foot between ranke and ranke distance for motion sixe foot both in ranke and file distance for wheelings and skirmish three foot in ranke and file Onely if you were to receive a charge from the horse it is necessary for your files of Pite-men to be at close order Wherefore we will rehearse all the ordinary wayes for the opening and closing both of files and rankes But in the first place command them to even their Rankes and streighten their Files to be silent attend to their words of command and direction c. Rankes and files to your close order Files open to the right to your order Rankes open forward Files open to the right to your open order Rankes open forward Files open to the right to your double distance Rankes open forward Files close to the right to your open order Rankes close forward Files close to the right to your order Rankes close forward Files close to the right to your close order Rankes close forward Files open to the left to your order Rankes open backward Files open to the left to your open order Rankes open backward Files open to the left to your double distance Ranks open backwards Files close to the left to your open order Ranks close backward Files close to the left to your order Ranks close backward Files close to the left to your close order Ranks close backward Files open right and left to your order Ranks to the front reere Files open right and left to your open order Ranks to the front and reere Files open right and left to your double distance Ranks to the front and reere Files close right and left inward to your open order Ranks to the middest Note that when Files open to the right the left-hand file must stand fast every file taking his distance from the file next his left hand And when they open to the left then the right hand file stands every file taking his distance from the file next his right hand Obserue also that when Ranks open forwards then the last ranke stands every Ranke taking his distance from the Ranke next behinde him And when they open backwards then the first Ranke is to stand every Rank to take his distance from the Ranke next before him You are likewise to take notice in the action that you are either to face to the right or to the right about Note also that in closing of Files if it be to the Right then contrary to the opening the right hand file stands the rest closing to the Right taking their distance from their next right hand file If you close to the left then the left hand file stands the rest of the files closing to the left taking their distance in like manner When Files close to the right and left then they close inward taking their distance from the files within them neerer to the middest of the bodie Also note that when Files are commanded to open to the right and left or by division it must be outward If Ranks close to Front and Reere then the first and last Ranke stand the others taking their distances from them If they close Ranks towards the center or midst then they close towards their two middlemost Ranks It is not required that every Captaine or other Officer that shall exercise a Company shall use all these several openings and closings which are here exprest but rather that he shall make use of so many of them as he shall thinke fit for his present occasion or exercise Although they all may be usefull at some time or other I may spare examples for it must needs be apparant to the meanest capacities CHAP. VII Of marching the Company in Divisions at length the order and places of the Officers and againe drawing them into forme of Battell NOw that our Souldiers are somewhat expert in their distances we will next draw them forth into a long March Wherefore note that our files must be at order and our Ranks at open order The Muskettiers of the right flanke are to make the Van and to march next after the Captaine The Pikes are to make the battell and to march after the Ensigne either in one or two divisions according to their number The Muskettiers of the left flanke sometimes called the second division of Muskets make the Reere Guard which is led commonly by the second Serjeant How beit if there be but one division of Pikes then the eldest or chiefest Serjeant leads the second division of Muskettiers If the Company be but small then it is best to make but two Divisions one of the Muskettiers another of the Pikes For the placing of the rest of the Officers you may perceive by the figure in the margent Wherefore note that M. stands for Muskets p. for Pikes D. for Drummes S. for Serjeants E. for Ensigne L. for Lieutenant and C. for Captaine Note if you have but three Drummes then let the Drumme in the second division of Pikes be wanting If onely two then upon a March the first betweene the third and fourth ranke of the front division of Muskettiers The second betweene the third and fourth ranke of the second division of Pikes Note that betweene each Division in March there ought to be 12. foot distance 6. foot betweene the Officer and 6. foot behinde him CHAP. VIII Of drawing the divisions up into a square WHen you would bring your body againe into Battalia command your front division to make Alt or Stand then give order to your Ensigne either by a Serjeant or by some signe to leade up the first division of pikes on the left of the first division of Muskettiers with his colours flying and the Pikes to continue shouldered so long as the Drumme beats a March But if it beat a Troope then the Pikes are to advance and close their Ranks forward to their order and so the Ensigne to troop them up with his colours fierld The eldest Serjeant is to leadeup the second division of Pikes The second Serjeant in like manner is to leade up the second or reere Division of Muskettiers each division still marching up to the left of that division next before it The manner you may plainly see in the figure where the front division is marked in the Reere with the letter A. The first Division of Pikes with the letter B. The second Division of pikes with C. The second Division of Muskettiers hath in the Reere the letter D. The other figure on the other leafe in form of a square shewes their standing after the Divisions are led up All the file-leaders standing even in front together making one Ranke The discipline of the Art Militarie may rightly be divided into these five generall heads viz. Distance Facings Doublings Countermarches and Wheelings which have beene not unaptly compared to the five vowels For as without one or more of the vowels no word can be spelled so without one or more of these neither
but they also have extended ther length to double their proportion of ground which formerly they did occupie I forbeare to speake more of this doubling untill we come to shew it in motion and now proceed to the next doubling upon this The command is as followeth This doubling of halfe rankes is a more speedy and sure doubling then the doubling of halfe ranks by countermarch but is most commonly used when the body consists but of one sort of Armes being either all Muskettiers or all Pikes But because in my figures I have as well Muskettiers as Pikes I have made use of a Doubling intire and from that have doubled my left flanke to prevent the mixture of Armes However mixture of Armes upon some occasion may be necessary The manner to performe the motion is this The left flanke stands the halfe ranks of the right face to the left and then the inmost file of the right flanke all the files of the right flanke being by this facing become ranks is the leader of this motion marching forth right to their left hands between the intervales of the rankes of the left flank untill that the sixteenth file which now is become a ranke have placed themselves orderly in the two and thirtieth file which is the outmost file of the left flanke The fifteenth in the one and thirtieth the fourteenth in the thirtieth the thirteenth in the nine and twentieth and so likewise of all the rest The places may be perceived by the figure The doubling is of number and not of place For reducement to both these doublings first cause the halfe rankes which last doubled to face to the right and so to march into their places They that last tooke their places in the motion are the first that take their places in the reducement The doubling of halfe ranks being thus reduced next for the reducing of the halfe files which were doubled before for the accomodating of the doubling of halfe-halfe-ranks command the halfe files to face about to the left and to march forth into their places Wherewith I will conclude these sort of doublings which require open order in Ranke and File and come next to shew intire doublings which claime a closer distance for their true performance And therfore conceive them closed to their order both in Ranke and File CHAP. XXI The difference betweene intire and divisionall doublings and of doubling halfe-files intire HAving closed our Souldiers to their due distance I will next proceed to shew doublings intire But me thinkes I heare some already inquiring what is meant by intire doublings and therefore without offence to the curious give me leave to be so courteous to the Ignorant to tell them that all Doublings are either intire or divisionall Intire Doublings being these or such like as when the files or halfe-files rankes or halfe-rankes according as the command may be doe march forth joyntly together without division or dissipation to double the part commanded Particle and divisionall Doublings being such as I have formerly shewn as when the files or halfe-files rankes or halfe-rankes are disranked and divided into more parts or places than one This may serve for way of distinction I will now shew intire doublings as they are in action and first beginne with doubling halfe-files The Figure followeth This doubling of halfe-files intire hath beene held a better doubling then either the ordinary doubling of Ranks or the usuall way of doubling by halfe-files or Bringers up some of the causes are these First it makes no disturbance to the other part of the Battalia but that it may either be executed in time of motion exercise or skirmish Secondly it appeares another solid body to the great disheartening of any enemy Thirdly it is very apt for over-fronting being a doubling both of number and place The way to performe the motion is this The halfe-files face to the left and march till they are quite cleere of that part of the body which stands then they face to their Leader and so march up untill they are become even in ranke with those which stand upon the right flanke and then the Figure will be perfect For the reducement the word of command is Halfe Files face about to the right march forth into your places having faced about they march straight forth untill they be cleere of the front halfe-files then they face to the left and march straight forth untill every man hath his right place and then face right after their Leaders The doubling of halfe-files to the right intire is performed after the same manner onely differing in the hand CHAP. XXII Of doubling the Front inward intire DOubling of the Front inward intire hath beene a doubling as usefull as ancient notwithstanding most commonly used by greater bodies as when one Regiment Division or Maniple moveth forward betweene two others thereby seconding or relieving them whereby the Front of all the three divisions become ranged in an even line but I have onely taken upon me to shew the motion in a private Company The Figure whereof followeth as it is in the execution It hath beene the custome amongst ancient Souldiers and great Commanders that in the matter of Exercise they shew some things which are most apt for a private Company some for a Regiment other some most usefull for compleat arms so in like manner it must be the discretion of every Reader whether hereade for apprehension or reprehension to suit and fit each motion to his true end purpose with the wise man rather reade twise than judge once and then perhaps when the intent of the Author is perceived his opinions may be received yet what need I or any other apologize ought in the behalfe of this Figure or any other such like sith they are but the expressions of the various figures which proceed of the words of command used almost by every ordinary Exerciser of a foot Company Neverthelesse if Aesops long ear'd beast passing by should peepe into this Druggists shop and quarrell with the Compounds I shall not studie for a further answer then That the excellent and skilfull Physitian can convert that into an Antidote which the unlearned foole will make his poyson But lest I be taxt for digression the motion of this doubling is thus performed The halfe files of the Front faceth to the right and left and march till they have left a distance between them sufficient to receive the halfe files of the Reere and then stand and face to their Leader Then the halfe files march up and even their Front For the reducement of this Figure there are as there are for all the rest divers waies But because that it is necessary to shew one let the halfe files face about to the Reere and march untill they are cleere of the Front halfe files then stand and face to their Leader then the other halfe files of the Front close their division and they are reduced CHAP.
Muskettiers and next to the outside of Pikes For the fourth firing cause your Muskettiers to ranke to the right and left into the front and so the whole body of Muskettiers give fire at once which being performed let them face to the right and left inward and so march into their places They may if you please open the files of Muskettiers to double distance and so cause the files to ranke to the right into the front by Conversion giving fire after that manner which if it be done will make the fift firing After this let them fall backe into their places and having made ready againe before you close their distance cause the halfe-files to face about and then let the files ranke into the front and reere and so give fire which will make the siâ—t firing Having thus fired and being fallen backe into their places let the halfe files face againe to their leader and the files of Muskettiers close againe to their order For the seventh firing let the rankes of Muskettiers open backe to their double distance and the Muskettiers wheele to the right and left by Conversion and so give fire to both flankes The men being returned to their places and having againe closed their rankes to their order after some little pause by marching or otherwise the Muskettiers being all againe ready command your files of Pikes to open to the right and left to their double distance Then command rankes both of Muskets and Pikes to open backward to their double distance Which being done command the Muskets to invert to the right and left outward and then to face outward and present and let the halfe-files of Pikes face about Then cause your files of Pikes to ranke to the front and reere by conversion and let the Muskettiers give fire and the Pikes charge This figure will take up a great quantity of ground because that all the Muskettiers are now become two rankes that is to say to each flanke one all the Pikes being likewise brought into two rankes one to the front and the other to the reere This being performed the body will stand in form of a great hollow square The Muskettiers hauing fired the Pikes being advaneed and each Souldier returned to his place and all faced to their leader let them close their rankes and files to their order Then cause the ninth firing to be performed to both flankes upon a stand facing the whole body to the right and left there firing and wheeling off by division and flanking their Pikes Whilest the two last rankes are giving fire let the Pikes port and when the Muskettiers have fired and wheeled off let them charge Having advanced their Pikes face the whole body to that part where you shall finde your file-leaders of Muskettiers then will all your Muskettiers be in front and reere Next command your halfe-files that then are to double your front to the left entire which being done let them face to the right and left the Muskettiers giving fire and wheeling off to the left and placing themselves in the reere of their owne divisions The Pikes may also port and charge at discretion The Pikes being advanced and the whole Company faced to their former front command the halfe-rankes of the right both Muskettiers and Pikes to march and the halfe-rankes of the left flanke to follow in the reere Having given them some time of breathing then for the eleventh firing cause the halfe-files that then are Muskettiers and Pikes to face to the reere Which being done let the Muskettiers give fire to the front and reere upon a stand wheeling off by division and placing themselves in the reere of their Pikes they moving forwards and maintaining the Muskettiers ground The Pikes are then to charge when they are cleered of their Muskettiers Which being done and they againe advanced face them all to their former front For the twelfth firing command halfe-files to double the front inward intire To which purpose open the front halfe-files both Muskettiers and Pikes to the right and left for receiving the halfe-files of both Armes within them which being executed each Armes will stand in three divisions Then command the front halfe-files to face about to the reere and to present The Reere halfe-files keeping still faced to the front and there in like manner presenting and both giving fire together The first time of their firing over they may fall in the Reere of their owne divisions of Muskettiers wheeling off to the right and left The second time of giving fire upon this figure let them wheele off as before and place themselues in the Reere of their following divisions of Pikes Which being in like manner performed let the Pikes charge Being againe advanced face the body to the former front and command halfe-files that doubled to face to the Reere and march into their places The halfe-files being faced about and marched cleare off then are the front halfe-files to close their divisions Thus being all rightly faced the Muskettiers will be in the front and reere For the thirteenth firing make the horned battell to the front and reere For the which cause the halfe-files of Muskettiers and Pikes to face to the reere Then cause the Muskettiers to open to the right and left both in front and reere and so to give fire wheeling off by division and flanking their Pikes The Pikes may also charge Having advanced let them all face to their leader at the proper front Lastly for the fourteenth firing make the Sconce Battell For further directions wherein turne backe to the 93. Chapter where you may finde instructions as well for the making giving of fire and reducing thereof And if you please your Ensigne may display his Colours in the hollow part of the midst of the Pikes Supposing now that by this time the night hath almost overtaken us we will prepare to lodge our Colours with our accustomed Bene-vale and herewith we will conclude this our fifth dayes Exercise suffering our Souldiers to depart to their severall habitations There leaving them to clense their arms and to refresh their bodies untill the morrows clamouring Drum doth invite us forth to our sixth dayes Exercise CHAP. CX The sixt dayes Exercise HAving the sixth time brought your Souldiers into the Field according to the accustomed manner let each File-leader exercise his File in the Postures of such Armes as they carry Which being performed and the Files againe rejoyned into one body the Ensigne being at the head of the Pikes and the rest of the Officers in their severall places The Captaine having commanded silence attention and obeaience three especiall vertues most necessarily requisite to every common Souldier hee proceeds to the severall distances instructing them in the uses of each of them Next after the distances he teaches them the Facings the Doublings the Countermarches and the Wheelings with severall Observations upon each of the Motions After which having so commanded The Drums bcat and the Muskettiers make ready
he useth in the handling of his Armes consisting of severall Motions for atchieving of each Posture The Motion being the working part the Posture the alteration or act either in circumstance or matter As to rest your Musket being one Posture to shoulder your Musket another so likewise for the rest howbeit some perchance will object as formerly hath bin to one of Athens making a long Oration in the praise of Hercules his valour who ever doubted of it So to me who ever questioned these for Postures yet I have known them not only questioned but written against peremptorily concluding that there are but three Postures to be used for the Musket whose errours I shal easily confute But more of this after the Postures of the Musket Wherefore for the more orderly proceeding conceive their Armes to lie before them on the ground and then the first command will be to stand to their Armes The Postures of the Musket TAke up your Bandeliers Put on your Bandeliers Take up your Match Place your Match Take up your Musket and Rest Rest your Musket Now if you please you may performe your saluting Posture Poyse your Musket Shoulder your Musket Take your Rest into your right hand and you are armed ready to March Now to begin to make ready which may be done either standing or marching Take your Match between the fingers of your right hand Put your Rest string about your left Wrist and carry your Rest in your left hand Return your Match between the fingers of your left hand Unshoulder your Musket and Poyse Ioyn your Rest to the outside of your Musket Open your Pan. Cleer Prime Shut Cast off your loose Corns Blow off your loose Corns and bring about your Musket to the left side Treile your Rest ballance your Musket in your left hand Charge with Powder Bullet Draw forth your Scowring stick Shorten Put your scowring stick into your Musket Ram home your Charge Withdraw your scowring stick Shorten Return Bring forward your Musket and Rest Poyse your Musket and recover your Rest Ioyn your Rest to the outside of your Musket Draw forth your Match Blow your Coale Cock your Match Fit Guard your Pan. Blow the Ash from your Coale Open your Pan. Present upon your Rest Give fire brest high Dismount your Musket joyning your Rest to the outside of your Musket Uncock and return your Match Cleer your Pan Shut Poise your Musket Shoulder Take your Match between the fingers of the right hand Take your Rest into your right hand cleering your string from your wrist Return your Rest into the left hand the string loose Return your Match into your left hand Unshoulder your Musket and Poyse Rest your Musket Set the But-end of your Musket on the ground Lay down your Musket and Rest Match Take off your Bandeliers Lay down March from your Armes There is likewise the Sentinell Posture which is The Muskettier having his Musket charged with Bullet his Match cockt his Pan guarded stands with his Musket rested to performe such duty as shall be commanded or given him in charge Some have likewise taught to make ready on or from the Sentinell Posture But note that as none comes to stand Sentinell but comes ready charged So if any occasion happen that he must give fire in the time of his standing Sentinel it causeth a generall Alarme So that he will have no fit time to make ready upon his Rest Wherefore I conceive it superfluous but will ever conforme to better judgement We have also the Funerall Posture which from the Rest is to be performed at 3. Motions which cannot so well be exprest in writing as it will expresse it selfe in Action Wherefore seeing that it is rather an Ornament to Obsequies than truly necessary for Armies I will not spend more time about it but come to the Postures of the Pike Yet before I passe upon them give me leave to answer some which out of a Criticall humour will alwayes be carping at others condemning these Postures saying There are more by halfe then are either good or usefull and that there are no more Postures to be used but Make ready Present Give fire The which wee will not deny that in Service there are any other usefull notwithstanding I would have them to know that Make ready is no Posture but a word of Command including all Postures from the first Arming of the Souldier to the present or if the Muskettier be charged shouldered or both then the word Make ready commands the prosecution of the rest of your Postures which are between the Posture you then immediatly are at when the word is given and the other Posture Present for which reason when wee teach Muskettiers at first it is most necessary to instruct them punctually from Posture to Posture Which being once attained he manageth his Armes more surely more comely with more celerity and with better execution and at the first may as easily be taught the best way But if he have got an habit of doing ill there wil be as much or more pains spent in reclayming his errours as at first to teach him the best safest and readiest way CHAP. II. Of the Postures of the Pike THat which followeth next of course is the Posture of the Pike Wherefore that we may observe order in our proceeding we will likewise conceive their Pikes to lie in like manner before them on the ground And then as before the first Command will be To stand to their Armes Handle your Pikes Order To your open Order close Charge with the But-end of your Pike at the inside of your right Foot your Pike in the left hand drawing your Sword over the left Arme. Charge to the Right Left Reere Order your Pikes and put up your Swords Note that these Charges at the Foot are to receive a desperate Enemy on Horse upon a stand in some strait or other place of advantage the Muskettiers to give fire over the Pikemens heads or else-where at the discretion of the Commander Port your Pikes Comport Cheeke Treile Order Charge to the Front Order as you were Right Left Reere  Shoulder your Pikes Advance your Pikes Port Comport Cheeke Treile your Pikes  Advance as you were Charge to the Front Right Left Reere Shoulder your Pikes Port Comport Cheeke Treile Shoulder your Pikes  Shoulder as you were Charge to the Front Right Left Reere From Comport Cheeke or Treile the Pikeman may at the discretion of the Commander charge either to the Front Reere or both Flanks as shall be necessary or thought expedient Wherfore we shall not need to do it but once over for the Charges will be all alike whether you Comport from Order from Advance or Shoulder And so likewise for Cheek and Treile c. From Comport Charge to the Front Comport as you were Right Left Reere Cheek your Pikes   From the Cheek Charge to the Front Cheek as you were Right Left Reere Treile your
Pikes   From the Treile Charge to the Front Treile as you were Right Left Reere Order your Pikes Lay down I shall undergo the censure of some for that they will finde more Postures of the Pike here then formerly they knew of and so by their conclusion more then there is any need of for now-a-dayes there are such that will limit discipline to the verge of their owne knowledge and whatsoever else they shall see either acted or written by others that is without the lists of their kenning they will peremptorily conclude for superfluous and improper howsoever I shall alwayes referre my selfe to the judgment of the more judicious The charges of the Pike are twofold either for defense or offence Charges underhand or over-hand but divers and different they are from their severall wayes and Postures from which they are or may be done although they are not all alwayes usefull yet at sometimes they may be usefull and therefore very requisite to be known to all such as either are or at lest would be accounted for good Souldiers As I have set down the Postures themselves both of Musket and Pike so it were not much amisse if that the Motions of Posture were likewise here exprest But because they will take up too much time fill too much paper and the Subject it selfe not pleasing unto many I will spare my labour and my booke the lines rather suffering the censure of curtail'd brevity then tedious prolixity CHAP. III. Of the Drum OVr Souldiers being sufficiently instructed in the Postures of such Armes as they carry or are appointed to use the next thing they are to learn is the knowledge of the severall beats of the Drum which is as requisite to be learnt of the Souldier as any thing else in this way For the Drum is the voice of the Commander the spurre of the valiant the heart of the coward and by it they must receive their directions when the roring Canon the clashing of armes the neighing of horses and other confused noise causeth that neither Captaine nor other Officer can be heard Wherefore it will be most necessary for him to learne these sixe severall Beats viz. 1 A Call 2 A Troope 3 A March. 4 A Preparative 5 A Battaile 6 A Retreit 1 By a Call you must understand to prepare to heare-present Proclamation or else to repaire to your Ensigne 2 By a Troope understand to shoulder your Muskets to advance your Pikes to close your Rankes and Files to their order and to troope along with or follow your Officer to the place of Randesvous or elsewhere 3 By a March you are to understand to take your open order in ranke to shoulder both Muskets and Pikes and to direct your March either quicker or slower according to the beat of the Drum 4 By a Preparative you are to understand to close to your due distance for skirmish both for ranke and file and to make ready that so you may execute upon the first command 5 By the Battaile or charge understand the continuation or pressing forward in order of battaile without lagging behind rather boldly stepping forward into the place of him that fals dead or wounded before thee 6 By a Retreit understand an orderly retiring backward either for reliefe for advantage of ground or for some other politicall end as to draw the enemy into some ambushment or such like Much more might be written concerning the Drum but this may suffice for the present CHAP. IV. Of Rankes and Files their places and dignities NOw that our Souldiers are somewhat skilfull in managing of their armes and no lesse capable of the severall beats of the Drum it is high time for them to know the difference between a Ranke and a File Wherefore know that a Ranke is a row of men sometimes more sometimes fewer standing moving or marching even a breast or as some write pouldron to pouldron or shoulder to shoulder A File is a sequence of men standing one behinde another backe to belly in a straight line from Front to Reere consisting sometimes of 6. 8. or 10. men on some occasions the Spaniards make them 12. deepe But when any one would shew much variety of exercise then 8. will be the more pliant and dividual number yet for service in the field where men are not altogether so expert as I could wish our Country-men were 10. men is the fittest number not onely for the cause aforesaid but also because that 10. is the square root of a 100. and is a better number to draw Companies into grosser bodies And now I thinke it would not be much amisse if I should here insert the severall places of digninity and precedency in Ranke as also in File Wherfore because that Files are first to be drawn forth and that by adding or joyning of Files together Rankes are made we will begin first with Files Wherefore conceive their honour according to the figures or numbers hereunder placed first in File then of Rank lastly of both cōjoyned It will not be of it selfe sufficient that I have both marked and figured the places and dignities to each particular man in his File and Ranke but it will be looked for of some that I should backe my opinions either with sound and good reasons of mine owne or at the least with the opinions of some others as for such as have employed themselves upon this subject they have been as divers in their judgements as their number each man having a fancie to his owne way And if it were much materiall I might have here demonstrated unto you the severall opinions of Leo Robertellus Count Mansfield Sir Thomas Kellie and many others whose workes being extant I will spare the labour But above all the rest that ever I read Captaine Iohn Bingham hath in my judgement best delivered himselfe in this particular which although he have exprest by way of Tetarchies and Mirrarchies yet the same may be understood as well by Rankes and Files His words are these Every Tetarch is over foure Files in all which the Commander that hath the right hath the first place he that hath the point of the left the second place he that standeth on the right hand next to him the third place The last place is his that standeth next to the Commander of the right point on the left hand He demonstrates it by way of figure thus CHAP. V. Reasons for precedency of dignity in Rankes and Files I Shall now endevour to give some reasons for these severall places of dignitie in Ranke and File And first for that Geometricall proportion gives both life and being to orderly discipline consider that all parts of the body ought to be answerable Wherefore seeing that the joyning of Files and Rankes produceth greater Bodies it is necessary that a true proportion should be kept from the beginning and that in drawing forth of Files they observe to make the Reere halfe files answerable in
skill and worth to the Front halfe file And that the file-leaders and halfe-rankes of the left flanke should be equivalent in worth skill and valour to the right flanke that the Reere division hold like proportion with the Front division and that all parts of the body be ballanced with true proportion so neere as the knowledge of the Souldiers and the number of the men will give you leave and that there may be correspondency in their worth place and dignity you may observe by adding the figures of number together which are in the Margent where you shal finde that the dignity being added together of the Front halfe file makes the number of 18. And the worth of the Reere division being in like manner added makes the like number So likewise shal you finde the dignity and worth of the File leaders of the left flanke to paralell the worth of those on the right flanke by the same rule If you will have it yet more cleere observe that the file leader is the chiefe in his File the bringer up the second the halfe File leader the third the last man of the front halfe file the fourth Now note that as the worth of the first precedes the second so the worth of the third exceeds the fourth Now adde the first worth to the fourth worth and that makes five And the second worth to the third and it makes the same number so that there is equalitie throughout the Battell both in Front Reere and Flankes for it were unreasonable that all the chiefe men should be on the right Flanke and all the worst on the left For the left must be opposed to the enemies right The File leader ought to be worthiest because he hath the command of his File and marcheth the first against his enemy The bringer up ought to be the second because his place of march is in the Reere and is in most danger should the enemy charge on that part The halfe file leader is the third in honour because that when the halfe file is taken off upon any occasion he is the leader unlesse they be commanded to face about the last man of the front halfe file is the fourth man in dignitie for when the Reere division is taken off then he is the Bringer up The next man to the file-leader hath the fift place of honour for that one doubling brings him into the front The next man before the Bringer-up hath the sixt place of honour for that if the body be faced about one doubling brings him into the Front accidentall or keeping the proper front by once doubling of rankes he becomes Bringer-up to his File-leader The seventh place of honour is his that marcheth next after the halfe-file leader for that when the halfe files double the Front or marcheth forth then one doubling ranks him even with the Front The eight and last place of honour is his that is the third from the Front the File being but 8. deepe which may also be made a File-leader though with more trouble than the rest for by counter-marching Front and Reere into the middest and then facing to the former front after doubling of ranks makes him likewise a file-leader Now as every mans dignitie is more or lesse in his File so is all his ranke with him Wherefore this that hath already beene said may suffice to demonstrate unto those which as yet are ignorant of the severall places of dignity both in Ranke and File I might have enforced many other reasons concerning the dignity of number and place but I have insisted longer upon this subject then at first I intended which makes me the more willing though somewhat abruptly to breake from it and come to shew the manner of joyning or drawing up of Files into forme of battell And therefore this may serve for all the Serjeant that hath order to place them is to lead them up according to their worth and honour As first the right hand file then the left hand file and so the other files successively within them according to their severall worths and places As by the following figure you may more plainely perceive If there be any that shall say these are nicities and of no repute amongst Souldiers I dare say they have been well reputed of by good Souldiers no disparagement unto the fault-finders if there happen to be any such As for the noble worthy and well-knowing Souldiers I am almost confident that out of their true-speaking judgements they will eyther conclude that it is so used or at the least that it ought so to be but if this can worke no effect with the I leave every man freely to his owne judgement desiring the judicious alwaies to hold a favourable opinion of my well-meaning CHAP. VI. Of the severall distances NOw that our Souldiers have attained some small knowledge in the use of their Armes me thinkes like some of our little-knowing souldiers of the trained Bands they already begin to be ambitious of File-leaders places therefore that their owne weakenesses may light them to reade their owne follies we will see how they will behave themselves in exercise amongst the Companie Wherein the first thing we are to instruct them in is their distances But because it is held by some a matter disputable whether distance be one of the motions or no We will first declare what is distance To which I answer that indeed Distance it selfe is no motion but there is motion in producing such distance for Distance is the space of ground between man and man either in File or Ranke having relation onely to the place between each partie All the rest of the motions having not onely relation to the one but the other Wherefore not to spend more time in a matter so apparant we will say that the discipline of a foot-companie consists chiefly in distance and motion And therefore seeing that distance is the ground of motion and that no motion can be performed without distance wee will leave to discourse it and fall to the matter it selfe and shew how many sorts of Distance is ordinarily used in our moderne discipline which are these foure here under named viz. Close Order which is One foot and a halfe Order both in Three foot Open Order Rank Sixe foot Double distāce File Twelve foot It hath been the opinion of some ancient Commanders that the distance of Ranke was alwaies double the distance of File although they went both under one and the same denomination As that order in File was three foot order in Ranke sixe foot open order in file sixe foot open order in ranke twelve foot and so of other distances But the best received opinions hold them to be alike both in ranke and file There is to be considered in distance these three especially that is Distance For March For Motion For Skirmish You are to observe thatyour distance for march is to be three foot between file and file and sixe
make him that was the eighth man leade the file-ranks to the left double and files to the left double and the file will stand like that led by the figure of 8. For to reduce them cause the first ranke to stand the rest to advance forwards to the right placing themselves before their leaders CHAP. LXIX Of making men file-leaders successively the files being but sixe deepe SOme will be inquisitive to know for what use the making of leaders by succession serveth or whether it be not a meere Curiosity to which I thus answer That it is not only pleasant but profitable Pleasant to the leader of a file who having sufficiently exercised his file in Postures to give some time of respite or delectation for the recreating of their almost tyred spirits brings each man successively to leade the file by proper words of Command And lastly reduceth each man to his former standing It must needs be profitable and much availeable in discipline when the skilfull Commander can thereby with much ease change and interchange bring what rankes he pleaseth to lead in front and exchange them afterwards for others yea and lastly at his owne pleasure bring the proper file-leaders againe into their places This following table shewes each mans severall place as they stand still being altered according to their various Leaders By the figures of number which are placed over the heads of those Columes wherein are writ the words of Command understand that those words under the figure of 2. are to make the second man file-leader Those words under the figure of 3. make the third man leader And so forward for the rest The front of each file as they come to be Leaders 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 1 2 5 6 5 3 4 6 1 3 4 4 3 1 6 4 3 5 6 5 2 1 2 6 5 4 3 2 1 The words of Command which produce each severall Leader  Files 2 Ranks to the left double 3 Half-files double your Front to the right Files to the right double 4 Facc to the Reere or let the first ranke stand the rest passe thorough c. 5 Ranks to the right double Files double your depth to the right  Files 6 Ranks to the left double 7 Face to the Reere and they are reduced The first man is the leader of the file For to make the second man leader Command file ranke two to the left If there be more files then one ranks to the left double and files to the left double which makes the second man leader every man in the file being disposed as you may perceive by that file led by the figure of 2. For to make him that was the third man leader command halfe files double the front to the right and files to the right double by which meanes the file will stand like that led by the figure of 3. For to make him that was the fourth man leader Face to the reere and then hee leads But if you will keepe the same front command the first ranke to stand the rest to passe through to the left placing your selves before your leaders Thus will the file stand like that led by the figure of 4. For to make the fift man leader command rankes to the right double and files to double their depth to the right intire by which meanes the file will stand like that led by the figure of 5. For to make the sixt man file-leader cause rankes to the left double and files to the left double and then the file wil stand like that led by the figure of 6. For to reduce them there needs no more but face to the reere notwithstanding if you would have the front the same way the Command is the first rank stand the rest passe forwards to the right placing your selves before your leaders For to make sixe men successively leaders by sixe words of Command besides Facings The first is leader for the second file Ranke 2 to the left and files to the left double For the third Countermarch front and reere into the midst and face to that part which was the reere For the fourth face about to the right For the fift countermarch front and reere into the midst and face to that which was the reere For the sixt ranke two to the right and files to the right double face them about and they are reduced CHAP. LXX Of drawing the Files againe into a Body and preparing them for a skirmish BY this time me thinkes I heare the Drums beat a Call which summons each file-leader to his place every man observing his order both in ranke and file The Officers having taken their due places the Captaine and Ensigne in the front of Pikes the Lievetenant in the reere the Serjeant on the flanks the Drums on the front and reere Angle s of the Pikes as you may perceive by the square figure next following Now the Drums beat a march the Ensigne flying at the head of the Pikes the Pikes and Muskets shouldered marching at their distance of order in file at open order in ranke presently by a signe from the Captaine the Drums beat a preparative the Ensigne furl-up retiring into the midst betweene the Pikes the Pikes advance the rankes close forwards to their order the Muskettiers makes ready and every man prepares himselfe for Battell or Skirmish And here the Eyes of the Drum must be very vigilant to observe his Captaine or Commander that by the least signe either of his hand leading-stafâ—e or whatsoever else he carries hee may either continue his charge retreat or else charge home and every Souldier ought to be so well trayned and practised that in the time of Battell he may receive ample instructions from the sound of the Drum The Body drawne into a square with the Officers in their places Thus many Officers may serue for a larger Company if the souldiers be expert and skilfull and to the contrary they are all too few if they be raw and unexperienced I have seene some Companies which have been so absolutely ignorant that each man would have needed an Officer to have kept him orderly in his place Neverthelesse I make no doubt but that by the carefull oversight of the Lord Lieutenants the good assistance of their Deputies and the diligence of the Captains and their Officers this fault will quickly be amended And this might easily enough be done if that those which are owners of Armes would but meet one houre or two in a fortnight at their best leisures and practise the postures of the Pike Musket first and the motions and firings when they are more expert If any shall object That how ever this may be done in Townes and Cities yet it cannot be in the Countrey Villages I answer That if they meete not above foure sixe or eight in a place although they have no Officer to instruct them yet by conferring and trying and often practising they will begin to carry their Armes with
you would bring more hands to fight double rankes to any hand and the body for forme and number will stand like the figure here next following But the speediest way and I thinke the best I am sure with expert Souldiers is to wheele both â—lanks into the front which is the way intended by this Figure For the manner of the firing it selfe you may partly perceive that there are intervalles made for each division to wheele off to the right that so they may either fall in the reer of the Muskettiers there continue the firing or else fall in the reer of the pikes be therby secured from the horse It may be done one or both wayes according to the occasion or discretion of the Commander Neverthelesse before I shew the firing observe these words of Command which produce the Figure Wheele your flanks into the front Face to your leader The broad â—â—onted Battell The first ranke having presented and given fire let them wheele off to the right all passing down the Interualâ—es to the right and placing themselves in the reere of their owne divisions of Muskettiers The Muskettiers making good their leaders ground and the next ranâ—es firing wheeling off and placing themselves as before Having fired once or twice over this way a second way may be to place themselves in the reere of their Pikes either standing or advancing the Pikemen in the meane time clouding the cleere skie with their ayrie Armorie The Muskettiers having all given fire and placed themselves in the reere if need bee the Pikes may close their divisions and charge over hand and if the enemy shall still presse forwards the Pikes may charge at the foot the Muskettiers giving fire over them c. For reducement there are divers waies by firings but because I would make every thing so plaine and easie that those that reade for instruction may receive benefit it hath caused me to reduce each figure by it selfe and not to multiply one upon another whereby to make them too ambiguous And therefore if you make this Figure by wheeling your flankes into the front and then fire as aforesaid the reducement may be either to fire them over againe and so to fall into their former places and then to wheele your flankes into the front againe and lastly face about to the right and they will be as before Or else if you would reduce them without giving fire over againe then command your Muskettiers to double your front by division that done wheele both flankes into the reere then face to your leader and command your Muskettiers to double your front by division againe and they are as at first If I should proceed to shew the many and sundry wayes of firings which may be done in front my Booke had need to have as many leaves as lines and yet all too little But that I may keepe my selfe to my promise and my Booke to its compasse I will next come to shew some firings in the reere and amongst my divisionall firings I shall insert some other sorts of front firings which here I have omitted CHAP. LXXX Of dismarching or firing in the Reere the severall wayes and how they ought to be performed HAving so long maintained Battaile in the front I will now face them about and see how they will behave themselves upon their firings in the reere Which kinde of firings may be very beneficiall and serviceable many wayes For by keeping an orderly march and firing in the reere the eager enemy by a too hasty pursuit may be disordered Or if it so happen as many timesit doth that you have a disadvantagious place to imbattell on by this firing you may march away still preserving your order and array untill you have brought your adversary into some ambushment or such like inconvenience For the manner of comming of the firing it must either be by facing about wheeling about or countermarching the Pikes are to be shouldered The figure followeth A firing in the Reere The Bodie being upon a march if the enemy appeare in the Reere let the last ranke of Muskettiers face about and give fire wheeling off by division file-wise marching up toward the Front and there placing themselues before the foremost ranke of Muskettiers the outmost man of each ranke being the leader up of those which have fired where first taking their places on the outside the rest wheeling about them and ranking even with them on the inside ever observing that they ranke even with the second ranke of pikes The rest of the Muskettiers also doing the like and in this manner to continue the firing as occasion shall require Neverthelesse of all the figures and firings that ever I have seene this hath beene the worst performed in all places which might easily be amended if the Souldiers would observe this following order in their execution namely when the last ranke of Muskettiers have presented to the Reere and are giving of fire the ranke which marched next before them do then blow open and present at three motions still keeping along even with the Body untill that lastly they present to the Reere by which time the ranke that last fired will be wheeled away The next ranke so soone as the other hath presented is likewise at 3. motions to do the same and so successively for all the rest every ranke observing upon each ranks firing to loose one and to march one ranke neerer to the reere of the Battell that so that part may still be kept absolute This giving of fire towards the reere for service is to be continued according to the qualitie of the place the occasion for fight and the discretion of the Commander In exercise we commonly do it but once over and then if you please you may make Alte and face your Bodie about giving fire over againe and charging your pikes upon it if need so requireth Notwithstanding if the horse shall still continue to pursue you in the reere you having gained some strait or place of advantage may wheele your flanks into the Front then face to the reere and with your charged pikes defend your Muskettiers which the body being so wheeled will be in the reere The body standing in this forme the Muskettiers may sleeve up by way of Extraduction The manner you may perceive in the Chapter which treats of that figure If the horse still presse forwards cause the pikes to charge at the foot the Muskettiers giving fire â—ver them as in the Convex halfe Moone Lastly to reduce them having thus fired command them to wheele their flanks into the fron and to face about after their proper file-leaders and they are reduced Sometimes we give fire in the reere having all our Muskettiers marching in the reere of the pikes For the manner of the motion it is as before but for placing of the men after they have fired it may be different As to wheele off by division placing themselues in the front of
firing countermarch to the right and placing themselues in the reere of their pikes The pikes at the same time are to move forwards into the Muskettiers ground where they may charge over head and if need be at the foot the Muskettiers giving fire over them as in the Convex-halfe-moone The firing being ended and the pikes advanced let the Commander march forth of the round Battell at that point where he shall finde all his proper file-leaders Then let the whole body be faced to that part aâ—â— the file-leaders caused to march forth even a breast the Muskettiers and pikemen following their leaders and marching untill the body have atteined their orderly square againe But note that all your Muskettiers are in the midst of the battell For the thirteenth firing make the impaled souâ—d square the way to performe it is as followeth Your 〈…〉 being now the flankers draw forth the 〈…〉 of the â—â—â—es of pikemen from the right flanke crosse the front of the body taking the outmost-files let halfe the files of pikemen of the left flanke be drawne crosse the reere following their bringers up Then face all your Muskettiers to the front reere and flanks The pikes may charge all overhand and if need be at the foot with their swords drawn the Muskettiers firing over them Having fired charged and advanced their Pikes draw off the Pikes againe from the front and reere into their places ⊙ For the fourteenth firing the Muskettiers being still in the middle make the hollow fronted-crossebattell the Pikemen making the hollow upon the flanks of the Muskettiers For the making whereof wheele the front off the 2. first ranks into the midst That being done wheele the reer of the 2 last ranks after the same manner and then face the rest of the body to the right and left and cause them to march untill there be a square hollow in the middest of the battell Then command them to face to the front reere and flanks which being in like manner performed cause the Pikes who are now in the front of the Musketticrs to open to the right and left the last ranke of Pikes ranking even with the first ranke of Muskettiers The Muskettiers may give fire upon this figure wheeling all off to the right and placing themselues in the reere of their owne divisions of Muskettiers If need be the Pikes may close their divisions before their Muskettiers and charge their Pikes Which being done and the Pikes againe advanced we will come to the reducement For which purpose face the whole body about to the Center and cause the flanke-divisions to close to their order This being executed let the front-division wheele together their front into the midst as they now stand faced the reere-division doing the like That being in like manner performed face the whole body to the front proper then wheele off the battell to the right and left after which having closed their divisions they are perfectly reduced as at first And herewith we will conclude this dayes exercise and leave our Souldiers to rest untill that the morrows Sunne and the thundering Drumme shall call us forth againe into the Field CHAP. CIX The fifth dayes Exercise HAving the fift time brought your Souldiers into the Field if you have leasure it will not be amisse for to cause them to be instructed in the first place in the Postures of the Pike and Musket For those Souldiers which by often practice of their Postures are growne perfect will manage their Armes with case surety and celerity when on the contrary the unpractised Souldier will be a trouble to himselfe a danger to his fellowes and a Dormant to his Enemies After the Pastures each file being drawne into his place and the Ensigne according to former directions brought to the head of the Pâ—kes the Rankes evened and the files streitned the Captaine having commanded silence and delivered himselfe in such â—earmes as the present occasion doth require ever preferring the industrious and painfull and on the contrary blaming the carelesse and the slothfull he next proceeds to instruct them in their sevâ—â—aâ—◠〈◊〉 and these indeed are the grounds of all motion seeing that without distance the motion cannot be excected Next to the distances they are to be instructed in the motions ever observing to each motion its due 〈◊〉 Next after 〈◊〉 distance and motions let the rest of the dayes Exercise be spent in firings and figures of Battaile Each Officer having now received his severall Charge The Captaine commands the Drums beat and the Muskettiers make ready The first firing being performed by leading forth the outmost file of each Flanke twenty paces or thereabout before the Front and no◠〈…〉 the place of firingâ— let the second men 〈…〉 the right and leâ—â— inward even with their 〈…〉 so give fire together wheeling off by 〈…〉 the right Flanke to the right the left flanke 〈◊〉 the left placing themselves on the inside of their owne dâ—vissâ—ns of Muskeâ—â—iâ—â—s next the Pikes file-wise as they were when they marchedforth So soon as the first two men of their files have after this manner ranked fired and wheeled off the next second mâ—n ranke even with their Leaders as before giving fire and wheeling away to place themselves file-wise aftertheir â—â—â—ders The residue of their first files are to do the like and so still the outermost files leading forth doing in like mannerâ— and still placing themselves file-wise next to the Pikes For the second firing cause the outermost files to march forth to the former distance before the front And whereas in the last firing they ranked but two and twoâ— and so gave fire now let them ranke foure That is to say the three men next behind the right-hand-file-leader shall ranke inward to the left even with their File-leaders the three next men after the left-hand-file-leader ranking inwards to the right even â—â—rest with the leader of their file the residue of each file keeping themselves in file and closing formardâ— to the distance of order just after their File-leaders The first foure of each file having presented fired and wheeled away the last foure men being the â—eâ—râ—-half-files in the interim of their wheeling off ranke to the â—ight and left inward presentingâ— â—â—â—ing and wheeling off as aforesaid and placing themselves in the 〈◊〉 of the former part of their files which wheeledaway before them The second Files are then to lead forth and to doe the like and so successively the rest untill they have all fired over this way For the third firing let the outermost files lead forth to the same distance befoâ—e the Frontâ— whither being come as tothe place wherein 〈◊〉 doe their executionâ— let the files 〈◊〉 to the right and left inwardâ— and so fire all together 〈…〉 and placing themselves as in the 〈◊〉 fâ—â—â—ngs The residue of the other Files of Muskettiers at the sametime marching forth giving fire and still placing themselves file-wise on the innermost part of their own divisions of
it will be best for the ease of the Musettiers to be shouldered And upon all doubling of Ranks whatsoever lot them be sure to observe their right hand men A part Countermarch is when one Moity or part of the Body countermarcheth thereby not altering the number of the length or depth of the Figure but onely transferring one part into another Note that if the Reere be doubled to the Right the Countermarch must be to the Left if the doubling be to the Left the Countermarch must be to the Right It is at the discretion of the Commander to face the Company which way he pleaseth either for Motion or Reducement of any Motion formerly performed Order in Ranke and File The distance required for intire Doubling What intire Doublingsare What is meant by Particle and dividuall Doublings Note that the left-hand men are the Leaders of the motion in the reducement Inversion Chorean Lacedemon Macedon Bastard Countermarch Bast Count. Lacedemon Lacedemon Cretan or Chorean Lacedemonian B. A Countermarch Lacedemonia Cretan or Chorean Bast Countermarch Lacedemonia Macedonian Bast Count. Chorean or Cretan LacedemoniaÌ„ Macedonian Bast Counter The distance for Counter march is sixe foot or open order in ranke and file Note that when there is a Countermarch commanded without any other addition then it is alwayes intended a Chorean countermarch LacedemoniaÌ„ * An Intervall is the space of ground betweene fils file or ranke and ranke but in this place is intended the space of ground betweene the files LacedemoniaÌ„ Lacedemonian Macedonian Macedonian Bastard Counter-march Bastard Countermarch Chorean Lacedemonian Lacedemonian Macedon Bast Count. Of divisionall Countermarches Note that for Countermarching Front and Reere into the midst the Front-halfe-files ever turne off to the Right the Reere halfe files to the Left which being truely observed they will alwayes meet even in the middle of the Battaile where to the contrary if they turne both off to the Right they can never doe the Counter-march but wrong Bast Counter * Note that as the front half-files empiieth the space of ground betweene the leaders and halfe-file-leaders placing themselues in the ground before the front so in the meane time their places are replenished by the souldiers of the Reere-halfe-files which march up and supply their roomes If you reduce them by another Countermarch first close their divisions Macedonian Note that when the Reere half files face about the last ranke which are the bringers up 〈…〉 â—ill to keep their 〈…〉 Note that upon the Countermarching of flanks into the midst the right flanke must alwayes obserâ—e to turn to the right the left flanke to the left For if they should both turne off to the right they wil never meet right iâ— they turne off both to the left it will be as bad Macedonian Note that if yâ—u please yâ—u mâ—y paste the Pikes alone through and let the Muskettier stand But then there wil lbe a la ge distance betweene the Musketti â—s in the midst Note that the distance for wheelings ought to be three foot betweene Ranke and File Note that upoÌ„ the exercise of the motions whether it be distance facings doublings Countermarches or wheelings the Muskettiers ought to be all upon one and the same posture either poâ—â—ed or shouldered the pikes in like manner either shouldered or advanced Note the direction for angular wheelings Note that wheeling to the rightabout will not be reduced by wheeling back againe to the left about just into the same ground if the wheeling be Anguler but will be â—wise the length of the battell removed to the right of your former standing Vpon al wheelingâ— you must obserue to follow your leaderâ— which must be understood aswell of those which bâ—come leaders accideÌ„â—ally by reason of facings as of those which be the â—â—â—st and proâ—â—â— leaders As in th s wheeling â—or example where the upâ—te â—te become the leaders of the Mâ—â—â—on Note that the two upâ—re â—re the Hingeâ— of this whâ—â—ling Notâ— that if the length of your Batâ—eâ—â— be double the numâ— r of your depth as in this figure then this wheeling of front and reere into the right or left-flanke doth quâ—dâ—uple their formeâ— depth If the number were equall in lengto and depth then by this wheeling they would be but doubled If the number of your length exceed more then double your depth by so much the more will the extension of the depâ—h be beyond quadruple c. * The three motions are Blow your Coalâ— Open your Pan Present Breast high You are to blow your Coalâ— stepping forwards with your left foot Open your Pannel stepping forwards with your right foot Present stepping forwards with your left foot The 〈◊〉 aâ—e to bepetforâ—â—d hand and foot together by every one that advanceth 〈◊〉 to â—ivâ— fire without expecting anydirectiâ—â—â— in time of Skirm sâ— * Note that the second firing will cause the body to fâ—ee to the reer which then becomes a front accidentall and is the cause that the same command reduceth the figure which first made it Note upon all firings in the Reere Blow your colt stepping forwards with your right foot Open your pâ—n stepping forwards with your left foot present to the R ere stepping forwards with your right foot Note that all the Muskettierâ— must be in the midst and the pikes on flankeâ— when you begin to make this figure If your Muskettiers be on the flanke when you make it then the crosse will be Piâ—â—s and the Angles Muskettiers c. The Plinthium is a hollow Square Battell fronted foure waies the number equall in length depth Another kind of Plinthium is to have the depth exceed the length the light Armes to be placed in the miost of the hollow patt See the Taâ—â—icâ— of Aelian the second Books the notes of the forty two Chapter * Note that the odde files on the right flank are the outermost files to the right the third file the fift file the seventh so forward for the rest if the 〈◊〉 be larger beginning your account from the outermost file to the right Note that the odde files on the leâ—t-flanke are the fileâ— the third the fiâ—th the seventh c. so still accounting the odde files beginning with the outermost file to the 〈◊〉 * I is very necessary still so often as time will permit to instruct the Souldiers in the postures and the well handling of their Armes * Each file-leader to lead up his file upon the first Summons of the Drum * Ever to observe to be even in Ranke and strait in file and stand at the true distance * Fetching the Ensigne to the head of the Company * Souldiers ought to be very silent First the souldiers ought to have their due distance given them with directions how most properly to performe * Facings Doublings Countermarches Wheelings wherein the Souldier ought treatably to be instructedâ— the Commander alwayes observing what his Souldiers are hee hath to deale withall and to give h s directions accordingly Never striving to put more into the battle then it can conveniently hold * Observe to march between each firing upon each figure that may be convenient * Face about or wh ele about for to Countermarch if any en my be nâ—â—r iâ— very dangerous * Wheele your Flanks into the Front if your Souldiers have time enough otherwiâ—e face to the Reere and charge Pikes * When the Pikes shoulder the Musketiers must observe to ranke even with them * Vpon this firing advance Pikes when there is but one file and close forwards to the distance of order * These kind of Intervals ought to contain six foot in distance upon some other occasions 12 foot is necessary The hollow Square Captain Wallers firing Silence Vpon all motions be â—ure that the Souldiers stand even in ranke and file Good words more available then blowes or ill language The Muskettie s make ready to give fiâ—e â—etween each firing cause your body to march either in forme of Baâ—talia extended in length or upon any other figure where it may conveniently be done without disorder Whosoever it be that teacheth the postures of the Musket ought to be very diligent in his instruction concerning the well managing of their aâ—mes that they may not only fire to the Front reere and flank But that they observe order in their motion which will better their execution The file-leader if he have time may instruct his file in the distances and the severall motions * By drawing foâ—th â—ff loose files or otherwise You may eiâ— tâ—â—r draw forth the innermost or outermost at discretion
forme nor action can be performed CHAP. IX What is Facing and the use of the word whether to be used or refused BEfore we come to shew the varietie of Facings in the action I thinke it will not be amisse to speake a word or two in the way of definition and therefore what is Facing To which I answer That Facing is a particular turning of the Aspect from one part to another whereby the Front proper becomes a Front accidentall And a Front accidentall may be reduced to his proper Front There are some likewise that by no meanes will allow of the word Face Concluding it altogether unnecessarie And no other word must be given but To the Right To the left c. Yet I wonder that men will stumble at so small a straw which cannot chuse but be better used than refused For the word Face is but one syllable and quickly pronounced and gives so cleare an expression of the intent of the Commander that it concludes it necessary As for example Should you command a Company to double Rankes to the Right and then command them as they were and then say To the Left it might puzzle a good Souldier at the first to discerne whether he should face or double The like mistake might bee among Countermarches Wherefore I conceive that none can justly taxe it for superfluous seeing the easiest expression hath alwayes beene accounted for the best Yet spare me for my intent is not to oversway any man in his opinion but rather to deliver mine leaving all men freely to their owne likings If my intent were to make a great booke with a little matter I might then here insert figures for every particular Facing and their Reducements to their first Posture which would take up divers sheets of paper and to little purpose For I suppose that every man that knows any thing may easily conceive the Idea of any ordinary Facing in his minde Wherefore I will but shew one or two of the hardest You are to note that in the Motion of Facings every man turnes on the Center or Ball of the left foot moving onely the right the other being the keeper both of ranke and file Face to the Right As you were Left Right and left Right about Left about Right and left inward Right angle Left Foure Angles The front halfe files standing it will be requisite for the halfe files to the reere to do as much by themselues whereby they will the more aptly perceive how that the subdivision goeth under the denomination of the halfe files c. Halfe files face to the Right As you were Left Right and left Right about Left Right and left inward There is another word which is ordinarily used and proper for reducements of Facings which is To your Leader There is another Facing sometimes used which is Face to the center and is when the body stands in some circular form or else in an hollow square There is also a Facing which causeth the Body to face to the front reere and flanks which some call Facing square CHAP. X. Of Facing square and how to performe it the usefulnesse of facings and the severall parts thereof WHen we instruct our Souldiers how to face square if the Body be but 8. deepe command the two first ranks stand fast the two last Ranks face about the rest of the Body face to the right and left If the Body be deeper we command more Ranks to the Front and so likewise to the Reere It is very necessary for young Souldiers to move 10. or 12. paces upon every motion of facings whether they are entire or divisionall Now I will pricke two severall figures of facing which will be sufficient to demonstrate all the rest The words of Command commonly used to produce this figure are these as followeth The two first ranks stand The two last ranks face about The rest of the body face to the right and left then march all To reduce them to their first order Face all about to the right march and close your divisions Face all to your Leader who then stands at his front proper Facing square another way marching upon it The words of command customarily used to produce this figure are these as followeth Muskettiers face to the right and left Halfe files of Pikes face about to the right then march all To reduce them to their former order Face all about to the right march and close your divisions Face all to your Leader Facings are so usefull and necessary that you may as well dispense with any one of the grounds of Discipline as with them for they are usefull almost upon all occasions and not onely sooner executed than any other of the motions but may be needfull when Wheelings and Countermarches cannot be used as in a strait There are no more then foure facings intire besides Angular as for Divisionall there be divers and indeed very necessary many of them be as occasion may offer it selfe for their severall uses howsoever peremptorily to say there be so many and no more I conceive hath beene concluded by none but it still rests at the discretion of the Commander to exercise more or fewer of them as he best liketh and the necessity requireth either for action or exercise Intire facings are so called when the aspect of the whole Company are directed one way Divisionall facings are so called when the aspect of the Souldiers is at one the same time directed divers and severall waies as to the front and reere the right and left or to all foure at once c. Angular Facings are so called when the aspect of the Company is directed to the right corner man which is the right Angle or to the left corner man which is the left Angle or to the foure corner men which are the foure Angles Angular facings were of great use among the ancients for their figures called the Diamond the wedge the Sheeres the Saw and such like when they made use of such formes of battell But for the use of them in our moderne Discipline I conceive there is little or none onely thus wee honour the memory of the Ancients in their use And some say they are very fit for exercise for that by their use the souldier is made more apt and perfect in the other Therefore let this suffice to be spoken concerning facings and now be pleased to turne your aspect and take a view how our young souldiers will behave themselves in the performance of the doublings CHAP. XI Of Doublings their use and parts DOublings are of most excellent and singular good use for the strengthening of any part of the battell according to the occasion or discretion of the Commander and consists of these two generals Doublings of length and Doublings of depth all times in quantity of number sometimes both in number and place both sorts having this restriction to be doublings of rankes or flanks
Muskettiers will be together and the Pikes likewise by themselves The Reducement wil be after the same manner But for instruction for the Motion by this figure intended according to the command formerly given The left Flanke stands the right Flanke marcheth forth right untill the Reere of the right Flanke be advanced before the Front of the left Flanke as a foresaid Then face them to the left and cause them to march untill the Pikes are even in Ranke with the Muskettiers which perfects the doubling For the Reducement let the halfe Rankes that doubled face about to the left and march until they are cleere of the left Flanke or standing part of the Battaile then cause them to face to the right and to march strait downe into their places Then the Leader being at his first From faceth them all to him which reduceth them as at first The right Flanke may also double the left Flanke to the left intire And then as the right Flank in this doubling came crosse the Front of the left contrariwise they will come crosse the Reere The left Flanke may double the right Flanke intire to gether hand in like manner But by this that hath already been shown the others may be understood Wherefore I spare the Figures CHAP. XXVII Of doubling of Flankes by Division THis next doubling is a doubling of flanks by division and without question a serviceable doubling and very usefull for some occasions For if you note the figure and conceive rightly what it will produce the motion being ended it makes a strong forme of battaile to give fire three severall wayes at once The figure followeth The motion of this doubling is thus to be performed The Reere-half-files of the left Flanke face about to the right and then both the front half-files and Reere-half-files march forth-right untill they are cleere of that part of the body that stands Then each division faceth that way which they are to double which the Front half-files must doe to the right the Reere half-files to the left And so march forth-right untill the doubling be performed For the Reducement you are to conceive it may bee diversly performed If the Leader be at the right flanke which is the part that was doubled Then the Reducement is as followeth The half-rankes that doubled face about inward and march forth-right untill they are cleere of the right flank which stands Then the Front half-files face to the left the Reere-half-files to the right and then close their division The Leader going to his first front and facing the whole body to him they are reduced as at first If that the right flanke would double the left Flanke by division The matter is the same differing onely in the hand CHAP. XXVIII Of doubling Rankes intire DOubling of ranks to the right intire is a doubling both of number and place and in some sort worketh the same effect as the doubling of half-â—les to the right intire But differeth first in regard of the partias which are the doublers and secondly in the distance left after the doubling For the first which is matter of dignitie The fift and first in honour are ranked together in the front the second and sixt in dignity make the last ranke in the Reere So that the Front precedes the Reere ¼ in worth whereas in the doubling by half-files the Front exceeded the Reere by â…“ Secondly it differeth for the distance by leaving open order at the left betweene all the ranks For further satisfaction observe this figure following The motion of this doubling ought to be performed as followeth namely if the doubling be to the right as is above expressed by this figure Every even ranke faceth to the right The right hand man of each ranke becomming the leader of his ranke file-wise leading them forth and in their march or moving forwards a little bending to the left that when the left hand man of each ranke which are the bringers-up of the motion are cleere of the standing part of the body by onely facing to the front they may stand even in ranke with the rest of the company For reducement of this doubling it may be as followeth Command the ranks that doubled to face to the left and march forth-right into their places Or for variety command halfe-ranks of the right to face to the left and double the left flanke Both which as the company now stand worke one and the same effect The left hand men of each ranke being the leaders of the motion in the reducement To double rankes to the left intire is to be done after the same manner onely observing the difference of the hand This doubling may also be done by division But I spare the figures CHAP. XXIX Of doubling Files intire advancing DOubling of files to the right intire advancing is also a doubling both of number and place for it increaseth the depth to double their former proportion of number as from eight to sixteene from ten to twenty c. It also gaineth so much more ground before the front as formerly the Battell did containe by transferring the even files of the body into the ground before the front of the odde files but this doubling diminisheth the number of the length of your battell although it preserves their place I spare to speake further of it onely thus Let the antiquity of this doubling plead for it's excellencie and if that may hold for a rule then this may be ranked amongst the best For further directions observe the following Figure The motion of this doubling ought to be performed after this manner The odde files are to stand beginning your account from the outmost sile to the hand named The Musketticrs and Pikes of the even files are to advance their Armes and follow their file-leaders every file-leader leading his file forth right before his next file to the right untill the bringers up of the even files are orderly placed before the leaders of the odde files as you may perceive by the Figure For reducement let the files that doubled face about to the left the bringers up of each file leading them forth right downe the Intervales which are on the left hand untill they are come even with the Reere and then stand and face to their leader and they are reduced as at first The doubling of files to the left intire advancing is after the same manner It onely differeth in the hand wherefore I spare the figure They that love to be curious may likewise double files by division advancing CHAP. XXX Of Files doubling their depth THis next doubling is a doubling of the depth to the right intire and is likewise a doubling of files as the other last shewen in the precedent Chapter Being alike both for number and place notwithstanding it differeth from the other both in manner of executing and in some sort of the matter executed For whereas the other doubling by advancing of files did transferre all the
left of him that marcheth before him untill all the file-leaders are even in ranke together their files orderly following them The word for the Reducement is File-leaders Lead up your files as you were For files to file on in sequence to the left may be performed after the same manner but differeth in the hand Yet works the same effect only the right-hand-file-leader led the other and the elft-hand-file fell last of all into the Reere This contrariwise ' is led forth by the left-hand-file and the right-hand-file is the last that taketh place in the Reere of the extended file Files file to the Right and Left by Division This files filing by division is wrought after the same manner but differeth in this That the right-hand-file of the Company and the left-hand-file of the same begin to lead forth at one and the same time in their severall places The files of the right flanke falling likewise behind the Right-hand-file the files of the left flanke falling in like manner behind the left-hand-file So that if the body be flankt with Muskettiers then this filing by division bringeth all the Muskettiers into the front-division and the Pikes in the Reere of them If there be an odde file it most commonly falleth to the right The word for Reducement is File-leaders lead up your files as you were This sort of Inversion is called filing in sequence I will now shew another sort of Inversion which is by Ranks filing The which I will demonstrate unto you by two figures which will be sufficient to instruct the desirous CHAP. XXXIII Of inverting Rankes or Rankes filing THis following figure of Inversion is of Ranks filing to the right where all the Ranks are to be inverted into the out-most-file to the right For the doing whereof let all your files be closed to their order or close order as shall bee thought most necessary the ranks opened either forward or backward to double-distāce or twice double-distance more or lesse as the Commander shall see most convenient according to his number Having closed your files and opened your ranks unto their due distance then let every ranke move after his right-hand-man untill every ranke stand right in file after the right-hand-leader of his rank In this figure I have onely opened the foure first ranks to their distance and inverted but two of the foure By which it may easily be perceived both the manner of the worke and the matter which is to be wrought But if the Commander will performe it upon a March then they shall not need to open to any distance but to take their distance in the executions which is the easiest way and will be thus performed The right-hand-man of the first ranke marcheth forth right all his ranke facing to the right and marching file-wise after him The right-hand-man of the Second ranke falling immediately after the left hand-man of the First ranke all his ranke in like manner following of him The right-hand-man of the Third ranke after the left-hand-man of the Second his ranke likewise following of him And so for all the rest untill they are all become one file Place this Figure in Chapter 33. betweene folio 90 and 91. This Rankes fileing is sooner performed and reduced then Files fileing and in the Reducement will presently be ready to make resistance against any opposition in the Front Whereas if Files file it will be a great while before the File-leaders will be able to make good the Front The manner of the Reducement of this figure is as followeth If they were Eight men before in ranke then the first Eight men ranke to the Left into the front The next Eight men ranke next after them which makes the second ranke The third Eight men ranking to the left make the third ranke And so forward for the rest untill they are reduced as at the first But it may be that some will object That in this figure there is mixture of Armes which if they will avoyd they may either March forwards their Muskettiers of each division and close them before the Pikes and invert them first Or they may March forwards their Pikes first and leave their Muskettiers to come in the Reere Or if they please they may upon a long March first invert the front-division of Muskettiers then their Pikes and last the Reere-division of Muskettiers which way so ever it be done The Word for the reducement will be Files ranke as you were Rankes file to the Left is performed after the same manner It differeth from this last done but onely in the hand And whereas the Right-hand-file-Leader was the Leader of the last this would be led by the left-hand-file-Leader The left-hand-Leader of each ranke leading forth his ranke file-wise as before it was performed but to the contrary hand I spare the figure CHAP. XXXIIII Of Rankes filing by division and how vsefull THis next figure of Inversion is Rankes filing by division is a doubling of the depth by unequall proportion For whereas in most of all other doublings the Number of the Length or Depth is augmented but to double their former proportion of Number this doubling of Inversion makes their Depth so many times more in number as there are files to double Or halfe so many times if it be done by Division as in the next following figure It hath beene of ancient use amongst the old Grecians and in these our latter times it hath beene held of speciall use to avoyd the shot of the great Ordnance when of necessity we are to march against any Battery It hath also been held good to prevent the eminent danger of some great shower of small shot likely to be powred out upon the Front of your Battalia It may also serue for an Honourable passage large interualle street or gallery as some call it for any great Personage or Commander to passe through It is also of common use for the lodging of the Colours or Ensigne And many other such like Place this Figure in Chapter 34. betweene folio 92 and 93. For instruction how to performe this Motion It is the same with the last figure differing onely in this That as in the other figure all the whole rankes turned to the right behind their right-hand-men In this Motion the left-flanke or halfe-rankes to the left fall into the outmost file to the left The halfe-rankes to the right behind their severall right-hand-men as you may perceive in part by the figure I have shewen the figure in the manner of the action not fully performed The pricks ranke-wise denoting the places from whence they came The Quarter-circles shewing the way of the Motion The prickes file-wise directing or shewing their Places they are going too For reducement to the figure it is no more then this The Rankes which before inverted into files now againe convert into rankes as they were The word of Command for it is Files ranke to the right and left inward as you were I hope this
Cretan or Chorean Countermarch The word of Command or Direction is Files to the Right hand Countermarch This Chorean Countermarch is by some called the Moderne Countermarch I conceive their reason to be because that it is more in use than any of the other Or else for antiquitie it might claime many ages It is a Countermarch for maintaining of ground for it worketh its effect on the same ground it stands neither loosing nor gaining But it transferres the file-leaders into the place of the bringers up and the bringers up into the place of the file-leaders withall turning the aspect of the body or battalia to the Reere The way to performe this motion is as followeth Assoone as the word of command is given if it be to the right then all the file-leaders step forwards with their right legges and face about to the right every file-leader with his file following him passing downe towards the Reere through the intervall on his right hand still observing to keepe even in ranke with his right hand man But by the way note that no man must turne untill he come to the ground where at first his file-leader began the Countermarch This motion is then performed when the bringers up have attained unto the place where before their file-leaders stood being faced right after them Files countermarch to the left To countermarch to the left worketh the same effect and is done after the same manner onely differing in the hand For reducement if you countermarch to the right do as much to the left and they will be as they were For any intire countermarch of files will be reduced of what kinde soever by making another intire countermarch to what hand soever CHAP. XLI Of Countermarching to loose Ground The Command is Files to the Right Countermarch every man turning after his Leader on the Ground he stands THis Lacedemonian countermarch is a Countermarch of losse of ground for that it leaves all the ground the Battalia formerly did conteine and in lieu or place thereof taketh the ground behinde the Reere This Countermarch is to be performed when the Bodie is upon a stand And as the Chorean turnes the Aspect towards the Reere The Greekes were wont with this Countermarch to bring their file-leaders to oppose any enemie appearing in the Reere thereby gallantly bearding their enemies in the teeth neither politickly making shew of flight whereby to bring the enemie into disarray nor over providently carefull of the advantage of ground The motion of this Countermarch is to be performed as followeth The file-leaders of each file are to step side wayes to the right and therewithall to face about to the reere and so march even in ranke together downe betweene the Intervalls no man advancing a foot forwards but turning in like manner after their leaders when they are past by them still observing to keep their due distance And so a whole ranke together still turning off to the right each Ranke successively doing the like untill the Countermarch be fully performed Any intire countermarch of files will reduce this But for order sake take one of the same sort to the contrary hand which is Files to the left Countermarch every man turning after his Leader on the ground he stands I shall not need to speake further concerning this Countermarch of losse of ground to the left seeing that it differs from the other onely in the alteration of the hand The substance and effect of both being one and the same onely I will now speake to a second fort of Countermarch which is of the same kinde The Command is Bringers up face about to the Right the rest passe through to the Reere and place your selues before your Bringers up This Lacedemonian Countermarch doth also loose the ground whereon it formerly stood and takes the ground behinde the Reere the manner of the motion is as followeth The last ranke or Bringers up face to the Reere and stand the rest of the Body facing about in like manner and passing through or betweene their bringers up and placing themselues even in ranke before them The motion is begun by the ranke next the bringers up and so continued successively by the rest untill the Countermarch be ended It may be reduced by doing the same to the contrary hand Neverthelesse for brevity sake I will make use of a sprigge from the same bough and reduce this Lacedemon countermarch by another of the same kinde The Command is Bringers up stand the rest passe through to the Right and place your selues behind your Bringers up This Lacedemonian countermarch is thus to be performed the last ranke or bringers up are to stand and the rest of the body to face to the Reere and passe through to the Right and place themselues behinde their bringers up contrary to the countermarch last showne where they placed themselues before The motion is also begun by the second ranke from the reere the rest following successively untill the file-leaders are become the Bringers up Then face them about after their proper file-leaders and they are reduced CHAP. XLII Of Countermarches to gaine ground or the Macedonian Counter-march The Command is File-leader face about to the right the rest passe through to the right and place your selves behinde your Leaders THis Macedonian Counter-march is for gaining ground for that it leaues the ground the Battalia formerly stood upon taking in lieu thereof the ground next before the front It also turnes the aspect towards the reere The motion of this Counter-march is from the reere to the front contrary to the Lacedemon whose motion is from the front to the reere This Macedonian Counter-march makes semblance in the reere of flight but presently produceth an orderly settled front when perhaps the enemy with a too early pursuit hath broken the order of their array The way to performe this Counter-march according to the directions formerly given is as followeth The file-leaders or first ranke face about to the right the rest of the body passe through betweene the Intervalles or distance of files to the left and place themselves behinde their leaders every ranke beginning with that next the file leaders passing through successively and taking their places untill the Counter-march be fully executed It may be reduced as the rest by doing the same to the contrary hand or as I have formerly said by any intire counter-march of file and therefore I will reduce it by another Macedonian counter-march The command is as followeth File-leaders face to the Reere the rest of the body passe through to the left following your bringers up placing your selves behinde your leaders This Macedonian counter-march is rather remembred for its antiquity then excellencie as some more of them be neverthelesse if any will be curious to observe the motion it may be performed as followeth The first ranke or file-leaders face to the reere then the last ranke begin the counter-march passing
onely differing in the Aspect for the Lacedemonian turned the Aspect outward The Macedonian turned the Aspect inward And this keeps the Aspect still directed the same way He that knows every way may when time serveth make use of those wayes which are most necessarie and sutable to his present occasion The Proverbe saith Knowledge is no burthen The way to performe this Countermarch is as followeth according to the Command the outmost-file of each flanke stands the rest of the Body faceth to the right and left outward the right flanke passing through to the right the left flanke to the left those of the right-flanke placing themselues on the outside of their right-hand-men in like manner those on the left flanke placing themselues on the outside of their left-hand-men If may be reduced either by any of the foregoing divisionall Countermarches of Ranks or else being faced to any of the flanks then the rankes become files And by divisionall Countermarches of files you may reduce divisionall Countermarches of Ranks or by ranks files onely you must observe some facings Yet for this figure if you please Command the two innermost-files stand the rest face to the right and left inward and so march into their places The next shall be a Countermarch of interchanging of Flanks CHAP. LVI Of Interchanging Ground by the Flanks and bringing the innermost-files of Pikes to become the outmost-ranks The Command is Interchange Flanks THis exchanging of Flanks or Bastard Countermarch is differing from all the other divisionall Countermarches of Ranks for this transferres the right-flanke into the place of the left and the left-flanke into the place of the right It is very apt for to receive a sudden charge from the horse for as soone as they shall be commanded to interchange their flanks they face to the right and left inward and then the innermost-files of the pikes begin the Motion the rest of each flanke following orderly file-wise the pikes porting so soone as they begin to move and charge as they see occasion If need be the pikes may charge at the foot the Muskettiers giving fire over their shoulders If any object that the Pikes have too large a distance they may close at their owne pleasures as soone as they have past through For the reducement you may if you please interchange ground againe neverthelesse if you would reduce it by some other way Countermarch your Flanks into the midst and then an intire Countermarch either of ranke or file will reduce them I might have further enlarged my selfe upon this subject both in Command and Figure but it may be that some will finde fault with these which I have already penned concluding them for nicities and for no service because they cannot presently apprehend for what use or service they may be fit Notwithstanding I would intreat such if any such happen to be my overlookers that they would suspend their censures untill they have fully enformed their judgements Yet thus much I will conclude with them that Countermarches might the best be spared of all the Motions as being least beneficiall to this our Moderne discipline And yet to very good use many of them might serve if our Souldiers were well practised in them Neverthelesse such is the wilfull stupidity of the times that many good and usefull things are disreputed and accounted of no use because the Souldier wanting skill cannot performe them as they ought which would the Officers take more paines by often instructing their Souldiers the hardest Motions would become facile and easie And to say truth the greatest fault is want of skill in those which should give instruction to others and yet they will not sticke to carpe at such as shall shew more than they concluding such things for superfluous and improper which they themselues do not rightly understand But lest I be taxed for digression I will conclude this branch of Discipline with these few lines following SOme burthened are with more command than skill Which had they power suting to their minde You then should see Reason inthral'd to will Nor any 'bove their knowledge should you finde For rather than they 'le study to learne better They wish all wanting none to know a letter So be there many Officers in Bands That neither know themselves nor care for those That skilfull are in Postures and Commands Nor are they carefull which end formost goes They thinke to dice to drabbe to sweare and swill Is skill enough for them Learne more that will And if that any man more forward be For to instruct the Souldier as is fit With such a fellow they cannot agree He is vaine-glorious strives to shew his wit They will be sure to quarrell and deprave him And in their cups perhaps they 'll Such honest hearts as spend both meanes and time To practise others for their Countries good Why should this good be counted for a crime To those that for their Prince would spend their bloud That Countrey sure will best be kept from harmes Whose Subjects pleasure take to practise Armes But on this Subject I 'le no longer bide Of Countermarches Here I 'le take my leave To shew the Wheelings next I shall provide Which follows next of course as I conceive And though with verse my Countermarches close Beginning Wheelings I returne to Prose CHAP. LVII Of wheelings their kindes and uses with their severall words of Command THe next Branch springing from this root of Discipline are wheelings which are of two kindes viz. wheelings Angular and wheelings on the Center as also they are to be conceived in manner of action either intire or divisionall the use of intire wheelings is to turne the aspect of the front proper to the right to the left or reere either for the gaining of the Winde Sunne or some such like advantage or to confront the enemy with their best souldiers Most of the divisionall wheelings being indeed more properly doublings either extending the length or depth of the Battell notwithstanding because I wold not be taxed with innovation or alteration I have according unto the usuall received way placed them amongst the wheelings and now I will shew their words of command or direction But before I enter upon them give me leave to lay downe an observation or two for the better instruction of the Souldiers in their wheelings The first is That before you enter upon your wheelings you close both Rankes and Files to their order which is three foot both in ranke and file The other that upon all wheelings you must be sure to observe your leader and follow him keeping your due distance your Muskettiers being all either poyzed or shouldered your Pikes ought to be advanced The words of Commands are as followeth Wheele your Battell to the Right   Left   Right about  Left  Right  on the same ground Left  Right about Left Wheele off your Front by division   your Front
more ease and to use them with more delight Neither need they to be altogether ignorant seeing there are divers printed portraitures of the postures of each Armes as also books whereby they may have very ample instruction By which having attained some little skill they will not be contented untill they have better improved it by the instruction of their Officers after which they will proue better proficients in one houre then as they were before in a yeare CHAP. LXXI Of firing by forlorne files The manner and use BEfore I enter upon formes and figures of Battel be pleased to observe with me that all firings are either direct or oblique notwithstanding that the formes are full enough of varietie occasioned most times by the scituation of the place the order of the enemy and the number of men with other Politicall observations for the gaining of winde and Sunne For the manner of firings they are sometimes advancing against an enemy sometimes receiving the enemies charge upon a stand or else retreiting Otherwhiles we give fire in the Reere marching from the Enemy or in Flanke marching by an enemy and it may so fall out that the enemy may charge in severall places at once as in Front and Reere or in Front Reere and Flanke Of which particulars I will severally treat desiring to give content to all not making the least question but that benefit may accrue unto some And therefore hoping that the courteous and best qualified will accept of my good meaning and not refuse my cates although presented unto them in earthen vessels whereby I shall be induced with more willingnesse to proceed in my intended discourses so you be pleased to favour me with your better opinions neither rashly condemning me of prodigalitie for enterprising a worke of such consequence as this nor too suddenly accusing my simplicitie for preferring my rush-light before the Sunne when others suffer their Torches to burne out in darke lanternes whom I confesse to be farre more able were they but halfe so willing to have imparted of their Talents to the benefit of their Countrey But seeing that they will not vouchsafe it and that I like bold bayard have adventured thus farre I shall with your good favour proceed And first I will begin with firings in front advancing and standing and so to the rest And for the more cleare expression of each firing I will deliver them both in words and figures The first whereof shall be a firing by forlorne files which commonly is used in our exercise two manner of waies One way is for the two outermost-files of each flank of Musketiers to march forth being led on by the two junior Serjeants so farre as by the superior Commander shall be thought fit who being there to stand the formost ranks are to give fire wheeling off both to the right or to the right and left if it be so commanded and to place themselues in the Reere of their owne files the rest of the ranks firing and doing of the like untill they have fired once or twice over according to their directions This done the next two outmost-files of each flanke are to march forwards unto the place assigned and to do the like those files which formerly faced in the meane time trooping backe and placing themselues next the pikes on the inside of the divisions of Muskettiers the rest of the Muskettiers in like manner marching up and firing still placing themselues next the pikes as aforesaid When they have fired all over and placed themselues according to these directions they are reduced as at first A second way of firing by forlorne files may be after this maÌ„ner The outermost files of each flank are led forth by the Serjeants according to the charge untill they have brought them unto a fit place for execution and then they command their files to ranke inward and to present and fire all together as you may plainly perceive by the figure following The first two files having ranked iâ—â—ard presented and fired are to wheele off to the right and left following their leaders in single file and placing themselves on the inside of their divisions of Muskettiers next the Pikes the next outmost files which followed the first in the reere in the meane time ranking inward firing and wheeling off as before and placing themselves next the Pikes And so forwards for all the rest of the files still marching up and doing the like so long as the Captaine or Commander shall fee fitting These kinde of firings and all such like are either for the beginning of skirmishes before the Bodies come within shot one of another or to provoke the enemy to battaile to draw them from their Trenches into some ambushment and other such politicall ends the number of men which march forth upon such designes nor the manner are not alwayes certaine but consists sometimes of more sometimes of fewer according to the number time and place CHAP. LXXII Of firings by two Ranks ten paces advanced before the front Next even with the front and lastly even with the halfe files Advancing of two rankes to fire ten paces before the front is most commonly used when one or both Battailes march against each other the Muskettiers being led forth by two rankes together ten or twenty paces before the front of the body that so they may come neere enough to doe certaine execution A Serjeant from each flanke leading up the two foremost rankes according as they shall have order the first ranke of each flanke is to present and give fire wheeling either all off to the right or to the right and left as you may perceive by the following Figure The first ranks having presented fired and wheeled off as aforesaid are to march close downe in single file within three foot of their owne flankes untill they come to the Reere of their owne divisions where every man is to place himselfe in the reere of his owne file The second ranke being at the distance of three foot behinde the first ranke when they first tooke their ground they likewise are to rest their Muskets mounting their muzzles cleere of their Leaders and so to stand with their matches cockâ— and pans guarded that so they may levell and fire as soone as their Leaders are cleere of them and wheele off in like manner placing themselves as they were before The next two rankes are to beginne to advance forwards when they see the last of the two former ranks presented ready to fire And they also having fired wheele off as the others did before them And so successively the rest of the ranks advancing fire and wheeling off againe placing themselves according to former directions This way they may give fire once or oftner over as the enemy doth advance or the Commander shall see fitting All this while that the Muskettiers advance so farre before the front if the body be upon march the Pikes may be shouldered but when the bodies come within
twelve score or lesse then it is fit that the Muskettiers give fire even with the front of the Pikes and that the Pikemen advance their Pikes and close forwards to their distance of three foot that so they may be even in ranke with their Muskettiers as you may perceive by the following Figure Now the Pikes being advanced and the rankes closed forwards to their due distance of order the Muskettiers are to present even with the front every ranke successively moving forward untill they come to be even in ranke with the first ranke of Pikes there to give fire and to wheele off to the right and left trooping file-wise downe close to their owne divisions and taking their places in the reere as in the former figures The first ranke of Muskettiers having fired and wheeled away the next ranks are to move forwards at three motions into their places and there to give fire after the same manner wheeling away againe and placing themselves according to former directions every ranke still making good their Leaders ground In this sort the battell may be continued untill they have fired once twice or oftner over and that the Bodies become so close together that the Pikes begin to porte and so at length come to push of Pike Which done the Muskettiers are to give fire either retreiting or else not to advance further then the halfe files of Pikes For in that place the bodies being come so neere together they will doe as much execution as if they were even with the front The manner of the standing you may perceive by the following Figure The Pikes being now come to push the Muskettiers are to advance no further than the halfe files of Pikes that so they may doe execution with their shot and be out of danger of the Pikes This having attained they are there to present and give fire every ranke still moving forwards and maintaining his leaders ground After they have performed their firing they are to wheele off by division as in the former Figures still placing themselves in the reere of their owne files alwaies taking their directions from the Drum either for charging or retreiting c. The battell or charge being ended the reducement is easie The leader of each file being in his place at the head of his file command the Muskettiers to march up even with the front of pikes and then they will be as at first Obserue withall that when the firing is to be performed even with the front then the Muskettiers are stil to make good their leaders ground The want to be in the place of most security which is the Reere as you may perceive by the pricks which I have designed for noting out the empty roomes of such who have closed forwards to make good the ground in the front the others that last fired are wheeled off and trooping downe into their places When the firing is even with the halfe-files they are to do the like unlesse the Drumme beat a retreat for then the Muskettiers neither advance nor retreat but every rank giving fire on the same ground they stand and then wheele off againe that their fellows may do as much Neverthelesse when the forlorne files march forth or that two ranks march forth ten paces or more before the front then they are to give fire as upon a retreit unlesse the enemy flye I will now shew some other wayes of firing in front before I shew the firings in the reere The first whereof shall be the horne Battell as in the Chapter following CHAP. LXXIII Of the Horne-battell how to make it and to reduce it by firing THe Horn-battell may be for the same occasion and use as the firing by two ranks ten paces advancing before the front and is by some held more serviceable because that the muskettiers do their execution more roundly without any intermission of time and keepe themselues without stragling from their bodies Besides the wings of Muskettiers being so advanced are more apt for over-fronting and more easily to be wheeled whereby to charge the enemy in flanke each of these wings or divisions are to be led up by a Serjeant or some other superiour Officer unto the place appointed by the Chiefe But because that it may be performed in time of exercise by the intelligible Souldier observe the Command which produceth this following figure Pikes stand Muskettiers march untill the Bringers up ranke with the front of Pikes The Horne-battell The figure being perfect the firstranke of Muskettiers present and give fire wheeling off either all to the right or to the right and left according as they shall have direction and placing themselues orderly in the Reere of their owne files The next ranke after the same manner firing and wheeling off and placing themselues behinde those which were their leaders Thus is every rank successively to do the like untill they have all given fire If the Commander would still preserve and continue the same figure then let the Muskettiers still move forwards into the ground or place of them that fired before them and the forme will be still the same And if by the Chiefetain it be found necessary that after once or twice firing over the shot should flanke their pikes then the Muskettiers must not advance into their leaders ground but to the contrary every ranke is to present and fire on the same ground they stand and that so soone as they are cleere of their leaders Or if need be the pikes may advance and march up to make their front iâ—tire which being done the file-leaders of Muskettiers being in front they are reduced CHAP. LXXIIII Of the Demie-hearse Battell The use of the figure how to make it and to reduce it by firing THe next firing in Front which I present unto you is the Demie Hearse which is a figure most firme most sollid and most stable yea and doth as much execution as any of the former and that with halfe the danger For the pikes in the former figure they either ranke even with the front of Muskets or else the division of Muskettiers being open they become liable to the danger of the enemies shot themselues not being able to do any thing either offensive or defensive But to the contrary in this figure they are securely covered by their owne Muskettiers untill they approach nearer to the enemy Whereby they may be able to do some service either by sending their showres of arrows amongst them for bringing their array out of order or else by closing neerer come to the shocke and so try the fortune of the day But not to hold you longer in circumstance take the words of command which produce the figure as followeth Pikes stand Muskettiers advance before your Front of Pikes and close your Divisions The Demic-hearse For the firings on this figure they may be divers yet I shall content my selfe onely to shew two of them The first is that the Muskettiers may at the discretion
of the Commander give fire in front and so wheele off by division or all to the right as shall best please him that commands in Chiefe placing themselues in the Reere of their owne divisions and files of shot which is just before the front of pikes The next ranks then moving forwards into their leaders ground are to present fire wheele off and place themselues after the same manner the rest of the ranks of Muskettiers doing the like untill they have all given fire which firing doth nothing alter the forme or figure of battell Having fired once or twice over this way the second firing shall serue for reducement which is indeed the firing intended to be exprest by this figure And that I may by words the more clearly explaine the worke take these directions following The first ranke having given fire are to wheele equally off by division each part falling file-wise downe close by their flanks of Muskettiers untill the leaders of the ranks of Muskets come downe as low as the first ranke of pikes which being performed they are to face outwards and to move so farre forth in a strait line untill they have ranked even with the first ranke of pikes But herewithall are they to observe that they must leave an Intervall betweene the innermost-musket of each flanke and the outermost-file-leader of the pikes So soone as the first ranke hath given fire and wheeled away the second ranke is to give fire wheeling off as before and passing downe betweene the Intervals on the flanks placing themselues after their leaders The same is every ranke successively to do untill all the Muskettiers are drawne from before the front and placed on the flanke of their pikes But when there are not above two ranks of Muskettiers to give fire then the pikes may port and when the Muskettiers have fired and are wheeled away they may charge And lastly the pikes being re-advanced the body stands reduced as at first CHAP. LXXV Of giving Fire advancing by way of Introduction with the beneficiall use of the Bow and Pike I Shall next offer to your perusall a figure of Introduction which is a passing through or betweene Being a firing by way of advancing against the enemy and of gaining ground I will not dispute how usefull it is but sure I am it is over-ballanced with danger As for such whom I haue seene to practise it they have rather used it for varietie in a well experienced Company then for any knowne excellency it hath in it selfe But if these lines happen to be over-lookt by any that preserues a better opinion of this firing by introduction then I do I shall be willing to leave them to their owne liking while I in the meane time proceed to shew the manner of the execution which is usually one of these two wayes The first when the Motion is begun by the second ranke from the front The other when it is begun by the Bringers up Neverthelesse you must note that your files of Muskettiers must be opened to their open order before the firing begin that so the Muskettiers may passe betweene the Intervals of each file to give fire in the front And therefore take the words of Command and Direction which will produce this Figure following Muskettiers make ready to give fire by introduction to the right Files of Muskettiers open by Division to your open order This firing by introduction may be thus performed The Pikes being flankt with their Muskettiers the first ranke of each flanke present and give fire having fired they stand and make ready againe in the same place The second ranke passing forwards before the first doe there fire and stand the third rank then passing forwards after the second and standing even in ranke with them that first fired that so soone as the second ranke hath fired they may quickly step before them and fire in like manner In this firing still the ranke which is next to fire stands even in ranke with them which last fired untill those which stand presented have likewise given fire after which they then passe before them the Ranke which was their next followers passing forwards and ranking with those which last fired every man following his Leader successively untill the Bringers up give fire stand and then the Figure will become a Horne battell All the while that this firing by Introduction is continued the Pikes may be shouldered if there be no feare of horse or otherwise at discretion If you continue this firing twice over the Muskettiers will have their right places which being done march up your Pikes to ranke even with your Muskettiers in front and they are reduced For the other way of firing by introduction the first ranke or file-leaders are to give fire as before and to stand the last ranke or bringers up in the interim of their firing marching up and ranking even with the second ranke the rest following their Bringers up as they do when Bringers up double their front The first ranke having fired the Bringers up step immediately before them present and give fire the rest stil successively doing the like untill every rank have given fire once over Observe withal that the file-leaders are to give fire twice over being the first the last then to stand the Pikes marching up even with their front of Muskettiers And thus they are reduccd as at first The Pikemen all the time of this firing doe no service Notwithstanding if one halfe of them had bowes fastened unto their Pikes being able and well practised men they might whilest the Muskettiers are in firing be dealing of their doles about and although their arrowes did not happen to wound mortally yet the whisteling noyse the terrour of the sight and the severall hurts which could not chuse but be many would be a great abatement to the stoutest courages And great pitty it is to see the lusty Pike-man poorely to droppe downe by the Musket-shot himselfe not being able to hurt his enemy at that distance nor defend himselfe CHAP. LXXVI The way to make the Diamond Battell severall waies to fire upon it with divers other figures and firings which are thereby produced THe Diamond Battell is also a firing in front though more for shew then moderne service yet because that some hold it in venerable respect I thought fit to place it amongst the rest leaving every man to his liking either to use it or refuse it It may be that some will looke that I should make the Sheere Battell the Wedge the Saw and many such like which might be made either hollow or sollid But I shall intreate such to spare me for I would not willingly spend time to so small purpose chusing rather to insist on Figures more profitable for them and commendable for mee Yet if any man have a minde to practise any of them by observation of this Diamond Battell he may easily make them But not to hold you longer with circumstance
to the other and so facing of them outward they will make reasonable good defence on those parts c. Having given fire upon the crosse battell and brought your Muskets to the reere of the Pikes if you would reduce them passe into the midst of Center of the Figure and face all both Muskettiers and Pikemen to you and cause those which were the flankers to close their divisions Next wheele the fronts into the midst of the two other divisions then move to the front proper and face the whole body to you and so you shall have all your Muskettiers in the midst flanked with Pikes If you would reduce them into their right places command the Muskettiers to face to the right and left outward the Pikes to face to the right and left inward and so to passe through and interchange ground thus being rightly faced they are reduced CHAP. XCVIII Of the hollow-fronted Crosse Battell how to make it with a private Company and the way to fire upon it c. THis next Figure shall be of the hollow-fronted Crosse which is a stronger forme than that last shewne and yet thus much let me warne you of that there can be but little expectation of strength to be perceived in Battels formed with so small a number This notwithstanding the ingenious Martialists can easily discerne those things which in warre may prove most usefull for his owne and his Countries benefit although they are here expressed to the publique view in so meane array and in such thinne numbers Wherefore setting aside all Apologies and excuses I will briefly shew the words of Command and direction which will produce the following Figure The two first rankes wheele your front into the midst The two last ranks wheele your reere into the midst The rest face to the right and left and march untill they have made the perfect Crosse Lastly cause the Muskettiers to flanke their Pikes according to this following Figure The severall directions for firing upon this Figure may be divers But to avoyd distraction I will shew onely one way and that directed to the front reere and flankes Neverthelesse for varieties sake you may cause them to give fire once over wheeling off by division and placing themselves in the reere of their owne divisions still moving forwards into their leaders ground thereby to preserve the Figure in the same order At the second time of firing cause the Pikes to move softly up even with the front of Muskettiers porting as they advance forwards The Muskettiers having fired and wheeled off are to place themselves in the reere of their divisions of Pikes whom before they flanked every ranke of Muskettiers firing wheeling off and placing themselves as aforesaid Lastly the Pikes having charged and againe readvanced the body will stand in the Figure of a perfect Crosse For the reducement it is the same with the Crosse-Battell delivered in the 97 Chapter Wherefore I shall need to adde no further directions in this place for the said reducement then that the flanke divisions are to be closed and the front and reere divisions to be wheeled that the body may be againe returned into a square with the Muskettiers in the middle All this being here taught I now proceed to shew one firing with the Muskettiers in that order CHAP. XCIX Of firing upon the square Battell flanked with Pikes THe square battell flanked with Pikes must needs bee very safe for the Muskettiers as being a very able defence for the flankes against the incursions of the enemies horse The Figure followeth just â—s the Muskettiers are in motion The wayes or manners of giving fire upon this figure are ordinarily three The first firing is with the Aspect being directed to the front the Muskettiers wheeling either all off to the right or to the right and left as you perceive by this figure The second is for the Muskettiers to give fire to the reere upon a march which they may easily do from this figure The third is to give fire to the front and reere upon a stand the halfe-files being faced about If the firing be performed to the front then every ranke is to march up into their leaders ground If the firing be to the Reere upon a march then the ranks contrariwise close backwards towards the Reere to make good the Battell on that part If it be to the front and reere upon a stand then the Muskettiers march up into their leaders ground and those which have fired and are wheeled off place themselues in the Reere of their owne divisions To write further of this firing were more then necessarie no one of these firings any wayes altering the figure but the Aspect onely Neverthelesse if the Commander please he may after the firing in front wheele both flanks into the front and so charge pikes and from thence proceed to other firings If the firing were in the reere he may wheele the flanks into the Reere and cause his pikes to charge that way If the firing were to the front and reere he may wheele both flanks into the front and reere and so charge with his pikes both wayes Which by Captaine Bingham is called Amphistomus Before I come to reducement I shall proceed to the next firing in the ensuing Chapter CHAP. C. Of the Plinthium or foure-fronted-battell by us called the Crosse of Muskets flanked with Pikes THe Foure-fronted Battell is a figure both steady and serviceable being usefull as well for a march thereby securing the carriage and all other such like necessaries as for fight For if it should so happen as it often doth that you should be charged in front reere and flanks all at one and the same time then are there both Muskets and Pikes so placed that each Armes is assisting to the other For seeing that neither Muskettiers nor Pikemen alone can be singly sufficient of themselues to withstand the able and resolute horseman without great advantage of ground on the contrary the Muskettiers and Pikes being conjoyned into one body and being well ordered they are not onely able to defen'd themselues against their furie but also to put them to the worser Yet this must not be understood of raw and unskitfull Souldiers whose ignorance is cause of diffidence but of hardy experienced and well exercised men such as know well how to demeane themselues couragiously in time of fight The words of Command and direction which produce the figure are as followeth Halfe-files of Pikes face to the Reere and march untill they are cleare of the last ranke of Muskettiers Secondly command Halfe-files of Muskettiers face to the right and left then march betweene the divisions of Pikes Thirdly command Left halfe-ranks of the first division of Muskets face to the Reere and march betweene the Reere divisions of Pikes Lastly Having evened their ranks straitened their files and closed their divisions to an equall distance and being rightly faced the body will stand like the following figure The
reduce it INfinite are the formes and figures of Battell which may be made yet all differing either in circumstances or in matter Some of them are Sollid others Hollow some of them again being Trines Squares Hearses Cirtes Crosses Diamonds Plinthiums Plesiums Paramekes and infinite others Some of them taking their denomination from the nature of their numbers Others according to the placing of each Armes A third sort taking their names from things they most resemble all of them being necessarie to be knowne to such which would be accounted skilfull Serjeant-Majors that with all numbers upon all occasions they may readily bring their Souldiers into any forme or figure of battell according as the time the number and place will give them leave for opposition of horse foot or both together But to returne backe to our single Company the worke of this Chapter being to shew the Plesium or long square In which the Muskettiers are halfe in the midst of the Pikes and the other halfe equally divided and placed on the 4. Angles of the battell the pikes making 4. divisions as being placed upon the front reere and flanke Yet not to hold you with longer circumstance take these words of command and direction which produce the following figure Halfe-files double your front to the left entire Onely do not close them to make one Body That being done your Body will be but 4. deepe Next command the 2. outmost flanks of each Body to double inward by division For better satisfaction observe these directions First see the halfe-ranks of the outmost flanks faced to the front and reere and that they march untill they are cleare of the standing part of the battell Secondly cause the halfe-ranks of the right-flank and the halfe-ranks of the left-flanke to face in opposition and to close their divisions the two first ranks of each flanke moving crosse the front of the standing part of the body and the two last ranks of each flanke moving crosse the reere Then the whole body facing to the front they will stand as in this figure If you would give fire upon this figure it may be performed either to the front and reere to the right and left or to all foure together But which way soever the firing be let the Aspect of the Muskettiers in the midst be turned the same way and cause the pikes which stand before them to charge at the foot and the Muskettiers in the Center to gâ—ve fire over them The first ranke having fired let them kneele or crouch low upon the ground making ready againe whilest the next ranks behinde them give fire and do the like and so forwards for the rest Having all fired once over this way let them rise up and if need be give fire over againe after the same manner The Muskettiers on the Angles in the interim giving fire after the ordinary way wheeling off and falling in the reere of the Muskettiers of their own divisions the others in the meane time moving forwards and making good their leaders ground This being done and the pikes having charged the figure will stil continue to be the same without alteration And that as well in men as matter if so be the firing be performed according to the former direction For reducement command the two first ranks and two last ranks to face to the right and left all marching forth untill they are cleere of the standing part of the bodie Next command them to stand then face them to the right and left and close their divisions This being done let them face all to their leader Lastly by commanding the halfe-files to face about to the right and to march forth into their places you shall see them fully to be reduced I might have further enlarged my selfe upon this subject of firings and figures of Battell yea and shewed varieties enow of Trine Battels round battels the crosse and round in one the sollid-square impaled besides infinite other kindes But I have already advanced further then I at first intended though well I hope no further then will be freely and lovingly accepted Which if it be I shall conceive my selfe to have received a gratefull and most ample satisfaction The hope whereof doth somewhat encourage me to proceed a little further And as I have already shewed divers and severall Motions with their formes and figures of Battell yea and in all or the most part of them as I have not onely given the words of command and direction to produce them from the ordinary square but also together with the demonstration of the figure and direction for the firing I have in like manner given direction for the reducements againe into the ordinary square So now for the satisfaction of some of the quainter sort of Souldiers give me leave to multiply one figure upon another untill that by firings I reduce firings For the performance whereof that I may observe some method I will digest them into the way of Exercise c. CHAP. CV The first daies Exercise HAving brought your Company into a place convenient where you intend to exercise them if you have time enough you may cause the file leaders Corporals oâ— Serieants to instruct them in the Postures and true using of their Armes Wherein having spent some time to the benefit of the Company upon the first summons of the Drum each file-leader with his file is to march into his place The Captaine or other Commander being at the head of his Company commands them to even their rankes and to straiten their Pikes and stand in their order both in ranke and file If your Ensigne be not already in the field but in some place neere at hand then cause your two innermost files of pikes to advance commanding a Serjeant with a Drum to troop them along to the place of ReÌ„dezvouz there to fetch their Colours If the place be not nigh at hand take as many files of Muskettiers Having brought the Ensigne to the head of the Pikes each file returnes into his place the Officers likewise withdrawing their severall stations Silence being commanded the Captain or other Commander begins first to instruct the Souldiers in the severall distances betwixt ranke and file with the waies to open and close to them And if hee thinke fit to instruct them in the severall uses of each distance Next after distance they are to be instructed in the †facings then in the doublings next in the Countermarches and lastly in the wheeling In each of which they are to be instructed according to the opportunity of the time and place but especially is the capacity of the Souldier to be observed Wherein the Captaine may doe very well in each of the motions to lay downe some speciall rules and observations by which the Souldier may the better understand what he is to doe and how the best way to performe it After the motions ended let them prepare for skirmish And first
you may cause them to give fire with forlorne files marching forth twenty paces or thereabouts before the front Having all fired over that way they may give fire once over by advancing two rankes together ten paces before the front Then let them give fire even with the front and then with the halfe-files the Pikes porting or charging according to discretion The Pikes being advanced and the Muskettiers marched up even with their front you may either face about wheele about or Countermarch and so give fire in the reere Your Pikes then being shouldered and your Muskettiers having fired over in the reere you may if you please wheele your flankes into the front and so charge Pikes to the reere Which done wheele your front into the midst passe into your place and face them to you Then if you will you may passe your Muskettiers of the left flanke through betweene the rankes of Pikes and place them next to the right flanke of Pikes opening the right flanke of Muskettiers to give them way Then let the Pikes shoulder and Muskettiers give fire to the right upon a march their leaders leading them up betweene the Pikes and their owne divisions of Muskettiers Having fired once over in this way let them continue their firing to the right each leader leading up his file on the outside of the left flanke of Pikes Then let the Pikes advance even whilest the last file is giving of fire and so soon as the Pikes are cleere of the Muskettiers let them face all to the right and charge Having advanced your Pikes and faced your body againe to the left you may then wheele your Battell about to the right and then facing the whole body to the left the Muskettiers will be all in front Then let your Muskettiers give fire and either wheele all off to the right thereby making an Intervalle for the left flanke or else let them wheele off by division placing themselves in the reere of their owne divisions of Muskettiers Having given fire once or oftner over that way let them give fire againe and wheele off by division ranking even with their Pikes That being done cause the Pikes to charge the Muskettiers giving fire once over on that Figure The Pikes being advanced face the whole body to the right and cause the Muskettiers to stand and the Pikes to open to the right and left and so to make the hollow square Then you may if you please command the Ensigne to display his Colours in the midst of the hollow in signe of triumph the body either standing or marching After which command the Pikes to close their divisions Which being performed command the reere division of Muskettiers to double their front of Pikes by division and then they will stand in forme of Captaine Wallers Triple firing Let them give fire upon that Figure and fall off againe according to the directions upon that Figure Which being performed and the Pikes charged and readvanced the body will be absolutely reduced as at the first it was before you began your firings These firings may with the motions be sufficient for the first daies Exercise Wherefore for this time we will lodge our Colours untill by the summons of the Drum we are called forth to the second daies practise CHAP. CVI. The second dayes Exercise HAving brought your Souldiers the second time into the field the body being drawne up into the ordinary square and every Officer vigilant in his place the Captaine commandeth silence with some other generall termes of observation both for the leaders and right hand men Having thus commanded them as before to even their rankes and to straiten their files he proceeds to shew as formerly the distances the facings the doublings the Countermarches and the wheelings therewithall instructing them either in all or so many of them as the time will permit and he thinkes convenient Ever by the way observing that in the Proverbe A thing once well done is twice done That Commander that exerciseth his Souldiers with good language and with sollid reasons shall make them better proficients then he that shall use rigid termes and rough hands After the postures distances and severall motions that which next followes for this daies exercise are firings and figures of battell So soone therefore as the Drum begins to beat a preparative the Muskettiers are to begin to make ready And first you may cause them to give fire on the Horne Battell still marching up into their leaders ground by that meanes preserving their Figure Secondly let the Muskettiers close their diuisions before their Pikes and then give fire upon the demie-Hearse-Battell falling off presently either all to the right the one halfe passing downe an Intervalle or to the right and left by division and placing themselves in the reere of their owne divisions of Muskettiers The third time of their firing let them wheele off by division and flanke their Pikes and when they have fired over that way let the Pikes charge For the fourth firing let them give fire even with the front of Pikes wheeling off to the right and left and placing themselves in the reere of their owne divisions Then let them fire even with the halfe-files wheeling off by division and placing themselves in the reere of the Pikes The Pikes you are to understand ought to charge all the time of the last firing who being advanced you are to wheele your Battell about to the right or left Then your Muskettiers being in the reere of your Pikes let your sixt firing be to the reere the Muskettiers wheeling off by division and placing themselves before the front of their owne divisions of Muskettiers and next behinde the reere of Pikes Having fired once over that way let them give fire ouer againe and flanke their Pikes which being in like manner performed Command them to wheele their flankes into the front and then face to the reere and charge pikes at the inside of the right foot with their swords drawne in their right hands Let the seventh firing be discharged over their pikemen wheeling either all off to the right through Intervals or else by division and placing themselues in the reere of their owne files Otherwise for want of room the first ranke of Muskettiers having given fire let them kneel or crouch low upon the ground and make ready againe the second ranke in like manner firing and kneeling and so for the rest Having all fired once over in that manner let the Pikes advance and put up their swords the Muskettiers in like manner are to rise then to even their ranks and streighten their files For the eighth firing you may face the body to the reere or if you will continue your firing the same way then wheele your battell about and having opened your Intervals your forme will be the broad fronted Phalange or broad fronted Battell Let these give fire the first time falling
at their first order For the twelfth firing make the hollow Square girdled with shot let them give fire upon that figure both without and within according to the directions for that firing Let the Pikes charge and reduce them in the same manner as I have discoursed upon that figure For the thirteenth firing Make the Plesium as you shall finde directions in the 104. Chapter Having made it given fire upon it and reduced it as at first Let the fourteenth and last firing for this exercise be the Hollow Hearse and Crosse Turne backe to the 103. Chapter where you may finde ample instructions for the making firing and reducing of it And lastly that you may conclude with triumph cause your Ensigne to be displayed in the middle of the Hollow Crosse and then having fired charged pikes and reduced your men according to the directions on that figure your men will be as at first And therefore seeing that by this time night is come and our powder gone we will here give conclusion to our sixth dayes Exercise Wherefore that you may observe some forme in the lodging of our Colours cause your Muskettiers to march in the front of your pikes Then as as they march let them invert to the right and left which is when the Ranks file to the right and left by division Then cause all your Muskettiers to face in opposition to cocke their Matches guard their Pans and rest their Muskets In the meane time let the pikes advance and close their ranks and files to their order Which being done the Captaine Lieutenant Ensigne and Drummes beating a Troope at the head of the pikes passe through this Guard into the appointed place for the alledgement of the Ensigne Then the Serjeants cause the Muskettiers to face all about to the right and present and upon the first beat of the Drumme they all give fire in one Volley And now having performed our sixth dayes Exercise the Drumme beats a Call and makes proclamation that every man may depart unto his severall home untill his next Summons into the Field FINIS The Contents of every Chapter contained in this Booke Chap. 1. COncerning Postures and handling of Armes page 1. The Postures of the Musket page 3 2 Of the Postures of the Pike page 7 3 Of the Drum page 11 4 Of Rankes and Files their places and dignities p. 13 5 Reasons for precedency of dignity in Rankes and Files page 15 6 Of severall Distances page 20 7 Of marching a Company in divisions at length the order and places of the Officers and againe drawing them into forme of battell p. 24 8 Of drawing the Divisions up into a square p. 26 9 What is facing and the use of the word whether to be used or refused p. 28 10 Of facing square and how to performe it the usefulnesse of Facings and the severall parts thereof page 30 11 Of Doublings the use and parts p. 34 12 Of Inversion and Conversion and of doubling Rankes p. 40 Chap. 13 Of doublings of Ftles page p. 42 14 Of doublings by Bringers up p. 43 15 Of doublings of Files outward and inward page 46 16 Of doubling by halfe Files p. 48 17 Of doublings the Reere by Front halfe Files page 50 18 Of doubling the Reere by Countermarch p. 53 19 Of doubling Flankes by wayes of Countermarch page 54 20 Of doubling halfe Files to the right intire to accommodate the doubling of halfe Rankes p. 57 21 The difference betweene intire and divisionall doublings and of doubling halfe Files intire p. 61 22 Of doubling the Front inward intire p. 63 23 Of halfe Files doubling the Front by division page 66 24 Of doubling the Reere by division p. 67 25 Of doubling the Reere intire by the front halfe Files p. 70 26 Of doubling by halfe ranke intire p. 72 27 Of doubling of Flankes by division p. 75 28 Of doubling Rankes intire p. 77 29 Of doubling Files intire advancing p. 79 30 Of Files doubling their depth p. 82 31 Of Conversion and Inversion with their words of Command and reducements p. 85 32 Of Files siling in sequence p. 88 33 Of inverting Ranks or Ranks filing p. 90 34 Of Ranks filing by division and how usefull page 92 Chap. 35 Of the severall parts of Conversion and how they are to be understood page p. 94 36 Of Rankes wheeling by conversion p. 97 37 Of Files ranking in equall part p. 101 38 The conclusion of Doublings p. 105 39 Of Countermarches The antiquity and words of direction p. 108 40 Of the Chorean Countermarch and the way to performe it p. 112 41 Of Countermarching to loose ground p. 114 42 Of Countermarches to gaine ground or the Macedonian Countermarch p. 117 43 Of the Bastard Countermarch p. 119 44 Of Countermarching Rankes to maintaine ground p. 121 45 Of Countermarching Rankes to loose ground p. 122 46 Of the Macedonian Countermarch by Rank p. 124 47 Of Countermaching Front and Reere to the middest p. 125 48 Of bringing Front and Reere together into the middest by the Bastard Countermarch p. 128 49 Of Countermarching to make a large intervall between the first and last Ranke p. 130 50 Of making a large Intervall between the first last Rankes by the Macedonian Countermarch p. 132 51 Of interchanging ground p. 134 52 Of countermarching the flanks or wings into the midst of the Battell p. 136 Chap. 53 Of countermarching to take the ground before the flankes page p. 138 54 Of Countermarching to take the ground on the out side of the Flankes and to direct their Aspects inwards p. 140 55 Of taking the ground on the outside of the flanks not altering the Aspects p. 142 56 Of Interchanging Ground by the Flanks and bringing the innermost files of Pikes to become the outmost rankes p. 144 57 Of wheeling their kindes and uses with their severall words of Command p. 148 58 Of wheelings Anguler p. 150 59 Of wheeling on the Center p. 152 60 Of wheeling off by division p. 154 61 Of wheeling the Front inward towards the Reere p. 156 62 Of bringing the Flanks into the Front of the Battell p. 158 63 Of wheeling the Reere into the midst of the Battell p. 161 64 Of wheeling the right flanke into the midst of the Battell p. 164 65 Of wheeling the left Flanke into the midst of the Battell p. 167 66 Of wheeling Front and Reere into the midst of the Battell p. 169 67 Of wheeling the flanks into the midst of the Battell p. 172 68 Of making men file-leaders successively the files being eight deepe p. 176 Chap. 69 Of making men file-leaders succesâ—ively the files being but sixe deepe page p. 179 70 Of drawing the Files againe into a Body and preparing them for a skirmist p. 183 71 Of firing by forlorne files The manner and use page 186 72 Of firings by two Ranks ten paces advanced before the front Next even with the front and lastly even with the halfe files p. 190 73 Of
the Horne-battell how to make it and to reduce it by firing p. 195 74 Of the Demie-hearse Battell The use of the figure how to make it and to reduce it by firing p. 198 75 Of giving fire advancing by way of Introduction with the beneficiall use of the Bow and Pike page 201 76 The way to make the Diamond Battell severall wayes to fire upon it with divers other figures and firings which are thereby produced p. 204 77 Of the Convex Halfe Moone The use of the Figure and of severall wayes of firing upon it p. 211 78 Of Extraduction the severall uses firings and Reducements p. 215 79 Of the Broad fronted Battell with the wayes of firing upon it p. 218 80 Of dismarching or firing in the Reere the severall wayes and how they ought to be performed p. 221 81 Of firings in flanke in generall and more particularly of the gathering firing p. 226 82 The second manner of giving fire to the flanke p. 229 Chap. 83 A firing in flanke led off by the Bringers up page p. 131 84 The difference betweene Firings in Flanke marching and of bringing the Muskettiers on the outside of the Pikes p. 234 85 Of Firing in Flanke aud placing the Muskettiers in the midst of the Battell of Pikes with other firings from thence proceeding p. 237 86 Of firing to the front and reere upon a march p. 242 87 A second way of firing to the front and reere p. 245 88 A firing to the reere and right flanke marching p. 247 89 Of firing to both flanks marching p. 249 90 A firing to both Flanks standing p. 251 91 Captaine Wallers Triple firing to the Front p. 254 92 A firing tripartite doing execution to the front reere and right flanke p. 257 93 Of the Sconce Battell p. 259 94 Of firing by three files at once two of them standing oblique the other direct p. 262 95 A firing oblique by foure files together in forme of a W. p. 264 96 Of the Fort Battell the way to make and to reduce it p. 266 97 Of the crosse Battell the way to make it with a private Company How to fire upon it and to reduce it p. 268 98 Of the hollow-fronted Crosse Battell how to make it with a private Company and the way to fire upon it c. p. 272 99 Of firing upon the square Battell flanked with Pikes p. 274 100 Of the Plinthium or fouá¹™e-fronted-battell by us called the Crosse of Muskets flanked with Pikes p. 276 101 Of the Hollow Square for march p. 280 102 Of the hollow Hearse and the Crosse p. 283 103 Of the Hollow Square 〈◊〉 dled with shot p. 286 104 Of the Sollid Square with Muskettiers in Center and Angles The way to make the figure with a private Companiâ— how to fire upon it and to reduce it p. 291 105 The first dayes Exercise p. 297 106 The second dayes Exercise p. 299 107 The third Dayes Exercise p. 304 108 The fourth dayes Exercise p. 308 109 The fifth dayes Exercise p. 313 110 The sixth dayes Exercise p. 320 FINIS Faults escaped in the Printing PAge 17. line 5. for and reade ad p. 25. l. 32. r. before p. 34. first line of the 11. Chap. 〈◊〉 p. 36. in the margent r. particle p. 64 l. 13. r. armies p 74. l. 9. 4. all 〈◊〉 â—8 l. 8. r. least p. 86 l. 6. r. or p. 86. l. 19 r. to p. 87. l. 8. r. without p. 87. l 2◠〈◊〉 drawne a figure p 89. l 6. r. left p. 89. l. 17. r. file-wise p. 97. l. the last r. 〈◊〉 p. 106. l. 3. r. one p. 108. l. 9. r. in p. 112. l. 5. r. before p. 117. l. 4. r. 〈◊〉 leaders p. 119. l. 19. 20. r. and with the Chorean it holds no affinity p. â—24 the last line r. be as at first p. 127. the 2 m m which stand for the ouâ—â—ost file-leaders to the right stand quite contrary p. 137. l. 5. r. to p. 140. â—he figure seâ— wrong p 152 l. 8. r. â—oo p. 1â—6 l. 11. r. flanks p. 173. l. 13. r. oâ—â—rmost p. 176. l. 32. r. figured p. â—07 l. 14. r. commanded p. 217. l 4. r. uâ— p. 250. l. 8. r. firing p. 269. l 18. r. them p. 271. l. 11. r. armes p 292. l. 13. r. flanks p. 293. the title of the figure r. Plesium p. 296. l. 6. r. to her severall c. p. 297. the marginall note opposite to the aâ— line r. instead of one file and close One file of Muskettiers to give fire and close p. 302 l. the 9. for hâ—â—swise r herswise p. 306. l. 27. for Leader r. Leaders p 311. l. 17 for overhead r. overhand Charge to the Reere is to be understood alwayes to the left about because it is 3. times a nearer way then charging to the right about What is a Ranke What is a File * In the Tacticks of Aeâ—an lib. 1. the Notes of the 10. Chapter In motion of Files you are to observe your Leader In motion of Rankes you are to observe your right hand man In the exercise of the motion of facings you are to be at open order in Ranke and File When you face to any hand in the Reducement you are to returne by the contrary When your Souldiers begin any motion let them advance their Armes When they come to a stand and have performed their motion let them order their Armes Intire Divisionall Angular The distance for particular and divisionall doublings is open order in Ranke and File Note that the ordinary doublings of Rankes and Files is or ought to be performed by three steps first stepping forth with that foot which is next unto the place named and in the reducement to returne by the contrary hand Note that in these doublings of ranks and files if you double rankes to either hand doubling of files to the contrary reduceth them Or in doubling of files to any hand doubling of ranks to the contrary will reduce them Note that upon all motions of doublings that they that are to double before they move from their places are to advance their Armes When they have performed their doubling they are to conforme to the Posture of those whom they double whether it be Order Advance or Shoulder Note that all entire doublings are to be performed at Order both in Ranke and File Note that in the doubling of Ranks the even Ranks are to double into the odde beginning alwaies to reckon from the first Rank In doubling of Files note if the doubling be to the left as in this Figure then every man of the even Files steps behinde his left hand man at three steps every even File doubling into the odde files beginning your account with the outmost File to the hand named as I have formerly said * In this doubling of Ranks by Bringers up as likewise in all other of like nature they that are to move are to adxance their Armes But if the Commander please
for Skirmish Then if you please you may cause three or foure of the first firings to be performed by light Skirmishing before the Front and that with loose Ranks or Files or both either some of those or such like as I have formerly spoken off in the preceding Exercises After which for your next firing cause your Half-files to open to the right and left by equall division untill the Reere Divisions of Pikes stands right after the Muskettiers of the Front-division Now the Muskettiers standing in foure Divisions let them all present and give fire to the Front wheeling all off to the right and placing themselves in the Reere of their own divisions of like Armes each Ranke still making good the Leaders ground Having given fire once or twice over on this Figure For the second firing cause the Front-division to give fire to the Front and the two Reere divisions to each Flanke in a March The Front-division with fires in Ranke wheele all off to the right placing themselves in the Reere of their ownc Divisions of Muskettiers the other Divisions with fire in flanke leading up their files betweene their owne divisions of Muskettiers and the Pikes Having given fire once or oftner over according to discretion this way let the third firing be performed upon a stand For the which cause your reere-divisions to facc to the right and left outward the front-division still to continue the same aspect Then let the Muskettiers give fire those of the right flanke wheeling off to the right and the contrary flanke to the contrary hand the Muskettiers of the front division placing themselues in the reere of their owne divisions of Muskets the Muskettiers of the reere divisions placing themselues in the reere of the reere divisions of Pikes each ranke of Muskettiers still making good his leaders ground When they have fired all over let the Pikes charge to front and both flanks Having advanced your Pikes againe and faced your body to the front proper each Armes still standeth in three divisions Then let the fourth firing be to the reere and both flanks upon a march And to that end open your front-divisions of Muskettiers to the right and left untill they are cleere of the reere-divisions of Pikes that so they be not troublesome unto them in their march Then let your pikes shoulder and the Muskettiers give fire the front divisions of Muskettiers firing in flanke and leading up on the inside of their owne divisions The Muskettiers of the reere division giving fire in the reere in ranke wheeling off by division and placing themselves in the front of their owne divisions of Muskettiers Having fired once over and the Pikes charged let your fifth firing be to the Reere and both flankes upon a stand In the which let the half-files both Muskettiers and Pikes face to the Reere the Front-division to the right and left and so give fire one each part those that fire to the flankes wheeling off and placing themselves in the Reere of their divisions of Pikes and the Muskets of the Reere divisions wheeling off to the right and left and placing themselves in the Reere of their owne divisions of Musketties each Ranke moving forward into their Leaders ground Having fired over let the Pikes charge The Pikes being againe advanced face the whole body to the proper front and then all the Muskettiers will be in the midst and the Pikemen on the flankes For the sixth firing cause your half-rankes of the left double your right flanke by division For further directions looke back to the tripartite firing which you shall find Chap. 92. Having fired over that way charged and re-advanced your pikes face the whole body to their former front For your seventh firing cause the front and reere divisions of Muskettiers and Pikes to face to the right the rest of the body both Muskets and Pikes to the left Let the Muskettiers give fire and wheele all off either to the right or left and place themselves in the reere of their following divisions of Pikes each ranke still moving up into their leaders ground When there rest but two rankes of each division to fire let the Pikes port Having all fircd and wheeled away let the Pikes charge Then face the whole body to their first front and command the first and last foure rankes to face to the left and to march untill they are cleere of the standing part of the Body Then cause the front halfe-files to face to the left the reere halfe-files to the right and so to close their divisions and after that to face towards their leader For the eight firing make the sollid Square girdled with Muskettiers For the which draw halfe the files of the right flanke of Muskettiers crosse the front and halfe the files of Muskettiers of the left flanke crosse the reere Then face the whole body both Muskets and Pikes to the front reere and flankes This done let the Muskettiers give fire and wheele off by division placing themselves in the reere of their owne divisions of Muskettiers All the time of this firing the Pikemen being in the middle of the Muskettiers have good opportunity if the enemy be neere to gall them with their thicke showers of feathered shot The Muskettiers in the meane time having fired once twice or oftner over on this Figure draw your files of Muskettiers backe againe into their places Then having faced the whole body to the proper front let your ninth firing be Captaine Wallers double firing to the front and reere after this manner First wheele front and reere into the right flanke then face them all the same way they were before which done cause the halfe-files to face to the reere and command the Muskettiers which are in the reere of each division of Pikes to double their front of Pikes by division Then let them face about and close their divisions and so having refaced them as they were let them give fire wheele off and charge according to directions on Captaine Wallers Figure For the tenth firing let them face to the right and left and give fire to both flankes upon a stand wheeling off by division and flanking their Pikes When the Pikes have charged and are againe advanced let the Captaine passe to the front accidentall of the left flanke and face the rest of the body to him and in the next place wheele their flanks into the front and so all the Muskettiers will be in the front and by facing the whole body to the left all the Muskettiers will be on the right flanke Let the eleventh figure be the Diamond Battell Having given fire two or three severall wayes according to the directions upon that figure charged Pikes and reduced them againe into the Square face the body about to the right and passe the Muskettiers which belong to the right flanke betweene the ranks of pikes into their places Then the Muskettiers of the left flanke being closed to their Pikes the Body will stand