la maniére qu'il faut tirer Chap. 14. Page 178 FINIS THE PERFECT MAJOR Shewing the easiest way of handling ARMS THE MILLITARY MOTIONS WITH THE Manner how to enter into the Field and to form a BATTALION By F. d' Morains formerly an Officer in the French Army's Licensed April the 24th 1686. Ro. L'Estrange LONDON Printed by B. Griffin for the Author 1686. TO THE KING SIR THe natural and incomparable sweetness of your MAJESTY who receives the humble offerings of Strangers as well as those of your natural born Subjects incourages me to take the liberty to consecrate this Military Discourse to your MAJESTY which treates briefly of the most sublime most perillous and most difficult Subject in the World The skill of Noble Men the practice of Men of Valour and the Exercise of Princes and Kings An Art by which to get Honour we must be both Masters and Scholars at once For we must conquer in Learning and learn in Conquering This Discourse contains what the most experimented of the Ancients do write upon that Subject What I have heard say and seen practiced of late by the bravest Men that our Age affords amongst the most Warlike Nations of the World which is a sufficient Warrant for the Truth of this Discourse but not so sufficient as your MAJESTY's own experience having been your self in person in many dangerous rencontres at the head of Armies where your Royal Person was exposed as if you had been immortal which is the admiration of all Europe and the terrour of your MAJESTY's Enemies Heaven grant that you may so excel in it that the most generous Warriers may tremble at your Name and seek for no other examples in Histories than those of your great exploits But Sir if I was able to express my self upon this subject instead of an Epistle I should make a Panegyrick But I want expressions and I most humbly beg your MAJESTY's pardon for the liberty I take to offer you this Discourse and to give me leave to be silent wherein I cannot express my self There is often much art in being silent and silence was among the Ancients a great mystery And therefore I shall say no more but only beg your MAJESTY's protection and the favour to give me leave to make bold to subscribe my self with the deepest respect YOUR MAJESTIES Most Humble most Obedient and most faithful Servant F. De MORAINS TO THE READER Courteous Reader I Do not question but many envious people will blame me of temerity to have been so bold to dedicate this Discourse to so great a Monarch But if they reflect upon the Subject of this Book and the necessity there is for the preservation of a Kingdom that the King's Forces may understand their duty they may in a manner approve the Zeal which hath caused me to give it to the Publick seeing my design is only to teach with an easie way the Handling of Arms the Military motions with the manner how to enter into the Field Form a Battalion to fire Retreating and in the keeping of a Pass or a Hollow way and in Defils I give Reader this instruction of the manner of fighting now as I have seen it and practiced it my self in the last Compagnes which I offer very heartily to the Nobility who always make it their chiefest honour to fight for their King and for the glory of their Country for both which they are obliged to spend their blood If those that will follow this glorious profession can learn any thing in it I shall think my self the happiest man in the World to see that my labour hath not been in vain Farewell THE PERFECT MAJOR Shewing The easiest way of Handling Arms the Military motions ' with the manner how to enter into the Field and to form a Battalion CHAP. I. The Major's Duty 1. THe Major is to take the Colonel's Company with his Adjutant or Ayde Major or him that officiates in his place which is to lead into the field after having view'd it 2. The Major is to receive the Musketeers to make and order the Front of the Battalion 3. The Adjutant is to be at the head of the Pikemen which he shall order after the same manner behind the Musketeers at twenty paces distance if there be ground enough 4. The Major or Adjutant is to observe that the distance of the Files when they do not exercise is to be of half a pace but when they are to exercise they are to open at a pace distance 5. No Company ought to go into the Field but in it's proper Rank or Order and the Files are to be six deep 6. The Captains or Officers are to lead their Companies with their Pikes in their hands The Lieutenants are to be at the Rear of the Pikes but when there is no Ensign they must place themselves at the head of the Pikes when the Battalion is to be formed 7. The Companies entring the field shall File off and march upon the left Wing of the Pikes but before they are to leave their Pikes in the Field and the Musketeers shall follow their march until they joyn the Front of Musketeers 8. As soon as the last Company shall have joyned the Battalion the Adjutant must make the Pikes file off by four at a breast to go and joyn the Battalion upon the same Front of the Musketeers upon the left Wing and immediately without losing time as soon as the last quarter Rank is come up he must command the half Rank of the left of Musketeers to turn to the left and the Pikes to the right giving the word of Command March The Pikes and Musketeers shall keep the same ground after which the Command must be Return as you were In this motion there must be always a Serjeant upon the Wing of each rank to prevent their false march 9. No Officer ought to leave the head of his Company nor his Pike till the Battalion is formed 10. As soon as a Battalion is formed the Eldest Lieutenant must stay at the Rear of the right Wing of Musketeers and the youngest Lieutenant at the Rear of the left Wing an Ensign at the Rear of Pikes with one half of the Serjeants to prevent the Soldiers from breaking and quitting their Ranks 11. When the Major gives the word of Command the Officers and Serjeants must command the Soldiers to keep silence and no other but the Major ought to give the word of Command except he that commands the Regiment 12. The Captains and Officers shall in the execution of the Motions follow the Major's orders 13. The Drums are to be upon the Wings 14. It is requisite that the Officers take care that the Soldiers do not neglect any thing concerning their Duty as to keep well their Ranks to carry their Arms well and to observe their distance not only in the Battalion but in the least things as in their Marches into the Field Towns or Villages or when they stand Centry
for we often see Soldiers carry their Arms sometimes upon one shoulder and sometimes upon another and sometimes under their Arms which ought not to be suffer'd without cause for whoever neglects small things in time will also neglect greater things for neglect will turn into an habit and for that reason the under Officers ought to view their Soldiers Arms to see if they are fixed and in good order and in case they be not so after they have had warning of it they must be got mended and cleansed at their own cost and charge which they might do themselves if they were vigilant which is the mark of a good Soldier The Captains ought not altogether to trust to their inferiour Officers they ought from time to time to take a review of their Companies and at the same time to view their Arms and in case they don't find them as they ought to be after they have commanded the Serjeants to have a care of it they must get them to be mended at the charge of all the under Officers They shall no sooner have done it once but that every one shall mind his Duty according to his post For there must be some subordination in an Army CHAP. II. The manner how to Form a Battalion and the terms which are to be used with an easie method to learn the Military motions In the first Place THe terms of a square Battalion of Men. The Battalion is made up of a File Leader and a Bringer up of a half File Leader and of a Bringer up of a half File of a right hand File and of a left hand File The fore part of the Battalion is called the Head or the Front The hinder part is called the Rear The Explication of it The manner how to form a Battalion and the terms which are to be used 1. The first File of a Battalion is that which is on the right hand of the Battalion upon which all the rest are to order themselves 2. A File is so many Men directly behind one another all in a direct line so that no man leaneth neither to the right nor to the left 3. To keep a streight line every Souldier in his File shall look his File-leader on the right hand and on the left and shall bend his body of neither side 4. To even the Ranks is to post the Men of every Rank in a direct line side by side and all of a Front so that none be too much forward nor too backward 5. To even the Ranks the Men of each Rank shall look before and behind their right hand Man without leaving their post or as we shall shew hereafter they shall turn to the right or to the left afterwards they shall post themselves as it is order'd in the third Article 6. A Battalion is to be drawn up six deep when it is to fight But when you exercise more carefully you must put eight men to a File that you may have quarter Files 7 The depth of the Battalion is divided into quarter Files one is called the Front quarter File and the other the Rear quarter File or the out quarter File and the other the Center quarter File 8. When a Souldier turns it must always be upon the same foot which is commonly the left to observe the distances and when he changes place he must always begin to step with the right foot foremost 9. If a Souldier will march backward he must first turn to the right about 10. To the right is to turn a quarter turn towards the right hand and then to stand 11. To the left is to turn a quarter turn towards the left hand 12. To the right about is to turn half a turn to the right hand so that the man that was behind you may then be before 13. To the left about is to turn half a turn to the left hand and to stand as above 14. It is to observed that when the word of Command is given without further explication it is to be always understood to be forward 15. When the word of Command is to the Right or to the Right about it must be afterwards to the left as you were and if the word of Command is to the left or to the left about it must be afterwards to the right as you were and you must take care to keep your Ranks even and your Files streight 16. To double your Ranks to the right the second Rank must come up to the first the fourth to the third the sixth to the fifth and so in order come up upon the right hand of the Men that are before you and shall be as before only two Ranks shall make but one 17. To double your Ranks upon the left you must do as before the second Rank must come up to the first but instead of coming up upon the right you must come up upon the left 18. To double your Ranks upon the right by half Files the half Files must march forwards to the Front and pass between the Bringers-up of half files and every half file Leader must joyn upon the right 19. To double your Ranks upon the left by half Files you must march forward to the Front and follow as before taking the left hand of every half file Leader of them who are to follow 20. As you were is to take the same post you had before 21. Having doubled your Ranks single or by half Files upon the right you must quitting their Ranks turn to the right about and having taken your post to your first distance you must turn again to the right about and having doubled upon the left single or by half Files you must quiting your Ranks turn to the right about and having taken your distance turn to the left about and thus every man shall find himself behind him who did march before him 22. To double your Files to the right is when the second File of the right joyns to the first and of two makes but one and likewise the fourth to the third the sixth to the fifth and so of the rest by order as many Files as there is 23. To double your Files to the left is when the second File of the left joyns to the first the fourth to the third the sixth to the fifth in the same order as above 24. To open your Ranks is to make the distance of the Ranks wider 25. To close your Ranks is to make the distance of the Ranks less 26. The Ranks may be open three several ways to the Front to the Rear and to the Front and and Rear all at once and often at double distance 27. To open your Ranks to the Front at double distance is when all the Ranks do advance forward except the Bringers-up till they have taken a requisite distance which ought to be double of what it was before you opened your Ranks 28. To open your Ranks to the Rear at double distance is when all the Ranks
except the file Leaders do march backward till they have taken their distances as above 29. To open the Ranks to the Front and to the at double distance is when all the Ranks except the half-file Leaders do march some forward and the other backward till they have taken their distance 30. To open your Files is to make the distance wider 31. You open your files three several ways to the right and to the left and to the right and left at once at double distance 32. To open your Files to the right at double distance is when all the Files except the left hand File do march towards the right till they have taken their distance which ought to be double of what it was before 33. To open your Files to the left at double distance is when all the Files except the right hand File do march towards the left hand till they have taken their distance 34. To open your Files to the right and left at double distance is when all the Files except that which is in the Center of the Battalion march some to the right and the others to the left till they have taken their distance 35. Countermarch is a compound word that is to say to march one against another to interchange ground 36. The Countermarch is done four several ways that is to say by Files to the right by Files to the left by Ranks to the right and by Ranks to the left 37. The Countermarch by Files to the right is when the File Leaders followed by the whole Battalion do advance two paces and after they have faced to the right about do march and interchange ground 38. The Countermarch by Files to the left is when the File Leaders followed as above do advance two paces and after they have faced to the left about do march and interchange ground 39. The Countermarch by Ranks to the right is when the Battalions have faced to the right or left those of the right or left do observe what hath been said and shewed in the three and twentieth Article of the File Leaders for then the Ranks are Files and they become File Leaders 40. The Countermarch by Ranks to the left is when the Battalion doth as above in the right hand Files what hath been shewed in the eighteenth Article of the half Files 41. Conversion is a word taken from the Latin Converto it hath it's signification from the thing to which it is proper for it is as if one should say to wheel all together for the men must wheel as if they were all linkt together sometimes one way sometimes another there is a quarter turn a half turn three quarters turn and a whole turn of Conversion or wheeling to the right and left as the Commander pleaseth 42. To make a quarter turn of Conversion or to wheel to the right is when the whole Body of the Battalion wheels all together upon the right till the Front of the Battalion takes the place of the right Flank 43. To make half a turn of Conversion or to wheel to the right about is when the whole body of the Battalion wheels all together upon the right till the Front of the Battalion takes the place of the Rear 44. To make three quarters of Conversion or to wheel to the right when the whole body of the Battaillon joyned together wheels upon the right till the Front of the Battalion takes the place of the left Wing 45. To make the whole Conversion or to wheel to the right is when the whole body of the Battalion wheels upon the right hand till the File Leaders come to the same posts they have quitted 46. To make a quarter turn half a turn three quarter turn and the whole turn of Conversion or wheeling to the left is when the whole body of the Battalion wheels upon the left as they have done above upon the right 47. To make the Conversion or wheeling by Ranks to the right is when all the Ranks of the Battalion make all together a quarter turn of Conversion or wheel upon the right so that all together make but one Rank every Rank being contained between that Rank which hath the right hand of the same Rank and that which hath the right hand of the foregoing Rank 48. To make the Conversion or wheeling by Ranks to the left is when all the Ranks of the Battalion make all together a quarter turn of Conversion or wheel upon the left every Rank being contained between that Rank which hath the left of the foregoing Rank making as above of all the Ranks but one CHAP. III. The general Exercise of the Foot THe Officer who commands the Exercise ought to have always his eyes upon his Soldiers observing them from the head to the foot to see if they observe well all the motions for the least ill motion is enough to put the whole Battalion in disorder The Serjeants and Corporals ought to have a care when some young Soldiers come into their Companies to try if they know how to exercise well if they do not know it they must shew it them in private before they take them in the Battalion to exercise because an ignorant Soldier disorders and confounds all the rest as well as himself The Serjeants ought always to place upon the Wings and at the Front of the Battalion those men they know to be the most capable and especially in the right File because all the Soldiers are to have an eye upon their right hand man without turning the body or the head of any side and for that reason the Corporals and the Lanspassades are commonly posted there You must take care that when the word of Command is given without explication it is always understood to be to the Front When the word of Command is to march or to wheel you must alwaies step the right foot forward The Serjeants must always be upon the Wings of the Battalion to have a care that the Soldiers do their duty and above all that they observe the silence for if they make a noise it is impossible they should hear the word of Command After all the forces are come up into the Field and have formed the Battalions the said Battalions must open their Files at the following word of Command 1. Take heed to open your Files The right hand Files stand 2. The foregoing word of Command is only to give notice to the Soldiers To the left open your Files at a pace distance March You must turn a quarter turn towards the left hand the right hand Files must stand and keep their ground Halt To the right it is to return as you were You must observe when you turn to the right or to the right about you must return as you were by the left And if you turn to the left or to the left about you must return as you were by the right CHAP. IV. The Exercise of the Musket with the motions that are to
your Scourer You must draw it at three motions and take it with your right hand your Fingers extended being drawn dart it and extend your arm holding it level keeping your arm extended you must hold it between your Thumb and your Fore Finger the great end of your Scourer forwards 27. Hold up your Scourer You must let fall the great end of your Scourer towards your breast a little sloping 28. Shorten it against your breast Bring the great end of your Scourer against your breast bending your arm shorten it to four inches and hold it so till the following word of Command 29. Put your Scourer into the Barrel Bring up your Scourer to the muzzle of your Piece and immediately put it into your Barrel you must hold it in your hand your Thumb being upon the little end of it and so stand till the next word of Command 30. Ram down the Powder Ram your Powder three times with your Scourer pretty hard 31. Withdraw your Scourer At this word of Command you must quit your Scourer and take it again turning your hand outwardly then draw it as fast as you can and dart it level to the height of your Shoulder as before only the great end must be towards your right Shoulder 32. Hold up your Scourer Turn it as before but the small end must be downward and the great end upward and your arm extended 33. Shorten it against your Breast Turn the small end of your Scourer against your breast bending your arm slip your hand till within four inches of the end of it holding it so till the following word of Command 34. Return your Scourer Bring it within four inches of the muzzle of your Musket and at the same time return it into the Stock of your Musket then grasp your Musket with your right hand within four inches of the muzzle 35. Lay your right hand on your Musket Trust the end of your Musket with your right hand and make it turn level upon the left hand turning your Wrist and at the same time grasp your Musket your right hand under the Pan. 36. Poise your Musket Raise your Musket and bring it with your right hand before you turn the right holding the Lock of your Musket at the height of your Cravat 37. Shoulder your Musket Bring your Musket upon your Shoulder grasping it with your left hand after you have quitted it with your right hand which you must carelessy sink along your thigh this is performed by bringing your right foot towards your left hand and turning to the left and so you find your self in the same posture that you were before in the first Command CHAP. V. The Exercise of the Pikes explained by Motions 1. Order your Pikes LAy your left hand on your Pike even with your Shoulder then quit the but-end of your Pike which you held in your right hand which hand you must bring up above the left sinking your Pike and your hand to the height of your waste at the same time you must raise your hand even with your eye when you sink your Pike you must let it slip along your right side without touching it being on the ground the but-end of your Pike must be close to the latchet of your Shoo holding it so as if it was glewed to it when your wheel to the right or to the left your elbow downward and your arm stretched up along your Pike 2. To the right Turn a quarter turn to the right moving your right foot and turning upon the left this word of Command is given four times 3. To the left You must do as before in the second Command which is to turn a quarter turn to the right only you must turn to the left but turn alwaies upon the same foot 4. To the right about You must to observe that word of Command turn half a turn to the right turning your face where your back was 5. As you were It is the same thing as to the right about only you must return as you were by the left 6. To the left about You must do as above in the fourth Command only you must turn upon the left 7. As you were You must do as above only you must return as you were by the right 8. Advance your Pikes Raise your Pike with the right hand that you hold it and stretching up your arm take your Pike with your left hand to the height of your waste then raise your Pike so that you may take the but-end of it in your right hand and bring it close to your right shoulder 9. Charge to the Front Bring your left hand even to your shoulder take your Pike and carry it right before you extending your arms advancing a little your right foot then fall back with your right leg and arm holding the but end of the Pike in the palm of your hand bring down your Pike along your left arm between your Thumb and the second Finger of your left hand your left arm cross your belly your elbow forward and your wrists towards your right hand 10. Charge to the right You must raise your Pike and extend your arms advancing your right foot and your Pike forward then turn to the right and charge as above in the ninth Command this word of Command is given four times 11. Charge to the right about You must do as above in the tenth Command but instead of turning a quarter turn to the right you must turn half a turn to the right so that your face may be where your back was 12. As you were You must do as above in the eleventh Command only you must return as you were by left 13. Charge to the left You must do as above in the tenth Command bu instead of turning to the right you must turn to the left this word of Command must also be given four times 14. Charge to the left about You must do as above in the eleventh Command only you must turn half a turn to the left 15. As you were Return as you were by the right and you must observe that when the words of Command for handling the Pike have no explication you must do as above in the ninth Command 16. Shoulder your Pike To shoulder your Pike you must your Pike being advanced lay your left hand on your Pike even to your Shoulder then quit the but-end of it draw back your right foot and hand stretching your arm to receive the Pike which you must bring to your right Shoulder the but-end a foot from the ground 17. Charge to the Front Stretch your arm and draw your foot and Pike back then lay your left hand on the Pike and turn it upon that hand which is nearest to the but end of it forsaking it with your right hand to take hold of the but-end and charge it must lie along upon your left arm between your Thumb and fore finger which is called the Fork 18. Shoulder
as you were You must do as above in the sixteenth Command only you must bring your foot and hand forward and shoulder your Pike 19. Charge to the right Charge as before in the seventeenth Command after you have carried your Pike back raise it with your right hand bring the but-end of it forward turning your body and right foot take hold of the but-end with your right hand and charge 20. Shoulder as you were Bring your Pike as before you charged that is you must bring the but-end of it raising it and bringing your right foot to the left as if you were to turn a quarter turn to the left stretching your arm and hand to receive the Pike afterwards turn to the left to lay it on your shoulder as it was before 21. Charge to the right about Bring your Pike as before in the Seventeenth Command but when your Pike is back you must turn to the left bringing the but-end of your Pike before you then taking it with your right hand charge 22. As you were You must do as above when you turned to the right about only you must return as you were by the left 23. Charge to the left You must do as above in the nineteenth Command but after you are fallen back with your Pike bring it over your head bringing your right foot as above as if you were to turn to the left 24. As you were To return as you were you must bring your Pike again over your head turning to the right the rest as above in the Seventeenth Command 25. Charge to the left about You must do as above in the Seventeenth and three and twentieth Command all the difference there is is only that in this Command you must turn half a turn instead of a quarter turn 26. As you were It is the same as above in the four and twentieth Command instead of a quarter turn you must turn half a turn 27. Comport To observe this word of Command from shoulder you must lay your left hand on your Pike which you hold upon your shoulder with your left hand then raising it draw back your foot a little of the same side carrying your Pike back then thrust it back with your left hand turning your Pike forward with your right hand so that it may fall under your arm the Spear formost then turn to the left 28. Charge to the Front To observe this word of Command you must advance your Pike your arm and right foot forward then lay your left hand on your Pike between your body and right hand and forsaking it with that hand take hold of the but-end of it carrying it back and your right foot your left arm cross your belly your Pike lying along upon the fork of your left hand as above in the ninth Command 29. As you were Advance the right foot forsaking the but-end of your Pike which you hold in your right hand carry it forward without moving the left hand then take hold of your Pike with your right hand and lay it under your arm your right foot even with the left 30. Charge to the right Advance your Pike your arm and right foot forward lay your hand on your Pike between the right side and the hand you hold it by then forsake it with your right to bring it to the but-end of it drawing back your right foot You must observe that your Pike being as if you were to charge to the Front as soon as you bring it to that posture to raise it carrying it forward your arms extended the right foot to your left instep but at the same time â—ou must turn to the right and charge 31. As you were To return as you were having charged to the right raise your Pike extend your arm turn to the left forsake the but-end of your Pike backward which you held in your right hand then advance your foot and right hand forward to take hold of your Pike to bring it back with your arm setting your foot as if you were to turn to the left so that you find your self with your Pike forward under your right arm one foot even with the other 32. Charge to the right about You must observe that this word of Command is the same as when you turn to the right only in stead of turning a quarter turn you must turn half a turn and the rest as a bove in the nine and twentieth Command 33. As you were You must do as above in the two and thirtieth Command only you must return as you were by the left 34. Charge to the left This word of Command is the same with the nine and twentieth but in stead of turning to the right you must turn to the left 35. As you were You must do as above as when you turn to the left only you must return as you were by the right 36. Charge to the left about This Command is the same as when you turn to the right about all the difference is that you must turn to the left about See above the nine and twentieth Command 37. As you were You must do as above when you turn to the left in the six and thirtieth Command only you must return as you-were by the right 38. Dart your Pike To perform this word of Command from Comport you must cast back your arm and Pike turning to the right turn your Pike passing your Fingers under so that your Pike may lie upon your hand to receive it between your Thumb and Fore finger the Spear formost you must bring it forward turning to the left 39. Charge to the Front To perform this word of Command you must advance your right foot forward bringing your right hand and Pike over your head take hold of your Pike with your left hand between the but-end and your right hand bringing it before you turning to the right taking the but-end of the Pike in the palm of your right hand to charge 40. As you were To return as you were you must bring your Pike forward again advancing your right foot and body at one motion then quit the but-end which you held in your right hand take hold again of your Pike above your left hand and bring it again over your head to bring your self in the same posture as you were when you charged to the Front 41. Charge to the right about You must observe that this word of Command differs much from the others because that in stead of turning two quarter turns you must turn three quarter turns to perform it well you must cast back your Pike stretch that arm you hold it with stepping with your right foot that way that you cast your Pike stretching your arm so that your Pike falls between your thumb and second finger then turn to the right bringing your Pike over your head turning your second Finger Thumb and the three other Fingers over your Pike afterwards extend your arm advancing your
be observed to learn perfectly the handling of Arms. SOldiers take heed to exercise the Musket 1. In the first place carry your Arms well The Soldier is to observe that for to carry his Arms well his Body must lean of neither side his Legs must neither be too open nor too close having his Musket upon his left Shoulder holding the but end of it with the left hand his elbow must be low he must grasp it hard so that the but-end be near his Cravat and his right hand is to hang down carelesly along his thigh 2. Lay your right hand on your Musket You must slip your Musket a little upon your Shoulder and turn it with the Lock uppermost your Nails under your Elbow even with your hands at the same time that you slip your Musket you must joyn your right hand to your Musket under the Cock of your Musket 3. Poize your Musket You must grasp your Musket hard and carry it off streight with your right hand forward even before your Cravat and turn to the right extend your right arm and let the left hand hang down carelesly along your thigh 4. Joyn your left hand to your Musket or rest your Musket You must bring your left hand to the height of your waste so that your Musket may rest upon your left hand your arm must be extended forward so that your Musket be from your body for fear any accident should happen occasioned by the Cole of your Macth 5. Handle your Match You must quit the but-end of your Musket which you held with the right hand with which hand you must take your Match which must be between the fourth and little Finger of your left hand you must also observe that you must take your Match with your Thumb and first Finger two inches from the Cole you must carry your Match even to your right Shoulder your right arm being well extended holding the Cole downwards and in the palm of your hand 6. Blow your Match You must bring up your Match turning your hand near your mouth and having blown a quick strong blast once only cast out your arm again even to your Shoulder as it was before expecting the following word of Command 7. Cock your Match You must bring your Match to the Cock and take heed that it neither be too long nor too short towards the Cole for if it were so perhaps your piece would not go off you must therefore bring your Match to the Cock the length of about an inch towards the pan 8. Try your Match This word of Command is but to make you observe that which I have explained just now which is to take heed that your Match be neither too long nor too short neither too much bent nor too streight therefore you must take your Cock with your Thumb and the second Finger of the right hand then bring it to the pan to see whether it falls just in the middle 9. Guard your Pan. You must lay your second or middle Finger upon the Pan your Thumb behind it both your Arms extended your Musket from your Body and the muzzel of your Musket always up 10. Blow your Match You must observe that both your Arms only move you must alwayes keep your head and body streight without stooping raise your Musket bringing your Match to your Mouth blow a strong blast and once only at one motion then return your Musket and your Arms as they were before the word of Command 11. Open your Pan. You must ballance you Musket upon the left hand when you open the Pan at the same time that you open your Pan you must bring your right hand between your Pan and the but-end of your Musket the Thumb being uppermost and the four Fingers under the guard of your Trigger so that you may be ready to Fire 12. Present At this word of Command the Pikes must charge You must turn your body and advance the right Shoulder even to the left extend your Arms and your Musket forward bringing the but-end of your Musket against your breast your head steddy your eyes upon the Barrel of your Piece that you may see at the end of your Musket him that you aim at your elbows must be high and of an equal height 13. Fire You must draw your Trigger but once and keep in the same posture till the following word of Command is given 14. Recover your Arms. At this word of Command the Pikes must advance You must a little draw back your right foot keep your body upright and in the same posture you were before you did present 15. Handle your Match You must take it in the same manner as before but you must observe to keep the Cole upwards and not downward your Match must be well extended holding your Match right before your Cravat 16. Return your Match You must return it between the fourth and the small Finger of the left hand and lay your right hand again on your Musket between the but-end and the Pan. 17. Blow your Pan. Bring up your Musket turning your Pan towards your mouth and blow but one blast upon it as you did with your Match 18. Handle your Primer Take your Primer with your right hand and carry it to the height of your Cravat your hand well extended forward 19. Prime Let fall the Muzzel of your Musket which you hold with the left hand till it is levelled you must bring your Primer to your Pan when you prime you must not return your primer till the following word of Command 20. Shut your Pan. You must then cast back your primer then shut your Pan with a full hand afterwards you must lay your hand as before between the but-end of your Musket and the Pan your arms being well extended and your Musket from your body as before 21. Blow your Pan. You must bring up your Musket turning the Pan towards your Mouth blow upon it once only as you did with your Match 22. Cast about to charge You must extend your Arms and bring your Musket forwards casting the but end of your Musket by your Sword 's side advancing your right foot forward as if your were to turn to the left so your Musket will be on your Swords side your Barrel must be downward and the Stock upward holding your Musket in the left hand with the Muzzle of it something raised upward 23. Handle your Charger Take it with your right hand which you must bring to the height of your Cravat your arm being well extended 24. Open it with your Teeth Bring it up to your mouth and open it with your Teeth and keep it there till the following word of Command 25. Charge with Powder You must draw off your Charger which you have between your Teeth and bring it up to the muzzle of your Barrel into which you must put your Powder and keep your Charger in the muzzle till the following word of Command 26. Draw forth
Pike along your right arm the Spear also to the right you must still keep your eye upon the Spear of your Pike and lay your left hand between the but end of your Pike and your right hand raising your Pike and turning it let it fall upon the left hand taking hold with your right hand of the but end then charge 42. As you were To return as you were after you have turn'd to the right you must turn to the left about observing the following motions turn to the right raising your Pike with your left hand quitting the but-end which you hold with your right hand turn your Pike and lay it along your right arm you must lay it in your hand the second finger above the other bend your Wrist turn it inward your nail upward then turning to the left bring your Pike over your head extend your arm advancing the but end of your Pike towards your right foot so that you may bring at one motion forward your foot to the Pike turning to the left so that the Pike be upon your Shoulder the Spear forward between the Thumb and second Finger which we call the fork 43. Charge to the left Step forward with your right foot and the hand you hold your Pike with bringing it over your head your arm extended and your Pike forward lay your hand between the but-end and your right hand raise the Pike before you then lay your hand on the but-end and advance your right foot as you would turn to the right then charge to the left 44. As you were You must do as above when you turn to the left as in the forty third Command only you must return as you were by the right 45. Charge to the left about This Command is the same as when you turn to the left all the difference is that you must turn to the left about 46. As you were You must do as above when you turn to the left in the five and fortieth Command only you must return as you were by the right 47. Advance your Pike Bring your Pike over your head advancing your foot your right hand and your Pike forward bringing the left hand between the but-end of your Pike and your right hand then raise it bringing your right hand to the but-end and turning to the right then lay your Pike against your right Shoulder extend your arms and let your left hand fall carelesly along your thigh 48. Charge to the Horse Bring your left hand to your Pike even to your Shoulder then bring it forward advancing both your arms and your right foot quitting the but end of your Pike then bring your right-hand above the left sink your Pike bringing the but-end of it close to the lachet of your left shoo your right foot must be forward bending your body upon your right thigh and the Spear of your Pike to the height of the horse's poitrel 49. Draw your Swords Bring your right hand over your Pike and left arm with which you draw your Sword then bring it cross upon your Pike your arm extended 50. Return your Swords Draw back a little your foot and Pike bringing your Sword and right arm under it thon quit your Pike which you hold in the left hand laying it upon the right arm take the Scabbard with your left hand to return your Sword with more ease then take hold of your Pike with both hands at two foot distance 51. Advance your Pike Draw your right foot even with the other bring up your body streight raising your Pike with the right hand slipping it into the left quit the top of your Pike which you held in your right hand which hand you must bring to the but-end then lay it against your right shoulder your left arm along your thigh 52. Charge to the Front You must do as above in the ninth Command 53. March Step forward with your right foot and take heed you do not step more forward then the rest you must always cast your eyes to the right and left without bending your body of either side 54. Halt Stop all at once as if you were all link'd together 55. Push your Pikes To push your Pike well your must stretch your arm strongly not tossing the Spear but pushing it streight to the body of him you aim at you must bring the but-end near your left shoulder you must push and draw back as fast as you can that your strokes may be quick 56. Trail You must quit the but end of your Pike facing to the right about 57. March Step with your right foot forward and march till the word of Command Halt is given 58. As you were You must return as you were before facing to the left taking hold of the but-end of your Pike with your right hand 59. Advance your Pike Bring your right foot even with the other stretch your arms and bring your Pike forward then bring it to your right shoulder your left arm along your thigh CHAP. VI. The Exercise of the Foot WHen you have drawn up your Regiment in Battalia you must Command silence to be observed and your Soldiers to carry their arms well Then you Command the Battalion to open their Files Take heed to open your Files Let the right hand File stand To the left Open your Files at a pace distance March Halt To the reght CHAP. VII The Exercise of the Musket MVsketeers have a care of the Exercise Lay your right hand on your Musket Poise your Musket Rest your Musket Handle your Match Blow your Match Cock your Match Try your Match Guard your Pan with your two fore-fingers Blow your Match Open your Pan. Present At this word of Command the Pikes must charge Fire Recover your Arms. At this word of Command the Pikes must advance Handle your Match Return your Match Blow your Pan. Handle you Primer Prime Shut your Pan. Blow your Pan. Cast about to Charge Handle your Charger Open it with your Teeth Charge with Powder Draw forth your Scourer Hold up your Scourer Shorten it against your breast Put your Scourer in your Barrel Ram down Recover your Scourer Hold up your Scourer Shorten it against your breast Return your Scourer Lay your right hand to your Musket Poise your Musket Shoulder your Musket CHAP. VIII The Exercise of the Pike PIkes take heed Pikes to your outside order To the right to the right to the right to the right To the right about As you were To the left to the left to the left to the left To the left about As you were Advance your Pike Charge to the Front To the right to the right to the right to the right To the right about As you were To the left to the left to the left to the left To the left about As you were Advance your Pike Charge to the Front To the right to the right to the right to the right To the right about As you were To the
the Front and Rear To the right and left by Center quarter Ranks double your Files upon the Flank quarter Ranks to the Front and Rear March Quarter Ranks as you were March Quarter Ranks take heed to double your Files inward To the right by quarter Ranks double your Files inward March Quarter Ranks as you were March Quarter Ranks that have not doubled take heed To the left by quarter Ranks double your Files inward March Quarter Ranks as you were March Flanks quarter Ranks take heed to double your Files upon the Center quarter Ranks inward To the right and left by Flank quarter Ranks double your Files upon the Center quarter Ranks inward March Quarter Ranks as you were March Center quarter Ranks take heed to double your Files upon the Flank quarter Ranks inward To the right and left by Center quarter Ranks double your Files upon the Flank quarter Ranks inward March Quarter Ranks as you were March CHAP. X. The manner how to interchange ground TAke heed all the Battalion to interchange ground To the right by Ranks interchange ground March Halt To the left To the left by Ranks interchange ground March Halt To the right To the right and left by half Ranks interchange ground March Halt To the right and left To the right and left by quarter Ranks interchange ground March Halt To the right and left To the right by Files interchange ground March Halt To the right about To the left by Files interchange ground March Halte To the left about CHAP. XI Of the manner of Wheelings TAke heed all the Battalion to Wheel to the right or left Wheel to the right March Halt Wheel to the left March Halt Take heed Rest upon your Arms. The Pikes must be to their outside order Lay down your Arms. The Pikemen must lay down their Pikes between their Feet in some places they lay them down on the right side I do not blame their way but we must always find out the easiest and the quickest way To the right about and to the left about break the Battalion March To your Arms. Handle your Arms. Shoulder your muskets The Pikemen must also shoulder their Pikes CHAP. XII The Exercise by quarter Files THe Battalion must be eight deep and the following word of Command must be given Quarter files take heed to double your Ranks to the Front To the right by quarter files double your Ranks to the Front March Quarter files as you were March To the left by quarter Files double your Ranks to the Front March Quarter Files as you were March Quarter Files take heed to double your Ranks to the Rear To the right by quarter Files double your Ranks to the Rear March Quarter Files as you were March To the left by quarter Files double your Ranks to the Rear March Quarter Files as you were March Half File Leaders take heed To the right by Half File Leaders double your Ranks to the Front March By Bringers up as you were March To the left by half File Leaders double your Ranks to the Front March By Bringers up as you were March Bringers-up take heed To the right by Bringers up of half Files double your Ranks on the Rear March By File Leaders as you were March To the left by Bringers-up of half Files double your Ranks on the Rear March By File Leaders as you were March Front and Rear quarter Files take heed To the right by Front and Rear quarter Files double your Ranks to the Front and to the Rear upon the Center quarter Files March Quarter Files as you were March To the left by Front and Rear quarter Files double your Ranks to the Front and to the Rear upon the Center Quarter Files March Quarter Files as you were March Center quarter Files take heed To the right by Center quarter Files double your Ranks to the Front and to the Rear upon the Front and Rear quarter Files March Quarter Files as you were March To the left by Center quarter Files double your Ranks to the Front and to the Rear upon the Front and Rear quarter Files March Quarter Files as you were March Half Ranks take heed To the right and left by half Ranks close your Files March Take heed to double your Ranks to the Front upon the Flanks To the right and left by quarter Files double your Ranks to the Front upon the Flanks March Quarter Files as you were March To the right and left by quarter Files double your Ranks to the Rear upon the Flanks March Quarter Files as you were March To the right and left by quarter Ranks double to the Front inward March By quarter Files as you were March To the right and left by quarter Files double your Ranks to the Rear inward March By quarter Ranks as you were March Half File Leaders take heed To the right and left by half File Leaders double your Ranks to the Front upon the Flanks March By Bringers-up as you were March Bringers-up of half Files take heed To the right and left by Bringers up of half Files double your Ranks to the Rear upon the Flanks March By Bringers-up as you were March Bringers up of half Files take heed To the right and left by Bringers up of half Files double your Ranks on the Rear inward upon the Flanks March By File-Leaders as you were March Half File Leaders take heed To the right and left by half File Leaders double your Ranks to the Front inward March By Bringers up as you were March Bringers-up of half Files take heed To the right and left by Bringers up of half Files double your Ranks on the Rear inward March By File Leaders as you were March Front and Rear quarter Files take heed To the right and left by Front and Rear quarter Files double your Ranks to the Front and Rear upon the Center quarter Files up on the Flanks March Quarter Files as you were March Center quarter Files take heed To the right and left by Center quarter Files double your Ranks to the Front and Rear upon the Front and Rear quarter Files upon the Flanks March Quarter Files as you were March Front and Rear quarter Files take heed To the right and left by Front and Rear quarter Files double your Ranks to the Rear upon the Center quarter Files inward March Quarter Files as you were March Center quarter Files take heed To the right and left by Center quarter Files double your Ranks to the Front and to the Rear upon the Front and Rear quarter Files inward March Quarter Files as you were March To the right and left by half Ranks return to your distances March Pikemen take heed to fraize the Battalion To the right and left by whole Ranks of Pikes fraize the Battalion by the Front and Rear March Halt To the right and left March Halt To the right and left Take heed to return as you were To the right and left Ranks as you were March Halt To the