repair to their private rest whether in Leaguer or Garison The Watch being then set and the Tapto being returned to the Corps due Guard there is a Warning-piece discharged after which no person ought to be out of their Quarters or from their Posts without the Word be given them by which means the Garrison or Leaguer will be in quiet So that all private Watches and Sentinels may more distinctly perform their Duty to the safety of the Garrison or Leaguer A Revally is beaten in the Morning by break of day I suppose it comes from the French word Reveiller to awake from Sleep at which time the Sub-Officers usually take off their out Sentinels These two last spoken of as I suppose cannot be said to be Points of War but only private Directions for a Garison or Leaguer the one to give notice at what time the Garison or Leaguer ought to be at rest and quiet the other to shew the hour that the Gates shall be set open for all Commerce Now as you may learn for what end these six several Beats of the Drum are made use of observe Barriffe Barriffe in his Military Discipline p. 5. First By a Call you must understand to hear present Proclamation or else to repair to your Ensign Secondly By a Troop understand to shoulder your Musket to advance your Pike to close your Ranks and Files to order and troop along with or follow your Officer to the place of Randezvouze or elsewhere Thirdly By a March you are to understand to take your Open Order in Rank to shoulder both Musket and Pike and to direct your March either quicker or flower according to the Beat of the Drum Fourthly By a Preparative you are to understand to close to your due distance for Skirmish both in Rank and File which distance you shall understand hereafter and then to make ready that so you may execute upon the first Command Fifthly By the Battel or Charge understand the continuation or pressing forward in order of Battel without laging behind rather boldly stepping forward in the place of him that falls dead or wounded before thee Sixthly By a Retreat understand an orderly retiring backward either for Relief advantage of the Ground or for some politic end as to draw the Enemy into some Ambushment or such-like So that for the Drum it is the Voice of the Commander the Spur of the Valiant and the Heart of the Coward So far Barriffe As for the Antiquity of the Drum is is said that Bacchus was the first Inventor of it and so from Age to Age it hath been thought a fit Instrument for the Service of the Foot as you may read at large in these several Authors mentioned in the Margin Polyd. lib. 1. in Bac. §. 1. Curtius lib. 8. 372. Plutarch in Crasso App. in Parthicis 143. And not only the Drum was thought a fit Instrument alone for the Foot but they were allowed some other pleasing Instrument to delight and transport the Spirits of the Soldiers as the Flute Harp and Pipe * Plutar. in Lycurgo Plutarch much commending the Lacedemonian manner of joyning with their Enemy saith When the King hath offered the Goat that was the Lacedemonian Sacrifice when they were to give Battel he streight Commands all the Army to Crown their Heads and the Flutes to sound the Measure of ‖ For this Measure see Jul. Pollux l. 4. c. 10. §. 2. Castor and himself withall beginneth the †Paean is a Hymn proper to Apollo Jul. 1. Pollux l. 1. c. 1. §. 33. fifth Paean the Song they used when they went to Charge at the first advancing against the Enemy So that it is a brave and no less fearful thing saith he to behold them pacing according to the measure of the Flute neither disturbing their Order nor shewing any astonishment of Mind but mildly and joyfully approaching the danger of Conflict dividing out their March to the sound of the Flute for it is not likely that Men so demeaning themselves can be transported with Fear or Choller nay rather they must needs have a setled Mind full of Hope and Assurance as if God were on their side Thus Plutarch Thucyd. l. 5. 393 A. The Lacedemonians likewise used Flutes and made them their Instruments to measure out as it were the steps of War for they used an easie and slow pace framed to the cadence of the sound Athenaeus Deipnosoph l. 12. 517 A. Athenaeus rehearseth out of Herodotus that the Lydians used the like Instruments to Dance as it were the Measures of War by And he addeth that the Cretians made choice of the Harp for their Instruments of War as though it had been peculiar to that Nation Pausan in Lacon 193. Pausanias testifieth the like of the Lacedemonians that they brought in Flutes and Measures into the War and we are not ignorant that in our late unhappy Wars both in Ireland and Scotland how much the Northern Pipe was used being a very shrill and loud Pipe and much surpassing the Flute for its shrilness in pacing out the Measures of War with delight to the Soldiers for I have heard some judicious Commanders affirm That they did believe the Pipes did much transport the Valour of the Soldiers So that they had a sufficient Pay allowed them even equal with the Drum CHAP. XI NOW that our Soldiers have attained some small knowledge in the use of their Arms and rightly understand the Beats of the Drum it will be expedient in the next place to shew them the several Distances which are these four viz. Close Order which is both in Rank and File 1 Foot ½ Order 3 Foot Open Order 6 Foot Double Distance 12 Foot There is several Distances to be performed in First March Secondly Motion Thirdly Skirmish The distance of March between File and File is 3 Foot and between Rank and Rank 12 Foot The distance of Motion between File and Rank is 6 Foot The distance for intire Doublings and Skirmishes between Rank and File is 3 Foot The distance for prevention of Cannon Shots is between File and File 12 or 24 Foot which is the double-Double-Double Distance For to deliver unto you the opinions of several ancient Commanders concerning Distance will be needless it being sufficiently made plain by several eminent Authors but to proceed with all brevity possible to the words of Command which are as followeth The Company being upon the Ground at their Open Order you may Command Ranks Close forward Files Close inward to Order Ranks Close forward Files Close inward to Close Order Ranks Open backwards Files Open to the Right to Order Ranks Open backward Files Open to the Left to Open Order Ranks Open backward Files Open outward to Double Distance Ranks Close forward Files Close inward to Open Order Note That Close Order is useful for the Pikes to be at upon the Charge to the Horse or for any manner of Wheeling or when the Commander is
and after close March Note Every even Rank from the Front face outward and double the odd March Next follows to shew some Divisional Doublings by the same C. Double your Ranks to the right and left by Division March R. The outmost Files upon each Flank that moved face inward and strengthen the Body March C. Double your Ranks to the right and left by Division every Man placing himself on the outside of his right and left hand Man March R. The outmost Files upon each Flank that moved double the inmost Files to the right and left inward every Man placing himself on the inside of his right and left hand Men. March C. Half Files double your Front by Division March Half Files face outwards and march clear of the Body face to your Leader move up and double the Front R. The outmost Files upon each Flank that moved double entire the depth of the inmost Files March Entire Doublings to the Front by Wheelings C. Wheel off your Reer half Files and double your Front to the right entire March Half Files face about and wheel to the left R. Wheel off your Right half Ranks and double your left Flank entire to the left C. Wheel off your Reer half Files and double your Front to the left entire Face outward and Left half Ranks wheel about to the left R. Wheel off your Left half Ranks and double your right Flank to the right entire C. Wheel your Reer half Files inward into the midst and double your Front inward entire March R. The inmost Files that doubled wheel about to the right and left outward and double entire the depth of the outmost Files after face to your Leader and close Files to the midst to order Divisional Doubling to the Front by Wheeling C. Wheel off your Reer half Files and double your Front by Division March R. The outmost Files upon each Flank that doubled wheel about to the right and left inward and double entire the depth of the inmost Files face to your Leader March CHAP. XV. Of Conversion and Inversion with some few words of Command and Reducements THE difference betwixt Inversion and Conversion is this Inversion doth always produce File or Files and Conversion Rank or Ranks Inversion consists of Files filing or of Ranks filing Conversion of Ranks ranking to the right or to the left or by increase of Files ranking by even or uneven parts Note That what is commanded to the Right the same may be performed to the Left The words of Command for Inversion are as followeth C. Files file to the right R. Files file six to the left C. Files file to the right and left by Division R. Files file six to the right and left C. Files file to the right entire advancing R. File six to the right towards the Front C. Files file inward into the right Flank The right hand File stands the rest move away placing themselves in a direct File before the Front R. Front half Files file three to the left Reer half Files face about and file three to the right face to your Leader and close your Divisions C. Files file to the right by Division R. Front half Files file three to the right and Reer half Files face about and file three to the left face to your Leader and close your Divisions C. Files file inward into the right and left Flank by Division R. Half Files face about to the right Front and Reer half Files file three to the right and left inwards face to your Leader and close your Divisions For filing inward the half Files are to face about and so the left hand File of the Reer and right of the Front are to move away 'till they become one File Filing by Division is the same only the right hand File stands the rest move away Filing inward into the right Flank by Division half Files are to face about then the File-Leaders and Bringers up of the right and left are to lead and so successively fall into the Reer of each other Of Ranks filing Ranks filing is sooner performed and reduced than Files filing and will be more ready to make resistance against any opposition in the Front C. Ranks file to the right or to the left placing your selves behind your right hand Men. Direction If they be upon a stand they may open to their distance each Ranke and so place themselves behind their right hand Men. If upon a March as to pass some narrow Defile the readiest way to perform it and draw up in order again as soon as past is to make the Ranks file if to the right the right hand Man files first and the rest of his Rank follow him 'till the Defile be past For larger Defiles the Commander draws off as he judges the way will easily receive R. Files rank as you were C. Ranks file to the right and left by Division Tacticks of Aelian c. 30. p. 6. Direction It is the same with the last differing only in this the half Ranks to the left fall behind their left hand Men to the left the half Ranks to the right behind their several right hand Men. R. Files rank to the right and left inward as you were The words of Command for Conversion are as followeth C. Files rank three to the right Direction In this Motion the File-Leader is first to move to the Hand commanded and the half File-Leader is to advance the same way R. Ranks file as you were C. Files rank six to the left March Direction In this Motion close Ranks forward to order and open Files to double Distance then let every Man in his File move up to the left of his File-Leader so every File will become one Rank This if the Company be small will make it seem more large Battalion like C. Ranks rank outward into the Front Direction The first Rank stand the rest face outward placing your selves successively into the Front after face to your Leader R. Ranks rank twelve to the right and left inward as you were C. Ranks rank inward into the Front The twelve middlemost men stand which is the first Rank the rest move successively after the first Rank Direction The first Rank is to move away to the right and left the next Rank moving up into his ground doing the like and so all the rest until the last Rank be come up entire into the Front R. Ranks rank six to the right and left outward Direction The first six upon the right and the first six upon the left stand the rest move outward falling in the Reer of the first Rank ranking six to the right and left and after closing their Divisions C. Files rank to the right into the Front Direction Open to the left to your double Distance and Ranks close forward to close Order and move up to the right into the Front R. Ranks file six to the left Direction To perform which the first six upon the left
are to fall into a File the rest doing the like until they are all converted into Files C. Ranks rank outward into the Front every Man placing himself on the outside of his right and left hand Man This Ranking is by Countermarch Direction The first Rank stand the rest move forth to the right and left successively and advance into the Front every Man placing himself on the outside of his right and left hand Man R. Ranks rank twelve to the right and left inward every Man placing himself on the inside of his right and left hand Man Note The twelve middle men are to stand the rest to move six to the right hand and six to the left inward C. Ranks rank inward into the Front every Man placing himself on the inside of his right and left hand Man Direction Right and left half Ranks open from the midst to twice double Distance the first Rank of each Division is to stand the rest are to move to the right and left inward into the Front R. Ranks rank six to the right and left outward every Man placing himself on the outside of his right and left hand Man and after to close their Divisions C. Files rank to the right by wheeling into the Front Direction Files open to the left to your double Distance Ranks close forward to your close Order face to the right and wheel 'till all the whole Body be brought into one entire Rank R. Ranks file as you were C. Files rank into the Front and Reer by Division Direction Files open to the left to your open Order Ranks close forward to your close Order half Files face about to the right and left then move all in Front and Reer and make two entire Ranks R. Front half Files face about to the left Reer half Files face about to the right then wheel half Files into the midst as they were then face them to their Leader and close their Files at discretion Observe that those in motion are to face to the right Flank C. Ranks rank two to the right This may be observ'd with any even number Direction The two first in Rank advance forwards to the right the next two in the Reer of them until the first Rank have performed the Command all the rest of the Ranks is to perform the like R. Ranks rank as you were C. Ranks rank two to the right and left outward Direction The two outmost Men upon the right and left hand advance forwards the next in the same Rank are to follow dividing themselves two to the right hand and two to the left 'till the Motion be finished R. Ranks as you were Or Rank twelve to the right and left inward C. Ranks rank two to the right and left inward Direction The two inmost Men of the right and left hand in the midst of the Battel advance forwards the next in the same Rank are to follow two from the right hand and two from the left until all have performed the Command C. Ranks rank 1 3 5 7 9 c. by increase and decrease as they stand in a Body Direction The right hand Man of the first Rank march forth then the three next of the same Rank follow him then five more out of the same Rank to make the third and what is wanting in the first Rank of the Body to make good the fourth in Figure must be taken out of the second in Body and so to proceed in the remainder both for its increase and decrease until your Command be produced R. Right hand Men Rank as you were C. Ranks rank to each Flank by wheeling to the right and left into the same by Division Observe they are to be at double Distance in Rank and at Order in File Direction Face them to the Reer and then let them wheel into their places R. Ranks rank as you were face to your Leader But if you would avoid mixture of Arms you may place all your Muskettiers either in Front and Reer or else wheel only the Muskettiers first and leave the Pikes standing Otherwise it may be performed in marching and then the Reducement as before Rank as you were C. Ranks of your Front and Reer half Files wheel outwards to your right and left Flank by Division Note They are to observe the same distance as in the former Command Direction Half Files face about Ranks open to your double Distance then Front and Reer half Files wheel to the right and left outwards into both Flanks R. Front and Reer half Files face to the right and left inwards and Rank as you were and close Ranks forward to order C. Files rank three first then by increase to the Right two in each Division of Muskettiers and Pikes These are termed half Rhombs or Wedges R. Ranks file as you were C. Files rank first two and by increase two from the whole Body You may make a Wedge of all together R. Ranks file as you were Note You may alter the mixture of Arms at pleasure C. Files rank first two and by increase and decrease two in each Rank divisionally both of Muskets and Pikes Tacticks of Aelian pag. 108. R. Ranks file as you were CHAP. XVI Of Countermarches with their several sorts and kinds THE next branch of Discipline which offers it self are Countermarches which we read in the Tacticks of Aelian Tacticks of Aelian cap. 28. were of use amongst the Grecians and Persians only these three kinds to wit 1. The Chorean maintaining ground 2. The Lacedemonian losing ground 3. The Macedonian gaining ground The distance for Countermarch is open Order in Rank and File Note When there is a Countermarch commanded without any other addition then it is always intended a Chorean Countermarch The Chorean C. Files to the right hand Countermarch Direction The word of Command being given all the File-Leaders step forwards with their right Legs and face about to the right every File-Leader with his File following him towards the Reer passing through the interval on his right hand observing to keep even in Rank with his right hand Man and not to turn until he come to the ground where at first his File-Leader began the Motion The Command is performed when the Bringers up have attained unto the place where before their File-Leaders stood R. Files to the left hand Countermarch C. Ranks to the right hand Countermarch Direction Face them to the right then the right hand File is to turn off to the right and to march even to the Ground of the left hand File R. Ranks to the left hand Countermarch Note That any entire Countermarch of Files and Ranks will be reduced by making another entire Countermarch to what hand soever but if you desire to have them not only reduced to the same Aspect but also precisely to the same place then if the Countermarch be to the right Countermarch again to the right so to the left
the left Flank or to Front and Reer as occasion shall be given Observe the Figure which is to both Flanks at once Note The two outmost Divisions are to fire first and to be relieved by the two outmost of the left then the two inmost Divisions are to fire and to be relieved by the two inmost Divisions of the left who are to do the like and so to return into their places Note also That in this Figure the half Files of the two outmost Files were doubled to the right and left inward before they faced and begun their Motion Reducement Pikes face to the right about inmost Files of Pikes wheel your Flanks into the midst and close forward to order The two outmost Files of Pikes face to your Leader Half Files of the two outmost Files of Pikes that doubled face to the Reer and march forth and take your places the two outmost Files advance and even the two inmost Files and close Files into the midst to order The four inmost Divisions of Muskettiers face to the right and left and close your Divisions The four outmost Divisions face in opposition and close your Divisions then face them to their Leader and close Files into the midst to order and Ranks close forward to order and they will be reduced as at first Command Front half Files advance forwards three paces The middle Rank of each Division face outward and move clear of the standing part face to your Leader The first Firing Let the four first Divisions in the Front fire and fall off to the right and left into the Reer the rest at the same time moving up firing and interchanging Ground with them in the Reer 'till they have all fired over and are in their places The second Firing Let them face to both the Flanks Divisions of Pikes in the midst open outward until you be clear of the standing part then Port. Muskettiers give fire on the same ground you stand on then let the Pikes Charge on until the Muskettiers have made ready again and then retreat into their places The Muskettiers may give fire as before is mentioned the Pikes still in like manner Charging on then retreating into their places face all to their Leader Command Reer Divisions of Pikes both in Front and Reer Divisions face to the right about and double your Depth to the right and left inward advancing three paces to your Leader Divisions of Pikes both in Front and Reer Divisions double your Front to the right and left inward advancing three paces Or thus as in the third Figure Command the inmost Divisions of Pikes to move to the left one pace and double to the right Fileways and face to the Front and Reer and march three paces middle Files of Front and Reer Divisions open from the midst to double Distance face to your Leader The first Firing Face to the Front and Reer and then give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves The second Firing Inmost Division move forwards and rank outwards into Front and Reer and then give fire all together and file as you were the Pikes at the same time charging whilst they still make ready then whilst they fire they may fall into their places and so continue as often as the Commander pleases The third Firing Command the Muskettiers and the two outmost Divisions of Pikes to face to both Flanks The Front and Reer and two middle Divisions of the inmost Division of Pikes face to the right the four other Divisions face to the left march and even the two inmost Divisions of Shot to both Flanks then give fire falling off in the Reer of their own Divisions then let the Pikes face inward and take their places as they were and face to their Leader This is so plain it needs no Figure Command The outmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front Division face about The two outmost Divisions of Muskettiers both of Front and Reer Divisions move forward and close to Order to your Leader and close inward to open Order For the first Firing upon the two foregoing Figures let the Front Division of Muskettiers advance and even the Front of Pikes then give fire and fall off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of the Reer Division of Muskettiers the rest of the Divisions at the same time moving up into their Leaders ground and firing falling off as before 'till they are all reduced into their places as at first A second Firing may be to both Flanks or to Front and Reer at the same time Command Front and Reer Divisions of Pikes move to the right one pace The second Division of Pikes from the Reer face to the right about The second Divisions of Pikes both in Front and Reer Divisions move forward and double both Front and Reer to the left to your Leader Middle Divisions of Muskettiers open outward to twice double Distance face all to the Center and march three paces to your Leader For the first Firing the four last Divisions face to the Reer The two outmost Divisions both of Muskets and Pikes face to both Flanks likewise the four Divisions in the Front face to both Flanks then give Fire falling off to the right and left in the Reer of their own Divisions For the second Firing command the Front and Reer Divisions of Pikes to wheel their Flanks into the Front and Reer The Reer Divisions both of Muskettiers and Pikes face to the right about then give fire to both Front and Reer the Front Division falling off in the Reer of the second Division the second at the same time moving up into their Leaders ground and so firing falling off as before the Reer at the same time doing the like after command the Pikes to wheel their Front and Reer into both Flanks and face all to their Leader For the third Firing let them give fire by Extraduction and fall in the Reer of the Pikes For the fourth Firing let the Pikes charge to the Horse and the Muskettiers give fire all together over their heads then move forth into their first places and face to their Leader Command Front and Reer Divisions of Muskettiers open outward to double Distance The outmost Divisions of Pikes close inward to open Order The second Division of Pikes from the Front face about The third Division of Pikes from the Front and the second Division of Pikes from the Reer move forwards to order face to your Leader Front and Reer Divisions stand the rest face outward and move two paces to your Leader For the Firings let the first be to the Front by commanding the two first Divisions in the Front to fire falling off to the right and left into the Reer of the Reer Divisions they at the same time moving up into their File-Leaders ground after the second Divisions have fired the two outmost are to fire and are to be relieved by the two outmost in the Reer This firing is to be
continued 'till they have all fired over and are returned into their places For the second Firing let them fire on the ground they stand both to Front and Reer every Division falling off in the Reer of themselves For the third Firing face the Muskettiers and Pikes to both Flanks then cause them to give fire unto both Flanks as they stand falling in the Reer of their own Divisions the Pikes at the same time charging which being ended face them to their Leader and proceed Command The two Divisions of Pikes in the Front wheel your left Flanks into the midst of the Battel face to your Leader The two Divisions of Pikes in the Reer wheel your right Flanks into the midst and face to your Reer then let the Front and Reer Division of Pikes move three paces then face to their Leader Middle Divisions of Pikes face outward and move three paces then face to Front and Reer then move forward until you range even a Breast with the midst of the Front and Reer Divisions of Pikes to your Leader Command Middle Division of Pikes next the Reer face to the right about Middle Divisions of Pikes move forward six paces to your Leader Divisions of Muskettiers face to the right and left and move three paces to your Leader For the first Firing command the Muskettiers to face to Front and Reer and so give fire and fall in between the Pikes the Pikes at the same time making room for the Muskettiers to fall in betwixt them the Pikes all the while charging 'till the Muskettiers have made ready again For the second Firing let them face to both the Flanks and give fire falling into their places in the Reer of their own Divisions after face to their Leader By these Firings already set down any ingenious Commander may alter and form many others which may be more pleasing and more advantagious than can be expressed in Writing by reason of several Accidents which may fall out at the time of forming any Figure of Battel so that I shall leave every one to his own best Experience and Practice and so proceed to reduce the former Figure into its proper Square Reducement Command the outmost Divisions of Muskettiers upon the Flanks to face to Front and Reer and move forward and place your selves in the midst of your own Divisions The outmost Divisions of Pikes face to the right and left inward and close your Divisions Muskettiers and Pikes advance forwards and even your Front of Pikes and close Ranks forward to order and Files into the midst to order and they will be reduced as at first And now it will be high time to lodge our Colours and repose our selves until by the Beat of the Drum we shall be commanded into the Field And so much for the fourth days Exercise CHAP. XXIX The fifth Days Exercise HAving the fifth time brought your Soldiers unto the place of Rendezvouz and all Officers at their respective Commands it will not be amiss to cause the Soldiers to be instructed in the first place in the Postures of the Pike and Musket which will cause the Soldiers by often practice of their Postures to grow so perfect that they will not only manage their Arms with ease and safety but with a great deal of celerity when on the contrary the unpractised Soldier will not only be a trouble to himself but a danger to his Fellows and an encouragement to his Enemies After the Postures the next thing that they are to be instructed in is the several Distances and these are truly the ground of all Motion for without Distance the Motions cannot be executed So that this as well as the former should truly be observed in all Exercises therefore we will proceed as followeth The Company standing in their Close Order both in Ranks and Files then first Command Ranks open backward to Order Files open to the right to your open Order Ranks open backward to open Order Files open to the left to open Order Ranks open backward to double Distance Files open outward to double Distance Ranks close forward to open Order Files close inward to open Order Ranks close forward to your Order Files close to the left to your Order These Commands being sufficient to declare each several Distance we will gradually proceed to the rest of the Command intended for this days Exercise Command Note The same Command may be given to the left Face to the Right Right Right Right Right about Left about As you were Command Face to the Front Reer Face to the Right left outward Face to the Right left inward As you were Ranks and Files being at open Order Command Ranks to the right double Files to the left double Ranks to the left double Files to the right double Half Files double your Front to the right Files double your Depth to the left Half Files double your Front to the left Files double your Depth to the right Bringers up double your Front to the left Files double your Depth to the right every Man placing himself behind his Bringer up Bringers up double your Front to the right Files double your Depth to the left every Man falling behind his Bringer up Double your Ranks to the right or left entire Right half Ranks double your left or right Flank Half Files double your Front to the left entire Left half Ranks double entire the depth of the right half Ranks Half Files double your Front to the right entire Right half Ranks double entire the depth of the left half Ranks Files to the right hand Countermarch and maintain ground Files to the left hand Countermarch and maintain ground The same may be done in Ranks and Files either maintaining gaining or losing Ground as hath been shewed Wheel your Battel to the Right Left Right about Left about Files file to the right Files file six to the left Files file to the left Files file six to the right Ranks file to the right and left Files rank as you were CHAP. XXX Several Figures of Battel with Firings upon the same For performance whereof Command FIles to the right and left double inward The three first Ranks wheel your Front into the midst The three last Ranks wheel your Reer into the midst The rest of the Body face to the right and left then march all face all to the right about and march and close your Divisions Note You may by doubling Files to the right in each Division make the Cross Battel For the first Firing let them give fire either to Front or Reer or to both Flanks falling in the Reer of their own Divisions For the second Firing let them fire to all four at once falling off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of their own Division of Pikes the Pikes at the same time charging to the Horse For the third Firing they may fire by way of Introduction thus Every Rank of Muskettiers is to pass through their
to deliver somewhat of Concernment to the Soldier But if any one have a desire to be farther satisfied concerning Distance let them read Barriffe Ward Ven and Elton who have sufficiently treated of this Subject at large it being my design only to model an Exercise with as much abreviation as possible being it is only intended a Pocket-Book for the benefit of the young Soldier CHAP. XII BEfore I come to shew the variety of Facings in the Action I think it will not be amiss to define unto you what is meant by Facing Facing is a particular turning of the Aspect from one part to another whereby the Front proper becomes the Front accidental and a Front accidental may be reduced to his proper Front The words of Command take as followeth Command Face to the Right Left Reer Front Center or midst As you were Command Face to the Front and Reer Right and left outward Right and left inward Midst of Files Midst of Ranks As you were Command To the Right Right Right Right Right about Left about As you were Command To the Left Left Left Left Left about Right about As you were Command Half Files Face to the Right Left Right and left outward Right about Left about Right and left inward As you were There is also a Facing which causeth the Body to Face to the Front Reer and both Flanks which some call Facing square of which I will prick some few Figures of Facings which will be sufficient to demonstrate all the rest to an ingenious fancy Command Face square and March The Direction is Two first Ranks stand the two last Ranks Face about the rest of the Body Face to right and left then March all Proper Front Front accidental Front of the Reer When your Soldiers begin any Motion let them Advance their Pikes and Shoulder their Muskets Now to reduce this Figure to its first Order Command Face all about to the Right March and Close your Divisions To your Leader who stands at the proper Front To Face Square another way and March upon it Command Face Square and March The Direction is Muskettiers Face to both Flanks half Files of Pikes Face to the Right about March all Now you must understand when the Command is Half Files it is always to be understood the Reer half Files otherwise the word Front half Files is commanded Proper Front Front of the Reer To reduce this Figure to its former Order Command Face all to the Right about March and Close your Divisions To your Leader and they are reduced Take another Figure of Battel produced by Facing Command The two first Ranks stand the rest Face outward and move clear of the standing part The two last Ranks move outward sideways two Paces To your Leader They may give Fire to the Front or to the Reer or to both Flanks or to all four at once falling in the Reer of their own Divisions this according as the Captain pleaseth to Command Command Front Division advance forward three paces the two next Divisions move outwards one pace Pikes in each Division face about and move two paces to your Leader Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer advance forward and range even in Front and Reer with the middle Divisions of Pikes the first Rank of Pikes in the front Division move three foot clear of the standing part They may give Fire in the Front or in the Reer or to both Flanks or to all four at once Command The first and last Rank of the first Division of Pikes Face about and move down clear of the Reer and close Ranks forward to Order Outmost Divisions of Muskettiers face about move down and slank your own Divisions of Pikes The first Division of Pikes move forward and range even a Breast with your own Division of Muskettiers The front Division of Muskettiers close into the midst to Order As for firing upon any of these Figures the Captain may use his own discretion either to Front Reer or both Flanks or to all at once Command The outmost Divisions face outward and move two paces Face to your Leader Move up until you range even a Breast with the second Divisions next the Front Reer Division move streight forward two paces Command Front Division advance forward three paces The outmost Division upon the Flanks move up and range even with the Front DIRECTION For the first Firing upon this Figure 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 clear 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 may be to both Flanks or to all four as the Commander pleaseth falling in the Reer of themselves The third Firing Let the Muskettiers upon the Flanks move down even with the Reer and give Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after move up into their places again and face to their Leader The fourth Firing Let them Fire on the Ground they stand and fall in the Reer of themselves and the Pikes in the Reer may Charge on and after facing to their Leader You may proceed to the next Command which will be as followeth Command The outmost Divisions face inward and march three paces The next two Divisions face outward and move two paces To your Leader Reer Division move outward until you stand streight with the front Divisions You must note That the Front and Reer Divisions of Muskettiers by Firing have interchang'd Ground which causes this Reducement Front Divisions face about Front and Reer Divisions march and interchange Ground To your Leader The outmost Divisions face inward and close your Divisions To your Leader Even your Ranks and streighten your Files and close to Order They are reduced CHAP. XIII NOW our Soldiers being somewhat expert in the true use and handling of their Arms and likewise in the several Beats of the Drum together with the Distances Facings and other Dignities of Place thereunto belonging it will be convenient to draw them into the Field but it will be convenient to shew 1. How to march a Company to the Field 2. How to draw them up into a Body Lastly To instruct them in the several Doublings Counter-marches and Wheelings All which shall be performed by six days Exercise every days Exercise being digested into several Figures and Forms of Battel with their several ways of Firing Doubling Counter-marches and Wheeling upon every Form and Figure of Battel Of Marching a Company in Divisions The Order and Places of the Officers and Drums IN Marching the Officers are to observe the Ranks to be at 12 Foot distance and that the Files be closed to Open Order The Soldiers must always begin to march with their right Foot first which is observed to conduce most to the keeping of due Order in Ranks The Captain is
may wheel inward and double the right Flank inward entire C. Wheel off your Reer half Files and double your Front to the left entire half Files face about C. Wheel your Right half Ranks into the midst and double your left Flank inward entire Direction Face outward and Front and Reer half Files that were are to open from the midst to double Distance and Right half Files wheel inward and move forward into the left Flank C. Wheel off your Reer half Files and double your Front to the right entire half Files face about C. Wheel off your Left half Ranks and double your right Flank by Division C. Wheel off your Front half Files and double the Reer to the right entire half Files face about C. Double the depth of the Battel by wheeling Front and Reer into the midst of each Division Direction Front half Files move forward four paces then the last Rank of each Division face about and wheel into the midst of Front and Reer of each Division face to your Leader C. Wheel off your Front half Files and double your Reer to the left entire half Files face about C. Wheel your Battel off by Division from the Reer Direction Face all about and Right half Ranks wheel about to the right and left outward to the Front and closing Files into the midst to order they will be reduced as at first CHAP. XXV Several Firings with Figures of Battel for this days Exercise of 72 Men. This Firing is a Firing by Files THE two outmost Files of Muskettiers advance forward 'till clear of the standing part then rank inward to order Present and give Fire all together the next File marching up in the Reer of the first and so ranking inward as before the rest successively doing the same Observe the Figure Fig. 1. Having fired they are to wheel off to the right and left being led off by their respective File-Leaders placing themselves next the Pikes the rest of the Body moving to the right and left outward to give room for them that have fired to place themselves Command Muskettiers advance forward 'till you are six Foot clear of your stand of Pikes then face inward and close your Divisions to your Leader Half Files of Pikes double your Front by Division The first Rank make ready Present and give Fire wheeling off to the right and left placing your selves in the Reer of your own Divisions Observe the Figure Fig. 2. Command Reducement of the last Figure by way of firing which is this The first Rank is to fire and wheel off by Division placing themselves even with the first Rank of Pikes the rest successively doing the like 'till they have all fired over Note That by this Figure they have all fired but the last Rank Fig. 3. Fig. 4. Ranks advancing from the Front of a standing Battalia Command The first Rank of Muskettiers advance with your right Feet blow and open advance with your left Feet and to the Front Present give Fire wheeling all off to the right and left by Division placing your selves in the Reer of your own Divisions the rest observing to do the like always keeping an even Front Fig. 5. Ranks firing even with the Front You may if you please fire two or three Ranks together and if press'd upon the Pikes may Charge home and Muskettiers may give Fire even with the half Files if the Enemy give on so fast that they force a Retreat then they are to Fire upon the ground they stand wheeling off as before but if the Enemy give ground then you may proceed to give Fire upon the Horn Battel Fig. 6. Ranks firing even with the Half Files The way to perform the Horn Battel is as followeth Command The Horn Battel Pikes double your Ranks forward The Horn to the right and open outward to Battel Order stand Muskettiers March until the Bringers up rank even with the Front Fig. 7. There is several ways to Fire up this Figure as 1. By single Ranks 2. By two Ranks 3. By three falling in the Reer of their own Divisions Or you may fire by Files ranking inward or wheeling into the Front being led off by their Bringers up on the inside of their own Divisions Note If Files Rank inward into the Front they may fall off to the right and left by Division Command A triple Firing to the Front Front half Files of Muskettiers double your Front of Pikes by Division Pikes advance forward and range even a Breast with the Reer half Files of Muskettiers Reer half Files of Muskettiers to the right and left outward march six paces face all to your Leader Fig. 8. To fire upon this Figure cause both the Muskettiers of the Front and both Flanks to Present and give Fire together the Muskettiers of the Front Division are to wheel off to the right and left between their intervals and place themselves even in Rank in the Reer of the Reer Divisions of Muskettiers Then the Muskettiers that fired in the Flank march directly down to the right and left and place themselves six foot below the last Rank of Pikes always observing to leave a sufficient place for the Front Division to place themselves A second way of Firing will be to fire all three Ranks together the first kneeling the second stooping the third standing upright then cause the Front Division of Muskettiers to face to the right and left outward and march 'till they have given the Pikes sufficient room to march then cause the Ranks of Pikes that doubled to face to the left and take their places after face to their Leader march up and even their Front Reer Divisions of Muskettiers face to the right and left inward and close your Divisions so they are reduced as at first Wheel your Flanks by Division into the Front Fig. 9. The broad-fronted Battel As for firing upon this Figure cause the first Rank to fire then to march down through the intervals to the right and place themselves in the Reer of their own Divisions the rest successively performing the same For a second firing they may fire and fall off to the right or to the left as before and place themselves in the Reer of the Pikes The Pikes here may Charge either at hand or foot and the Muskettiers may also fire over their heads if they Charge at foot if at hand the Muskettiers may face either to the right or left and march up through the intervals and place themselves before each Division of Pikes and so give fire turning off to the contrary hand placing themselves in the Reer of their own Divisions To Reduce them if it be upon the first firing Command the Body to close their Divisions and wheel their Flanks into the Reer then face to their Leader But if you fire a second time and Muskettiers be in the Reer of the Pikes Command them by Division to double their Front entire and then wheel both Flanks into the Reer
Division of Pikes placing themselves before the Pikes then stand present and give fire the next moving up as before which will reduce them Note That this last Firing must be performed with the last Rank first and so the next to the last so that the first Rank must be last in this Firing Command The first Rank of Muskettiers both in Front Reer and both Flanks face to the right and move two paces The next Rank of Muskettiers of each Division face to the left and move likewise two paces then wheel to the right and left outwards Oblique before each Division of Pikes as in the following Figure For firing upon this Figure the Muskettiers being faced all outwards are to stand and present and fire all together in one Volley or if you would have the Muskettiers give fire one after another then the Vollies by succession which is commonly called The Peal will be best beginning at the right hand of the Front and so taking it round from one another 'till they have fired over the rest in the interim making ready again Reducement 1. Cause all the Ranks of Muskettiers to face to the right and left inward and take their places the left hand Ranks being the first beginners of the Motion 2. Command the Front and Reer Divisions to wheel Front and Reer inwards into both Flanks and face to their Leader 3. Divisions on the right and left Flank face inwards and close your Divisions after cause Ranks to double to the right and left outward Files closing inwards to order and and Ranks closing forward to order and they will be reduced as at first Command Half Files of Pikes face to the Reer and march until you are clear of the last Rank of Muskettiers Half Files of Muskettiers face outwards and wheel your Reer to the right and left by Division and march between the Division of Pikes Left half Ranks of the first Division of Muskettiers face to the Reer and march between the Reer Divisions of Pikes then even your Ranks and streighten your Files and close your Divisions to an equal distance and face all to the right about they will stand as in the Figure Note That all the Muskettiers must be in the midst and the Pikes on the Flanks when you begin to make this Figure if your Muskets be on the Flanks when you make it then the Cross will be Pikes and the Angles Muskets and your Command must be contrary as now you Command Half Files of Pikes in this you must Command Half Files of Muskettiers to face to the Reer as aforesaid The manner of Firing upon the aforesaid Figure may easily be apprehended every Division is to fire by Ranks wheeling all off to the right placing themselves in the Reer of their own Division For the second Firing if your Reer be secure you may reserve the Front half Files entire and so fire either to Front alone or to Front and both Flanks or to each at pleasure For a third Firing if your Muskettiers be in the Angles which will be very advantagious you may then give fire which way soever the Enemy approaches each Division being ready to assist the other Command Reducement of the Plinthium into the Solid Square flanked with Pikes Reer Division of Muskettiers face about march up on the left of your own Division of Muskettiers in Front the Pikes being first opened to give them place Divisions of Muskettiers upon each Flank face inwards and close your Divisions by wheeling into the midst face to your Leader Reer Divisions of Pikes face about march up and place your selves right after your Leaders Reer Division or Reer half Files of Muskettiers face to the Reer Muskettiers march all 'till clear of your Pikes then face to your Leader and close your Divisions which produceth this Figure For the first Firing let them fire to the Front every Rank of the Front Division after they have fired to fall off to the right and left into the Reer of the Reer Division of Muskettiers the rest advancing into their Leaders ground and so firing and falling off as before the Reer Division at the same time moving up into the Front and fire falling off into their places For the second Firing if your Reer be secure Command the Reer Division of Muskettiers to open to the right and left and sleeve upon the outside of the Pikes into the Front then presenting and firing at the same instant with those Muskettiers of the Front Division each part wheeling off and placing themselves in the Reer of their own Divisions the rest moving forwards into their Leaders ground or the two outmost Divisions may fall off to the right and left into the Reer You may likewise fire to both Front and Reer at discretion or to both Flanks as the discreet Commander shall think fit But the firing to both Flanks at this present time shall be a Reducement by commanding the Muskettiers both in Front and Reer to face outwards Pikes face inwards march and close your Divisions which being performed they will be reduced to their proper Square flanked with Muskettiers as at first Command Half Ranks of the left double your right Flank Front Proper Front of the Reer Front of the right Flank Front of the left Flank You may fire upon this Figure to Front and Reer by commanding the two last Ranks of the Division of Muskettiers upon the right Flank to wheel to the right and left into Front and Reer For a second Firing let them fire as now they stand either to the right or left Flank or to both at once as occasion shall serve falling of in the Reer of their own Divisions Reducement Command Half Ranks that doubled to face to the left march and take your places to your Leader Command Half Files of Muskettiers face to the Reer Muskettiers march to the Angles of your Pikes The two first and two last Ranks of Pikes stand and double Files to the right The rest face to the right and left and march 'till clear of the other Pikes Note If you Command the two last Ranks of the Front and Reer Division of Pikes to wheel to the right the other to the left the Cross will be equal in Pikes Reducement After the two last Ranks have wheeled into their places and the Front and Reer Divisions have doubled to the left they will stand as in the following Figure Note These two foregoing Figures are both as one only the two first and two last Ranks are not doubled to the right according to the word of Command For Firing upon these two foregoing Figures you may produce several with some little alteration either to Front or Reer alone or to either Flank or to both Front and Reer at the same time by commanding the one half both of Muskets and Pikes to face to the right about and so give fire these of the right Flank to wheel off to the right the left Flank to the left
next two Ranks to sleeve down betwixt them and their own Division of Pikes You may fire upon this Figure several ways as 1. To Front and Reer falling in the Reer of their own Divisions 2. To both Flanks still falling off as before in the Reer of their own Divisions 3. You may cause them to fire to both Front and Reer and both Flanks falling off to the right and left by Division placing themselves in the Reer of their own Division still moving forwards into their Leaders ground still preserving the Figure in the same order Reducement Muskettiers of each Division face inwards and Files rank to the right and left into the Front of each Division and take your places as you were the inmost File of the left hand of each Division is to begin the Motion then the inmost right hand File is to follow and to rank as before then the left hand File of each Division and lastly the right hand File until they have all ranked as they were 2. Command Ranks to the left double in each Division 3. Command the Front and Reer Divisions to wheel their Front and Reer inwards into both Flanks and face to their Leader after cause the right and left Flank to face in opposition and march and close all their Divisions then cause Ranks to double to the right and left outward Files closing inward to order and Ranks closing forward to order and they are reduced as at first Command Files to the right double Pikes to the right and left outward Muskettiers to the right and left inward march and interchange ground to your Leader The three first Ranks wheel your Front into the midst The three last Ranks wheel your Reer into the midst The rest of the Body face to the right and left then march all three paces and after double Files to the right in each Division and they will stand as in the Cross Battel the Pikes being in the head of each Division of Muskettiers Next command the Pikes of each Division to wheel to the right and move into the space between the Angles of the Muskettiers which produceth this following Figure For the first Firing cause the first Rank in each Division to give fire falling off all to the right placing themselves in the Reer of their own Division the rest at the same time moving up to their Leaders ground still preserving the Figure For a second Firing command the two first Ranks of each Division of Muskettiers to march forwards six paces then stand Command Pikes face to the right and left outward and wheel inwards and flank your Muskettiers which will produce this following Figure Note Vpon this Firing you must cause the Muskettiers in the midst to close to the Front Reer and Flanks For this Firing let them fire as now they stand by Ranks falling off to the right placing themselves in the Reer of the Reer Divisions they at the same time moving up into their Leaders ground and so preserve the Figure This may be done twice or thrice at the discretion of the Commander You may face them to the Front and only fire them to that part by Divisions every Division relieving each other 'till they have fired all over then let them return into their places For a third Firing they are to rank even with the Pikes For a fourth Firing cause the Pikes to move a little forward and the Muskettiers to lose ground after let the Pikes face inward and close Files to order and wheel to the left into the Front of each Division which being performed they will stand as before in the Cross Battel If you will proceed to reduce them into the first form Command Reducement to the last Figure Ranks to the left double in each Division Front and Reer Divisions wheel your Front and Reer inwards into both Flanks and face to your Leader The right and left Flank face in opposition march and close your Divisions then cause Ranks to double to the left after command Muskettiers to face to the right and left outward Pikes to the right and left inward march and interchange ground then face all to your Leader and close Files into the midst to order and Ranks close forward to order and they will be reduced as at first Command Reer Division of Muskettiers or Reer half Files face to the right about Front and Reer half Files of Muskettiers wheel off by Division your Front and Reer into both Flanks and march 'till you are clear of your stand of Pikes then stand The two first Ranks of Muskettiers both of Front and Reer Division face outwards and march until your are clear of the other Muskettiers then stand The two first and the two last Ranks of Pikes face to the right and left outwards and march 'till clear of the Muskettiers then face to Front and Reer and move 'till you range even a Breast with the inmost Divisions of Muskettiers then face all to their Leader and they will stand as in the following Figure Upon this Figure let the first Divisions of Muskettiers give fire and fall off to the right and left in the Reer of themselves then face to the right about and move down and interchange ground with them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into the Front and so fire falling off as before in their places the inmost Divisions performing the like Motion You may fire to the Reer after the same way or to Front and Reer falling in the Reer of their own Divisions the Pikes may Charge on and after retreating back again into their places Command The middle Division of Pikes face to the right and left and march three paces The two outmost Files of the middle Division of Pikes or the two outmost Men move clear of the standing part then let the two first Ranks face about the two first and two last Ranks move forward to order face all to your Leader For the first Firing let the Front Divisions fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then wheel off to the right and left in the room of them in the Reer they at the same time moving forward into their places firing and falling off in like manner next let the inmost Divisions of Muskettiers do the same who may be relieved by the inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer For the second Firing let them all face to the Reer and give fire as they did to the Front For the third Firing let them face to Front and Reer and give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer and after retreat back into their places For the fourth Firing let the four inmost Divisions of Muskettiers face to the right and left outwards the two inmost Divisions of Pikes upon both Flanks face inwards march and interchange ground and so give fire to both Flanks falling off to the right and left in the Reer of their own
Divisions after they that were the inmost Divisions may fire and fall off into their places the Pikes at the same time moving up into their places still preserving the Figure Command Inmost Divisions of Muskettiers move forward until you be two Foot clear of the standing part then let them face all inward and move three paces after face them to their Leader which will produce this following Figure For the first Firing let them fire to the Front by Ranks falling off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of their own Divisions For the second Firing let them give fire falling off to the right and left and march and interchange ground with them in the Reer they at the same time moving up into their Leaders ground and so firing falling off as before into their places The same may be done to the Reer or to both Front and Reer still preserving the Figure and falling into the Reer of themselves For the third Firing let it be to both Flanks by facing the whole Body to the right and left outward then let every Division give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after face all to your Leader Command Front and Reer Divisions of Muskettiers face to the left and move two paces and double to the right Fileways The two middle Divisions of Pikes face outward and move two paces to your Leader The Reer Division of the Front Divisions of Muskettiers face to the right about Front and Reer Divisions of Muskettiers move streight forwards until you range even a Breast with the Front and Reer Division of Pikes face to your Leader and they will stand as in the following Figure Upon this Figure having faced both Pikes and Muskets to Front and Reer let the first Divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and stand let the rest move forward until they be clear of the Front Divisions of Muskettiers then let them fire and fall in the Reer of themselves and after face about and move down into their places again Then let the Pikes open outward and Charge all to Front and Reer after retreat back again into their places Command Note Vpon this Command the Body must be faced to Front and Reer before you give the word of Command Front and Reer Divisions of Muskettiers face to the right and move three paces Middle Divisions of Muskettiers advance right forwards and double your Front and Reer to the left Rank-ways after face all to the right and left and march three paces or to such convenient distance that if the Commander pleases he may cause his Colours to be displayed Observe the foregoing Figure As for firing upon the aforesaid Figure it will be the same as in pag. 223. so that if you look back to that Figure there you will be instructed in the several ways of Firing which to repeat again here were needless therefore we will proceed to reduce them into their proper Square as at first Reducement Pikes to the right and left inward march and close your Divisions to your Leader Front Divisions of Muskettiers face to the right about Front and Reer Divisions of Muskettiers march to the Angles of your Pikes after face in opposition and close your Divisions to your Leader Note That if you wheel them before they close it will be the better then let them march and even their Pikes Outmost Divisions of Muskettiers face to the right and left inwards and close your Divisions after let your Muskettiers wheel their Front and Reer by Division into the midst and march and even their Front of Pikes then let them close Files inward to order and Ranks close forward to order and they will be reduced as at first Command Files open outward to open Order Ranks open backward to your open Order Then let every two Files close outward to order and Ranks close to Front and Reer to order after let every Division wheel to the right and they will stand in twelve Divisions Command The two inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer face to the right about Inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in Front and Reer move forward clear of the standing part then stand Pikes face to the right and left outward Muskettiers upon the Flanks face to the right and left inward the rest face about to the right march all two peaces to your Leader For the first Firing command Front Divisions of Muskettiers to give fire and fall in the Reer of your selves after fall off to the right and left and march down into the Reer they at the same time moving up into their ground firing and falling off in like manner as before then let the Flank Divisions of Muskettiers observe the same order in relieving each other after let the Pikes charge on and retreat again into their places Note The Pikes are to Charge to Front and Reer and after to Retreat into their places For the second Firing let them face to Front and Reer when faced let the first Divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then immediately let the outmost Divisions move up even a Breast with the Front and Reer Divisions then let them give Fire and fall off in the Reer of themselves into their places A Firing to both Flanks at one and the same time For the third Firing let them face to both Flanks then let the outmost Divisions of Muskettiers give fire and fall off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of the Pikes the Pikes at the same time moving outwards maintaining the ground the Muskettiers first fired on by charging with their Pikes over hand then let the Front and Reer Divisions that stand faced to the Flanks give fire and fall off in the Reer of their own Divisions still preserving their ground having fired all over command the Pikes and Muskettiers to interchange ground and face all to their Leader Command The four last Divisions next to the Reer both of Pikes and Muskettiers face about move down and range even a Breast with the Reer Reer Divisions of Muskettiers that are faced to the Front move forward and place your selves three Foot short of the next Divisions that stand before you to your Leader Note The Pikes should be closed more to the right and left inward and not so great an interval as is in the Figure For to fire upon this Figure let the Front Divisions give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves then let them fall off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer the middle Divisions at the same time moving up possessing themselves of the ground the Divisions last fired on and then let them give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves after let the outmost Divisions in the Front move up give fire and fall off to the right and left placing themselves in the Reer of the Reer Divisions they at the same time moving up into their ground and
to learn the right use of his Arms than which nothing can make a Man more compleat nor fit for to bear the Name of a Soldier neither can any Man whatever attain to the least part of the Art-Military which concerneth Infantry or Foot-Soldiers without the well managing and well handling of their Arms. How delightful is it to those who can perform this first Part And with what ease courage and safety can they both defend themselves and offend their Enemies Where on the contrary the chiefest Arms without Exercise become not only troublesom Burthens unto the unskilful Bearers but oftentimes prove hurtful and dangerous both to themselves and others Therefore I could wish the necessity of this might be considered by all who intend any proficiency in this part of the Art Military first to be instructed in the Postures and well handling of their Arms that like that resolute Spartan Isadas Plut. in Agesilao they may with Art and Courage in time of danger defend both their King and Country If this in our Militia whereof I am a Member were but considered and that there might be a reasonable time set apart once in every year for a private Exercise and once every year for a General Muster â—…o doubt but there would be given such account to the World as would make this Kingdom not only famous but feared by the whole World What Exercise doth for the making of good Soldiers Experience of former Times will teach It hath been the manner of all famous Generals to bring their Soldiers to perfection by Exercise * Vegetius l. 2. c. 3. Vegetius saith very well It is not length of life or number of years that teacheth the Art of War but continual Discipline and Exercise of Arms let a Soldier serve never so many years so long as he is unexercised he shall still be a raw Soldier The true knowledge of Postures causeth a neatness in the handling of Arms which maketh a Soldier the gain whereof must be by Action As long as a Soldier handleth not his Arms he is no Actor for all Abilities in Arts arise out of a number of Actions so that no Man can attain to a perfect knowledge of Arms 'till he hath with care and diligence imploy'd both his study and labour therein and upon the foundation of Practice raised the frame of Sound and perfect Skill No man is naturally born a Soldier one may more incline to War than another but the Skill cometh not without industry and pains * Plutarch in Pelop. Eurotas was a River near Lacedemon Babyx and Gnacion were two Rivers within tâ—e City Plutarch saith That it is neither Eurotas nor the place betwixt Babyx and Gnacion that bringeth forth Valiant and Warlike Men But they are to be found out in all places in England where Youth is bred up in shame of Vice and Boldness to undergo peril for Virtues sake The Lacedemonians were accounted the most valiant People of Greece * Plutarch in Lycur Plutarch speaketh this of the Victory which the Thebans obtained against the Lacedemonians which 'till that day had no Reputation of Valour but afterward by Exercise and use of Arms under Epaminondas and Pelopidas they became the bravest Soldiers of Greece Not unlike was the saying of Pyrrhus to his Muster-Master Chuse you said he good Bodies and I will make them good Soldiers A strong Body is most requisite in a good Soldier to undergo the labours of War * Vegetius l. 1. c. 1. but it is Exercise and the desire to handle Weapons that giveth the perfect Skill Therefore as * Cicer. in Brut. a. 22. Demosthenes being demanded what was the first and principal thing in the Art Oratory answered Action what the second Action what the third Action so we may truly say that in the Art Military Exercise is not only the first second and third principal thing to make a Soldier but also all in all I could have given you a particular of the Exercise used in ancient time and likewise of the Victories which have been obtained by a small number of Men well exercised against a multitude unskilful and untrained but being not at all pertinent to my intent and having too much transgress'd already I leave the Curious to peruse those several Authors that have writ at large of this Subject viz. Xenophon Vegetius Cicero Homer Justin and others while I proceed to give a touch upon the Definition of Posture CHAP. II. The Definition of Posture POSTVRE is conceived to be a Garb or Figure that a Man stands in for the well handling of his Arms in which there are Motions attendant unto the same for the better Grace and becoming of them Likewise by Motion it conveys a neat Agility of the Body whereby the right handling of their Arms is atchieved and so becomes easie Motion being the working part Posture the alteration or act either in circumstance or matter As to Rest your Musquet being one Posture to Shoulder your Musquet another so likewise for the rest CHAP. III. Of the Postures of the Pike NOW as to the Postures themselves I shall first begin with the Postures of the Pike before I begin the Postures of the Musquet conceiving the Pike which Mr. Elton and likewise the * Aelian cap. 12. Tacticks of Aelian makes plain to be the more ancient and therefore the more honourable Arms which hath been the reason as I conceive why so many gallant Gentlemen have trailed Pikes of late years both in Holland and elsewhere The Postures of the Pike are as followeth the Pike lying on the ground Command Handle Raise up your Pike To your Open Order Order Close Order Order and Open Order I conceive only serves as a handsom Posture for the Pikes to be in upon a stand or when their Arms are to be viewed by the Muster-Master upon a Muster day It hath been the custom in ancient time to Charge to the Horse by putting the But end of the Pike at the inside of the right Foot which is called Close Order your Pike in the left Hand drawing your Sword over your left Arm. But it is the received opinion of the best Soldiers that it is a weak Charge and of no use for Defence therefore I omit the Charge and proceed Command From Order Advance Shoulder Port Comport Cheek Trail your Pike Order as you were Before I proceed I must tell you that Silence ought to be commanded and by the Soldier diligently obeyed Command From your Order Charge to the Front Right Left Reer Order as you were Note That Charge to the Reer is to be understood always To the left about because it is three times the nearer way Command Advance Shoulder Port Comport Cheek Trail your Pike Advance as you were Note That the Advancing of the Pike is useful when the Drum beats a Troop It is likewise useful upon all Doublings Counter-Marches and Wheelings only remember they conform to the standing Party