The body wheeling The body to the right wheele moving on the right cornerman To the left wheel moving on the left corner man Even so right or left about To the right wheel moving on the middle leader or leaders or left or about at discretion The front or flanks wheeling into the center or midst of the body Front wheele into the center then face to the Leader or Commander if need require wheel again the front into the center or midst of the body then face as before the first wheeling bringeth all the Musketteers before the body of Pikes the second wheeling into the middest of the Pikes the third wheeling unto the rear of the Pikes the fourth wheeling on the flankes as at first they were The use of the manner of wheelings Suppose there were three or four files of Musketteers on each hand of the Pikes they could deliver but six or eight shot at once in the front This first wheeling bringeth the Musketteers that they may deliver twenty shot at once being tenne deep The second wheeling bringeth them into the midst delivering them from the violent charge of horse charging in the flankes especially when their powder is spent or upon some policy to cover the Musketteers from sight of the Enemy In like manner the rest of the wheelings are by a skilfull Commander put in practice at convenient time as the occasion offereth Likewise you may wheele the front to the right and left by division to receive the Enemy who is ready to charge both the flanks at once Now follow some formes of doublings which must be performed at a wider distance six twelve or twenty foure foot at the discretion of the Commander Remember alwaies the manner and form of opening and closing of files and rankes Being in open order the word being given files close without naming any hand is thus performed the two middle leaders close unto the next distance which is three foot the rest of the files likewise close towards the middle leaders untill they are at the distance commanded If the word be files to the right close then the right hand file moveth not but standeth fast all the rest of the files close towards the right file till they are at their distance appointed If the word be files to the left close then the left file standeth fast the rest of the files close towards the left hand untill they come to the distance commanded If the word be files to the right and left close then the one halfe of the files close to the right hand file which standeth fast the other halfe to the left opening in the middle of the body leaving a space betwixt the two halfe bodies which is done for some speciall use best knowne to the Commander Observe that at what distance soever the company stands in if the word be Close not naming any order whether files or rankes then they must close to the next distance being at twelve foot they close to six foot being at six they close to three foot in the same manner files opening or rankes opening Being in close order if the words be files open not naming any hand then the middle leaders open one from the other unto six foot both wayes the rest of the files on both flankes take their distance from them If the word be Files to the right hand open then the left file or angle moveth not the next file to the left hand first taketh its distance the rest of the files in like manner pressing upon their right hand files till the distance commanded be obtained in opening If the word be Files to the left open then the right file standeth fast the rest of the files opening to the left hand still pressing upon their left hand files till they be in the distance and order commanded Rankes closing If the word be Ranks close then the first rank moveth not namely if they be at a stand all the rest of the ranks close forward till they be at the distance appointed If need require you may close your ranks backward from the front to the reare with this word of command Ranks close backeward then the last ranke moveth not all the rest of the ranks go backward towards the last ranke taking their distance ranke by ranke from the reare or last ranke You may likewise open your rankes from the leaders to the reare or from the bringers up to the front but If the word be without any addition as this that followeth Rankes open Then the first ranke moveth not the rest of the rankes fall backe till they have gained that distance commanded the second ranke standeth first the rest in like manner one after another till they have all performed it If the word be Rankes open forwards Then all the body advanceth forward except the last rank which standeth firme the second to the last taketh the distance first then the rest till they have all performed it Files and Rankes close Sometimes it is convenient to close Files and Rankes both at once then it is performed marching being before at a wider distance at a sodaine to give way unto horse or foot to passe or to enter into a narrow passage or such like The body being at their close order both files and rankes and you would have them open the word of command Files and rankes open Which is from the same distance that they did close doe they open unto againe or unto any other distance commanded both together If they be at a stand then the rankes open first and then the files and in closing the files close first then the ranks If the word be Files and Rankes close to the center Then the halfe files and rankes close to the middle of the depth of the Body the halfe files in the front moving backward the reare halfe â—iles forward till they bee at their distance commanded So likewise opening from the center which may be done in the like manner as is directed before If the Commander have occasion to bring all the rankes into one file or into two the Body being at their order three foot The word Ranks open to 6 foot 12. or more as the number are in Ranke then Ranks to the right hand file or by inversion As you were Ranks to the left by inversion As you were Ranks to the right and left by inversion As you were Ranks to the right by conversion As you were Ranks to the left by conversion As you were Ranks to the right and left by conversion As you were Now followeth the closing of the ranks and opening of the files that which the Ranks performed in File may the Files performe in Ranks Ranks close to your order Files open to 6 foot 12 foot or more agreeable to the depth alwaies having in memory that 6 foot is named open order 12 foot double distance 24 foot double double distance Files to
at a stand fall backe with your right foot if marching advance your selfe forward your body upright your left knee bending 16 To the front charge 17 As you were 18 To the right charge 19 As you were 20 To the left charge 21 As you were 22 The reare charge 23 As you were 24 To the front and reare charge 25 As you were 26 To the right and left charge 27 As you were 28 Every way charge square 29 As you were 30 Quarters every way charge 31 As you were 32 Advance your ground and charge to either hand at discretion Betweene every charge march 33 Retreate charging 34 Your breathing posture 35 Advance forward againe 36 Stand order your Pike 37 Open order at foot Now followes the charge against horse 38 Close order at foot 39 Draw your sword over your left arme joyne it close unto your Pike 40 To the front charge at foot 41 To the right charge 42 To the right charge 43 To the right charge 44 To the right charge 45 Right about charge 46 Left about charge 47 To the right and left charge 48 To the front and reare charge 49 Every way charge square or quarters at discretion 50 Stand sheath your sword 51 Order your Pike 52 Your buriall posture Three generall postures of the Pike in thirteen great and small motions three standing seven marching three charging The first posture 3 Standing 1 Lay downe your Pike 2 Take up your Pike 3 Order your Pike The second posture 7 Marching 4 Advance your Pike 5 Shoulder your Pike 6 Levell your Pike 7 Slope your Pike 8 Comport your Pike 9 Cheek your Pike 10 Traile your Pike The third posture 3 Charging 11 Port your Pike 12 Charge overhand 14 Charge at foot All these postures and motions both of Musketteers and Pikemen in a body or Battalia great or small may be performed without words by signes of the Commander and the beating of the Drumme the Drummer observing every motion from the Commander Now followeth the motions of Facing Doubling Countermarching Wheeling and such like in a grose body or Battalia Note and remember well that there are several sorts of distances to bee observâ—d for severall uses upon variety of occasions for Marching for Exercising for Skirmishing for battaile in front in flanke in rear which every Commander doth or ought to know Close order Order Open order Double distance double double distance the first one foot and an halfe the second three foot the third six foot the fourth twelve foot the fifth twenty foure foot Now to begin wiâ—h that which is first put in practise which is open order sixe foot Open order sixe foot square that is six foot file from file and six foot ranke from ranke which is the first distance that a Company is framed unto especially for exercise Next there is order three foot square both in file and ranke for exercise or for battaile Thirdly there is closest or close order which is one foot and an halfe file from file and is only used for the Pikes when they come to the push There is likewise a double distance twelve foot square either in file or ranke and a double double distance twenty foure foot which two last are practised sometimes upon extraordinary occasions There is likewise a marching order three foot file from file and sixe foot ranke from ranke or to oppose an enemy onely in front and an open order sixe foot file from file twelve foot ranke from ranke which I leave to the discretion of the Commander Now to make some use of part of these I will onely at this time set down the plain and true words of command with some few remembrances joyned to them wishing all Officers which yet faile in the right delivering of the words of command to observe and follow these directions for if a Commander speake them not right as the Proverbe is setting the cart before the horse the souldiers although skilfull doth act them many times wrong The company being come to the appointed place neither yet in file nor ranke the Commander gives the word as followeth Leaders leade forth your Files joyne them into a body or frame a body Note that a file is a number or sequence of men standing one behinde another at a certaine distance as you may reade after more at large being tenne deepe as most nations have in use yet they may be eight or sixe or fewer or more as the occasion offereth But before wee frame our body or battalia Let all Souldiers observe but especially all Officers how a body or battalia is distinguished or named in each severall part as followeth First there are files and ranks these files rankes annexed or united together make a body or Battalia A file is a sequence of men standing one behinde another at a certaine distance whose faces are directly placed one way the backe of the former to the face of the follower subsisting commonly of tenne in depth according to the moderne use of the Netherlands but may be brought to more or fewer as I have said before This file is distinguished into a Leader a bringer up and two middle men with sixe other betweene The first man of the file is called the Leader the last man a bringer up the two that are in the middle of the file are called by the name of middle men which are the leaders of the halfe files when they are to double on the other and for other uses A Ranke is a row or a number of men above one few or many stand one by another side by side or pouldron to pouldron their faces being directed all one way Of these Files and Ranks as I have set down before being connexed together is framed a Battalia by these names distinguished as followeth The front the reare the right flanke or halfe rankes the left flanke or halfe rankes the right wing the left wing The front are the halfe files that are before being tenne deep the formost five Rankes The reare are the halfe files that are behinde The right flanke are the halfe rankes on the right hand The left flanke are the halfe Rankes on the left hand The right and left wings are the devisions of Musketteers which are on both hands of the Pikes but especially when they are to act their owne part being appointed to move or to skirmish in front flanke or reare Stand at your open order square marke your directions Silence Note facing any way at a stand remove your right foot turning upon your left toe To the right hand As you were To the left hand As you were Right about As you were Left about As you were Note that in all doublings if you double to the right fall off to the left into your first place if you double to the left fall backe to the right Ranks to the right hand double As you were Ranks to the left hand double As you were Files to the right hand double
As you were Files to the left hand double As you were Halfe Files or middlemen to the right hand double your Front As you were Half files to the left hand double your front As you were Bringers up to the right hand double your Front As you were Bringers up to the left hand double your Front As you were To the right hand Countermarch maintaining ground As you were to the left Counter To the right hand Countermarch losing ground As you were to the left Counter To the right hand Countermarch winning ground As you were to the left Counter Now follows some things to be acted in a closer distance namely order three foot both Files and Ranks The Word of Command Files close that is to the middle or to the right close or left at discretion Ranks close forwards Halfe files or middle men to the right hand intire double your Front As you were Halfe Files to the left hand intire double your Front As you were Halfe Files to the right and left by division double your Front As you were The body to the right hand wheele moving on the right corner man To the left hand wheel moving on the left corner man To the right hand wheel moving on the middle man or men in Front which are Leaders or wheel about at discretion Now follow some things which are to be performed at a double distance 12 foot ranke from ranke or double double distance 24 foot agreeable to the number of men that are in ranke Ranks open to your double distance keeping their files at their order Ranks to the right hand by conversion As you were Ranks to the left hand by conversion As you were Ranks to the right and left by conversion As you were Ranks close These Motions which I have repeated of Facing Doubling Countermarching and Wheeling are commonly known and practised by the Officers and Companies in the Netherlands and in other places where the warres are there are not many that knoweth or for some reasons teacheth any more Now to satisfie those that desire to learn and understand more then common things of this subject I have joyned with these some other which are of great importance in time of advantage or disadvantage to be practised against a skilfull enemie Therefore I will begin againe setting downe the additions in their places Where the word Note stands in the Margent there follows a change of that which went before The Company being framed into a square open order as is set downe before Not that all the Musketteers must be in one division on the right hand of the pikes a double distance from the body of pikes The Commander standing at the head of the company before the middle file Leaders giveth the word If it be the Captaine then the Lieutenant ought to be at the reare the Ensigne at the head of the pikes the Serjeants on both the Flanks the Drummes even with the formost ranke on both the Angles Facing To the right hand As you were To the left hand As you were Right about As you were Left about As you were To the right and left As you were To the Front and Reare As you were Every way square As you were Every way quarters As you were Ranks doubling Ranks to the right hand double As you were Ranks to the left double As you were Files doubling Files to the right double As you were Files to the left double As you were Files to the right and left double As you were Files to the Center double As you were When middle men is named to double it is the oldest used word of Command for the Reare to double the Front which I do now follow because when I name halfe Files it is to be understood that the halfe Files in the Front are to double the halfe files in the Reare The Reare doubling the Front by Middlemen Middlemen to the right hand double your Front As you were Middlemen to the left double your Front As you were The reare doubling the Front by Bringers up Bringers up to the right double your front As you were Bringers up to the left double your front As you were Halfe files in the Front doubling the Reare by middlemen Halfe Files to the right hand double the Reare As you were Halfe files to the left double the Reare As you were The Front doubling the Reare by Leaders Leaders to the right double the Reare As you were Leaders to the left double the Reare As you were Halfe ranks doubling the flanke Halfe ranks to the right double your flank As you were Halfe ranks to the left double your flank As you were Countermarching maintaining losing and winning ground Countermarch to the right hand and maintaine ground Corian or moderne As you were to the left Countermarch to the right lose ground Macedonian As you were to the left Countermarch to the right and winne ground Lacedemonian As you were to the left You may if need require countermarch your Leaders and bringers up into the center or your flanks or angles or wings into the center or middest of the body or exchange your angles or double your wings or flanks by Countermarch Now follow some things which are to be performed in the second distance namely order 3 foot Files close that is to the middle or to the right or left at discretion Rankes close forwards Ranks to the right hand intire double As you were Ranks to the left intire double As you were Ranks to the right and left by division double As you were Files intire doubling Files to the right hand intire double As you were Files to the left intire double As you were Files to the right and left intire double As you were Files advance to the right intire double As you were Files advance to the left intire double As you were Files advance to the right and left intire double As you were The halfe files in the rear intire doubling the halfe files in the front Middlemen to the right intire double your front As you were Middlemen to the left intire double your front As you were Middlemen to the right and left by division double your front As you were The halfe files in the front intire doubling the reare Halfe files to the right intire double the reare As you were Halfe files to the left intire double the reare As you were Halfe files to the right and left by division double the reare As you were The halfe rankes intire doubling the flanke Halfe rankes to the right hand intire double your flanke As you were Halfe ranks to the left intire double your flanke As you were Halfe rankes by division double your right flanke As you were Halfe rankes by division double your left flank As you were Right flanke advance to the left intire double your flank As you were Left flanke advance to the right intire double your flank As you were
the right hand ranke by conversion As you were Files to the left ranke by conversion As you were Files to the right and left ranke by conversion As you were Files close to what distance the Commander judgeth fit or convenient If you would ocasion being offered draw out your Files in depth at a passage or such like into one or two Files or ranke your Files or ranke your Ranks The word of Command Files to the right file on in sequence As you were Files to the left file on As you were Files to the right and left file on As you were Files to the right ranke 2. 4. 7. or more As you were Files to the left ranke 3. or more As you were Files to the right and left Ranke 5. 6. or more or fewer As you were Ranks to the right ranke 3 5. or more As you were Ranks to the left ranke 2 4. As you were Ranks to the right and left ranke 3 5 6. As you were The manner how to performe these last and most of all those things which are written before in this Booke which bear only the words of Command and are not there explained may you find after in another place unfolded and more at large set forth for the manner of acting them Many other things of this subject might be added but I suppose these are sufficient for all such as are willing and inclinable to follow them and for any understanding Officer to work on and make triall of their further skill wishing a happy issue unto their good endeavours As I have said before concerning the performance of the Postures and Motions of Musketteers and Pikemen particularly by signes of the Commander and the beating of the Drumme So likewise may be performed the most of all other Motions of Facings Doublings Countermarches and Wheelings Opening Closing Marching fast or leasurely Trooping Charging Retreating and such like by signes of the Commander and the beating of the Drum Here followeth some short remembrances for the acting of these particulars concerning distance and forme First for facing Facing any way by command at a stand some teach to remove the same foot as the hand is named which is a very good way but for some respects I follow the ancientest and knowne manner practised in most parts Which is at a stand to remove the right foot either when you face to the right or left Right about or left about turning upon the left toe or heel but the toe is the best the Pike at the order the Musketteer his Musket shouldered or rested at the discretion of the Commander If the body be marching then facing any way that foot which is furthest from the hand named ought first to remove the Pikes and Muskets shouldered The body trooping the pikes advanced the muskets shouldered For all Doublings Observe that in all doublings hand and foot ought to go together although some do teach that the contrary foot to the hand which is named should first remove but the best way is the same hand which the Commander nameth the same foot first remove the right hand the right foot the left hand the left foot Observe likewise that in all movings or doublings at a stand no above three paces the Pike at the order the Musket rested or shouldered But if they move above 3 paces then the Pike ought to be advanced the Musket shouldred ported poised or breasted at discretion the whole body moving or any part thereof All those which are in the rankes or files that move must observe their Leaders and beare their Armes as they doe the leaders or formost men receiving the word or sign from the Commander Observe when you double to the right hand you must returne back to your place turning to the left If you double to the left returne backe to the right When rankes middlemen or bringersup are to double each man in those rankes which are to move must observe the right-hand man in that ranke they stand in moving with him pace by pace unto the place appointed and so likewise backe againe unto their owne places if it bee so commanded neither going before nor after one another but even altogether Doubling of files halfe rankes flankes wings or angles each man in the file hee standeth in must observe his file-leader and move even with him pace by pace the file-leader looking downe his file setting forth the same foot the hand is named the rest of his file seeing him will doe the like although they heard not the word of command To know by signe without words the severall Countermarches maintaining losing and winning of ground that which followeth will instruct you Countermarching maintaining ground is known by the Leaders turning upon the same foot as the hand is named neither pacing forwards nor backwards till he bee turned then marches downe the file unto the rear the Leaders observing the Commander and all the rest of the files moving together at their distance turning at the same place where the Leaders turned till the front be turned and brought into the same place where the rear was and the rear where the front was Countermarching againe to the contrary hand in the same manner bringeth every one in his first station Losing ground is known when the Leaders step forwards one pace and turning to the hand named then standing still the second Ranke with all the rest that follow passe on their leaders right hand if the right be named and place themselves behind their own Leaders at their distance Winning ground is knowne when the Leaders step backwards with the right foot if the right be named or signed by the Commander and being two paces past the second ranke then that second ranke likewise steppeth backe following their Leaders at their distance and so subsequently all the rest winning of ground towards the enemy who marcheth after them to charge their reare or bringing their front in the suddennest manner to follow the Enemy retiring or to double their owne reare in the quickest forme to receive the Enemy over winging them In all sorts of Countermarches they may beare their Arms Pikes advanced or comported if shouldered then at the turning they must advance port or charge or arme their Pike with their right hand aloft being turned shoulder againe the Muskets shouldered or brested at discretion There are other manner of wayes to performe these Countermarches either for files or rankes But these here set downe are the playnest and as I suppose the best which may suffice for this time Note that you must not countermarch if the Enemy be neare at hand lest the Body be brought in disorder and so easily overthrowne Wheeling When you are to wheele if the Body be great and stand at their open order the best way is to close both Files and Rankes especially the Files to their order if the body be small
that is left in the first ranke taketh his place first after the right hand man in the third Rank then the two right hand men in the second Rank advance forward ranking with him making the fourth rank the rest of the ranks do the like till they have all finished what was enjoyned If the left be named then the left hand man with the other two next him advance forward and make the first ranke and so the rest as they did to the right till all have done it In the like manner what number soever is named may be performed Note when the Company is at the appointed place to exercise or else to be joyned with other Companies place all your Musketteers in one division as I have set downe before on the right hand of the Pikes If the Company be in number one hundred or fewer halfe Pikes halfe Musketteers then you ought to march with all your Musketteers in one division before the Pikes the Files both of pikes and muskets being ten deep as most Nations have in use or in case of necessity 8 deep When you make a stand draw up your Pikes on the left hand of the Muskets till they be all even in front But if the number be greater so that you can make six files of Musketteers or more then you may divide them When you march halfe before the Pikes and halfe behinde you must at all times observe to keep the depth of the File ten or eight at the least if you possible may observe that you march not at any time two in ranke if you can any otherwise chuse for it is no way convenient nor comely in sight but three or more when you come to a stand with the first division of Musketteers the rest of the body marcheth untill the first division of Pikes be even in front with the Musketteers that stand then the second division of Pikes if there be so many fronts with the former that stand and last the reare division of Musketteers advanceth forward untill they be even in rank and file with the former divisions Observe that all marching companies or battaliaes great or small when they come to a stand or holt order their Pikes and rest their Muskets standing even in File and Ranke When the Commander gives the word March Observe that all must shoulder their armes both Pikes and Muskets and beare them sloped except it be otherwise commanded In trooping the Pikes must be advanced In charging especially to the front being ten or eight deep the halfe Files in the reare must beare their Pikes ported over the heads of the formost halfe Files as may give them no offence either in charging or retreating Likewise the Pikes are not so subject to be broken by the enemies shot as when they are advanced Observe likewise in going through any port or gate the Pikes at the entrance ought to be ported if it be a small gate or doore the Musketteer is to joyn his Musket with his Rest and enter porting his musket Being through the passage to beare their Arms as they did before Now followeth the uniting of many companies together When many Companies are brought together to be joyned into one two or three or more bodies or battaliaes The Colonell or eldest Captains Company taketh the first place on the right hand of all the rest All the Musketteers of that company are to be placed on the right hand of the body of Pikes standing at their open order the division of Musketteers a double distance from the Pikes So likewise all the rest of the Companies in that manner according to the degree of the Captaine Every Company twenty foot one from the other Then draw backe all the Musketteers fifty foot behinde the reare of the Pikes dividing them into Manaples or divisions of foure files by themselves the files at their order three foot and each manaple from other six foot then joyne all your Pikes in one body or two or three according to their number or at the discretion of the Serjeant Major or superiour command The Files of Pikes likewise at their order then flanke each body of Pikes with two wings of Musketteers having divided them as you did your Pikes for one two or three bodies When all the Officers have taken their places according to their antiquity as the Serjeant Major directeth then march either in hearse forme or in square battalia if there be three battaliaes The first march then the other two even with one another in front but divided one from the other as farre distant as the length of the first battalia is so that the left File of the second battalia which is on the right hand must be direct after the right File of the first battalia and the right File or Angle of the third and last battalia direct after the left File of the first battalia both these second and third battalions if the ground will permit sixty paces after the first battalia when the first marches all march when the first stands all stand they must all move together march wheele or stand by example of the first if not directed otherwayes by the superiour Commander Observe if there be but one division of Musketteers on each hand of the body of Pikes then the right wing after they have given fire in front wheeles off to the right hand into the reare of their owne files In the like manner the left division of Musketteers after they have given fire wheeles off to the left hand into the reare of their owne Files But if the body be greater so that there be more divisions then one of Musketteers on each hand of the body of Pikes then after they have given fire must all both those on the left hand as well as those on the right hand wheele off to the right through the distances which are left open for that purpose between the divisions into the reare Observe when the battalia advanceth towards an enemy being yet a Musket shot off the two first Rankes maketh ready advancing tenne paces before the body directed by a Serjeant as the first Ranke presents two Ranks more marches forward making ready as they goe giving fire ranke after ranke Wheeling off to the right hand through the divisions unto the reare of their own Files making ready againe as they goe and subsequently all the rest But when the Battaliaes come nearer ready to the push of pike then the rankes give fire even with the formost ranke of pikes and being forced to give back then all the Musketteers maketh ready together resting their Muskets standing with their pans guarded giving fire ranke after rank and suddenly with all speed falling off into the Reare Marching from an Enemy Observe when you are to give fire to the Reare two ranks after two makes ready giving fire even with the last rank of pikes as soon as the rank hath given fire it wheeleth to the right hand marching a good round
ruffe Where the joynes with the r. in this manner r the single stroke with the ruffe must be joyned together The r and halfe in this manner r 2 is a ruffe and halfe ruffe joyned There is also a preparation to the March which is only to be beaten once and no more at the beginning of the March The first is the preparation the March follows The preparation rIIr Iâ—Ir II II r Ir rrr rrIrI IrIr rrrr rr2r2 IrIr I have insisted somewhat long in the office of the Drummer for that I finde a great defect in that place and would wish a more generall reformation Instructions for those that are ignorant in arming and disarming themselves EAch Souldier having brought his Arms into the field standing with them at their first order as may be observed in the following notes of the postures and motions Then the Commander giveth the Word Disarme or Lay downe your Armes First lay downe your Musket stepping forward one pace with your right foot then recover your foot to its place then receive your Match into your right hand out of the left Next lay downe your Rest stepping forward with your left foot recover your foot backe againe Take your Match into your left hand betwixt the two lowermost fingers as formerly then lay downe your Match with your left foot stepping forward on the right hand of your Rest recover your foot as before Afterward in upright forme of body put off your Hat with your left hand and holding it by your left side take off your BandilieÌ„rs with your right hand laying it downe betwixt your Musket and your Match the charges fromward you Afterwards retire three paces backward that you may the more gracefully come to the stand where you were to arme your selfe The next word of command is Arme or Take up your Armes First take up your Bandiliers putting them on as you did take them off then your Match as formerly then your Rest last your Musket Performe these directions and all other with a gracefull and comely cariage of body The Word of command Foot your Armes The Armes being laid downe the Souldier standing three paces backe Armed and standing at his first order Being armed and standing at your first order then follows the preparation to the Postures The word of Command is Prepare Joyne your Musket with your Rest open your pan blow your panne prime your pan Shut Cast off and so forward as you may perceive by the following notes until you have shouldered and sloped then begins your postures The first motion in the Postures is Slip your Musket the last motion is Give fire Note all the rest of the motions that follow after giving fire until you have sloped your Musket are dependances unto the Postures but more especially to the first Posture Now followeth the action of Souldiers being prepared their Muskets being charged as all ought to be the enemy being not far from them only waiting for the Word from the Commander as you may observe in the next place The Postures and Motions of a Musketteere the musket being charged first standing then marching 1 Hand your Armes order your Musket and Rest even with your body in the ranke you stand in which is called your first order 2 Joyne your Musket with your Rest 3 Poyse your Musket and breast it 4 Shoulder your Musket 5 Slope your Musket 6 Slip your Musket 7 Poise your Musket 8 Rest your Musket Falling backe with your right foot observe in this and most of all your Motions to keepe the mouth of your Musket high and strait over your Leaders right shoulder 9 Hand your Match 10 Blow your Match 11 Cocke your Match 12 Try your Match 13 Guard your pan 14 Blow your Coale 15 Open your pan 16 Present your Musket breast or rather middle high removing backe your left foot unto your right then your right foot slopewaies backe standing with a full and upright body your left knee bending your right elbow even with your shoulder 17 Give fire 18 Recover your ground with your feet 19 Returne your Match 20 Blow your pan 21 Prime your pan 22 Shut your pan 23 Cast off your loose powder 24 Recover your Rest 25 Blow off your loose powder 26 Beare about your Musket unto your left side falling backe with your left foot trayle your Rest between your Musket and bodie 27 Hand your Charge and open it 28 Charge your Musket 29 Draw out your skouring-sticke and shorten it against your breast 30 Ramme downe your Bullet 31 Returne your sticke 32 Recover your Musket and Rest 33 Poyse your Musket 34 Rest your Musket with your left foot forward againe 35 Your saluting posture 36 Your buriall posture 1 Your guard posture 2 Your Order posture 3 Your sentinell posture 3. These three last are in the number of the former but remembered because they are to be used upon severall occasions Shoulder your Musket and march with your Rest in your right hand Note that the three generall postures do begin the Musket being charged and shouldered The names of the 3 generall postures are these that follow 1 Make ready 2 Present 3 Give fire which are to be â—erformed in 12 Motions If marching then gracefully with an eleven paces especially to the front Note that all the rest of the Motions which follow after giving fire are dependances unto the first Posture In the first Posture are 8 Motions in the second 3 in the third 1 Motion The first Posture Make ready 8. Motions Slip your Musket Poyse your Musket Joyne yoâ—r Musket with your Rest Hand your Match Blow your Match Cock your Match Try your Match Guard your pan The second Posture Present 3. Motions Blow your Coale Open your Pan. Present breast high The third Posture Give fire 1 Motion Give fire When you have given fire winning or maintaining ground recover your Rest with your right foot stepping forward But losing ground recover your Rest unto your foot joyning it with your Musket falling about into your file and ranke making ready againe as you go If you observe 3 paces in the presenting Posture as some Regiments doe then to the Front or right Flanke begin your first Motion with your left foot stepping forward but to the Reare or left Flanke with your right foot pacing first Note that there be many Regiments that observe but 2 paces in the presenting Posture Note when you give fire to the Reare turne right about The Postures and Motions of a Pikeman standing and marching 1 Hand your pike 2 Advance your pike 3 Lay downe your pike 4 Take up your pike 5 Order your pike 6 Shoulder you pike 7 Levill your pike 8 Slope your pike 9 Advance your pike 10 Port your pike 11 Comport your pike 12 Cheeke your pike 13 Trayle your pike 14 Recover your pike 15 Shoulder your pike Note when you beare your pike shouldred it must be sloped except you be commanded to level it Observe when you charge
then double either Ranks or halfe files the Pikes advanced the Muskets shouldered or breasted the severall forms of wheeling is set down before fol. 32. 33. The difference in the acting of Inversion and Conversion Where you read Inversion or Conversion that you may the better understand the meaning of them and how they differ in former times there hath beene made no difference in the forme but only in the name which was an errour they differ as followeth The Commander giving the word Rankes to the right file or by Inversion Observe that the right file standeth firm and moveth not all the rest of each ranke turning their faces towards the right hand move all till they become into that file that standeth still placing themselves each man behinde his right hand man so become all one file Note that all the whole ranke that moveth must place thēselves betwixt their owne right hand man that stood still and the next that stands after him the first Ranke between the leader of the File that standeth and the second in that file the second Ranke betweene the second and third in that File and so the rest an even distance one from the other If the word be Rankes to the left by inversion then the left file standeth fast and moveth not the rest of every Ranke moveth till they be come into the left File making one file in the like manner as they did on the right hand The Word Ranks to the right and left by inversion Then halfe the Ranks fals behinde their Sidemen to the right and halfe to the left hand making two files marching with them in that forme over Bridges or through Woods or narrow passages or to deliver vollies against horse or foot facing inward or outward as the Commander directeth The Word Ranks to the right by conversion Then the whole Ranke wheeleth towards the right hand moving on the outmost right hand man in that Ranke they stand in till all the Rankes be come even with the right File whose faces being turned to the right hand they all become one ranke either to give a volley against horse or foot by a River Morase or Wood side and many other uses may these inverting or converting afford us when occasion is offered Rankes to the left by conversion Then all the Rankes wheeleth to the left hand in the same manner as they did to the right on the outmost left hand man in their owne rank who facing likewise to the left become altogether one ranke and when they have performed that which is commanded As you were bringeth every man in his owne first place Rankes to the right and left by Conversion Then halfe the Rankes wheele to the right and halfe to the left hand then facing right and left are become two Ranks and so as you were when you have performed what you intended As the Rankes are converted into one File or two so may likewise the Files be converted into one Ranke or two as the occasion offereth Observing when the Rankes are to file by conversion or inversion you must open your ranks to such a distance agreable to the number which are in the ranke that they may have roome to come into the file commanded When you would convert your Files into one ranke or two you must close your Ranks and open your Files to that distance as the File is in depth they may have sufficient roome to come into the rank and to use their Armes as they are directed To give you some light how to performe it because it is not commonly knowne neither hath been practised much in former times It is thus performed as followeth The word of Command Files to the right handranke or by Conversion The first man or leader of the File standeth fast the second man in the file cometh upon the right hand of his Leader the third man in the file on the right hand of the second and so subsequently all the rest each man on the right hand of him that did stand in the same file next before himselfe till they be all in one ranke performing that which they were commanded as you were bringeth every man to his first place Files to the left hand ranke or by conversion Which is performed in the like manner as the other the whole file coming up and placing themselves on the left hand of their Leaders making one Ranke Files to the right and left by Conversion The formost ranke as they did before standeth fast the rest of the body divideth it selfe going up placing themselves the right halfe ranks on the right hand of their leaders the left half ranks on the left hand of their leaders leaving an open space in the midsts of the ranks for Horse Wagons Ordnance and such like to passe through Likewise by converting one ranke at once into file you may march by a narrow passage giving fire against the enemy rank after ranke when the ranke alone is converted into a file either by wheeling or falling after one another and hath given fire marching forward and being by the passage ranke againe as they were This may be performed to the right or left or to both by dividing the ranke File in sequence The word of Command Files to the right file on or in sequence That is to draw all your files into one file if the right be named then the right file of the whole body or of that whole division advanceth first forward the second file followeth the first be third the second and all the rest in that manner one after another One use amongst many is to passe over a bridge or to free themselves from great Ordnance playing at them and the like When they are through that passage they draw up their Files into one even Front making one intire body againe Here followes another forme either for a passage or to free themselves from danger of shot or the like The Word Files ranke 2. 4. 6. or more according to the breadth of the passage if it be to the right hand then the right file advanceth first forward and fall in ranke the same number commanded the first file being ended the next file doth the like advancing forward falling in ranke after the former the rest of the Files perform the same order till they are all rankt If the word be to the left hand then the left hand file first advanceth forward ranking as it is appointed The rest of the Files observe the like forme till it be finished as is commanded There is another forme out of the ranks to rank 3. 5. 7. or more as need requireth The Word Ranks to the right ranke 3. 5. 8. and the like If there be ten in ranke and they are commanded to ranke three those three that stand in the first ranke on the right hand advanceth forward making the first ranke the next 3 in the same ranke make the second ranke the next 3 the third rank the tenth man