their Muskets being on their left sides which is not only hurtfull unto themselves but much endangers their fellow-Souldiers and by so doing they scarce or ever do any execution against an Enemy But here I meet with an objection framed by the Souldiers after this manner our Rests are of little or no use unto us in time of skirmishing fit they are we confesse in the Military Gardens but in time of Battail both troublesome and cumbersome unto us to whom I reply what if they be a little cumbersome at the first must they therefore be rejected and carelesly thrown away nay rather they ought frequently to practise themselves in the use thereof which if they did they would finde the same very serviceable unto them in time of skirmishing wherewith they fire better and in a more comely and gracefull way far more securing both themselves and fellow-souldiers from danger and likewise upon their March it is both a help and support unto them Fourthly their eyes ought likewise in time of Battail to be fixed stedfastly upon their Captain always conforming to him in Posture when he shall prepare to charge or retreat and likewise they ought to be knowing and well verst in the severall beats of the Drum which if well observed by all there would not be so much confusion in time of Battail amongst them as many times by sad experience hath been found when disregarding their Officers commands and the beating of the Drums they ignorantly and rashly run on in a disorderly manner by which means they have cut off their own Officers and fellow-souldiers many times more then they have dangered the enemy Thus you see what great necessity there is of instructing and training up the Souldiers in their Postures and how requisite it is to conforme themselves to their Officers in time of Battail performing thereby better execution against their Enemies and by their decent and comely array preserve themselves from imminent dangers and perils The Souldiers having now all the ground-worke of the exercising a body of men laid down before them in the next place he labours to make experiment thereof but being no Officer he cannot attein thereunto without speciall leave from his Superiours and therefore being a File-leader he craves leave for to exercise his single File both in their Postures and Motions contenting himselfe for present with that small number whereby he is able to run through many plain things of Distances Facings Doublings Countermarchings and Wheelings But being not fully satisfied he presumes upon the former favour had from his Superiours to goe on to make every man in his File a File-leader first by succession and after being not called away by the beat of the Drum or by his Officers to lead up his File and to joyne into a Body according unto Dignity and after endeavours to reduce them again by proper words of command This liberty being granted at convenient times unto a File-leader much indeers the Souldiers good affections unto their Officers and is a means whereby many others are brought in to be true lovers of Military Exercises as being much taken and well pleased with the sight of the former things And therefore I could wish that they were not hereafter prevented as formerly I have observed by the malice of some who have had places of command bestowed upon them more through favour or by reason of their riches then for any worth or desert found in them They perhaps hold it a great disparagement unto them to be eclipsed but a judicious and discreet Captain accounts it a great honour to lead such gallant men that are as able and as well knowing as himself CHAP. LX. The way to make every man in a File six deepe according to succession a File-leader by doublings not The File 1 2 3 4 5 6 using one word of command twice 2 Command FIles rank two to the left Files to the left double Brings the second man into the Front 3 Command Halfe-files double your Front to the left Files double your depth to the left 4 Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right Double your Files to the left intire advancing 5 Command Bringers-up double your Front to the left Double your Files to the right intire advancing 6 Command File rank two to the right Files to the right double Reducement File rank to the left into the Front Rank file six to the left CHAP. LXI The way to make every man in a File six deep File-leader according to dignity by a doubling not using one Word of command twice The Dignity of the File 1 6 4 3 5 2 2 Command HAlf-files double your front to the left Files double to the right intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader 3 Command Front half-file double the reer to the left Files double to the left intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader 4 Command Bringer-up double your Front to the right Files double your depth to the right every man falling behind his bringer-up 5 Command Half-files double your Front to the right Files double to the left intire advancing Files ranke two to the right Files to the right double 6 Command Bringer-up double your Front to the left Files double your depth to the left every man falling behind his bringer-up Reducement File ranke two to the left Files to the left double CHAP. LXII The File 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The way to make every man in a File eight deep File-leader by succession and that by doubling not using one Word of command twice 2 Command FIle ranke two to the left Ranks invert to the left 3 Command Half-file double your front to the right Double your files to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader 4 Command Files ranke two to the right Files to the right double 5 Command Front half-files double your reer to the right Double your files to the left intire advancing 6 Command Files ranke two to the right into the reer Ranks invert to the right 7 Command Half-files double your Front to the left Double your files
the Front face about march all three paces face to your Leader Reducement The last man in the Reer of the middle file face about middle file march cleer of the standing part files close into the midst to order the last man in the Reer fall in Reer of the right hand file the first man in the Front move to the left and fall in the Front of the left hand file close your ranks and files forward to order and make an even Front files double your depth to the left every man falling behind his Bringer-up reduceth them CHAP. LXIX The way to make twelve severall Figures of Battail with a File ten deepe with their Reducement Command FAce to the right wheel your Front into the midst Face after to your Leader Command The last men in the Reer of the outmost files face about outmost files move cleer of the standing part face inwards and close your Divisions to your Leader Command The last man of the middle file and the last rank face about the first rank and the last rank and the middle file move forwards two paces the rest open outward two paces to your leader Command The last man in the front division advance forward three foot before the Front the first man of the Reer division face about and move three foot behinde the Reer the outmost files double ranks inward ranks close forwards to order and face to your Leader Command The first man in the Front face about the last man in the Reer stand the rest face outwards march all untill the first and the last man meet face all to your Leader middle men double to the right rank-wise and close outward to order The two middle-men in the Body face about and move cleer of the Reer three foot face to your Leader middle-men of the out-most files close inward to order Command Middle-man upon the right of the second Rank advance forward three foot before the Front the three first men in the Front and the middle-man of the second rank move forwards three paces the rest closing inward one pace Command The last rank open outward to double distance and the next rank open outward to open order and the third rank from the Reer to close inward to order Command The second man from the Front face about move down and range even with the Reer outmost men of the last rank advance forward and range even with the second rank from the Front the last rank move forwards untill they have exceeded three foot the next rank that stands before them divisisions on the wings face outward move two paces to your Leader Command Front-Division face about and march down even with the Reer the las◠man move forwards to order to your Leader Command Middle-Division advance forward cleer of the standing part Divisions in the Reer close inwards to order wheel your Reer into the midst to your Leader Command The last rank close inward to order and to double to the left file-wise the second man from the Reer move forwards into the second rank that is before you Reducement The first man in the Front move a little to the right the second man from the first rank double the first man to the left rank-wise the first rank wheel off by Division double the last man in the Reer to the right and left rank-wise ranks close forwards to order and face to your Leader Reducement The first and second rank face about the first rank double the second to the right and left outward to your Leader the last rank move forward and even your ranks and straighten their files wheel Front and Reer to the left flank the last rank face about before they wheel then facing to their Leader they are reduced CHAP. LXX Twelve severall Figures of Battail with a File 12 deep 〈◊〉 their reducement Command FRont half-file double your Reer to the left face to your Leader Half-files double your Front to the left Command the middle-most men upon each flank face outward the two middle-men of the last rank face about those that are thus faced and the two middle-men of the first rank move forward to your Leader three paces the first and the last rank stand the rest move outward two paces face to your Leader Command The out-most Divisions open from the midst almost to twice double distance the first rank face about and rank even with the midst of ranks face to your Leader the last rank double to the right file-wise the second man from the Reer advance forward and place himself 3 foot before the middle-men the last man at the same time closing forward to order Command The outmost division upon the right move away the rest successively falling in the Reeer of them untill they stand streight after the first division Command The outmost man upon the left of the middle division to open to the left to double distance the rest of that division to face to the right and to move cleer of the standing part face to your Leader the last man in the Front face about to the last Division the first man of the Front-division and the first man of the Reer-division to move forwards and to close to open order after facing to the left flank closing to the outmost man to order face to your Leader and after face all to the Center and move a little forward to your Leader Command The outmost man upon the right and the outmost man upon the left close inward to order Command The two middle-men move forth to the right and left three foot cleer of the standing part the first man in the Front face about the first man in the Front and the last man in the Reer move into the second that is before you to your Leader Command The two outmost men upon each Flank close inward to open order Command Face all to Front Reer and both Flanks and the four middle-men move forwards into the rank that is before them and they will stand in a Square face to your Leader Command Files rank outward the middle man of the first rank move forward and place himselfe three foot before his right and left hand man the outmost and the middle man of the last rank move backward and place himselfe three foot behinde the Reer-division close forwards to open order Command The first and the last rank move to the left one pace and after double to the right filewise the middle rank close inward to order Command The two out-most men of the middle rank face about move down and range even a brest with the middle-man of the Reer Division closing inward to order and facing to the Front even men from the left move forwards and rank even a brest with the middle-man of the Front-division and close inward to order the out-most men open outward to double distance Command Reer division face about and move two paces the outmost-man upon the left face about to
them give fire to the four angles and fall in the reer of themselves or fire altogether and the Pikes may after charge on to Front Reer and both flanks being all faced unto those places and retreating again to their places they may if they please fire a second time and charge on in manner as before Now if the Leader have a desire to fire to Front and Reer let him face them thither and let them fire on the ground they stand and fall in the reer of themselves the Pikes after charging on and retreating again into their places face them all to their leader and open the Front and reer divisions from the midst to sufficient distance and let the Ensigne display his colours Reducement Reer divisions of Pikes advance forward unto the left into the Front outmost divisions of Pikes face inward march and close your divisions Muskettiers in the reer move and close ranks forward to order files double your depth to the right every man falling behind his Bringer-up reduceth them Then let the Muskettiers poyse their Muskets if they be neere the place of lodging the colours and to move unto that place making a guard their Muskets being rested after which the colours being furled up and the Pikes advanced the Leader being on the right hand and the Lievetenant on the left and the Ensigne in the midst the Serjeants following them and in the Reer of them the Drums beating a troop let them march away and lodge the colours the Muskettiers giving of a volley they may all betake themselves unto their severall habitations until they shal be summon'd again by beat of the Drum unto their place of randezvous CHAP. XXI The seventh Exercise consisting of sixty four men eight Files eight deep THe Souldiers appearing unto the place of Exercise according unto the appointment of their Leader or accustomed thereunto by beat of the Drum are drawn forth into severall Files as is the usuall custome And the Souldiers being instructed of the use and handling of their Arms by the Serjeants Corporals or Leaders of the Files spending such time therein as shall be convenient untill the fetching of the Colours to which purpose they draw up their Files and joyn into a Body doubling the Front to the left by the half-files and send for the Colours Which being brought unto the head of the Company and the Souldiers returned unto their severall places and that the Body is closed in rank and file to close order then silence and the well minding of their Directions and their obedience is required of them being three main properties belonging unto every Souldier Now for more variety sake in matter of Motions the Leader may spend his chiefest time in Doublings by Wheelings giving upon all occasions the Souldiers their due distance unto every word of Command and instructing them with their severall reasons and uses and so proceed to this that follows CHAP. XXII Two and twenty severall Doublings by Wheelings with their reducement Command WHeel off your Reer half-files and double your Front by Division Direction Half-files face to the Reer and wheel about to the right and left untill you come up even with the Front Command Right and left half-ranks double the Depth of the Battail by wheeling into the Front Direction Right half-ranks wheel to the left left half-ranks wheel to the right to your Leader Command Wheel off your Front half-files and double the Reer by Division Direction Half-files face to the Reer and Front half-files wheel about to the right and left and move down even with the Reer to your Leader Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double the left flank to the right intire Direction Face outward and right half-ranks wheele about to the left and double the left flank to the right intire to your Leader Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double your left flank by Division Direction Face outward and right half-ranks wheel about to the right and left and double the left-flank by Division to your Leader Command Front and Reer half-files double the Length of your Battail by wheeling into the left-flank Direction Face to the left and Front half-files that were wheel to the left Reer half-files wheel to the right to your Leader Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank by Division Command Front and Reer half-files double the Length of the Battail by wheeling into the right-flank Command Wheel your left-half-ranks inward into the midst and double the right flank inward intire Direction Front and Reer half-files open from the midst to more then double distance after face outward and left half-ranks wheel inward into the midst and move forward and double the right-flank inward intire to your Leader Command Wheel off your Front half-files and double the Reer to the right intire Direction Half-files face to the Reer and Front half-files wheel about to the left and move down upon the right into the Reer and face to your Leader Command Wheel your right half-ranks inward into the midst and double your left flank inward intire Command Wheel off the Front half-files and double the Reer to the left intire Command Wheel your Reer-half-files inward into the midst and double your Front inward intire Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to more then double distance and half-files face about and wheel inward into the midst and move forward and double your Front inward intire Command Right and left half-ranks double the Depth of your Battail by wheeling into the Reer Direction Face to the Reer and right half-ranks wheel to the left and left half-ranks wheel to the right untill you meet to your Leader Command Wheel your Front half-files inward into the midst and double the Reer inward intire Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank to the right intire Face outward Command Wheel off your Reer half-files and double the Front to the left intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank to the left intire Command Wheel off your Reer half-files and double your Front to the right intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double your left flank to the left intire Face outward Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double intire the Depth of the right flank Direction Left half-ranks face to the left and wheel about to the left untill you come down in the Reer of the right flank to your Leader Command Wheel off your Reer half-files and double the Length of your Front to the right Direction Half-files face about and wheel round to the left and move forward and double the Length of the Front to the right they are reduced CHAP. XXIII Severall Firings and Figures of Battail with sixty four men HAving passed over these severall Wheelings by way of Doublings it will be sufficient time to proceed unto Firings wherefore first command them to open their
Muskettiers in the front face about then let them and the two last divisions of Muskettiers in the reer move forward untill they be even with the next divisions of Muskettiers to your leader The two middle divisions of Pikes close into the midst to order and to open their ranks from the midst to somthing more then open order the two outmost divisions of Pikes face inward and move forward into the midst of the two middle ranks in the body to your leader Front divisions of Pikes face about and front and reer divisions to move forward and to close their divisions to your leader Files close to the right and left inward to order Muskettiers in the front and reer double your Pikes by division Files double your depth to the right and left outward every man falling behind his bringer-up they will be reduced as at first Now the Serjeants may draw off the Muskettiers filing them to the right and left outward thereby making a guard for there Captain and other Officers to march through trooping away and lodging the colours which done one of the Serjeants command the Muskettiers to face about to the right and to present all and no man to give fire untill they heare the beat of the Drum no man pulling his tricker but once which will be a means that they all fire handsomly together which being ended every man may depart home untill he shall be called forth again CHAP. XXIV The eighth Exercise consisting of sixty four men eight Files eight deep THe Souldiers being again brought into the Field or place of Exercise the Serjeants according to their wonted manner drawing forth the Files bids each File-leader to take his File into some convenient place a part to exercise them in their severall Postures and Charges and after what manner they may fire whether it be to Front Reer or both Flanks Which being performed they are called up to joyn into a Bâ—dy and commanded to close their Ranks and Files to their distance of order and the Front doubled to the right and left inward by the half-files distance before hand being prepared for their moving up The Leader appoints one of the Serjeants to fetch the Colours which being brought up to the head of the Company the Leader for variety sake may spend the chiefest of his time in Firings as followeth The first firing Let the Muskettiers move forward untill their Bringers-up range even with the Front of Pikes after let the two out-most Files of Muskettiers move forward untill their Bringers-up range even a Brest with the Front of the two in-most Files Let the Front or fore-most Divisions of Muskettiers give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then let them face about and move down into their place where they were last then let the two in-most Files of Muskettiers of each Division advance forwards untill their Bringers-up range even with the Front of the two out-most Files and then let them give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after face about and march down into their places again where they were last drawn off The second firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand in each Division falling off to the right and left in the Reer of themselves The third firing Let the first rank in each Division fire as they stand and after move inward in a streight line before the Front of Pikes which gives way for the next rank to fire in each Division after to move inward into the Reer of the first Rank so consequently all the rest to fire in like manner untill they have all fired and stand streight before the Pikes The fourth firing Let their ranks rank outward into the Front and then give fire all intire in one rank and ranking again as they were The fifth firing Let the half-files of Muskettiers double the Front by Divsion and give fire by two ranks together and after to move back again into their places The sixth firing Let the two first ranks kneel down the other two stand upright and give fire four ranks together The seventh firing Let the half-files or Pikes to face about and move three paces to your leader and then Files to double their Depth to the right and left outward of each Arms then let them give fire eight ranks together after this manner two kneel down two kneeling two stand upright and the two last to be drawn off to the right and left and so to fire altogether which being ended command the Pikes by their Files to rank outward into the Front and then open outward to the right and left and charge on in the Front and File again as they were The eighth firing Let the Pikes open their Files from the midst to double distance then command the Muskettiers to face about and move down into the midst of the Pikes then let the half-files face abour and let the Muskettiers be at open order in their Files and the Pikes at order and then let them give fire first to Front and Reer by intraduction after this manner let the first rank in Front and Reer present and give fire on the ground they stand and presently make ready again the next ranks may move forward and place themselves three foot before them and fire in like manner and after stand the other ranks still moving forward into the next rank untill the first have fired and then immediately to clap before them and fire in like manner untill all have fired twice over The ninth firing Let them close their Files into the midst to order and fire on the same ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves The tenth firing Let them fire and fall off to the right and left into the midst of Pikes again then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer and when they are cleer of the Muskettiers let them close to the right and left inward to order The eleventh firing Let the Pikes port and let the Muskettiers be drawn forth one whole rank to the right and another to the left both to Front and Reer give fire and fall into their places again then let the other four be drawn forth in like manner and fire and fall into their places again the Pikes if occasion shall require may again charge on The twelfth firing Let the Muskettiers range to the right and left outward and fire even a Brest with the Reer of each Division and move in again into their places The thirteenth firing Let the Muskettiers rank outward and move even a Brest with the Front and Reer and there present and give fire and whilest the Pikes are charging on they may rank again as they were and fall in the Reer of the Pikes and make ready again The fourteenth firing The Pikes being retreated into their first ground you may open them to the right and left and then the Muskettiers may move forward and fire two ranks kneeling down the other two
double their depth intire to the right they are reduced Then the Leader may appoint one of the Serjeants to draw off the Muskettiers and file them away to the right and left outward either by ranks filing or files filing and every Muskettier to poyse his Musket then the Pikes may advance their arms and the Drum beat a troop and the Commander may lead them away and lodg his Colours CHAP. XXVI The ninth Exercise consisting of 64 men eight files eight deep IN this Exercise a Commander may in matter of motions present unto the Souldiers fâ—rther varietie to delight them withall in bringing up each man into the Front to be a File-leader according unto succession and dignity by proper words of Command by doublings with their Reducement Therefore to avoid any further circumstance wee will pass over the Postures and fetching of the Colours and suppose the Souldiers standing in a condition to be exercised begin first to make them all File-leaders by succession as followeth Command Ranks to the left double Command Files to the left double Command Half-files double your front to the right Command Double your files to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Command Ranks to the right double Command Files to the right double Command Front half-files double the reer to the right Command Double your files to the left intire advancing Command Double your ranks to the right into the reer face all about Command Double your files to the left advancing Direction Every even file from the left move forward to the left and by three steps double the odde advancing Command Half-files double your front to the left Command Double your files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Command Double your ranks to the left into the reer face all about Command Double your files to the right advancing Reducement Files rank to the right into the front Rank file eight to the right reduceth them Next followeth to make every man file-leader according unto dignity with their Reducement Command Bringers-up double your front to the left Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Half-files double your front to the left Command Double your files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Command Bringers-up double your front to the right Command Files double your depth to the right Command Ranks to the right double Command Front half-files double your reer to the right following your leaders Command Double your files to the right by division every man placing himself before his leader and his bringer-up Command Front half-files double your reer to the left following your leaders Command Double your files to the left by division every man placing himself before his leader and his bringer-up Command The two first and the two last ranks double the four middle-most ranks to the right following your leaders and your bringers-up Direction The four middle ranks stand the file-leaders are to turn off to the right and the next rank is to follow them untill the leaders rank even with the bringers-up of the front half-files and at the same instant of time the bringers-up are to move forward to the right the rest following untill the bringers-up range even a brest with the half-file-leaders to your leader Command Files double your depth to the left Reducement Half-files double your front to the right Bringers-up double your front to the right Then divide every four files distinctly apart making five divisions Files double to the right and left inward in each division and close files into the midst to order Files double to the left intire advancing reduceth CHAP. XXVIII Eight severall Counter-marches with their Reducement Command FIles to the right hand counter-march maintaining ground Command Ranks to the left hand counter-march losing ground Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files into the midst of ranks Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left and front half-files turn off to the right untill they meet the front and reer into the midst to your leader Command Right and left half-ranks counter-march into the midst of files Direction Face outward right half-ranks turn off to the right left half-ranks turn off to the left to your leader Command Files to the left hand counter-march losing ground by following your leaders Command Ranks to the right hand counter-march mayntaining ground Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files to the right and left following the half-file-leaders and the bringers-up of the front half-files Direction Half-files face about the bringers-up of the front half-files and the half-file-leaders are to begin the motion the rest are to follow untill they have gained so much ground beyond the front and reer as they formerly possest in the midst to your leader and close your divisions Command Counter-march your half ranks to the right and left by following of the inmost files Direction Face outward the inmost files are to begin the motion moving forward the rest following untill they have gained so much ground beyond the flanks as they formerly possessed in the inmost files to your leader and close files into the midst to order they are reduced CHAP. XXIX Ten severall Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel the battail off by division from the front Command Wheel the body off by division from the right flank face to the right Command Wheel the battail off by division from the reer face about Command Wheel the body off by division from the left flank Command Wheel your battail inward to the reer from the front Direction Open outward to convenient distance to your leader Command Wheel your battail inward to the left flank from the right Direction Face to the right and open to convenient distance to your leader Command Wheel your battail inward to the front from the reer Direction Face about and open to convenient distance and wheel inward into the front Close ranks forward to close order and files into the midst to close order Command Wheel your battail inward to the right flank from the left Command Wheel the outward angles of front and reer to the right and left about into the center face to the outward angles Command Wheel the inward angles to the right and left about from the center CHAP. XXX Plain firings and figures of Battail IN the next place I wil proceed to some plain firings wherefore first double your ranks forward to the left by half-files and fire even with the front of pikes fal in the reer of themselves then fire and fall between the Pikes then move forth after this manner one rank drawn forth to the right and another to the left fire fal in again as before Then command the first rank to stand and the rest to move forth both Pikes and Muskettiers to the right and left untill each rank be cleer of other then let the Pikes charge and Muskettiers give
ready again The third firing Let single files be drawn off and rank inward into the front and fire file again face about and move down into their places then let two files be drawn off cleer and let the inmost files rank inward the outmost files rank outward and give fire and file again as they were and fall into their places The fourth firing Let the four out-most files upon each flank be drawn off untill they be cleer of the front then let them close before the front of Pikes face then the in-most files of Muskettiers to both the flanks and let them give fire to the front and both flanks on the ground they stand and fall in the reer of themselves The fifth firing Let them give fire altogether six ranks at once in the front and four in the flanks observing the former rules of firing so many ranks together as you may find in the place of the description of firings The sixt firing Let those Muskettiers upon the flanks face to the reer and move cleer of the Pikes then close to the right and left inward to order then let the half-files of Pikes face about and let the Muskettiers give fire to front and reer and fall in the reer of themselves The seventh firing Let the Pikes move forth to the right and left outward untill they be cleer of the Muskettiers then let the Muskettiers give fire in an oblique manner thus let every two files open to the right and left outward to something more then open order then close the two first ranks of the foure in-most files to the front to order and let the other two ranks close likewise almost to that distance but the two last ranks only are to face to their front after in the same kind close the four ranks inward to the reer of the four out-most in manner and forme there as the other files were to the front and so let them give fire in each division an oblique way two ranks kneel down two kneeling two stand upright The eighth firing After the former firing close the four inmost files to the right and left outward to order and to joyn with the outmost files when their aspects being to the outward angles of front and reer let the Pikesport and Muskettiers give fire to the four angles and fall in the reer of themselves then let the Pikes charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again and after retreat back into their places again The ninth firing Let them give fire again the first rank in each division and wheel about to the right and move down into their first places where before they were drawn forth and every rank consequently fall in the reer of them then let the Pikes close into the midst to order and face all to their leader Command Muskettiers face to the right and left outward and move twelve paces then face to the reer and move likewise twelve paces after face to their leader Front half-files of each division move forward three paces right and left half-ranks of each division move outward two paces Front divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers stand reer divisions of both arms move to the right and left outward untill you be cleer of the front divisions then close ranks and files in each division to order and face to their leader they will stand in the first figure The first firing Let the front divisions of Muskettiers move forward and range even a brest with the front of Pikes give fire and fall in the reer of themselves then face about and move down into their own ground again and face to their leader then let the outmost divisions of Muskettiers move in like manner as the former did and give fire and fall off in like manner and down again into their places Let the Muskettiers in the next place face outward and move three paces and after face to the front then let the reer divisions of Muskettiers advance forward untill they range even a brest with the front divisions then let them give fire altogether in each division fall in the reer of themselves and after let the out-most divisions that moved up move down again into their places then let the Pikes charg on and after retreat again into their places The second firing Let the out-most divisions of Muskettiers in the Front move forward before the Front of Pikes and the in-most divisions of Muskettiers in the Front let them likewise move at the same time before the Reer divisions of Pikes then let the Pikes port and Muskettiers in each division give fire on the ground they stand and after fall in the reer of themselves and those Muskettiers that formerly moved forth from their places let the Serjeants wheel them off to the right and left into their first ground and face to their Leader Command In-most divisions of Muskettiers in the Front face to the Reer divisions of Pikes upon the left in the Front face about to the right divisions that are thus faced move down three foot cleer of the Reer of each Arms. Front divisions both of Pikes and Muskettiers and those that last moved face to the left and move two paces face all to your Leader and Muskettiers move forward untill your middle divisions range even a brest with the Reer divisions of Pikes and they will stand as followeth Upon this Figure let the Front divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and then wheel off to the right and left into the ground of the Reer divisions and they at the same time are to move up into their places and to give fire and fall off accordingly into their first places Then let the middle divisions move forward untill they range even with the Front of Pikes and let them give fire and fall first in the Reer of themselves and after face about and move down into their places again and face to their Leader then let the Pikes charge on and after retreat back again into their places They may fire to the Reer after the same manner as they did to the Front they being thither faced and after they have all fired face again to their Leader Command Let the four divisions of Muskettiers upon the right to move away and let the divisions of Pikes fall in the Reer of them and the four divisions of Muskettiers on the left to fall in the Reer of the Pikes then standing streight in their divisions both rank-wise and file-wise and they will stand as followeth Upon this figure let the reer divisions face about to the right and let the first divisions give fire to front and reer and fall in the reer of themselves then let them advance forward three paces and after wheel about to the right and interchange ground with the reer divisions and they at the same time are to move up and give fire and fall off accordingly Then let the other divisions move forward untill they range even a
properly belongs to the Serjeant Major Generall whose place and charge is of an high degree his commands being full of action and therefore ought to be a wise grave and able person and an able an experienced Souldier In respect he hath the ordering and disposing of the Divisions and Battalions according to that forme which the Generall shall command him And upon all occasions he must be active and stirring up and down to spie out all advantages which might offend an Enemy and wisely to fore-see all disadvantages that may bring the Troops into any disorder or confusion He hath absolute command over the three Serjeant Majors of the Brigades otherwise called the three Grand Corporals of the Field who are to be his assistants and his mouth as he is the mouth of the Lord Generall or Martiall of the Field and therefore must have a vigilant eye over all things seeing that the Generals Command delivered to him be strictly kept and observed and withall acquainting and informing the three Serjeant Majors of the Brigades of the Generals pleasure that they may forthwith put the same into execution Now the Method that I shall observe shall be according to the forme of the former Brigade wherefore in the first place the Serjeant Major shall do well to appoint out unto the eldest Serjeant Major of the Brigades how to draw up that Brigade which shall be the Battail wherein the Lord Generals Regiment and the Collonels is to be upon the right and left of that Brigade and betwixt them the youngest Collonel and ninth Collonel according unto this rule of dignity in the figure set forth 4 9 12 1. In the next place let the next Serjeant Major of the Brigades in seniority draw up that which shall be the Van-guard and place the second Collonels Regiment upon the right and the fifth upon the left and between them the eleventh and eighth Collonels after this manner of this figure 5 8 11 2. Let the last Serjeant Major draw up that Brigade which shall be the Reer and let him draw them up after this manner the third Collonels Regiment upon the right and upon the left the sixth Collonels and between them the tenth and seventh Collonels Regiment after this manner 6 7 10 3. This charge being given by the Serjeant Major Generall unto the three Serjeant Majors of the three Tertia's or Brigades how each perticuler Regiment shall be drawn up being every one single and compared a like each to other being rightly stated according to the rule of dignity avoiding thereby confusion and disorder In the next place for the better expedition in drawing up the Army every Serjeant Major of each Brigade draws the former Regiments assign'd unto them unto such place as shall be appointed forth unto them by the Serjeant Major Generall being helped and assisted by the Field-officers of the same Regiments the Serjeant Major Generall likewise being an assistant unto them all seeing thereby all the Commands of the Generall rightly observed and fulfilled After this the Generall of the Ordance his duty and care must be in the day of battail to see that the Ordnance be well placed for at such time his wisdome is most discern'd keeping with the assistance of his Lieutenant the Tram of Artillery together in good order He must have a vigilant eye upon all accidents that may fall out and make choise of such ground for their planting as the Generall of the Army and he shall think most fit and convenient He must be carefull that all things be in a readinesse putting the Master Gunners Gentlemen of the Ordnance and Commanders in minde of their duty that they do their best endeavours and acquit themselves like men It is likewise partly his charge to see that the whole Army be well provided with Ammunition because the Ammunition marcheth under his Train He must also be neer the Gen. of the Army upon all occasious to receive his directions and commands and to know from him after what manner he will make his battail that he may plant his Ordnance accordingly finding out hills and heights to play over his own men And when the Enemy shall present himselfe and come up to charge he must draw and plant his Ordnance as neer their horse as possible may be to hinder them from breaking in upon the divisions of foot taking a long with him Saylours and Pioneers to help to draw up the Ordnance and sufficient Guards to defend them As concerning the planting of the Ordnance when the Battalia is drawn up they may be disposed off severall ways as somtimes they are placed upon the head of the Battalia others again between them by two and two and others by threes upon the flanks and wings of the Muskettiers Some are of opinion that they ought to be planted upon the flanks and in the Reer of the Battalia by leaving a free place for Armes which may give no offence to their own men But as concerning this last way it might be answered it can no way be expedient for if an Enemy should perceive that the Front is left bare without Ordnance it will give them cause to come up with more courage to fall on upon the Charge Therefore the best way amongst the ancient experienc'd Souldiers is that the Artillery be divided some here some there both before the Front between the Battalions and upon the Flanks and to be placed some 50 or an 100 paces one from another and then there will be no danger when the Enemy shall come up to shock to encounter you or to offend our own men Especially when they are fastened to them by drawing ropes and iron rings that upon an instant they may be removed and turn'd for the advantage of our own Troops giving fire as fast as they can charge and discharge against the Enemies Troops it being a matter of great moment for the obteining of a victory and gaining the day from the Enemy But that many times the Ordnance cannot be planted in such convenient places as could be wished for in respect an Army may be driven into such places as the Ordnance must be planted according to the best ground it will afford by reason of woods hills or marrish grounds and such like disadvantageous places may be oftentimes met withall for which no certain rule may be given but that the Generall by his wisdom and discretion may make choice of the best advantages which might annoy an Enemy most and give the least offence to his own men either by dazling them by the Sun or by raising of the dust observing the winde which drives the smoak both of the Ordnance and small-shot full upon them To conclude it is conceived the best way for every Captain of the Ordnance and Master Gunner to use some light Field peeces and small Drakes which upon any occasion may be removed from one place to another being with ease planted upon such places of advantage as may most annoy the
for the trimming of the souldiers who ought likewise to have some skill in Chyrurgery that when the souldiers are upon the watches and guards where iminent danger may be he may be then at hand to be ready in the absence of the Chyrurgion of the Regiment to bind up and dresse the hurt and wounded men He is free from duties belonging to the Company and in some places is allowed to be an Officer in the list of their armies which I conceive it ought so to be in respect they allow but of one Chyrurgion to a Regiment and if it should happen many to be wounded as oftentimes in field fights there are one man is not able scarce in three dayes to bind up the wounds and dress the sores of them that are maimed And therefore it concerns every Captain to be provided and to have in the absence of the Chyrurgion a Barber Chyruâ—gion attending on his Company Of a Clerk of a Company HIâ— carriage ought to be very just and honest his cheifest duty is to keep the muster Roll â—nd to have it ready upon all occasions for the entering of his men upon the muster Roll and pay bill He is many times intrusted to receive the service money of the Company and payes such moneyes unto the souldiers as shall be ordered him from his Captain to pay He must inquire out in their quarters where they lie and duly for to pay them and every pay day to deliver up a true bill giving an account unto his Captain of all such moneys he hath-either received or paid forth Of a Drum Major THere ought to be in every Regiment a Drum Major being skilfull in his profession instructing the others in the true beating of a march with all other points of war A Drum-Major must likewise be well skill'd in severall languages and tongues and to be wise and courteous when he shall be imploy'd or sent to an enemy He is in a discreet manner upon the marching of a Regiment to order part of the Drums where they shall beat seeing them tiâ—ely and duly relieved by the others for the better performance of their service For upon the march if all the Captains Drums should beat together it would quickly tire them out therefore for their ease it is his place and duty to order them according to discretion to take their turnes to beat and to be relieved by each other He is moreover to take into his charge such Drums as shall be brought in from the enemies by their Drummers when they come to ransome their prisoners and upon their returne to deliver them again unto them He ought to be lodged neer the Serjeant Major in respect he is to give instructions to the rest of the Drummers and may upon fail of their duties give them correction Of the Drummers to a private Company EVery Captain ought to have two good Drummers that knows how to beat all the severâ—ll points of war before mentioned It is likewise expedient that he should be a good linguisht in respect somtimes he may be sent unto an enemy for the ransoming of prisoners His duty is coming to the camp or garrison of an enemy having his Generals Pass in his hat to beat a call till he is fetcht in and because he shall not discover the weakness of guards works or trenches he is is led blind-fold and so carried to the Commander and place where his prisoners are With whom after he hath ransomed them he is to returne to his own quarterâ— giving an account of such things he hath seen or heard which may prove advantageouâ— to his own party or of any other thing he had opportunity by their neglect to take notice of Of a Gentleman of Arms. HIs duty is to see that the souldiers keep their armes neat and clean and that they be well fixed and if any thing be amiss or broken he is to have them carried to the Armourers to be repaired And if any souldier shall be sick dead or have leave to returne to his own country he is to bring his armes to his own lodging there preserving and keeping them clean untill he shall have occasion to deliver them to some other newly entertained He is likewise to mark and figure the armes of the Company and to preserve and keep a list what number of figure each souldier shall bear upon his armes He is likewise to keep the powder bullet and match and to deliver it forth upon occasions to the Corporalls or Lanspassadoe Of a Lanspassadoe HIs duty is concerned in the absence of his corporall to officiate in all things belonging unto his place and is at all times to be an assistant unto him for his ease help-mate upon all occasions for the better managing of his place and many times they arerounders and Sentinell perdues in time of great necessity The duty of a Corporall THe Corporals of a Company are not tyed to a set number but to be ordered according to the severall strengths and divisions of the same for each to take his charge and care of every Squadron thereof And unto each of them there is a Lanspassadoe for an assistant for their rule of dignity I conceive it makes not much more matter then to make them the right hand file-leader in every perticular division but if any will be so curious to order them according to that let them apply themselves unto the former rules for directions to the saâ—e The Corporalls duty in his Squadron is to teach and instruct them in the use of the Pike and Musket and to have a Roll and list of his men in his division or squadron And when a souldiers name is crossed out he is to give notice unto his Serjeant and when a new one shall supply his place his care must be to instruct and enable him in the postures of such armes as he shall bear Being with his Squadron upon his guard he is to provide them with wood coale candle and light Having an out-guard his care must be to strengthen ti his little Corps due guard and sentinels must be set forth according to the avenews or commings on of the enemy whereby he prevents their cuttings off or surprisall the negligence whereof proves both dangerous to themselves and the whole army Wherefore it behoves hiâ— to be very carefull and vigilant to visit them after giving them an especiall charge to be both faithfull and carefull in the great trust reposed in them He must likewise preserve and keep the word constant in his memory when the Captain of the Watch goes the first Round he shall with his Sword drawn against his brest give it him and receive such orders from him as he shall command him but afterwards when the Round shall come again he shall cause the Rounders or Gentlemen with his Sword drawn to give the word to him before they passe He ought never to go alone being called forth by the Sentinell but to have a Guard
of three or four Muskettiers a long with him selected out of his Corps due Guard He must advise his Sentinels how to demean themselves upon the discovery of an Enemy eitherto give an Alarum or else to give notice without making an noise And if upon his Guard he shall either observe or be advertized by his Sentinels of the approach of the Enemy then he is to have his men in readinesse with bullets in their Muskets and their matches lighted himselfe secretly comming in giving intelligence unto his Captain or other superiour Officer whereby they may all be in a readinesse before the Alarum be given He is likewise to distribute the victual powder bullet and match unto his Squadron and to take notice of the best experienced men and accordingly to imploy them upon action upon the Watches He must cause respect to be given to the Corps due Guard and silence to be kept whether it be about the Walls or Gates that so the noise may not hinder the hearing of the advertisement from the Sentinels He is likewise to have an eye to their lives and manners and to take care of the baggage and money of such as are hurt or sick and to be in his own carriage sober wise and discreet for the avoiding ill example unto others Of the Martiall of a Regiment HE ought to take into his custody all persons committed unto his charge by the chief Officers of the Regiment and if they be called to justice he is to bring them to the Martiall Generall who are to be carried from thence to the Councell of War It is also the care to see that all women boyes servants bread and Aquavita-sellers belonging to the Regiment do march in the Reer and not before or upon the Flanks He is likewise to set such prizes upon beare and victuals as the Lord Martiall or Serjeant Major Generall shall appoint which order he shall receive from the Provost Martiall of the Army and to see it duly executed within the Circuit of the Regiment And that the Sutlers do not sell their beare and victuals above the set rate lest they grate upon the Souldiers After the Captain of the Watch hath gone the first Round he is to see that the Sutlers keep no tipling or disorder in the night but make them put out their candle light and fires during the time of Divine Service he is to go the round for fear any disorders should be committed in the Quarters Of a Quarrermaster IF the Regiment be marching with the Army and not alone he is then every evening to attend upon the Quartermaster Generall to receive his directions and to take the place ground and houses appointed by him for the Quarter and Lodging of the Regiment who presently is to acquaint and advertise his Collonel of the same and after to follow his charge First he appointeth or prepareth the Collonels lodging and other Officers of the Field in the Center or midst of all the Quarters and neer them himself and all the other Officers of the Staffe After according to the seniority of the Captains and their marchings to distribute forth their Quarters as may be designed Having thus far acted through the help of the Constables and Headboroughs of those places where the Regiment is to quarter and having drawn forth their Billets in a good and orderly way he is before the Regiments entering the Quarters to deliver the same to the Collonel or other Field-officers of that Regiment and they to deliver it to the rest of the Captains to direct them to their lodgings with the perticuler Souldiers of their Company And during the time that he is about the visiting the distribution of the lodgings all the Troops are to keep watch round about the place and to send out to discover he must also be informed of the Lodgings of the whole Army to know whom to give or whom to receive Supplies in case of necessitie If the Quarter be in the open field the Quartermaster Generall shall appoint to each Quartermaster the place and ground which he shall take which he is to distribute to the Serjeants of every Company of the Regiment who are to assist him in taking the depth length and breadth of their Quarters with the distances of the Alarum place between the head of the Quarter and the Trench and the true distance of the Streets betwixt the in-getting of each Captains perticuler Company When an Army or Regiment shall sit down before a Town or forraging place to besiege it they are imployed somtimes to be Forragers to fetch in provision for the Army or perticuler Regiments Which when they shall be required they ought to have sufficient Convoys and Guards both of Infantry and Chavalry to secure them who are to be comanded by able Officers and the Irovost Martiall or one of his Assistants is to go a long with them to punish such as are exorbitant or do straggle It will be expedient to the Regiment that the Quartermaster upon his Service may be imployed twice in a week to bring in a fresh victuall to the Souldiers but not to go twice to one place lest they be discovered by an enemy and be way-laid by their forces who may somtimes prove stronger then themselves to prevent or to cut them off by way laying of them secretly in some Ambushments Which being truly considered of care may be taken accordingly of Supplies in other remote places free from the danger of the Enemy To conclude a Quartermaster ought to carry himselfe honestly and carefully in his place and to be well skill'd in the Art of Mathematicks that he may the better give directions for fortifying and measuring of ground quartering of his whole Regiment and in-getting of the perticuler Souldiers The duty of a Serjeant HE that is a Serjeant to a Company ought to be well skill'd in the Postures and all Military Motions whereby in the first place he may endevour to correct the errours of such who handle not the Arms in a handsome or a serviceable way And secondly that he may be helpfull to his Captain or other superiour Officer In time of his Exercise his duty is to draw forth the files according to such depths as shall be appointed unto him by his Captain or other superiour Officer and to order them in the drawing up and joyning together the Souldiers unto such places of honour as they shall direct him unto In a single Company he leadeth often times a division but ought not always there to march in respect he is concerned to see that the Souldiers march even in their ranks at their distance of order in file and open order in rank To which purpose he ought many times to be upon the flanks and perceiving any Souldier out of order he may cast in his Halbert between their ranks to cause him to march even a brest with his right and left-hand men He is likewise either in Field or Garrison to lead his
Squadron to their Guard and to carry to prison such Offendours as his Captain or other superiour Officer shall commit to the Provost Martiall He is to see that the Muskettiers in time of skirmishing present all even a brest with their matches all cockt giving fire all together in good order and to direct them how to fall off and rally again in the Reer of their own divisions His duty likewise is to fetch Ammunition Powder Match and all other Materials for the Companie He is moreover every perticuler evening to attend at the place of Parade or at the Majors Lodging to fetch the word and carry it to his Captain Lieutenant Ensigne and Corporals and likewise as soon as he is come into his Guard he must direct the Corporals where to set out the Perdues and Sentinels and how to order his Watch. He must likewise make frequent Rounds and if he finde a Sentinell a sleep in the Field he is to commit him to the hand of Justice and thus much concerning the duty of a Serjeant Of an Ensigne AN â—nsigne being a Commission Officer in the absence of his Captain and Lieutenant is Commander in chiefe of the Company and ought to march upon the head of the same leading them with a half-pike His Captain and Lieutenant being present and upon a Stand his Colours ought to rest upon his side being held by his right or left-hand and unfurled upon the March his colours ought to be shouldered taking up the corner end of them in his right hand and to let them be halfe flying the Pikes and Muskets all conforming unto the same Posture Marching through a City for the more grace his colâ—urs may be wholly flying being advanced and held up by his right hand or resting upon his right side He ought to be a proper man grave valiant and discreet and to be well skill'd in the Postures of the Pike in respect he leads them and they expect from him to be taught the Postures thereof He ought to be well skill'd in all the lofty figures of the displaying of the colours above the head and to make use of them according to discretion and command which is not only a healthfull exercise to his body but also most becoming to him or any other Gentleman or Commander whatsoever that shall somtimes make use of the same although condemned through sloth and ignorance by others who will not take the pains to learn it An Ensigne upon a Troop lodging the colours or in time of skirmishing may fold them up and retreat into the second rank for the securing of his colours which he ought to stick by and not to stir from them at such a time although he hazardeth his last drop of bloud or makes them his winding-sheet When the Generall shall passe by or any such man of worth he ought a little to vaile his colours inclining the head or narrow end therof a little down-ward but not to bow his knee or uncover his head He may somtimes for his ease or recreation upon the March request some Gentleman of knowing trust of the Pikes to carry his colours for him untill such time as he shall come again for to take them In the absence of his Lieutenant when his Captain shall exercise the Company he may stick his colours in the ground or deliver them to some Gentleman of the Pikes and fall down himselfe in the Reer with a half-piâ—e or cane there to be an assistant to his Captain in supplying the Lieutenants place except his Captain should command him to the contrary He ought to have a Guard a long with him as well to the lodging of his colours as to any other place He ought to performe all courteous offices for the Souldiers unto his Captain which will gain him both love and reputation amongst them they thereby better respecting him and more couragiously following of him Of a Lieutenant HE that is a Lieutenant to a Company ought to be a good and able Souldier and well to understand the duty of a Captain in respect that in his absence he is as Captain and Commander in chiefe over them He is likewise to receive all Orders Charges and Commissions from his Captain assuming no authority unto himselfe but in the absence of his Captain he is to see all such Orders he hath received dutly executed for the better ease unto him He is likewise at such times frequently to exercise the Company in all their Military Motions Skirmishings and False-firings in the pan He is to hold the Serjeants and Corporals strictly to their duty causing them to provide all things necessary for the Company and to be assistants unto him where he shall see cause He is to teach and instruct the Souldiers in the use of their Arms and somtime for their ease he may command every file-leader to draw forth his file and to shew them their Postuâ—es By which means he shall do such good service to his Captain that when he shall exercise them himselfe he may finde them more apter and readier to fulfill his commands at which time the Lieutenant ought to be in the Reer and to see all things there truly executed according to the Captains commands He is in time of danger and great importance to advise with his Captain about the wel-fare of the Company for knowing his Captains intentions and purposes before hand he may be the better provided to withstand the furious on-set of the Enemy He ought to have the Ensigne and all other Officers of the Company as neer him as may be there being often times urgent businesse to make use of them as occasion shall require He must neither cashiere nor punish any man in the presence of his Captain but ought to make him acquainted therewith that he may punish the offendour by committing him either to prison or cause him to give recompence to the party wronged To conclude he ought to know how far his power doth extend either in the presence or absence of his Captain always demeaning himselfe so that he may gain the love of all the whole Company by acting those things amongst them as may be just and honest Of a Captain HE that is a Captain of a Company ought in respect he leadeth the same and is chiefe to appoint unto the Officers their severall places what divisions they shall lead and where they shall march and according to the number of files to make his divisions answerable thereto by dividing his Muskettiers as neer as he can the one halfe upon the right of the Pikes and the other upon the left For they being the Flankers ought equally to be ballanced but if there be an odd file it ought to be contrived and carried to the right In the Van Battail or Reer he must according to the number of his men order his Officers places and draw them off accordingly in as equall a way as they will afford He is as well as his own to know all
the severall duties of his Officers and to be a good Posture-man himselfe that when he sees any of his Souldiers handling their Arms in an undecent and slovenly manner he may the better reprove them for the same And although many Captains regardeth them not but leaveth them to be instructed by the inferiour Officers yet it is a great deal of honour to him when his Souldiers shall be â—aught by himselfe they more cheerfully and confidently marching a long with him when as they perceive that he is throughly knowing in all things belonging to his charge He shall do well to exercise his Company somtimes himselfe teaching them how to fight upon all occasions whether it be to Front Reer or Flanks or upon surprise of an Ambuscado or any other disadvantage which may befall them informing them how to fall off and rally again in good order And at such times he must couragiously and wisely behave himselfe and incourage his Souldiers of hopes of victory casting off all appearances of fear or danger whatsoever cheerfully animating his Souldiers to fall on taking care and making much of them and not to forsake them untill such time they may be relieved by others He is to have a fatherly care of his Souldiers timely providing for the maimed wounded and sick such helps and remedies as their present conditions requires He must likewise see that there be no want of Victuall Arms or Ammunition he ought not to be covetous nor keep back his Souldiers pay but to see them duly paid visiting and relieving them according to their severall wants and necessities His care must be to execute justice appease quarrels punish offendors by doing whereof he will maintain the honour and dignity of his place He ought to carry a very even hand over his Souldiers and to be very courteous and kind unto them yet with that restriction of familiarity that he come not under contempt And again he must not be too rigid and harsh caning or beating them without just cause lest he incurre their hatred who secretly or in time of battail will seek to be revenged of him endevouring to kill him before their enemy Therefore he ought to be wise and discreet in his commands and carriage towards them his place of marching with his Company is some six foot before the first division of Muskettiers but if his Company be drawn up he is either upon a Stand or upon the March to be on the head of the Pikes six foot before his Ensigne In time of battail although he leads his men up first against the Enemy yet he is not always tied to be in the Front having often just occasion to remove down into the Reer Midst or Flanks carefully casting his eye upon all parts of the Body thereby preventing the least errour or neglect of his Souldiers directing them what to do keeping them in good order as long as occasion shall require Moreover he ought to be very religious temperate and discreet faithfull in his trust valiant in the field against the face of his Enemy and being besieged in either Town or Fort for to preserve his honour never give his consent for the yeilding it up untill it be past hope that there is no possibility to hold it out any longer Of a Serjeant Major HIs duty is every morning and evening or upon any other occasion to attend upon the Generall Martiall of the Field or Serjeant Major Generall of the Army to receive his Orders how or in what manner the Regiment shall march whether in a single Battalion or else in two to be joyned with others After which he gives order accordingly unto the Captains how to draw up their Companies orders them accordingly At which tune of imbattelling or marching he ought to be as neer the midst of the Regiment as he can for the better regulating of them He is to place all the Officers according to their dignity where they are to lead whereto bring up which men they shall take charge of to sight causing the Drum Major after they are all drawn up the other Drummers to beat a March and to move all at one instant as occasion shall require He ought to make all the Divisions as neer qually a like as possible he can he must likewise be well verst in the severall drawing up of Regiments with their various forms of Battail that according to the condition of the place ground number of men and Orders received from the Major Generall or Majors of the Brigades he may not shew himselfe a Novice or one that is to seek nor ought he to go dully or slothfully upon his Charge or place but to be very ready quick and nimbly performing with much ease and readinesse his Battalions and grand Divisions In their drawings up he may be permitted to have pen ink and paper for to take an accompt of the severall strengths of the Captains Companies and to order his men accordingly and ought to give unto all the Officers of the Regiment notes in writing of their severall charges and places In time of fight or otherwise marching with the Regiment he is to be on horse-back in regard he is the eyes hands and feet thereof in time of battail he is to see every Officer to perform his charge and Souldier his duty forcing and compelling them forward if in case they turn their backs He is also to distribute to the Captains and other Officers such Orders as he shall receive from his Collonel or other superiour Officer In marching with the Regiment not alone but with the Army he must know from the Generall Martiall or Major Generall whether the Regiment be to march in the Van-guard Battail or Reer He ought to have some knowledge or information of the Countrey whether it be long or streight thereby judging how to order his marching so as he may not be disturbed by the Enemies Horse or Artillery Being troubled with baggage if there be any difficult passage he ought to be there present to prevent such disorders as may happen giving directions for their placing and marching as they may not be any hinderance to the Regiment putting them in order again before the Regiment shall enter into their Quarters at which time he may give license to the Captains and their Ensignes to take their Iodgings excepting only those who are appointed for Guardians who must enter the Corps due Guard and place their Sentinels untill such time as they shall be relieved by others Now if a Regiment be to be quartered or lodged either in the Field or under shelter if in the Field he must cause it to be barrcadoed or intrenched by the waggons or other defences of the Field after which he is to place his Corps due Guard round about the Quarters and the Sentinels at so neer a distance that they may hear one the other speak being about 80 or 100 paces off from the Corps due Guard being placed double a
Pike and a Musket and five paces from them other single Sentinels are to be placed which are called Per-dues And in case of an Alarum the Sentinell Per-due shall retreat to the double Sentinell and in case of necessity altogether having given fire are to retreat to the Corps due Guard He must likewise at divers houres of the night visite the Corps due Guard and if an Alarum be given in the field he is to betake himselfe to the Alarum place of the Regiment and there to form his Battalion and to send men to double the Guards on that part where the Alarum was given and to give notice thereof to his Collâ—nel or other superiour Officer if they be present of what passeth The Ensignes ought not to retreat unlesse their Collonel or he give leave no order at any time ought to be altered but by him in respect he giveth none but such as he receiveth from the Collonel It is his duty to speak for Ammunition as powder bullets match and for victuals if there shall be any want in the Regiment which provisions ought to be delivered unto him and he to see it equally distributed unto the Companies according unto the proportion given â—ur And likewise he is to give order what proportion or number of work men on commanded men shall be drawn forth to work If under shelter then he is to view the place both within and without appointing the places for the Corps du Guards and Sentinels and the way of the Rounders that it be free It will be expedient for him to choose the Alarum place whether the Companies upon the Alarum given are to repair being the Randezvous for the whole Regiment being carefull to place sufficient Guords both upon the walls and about the Gates for their more security Which being ended he may give leave to the Captains to go to their lodgings and severall Quarters there to remain untill they shall be called upon duties for the due performance whereof he is to cause them to cast lots whereby they may know what part of the walls may fall to their turn He is to command the Companies to enter the Guares about ten or cleven of the clock in the morning he is likewise to open and shut the Gates at the rising or setting of the Sun and to place the Watches upon the walls presently upon the shutting of the Gates and to relieve them upon the opening thereof And as he doth receive his directions for marching imbattelling viewing of ground and placing of Guards from the Serjeant Major Generall or Serjeant Major of that Brigade so he is to deliver them over to the Captains and Officers of that Regiment and to call upon them to whom it appertains to see them duly executed In the presence of his Collonel and Liutenant Collonel he is to be an assistant unto them in seeing all orders and directions duly performed and in their absence he hath the same authority and command as they He ought after he hath received the word and orders from the Serjeant Major Generall or Serjeant Major of the Brigade he presently delivers them to his Collonel and Lieutenant Collonel and afterwards to the Serjeants of every Company drawn in a ring according to the Seniority of their Captains which are to come and attend upon him for the same In the absence of his superiour Officers he giveth the word himselfe every night he is to visite all the Guards of the Regiment commanding them duly to keep the tums of their Watches and Marches seeing that one Captains Company performe not more duty than another to the end that both the honour and labour may be equally divided among them And as he hath power to exercise his own Company in all the Military Motions so be may exercise the whole Regiment being thereunto required by his Collonel or Lieutenâ—nt Collonel in all their Distances Facings Doublings Wheelings and False firings and or in their absence of himselfe he hath full power so to do To conclude he ought to be well grounded in all Military Affaires and to be both wise and valiant Of a Lieutenant Collonel HE that is a Lieutenant Collonel to a Regiment hath a very honourable place having power and command over all the Regiments in the absence of his Collonel and may also at such time exercise the Regiment in all the Military Motions and is to lead the Regiment upon the head thereof But when his Collonel is present he bringeth up the Reer if they march in one division but if in two in some places he leadeth the second as his Collonel doth the first or if in three as formerly is shewn he commands the Van-guard the Collonel the Battail and the Major the Reer-guard His place is not of so great pains and toile as the Majors is therefore he ought in the drawing up of the Regiment to be helpfull and assisting unto him in that perticuler and in all others where he shall think fit To conclude the greatest Affaires of the Regiment being carried forth by the Major there is the lesse remaining to be spoken concerning him but that he see all things duly observed throughout the Regiment according unto such orders received from those which are above him Of a Collonel IT concerneth every Collonel to take care that his Companies be full and compleat if it may be that they be well provided of Armes and to take cognizance what Exercises are conâ—inually performed by them communicating Orders and commanding all Officers of his Regiment what is to be performed by each Company respectively whensoever they shall happen to be upon their March In the Head of his Regiment is his most honourable and proper place and there he ought to be most frequent He is to be subservient to the Lord Generall Lord Martiall and Serjeant Major Generall of the Field to whom he is to pay like respect and observance as he himselfe expecteth and that justly from all inferiours to him For from those his superiour Officers by him are received in charge all such Orders as refer to the Place of Alarms Marchings Imbattailings Guards or Convoys Furthermore it is requisite that every Collonel should acquaint himselfe at least once every week how and in what manner the Souldiers of his Regiment have deported themselves in their severall Quarters by a due and strict examination of the qualities of all such offences as have occurred and been committed by the severall and distinct Souldiers under his command hereby preparing every severall misdemeanour for a readier hearing before a Councell of War or Court Martiall and this is easily effected by convening the Captains or other Officers under him at such convenient times as may suit with his occasions every Collonel being bound to make his appearance at each Councell of War as Assistant to the Lord Martiall and President of the said Councell for hte hearing and determining of all such propositions and matters in question relating to the Army In all
in the plainest and easiest way p. 146 Doublings belonging to a Regiment p. 150 Four several wheelings with their Reducement ibid. Countermarches not fit to be used in the exercising of Regiments ibid. Severall firings to be performed upon the former figure and how to be managed by the severall Officers p. 152 The manner of drawing up a Regiment consisting of seven companies containing in the four Captains 12 files of Muskettiers and six of Pikes in each of their perticuler companies and in the three Field-officers 16 files a piece of Muskettiers and eight of Pikes which amounts to the number of 864 men p. 153 The manner of drawing up and placing the Officers of a Regiment consisting of eight Companies having in it a Col. a Lieutenant Colonel a Major and five Captains their number of men in each company being equall with the former Regiment they amount unto 972 men p. 158 How to make the figure of a Ring with its use and service p. 160 The manner of drawing up a Regiment consisting of ten Companies having in it seven Captains and three Field-Officers being in each perticular company the former numbers which in all amounts unto 1198 men p. 162 The manner both of the drawing up and the order of the longmarch of Col. Rainsborough his Regiment bringing up the Reer of the foot of the Army under the comand of the Lord Gen. Fairfax at their first marching through the City of London on the seventh of August 1647. p. 164 A third way of drawing up a Regiment of ten companies after the manner used amongst the Swedes p. 166 The way of drawing up a Regiment consisting of 12 companies the nine Captains having 18 Files in each company and the three Field-officers every one of them 24 files whereof there are two thirds of Muskettiers and one of Pikes in each perticuler company amounting in all to 1404 men p. 169 The manner of drawing up a Regiment according to the Swedish Brigade p. 170 The manner of drawing up a Brigade or Tertia being a third part of an Army according to the practise of the Netherlands under the comand of the Prince of Orange p. 171 How to draw up an Army of 12 Regiments of Foot and three of Horse the Foot amounting unto 11664 men and the Horse unto 3000 in all 14664 men p. 174 The severall duties belonging to the Foot in a Regiment as followeth by degrees from a private Souldier unto a Collonel of the same and first of a private Souldier c. p. 176 Of Military Watches p. 187 The ordering of a private company unto a Funerall occasion p. 190 The ordering of a Regiment to a Funerall occasion p. 191 Errata PAge 5 line the last read right side p. 18. l. 41. r. eldest Serjeant p. 19. l. 8. r. otherwise p. ibid. l. 11. r. long March Every p. 22. l. 14. by their leader p. 24. l. 7. r. in the p. ibid. l. 36. r. ensue ibid. l. 38. dele or the half-files p. 32. l. 12. r. not p. ibid. l. 13. r. I p. 33. l. 6. r. outward p. 43. l. 38. r. marking p. ibid. l. 46. of files p. ibid r. or p. 45. l. 34. r. and faced again to the front p. 46. l. 39. r. file p. 49. l. 11. r. Chorean p. ibid. l. 23. r. gain p. 52. l. 9. r. ranks p. ibid. l. 27. r. right for left p. ibid. l. 28. dele in the reer of the Muskettiers r. before the pikes p. 55. l. 40. deles ibid. l. 42. dele s p. 56. l. 42. r. eight p. 56. 7. dele as have p. ibid. r. they p. 74. dele l. 33. p. 104. l. 13. r. they stand p. 139. l. 49. r. forms p. 140. l. 13. put in 3. p. ibid. l. 53. r. from p. 144. l. 13. dele long p. 145. l. 29. for good r. guard p. ibid. l. 34. r. thus p. ibid. l. 13. r. rest p. 146. l. 15 r. 147. p. l. 152. 15. r. giveth p. 153. l. 29. r. bring them p. ibid. l. 29. r. where p. 158. l. 40. r. fifth p. 159. l. 50. dele and p. 171. l. 40. r. Captain p. 174. l. 25. r. the eldest p. 180. l. 24. r. in hutting p. 188. l. 53. r. and if they p. 189. l. 51. r. to In Major Hayne's Ogdocostick correst these few faults line 22. read Genius ibid. line 30. dele a ibid. l. 34. dele a in column 2 l. 8. r. Of the ibid. l. 28 r. for a. In the Dedication the last line dele the liberty Imprimatur Aprill 13 1649. Sir Nathanael Brent The Copie of a Letter written by the Honourable the Militia of the City of London to Sir Nathanael Brent Honoured Sir The bearer hereof wil present you with a TREATISE of THE COMPLEAT BODY OF THE ART MILITARY Which being approved of by diverse of the most experienced Commanders amongst us we desire for the Publike good of the Nation that you will give an alowance of it for the Presse with expedition Sir Your affectionate friends Isaack Penington Sir John Wollastone John Dethick Philip Skippon Robert Manwarring Owen Row William Underwood Matthew Sheppard Robert Tichborne Thomas Noel Mark Hildersley Daniel Taylor Guild-hall London Aprill 11 1649. To the Mirrour of Chivalry And Honour of all Martiall Discipline the most Victorious THOMAS LORD FAIRFAX His Excellency Captain Generall of all Military Forces for the Parliament of ENGLAND All Health and Happiness here and hereafter Most Eminent and Illustrious SIR May it please Your Excellency THe Glory of all Arts is Action the Honour of all Action is Vertue the Crown of all Vertues is Perfection the Excellency whereof according to the perfection of Humanity is so essentiall in your Excellency that you are become at once the Wonder and the Honour of Europe neither can that immortall Fame of Yours be conceal'd from the rest of the habitable World who shall from age to age record and from Antiquity to Infantry relate those matchles Victories and unimitable Atchievments which the Bounty and Blessing of Heaven hath enrich'd your Hand and beautified your Name withall In all whose Honourable and succesfull Undertakings I had an aime at no greater happinesse then to have been the least Part in so noble an Imployment under your Excellency towards the perfecting of the welfare and Happinesse of this Kingdom and Common-wealth had not the Military Affairs of this Honorable Metropolis unavoidably engaged and obliged me to attend the Service of their own Militia And therein my Lo I have spared neither diligence nor Study that might conduce to the great work of Arms then in Embrio now in perfection excepting only ppposition and Envie which the greatest Honours never yet were free from A part of which perfection hath always flowed from the industry of the Officers and practice of the Students of that Warlike University wherein although I have not as a Member thereof with such dexterity as Cadmus sent out well experienc'd Souldiers in a Day yet have I not layn so idle as Lepidus and wish to be warm'd more from the Sun than my own labours of which the effects are now upon the publick Test but more formidably under your Excellencies censure to whose Patronage and Protection I have presumed to devote this eldest Son and First-born of all my forepast Studies Practise and Employment in the gradation of Military Affairs All the following sheets which relate to that Heroick Subject such as they are and in such a dresse as now they have put on submissively and primarily present themselves with all their worth and beauty if any be discernable within them unto Your Excellency as to their tutelar Angell and most Orthodox Warriour that either Pole can boast of In confidence therefore of your Excellencies native Candor towards all Ingenuity and more especially that wherein your own transcendent and unparallel'd Honours are more perspicuously and really delineated than all the vain and empty Glory of the Dull and Phlegmatick Pretenders to Chivalry can be Map'd or Landskip'd by the effeminate hand of Flattery this late abortive in full shape due proportion and if Truth deceive me not in just maturity hath broken from the wombe of my seven yeers endevours to see the Light both of the censorious and judicious World and in that Light it cannot but live if your Evcellencies goodnesse shall vouchsafe to foster it and must not die except your displeasure please to wound it And whether this shall live or die I shall not further aspire at any loftier pitch of Honour than to have Commission to subscribe my self Your Excellencies most humbly devoted Servant Richard Elton
right locking themselves so firme and stedfast one within another which 't were impossible for any Body of Horse to enter in amongst them Secondly it is of excellent use for to maintain a breach and to keep out an Enemy Thirdly it is very usefull to both arms at such time when a Commander hath any thing of consequence to discover unto his Company which he may have many occasions so to do as before his Exercise to advise them to silence to observe their words of command and their directions and when they are to fight against an Enemy to perswade and keep them off from fear by assuring them good reasons of hopes of overcoming These or such like speeches manytimes a Captain may have just occasion to expresse himselfe unto his Company and being at so close a Distance they may more aptly hear his words and obey his Comands But here now by the way too much preaching upon the head of a Company concerning matters of Exercise is too much a dulling of the Souldier who rather would fall into action then so to be confounded with much talking Close order may be of very good use also for most things which hath been spoken of the closest order only here the Souldier hath a little more liberty in the handling of his arms by being at a wider Distance This Distance also is of good use before wheelings because many times upon their moving they are apt to flie out to their proper Distance of order which they always should be at in their wheelings where note if first they were at order they would flie out to wider Distance Order is the Distance which the Souldier doth fight upon and is to be used skirmishing against an Enemy it is also usefull at such time when the Drum shall beat a Troop and that the Souldiers are marching to relieve some Court of Guard or making some expedition against an Enemy for then they are in a fit capacity of Distance for to fight It is also very usefull and to be observed upon facings for all intire doublings and for wheelings Order likewise in File and open order in Rank is to be used at such time when the Drum shall beat a march and the Body upon their moving or marching Open order is the Distance proper for all doublings of Ranks and Files by the half Files or by the Bringers up wherein they have intervall of ground sufficient to move in It is also a very proper Distance for facings and ever to be observed in time of Counter-marches It is the properest distance for the Ranks to be in upon a March but the Files are then to be at order as is before exprest The use of double Distance is to be observed at such times when the Souldiers shall stand or happen to be in some eminent danger of the Cannon shot from the Enemy for standing then so thinne they may be much preserved from danger it is likewise very good for Inversion and Conversion You may take notice of these briefe directions in openings of Ranks and Files when the Files are commanded to open to the right the left hand File stands and all the Files take their Distance from the left observing always in the Motions of Files their Leaders and to move altogether along with them If it be an opening of Files to the left then contrary wayes the right hand File stands and they take their Distance from the right So likewise for closings unto what hand soever they be commanded to close the out-most File is to stand the rest are to move and close to that In opening or closing of Ranks the first Rank is always to stand the rest are to move either opening or closing according as is commanded always observing in their motions their right-hand-men and moving altogether CHAP. XXII Directions of the way and manner of drawing up a private Company THe Postures being formerly described forth the diginity of places in a File and words of Command made known unto the Souldier for their severall Distances It next followeth to shew the joyning of Files and drawing up a Company where first pray minde at such times when the Drums are beating about the Quarters and in severall places makes Proclamation as by order from their Captain for all Gentlemen Souldiers that are under his Command to repair unto his Randezvous unto such a place and at such an hour then it must be the immediate care of every Officer under his Command punctually at that hour and place thither to repair for the more incouraging of the Souldiers as they shall come in and not to stir themselves from thence without some order from their Captain for fear of giving bad examples unto others And when they shall perceive some considerable number of men to come in the Serjeants then may take advice with their Lieutenant and Ensigne which of them they will appoint out to draw forth the Muskettiers and which the Pikes and whom they shall make the right hand File-leader of the Muskettiers and who shall be the left and again who shall be the Leader of the right hand File of Pikes and who shall be the left For these four being such remarkable places of Honour unto the knowing Souldier that speciall care must be had in placing deserving men to be there Now it is or ought to be the discretion of every Lieutenant and Ensigne as being Commission-Officers to resolve the Serjeants herein that they may with more alacrity go on to draw the rest up between and so to order unto each of them their perticuler duties as to carry equall paines in drawing forth the Files Therefore in respect that for the most part in every Company they have three Serjeants two of them ought to take charge in drawing forth the Muskettiers being helpâ— by the advice of their Lieutenant and the other to draw forth the Files of Pikes being assisted in Counsell by their Ensigne for at such times the Officers ought not to be idle and to stand gazing upon each other but every one according to his particular place and relation should be very active and assisting to each other In the drawing up the Company the properest way will be then as you may understand in perfecting up a Company to draw them forth into Files and to make them six deep as being our custome here in England and farther to have care in choosing able Souldiers to be File-leaders who having spent some time and pains in their Files in shewing them their Postures they may be called to joyne into a Body For farther direction herein unto the Serjeants whose proper place it doth belong unto to observe this order in drawing up their Files that they may ingrosse the Pikes into one Body by themselves and the Muskettiers into another and not to flank the Pikes untill such time they shall perceive that in both Arms they are compleat There are likewise severall places of honour that the Serjeants ought to take
into the front Reducement Rank file six to the right and left outward the out-most men stand the rest move to the right and left outward filing according to command and after to close their Divisions CHAP. XL. Ranks ranking into the Front by Counter-march Command RAnks rank intire into the Front every man placing himself on the out-side of his right-hand man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move away to the right successively into the Front placing themselves on the out-side of their right-hand men Reducement Rank rank 12 to the left every man placing himself on the out-side of his left-hand man the first 12 upon the left are to stand the rest are successively to fall in behinde the first Rank placing themselves as before commanded or Rank rank as you were placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men Command Ranks rank intire to the left into the Front every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his left-hand man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move away to the left successively placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right every man placing himself on the out-side of his right-hand man or rank rank as you were every man placing man placing himself as before Command Ranks rank outward into the Front every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move forth to the right and left and successively to fall into the Front every man placing himself on the out-side of his right left-hand man Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward every man placing himself on the in-side of his right and left-hand man the 12 middle-men are to stand the rest are to move to the right and left inward six to one hand and six to the other making 12 in Rank and falling behinde the first Command Ranks rank inward into the Front every man placing himself on the in-side of his right and left-hand man Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double Distance the first Rank of each Division is to stand the rest are to move successively to the right and left inward into the Front making one intire Rank Reducement Rank rank six to the right and left outward every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right and left-hand man the first Rank of each Division stand the rest move to the right and left outward ranking as before commanded falling successively in the Reer of the first Rank and after to close their Divisions CHAP. XLI Files ranking into the Front by Wheeling Command FIles rank to the right into the Front by wheeling Direction Face to the right and wheel to the left untill they stand The Files are to be at double distance and Ranks at close order even a Brest in one intire Rank in the Front Reducement Rank file six to the left by wheeling face all to the Reer and the first six men then upon the right wheel to the right and so consequently all the rest wheeling by sixes to the right their Leaders that were before being the hinges of the motion and after face to their Leader Command Files rank to the left into the Front by wheeling Direction Face to the left and wheel to the right untill they make all one intire Rank in the Front Reducement Rank file six to the right by wheeling face to the Reer and the six out-most men upon the left wheel to the left the next six are to follow and consequently all the rest untill they have made 12 Files as at the first and after face to their Leader Command Files rank outward into the Front by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks close into the midst to order and face outward wheeling to the right and left untill you are one intire Rank Reducement Rank file six to the right and left inward by wheeling face about to the right and the 12 middle-most men are to wheel to the right and left inward and the rest are likewise to do the same by sixes untill they have made themselves into 12 files after face to their Leader Command Files rank inward into the front by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance after face inward and wheel to the right and left inward untill they are all in one rank in the front Reducement Rank file six to the right and left out-ward face all about and wheel by sixes to the right and left the Leaders being the hinges of the Motion after face to the front and right and left half-ranks may close into the midst again to their double distance Here endeth ranking into the front with all their severall kinds the Reer challengeth the next place but I shall spare the pains and labour to set them down in regard that he who hath a mind to rank his men thither may if he pleaseth make use of all the former words of Command for the performance of the same facing them upon every Command to the Reer I come therefore in the next place only to mention the ranking into the midst by Ranks and Files which may likewise be performed by the former words of Command provided they have convenient distance and be faced to the midst and after the Command is executed to face them to their first front Yet there is remaining a ranking unto all these places at once for the performance of which observe these few words of Command following CHAP. XLII Ranks ranking or Files ranking at one and the same time into Front Reer and Midst Command RAnks rank outward into the Front Reer and Midst Direction The two last ranks are to face about the first rank They are to stand at order in Rank and File and the last rank and the third rank from the front are to stand the other three are to move forth six to the right and six to the left untill they have ranked unto all these places after face to the front and the last rank moving forward to open order Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward the last rank face about the 12 middle-most men of each rank are to stand the six out-most men of each rank are to face inward to move and fall into the right and left behinde the middle-most men after the two last ranks are to face to the front Command Ranks rank inward into the Front Reer and Midst Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance the two last ranks face to the Reer the first and last rank and the third rank from the front stand the rest move to the right and left inward ranking into front reer and midst after that the last rank is to face to the front and to close forward to open order Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward the last rank face