leader either upon the right or left hand CHAP. VI. Of Facings SOme have thought that Facings are but of little use so that a commander might dispence with the Exercise thereof There being a mistake in such I must declare That facings are very necessary and of such excellent use as in no wise to be neglected for in service their executions are quicker than other motions and may be performed when other commands cannot be used both for time and place The Body being faced or the faces of the Body is termed an aspect and being particularly turned by command maketh an accidental front which is called a facing So that in short facing is the turning and altering of the aspect to either hand Front or Reer as may appear in the several commands following In which we must understand that facings are either Intire or Divisional There are Angular facings also 1. Intire Facing is when the aspect of the company is directed one way There are four intire facings besides Angular Command Face to the 1. Right Each man is to turn upon that foot to which hand the facing is commanded wheeling the Body to that Aspect When you face to any hand you may reduce them to the contrary 2. Left 3. Right about 4. Left about To reduce them Command As you were or To your Leader Angular facings are when directed to make their Aspects to the right or left corner men that is to the right or left Angle And so if you command to the four corners it is to face them to their four Angles which is Divisional Command Face to the Right Left Angle To reduce them Command As you were or To your leader These Angular facings are not so much in use as formerly Divisional facings are contrary to the Intire for they look divers wayes Which are Command Face to the 1. Right and left 2. Right and left inward 3. Four Angles To reduce them As you were or To your leader It is necessary that the half files doe many of these commands by themselves that they may the better understand it when the body shall come to be subdivided For Angular facings they are out of use or not so much in use as formerly By most Authors facings are to be performed at open order both in Rank and File But it is also necessary to exercise the Souldier in these facings at close Order for if a Souldier should be assaulted in a straight or narrow passage that he hath neither time nor ground to receive it either by doublings Counter-marches or wheelings they stand at their Order or close Order may then by their particular facings defend themselves against any such assault and with wore ease so charge their Enemy by some of these facings than by any other motion Facings are not to be slighted but carefully to be observed and practised they are the ground-work of Military discipline for all motions have relation in one respect or another to them There are two facings square as followeth set down in their platformes See Barrife Ward c. because they are not only useful but may serve as demonstrations of the former Command The two first Ranks stand the two last Ranks face about the rest of the body face to the right and left and march all To reduce them Command 1. Face about to the right march and close your Divisions 2. Face to your leader who standeth at his proper front Figure 2. Command 1. Musquetteers face to the right and left 2. Half Files of Pikes face about to the right 3. March all To reduce them Command 1. Face all about to the right march and close your divisions 2. Face all to your Leader By this little you may perceive much of the Nature of Facings and how useful they are towards the making of the Souldier apt and perfect in other motions I shall proceed to the Nature of doublings with the several branches or parts of them CHAP. VII Of Doublings IT is allowed by the Judicious that they are most necessary and completely useful for the strengthening any part of the Battle as occasion and discretion shall command All which consist in these two Generals 1. Doublings of Length 2. Doublings of Depth All times in quantity of Number sometimes in Number and place The several sorts of doublings are as followeth 1. Of ranks 2. Of half files 3. Of bringers up 4. Of the reer 5. Of files 6. Of half ranks 1. The doubling of Ranks is when every Rank double the odd 2. Half Files are said to be doubled when they shall double their Ranks into the Front 3. Bringers up are said to be doubled when they shall double their Ranks into the Front 4. The doubling of the Reer is when the Front half file doubles the Reer 5. The doubling of files is when even files double the odd 6. The doubling of half ranks is when one rank shall double the other And that is performed by Passing through Countermarches Intire or divisional doublings The doubling of Ranks half files or bringers up into the Front is a doubling of quantity or number and not of place But the doubling of ranks intire or for to double the front by half files intire either to the right or left or by Division It makes not only a doubling in quantity and of place but lengthens the battle also The doubling of files and half files or half ranks or doubling to either flank is a doubling in quantity and not of place But the doubling of files and right half ranks intire and the depth of the left flank intire is not only a doubling of number but of place and depth of the battle Observe that all divisional doublings are to be at open Order both in Rank and File Observe that in all motions they must be performed in three steps and first by stepping forth of that foot which is next to the place named And for reducement to return by the contrary hand Observe that in doubling of Ranks the doubling of Files reduceth them so in the doubling of Files to any hand the doubling of Ranks to the contrary hand reduceth them also Observe that in all motions of doublings that they who are to double before they move from their places are to Advance and Poyse their Arms and when they have performed their Commands they are immediately to conform to the same posture that those whom they double are in whether it be at shoulder or advance Observe that all intire doublings are to be performed at Order both in Rank and File And in all motions observe your right hand man I shall not only give you the words of command for most particular doublings that may be useful for service with directions for the performance of the same with their reducements And as I have been importuned by some of the Deputy Lieutenants to add to them their several platforms or Figures it is accordingly performed But my chief aim is to demonstrate
I have shewed you how the Front may be strengthened by intire doublings I shal briefly shew how it may be by divisional The Front is strengthened by divisional Doublings as followeth 12. Command Double your Ranks to the right and left by Division To perform this Command Even Ranks from the Front face to the right and left outwards march forth and double the odd To reduce this half ranks that doubled face to the right and left inwards and march into your places 13. Command Half files double your Front by Division To performe this Half files face to the right and left outwards and march until they be clear of the Front half files then face them to their Leader then move forward and double the Front To reduce this Command Half files face about to the Reer and march until they be clear of the Front half files then face to the right and left inward close your Divisions and face to your Leader OR The half files that moved double the depth of the Front half files 14. Command Double your Ranks to the right and left by Division every man placing himself on the outside of his right and left hand man To perform this Command Every even Rank from the Front move forth to the right and left outward each man placing himself according as is commanded To reduce this Command The half Ranks that moved double your Files to the right and left inward every man placing himself on the inside of his right and left hand man I have hitherto shewed how the Front may be strengthened by divisional Doublings Now followeth how The Front may be strengthened by intire and Divisional Wheelings 15. Command Wheel off your reer half files to the 1. Right 2. Left Intire into the Front To perform this to the right Command Half files face about to the right and wheel them to the left about until they be even with the Front To reduce this Wheel off your half ranks and double your left flank intire to the left To perform this reducement let them face to the right then Command Right half ranks wheel about to the right until they be even a breast with the front half files To your Leader 16. Command Wheel your Flanks into the Front There are diversities of Commands for the production of this Figure and much according to the opinion of the Commander I shall insert them and leave the choice thereof to the judicious in this Art Wheel your Flanks into the front Wings into the front Front into the battle Front into the midst Reer into the flanks To reduce any one of them Command Wheel your flanks into the Reer 17. Command Reer half files wheel and double your Front by Division To perform this Command Half files face about to the right and so wheel off to the right and left about moving forwards until they be even with the Front To reduce this Command Half files that doubled wheel about to the right and left inward and march into your places OR Half ranks face to the right and left outward then wheel to the right and left inward and double the depth of your Front half files and face them to their Leader There is some other Wheelings but I shall not trouble you with them because they are more for curiosity than for service c. CHAP. VIII I Shall here insert the several preceding Commands for the strengthening of the Front wherein in the closing of some of the Ranks as may be seen by them severally the Figures are one and the same Battalia in quantity but not in quality in number but not in place Ranks to the right Double Command 1. Produceth one and the same Figure 1. Bringers up double your Front to the right Comm. 6. Half files double your Ranks forward to the right Comm. 8. Ranks to the right and left double first outward and then inward Comm. 2. Produceth one and the same Figure Bringes up double your Front to the right and left 1. Outward 2. Inward Comm. 7. Half Files double your Front to the right and left 1. Outward 2. Inward Comm. 9. 2. Double your Ranks to the right intire Comm. 3. Produceth one and the same Figure Double your Ranks to the right intire every man placing himself on the outside of his right hand man Comm. 5. Half Files double the front to the right intire Com. 10. Wheel off your Reer half files intire into the Front Com. 15. 3. Double your Ranks inward intire Comm. 4. Produceth one and the same Figure Half files double your Front inward intire Com. 11. Double your Ranks to the right and left by division Com. 12. Half files double your Front by division Com. 13. Double your Ranks to the right and left by division every man placing himself on the outside of his right hand man Com. 14. Produceth one and the same Figure Reer half files wheel and double your Front by division Com. 17. Vide Chap. 11. Chap. 14. CHAP. IX How Battalias may ve strengthened in the Reer HAving ended with most of those doublings that do strengthen the Front I proceed to some few that may strengthen the Reer I might be as large in them as the former but the labour and pains would be of no great necessity because all what hath been commanded in the Front may by counterchange of them be performed in the Reer Therefore I shall only for example sake set down four Commands and demonstrate them by their respective figures and they only shall be performed by the doubling of half Files leaving the rest for the delightful Artist in this pleasing exercise 1. Command Front half files double your Reer to the 1. Right 2. Left To perform this to the right Command Front half files face about to the left and march directly forwards to the left of the standing part in opposition even in each rank according to their several places If this be commanded for service then face the Reer half files also about to the left Then To reduce them Face them all to their proper Front and Command Double your files to the right intire advancing If it be for a private exercise Command Half files face about to the left and march forth into your places 2 Command Front half files double your Reer to the 1. Right 2. Left intire To perform this to the right intire Command Front half files face to the right march until they be clear of the Reer half files then face them all to the Reer and march them even in breast with the Reer To reduce this Command Front half files face about to the right and march into your places OR Face all to your leader then right half ranks double your left flank intire advancing 3. Command Front half files double your Reer by Division To perform this Command Front half files face to the right and left and march until they be clear of the Body then face them to the Reer and
move down to the Reer even in breast with the last Rank If this be for service you may face them all to the Reer If only for Exercise you may reduce them as they now stand by Commanding Front half files face about to the right and advance forwards until they are clear of the standing part then face them to the right and left inwards and close your Divisions 4. Command Front half files double your Reer to the 1. Right 2. Left by Countermarch To performe this If the Command given for the left face the standing half files to the Reer and the rest Countermarch to the left and lose ground But if it be only for Exercise you need not face the standing part to the Reer at all To reduce this as being only for Exercise Command Front half files face about to the left and march forth into your places But if it be upon service that they are all faced to the Reer then all upon the Reducement are to face about to the left and the front half files to march into their places Object But Some may object here and say that this is a countermarch and no doubling and so ought not to be demonstrated in this place Answ To which I answer that what is done by the Front half files in short is a Lacedemonian Countermarch of losing ground but if it were a direct countermarch they ought not to stand mixed with any other part of the body by passing through to the Reer but only to Countermarch into the midst and there remain so that now passing through into the Reer makes it an absolute doubling What I have mentioned in the beginning of this Chapter may be sufficient to the ingenious Artist having concluded what I intended for the strengthening of the Reer I thought to have inserted here a strengthening of the Front and Reer but being in the Chapter of Wheelings Command the tenth the inquisitive may be better satisfied CHAP. VI. Which is the last in order to shew how a Battalia may be strengthened in both Flanks THe Flanks are doubled by 1. Files 2. Half ranks 3. Division 4. Wheelings 1. First by Files 1. Command Files to the Right or Left double If to the left to perform this Command Every even ranks from the left move with three steps into the odd To reduce this Command Ranks to the right double OR Files as you were In all motions observe to move that leg first to which the Command guideth 2. Command Files to the 1. Right or 2. Left double advancing To perform this if to the right Command Every even file from the right advance three steps forward and double the odd To reduce this Command Ranks to the left double OR Files as you were 3. Command Files to the right and left double outward In doubling outward the outmost File of each Flank stands and the even File each flank doubles the odd To reduce this Command Double your Ranks to the right and left inwards OR Ranks as you were 4. Command Files to the right and left double Inward To reduce this Command Double your Ranks to the right and left outwards OR Ranks as you were 5. Command Double your Ranks to the 1. Right 2. Left 1. Outwards advancing 2. Inwards This will be performed as in the third and fourth Command only instead of falling behind their right or left hand men here they are to advance before them as in the second Command 6. Command Double your Files to the 1. Right or 2. Left intire advancing To performe this to the right The even files from the right advance so far until they be clear and double the odd files to the right To reduce this Command Files that doubled face about to the left and march forth into your places OR Front half Files double your Reer to the left OR Half Files double your Front to the right 7. Command Double your files to the 1. Right or 2. Left Intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader To perfom this to the right The reducement Command Front half Files face about to the left and march forth into your places OR Front half files turn off by countermarch and double your Re ex to the right Face all to your leader 8. Command Files double your depth to the right intire To perform this Command Even files from the right face about to the right and march until they are clear of the Reer placing themselves after their bringers up then face them to their leader To reduce this Command Half files double your Front to the left OR Front half files double your Reer to the right 9. Command Files double your depth to the right placing your selves behind your bringers up To perform this Command Every even File from the right face about to the right and double the remaining files behind their bringers up To reduce this Command Bringers up double your Front to the left OR Half files double your Front to the left each placing themselves before their half file Leaders There is but a small difference between the Figures of some of the precedent Commands as some may at first sight guess them to be yet if you would but well observe them the words of Command are several and in the Battalia there is difference in the Dignity of place but not in quantity or number Secondly How the flanks are doubled by half ranks 10. Comand Half ranks of the left double your right flank to the 1. Right or 2. Left To perform this to the right Left half ranks face to the right and move to the right forward and double your right flank To reduce this Command Face to the left and march forth into your places OR Double your Ranks to the left intire You may face them at discretion I shall demonstrate another Figure to the left shewing how it may be performed without mixture of Arms c. 11. Command Half Ranks of the right double your left flank to the right To perform this Command Half ranks of the right face to the right turn off to the right and double your left flank To reduce the 11. Command Ranks double to the right intire every man placing himself on the outside of his right hand man 12. Command Half ranks double your right flank to the right and left 1. Outward 2. Inward 1. To perform this Outward Face all to the right then the left half ranks move to the right and left outwards doubling your right flank face to your Leader To reduce this Command 1. Front and Reer half files double your ranks intire to the left flank OR Half ranks that doubled face about to the right and march forth into your places OR Half ranks face about to the right and the even ranks from the midst move forth and double your left ranks intire to the left flank face to your Leader 2. To perform the 12. Command inward Face all to the right then the left
the depth of the standing files intire to the right and left inwards 2. If you face them to their proper Front then to reduce them Command The three first and the three last Ranks double your left flank intire That is The three last Ranks face about and wheel to the right and the three first Ranks wheel about to the left all moving and meet in opposition in the midst of the left flank then face them to their Leader I have ended those Doublings whose Battalia's are strengthened in the Front Reer and both Flanks Although they may not be useful at all times in the field service yet it is not amiss for every Commander to be well grounded in the knowledge of them that by his experience therein he may not be silent when occasion serveth nor the Souldier seeking what to do when he may be commanded They are so necessary that some are delightful in private Exercises and most of them profitable in Field or Garrison I am sure the Ingenious if once experienced herein will confess them to be of such absolute necessity as not in the least to be slighted by any And further it is adjudged to be most convenient for all the Chief Officers to bend their thoughts before the time of Service to make their Commands as short as possible may be in order to which see Chapt. 8. and 11. I do declare that I have heard some of our late young Eltonists to be too tedious in their Commands and Reducements I shall advise the young Souldier to follow the Rules of Barriffe Ward Bingham and Hexham for there is in them enough to direct for most Services and then they may peruse Elton at last whose worth as I have been informed is not to be laid in the dust without the due respects belonging to a Souldier and I hope now a Loyal Subject CHAP. XI YOu may perceive in those several Commands for the strengthening of the Flanks and their Figures being produced and have closed some of their Files as occasion may offer it self they are one and the same in Number but not in Place As in the 8. Chapter I have also in this set down the several Commands that produce one and the same Figure yet the Commands are distinct and several all which if the Officer please to endeavour the remembring of How that such and such Commands will produce such a Figure he may in the hottest disputes take the shortest Commands to expedite his motions having respect to his Ground for the execution of them 1. Files to the right double Command 1. Produceth one and the same Figure Files to the right double advancing Comm. 2. Files to the right and left double 1. Outward 2. Inward Comm. 3. and 4. Double your Ranks to the right and left 1. Outward advancing 2. Inward advancing Comm. 5. Double your Files to the right intire advancing Comm. 6. Double your Files to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Comm. 7. Files double your depth to the right intire Comm. 8. Files double your depth to the right placing your selves behind your Bringers-up Comm. 9. Double your Files to the right and left by Division Com. 17. 2. Half Ranks of the left double your right flank to the right Com. 11. Produceth one and the same Figure Half Ranks double your right flank to the right and left outwards  3. Half Ranks double your right flank by turning off to the right Com. 11. Produceth one and the same Figure Pag. Command 16. Half Ranks to the right by countermarch double your left flank Com. 13. Left half flanks double your right flank to the right and left by countermarch 1. Outward 2. Inward Com. 14. Left half Ranks wheel and double your right flank to the right intire Com. 18. Left half Ranks wheel off to the right and left and double your right flank by Division Com. 20. Left half Ranks double your right flank intire advancing Com. 15. These Figures are much alike only the change of Ground Left half Ranks double intire the depth of your right flank Com. 16. A very good Figure is produced by the. Com. 17.  Wheeling Front and Reer into the right flank Com. 19. This being an accidental Front is the same Figure with the 5.10 and 15. Command for the strengthening of the proper Front by the doubling of Ranks CHAP. XII I Shall now treat of that which is called in a more particular manner Inversion and Conversion shewing you what is meant by them And the nature and use of those several Commands most in practice belonging to each of them 1. Inversion produceth a File or Files That is either by Files filing or Ranks filing 2. Conversion produceth a Rank or Ranks That is either By increase of File ranking by Even or Vneven Parts Of Ranks ranking to the Right or Left Of Ranks wheeling to the Right or Left Flank Observe That in the performance of most of these Works there must be either a double or twice double distance of Ground But it must be the Commanders care so to open his Ranks or Files at such distances as the quantity of Ground will give leave I shall not demonstrate the Commands in the same method as I have the Doublings for the strengthening of the Front but shall insist in that method already set down because I find the reception hereof to be somewhat of difficulty with some of our Rural Officers First Inversion of files or tiles filing in sequence Secondly Files filing by countermarch 1. Command Files file to the 1. Right 2. Left To perform this to the right Command The right hand file to march away single clear of the body then the File leader of the next File is to fall in after the bringer up of the first File and so all the rest until the whole Body become one single file To reduce this Command File leaders lead up you Files to to the left OR Files file six to the left 2. Command Files file to the Right or Left intire advancing To perform this to the right The right hand file stand the second from the right advanceth into the Front of the first the third into the Front of the second and the rest successively into the Front of each other until they may be made one direct file To reduce this Command Face all about to the right Files file six to the right into the Reer OR As they stand without facing Command File six to the right gathering towards the Front 3. Command Files file inward into the right Flank To perform this Command Half files face about then file leader and bringer up of the left flank advance forward and each file of the half files from the left are to fall successively into the Reer of each file until they have made one intire then face them to their leader To reduce them Command Reer half files face about to the left Front half files file three
to the left and the Reer half files file three to the right Face all to your leader and close your divisions 4. Command Files file to the right and left by Division To perform this Command The file leaders of each flank march away with your files until they are clear of the Body then the next file leaders from the right and left are to fall in after the bringers up of the first moveants until the Body become two files upon each wing To reduce them Command File leaders lead up your files to the right and left OR Files file six to the right and left 5. Command Files file inward into the right and left flank by Division Figure 5. You may the better understand this by the directions for the third Command But To perform this Command Half files face about then file leaders and bringers up of each file both from the right and left and fall successively into the reer of each other until they have made two intire files on each flank Face to your leader To reduce this Command Reer half files face about to the right Front and Reer half files file three to the right and left inwards Face to your leader and close your Divisions 6. Command Files by countermarch file to the right every man placing himself in the reer of the right hand file Figure 6. To perform this Command The right hand file stand the rest of the Body face about to the left then every particular file march forward to the left and place themselves behind the bringers up of the right hand file To reduce this Command Files file fix to the left each placeing themselves before their leader 7. Command Files by countermarch file to the right by division each placing himself before his leader and bringer up To perform this Command Reer half files face about the right hand file is to keep his ground the rest moving forwards to the right placing themselves before their File leaders and Bringers up To reduce this Command Front half file â—â—ce about and file three to the right every man placing himself before his bringer up And the Reer half files file three to the left placing your selves before your leaders I have with as much brevity as conveniently I could set forth by demonstration the first part of Inversion which is of Files filing I proceed to the second part of Inversion which is of Ranks siling For the performance of which observe that in all these motions your files are to be at their Order or otherwise as may be thought most convenient and their Ranks to be opened either forwards or backwards at the discretion of the Commander but at twice double distance or more as may be required to his number of men The distances being set let every rank move according to Command 8. Command Ranks file to the right placing your selves before your right hand man To perform this Command The right hand man of each rank is to stand the rest are to move forwards with their right leg and so place themselves before their right hand men 8. Figure Te reduce them Command Files rank twelve to the left OR Ranks as you were Observe Ranks filing are sooner executed in the commands and reducements than files filing For they will sooner be in readiness to receive any opposition with a suteable resistance in the Front for in files filing it will be some long time before the file leaders will be able to do it 9. Command Ranks file to the right placing your selves behind your right hand men To perform this Direct If they be upon a stand they may open backwards to their distance for the work as by example But if they be upon a march then the right hand man marcheth first and all his rank so facing as to march to the right file-wise after their leader The right hand man of the second rank is so to do and fall in the reer of the left hand man of the first Rank To reduce this Command Files rank twelve to the left OR Ranks as you were Aelian Tact. Ch. 30. p. 6. 10. Command Ranks file to the right and left by Division The two former are directions enough for this And may also be performed with the two former either before their right hand men or otherwise To reduce this Command Files convert into Ranks as you were OR Files Rank to the right and left inward as you were OR Files rank twelve to the right and left inward This Figure as by the Notes of Captain Bingham hath been of great use amongst the Graecians and judged by our ingenious Artists not to be slighted by us for the avoydance of the great Ordinance or showers of small shot In Cities I have seen it often used for lodging of the Colours It is also a large Interval for the reception of any Honourable Person Some may dislike in this last Inversion of Ranks filing because there is a promiscuous mixture of Arms This may be easily prevented by bringing both Divisions of Musquetteers into the Front of Pikes or otherwise upon a march at the discretion of the Commander There yet remain divers words of Command of Ranks filing Vide Conversion By wheeling your Ranks into the right Flank or into both Flanks c. But the prolixity of them have made me to abbreviate and being more out of curiosity than of necessity I have shewed what is meant by Inversion both in Files and Ranks and have demonstrated them by their Figures so many as I conceive may be sufficient for the knowledge thereof Many I have heard to use the word Inversion to some of the precedent Commands but I think it very convenient to be left out in the Exercisings of our Rural Militia's It is a word not suitable to a Rustick capacity and a word that may be spared CHAP. XIII Of Conversion and the several Parts thereof COnversion I have declared to consist of a Rank or Ranks And that is performed either by 1. Increase of Files ranking by Even or Vneven Parts 2. Increase or decrease of Files ranking by uneven Parts 3. Files ranking intire into the Front and wheeling into the same 4. Ranks ranking to the right or left 5. Wheeling into both Flanks And of these I shall declare unto you as briefly as I may that your delight in the true understanding of them may not be neglected by the least obscurity Now the reason that I have demonstrated most with Figures is that the young Souldier may see how many Commands produce one and the same Figure their difference being only in quality and not in quantity 1. I shall begin with Files ranking by even parts that is when they rank two three or four keeping the same number in Rank all being in an equal proportion and if more what is wanting to make up the Ranks in the Command must be made good by the next Rank 1. Command Files rank three to the right Observe
perform it outwards Command The first rank to stand the rest to face to the right and left outwards the second rank to advance clear of the first and then to move forth even with the Front in breast and all the rest successively do the same until they be all even with the Front in one intire rank To reduce this Ranks as you were OR The first 12 or 12 middlemost stand the rest face to the right and left inwards the second to move into the reer of the first rank the third into the reer of the second and successively the rest into the reer of the remainder and being faced to their Leader and even in their ranks they are reduced 2. To perform it Inwards Command Ranks rank inward into the Front To produce it the first rank to move to the right and left outwards and so to keep moving or opening then the second rank is to advance into the ground of the first and the second is then to move with the first to the right and left outwards then the third is to advance into the place of the second rank so all are to do until the last rank is advanced intire into the Front To reduce this The first six upon the right and left hand stand then Command Ranks rank six to the right and left outwards And close your Divisions Lastly the Conversion of Ranks by wheeling into the Flanks 14. Command Ranks wheel to the Right or Left into the right Flank To perform this Command Every particular rank to be at double Distance in rank and at close Order in file Then Wheel them to their right hand until they have brought their Faces or Aspects unto the right Flank After you may face them to the Front To reduce this Command Files rank twelve to the right The first man is to stand the rest is to move forward to the right successively twelve in rank But if you wheel them to the left hand into the right flank you must command them to face about and wheel your ranks to the left hand until their Faces or Aspects be brought to the right Flank 15. Command Ranks of your Front and Reer half files wheel outwards to your right Flank I shall put in execution but two Ranks one in the Front half files and the other of the Reer half files which is sufficient for Demonstration To perform this Command Ranks open all to your twice double distance then Front half files wheel to the right and Reer half files wheel to the left And face to your Leader To reduce them Command Front half files rank twelve to the right Reer half files rank twelve to the left Face to your Leader march up and close forwards to your due distance 16. Command Ranks of your Front and Reer half Files wheel inwards into your right Flank To perform this Command Front and Reer half files march clear to your twice double distance Front and Reer half files face about Front half files wheel your Ranks to the left and Reer half files wheel your Ranks to the right Face to your Leader To reduce this Command Front half files rank twelve to the left Reer half files face about and rank twelve to the right Face to your Leader and close your Divisions 17. Command Ranks rank to each Flank by wheeling to the right and left into the same by Division OR Ranks wheel to the right and left by Division into both Flanks advancing or placing themselves before their right and left hand men Observe they are to be at double distance in Rank and at Order in File Figure 17. To reduce them Command them to face to the Reer and wheel into their places OR Files rank twelve to the right and left inward into the Reer and close them to their order then face them to their Leader But if you would avoid mixture of Arms you may place all your Musquetteers either in Front and Reer Or else wheel only the Musquetteers first and leave the Pikes standing Or else it may be performed in marching and then the Reducement is Ranks as you were 18. Command Ranks of your Front and Reer half files wheel outwards to your right and left Flank by Division They are to observe the same distance as in the former To perform this Command Half files face about Ranks open to your double distance then Front and Reer half files wheel to the right and left outwards into both Flanks Figure 18. To reduce this Command Who being faced to their Leader Front half files face to the Reer rank twelve to the right and left inwards And Reer half files face about and rank twelve to the right and left inward Files close to the midst to your order Face to your Leader CHAP. XIV Of making File-Leaders successively both of Number and Place in a File and so for a whole Body The Sweedish Mode also AS I have stinted my self to a set Number of Files so I have also to a set Number in a File not exceeding six being according to our present Mode of Discipline for if I had gone to a various Number in Files and added two to each File my Figures had been more delightful to some Spectators others I hope will find enough in this to qualifie or make them fit to do their King and Country service c. And now the Souldery having marched sometimes together and so loving being Souldiers indeed by reason of such experiences as they have attained unto in the exercise of this Military Art that each Leader is willing his follower should take his place which is a great incouragement to an ingenious Souldier This ought not to be slighted because it is profitable to a Commander to bring what Ranks he pleaseth to lead in the Front and to exchange them again and at last to bring the proper File-Leaders into their places Besides the incouragement it hath in private exercises it makes men studious whereby they may be able to Command in their respective Files when they are become Leaders In the first place take these short Commands to produce them as followeth Command 1. A File-Leader 2. Rank two to the left and Files to the left double 3. Countermarch Front and Reer into the midst and face to that part which was the Reer 4. Face about to the right 5. Countermarch from the Reer into the midst and face to that which was the Reer 6. Files rank two to the right and Files to the right double This being performed they are reduc'd I shall demonstrate by Tables the succession of each man's Leading and give you some or several Words of Command according to my own and others severally that shall produce such Leader into his place as they shall stand in sequence and as they shall also stand in their respective Dignities The Front and standings of each File as they come to be Leaders according to various Commands A File       Â
termed a Macedonian Countermarch In all which there is Countermarchings of Files Ranks The Front The Reer half files Half Ranks And these may all be performed by intire or divisional Countermarches 1. The Countermarchings of Files is when every Souldier followeth his leader 2. The Countermarchings of Ranks is when every Souldier followeth his side man 3. The Front and Reer half Files Countermarchings is when the Souldier shall follow their File leaders or Bringers up 4. The Countermarchings of half Ranks is when the Souldier shall follow their outside men I shall in the first place shew how Intire and Divisional Countermarches are performed by files and Ranks 1. Observe That in the execution hereof your distance is to be at six foot in rank and file 2. When you are to Countermarch to the right the file leaders are to step forward with their right legs and face about to the right passing down to the Reer with their respective File following them keeping even a breast with their right handmen and to be sure not to turn before they be advanced to the ground of their File leaders 3. All Intire Countermarches of Files or ranks may be reduced by contrary Countermarches If the Command be to the right reduce them to the left And so for Contermarchings of the Front Reer or flanks into the midst reduce them back from the midst It shall be my endeavour to demonstrate how all Intire and divisional Countermarches shall lye under these three heads Of Mantaining Losing and Gaining of ground First of Countermarches maintaining Ground In the second precedent rule it will not be amiss to cast your eye back for your better direction by which you 'l be able to pass these Countermarches with greater delight and Order 1. Command Files to the 1. Right or 2. Left hand Countermarch To perform this Let the file leaders step forward with their right legs and march even in Rank to the Reer and none to turn off until he come to his File leaders Ground To reduce this Command Files to the left hand Countermarch 2. Command Ranks to the 1. Right or 2. Left hand Countermarch To perform this Face them to the Right and the right hand file is to turn off to the right and to march even to the Ground of the left hand file You may reduce this by Ranks Countermarching to the left 3. Command Countermarch your Front and Reer into the midst To perform this Command Half files face about and turn to off the left Front half files turn off to the right and face to your leader You may reduce this figure by doing the same over again Or else by any other divisional Countermarch 4. Command Front and Reer half files countermarch to the 1. Right or 2. Left You may reduce this Figure by doing the same over again OR By Countermarching Front and Reer into the midst 5. Command Countermarch your Front and Reer half files to right and left from the midst To perform this Command Front half files face about and turn off to the right and Reer half files turn off to your left then face to your leader To reduce this Command To Countermarch from the midst into the Front and Reer The three last figures by command are several but the figures are still one and the same in quantity but not in quality or motion as you may perceive c. 6. Command Countermarch your flanks into the midst To perform this Command them to face to the right and left outwards the right flank turn off to the right and left flank turn off to the left until they meet in the midst To reduce them Command Countermarch from the midst to the right and left into both flanks 7. Command Right and left half Ranks interchange your ground To perform this Face to the right and left inward and march all and interchange your ground This is of no great use except it be when the right or left flank hath fought that then the reserved flank may come into service also You may reduce them by interchanging of them back again OR Divisionally to Countermarch their flanks into the midst of the Battel Secondly Countermarches lofing ground 1. Command Files to the Right or Left hand Countermarch placing your selves before your bringers up To performe this Command The bringers up to face about to the right then the file leaders with the rest successively to turn off upon the same ground he stands And on the same hand the Command is given so to place themselves accordingly You may easily reduce them by any other Countermarch of files 2. Command The last Rank stand the rest pass through to the 1. Right or 2. Left placing your selves behind your bringers up To perform this As the last Rank is to stand and keep their first aspect let all the rest face about to the right and march all turning successively behind their bringers up To reduce them you may pass them through or else Countermarch by file into their places 3. Command Front and Reer half files Countermarch to the 1. Right or 2. Left From the midst every man placing himself before his leader and bringer up To perform this Command The first rank of the front half files to stand the rest to face about and turn off to the right half file leaders face about and turn off to the left and both to march clear of the Front and Reer following their half file leaders and bringers up of the front half files To reduce this by an other Countermarch 4. Command Ranks to the 1. Right or 2. Left hand Countermarch losing ground To perform this to the right As in maintaining ground upon their turning off the rest march into the same place or ground and turn off also as in figure 2. Now this of losing ground altereth only in this the outmost file is to face to the right about until he hath directly faced the left flank and so to gain so much ground upon the left flank as they have lost upon the right OR That they have placed themselves on the outside or before of their left hand men 5. Command Ranks to the right hand Countermarch each following his right hand man and place himself on the outside of his left hand man To perform this Command The left hand file to stand the out most file to the right turn about to the right as to make his aspect or face to the left then move forward until he be clear of the second file losing the ground he stood upon and gain it again on the outside of the left flank To reduce this figure may be done by a contrary Countermarch 6. Command The right and left hand file upon each flank face to the right and left outwards the rest pass through placing your selves before your outmost files Observe files become ranks by their faceing To performe this Command The right hand file to face to the right and the left hand file to
the left and then the rest of the body to turn their aspects accordingly place themseves before their right left hand men To reduce them Command them to Countermarch to the right and left into the midst of the Battel OR Command If they be faced to the proper Front The two inmost files to stand the rest pass through to the right and left inward and close their divisions 8. Command The two outmost files of each flank face to the right and left inward the rest pass through to the right and left and place yourselves behind your outside men To perform this Command The right and left hand file of each flank face inward and the rest of the Body are to face to the right and left outwards then all are to move forwards and to place themselves behind their right and left hand men Else the motion is the same as the former To reduce this Command The two innermost files face to the right and left outwards and the rest pass through to the right and left inwards placing themselves behind their right and left hand men Then face them to their leaders Now if it be the Commanders pleasure to reduce them by any other word of Command it may be done by the precedent words of Command or of the next following or of any other divisional Countermarch except interchanging of ground 8. Command The outmost file of each flank stand the rest pass through to the right and left and place your selves on the outside of your right and left hand men The ninth figure is the same as this if faced to their leader To perform this The outmost files of each flank stands the rest of the body faceth to the right and left outward and so passing forwards through the intervalls into each flank place themselves on the outside of their right and left hand men To reduce this may be performed by any of the foregoing Countermarches of ranks Or else being faced to any of the flanks then the Ranks become files and by divisional Countermarches of files you may reduce divisional Countermarches of Ranks OR By Ranks files only some facings must be observed For the proper Reducement Command The two inmost Ranks to stand the rest to face to the right and left inward and so march into their places 9. Command The right and lelft hand files upon each flank stand the rest pass through to the right and left and place your selves on the outside of your right and left hand men following your inmost files Observe in the performance of this the two inmost-files are to be first in motion But first Command The two outmost files of each flank to stand and the rest of the Body to face to their right and left outwards so moving away first from the midst until they have successively placed themselves on the outside of their right and left hand men you may close their files into the midst to open Order The reducement of the eight figure will reduce this also 10. Command Front and Reer half files Countermarch to the 1. Right or 2. Left hand interchanging ground To perform this Command Half files to face about and turn off to the right front half files doing the like move forwards until they be clear one of an other six foot then face to their leader if you please and close their divisions A Countermarch interchanging of ground will reduce them and then close c. 11. Command Front and Reer half files to the right hand interchange ground You may reduce this interchanging of ground as they were or by some other word of Command Thirdly Countermarches to gain ground 1. Command The file leaders stand the rest pass through to the 1. Right or 2. Left and place your selves before your leaders The Command is so plain that there needeth no directions Only if your command be to place your selves behind your leaders then the file leaders are to face about and the rest are to execute it as the former only in placing themselves they are to turn their aspect behind their leaders And then Commanding them to place themselves before their leaders will reduce them 2. Command File leaders face about to the right and stand Bringers up with the rest following them pass through to the right and place your selves behind your leaders Face to your leaders To reduce this you may do it by the same Command or by the first Command 3. Command File leaders stand and the rest pass through to the 1. Right or 2. Left placing your selves before your file leaders following your Bringers up This is the same with the second figure only in their work they are to keep their aspect to the Front And the reducement the same also 4. Command File leaders and half file leaders stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves before your file leaders and half file leaders You may reduce this by the same Countermarch or any other Divisional Countermarch 5. Command File-leaders and half file-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right and place your selves behind your Leaders and half file-leaders following your Bringers-up The file-leaders and half file-leaders are only to face about to the right and to stand the motion is the same with the fourth Figure but in taking their places they are to face to the Reer The Reducement as the former 6. Command File-leaders and half file-leaders stand the rest pass through to the right and left and place your selves behind your Leaders and half file-leaders c. I need not demonstrate this it being the same with the fifth and sixth only in the motion they are to pass to the right and left outwards And is reduced as the former 7. Command File-leaders to face about the rest pass through to the right and place your selves behind your Leaders and Bringers up To perform this Command The first Rank is to face about and stand then the two last Ranks from the Reer i. e. the fourth and fifth Ranks are to face to the Reer and move all c. The former Directions upon any Divisional Countermarch will reduce this 8. Command The outmost File of the right face to the right the rest pass through to the Right or Left and place your selves Before or Behind your right hand men If your Command be behind your right hand men then the right hand file is but to face to the left I shall not trouble you with them conceiving them of no great use You may reduce these by a contrary Countermarch 9. Command The outmost File of the right hand stand and the right hand File of the left half Rank stand and the rest pass through and place your selves on the outside of your right hand men Face to your Leader The same is done on the left hand And if you place them before their left hand men then face them all to the right and so let them pass through observing the
motion And if you place them behind their right hand men then let the right hand men face about to the left and the rest pass through and fall behind them Figure 9. A Counter word of Command will reduce them c. There are many Countermarches that produce one and the same Figure provided you close your Divisions and face them to their proper Front only they differ in place First therefore you may briefly observe that in those Countermarches that Maintain their Ground the first second third fourth and fifth Commands then in losing of ground the first second third fourth fifth tenth and eleventh Commands and in gaining of Ground the first second third fourth fifth sixth and seventh do and will produce one and the same Figure Secondly Also for maintaining of Ground the sixth and seventh and in losing of Ground the sixth seventh and eighth and also in gaining of Ground the ninth Commands produce one and the same Figures Oserve For the Countermarchings of half Ranks see in the doublings of the Flanks thirteenth and fourteenth Commands they producing the same Figures as the eleventh and twelfth Figures by all which you will the better understand the one for the other Although Countermarches are of great Antiquity and used amongst the Graecians yet it is not much of use in our present Mode of Discipline Therefore to conclude though knowledge of them be no burthen yet to be exercised in the face of an Enemy may prove prejudicial and the best expert in this Art allow that they may be best spared of any motions whatever CHAP. XVI Of Wheelings I Am to treat of Wheelings and the several uses of them as to the strengthening of the Front Reer and both Flanks Before you enter upon them take these four Observations 1. That you close your Ranks and Files to your Order 3. Foot 2. That in all your Wheelings you keep a due distance to your Leader 3. That in all Commands for Wheelings such moderation is to be used in their motions that they on the contrary flank be not forced by running to disorder themselves 4. That your Arms be at such Postures as may be equivalent to each other This is If the Musquets be poysed the Pikes are to be advanced which are the Postures best to be used in these Motions There are two sorts of Wheelings First Angular Wheelings Secondly Wheelings on the midst or Center I shall not use the word Center for it is more proper to a Circular body than to a square These in their Motions or Actions are termed either Intire or Divisional 1. Intire Wheelings are for the gaining of ground upon the Enemy or to fight him with your best men as occasion serveth turning the first Aspect wholly to the Command given 2. Divisional Wheelings being performed extend the Battle either in length or depth And may for the most part of them be called Doublings I have in the exercise of Doublings demonstrated some of them by Figures and shall not recite them here again but quote them by their several numbers of Commands First I shall begin with Angular Wheelings And they so called because the corner man to which the Aspect is commanded is the main hinge of the motion Observe the Wheelings to the right and to the left To the right and left about are termed Angular And for the Wheelings to the right and left and to the right and left about on the same Ground are Wheelings on the midst of the Front all which are Intire the other Divisional Center 1. Command Wheel your Body all or your Battle to the 1. Right Intire Angular Wheelings or 2. Left This Wheeling moves the main Body from the Ground whereon it first stood and placeth it on the right Flank causing the Aspects of the proper Front to be upon the same Observe that the right hand man is to move to the right hand with a very small Motion and every man else to remember that the farther off he is from the Right Angle the swifter must his motion be To reduce them Wheel to the left But this will not transfer them to the same Ground But to reduce them to their first Aspect on the same Ground you must face them all to the right then wheel them to the left and facing them to the left it is compleâ—ted 2. Command Wheel your Body all or your Battle to the 1. Right or 2. Left about This turneth the Aspect towards the Reer Now by reason the motion is twice as much as the former there ought to be the greater care had in the performance of it observing so much the motion of the right hand man that they fail not of being even in Rank with him To reduce them to their first Ground face to the right wheel to the left about then face them to the left Although to the left about may reduce them but not on the same Ground You may observe that Wheelings are the most facil for their Reducements as for Example Wheel your Flanks into the Front is reduced by wheeling your Flanks into the Reer OR To wheel your Front and Reer into both Flanks is reduced by Wheeling both Flanks into your Front and Reer c. Secondly I proceed to Wheelings on the midst or Center of the Front which are Intire and Divisional and are quicker in their motions and performed on less Ground 1. Command Wheel your battle to the 1. Right 2. Left on the same ground Intire This is termed Grove Van Nawsaw's Wheeling But it is a wonder to me why our Antient and Modern Writers call these Commands Wheelings on the same Ground when I am sure there will be ground lost in the motion from the first they stood upon In a direct square this may be better performed and less loss of Ground To perform this Command The left Flank advance forward still wheeling to the right and the right flank contrarywise facing to the left and keep falling backwards even in Reer with the left half ranks and so still moving unto the place commanded face all to the right flank You may wheel to the left also To reduce this Wheel your Battle to the left on the same Ground 2. Command Wheel your Body to the 1. Right or 2. Left about on the same Ground The direction to the former will serve for the performance of this only the motion is double as much and their faces are turned from the first Front toward the Reer To reduce this wheel your Battle to the left about on the same Ground Divisional Wheelings Bingham 2. part Tactic pag. 92. 3. Command Wheel to the right and left from the Front OR Wheel off your Front by Division Or if you will not go so far then wheel your Front into the Flanks by Division This wheeling your Front into the Flanks by Division produceth the same Figure with Figure â— If upon occasion Musquetteers be on the Front of the Pikes by
and march clear of your Reer half Files Face them to their Leader and march them until their Reer be even in Front with their Pikes The two first Ranks of each Division face to the right and left and march them clear of their own Divisions face them to their Leader The four first Ranks of Pikes open to your open Order and double your Ranks to the right the two last Ranks of Pikes face about to the right and march clear of the Reer of Musquetteers Face to your Leader To reduce them Command The first Body of Pikes to double their Files to the left the two last Ranks of Pikes march and close your Divisions The two first Ranks of Musquetteers face in opposition and close your Divisions Then the Front Divisions of Musquetteers face to the right and left inwards and march even to the Front of Pikes then face them to their right and left and close their Divisions Face them to their Leader evening their Ranks and streightning of their Files they are reduced 4. Command Front half files march clear from your Musquetteers The Reer half files of Musquetteers face about to the right and march clear of your Pikes and face to your leader The Reducement The Front Division of Pikes face about to the right and march into your places the Reer Division of Musquetteers march up into your places 5. Command Wheel both your Flanks of Musquetteers into the Front both flanks of Musquetteers open to the right and left Front division of Pikes march clear of the Front of Musquetteers and open to the right and left until you are clear of the Angles of the Reer half files The two inmost files of Musquetteers march until you are clear of the Front of Pikes The next two inmost files of Musquetteers face in opposition march and close your divisions in the Front of the Reer division of Pikes face all to your leader To reduce this The four middle files of Musquetteers face to the right and left and march into your places The files of Musquetteers in the Front face about to the right march into your places Face them to their leader The Front half files of Pikes face in opposition and close your divisions facing them to the Reer and march them into their places then close the Front of Musquetteers as at first and wheel the Front into your flanks c. they are reduced The two next figures are almost one and the same and with but a little alteration in their Commands they may be either produced or reduced 6. Command Pikes stand The Reer half files of Musquetteers face about to the right Musquetteers march all until you are clear both of your Front and Reer of Pikes face in opposition and close your divisions The four inmost Ranks of Musquetteers march clear of the remainder both in Front and Reer The two last Ranks of Pikes stand the rest to the right and left by division march clear of the Musquetteers and wheel to the right and left outwards Directions for firing upon this or others I must leave to the ingenious wishing the unskilful to fire only as the Figure lyeth lest it may prove trouble to them to reduce The Reducement The two ranks upon the flanks wheel to the right and left inwards and march into your places Front and Reer Musquetteers face about to the right and march forth into your places provided they are faced to the Reer only then the Front Musquetteers are to face about Then Musquetteers face to the right and left outwards and march clear of the Pikes face in opposition and close your divisions and face all to their leader they are reduced It is but marching up of the two last ranks of Pikes into the Reer of the Front division of Musquetteers and the Musquetteers even to the Reer of the Pikes which produceth this next figure 7. Command Half files double your Front to the right the two outmost files of Musquetteers of each flank march ten paces direct and stand The two next files of Musquetteers of each flank march to the Reer of the first and the two next Ranks in the Reer of the second until they are clear of the Front of the battel And thus is this figure produced Or by Commanding The two outmost in each flank to stand the rest of the Body face about to the right and march and so leaving the two outmost files in the Reer of the first and the third in the Reer of the second and the remainder of the Body in the Reer of the third facing all to their proper Front To reduce them Command Musquetteers face about to the right and march into your places Then half files that doubled face about to the right and march forth into your places Or Even files from the left double your files to the left 8. Command Half files double your Front to the right intire then command the two outmost files of Musquetteers of each Flank to march until they are clear of the Front and stand the four inmost files march until they are clear of the Battels also and stand To reduce them Musquetteers face about to the right and march forth into your places Then half ranks of the right double the depth of your left flank intire 9. Command Pikes march clear of your body Pikes wheel your flanks into the Reer Musquetteers close to the right and left inward Half files of Musquetteers double your Front to the right The four innermost files of Musquetteers face about to the right march clear of the Reer even your Ranks and streighten your files both of Pikes and Musquetts Then the four innermost files both of Pikes and Musquetteers march ten paces direct Then Pikes and Musquetteers of each Flank face to the right and left and march ten paces facing them to their leader To reduce this Command The front division of Pikes and Musquetteers face about to the right and march even in breast with the Reer of Musquetteers of each flank Then face the division to the right and left inwards and close your divisions then Command the Musquetteers to open to the right and left from the midst and the Reer divisions of Musquetteers march into the intervails or into your places as you were Then Command the Pikes to wheel their flanks into the Front then open the divisions of Musquetteers to the right and left facing the Pikes about to the right and march into their places so facing of them to their Leader they are reduced I might have added more as the Plinthium Battel For which and more read Captain Bingham Chap. 42. pa. 55. as also Barrif Ward And Elton as I am informed has written at large but I never saw his works CHAP. XXII IT may be expected I should treat also of large Battalias or great numbers of men demonstrating of them likewise by their several Plat-forms But having my Number proportioned as you see by my several exercises
in this motion the File leader is first to move unto that hand the Command is given And if six deep the half file leader is to advance the same way To reduce this Command Ranks file or invert to the right Then every File-leader lead up his File and rank to the right OR As you were 2. The uneven parts of Files ranking is when there is such an increase either of two three or more in each Rank so exceeding the Rank before it and these exceedings are termed in Arithmetick A Progressional Increase Or else by the decrease of each Rank following after 2. Command Files rank three first then by increase to the right two in each Division of Musquetteers and Pikes These are termed half Rombes or Wedges For Exercise sake you may make a Wedge or half Rombe of all twelve by 3. Command Files rank first two and by increase two from the whole Body You may alter the mixture of Armes at your discretion 4. Command is in the nature of a Rombe Files rank first two and by increase and decrease two in each Rank Divisionally both of Musquetteers and Pikes The reducement of these three last Commands is Ranks file as you were These Rombes and half Rombes or Wedges were much of use in the Graecian Wars Read the Tact. of Aelian pag. 108. But being not now so much in use I shall not spend much time in them but leave the desirous to the view of Captain Ward 5. Command Files rank to the Right or Left into the Front 6. Command Files rank to the Right or Left by wheeling into the Front I shall demonstrate both in this by Wheeling only observe there must be so much distance between each file as will contain each in rank To perform them Command Files open to the left to your double distance Ranks close forward to your close Order face to the right wheel all to the left until the whole Body be brought into one intire Rank 5. 6. Figure To reduce this Command Face to the Reer then the first six to the right wheel to the right When all have wheeled by sixes to the right then face them to their Leader and close their Files at discretion 7. Command Files rank into the Front and Reer by Division To perform this Command Files open to the left to your order Ranks close forward to your close order Half files face about to the right and face to the left then move all into the Front and Reer and make two intire Ranks When the distance is set Observe that those in motion are to face to the right flank To reduce this Command Front half files face about to the left reer half files face about to the right then wheel all into their respective Files then face them to their Leader and close their files at discretion Here might be inserted for variety and curiosity some more words of Command of Conversion of files ranking into the midst by Countermarches and by Wheelings But by what is demonstrated already you 'l find enough in them and I must look to be censured by some for what is done and conceiving the remainder to be useless I shall omit them to avoid a further censure and proceed to the Conversion of Ranks ranking in equal Parts 1. Conversion of Ranks ranking in equal Parts Observe that in Ranks ranking you may perform it with any number more or less as place and occasion may serve containing in every Rank an equality in Number And it is to be understood after this manner When there is twelve more or less marching a breast and by reason of some narrowness of passage or some other intent the Commander causeth his Souldiers to rank either two three five or seven c. according to the place or occasion 8. Command Ranks rank two to the right To perform this Command The two first in Rank to the right advance forwards the next two of the same Rank in the Reer of them until the first Rank have made six Ranks and in all 36 Ranks To reduce this Command Ranks rank twelve to the left Observe that the first rank stands the rest are to advance two and two until the whole rank of twelve be complete in one rank 9. Command Rank two to the right and left 1. Outward then 2. Inward To perform this outward Command The two outmost men upon the right and left hand advance forwards the next in the same Rank are to follow dividing themselves two to the right hand and two to the left hand so when the Work is finished there will be eighteen Ranks in each Division To reduce this Ranks as you were OR Rank twelve to the right and left inward 2. To perform it Inward Ranks rank two to the right and left inwards Command The two inmost men of the right and left hand in the midst of the Battail advance forwards the next in the same Rank are to follow two from the right hand and two from the left until the Work be finished making eighteen Ranks To reduce this Command Ranks as you were OR Ranks twelve to the right and left outwards I shall demonstrate one Figure of Ranks ranking in unequal parts which is rather to satisfie the curious than of any absolute necessity Vnequal Parts 10. Command Ranks rank 1 3 5 7 9 11. by increase and decrease as they stand in a Body To perform this The right hand man of the first rank march forth then the three next of the same rank follow in the reer of him then five more out of the same rank to make the third and what is wanting in the first rank of the Body to make good the fourth in Figure must be taken out of the second in body and so to proceed in the remainder both for its increase and decrease until your Command be produced To reduce this Command Right hand men rank twelve as you were 11. Command Ranks rank intire to the Right or Left into the Front To perform this Let the first rank stand every rank else face to the right and move away to the right successively placing themselves on the right hand of each rank until they all stand in one intire rank in the Front Figure 11. To reduce this Command Ranks rank as you were OR Ranks rank twelve to the left the second falls into the reer of the first the third into the reer of the second and so all successively until they be reduced 12. Command Ranks rank intire into the Front every man placing himself on the outside of his Right or Left hand man by Countermarch To perform this to the right hand man The first rank stands the rest moves away to the right on the outside of the right hand man The precedent reducement will reduce this OR Ranks rank twelve to the left each placing himself on the outside of his left hand man 13. Command Ranks rank 1. Outward 2. Inward into the Front 1. To
you were From your shoulder charge to the Front Right Left Reer Shoulder as you were 4. Port your Pikes This is useful when the Souldiers are to enter either Gate or Sally-port and it is an ease for the Reer half Files to Port their Pikes when the Front is at their Charge From your Port Comport Cheeke Trail your Pikes Port as you were From your Port charge to the Front Right Left Reer Port as you were 5. Comport your Pikes This is necessary for a Souldier upon his March up a Hill to have his Pike Comported From your Comport Cheek Trail your Pike From your Comport charge to the Front Right Left Reer Comport as you were 6. Cheeke your Pikes This is useful for the Sentinel Posture From your Cheeke Trail your Pikes Cheeke as you were From your Cheeke charge to the Front Right Left Reer Cheeke as you were 7. Trail your Pikes This is useful in a Trench to move for security of any breach undiscovered and is seldom used else but marching through a Wood c. From your Trail charge to the Front Right Left Reer Trail as you were From your Trail Order your Pikes 8 Lay down your Pikes Oberve that if your Pikes be laid down when you begin your exercise then your Command must be 1. Handle 2. Raise your Pike to your Open order Order Close order c. You may observe that the Postures of the Pike some are for conveniency and ease to the Souldier as to expedition either in Marchings or other services commanded and the several charges serve either for defence or offence none ought to slight any of these Commands but to put them into practice for at some one time or other they may be useful Here followeth the Postures of the Musquet or Calliver In which I do affirm that the word of Command generally used Make ready is no Posture but a word for brevity presupposing the Souldier to be expert in all and doth include those postures precedent to that Present your Musquet and so from the Presenting of your Musquets the other postures following unto that Give fire which is the completement of all the rest of the Commands given Therefore for the better handling of Arms no Judicious Practitioner in this Art but will confess it is better to be Instructed from Posture to Posture for more comely and swifter execution thereof The Musquetteer being shouldered Command Snap-haunce Sloop your Musquets Let slip your Musquets 1. Vnshoulder your Musquet and Poyse 2. Palm or rest your Musquet 3. Set the Butt end of your Musquet to the ground 4. Lay down your Musquet 5. Take off your Bandeliers 6. Lay down your Bandeliers 7. Face about to the left march 8. Face about to the right and march to your Arms or stand to your Arms. 9. Take up your Bandeliers 10. Put on your Bandeliers 11. Take up your Musquet 12. Rest or Palm your musquet 13. Secure or Guard your cock 14. Draw back your hammer or steel 15. Clear your pan 16. Prime your pan 17. Put down your steel or hammer 18. Blow or cast off your loose corn 19. Bring or cast your musquet about to your left side Handle your Charger Open your Charger 20. Charge with Powder 21. Draw forth your scowring stick 22. Shorten your scowring stick 23. Charge with Bullet 24. Put your scouring stick into your Musquet 25. Rain home your charge 26. Withdraw your scouring stick 27. Shorten your scouring stick 28. Return your scouring stick 29. Bring forward your Musquet and poise 30. Palm or rest your Musquet 31. Fit your hammer or steel 32. Free your cock 33. Bend your cock 34. Present your Musquet 35. Give fire 36. Palm or rest your Musquet 37. Clear your Pan. 38. Shut your Pan. 39. Poyse your Musquet 40. Shoulder your Musquet Match-lock I need not here insert every Command but only add such as are used for the Match-lock wholly laying aside the rest Take your Match from between the fingers of your left hand Lay down your Match Take up your Match with your right hand Return or place your Match into your left hand Open your Pan. Clear your Pan. Prime your Pan. Shut your Pan. Draw forth your Match Blow your Coal Cock your Match Fit your Match Guard your Pan. Blow the ash from your Coal Open your Pan. Uncock and return your Match So you are ready for a March or in the Posture upon the first motion That which is called the Saluting Posture is to be performed from the resting or palming of the Musquet when he shall have an occasion as a Souldier to salute his Friend or to the honouring of any other person deserving And the Sentinel Posture is for the Musquet to be in the Palm of the left hand at his Resting posture But his Musquet to be charged with Powder and Bullet his Cock freed and to be secured with his Thumb so to be ready to execute his charge and commands given c. There is indeed a word of Command sometimes used Reverse your Musquet which is the marching Funeral Posture That is to put the butt end of your Musquet upwards under your left arm holding it in your left hand about the lock of your Musquet Thus I have finished the Postures of the Musquet or Caliver with a Snap-hance and with a Match-lock without a Rest for your further inquiry if there need be I refer you to Lieutenant Barriffe or Captain Ward If I should forget to say something of the excellency as to the use of the Half-Pike and Musquet that is now of use in the Artillery Garden Half-Pike first invented by Lieutenant Barriffe and Mr John Davis of London whatsoever is performed in the exercise thereof it is with greater ease than the Rest and Musquet is And knowing how far it hath been the care of many Souldiers by invention to make the Musquetteers as well defensive as offensive but none amongst many of their Projects was received like this all falling to the ground and this standing as the best being of most excellent service for it serveth as a Rest as a Pallisado to defend the Musquetteer from the Horse When the shot is all spent they may with that Weapon fall in among the Enemy and in the pursuit of an Enemy by reason of the lightness thereof and their nimbleness in Action may do great execution and in Trenches they are good seconds for the Souldiers preservation Those Souldiers that are thus Armed are the best to be commanded out upon any Party because they are the best able to defend themselves and offend their Enemies And when any hedges are to be lin'd with shot West Country that the Musquetteers by their forced service become silent and the ways deep and narrow then the Half-Pike will be of singular service And last of all the Souldâ—er so marching with his Half-Pike and Musquet It is not only a Grace to the Souldier but a Terrour to the Enemy Besides this hath
how a Battalia may be strengthned by doublings And that is either in the 1. Front 2. Reer or 3. Both Flanks The Front may be strengthned by Intire Doublings Divisional Doublings Intire Wheelings Divisional Wheelings Of these I shall proceed in their several Orders shewing how intire Doublings do strengthen the Front And that is by 1. Ranks 2. Bringers up 3. Half Files 1. The Front is strengthned by intire Doublings of Ranks 1. Command Ranks to the 1. Right or 2. Left Doubles Directions for doubling to the Right from the left the even Ranks from the Front move forward to the Right into the odd Ranks To reduce them Command Files to the left double or Ranks as you were The doubling of this Figure to the right doth easily make appear what is meant by doubling to the left that I need not demonstrate it 2. Command Ranks to the right and left double 1. Outward or 2. Inward 1. Directions Outward Even Ranks move outward from the Flanks with three steps forward into the odd Ranks To reduce them Ranks as you were Or Files to the right and left double inward 2. Directions inward The even Ranks move inward from the Flanks with three steps forward into the odd Ranks To reduce them Ranks as you were Or Files to the right and left double outward 3. Command Double your Ranks to the 1. Right 2. Left Intire Directions to the right Even Ranks from the Front face to the right and march forth until they be clear of the standing Ranks then face them to their Leader and double the odd Ranks that are standing If you command them to close their Ranks forward it will be the same Figure as may be produced by commanding half files to double the front to the right the difference being only in quality not in quantity vide Fig. 3. To reduce them Command Ranks that doubled face to the left and march forth into your places Or Half Ranks of the right face to the left and double your left Flank Or Ranks as you were 4. Command Double your Ranks inward intire Directions Every even Rank from the Reer face to the right and left out wards and march until they be clear of the standing part then let every even Rank from the Front which is the standing part move forwards into the Front 5. Command Double your Ranks to the 1. Right 2. Left Intire Every man placing himself on the outside of his right hand man This doubling is the same in Figure with the third they differ only in place the quantity being the same Directions Every even Rank from the Front face to the right and march placing your selves on the outside of your right hand men To reduce them Command Right half ranks double your left flank each placing your selves on the inside of his left hand man 2. Intire doublings for the strengthening of the Front by Bringers-up 6. Command Bringers-up double your Front to the 1. Right 2. Left Directions for doubling to the right Bringers up move forwards with your right legs and pass through ranking themselves even with the Front the rest following successively and placing themselves even with the standing ranks To reduce them Command Bringers up or Reer half files face about to the left and march into your places OR Even files from the left double your depth to the left each fall behind his accidental bringer-up or half file-leader When they march into their places the half file-leaders who were the last that took their places now in this reducement must be the first to take their places 7. Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right and left 1. Outward 2. Inward This I never saw but once in a private Exercise but I conceive it more out of curiosity than of necessity And because it is suitable to the second Command of Ranks I need not demonstrate them in Figures as the even ranks move and take their respective places in the second Figure in this the bringers-up are to be the first movers to the right and left either outwards or inwards If outwards then it is to be performed from the midst of the Reer from the right and left into the Front To reduce them Command The odd files from the right and left flank double your depth to the right and left inwards every man falling behind his accidental bringer-up If inwards then it ought to be performed from the flanks to the right and left inwards even into the Front To reduce them Command The even files from each flank double your depth to the right and left inwards all falling behind his accidental bringer-up 3. Intire doublings for the strengthening of the Front by half-files 8. Command Half files double your Front to the 1. Right 2. Left Directions If to the right the half file-leaders must pass through or move forwards to the right into the Front and the succeeding ranks are to follow them To reduce them Command Even files from the left double your depth to the left Or Half files face about to the left and march forth into your places Or Half files as you were 9. Command Half files double your Front to the right and left 1. Outwards 2. Inwards What I have declared in the seventh Command I do the same here However I shall demonstrate the Command by doubling outwards 1. Directions It is to be performed from the midst of the half files to the right and left into the Front To reduce this Command The odd files from the right and left flank double your depth to the right and left inward OR Halfe files face about to the right and march forth into your places 2. Directions If the command be inward then it is to be performed from the flanks of the half files marching even into the Front To reduce them Command Even files from each flank double your depth to the right and left outwards OR Half files as you were 10. Command Half files double your Front to the 1. Right 2. Left Intire Directions to the right Half files face to the right and march until they be clear of the front half files then face them to their Leader and march them up even with the Front To reduce this Command Half files face about to the right and march forth into your places OR Half ranks of the right double the depth of your left flank intire 11. Command Half files double your Front inward intire Directions Front half files face to the right and left outwards and march until they be clear of the Reer half files then face them to their Leader and stand Then let the reer half files march up even into the Front To reduce them Half files upon the intire motion face about and march Front half files face to the right and left inward and close your Divisions OR Reer half files double the depth of your Front half files intire face all to the right and left inward and close your Divisions
             1 2 3 4 5 6. 6 5 4 3 2 1  6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 To make the If upon a single File Command 5 6 5 2 1 2  5 6 1 6 1 2 5 6 1 6 1 2 4 3 1 6 4 3  4 3 2 5 4 3 4 3 2 5 4 3 3 4 6 1 3 4  3 4 3 2 3 4 3 4 5 2 3 4  2 1 2 5 6 5  2 1 6 1 6 5 2 1 6 1 6 5  1 2 3 4 5 6  1 2 5 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6   6 5 4 3 2  1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2 This I saw July 1671. Reducement File Leaders stand the rest pass through and place your selves before your Leaders Ranks to the right double and Files to the right double Ranks to the left double and Files double your depth to the left File-Leaders stand the rest pass through to the right and place themselves before their Leaders Half double your Front to the right and Files to the right double Ranks to the left double and Files to the left double If more Files than one Command Reducement File rank to the left into the Front Rank file fix to the left File rank two to the right and Files to the right double Bringers-up double your Front to the left and double your Files to the right intire advancing Bringers-up double your Front to the right and double your Files to the left intire advancing Half double your Front to the right Files double your depth to the left File rank two to the left Files to the left double Reducement Bringer-up stand the rest pass through to the left and place your selves behind your Bringer-up Rank two to the left and Files to the left double Half file double your Front to the right and Files double your depth to the right File rank six to the left then Rank file six to the left Front half file double your depth to the left File-Leader with the odd men from the Front face about to the right and interchange Ground   6 5 4 3 2   6 5 4 3 2  6 5 4 3 2 The front and standing of each file as they come to be leaders in their respective dignities Dignity             The dignity of a file  1 6 4 3 5 2 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1  6 5 4 3 2 1 1. a 5. e 4. d 3. c 6. f 2. b 1 2 6 5 5 6 2 4 5 6 6 5  2 4 5 6 6 5 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 3 1 2 3 4  1 3 1 2 3 4 4 3 2 1 1 3 3 1 3 4 1 3  3 1 3 4 1 3 2 1 5 6 6 5 4 2 6 5 5 6  4 2 6 5 5 6   5 6 3 4 4 2 5 6 2 1 4 2  5 6 2 1 4 2 Dignity  I much quastion the dignity of this how ever I have incerted it 6 5 4 3 2 1 Dignity 6 5 4 3 2 1  f e d c b a f e d c b a  Reducement Files rank two to the left files to the left double Bringer up double your Front to the left Files double your depth to the left every man falling behind his bringer up Half files double your Front to the right Files double to the left intire advancing Files rank two to the right Files to the left double Bringer up double your Front to the right and files double your depth to the right every man placing himself before his leader Front half files double the Reer to the left Files double to the left in tire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Half files double your Front to the left Files double to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Reducement Ranks to the left double files to the left double then half files double your Front to the right then Bringers up face about to the right and march forth into your places File leaders stand the rest pass through to the left and place your selves before your leaders Ranks to the right double Files to the right double Front and Reer half files interchange ground File leaders half file leaders stand the rest pass through to the left place your selves before your leaders Bringers up double your front to the right and files double your depth to the right  Reducement Rank two to the left and files to the left double then Front half files double your Reer to the left intire advancing every one placing himself behind his leader Face about into the right and Countermarch your Reer into the Front Ranks to the right double and Files to the right double Front half files double your Reer to the right intire advancing Bringers up double your Front to the right files to the right double advancing placing your selves before your leaders Countermarch front and Reer into the midst Front and Reer half files interchange ground    N. 6. N. 5. N. 4. N. 3. N. 2.  N. 6. N. 5. N 4. N. 3. N. 2.   N. 6. N. 5. N. 4. N. 3. N. 2.  CHAP. XV. Of Countermarches WE read in the Tacticks of Aelian of three kinds of Countermarches used amongst the Graecians and Persians And are termed the 1. Chorean 2. Lacedemonian 3. Macedonian Countermarches There is another Countermarch that is of use in our modern exercises and is termed the Bastard Countermarch and so called because it participates some times of one and some times of another but always of two and may in many respects be more useful than the former Most Authors place this amongst the other Countermarches therefore I shall not now alter it although in my opinion it may be very well ranked amongst the doublings I thought to have been large in demonstrating the several natures of Countermarches but being conceived of all motions in this art the least beneficial to our latest mode of discipline I shall not be tedious to your Patience But if the skilful Souldier will put them into practice especially the Bastard Countermarch he will not only find some of them serviceable but all delightful in private Exercises Observe the Chorean Lacedemonian Macedonian is 1. Maintaining 2. Losing 3. Gaining Ground First The maintaining of Ground is a Countermarch commanded without any addition to it and is termed the Chorean or Cretan Countermarch Secondly The losing ground is a Countermarch commanded when the Souldier is to take his ground from the Reer and this is termed the Lacedemonian Countermarch Thirdly The gaining of ground that is a Countermarch taking of ground next before the front and forsaking the ground it first stood upon and this is
fitting of the Souldier for field services and others at their pleasure what their fancy may guide them unto And thus I have passed over the Grounds of Discipline for the Foot I expect Censures by the Ingenuous I submit to a correction but for the Carper let him remain in his own mud he shall never be complemented to a cleared fountain by me CHAP. XVII Of making file leaders successively both in number and place in a file six in depth and so for a whole body THe Souldiers having passed thus many dayes exercise in these principles of Art Military and now each Souldier is loving to his Comrade every file leader to the rest of his file being willing that their files should successively demonstrate some experiences as they have attained unto in the exercise thereof which will prove a great incouragement to the Ingenious Also it is profitable to a Commander to bring what Ranks he pleaseth into the Front and to exchange them and to reduce them to their proper file leaders A File to be made file leaders successively according to Number or by commanding as followeth Commanding by the file leader 1 File leaders  Rank two to the left and file to the left double 2 2 Ranks to the left double and Files to the left double  Countermarch Front and reer into the midst and face to that part which was the Reer 3 1 3 Half files double your front to the right and files to the right double   Face about to the right 4 4 2 4 File leaders stand the rest pass through to the right and place themselves before their leaders     Countermarch from the Reer into the midst and and face to that which was the Reer 5 3 6 5 5 Ranks to the left double and Files double your depth to the left     Files Rank two to the right and file to the right double face them about and it will reduce them 6 6 1 1 6 6 Ranks to the right double and Files to the right double  To Reduce  5 5 6 3 5 1. File leaders stand the rest pass through and place your selves before your Leader           4 2 4 4            3 1 3               2 2                1  A File to be made file leaders successively according to their Dignity 1. File leader 1       The second man from the Front 5 2 Bringers up double your Front to the right and files double your depth to the right Bringer up to the Front half file 4 6 3 File leaders and half file leaders stand the rest pass through to the left and place your selves before your leaders 3. Half file leader 3 3 6 4 Front and Reer half files interchange your ground The second man from the Reer 6 1 2 5 5 Ranks to the right double files to the right double 2. Bringer up 2 5 4 1 4 6 File leaders stand the rest pass through to the left and place your selves before your leader   4 5 3 3 2 To reduce them    1 6 1 1 1. Ranks to the left double and files to the left double     2 2 3 2. Half files double your front to the right      6 4 3. Bringers up face about to the right and march forth into your places       5  CHAP. XVIII Of certain firings in the Front HAving passed over the grounds of this Art Military I am now come to the executive part of the Tacticks and shall not here exceed the exercise of a single Company shewing the Souldier the use of some few Firings that they may the better perform their respective duties when they shall be commanded thereunto None can positively say this or that figure shall be or serve this day time or place c. because of the diversity of formes occasioned by situation of ground he number of men the order of the Enemy with many other observable Stratagems for the obtaining both of Wind and Sun I shall therefore according to my allotment of twelve files demonstrate by figure some Firings which being well understood may enable such for higher preferment as time and place may fortune them unto By way of digression I am sure it is a trouble to most ingenious spirits to see some Gentlemen chosen Captains in the Militia that are but prisoners to their own reasons and instead of being experienced in this Art have been wholly Ignorant of the least part thereof It is no wonder then if his Majesty may lose his expectation of a well disciplined Militia and the Souldier in hazzard of his life and Country too How easily might this be remedied if our Commanding power would but authorize the Commission officers to meet once in a moneth to exercise each other by their respective turns c. where they may also discourse and consult about Military affairs and then for these private Commanders by their affable and heroick perswasions to get some of their souldiers as may be for their conveniencie to meet with their armes and to exercise them this would not only be delightful but profitable both for King and Country And on the contrary the neglect hereof and also of the full number of men and Armes in the Militia hath made it to be ill spoken of and so little feared especially by those of our own inbred Enemies to the Royal Government these things will be better looked into hereafter If they will not be drawn to love and to be obedient to Royal Prerogatives they must be made to dread it And I humbly conceive there is no better way to effect the former than by having a choice Militia of such whose spirits should account it a baseness to abuse the Country and make not their Musters pass times for debauchery and that their Companies be not only well disciplined but well Armed also I proceed to the drawing up of files again into a body and preparing them for skirmish A Company of Foot being thus drawn up for service and the Colours flying in the head of the Company and there they are to remain until all forlorne firings are ended But so soon as the Drumm shall beat his further preparatives for a close skirmish the Ensign is to furle his Colours and retreit to the half files of Pikes Observe That all firings are either direct or oblique and the manner how they are to be performed are either Advancing Receiving or Retreiting otherwhiles there may be firing in the Reer marching from the Enemy or in the flank marching by an Enemy and also at several places for an Enemy
give my judgement with those who do not allow the firings by way of Introduction to be useful in our modern Wars nor are they secure to the Souldier unless when the Commander shall find his Souldiers to be well exercised then amongst other various curiosities these may be performed By the word Introduction is meant a passing through or between and by its motion doth advance and gain ground upon an Enemy 16. Command Make ready to give fire by Introduction Then Command the files of Musquetteers to open by division to their open order and to pass through to the right c. The first rank of each flank presents and gives fire so done they stand and make ready again The second rank so soon as the first have fired passeth through and placeth it self before the first and do their fire and stand also and make ready again The third is to pass forward and stand in rank even with the first and when the second rank hath fired they must step before the second and having fired are to stand and make ready again and thus every rank is to follow his Leader successively until the Bringers up of each Division are to give fire and stand in the Front of all Observe in this firing you may keep your Pikes shouldered still moving slowly forwards if there be no danger of Horse and so keep even with the Front of Musquetteers This done twice over will reduce them A Second way of Introductive firing The first Rank is to fire and stand as in the forementioned Figure then the Bringers-up or last Rank whilst the File-leaders are firing shall march up and place themselves even with the second Rank and when they have fired the Bringers-up are to step before them and immediatly to present and give fire and when the rest have followed their Bringers-up and fired once over be sure that the File-leaders fire twice Both produce the horn battle who ought to be the first and the last and so stand the Pikes are to march up even with the Front of Musquetteers as in the former direction and they are reduced Extraductive 17. Firing There have been in use two Extraductive firings I shall speak but of one which is allowed somewhat useful especially in narrow passages and in case your Enemy be too powerful either in Horse or Foot that then the passage might be filled up with the Pikes but if your Pikes be not sufficient to do it as you will perceive by my Figure then double your Ranks let your Pikes be in such posture and motion accordingly as occasion shall offer it self Command Musquetteers face about to the right and march until you are clear of the Body of Pikes then face inward and close your Divisions for the Pikes command them to double their Ranks to the right Or half Files double their Front to the right To perform this Command The first rank of Musquetteers next after the Pikes face to the right then to march forth file-wise close up by the right flank of Pikes and when the Leader is advanced into the Front of Pikes he is to lead them athwart the whole Front of Pikes after which they are all to stand present and give fire and having fired they are to wheel off to the left and fall into the Reer of Musquetteers and whilst the first Rank is firing the second is to be marching so as to be ready to fall into their Places To reduce them Command the Pikes to advance six foot if they be doubled their Ranks to the right let them now double their Files to the left then Command I could have mentioned a great many more firings to the Front but through my confinement to such a small number of men and not an equality in arms Art compleated cannot be expected from me Must of these firings are solid and serviceable yet it cannot be conceived that three Ranks can make any abidement of Battle for continuance against any Enemy although sometimes they may be forced to be reduced into less Numbers yet by shewing the nature hereof you will be the better able to manage a greater c. CHAP. XIX Of firing in the Front and Reer And Reer alone BEfore I demonstrate the firings in the Reer I thought it fit to give one Figure of firing to the Front and Reer which may serve also for a firing to each Flank when the Commander pleaseth 1. Command Front half Files of Musquetteers march until your Bringers-up be even in breast with the Front of Pikes Reer half Files of Pikes face about to the right Reer half Files of Musquetteers face about to the right and march until the half File-leaders are even in breast with the Bringers up of Pikes For the first firing by this Figure so soon as the Ranks upon each Division have fired they are to wheel off to the right and left and fall into the Reer of their own Divisions And having so fired all over they are to wheel off and place themselves even in breast with the Pikes as now they stand faced then being faced to their Leader they are reduc'd This is not our drift of firing in the Reer but if in a March an Enemy eagerly pursues and assaults then by facing about and firing in the Reer or by Countermarching or Wheeling about and so firing these repulses orderly performed may cause a disorder in the pursuants And it is good sometimes as occasion may offer to keep an Enemy in play whilst he may advantage himself in his Ground either for his Embattlement or Ambushes or for the conveyances of Gunns or other Carriages c. 2. Firing Upon a March the last Rank is to face about and so to give fire wheeling off in File by Division and marching up towards the Front and placing themselves before their File-leaders 1. Observing that they rank even with the second rank of Pikes 2. In the performance of this you will lose one rank in the Front 3. Observe that whilst the rank of Musquetteers are firing in the Reer the next rank although he be marching he ought to be preparing with his cock bent and garded that with his three motions he may next fire so soon as his precedent rank is wheeled off 4. Although you are upon a march yet you are to fall one rank nearer to the Reer that the Body may be preserved intire 5. Observe further in the performance of all this your preparations and firings ought to be at three motions Cock your match Blow your coal Present c. Let the first be with the right leg advancing the second with the left leg advancing bending your cock then a little advancing forward with the right foot to present and give fire Now I give these Reasons for the Observations of some motions in these firings to the Reer because so soon as the Souldier hath fired if the last rank should immediatly face about and present c. there would be a
besides the flancquing defence F C D E could scowr only one point of the round Towers B C A because round bodies cannot be touched by right lines but in one point only At last Art conquered it self and found out that way of defence which we now use turning the Walls into Rampars and the round Turrets into Bulwarks fitted with face and flancque and enclosed the whole Fortification with right or streight lines To conclude it is brought so to pass that the Enemy let him stand where he will shall lie open to the Shot of the defendants and all the parts of the Fortification mutually defend one another Being about to treat of this last manner of fortification I will keep such Order that when I shall have expounded the terms that are used in this matter I shall then propose the Rules and Principles of the Art and thus instructed at last God willing we will fall upon the practice it self CHAP. II. The Terms of Military Architecture are Expounded 1. A Fortification is a Place having such a Circumference whose each part receives from other parts a Flancquing or side Defence besides the fore-right Defence they yield themselves So that all parts mutually scowre one another One part is said to scowr or flanque one another Fig. 5 when it can defend it with the parallel shot of a Gun So the part of the Circumference X B C scowrs the part F G the part A E F scowrs C D So of the rest 2. To delineate a Fortification is to describe the out-lines of the Fortification 3. A Regular Fortification is built upon a Regular Figure hath all its parts equal and like placed 4. A Regular Figure is that which hath equal sides and angles such is the Figure H K R P M N all whose sides K R R P P M M N N K and angles N M P R K are equal among themselves About this a Circle may be circumscrib'd that shall have the same Center H as the Figure hath The Angle of the Center is that which is contain'd between two Semidiameters K H R H. The Angle of the Circumference or of the Figure is that which was contain'd between the sides of the Figure as M P c. 5. An Irregular Fort is that which is built on an Irregular Figure an Irregular Figure is that which hath neither Sides nor Angles equal 6. A Bulwork or Bastion Fig. 6 is that part of the Fort B D H L M which most of all runs into the field 7. A C B D Are the flanques of the Bulwork 8. D H C G The face of the Bulwork 9. B F M F The gorge or neck of the Bulwork 10. F H E G The Capital lines 11. A B The Courtine 12. If the flanque of the Bulwork be divided in the point 2 and on the inside you take 5 3 equal to 2 B and joyn the points 2 3 the part 3 D or that curved Line within it is called Orillon or eare of the Bulwork and the rest of it 3 5 is called the Flancque Couvert but the use of these Orillons are almost out of date 13. C Q. The flanque prolonged 14. Q G The front or surface 15. B G The fichant line of defence 16. R G The flanquing line of defence 17. K B The flanque of the Courtine called by the French the second Flanque it is that part of the Courtine which lies betwixt the flanque of the Bastion D B and the flanquing line of defence KG 18. E F the side of the inward Polygon or Figure 19. G H The side of the outward Polygon or the distance of the Bastions 20. P E P F The Radius of the inward Polygon or Figure 21. P G P H The Radius of the outward Polygon 22. E P F The Angle of the Center Vide def 4. 23. A E O The Angle of the Figure Vide def 4. 24. N G C The Angle of the Bulwork called in French Angle Flancque 25. K C A I D B The Angle of the flanque and flanquing line of defence called in French Angle de laflancquant du flancque 26 C K A D I B The Angle of the flanquing Line of Defence and Courtine called in French Angle flancquant interieur 27. A C G The Angle of the flanque and face 28. G T H The Angle of defence in French angle flancquant exterieur Angle de tenailles 29. D S H The Angle determining the flanque Angle forme flanque There are several sorts of Fortifications as to their Magnitude 30. A Fort Royal Is that whose fichant line does not exceed a Musquet-shot and is used most in fortifying Cities and great places 31. The middle sort of Fort Royal Is that whose fichant line is less than Musquet-shot but the distance of the Bulworks more 32. The lesser sort of Fort Royal Is that whose Bulworks are distant just Musquet-shot Those that are less are called Castles Forts c. We shall expound the Orthographical terms or the Profile commonly called the uprights in the 7th Chapter following CHAP. III. The Canons or principal Rules of Fortification 1. THe end of Fortification is that few may resist many 2. The form of the Fort must be such that all its parts may receive an oblique flanquing-side defence beside the fore-right defence they afford themselves 3. Therefore each part of the Fortification must flanque and be flanqued The manner of flanquing is this The face which is the weakest part of the Fortification is defended by the flanques of the Bulwork and Courtine as also by the opposite Fig. 5 face The flanque of the Bulwork are defended by the Courtine and the Courtine by the Flanques Vid. fig. 5. Fig. 6 4. The shorter and obliquer the defence lines are so much the stronger and surer Now the Lines of defence will be so much the obliquer as the Angle of defence G T H shall be acuter Fig. 5 5. The Fichant line B G A G must not exceed a Musquet-shot that is 750 or 720 feet The Bullet may be carried farther but not to do execution at a mark The Fichant line among all the Lines of the Fort is the chief and doth it self determinate the bigness of all the rest Note When we shall make mention of feet you must understand them to be Rhyneland feet 6. Above all care must be taken to make the flanquing parts of the Fortification as large as you can 7. Therefore let the flanque of the Bulwork be of a just bigness and make the second flanque as large as you can For that Fort is far the strongest which keeping the Rest of the Maxims hath also flanques in the Courtine 8. Let the Courtine be of a just length let it be more than the face and the flanques of the Bulwork joyn'd because it is the strongest part of the Fort. Fig. 6 9. Let the Angle of the Bulwork N G C be able to resist the force of Canon and consequently not less
c. will have an Irregular figure the place so requiring CHAP. XVIII SOmething of what is now to be said is also common to Regular places but we shall conveniently dispatch them all together in this place 1. Those places o're which rising Hills or neighbouring Mountains domineer are unfit to be fortified Either therefore the Hill is to be inclosed within the circuit of the walls or if it cannot be inclosed all care must be taken that the Enemy do not possess it Which will be done by setting a new and strong Fortification upon it or when this cannot be done it must be by raising of Cavaliers or batteries in the Bulwork or Courtine o're which the Hill seems to hang. If Castles or Cities are built upon Mountains where there may be danger of Mining you must fortifie the foot of the Mountain with works 2. The most convenient and safest place for the Gates is betwixt the two Bulworks in the middle of the Courtine for they can be defended in no other place with so much security and facility For the same reason Rivers cutting through a City are received betwixt the two Bulworks 3. To keep great Cities in their duty and obedience there is nothing fitter than to joyn a Cittadel to that place which may most command the Town Concerning their building and scituation observe this 1. Let them possess the strongest part of the City wherefore if there be a Rock or Hill within the Town there let them be built So they have done at Namur Cambray Naples and other places 2. Let them be set against the chiefest avenues of the Towns and let the gates be lyable to their command 3. Let them be Pentagons for this figure is fittest for the square is weaker and not so capacious The rest of the figures above a Pentagon are larger than needs and are too costly Antwerp Turin Amiens Vitri Phallzbourg Stenay and many other Towns have Pentagonal Cittadels Millain Perpignan and Casall have Hexagons Manheim Verdun Blavett have septangular ones 4. They are so to be placed that they turn two of their Bulworks towards the Town three to the field And so that one of the Cou tines of the City A B meet with the Courtine of the Cittadel T betwixt the two Bulworks C and G one of which looks towards the City the other towards the Enemy Fig. 32. as you have it express'd in the 32 Figure This last is not of little moment for so the Bulwork G is stoutly defended from the Courtine of the Town and the Courtine it self of the Town is scowred and defended by the Cittadel From whence it appears they very much erre who remove the Cittadels far from the Towns 5. Let them have at least two gates one towards the Town another towards the field to receive in succours upon occasion 6. Betwixt the Cittadel and the houses of the Town let there be a plane of a sufficient bigness Antwerp shews you an example of a Cittadel compleat and perfect with all its numbers for this commands the City with two Bulworks with two more scowrs the Scald that flows by it and with three proudly domineers o're the field and it is furnished with all the rest that my either appertain to its form or scituation 4. The sides of Cities that are wash'd with Rivers may be fortified with slight works to wit with a single External or internal Angles or with middle defences terminated with half-Bulworks You shall fortifie the sides with Hornworks fitted for the place vid. fig. 33. Not only the mouths of Havens Fig. 33. but the sides that are longer then ordinary are to be strengthened with Fortifications If the city be distant from the River a Musquet-shot it must be joyn'd to it by building a Cittadel 5. The Banck opposite to the Town if it be within Musquet-shot and in a friends Countrey may be fortified with less Works To wit with an half sexangular Star or with a plain Bulwork But if it be in an enemies Countrey or in a friends out of Musquet-shot you shall fortifie it with half a Regular Hexagon whose sides must be protected with Hornworks and other works You have an example in Fig. 34. The neglect of this was the loss of Nimmeghen on the Vahal Of all this you may see farther in Dogen Lib. 2. These few Rules following shall put an end to Irregular Fortification of which there is great use in this Business I. Let the Irregular Fortification be reduced altogether to a Regular one or as near it as can be II. Let it be round about as equal as possible can be or equally firm III. A Fortification that is larger with the same circumference is to be prefer'd before a less IV. Sides that bend inwards that is those that contain an External Angle must be avoided because they lessen the place and are built at greater expence V. The Bulworks may be Irregular and unlike for that sort of Fortification is counted handsomest that is strongest VI. The least distance of the Bulworks according to Dogen pag. 188. must be 60 Rhynland perches the greatest 80. VII The Angle of defence on the Angle of the Tenailles must be as oft as can be opposite to the middle point of the Courtine VIII Against Hills that hang over the Town or against Rivers that flow into the Moat rather object the Courtine than the Bulwork for that is stronger than this THE THIRD PART Of besieging Towns and how to defend them THere are five Acts proper to the Seige Circumvallation The Lines of approach and Batteries for Cannons The Sappes or the cutting through the out-brestwork The Gallerie and the breaking of the Bulwork by a Mine 1. First therefore the place that is to be besieged is to be so inclosed round about with a Rampar fortified with all sorts of works that no going out nor coming in may lie open to it 2. You come to the out-brestwork under the favour of trenches depress'd beneath the Horizon and drawn with various windings so that they cannot be scowred from any part of the place besieged 3. The out-brestwork in cutting through you must no longer use trenches drawn obliquely but it must be done by the shortest cut that is by a Line drawn directly 4. The Graft must be fill'd with a bank made of earth and stones and Faggots carried on thorough it to the Rampar on which at last the Gallery is layd If the Ditch be dry sometimes the Gallery is carried under ground to the place appointed for the Mine 5. Through the Gallery that is now finished the Pioneers advance without any danger to the Rampar where they dig a hole and put in such a quantity of Gunpowder as may serve to break the great Bulk of earth that stands over it which at last being set on fire and the Rampar broken the Souldiers are led on through the Gallery to the breach to enter the City that lyes open before them This is the Sum of