the Front or Reer and nimbly stepping to them to stay them if disorderly they swerve awry from what he first intended He must likewise order all his Words of Command so as that they may be proper and cleerly pronounced forth unto the Souldier without any faltering And in every one of these to see the Souldier leasurely and easily perform the same in a compleat manner He must not be two quick in his Words of Command but carefully see what before commanded well done and then he may proceed unto the next In time of his Exercise he must seriously mind what he is to do and not to have his thoughts extravigantly carried away upon any other Subject for fear he be out but if any such thing should happen through forgetfulnesse he ought not to be daunted but to pull up the Spirit of a Souldier as well as he can and endeavour to reduce them again For it is a rare thing to be found for a Leader to be so exquisite in his Exercising as not to be somtimes out and in my observation of most at one time or another I have found them so to be His discretion also ought to be such as to cull out and chuse those things that be chiefest as flowers out of a Garden to fit and compleat up his Exercise in a Souldier-like way which may be most properest for service and use which will bring to him far more commendations and praise in the judgement of every knowing Souldier then to spend his time upon unnecessary â—oyes but yet somtimes to please the fancie of the curious at their private meetings he may use some things for delight to support and uphold their private Exercises which have nurst up here in London many able Souldiers and Commanders who have been serviceable to our Nation It is a very necessary thing likewise that a Leader somtimes do acquaint the Souldiers of the use of their severall Distances Facings Doublings Coun-marches and wheelings and of all things else he shall command but in such a manner that he dwell not too long upon any thing he shall declare unto them for dulling of the Souldiers who rather would be pleased with more actings then by too much talkings which spins out the time as somtimes ordered to very little purpose He must be very carefull of every Word of Command he gives that the Souldiers be ordered in their due Distance sutable to the same of what kind soever it be and if it shall be lost in their movings or marchings he must endeavour to bring them to it again He is likewise to acquaint the Souldiers when they are drawn up to look about them and to minde their severall places how they stand in the Body whether they be in even Ranks from the Front or odd if even and upon any doubling of Ranks they are the men to double the odd if half File-leaders that they be commanded to double the Front they must advance their Arms and are Leaders of that Motion to come up to double the Front if Bringers-up commanded to double they are a like to do the same if Bringers-up of the Front half-Files and that they be commanded to double the Reer they likewise are to advance their Arms to face about and are to begin to lead them down to the Reer They should likewise take notice how they stand in their Files whether even from the right or no if even and there be any command to double Files to the right they all are to move and to double the odd if commanded to double to the left they then stand odd and the others are to move and double them They likewise are to mind their places who are upon the Flanks for a doubling either to Front or Reer by the half-Files they first begin to march and how they stand there as right and left-hand men in even Ranks for by any doublings of Ranks entire or by Division they likewise are the Leaders of the Motion There ought also advice be given to the middle File-leaders to know their places for if there should be any doublings of the half-Ranks they then are first to move and to begin the Motion This caution being somtimes quickly run over in advising of the Souldiers that they should ever minde when they are first drawn up into a body these particular places they would not stand so carelesly and so ignorantly in a Body as many times they doe not knowing which way to move without a great deale of pains and directions from their Leader for there being so many occasions of doublings of these kinds that it is a necessary thing for every Souldiers to be acquainted with the same Yet it is not only sufficient that the Souldiers doe minde their places as they stand in a body according to the direction of their Leader as before set forth unto them but that they be likewise in the time of their Exercise very silent in the body and helpfull unto their fellow-Souldiers by pointing out unto them with signes with the hand where they should march to performe what was before commanded and to be very civill and orderly in their carriage to each other and to minde their Exercise so as a matter of great weight and high consideration in the well regarding of the same And if a word of command as somtimes may happen slip out of order as by the mistaking of a hand or the like yet neverthelesse it should be their modest care if not prevented by him to be ready to execute what they conceive he intended and walking along in this civill and respective way unto him that shall lead them it will not only be a great encouragement unto him but they will also reap much benefit unto themselves And thus much briefly may be spoken in way of advice unto every Leader before his beginning of his Exercise and unto each particular Souldier as shall by him be exercised CHAP. XXVII Of Facings of their severall kindes and of their use with the words of command for performance of the same FAcing is the altering or turning of the Aspect to either hand upon the ground they stand according to the words of command whether it be to the right lefâ— Front or Reer or to the midst of Files or Ranks or to any of the outward or inward Angles or to the Center The manner of execution of the same it is a particular turning of every Souldiers countenance unto each of those hands or places as above exprest and to be performed after this manner The left foot is alwayes to be kept fixed like the hinge of a door and unto what hand or part they shall be commanded to face every particular Souldier is immediately to turn his body upon the ball or center of his left foot by wheeling untill he hath brought his Aspest unto the place commanded Facings is one of the most necessary and usefullest motions amongst all the rest for when the body shall be in
before themselves be first well verst and truly knowing in all and every of the severall Commands Directions and Reducements before-mentioned which being obteined they may confidently and boldly proceed so to inure their Souldiers in the practise thereof that their own knowledge in a short time will reduce them to their former places without using these thred-bare words as you were variety being more profitable and delightfull unto them provided they understand it then to accustome them in an ordinary and plain way of reducing But here some men will be ready to carp and say that I have troubled my self to little purpose in setting down more Doublings then are used abroad upon service To whom I answer that there are none if rightly understood but are of singular use one time or another either in our private Meetings or in those great Nurseries of Military Discipline the famous Academies of this out Island the Artillery and Military Gardens who for â—ield-service have train'd up and sent forth many worthy able gallant Souldiers into the Armies lately raised in our Nation between the King and Parliament whom I pray God happily to reconcile But suppose many of these Doublings have not been seen by some to be used in the field Are they not therefore useful perhaps at such time they have had no occasion for to use them all which if not must they be rejected the answer positively that being rightly enquired into they have in them very usefull and serviceable things against an Enemy whether it be in the Field or in Garrison As for example the Muskettiers being brought either all into the Front or Reer or upon one of the Flanks which often hapneth an Enemy appearing there then they would be of singular good use for our advantage and very disadvantageous to the enemy The like may be spoken of the Pikes who are by severall of these doublings brought into those places being there very serviceable to receive a desperate charge of horse if upon any of these parts they should fall on Observe further that in many of these doublings as the one arms shall face or charge against an enemy so contrariwise the other lies more secure in safety to be preserv'd from danger of the shot Moreover according unto the number of men either in length or depth a Leader may by these words of Command or the like at the same time double his Front Reer or Midst by doubling of Ranks and may farther make use of them at one and the same time to double by files his right left Flank and Midst all at one instant But I shall not not need to set down words of Command for the doubling Front Reer Flanks and Midst after this manner but leave that unto the apt Souldier to make use of such words of Command formerly shewne and to frame them sutable for any such purpose so intended But before I shall conclude concerning the use of these doublings as I said before there are many of them which by comand will bring any men in the body to fight unto that part which shal be most weak or assaulted by an enemy And again he may cast them so into the body by a doubling as shall preserve from danger whom he shall think fit And to say more there is no part of the body or arms but by words of Command in doublings may be brought forth as Frontiers against the enemy and may be placed again into the midst of the body for more security and others in like manner may be brought forth for their relief Therefore it much concerns all Souldiers and Commanders to be truly knowing in all the severall kinds of doublings out of which he may make singular good use according to his discretion at all such times as need shal require whether it be in Field or otherwise in Garrison CHAP. XXXVIII Of Inversion and Conversion NOt to omit any thing which may be beneficiall for the knowledge of all them that intends to be good proficients in this Art of Military Discipline my subject in this Chapter shall be of Ranks filing and files filing and ranks ranking and files ranking which are by some called Inversion and Conversion yet seldome mentioned by any Leader in the time of his Exercise for this reason as I suppose because the souldiers for the most part are unacquainted with them which causeth all our Leaders in our private Meetings here in London to deliver forth unto their Souldiers such words of command as may readily and aptly be understood by them which are ranks file to the right or left or files file to any hand which is no other then Inversion and again ranks rank to the right or left either in equal or unequal parts or intire to the front or files to rank in the like kinde may be termed Conversion And in my opinion they do the better that shall thus express themselves to the capacity of every Souldier then for to pusle them with the words Inversion and Conversion I intend therefore without curiosity plainly to set downe their severall commands directions and reducements keeping my former method concerning doublings For in all and every one of them they do either double the length or depth of the Front Reer Midst or Flanks no part of the Military Exercise affording more plenty of matter then they carrying always along with them many things of excellent use For example suppose a Prince Generall or any other person of quality were to pass thorow the Company a discreet Commander would presently command their ranks to invert or file to the right and left inward which immediatly becomes as it were a Street or Gallery for the honouring and securing of their persons Moreover it is of use for the lodging of the Colours or upon funerall occasions or taking their leave from their Captain where they may poure forth their volley's of shot all at one and the same time To be short being necessitated to march against a battery it avoids the danger of the great Ordnance and likewise secures the front of the Battalia from the imminent danger of any great shower of small shot poured forth by the Enemy As likewise it is of excellent use to march over a narrow Bridge or thorow a Lane Thicket or Salliport or such like difficult passages or if any Commander have a desire to use ancient figures by it he may make the Saw Sheers or Diamond or being in one file they may aptly be drawn into a Ring where hee that is an able posture man standing in the midst may shew unto them their severall postures and after easily reduce them again and thus much briefly of Inversion or ranks filing Next come we to shew the excellent uses and services which may be performed by Conversion as first perceiving any man of worth to stand before the front of the battail or to pass by either of the flanks then ranks ranking or files ranking into the front or ranks wheeling to
untill you have brought your aspects unto the right Flank face to your Leader Reducement File rank 12 to the left the first man is to stand the rest are to move forwards making up 12 a brest to the left untill they have made six Ranks as at first Command Ranks wheel outward to the right Flank Direction Half-files face about the first three Ranks wheel to the right and the three last Ranks wheel to the left to your Leader Reducement Front half-files Rank 12 to the right Reer half-files face about and rank 12 to the left face to your Leader march up and close forwards to your due distance Command Ranks wheel inward into the right Flank Direction Half-files face about Front and Reer half-files march from the midst to twice double distance after Front and Reer half-files face about Front half-files wheel your Ranks to the left Reer half-files wheel your Ranks to the right to your Leader Reducement Front half-file Rank 12 to the left Reer half-file face about and rank 12 to the right face to your Leader and close your Divisions The left Flank challengeth the next place but I shall spare that pains in regard it is to be done by the same words of Command only altering the hand I come therefore in the next place to shew how Ranks and Files may file outward to both Flanks and midst at one and the same time by proper words of Command as followeth CHAP. XLVI Of Files filing or Ranks filing to both the Flanks and the Midst at one and the same time Command FIles file to the right and left to both Flanks and the midst of files Direction The out-most file upon each Flank and the two middle files are to move away the rest are to fal in suceessively behinde to the right and left filing to both Flanks and to the midst after to stand and even their Ranks and streighten their files Reducement Files file six to right and left inward moving between the Flanks and the middle files Command Files file to both Flanks and to the midst of files advancing Direction The out-most file upon each Flank stand and so likewise the two inmost files the rest move forth and place themselves successively filing advancing towards both Flanks and the midst of files Reducement Files file six to the right and left inward to the Reer placing your selves between the flanks and the middle files the moving part is to face about and to march down according to command as before exprest after face to their Leader Command Files file to both flanks and the midst by Division They must be at order both in rank file Direction The out-most file upon each flank and the two in-most files stand half-files of the other files face about and march forth and file by threes to the right and left into both flanks and the midst facing to their Leader they will stand in four files 18 deep Reducement The six middle-most men in each File stand the three first and the three last ranks file six to the right and left inward the three first ranks face about then moving by threes between the out-most File of each flank and the middle Files after facing to their Leader Command Files file inward into both flanks and into the midst of files Direction Half-files face about march all and open from the midst to twice double distance face all about to the right the two in-most and the two out-most Files stand the rest move successively by threes untill they file into both flanks and into the midst face to your Leader Reducement Files file three to the right and left inward into the Front and Reer half-files face about the three first and the three last ranks stand the 12 middle-most men move inward by threes into front and reer between the out-most and the middle-most files face to your Leader and close your Divisions Command Files file to both flanks and to the midst of files every man placing himselfe before his Bringer-up Direction Face all about the two out-most files and the two middle files stand the rest move forth to the right and left placing themselves successively before their Bringers-up filing towards both flanks and the midst of files face to your Leader Reducement Files file six to the right and left inward following your Bringers-up between the flanks and the middle files the first six ranks are to stand Command Files file to both flanks and to the midst of files advancing every man placing himself before his Leader Direction The out most file upon each flank and the two middle files stand the rest advance forward placing themselves successively before their Leaders filing to both flanks and to the midst of files Reducement Files file six to the right and left inward into the reer following your Leaders between the flankers and the middle files the six last ranks face about and after they have filed they are all to face to their Leader Command Files file to both flanks and to the midst by Division every man placing himself before his Leader and Bringer-up Direction The out-most file upon each flank and the two in-most stand half-files of the other files face about and then command them to move filing to both flanks and into the midst placing themselves before their Leaders and Bringers-up to your Leader Reducement The six middle-most men in each file stand the three first and the three last ranks file six to the right and left inward every man placing himself before his Leader and Bringer-up the three first ranks face about and then with the three last they are to move forward between the out-most and the middle-most files that is by threes to place themselves before their Leaders and their Bringers-up face to your Leader Command Files file inward into â—â—ch flanks and into the midst every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his â—â—â—â—â—er-up Direction Half-files face to the 〈◊〉 march all and open from the midst to twice double distance face all about to the right the two in-most and the two out-most files upon each flank stand the rest move successively by threes placing themselves before their Leaders and Bringers-up filing into both flanks and the midst face to your Leader Reducement Files three to the right and left inward into front and reer every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his Bringer-up half-files face about the three first and the three last ranks stand the 12 middle-most men move forwards by threes between the out-most and the middle files placing themselves as aforesaid face to your Leader and close your Divisions CHAP. XLVII Of Ranks wheeling to both tâ—e Flanks Command RAnks wheel to the right and left to both flanks advancing Direction The out-most men upon the right and left in every They are to be at double distance in Ranks and at order in Files rank are the hinges of the Motion the rest are to divide their ranks by
for the satisfaction of those loving Gentlemen which have private Meetings in London but more especially for those of the Town-ditch unto whom I am most especially bound And therefore without more delay I shall lay before them certain figures of Battail upon all the Depths of files set forth in the former Table leaving them to their own discretion to make use of what shall best comply and suit to their intended purpose CHAP. LXV Military Experiment upon a File six deep branching forth eight severall Figures of Battail with their reducement Command FIle rank two to the left Command The middle-most rank open to the right and left to open order Command The last rank advance forward into the next rank that is before you and to open from the midst to open order and the first rank move forward one pace Command The first rank open outward two foot beyond open order the last rank close forward to order Command Division upon the left face about march all till you be cleer each of other face all to the left and march two paces face to your Leader the last rank open outward to double distance Command The first rank open outward to double distance the first man in the front face about move down and double the middle-most man to the right rank-wise Command The left-hand man of the middle-most rank face about the middle-most rank march two paces before the front and reer face to your Leader and close ranks and files to order Command The second rank from the front double the first to the right and left outward by Division the last man in the Reer close forward to order Command The out-most men of the middle rank face about and move down even with the Reer to your Leader Reducement The middle-most man in the Reer advance forwards to the left into the front Files close inwards to your order Files to the right double Half-files double your front to the left Files double your Depth to the right every man falling behinde his Bringer-up File rank two to the right Ranks rank intire to the left into the Reer every man placing himself on the out-side of his left hand man Direction Face about and after being faced to their Leader they will stand after this manner 6 5 4 3 2 1. Rank file to the right they are reduced CHAP. LXVI Words of Command to produce the first eight Figures of Battail with their reducements Command HAlf-file double your Front to the left Command The last rank face about the two middle ranks face outward march all some two paces to your Leader Command The first rank move forwards two paces the third rank close inwards to open order Command The third rank from the front face outward march all three paces to your Leader The first rank stand the rest face outward and move two paces to your Leader Command The first rank face about march all untill you be cleer one of another to your Leader Command The last rank move to the right and left and place your selves three foot behinde the Front Divisions Command Division on the right face about march all untill you be cleer one of another then face to the right and march untill you stand even a Brest of each other face to your Leader Command Reer Division face about the last man in each Division move forwards into the midst of the rank that is before you face to your Leader and close your Divisions to order Command The last man in the Reer move forwards to the right in the rank of him that stands before you the last rank open outwards to order to your Leader Reducement Face all about the last man in the Reer move forwards on the left into the rank that is before you even your ranks and streighten your files to your Leader Files double inward by Division Double your ranks to the left intire into the Front and Reer Direction Half-files face about after face to your Leader and the last rank close forward to order and even your ranks and straighten your files Wheel Front and Reer to the left flank Direction The last rank face about then face to your Leader and counter-march the file they are reduced CHAP. LXVII Words of Command for the second eight Figures of Battail with their reducement Command FIle rank to the left one three and four the last rank face outwards and move three paces to your Leader Command The two in-most men of the last rank close inward to close order the two out-most men of the last rank fall back two paces Command The middle-most man in the first rank face about march all till you are cleer one of another to your Leader Command Files close into the midst to order the last man move forward to order Command The middle-most rank open to the right and left to double distance Command The out-most men upon the flanks face inward the last man in the Reer face about the first the last rank face to the four Angles move all 3 paces to your Leader Command The first man in the Front and the last man in the Reer stand the rest face outward and march three paces to your Leader Command The last men of the out-most files move forward to the right and left untill you range even a Brest with the middle-men Reducement The last man in the Reer move forward and range even a Brest with the first rank Ranks file to the right following your Leader they are reduced CHAP. LXVIII Words of Command for the third eight Figures of Battail with their reducement Command BRingers-up double your Front to the left Command The first and the last rank stand the third rank double outward rank-wise the middle rank face outward march all two paces to your Leader Command The middle rank stand the rest double to the right file-wise face all to the Center and march some two paces to your Leader Command The middle rank double inward file-wise and move a little forward Command Half-file of the middle file double your Front to the left Front-division face to the right and move one pace to your Leader Command The left-hand file in the Front face about and march cleer of the Reer face to your Leader The middle file double to the left rank-wise files close into the midst to order Files rank outward into the Reer and then begin from the right to wheel them about to the left in a ring Command Files close into the midst to order the first rank close inward to close order the third rank open outward to open order the last man in the Reer move even a Brest with the rank that is before you Command Files open to the right and left untill you stand streight with your Bringers-up the rest moving forwards untill they have ranged even a Brest with the first man Command Angle-men face to the four Angles the middle-men in the out-most files face inward the middle-man in
Flank Reer Order your Pikes and put up your Swords This way of charging to the Horse I have set down as being practised somtimes amongst us in our private meetings but I conceive it to be of little use to receive a desperate charge of the Horse for by these charges the Souldiers are in so lame and weake a posture that the Horse cannot choose if they come on with a full career but beare the Pikes and Pike-men down to the ground Therefore in my opinion the best way of opposing the Horse charge is that which we learned of our ever honoured Captain Major Henry Tillier in the Military Garden which was Files closing to the midst to their closest Order insomuch that there was not above half a foot intervall of ground between File and File the Pikes Porting and after closing their Ranks forwards so close that they locked themselves one within another and then charged on Which in my judgement is so secure a way from routing that it is impossible for any Body of Horse to enter therein and farther to my best remembrance I never could meet with any Souldier that hath been abroad upon any service that ever saw any charging of the Pikes at the Foot therefore I will further proceed From Order Advance Your Pike Shoulder Your Pike Port Your Pike Comport Your Pike Cheek Your Pike Trail Your Pike Order as you were From your Order charge to the Front Right Left Reere Order as you were Advance your Pike Shoulder Your Pike Port Your Pike Comport Your Pike Cheek Your Pike Trail Your Pike Advance as you were From your Advance charge to the Front Right Left Reer Advance as you were Shoulder your Pike Port Your Pike Comport Your Pike Cheek Your Pike Trail Your Pike Shoulder as you were From the Shoulder charge to the Front Right Left Reere Shoulder as you were Port your Pikes Comport your Pikes Cheek your Pikes Trail your Pikes Comport as you were From the Comport Charge to the Front Right Left Reer Comport as you were Cheek your Pikes Trail your Pikes Cheek as you were From the Cheek charge to the Front Right Left Reer Cheek as you were Trail your Pikes from your Trail charge to the Front Right Left Reer Trail as you were Order your Pikes Lay down your Pikes Here is to be observed by this Method an endeavouring to performe all the postures of the Pike from each particular posture only shortning it by degrees leaving out what was before commanded untill we come unto the Trail Yet notwithstanding I spared not the charges but have shewn them from every posture in their due order Next followeth the postures of the Musket wherein in answerablenesse to the Pike I shall lay them down in full and afterwards contract them in a shorter way CHAP. IV. The Postures of the Musket THE Musket lying on the ground the first word of command will be as to the Pike Stand to your Arms Take up your Bandiliers Put on your Bâ—ndilieres Take up your Rest Put the string of your Rest about your left wrist Take up your Match Place your Match Take up your Musket Rest your Musket Here the Souldier may perform the Saluting Posture if he shall finde any occasion so to doe for the honouring of his friend or any Gentleman of worth Poyse your Musket Shoulder your Musket Un-shoulder your Musket and Poyse Joyne your Rest to the outside of your Musket Open your pan Cleer your pan Prime your pan Shut your pan Cast off your loose Corns Blow off your loose corns and bring about your Musket to the left side Trail your Rest Ballance your Musket in your left hand Finde out your Charge Open your Charge Charge with powder Draw forth your Scouring-stick Turn and shorten him to an Inch. Charge with Bullet Put your Scouring-stick into your Musket Ram home your Charge Withdraw your Scouring-stick Turn and shorten him to a handfull Return your Scouring-stick Bring forward your Musket and Rest Poyse your Musket recover your Rest Joyn your Rest to the outside of your Musket Draw forth your Match Blow your Cole Cock Your Match Fit Your Match Guard your Pan Blow the ashes from your Cole Open your Pan Present upon your Rest Give fire brest high Dismount your Musket joyning the Rest to the outside of your Musket Un-cock and return your Match Cleere your Pan Shut your Pan. Poyse your Musket Rest your Musket Take your Musket off the Rest and set the Butt end to the ground Lay down your Musket Lay down your Match Take your Rest into your right hand cleering the string from your left wrist Lay down your Rest Take off your Bandiliers Lay down your Bandiliers Here endeth the Postures of the Musket from the taking of them up from the ground to make ready and the proceeding in them to the laying of them down again Now if the Souldier will take his Rest into his right hand for to be a support and help to him in his march he must observe the following words of command Lay your right hand upon the Butt end of your Musket Lay your left arme over your Musket The Musket being shouldered you may proceed in these words of command to recover the Rest into the right hand Shift your match between the fingers of your right hand Take your Rest into your right hand cleering the string from your left wrist Return your match and take your Rest into your right hand 't will cause you to be in a fit capacity for to march CHAP. V. The Postures and charges of the Pike to be performed in a shorter way all things acted in order and nothing done twice THE Pike lying on the ground the first word of Command will be Stand to your Arms Handle your Arms. Raise up your Pikes to your open Order Raise up your Pikes to your Order Raise up your Pikes to your close Order From your close Order charge to the Horse Front Right Left Reer Recover your Pikes and put up your Swords Advance your Pikes Port your Pikes Charge to the Front Shoulder your Pikes Charge to the right Comport your Pikes Charge to the left Cheeke your Pikes Trail your Pikes Charge to the Reer After lay the narrow end of the Pike to the ground face about to the left to your first Front and move forward with the Butt end of your Pike on your right side in your Funerall Posture After face about to the right raise up your Pike face then again to your first Front you may lay down the Pike to the ground and march from your Arms having ended all the Postures and Charges in their due courses And here Fellow Souldier whoever thou art thou maist perceive that there are no more then eight Postures of the Pike and foure Charges that is to say to the Front Reer and both Flanks There are some would fain have another Posture added to these which they call the Lazie Posture which somtimes I have
not on the left for the reasons as formerly for a File six deep declared I might now here conclude with other flourishing Tables which might be little profitable unto the Souldier though holding out discourse more fuller in an Arithmeticall way But I have no desire to fill this subject with plenty of unprofitable words and frothie flourishes but rather driving really in a Souldierly way to make all things both plain and easie to every courteous Reader that shall be pleased for to peruse the same And therefore here for present I shall conclude what more might here be spoken by dignities of Ronks and Files leaving what shall remain untill such time in course I shall again meet with them by the way in drawing up of Regiments CHAP. XVIII What Distance is and the reasons for the first beginning of the same with all their severall uses HAving thus now passed over severall reasons and with as much brevity as I could to satisfie the longing desire of the young Souldiers request of every particular place of honour as they stand in dignity both in Rank and File Which being passed over the next will follow by course before we come to joyne the Files into a Body to satisfie the Souldier of each particular distance with the severall reasons and uses of the same for next to the Postures it is the first thing or part of the Military exercise and most necessary for the Souldier to be knowing in and to be exercised in Yet I must confesse no Commander is so tied up or limited in the exercising of his men at all times to begin with Distances first so as to shew them all throughout but neverthelesse in all and every one of the Motions in the exercising of a Body care must be taken that the Souldier have his proper Distance for performance of the same Neither can any Leader exercise his men but first he must command them to some Distance sutable to what he will begin As some I have seen begin their Exercises with Faceings some other with Doublings others with Countermarches and with Wheelings Yet neverthelesse whoever they be that will so begin as I said before must command his Souldiers to some Distance which may be proper forâ— the same But for my own part my purpose is to goe throughout all parts of the Military Exercise of Foot and therefore will goe on in order as they lie and first as most properest I shall begin with Distances to shew them all throughout and what the nature of them be Distance therefore really considered in it selfe is no Motion but there are severall motions to the attaining of each particular Distance both in length and depth Therefore briefly thus Distance is a place or intervall of ground between every particular File and File and betwixt every Rank and Rank as they stand and attained by the severall motions of Ranks and Files and consisting of severall proportions of ground as easily may be understood by their severall words of command as they follow CHAP. XIX The severall sorts of Distances which are fit and proper for the Souldier to be exercised in CLosest Order Close Order Order Open Order Double Distance Twice double Distance Which is both in Rank and File Half a foot One foot and a half Three foot Six foot Twelve foot Twenty four foot Having thus set down every Distance with their severall proportions of ground I shall next proceed unto the words of command to the opening of the Ranks and Files from their closest Order and after satisfie the Souldier with the reasons and the uses of every particular Distance as they go along in order CHAP. XX. Words of Command for the opening of Ranks and Files to all their Distances with their closings again THe Commander craving silence and that they be commanded to close Ranks and Files to their closest Order the words of command for Distances are as followeth Files open to the right to your close Order Ranks open backward to your close Order Files open to the left to your Order Ranks open backward to your Order Files open to the right and left to your open Order Ranks open backward to your open Order Files open to the left to your double Distance Ranks open backward to your double Distance Files open from the midst to twice double Distance Ranks open backward to twice double Distance The Ranks and Files being thus opened unto their twice double Distance from their closest order I conceive it to be a more Souldierly like way in the opening and closing of Files that the discretion of the Commander do vary and alter the hand in the commanding of them then always from every Distance to tie himself to any perticuler hand as to open to the right and close to the right But as concerning the opening of Ranks the properest way in my judgement is to open them always to the Reer in respect it is performed with more facility For every Rank from the first takes his due Distance as he is commanded without any further trouble or to a halfe facing to the right by taking it from the Reer if from that place they shall be opened and so likewise it were a great deal better in the closing of Ranks to close them forwards in respect it is for the more coveniency of their closing then to the Reer For then again they must perform a half facing which is not only handsome but troublesome to the Souldier All that can be said for to maintain it as I conceive in opening Ranks forwards is because they have not room in the Reer which seldome happens so in any Exercise if discreetly ordered by him that leads them As for closing of the Ranks backwards I cannot conceive any solid reasons to confirme the same and therefore will passe over it and come to close our Ranks and Files to such Distance from whence they first were opened Files close to the right and left inward to double distance Ranks close forwards to double distance Files close to the right to your open Order Ranks close forwards to your open Order Files close into the midst to your Order Ranks close forwards to your Order Files close to the left to your close Order Ranks close forwards to your close Order Files close to the right to your closest Order Ranks close forwards to your closest Order Concerning the Words of Command for Distances in the openings and closings of Ranks and Files what before is set down may be sufficient for any Souldier to use in time of his exercise But now it will be expected to give some reasons for every one of these to shew them in their proper uses CHAP. XXI The use of each perticuler Distance and at what time to be used WHerefore first note that your Distance of closest Order is of chiefest use unto the Pike in these perticulers as first charging against the Horse for that the Ranks then clapping in their left legs behind their Leaders
such a streight that they cannot bring their faces against an enemy by a Counter march or by a Wheeling to bring their best Souldiers there to fight and likewise being debarred of room that they cannot double it neverthelesse facings are of such excellent use that they may with ease although standing at close Order turn every particular face to charge upon that part where they shall be assaulted by an enemy and farther this motion is performed with more facility then all the rest of the motions For in the others they alter the forme of the Battail or changeth the place but in this they preserve both and it is ready for any attempt of an enemy if they should be charged all at once in Front Reer Right and Left Flanks they may be commanded so to face as to answer them all in every one of their charges Facings likewise are so necessary that they can hardly be spared in any other of the motions having relation in one kinde or other to them all for to be used There is likewise farther to be understood that there are entire facings and divisionall Entire facings are when they turn their Aspects all one way Divisionall facings are when they diver or turn their faces severall ways as to the Front Reer and both Flanks all at one instant of time as shall be commanded There are likewise facings to the front and reer Angles that is to say of their outward and inward Angles Outward Angles are when they are commanded to face to the right Angle or to the left or both facing to the inward Angles as when they are commanded so as to face to the inward Angles towards the midst of files There is likewise facing to the inward Angles towards the midst of Ranks as to the Center where note when there is any use of these facings unto the inward Angles it is occasioned by some former words of command that hath made some large intervalls in the midst of Ranks or Files and therefore they may give them such commands as these for to open or stand so that they may march and close again as at first This facing to the Center I do conceive to be very usefull when the Captain or Leader hath any thing of importance to speake unto the Company they standing at close order he may sidewise move down into the midst of the Ranks and Files and command them to face all to the Center they standing all round about him so close cannot choose but hear and know what his pleasure and command will be and in obedience thereunto be very ready in performance for the execution of the same But before I come to set down the words of command for facings I shall desire all Leaders not to tie themselves up so as not to begin in their Exercise to command facings untill they have brought the souldiers to stand at open order both in Rank and File as if it were not proper for them to command them to face till then Therefore rather for the reasons before set forth command them to choose upon such close Distances to face that they may know the true use of them and at such times when they want ground that the other motions cannot be performed CHAP. XXVIII The words of command for Facings Face to the RIght As you were or to your Leader Left To both Flanks Right about Left about To Front and Reer Midst of Files Midst of Ranks Right Angle Left Angle Outward Angles in the Front Inward Angles in the Front Right Angle in the Reer Left Angle in the Reer Outward Angles in the Reer Inward Angles in the Reer Inward Angles of the right Flank Inward Angles of the left Flank Outward Angles both of Front and Reer Inward Angles both of Front and Reer Inward Angles of both the Fanks to the Center Front Reer and both Flanks from the Center To the outward Angles of Front and Reer from the Center Having concluded the words of command for performing of plain Facings there must be notice taken when any word of command shall be given to face to any of the Reer Angles they must be first faced to the Reer and they will make more easier performance of the same and likewise if any word of command be given to face to the inward Angles upon the Flanks they must face them there likewise first and it will be easier fulfilled and likewise if any command be given to face to the foure Angles or to Front Reer and Midst from the Center care must be first had that they may be first faced to the Center I might have proceeded a great deal farther in this place upon this Subject of â—acings to have shewn severall figures of Battail that might be produced and drawn forth affording much variety of formes and number and with much ease to be performed upon their severall marchings according as they are ordered to face which might be very uâ—efull for service and affording much matter for any perticuler Exercise to use severall firings upon the same But I shall have occasion in another place to make use of divers of them and setting them forth unto the view when I shall begin to set down in any perticuler Leadings of my own which I have performed in our private meetings at Town-Ditch in London every Thursday morning for the satisfaction of those loving Gentlemen who still do exercise there and to such which shall come after CHAP. XXIX The many variety of Doublings with their parts and uses set forth for the practise of any Commander to make use of according unto his own description SInce there is in the true account no other dimension of a Battail but the Length and Depth so likewise it is to be understood that the Length of the Bâ—ttail is doubled by the doublings of â—anks and half-files and the Depth of the Battail is doubled by the doubling of Files and of the half Ranks Now there are severall Words of Command for the performance of each of these as to double Ranks and Files which do consist either of the doubling of number of men and persons and not of place or else the doubling both of number and place as for example command either the Ranks the half-files or Bringers-up to double the Front to the right here only is the doubling of number of men and not of place for it adds but one man more to that hand whereunto they were commanded and gains but his perticuler place Again Double Ranks to any hand intire or double the Front by the half-files to the right intire it will be not only a doubling of the number of men but a doubling of the place and the Length of the Battail The use of doubling the Length of the Battail may be for two reasons the one to over wing an Enemy the other to avoid over winging our selves Yet there must be care taken that in doubling of the Length that we faile not or be too weak in our
Depth for the want of both either Length or Depth may be very dangerous to our selves and may give great advantage to the Enemy For if there should want a sufficient Depth by gaining much Length in the Front we may perhaps be so weak there that an Enemy may quickly break through whereby much danger may insult upon the same if not timely prevented by the discretion of the Commanders There is likewise in the doubling of Files or the half-files or the half-Ranks doubling to either Flank a doubling of number of men and not of place carrying much variety of Words of Command but the doubling of Files and of the left half-half-Ranks intire the Depth of the right Flank is not only a doubling of the number but a doubling of the place and depth of the Battail In this doubling of the Depth care likewise must be had that we make not the â—ront too narrow lest we give opportunity to the Enemy to incircle and incompasse it To conclude therefore take notice that Doublings were invented to strengthen any part of the body that shall be weak whether in the Front or Reer right Flank or left whether it be in number of men or place Length or Depth it is to be used according to the discretion of the Commander There is likewise farther to be considered in Doublings whether they double the number or place Length or Depâ—h it is to be performed by one of these two either intire or divisionall Doublings therefore I shall proceed and go on to shew what I conceive to be the properest way in the progresse of them in a right order and therefore I will begin to set down the Words of Command first to double the Front and so farther proceed to shew the Doublings of the Flanks And first of intire Doublings and next of the divisionall and in the mean time I shall crave pardon from the courteous Souldier that I put not down severall pricks or figures to set forth the same endevouring rather to give him the Words of Command for each perticuler Doubling with directions for performance of the same together with their severall reducements leaving it to his ingenious study and practise to make use of what he pleaseth where he may câ—â—ll and chuse out such as shall be convenient and fit either for service or delight by the way advising him to retein in his memory what he intends to practise and not to meddle with any thing but what he assuredly knows will carry such weight and able reasons for their use and service as shall admit of no controlment from the judicious Souldier CHAP. XXX The Words of Command for all Intire Doublings to the Front to be performed one time or other in time of Exercise Command RAnks to the Right double Direction Every even Rank move forward with the right leg and with three steps double the odd Reducement Files to the left double Or Ranks as you were Command Ranks to the left double Direction Every even Rank from the Front move forwards with the left leg and at three steps double the odd Reducement Files to the right double or Ranks as you were Command Ranks to the right and left double outward Direction Every even Rank move outward from the midst at three steps double the odd Reducement Files to the right and left double inward or Ranks as you were Command Ranks to the right and left double inward Direction Every even Rank from the Front move inward from the Flanks and at three steps double the odd Reducement Files to the right and left double outward or Ranks as you were Command Half-files double your Front to the right Direction Half-files advance your Arms and move forwards to the right into the Front Reducement Files double your Depth to the left or half-files as you were Command Half-files double your Front to the left Direction Half-files advance forwards to the left into the Front Reducement Files double your Depth to the right or half Files as you were Command Half-files double your Front to the right and left outward Direction Half-files advance forwards to the right and left from the midst and move up into the Front Reducement Files double your Depth to the right and left inward or half-files as you were Command Half-files double your Front to the right and left inward Direction Half-files move forwards from the Flanks inward into the Front Reducement Files double your Depth to the right left outward or half-files as you were Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right Direction Bringers-up advance your Arms and move forwards with the right leg into the Front Reducement Files double your Depth to the left every man falling behind his Bringer-up Command Bringers-up double your Front to the left Direction Bringers-up advance forwards to the left into the Front Reducement Files double your Depth to the right every man falling behind his Bringer-up Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right and left outward Direction Bringers-up advance forward from the midst of the Reer to the right and left into the Front Reducement Files double your Depth to the right and left inward every man falling behind his Bringer-up Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right and left inward Direction Bringers-up advance forwards from the Flanks inward into the Front Reducement Files double your Depth to the right and left outward every man falling behind his Bringer-up Command Double your Ranks to the right intire Direction Every even Rank from the Front face to the right march forth double the odd Reducement Right half-ranks double your left Flank or ranks as you were Command Double your Ranks to the left intire Direction Every even rank from the Front face to the left march forth double the odd Reducement Left half-ranks double your right Flank or Ranks as you were Command Double your Ranks inward intire Direction Every even rank from the Reer move away outward untill you be cleer of the standing part and after every even Rank from the Front move forwards and double the odd Reducement The in-most Files double your Flanks to the right and left outward and after close Command Double your Ranks to the right intire every man placing himself on the outside of his right-hand man Direction Every even rank from the Front move away to the right and place your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men and double the odd Ranks Reducement Right-half-ranks double your left Flank every man placing himselfe on the in-side of his left-hand man Command Double your Ranks to the left intire every man placing himself on the outside of his left-hand man Direction Every even rank from the Front move away to the left and double the odd Ranks by placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men Reducement Left-half-ranks double your right Flank every man placing himselfe on the in-side of his right-hand man Command Half-files double your Front to the right intire
Direction Half-files face to the right and march cleer of the standing part after face to your Leader move up even a Brest and double the Front Reducement Right-half-ranks double intire the Depth of your left Flank Command Half-files double your Front to the left intire Direction Half-files face to the left and march cleer of the standing part after face to your Leader march up and even the Front Reducement Left-half-ranks double intire the Depth of your right Flank Command Half-files double your Front inward intire Direction Front-half-files face outwards and march cleer of the standing part facing after to their Leader the Reer-half-files may move up and double the Front Reducement The in-most Files double intire the Depth of the out-most Files and after close These are as I conceive the properest and plainest Doublings for any Souldier to use in his Exercise out of which he may choose as many of them as he shall think fit being all intire Doublings to the Front next follows to shew some Divisionall Doublings to the same CHAP. XXXI Divisionall Doublings to the Front Command DOuble your Ranks to the right and leftâ— by Division Direction Every even Rank from the Front face outwards march forth and double the odd Reducement The out-most Files upon each Flank that moved face inwards march in and strengthen the Body Command Double your Ranks to the right and left by Division every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Direction Every even Rank from the Front move forth to the right and left outward and double the odd placing your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men Reducement The out-most Files upon each Flank that moved double the in-most Files to the right and left inward every man placing himselfe on the in-side of his right and left-hand man Command Half-files double your Front by Division Direction Half-files face outwards and march cleer of the standing part after face to your Leader move up even a Brest and double the Front Reducement The out-most Files upon each Flank that moved double intire the Depth of the in-most Files CHAP. XXXII Intire Doublings to the Front by Wheelings Command WHeele off your Reer-half-files and double your Front to the right intire Direction Half-files face about and wheel about to the left march up and even the Front Reducement Wheel off your right half Ranks and double your left Flank intire to the left Face outward and Right half Ranks wheel about to the right moving forward untill they range even a Brest with their left Flank to your Leader Command Wheel off your Reer half-files and double your Front to the left intire Direction Half-files face to the Reer and wheel about to the right move forwards and double the Front to the left intire Reducement Wheel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank intire to the right Face outward left half-Ranks wheel about to the left and move forward untill you have doubled the right Flank to your Leader Command Wheel your Reer half-files inward into the midst and double your Front inward intire Direction Front-half-files open from the midst untill you be clear of the standing part then face to your Leader half-files face about and wheel your Reer inward into the midst move forward untill you have doubled the Front Reducement The in-most files that doubled wheel about to the right and left outward The in-most Files must have distance from the out-most Files before they can begin to wheel and double intire the Depth of the out-most files after face to your Leader and close files to the midst to order CHAP. XXXIII A Divisionall Doubling to the Front by Wheeling Command WHeel off your Reer half-files and double your Front by Division Direction Half-files face to the Reer and wheel about to the right and left move forward and double the Front Reducement The out-most files upon each Flank that doubled Here likewise must conveninient distance be given from the midst for the out-most Files to wheel about wheel about to the right and left inward and double intire the Depth of the in-most files face to your Leaders Here endeth the Doublings that properly belong unto the Front according to the practise of these times whether they be Intire or Divisionall and of their severall kinds as first take them of themselves in the plain way after by Countermarches as by the Bringers-up Lastly by Wheelings and that first by Intire after Divisionall But here by the way no Leader is tied to do all these Doublings in his Exercise at once but to use part of them what he shall think fit Yet again if he desire to be throughly knowing in all the Doublings of Front Reer and both Flanks and to shew them unto the Souldiers he may then begin first to go over all the Words of Command for Doublings to the Front informing his Souldiers of their severall uses for service at one time or another and then proceed to shew the use of the severall Doublings to the Flanks and next to the Reer which in this place I hold needlesse to give Words of Command for the Doubling thereunto in regard the former Words of Command used to the Front with small alteration will serve to the Reer CHAP. XXXIV Intire Doublings to the right Flank Command FIles to the right double Direction Every even file from the right by a half turning at three steps double the odd Reducement Ranks to the left double or files as you were Command Files to the right and left double outward Direction Every even file from the flanks move and by three steps double the odd Reducement Ranks to the right and left double inward or files as you were Command Double your files to the right and left inward Direction Every even File from the midst move inward side-wise and double the odd Reducement Ranks to the right and left double outward or files as you were Command Double your files to the right advancing Direction Every even file from the right move forwards and by three steps double the odd Reducement Ranks to the right double Command Double your files outward advancing Direction Every even file from the Flanks move forwards and by three steps double the odd Reducement Ranks to the right and left double outward Command Double your files to the right and left inward advancing Direction Every even file from the midst move forwards and by three steps double the odd Reducement Ranks to the right and left double inward Command Left half-Ranks double your right Flank to the right Direction Face all to the right and left half-Ranks move forwards to the right and double your right Flank to your Leader Reducement Double your Ranks to the left intire or left half-Ranks march forth into your places Command Left half-Ranks double your right Flank to the left Direction Face all to the right and left half-Ranks move forwards to the left untill you have
Direction Half-files of the even Files from the right face to the Reer even Files march cleer of the standing part after move to the right and left and double the odd Files face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most ranks to the left the three first ranks face about and march down by your own right hands into the midst of ranks and the three last ranks move forwards to the midst to your own left hands face to your Leader Command Double your Files to the right by Division every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up Direction Half-files of the even Files from the right face to the Reer the even Files march and double the odd every man placing himselfe before his Leader and Bringer-up face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most ranks to the left every man placing himselfe before his Leader and his Bringer-up the three first ranks face about to the left and move down to the midst of ranks by your own right hands placing your selves before your Bringers-up and the three last ranks march forwards unto the midst placing your selves before your Leaders to your Leader Command Left half-Ranks double your right Flank by Division Direction Half-files of the left half-Ranks face about to the right the left half-Ranks move cleer of the standing part after face all to the right Flank the left half-Ranks moving forward untill they have ranged even a Brest with the right Flank face to your Leader Reducement The three first and the three last ranks double the six middle-most ranks intire to the left-Flank the three first and the three last ranks face to the left-Flank and move cleer of the standing part after face inward march and close your Divisions face to your Leader CHAP. XXXVI Intire Doublings to the right Flank by Wheeling Command WHeel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank intire to the right Direction Face outward and left half-Ranks wheel about to the left and move forward untill you have doubled the right Flank intire to the right face to your Leader Reducement Wheel off your Reer half-files and double your Front to the left intire half-files face to the Reer and wheel about to the right and march fowards untill you have ranged your selves even with the Front Command Wheel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank intire to the left Direction Face outward left half-Ranks wheel about to the right and move forward untill you have doubled the right Flank intire to the left face to your Leader Reducement Wheel off your Front half-files and double your Reer to the right intire half-files face about and Front half-files wheel about to the left move down and double the Reer to the right face to your Leader Command Wheel the left half-Ranks inward into the midst and double your right Flank inward intire Direction Half-files of the right half-Ranks face about right half-Ranks move cleer of the standing part then face to the right and the left half-Ranks face to the left and wheeling inward into the midst moving forward untill they have doubled the right Flank inward intire to your Leader Reducement Wheel off from the right Flank the six middle-most Ranks and double In wheeling the six middle Ranks from the right Flank they must have ground sufficient for them to wheel about your Front and Reer intire to the left Flank the six middle Ranks face to the right and wheel about to the right and left moving forward untill they are cleer of the standing part and after facing to the Front and Reer they move again and double the Front and Reer toward the left Flank face all to your Leader march forwards and close your Divisions Or if they continue their aspect to the right Flank then command the six middle-most Files to wheel off to the right and left and to double intire the Depth of the out-most Files then face to their Leader and close their Divisions CHAP. XXXVII A Divisionall Doubling to the right Flank by Wheeling Command WHeel off your left half-Ranks and double your right Flank by Division Direction Face outward and left half-Ranks wheele off to the right and left about and move forward untill you have ranged even and doubled the right Flank to your Leader Reducement Wheel off the three first and the three last ranks and double the six middle-most ranks intire to the left Flank the three last ranks face about and wheel to the right about moving up towards the midst of the left Flank and the three first ranks at the same time wheel about to the left and move down to the midst of the left Flank face to your Leader Or if they continue their aspect to the right Flank then command the out-most Files to that doubled to wheel about to the right and left inward and double intire the Depth of the in-most Files to your Leader Here endeth all the plain Doublings to the right Flank performed by severall Countermarches and Wheelings which to any ingenious Souldier are sufficient directions to know how to double the left Flank only altering the hand by the Words of Command And here Fellow-Souldier endeth all the severall kinds of Doublings which if any shall seem hard or difficult unto thee either in their Commands Directions or Reducements thou maist care being taken with much ease and delight performe the same And here the Captain is to take speciall notice when he comes to the point of Doublings that his properest way and will be first to double the Front as being the most honourable part of the Body and next the Reer and after either to the right or left Flank leaving it to his discretion to use as many of them as he shall think fitting and convenient for his Exercise And although I have somewhat varied from the practise of former times in using more plenty of Words of Commands the ripenesse and curiosity of wits in these our dayes enforced me unto it for they having much refined the Military Discipline will not be pleased with ordinary stuffe as to say as you were which I confesse would save the Captain a great deal of pains and be more easie to the apprehension and capacity of every private Souldier for his returning back unto his place again Yet if Command should be given to double any part of the Body that Leader would quickly lie under a hard censure and be judged in most mens opinions insufficient that could not finde out some other Words of Command to reduce them again Endevouring therefore to give full satisfaction to both parties I have taken the pains to set down other Words of Command for Reducements whereby those which shall professe themselves curious may cull out such plenty as may best please their genious advising them withall not to presume in the exercising of their private Companies
about and the out-most six men upon each rank are to stand and the middle-men are to divide themselves six to the right hand and six to the left and to fall in the Reer of the first last and middle rank after the last rank is to face to the front and then to close ranks and files to their order Command Ranks rank outward into the front reer and midst every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Ranks ranking by Counter-march Direction The two last ranks face about the first and last rank and the third rank from the front stand the rest move forth to the right and left ranking into front reer and midst placing themselves on the out-side of their right and left-hand men face to your Leader Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward placing your selves on the in-side of your right and left-hand men the last rank face about the 12 middle-most men in each rank are to stand and the out-most six men in each rank are to move to the right and left inward placing themselves in the Reer of the former ranks and on the in-side of their right and left-hand men facing to their Leader Command Ranks rank inward into the front reer and midst every man placing himself on the in-side of his right and left-hand man Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance standing thâ—n at order in each division in rank and file the two last ranks face about and the first last and third rank from the Front stand the rest move inward placing themselves on the in-side of their right and left-hand men after the last rank may face about and move forward to open order Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right and left-hand man the last rank face about the six out-most men of each rank stand and the 12 middle-most men in each rank are to divide themselves six to the right and six to the left falling in the Reer of the out-most men placing themselves on the out-side of their right and left-hand men after face to the front and ranks and files close to the midst to order Of Files ranking into Front Reer and Midst Command FIles rank outward into Front Reer and Midst Direction The two last ranks face about the first last and third rank from the front stand the rest move to the right and left after the manner of doubling of ranks and rank to front reer and midst as before commanded and after the last rank face to the front closing forward to order Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward the last rank face about and the even men from the midst of â—iles are to fall in behinde the odd after the manner of doubling files to the right and left inward and after the two last ranks are to face to the Front Command Files rank inward into front reer and midst Direction They standing at the distance of order in rank and file command right and left half-ranks to open from the midst some thing more then to open order after the two last ranks are to face about and the first last and third rank from the front are to stand the rest are to move to the right and left inward after the manner of doubling ranks to the right and left inward after the last rank is to face to the front and to close forwards to open order Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward the last rank face about and every man from the flanks is to move outward after the manner of doubling files to the right and left outward then the two last ranks are to face to the front and the whole Body may close their ranks and files into the midst to order CHAP. XLIII Of Files ranking by Wheeling Command FIles rank outward into Front Reer and Midst by wheeling Direction The two last ranks face about after face all outward and The Ranks must be at close order and the Files at open order for these three words of Command following and it would be better to divide them into three Divisions that is to say between every two Ranks to have some six foot of ground intervall that they may more distinctly perform the same and wheel to the right and left by two and two untill they be ranked into front reer and midst the last rank may after move forwards unto the same distance the former stands at being first faced to their Leader Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward by wheeling the first two ranks face about and then every perticuler rank to wheel by two and two towards the midst of files untill they have made 12 files as at first and after to face all to the front Command Files rank inward into the front reer and midst by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst something more then open to order the two last ranks of each Division face about after face all inward and wheel by two and two to the right and left untill they have ranked into front and reer and midst to the right and left inward the last rank is after to face to the front taking his distance conformable to the rest Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward by wheeling the two first ranks face about and each perticuler rank is to wheel by two's towards the flanks untill they have made 12 files as at first after facing all to the front and closing their ranks and files into the midst to order Command Files rank inward into the midst by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance after face inward and let them know that the Bringers-up of the Front half-fiiles and the half-file Leaders are the hinges of the motion after face them to the Front and they will be in two Ranks Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left outward by wheeling the last Rank face about and both Ranks wheel to the right and left by threes untill they have made 12 Files as at first after face all to the Front and close Files into the midst to order Command Files rank outward into the Front and Reer by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks close into the midst to order after face outward and wheel to the right and left the Bringers-up and the Leaders are the hinges of the motion and when they are brought into two Ranks one in the Front and the other in the Reer face them to the Front Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward by wheeling the first Rank face about and both Ranks are to wheel by threes towards the midst of Files untill they have filed according unto command after facing to their Leader evening their Ranks and straightning their Files And thus much of
may be sufficient for to instruct them to continue their charge retreat or else to charge home Secondly that the Serjeants be carefull in time of Battail that their Souldiers be at their due distance of order both in rank and file and that upon their firings whether they be by forlorns either of files or ranks drawn forth or otherwise by Divisions they see them neatly and handsomly perform'd by cocking their matches and presenting something lower then brest-high and after uncocking and returning them wheeling off either to the right left or both falling in the Reer of themselves or else where as shall be appointed in an orderly manner whereby they may decently come up again to fire against the Enemy Thirdly that the Souldiers present and give fire upon their Rests not using that slovenly posture of popping their Matches into the Pan their Muskets being on their left sides which is not only hurtfull unto themselves but much endangers their fellow-Souldiers and by so doing they scarce or ever do any execution against an Enemy But here I meet with an objection framed by the Souldiers after this manner our Rests are of little or no use unto us in time of skirmishing fit they are we confesse in the Military Gardens but in time of Battail both troublesome and cumbersome unto us to whom I reply what if they be a little cumbersome at the first must they therefore be rejected and carelesly thrown away nay rather they ought frequently to practise themselves in the use thereof which if they did they would finde the same very serviceable unto them in time of skirmishing wherewith they fire better and in a more comely and gracefull way far more securing both themselves and fellow-souldiers from danger and likewise upon their March it is both a help and support unto them Fourthly their eyes ought likewise in time of Battail to be fixed stedfastly upon their Captain always conforming to him in Posture when he shall prepare to charge or retreat and likewise they ought to be knowing and well verst in the severall beats of the Drum which if well observed by all there would not be so much confusion in time of Battail amongst them as many times by sad experience hath been found when disregarding their Officers commands and the beating of the Drums they ignorantly and rashly run on in a disorderly manner by which means they have cut off their own Officers and fellow-souldiers many times more then they have dangered the enemy Thus you see what great necessity there is of instructing and training up the Souldiers in their Postures and how requisite it is to conforme themselves to their Officers in time of Battail performing thereby better execution against their Enemies and by their decent and comely array preserve themselves from imminent dangers and perils The Souldiers having now all the ground-worke of the exercising a body of men laid down before them in the next place he labours to make experiment thereof but being no Officer he cannot attein thereunto without speciall leave from his Superiours and therefore being a File-leader he craves leave for to exercise his single File both in their Postures and Motions contenting himselfe for present with that small number whereby he is able to run through many plain things of Distances Facings Doublings Countermarchings and Wheelings But being not fully satisfied he presumes upon the former favour had from his Superiours to goe on to make every man in his File a File-leader first by succession and after being not called away by the beat of the Drum or by his Officers to lead up his File and to joyne into a Body according unto Dignity and after endeavours to reduce them again by proper words of command This liberty being granted at convenient times unto a File-leader much indeers the Souldiers good affections unto their Officers and is a means whereby many others are brought in to be true lovers of Military Exercises as being much taken and well pleased with the sight of the former things And therefore I could wish that they were not hereafter prevented as formerly I have observed by the malice of some who have had places of command bestowed upon them more through favour or by reason of their riches then for any worth or desert found in them They perhaps hold it a great disparagement unto them to be eclipsed but a judicious and discreet Captain accounts it a great honour to lead such gallant men that are as able and as well knowing as himself CHAP. LX. The way to make every man in a File six deepe according to succession a File-leader by doublings not The File 1 2 3 4 5 6 using one word of command twice 2 Command FIles rank two to the left Files to the left double Brings the second man into the Front 3 Command Halfe-files double your Front to the left Files double your depth to the left 4 Command Bringers-up double your Front to the right Double your Files to the left intire advancing 5 Command Bringers-up double your Front to the left Double your Files to the right intire advancing 6 Command File rank two to the right Files to the right double Reducement File rank to the left into the Front Rank file six to the left CHAP. LXI The way to make every man in a File six deep File-leader according to dignity by a doubling not using one Word of command twice The Dignity of the File 1 6 4 3 5 2 2 Command HAlf-files double your front to the left Files double to the right intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader 3 Command Front half-file double the reer to the left Files double to the left intire advancing every man placing himselfe before his Leader 4 Command Bringer-up double your Front to the right Files double your depth to the right every man falling behind his bringer-up 5 Command Half-files double your Front to the right Files double to the left intire advancing Files ranke two to the right Files to the right double 6 Command Bringer-up double your Front to the left Files double your depth to the left every man falling behind his bringer-up Reducement File ranke two to the left Files to the left double CHAP. LXII The File 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The way to make every man in a File eight deep File-leader by succession and that by doubling not using one Word of command twice 2 Command FIle ranke two to the left Ranks invert to the left 3 Command Half-file double your front to the right Double your files to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader 4 Command Files ranke two to the right Files to the right double 5 Command Front half-files double your reer to the right Double your files to the left intire advancing 6 Command Files ranke two to the right into the reer Ranks invert to the right 7 Command Half-files double your Front to the left Double your files
to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader 8 Command File ranke two to the left into the Reer Face to your Leader Double your Files to the right advancing Reducement File ranke to the right into the Front Ranke file right to the right CHAP. LXIII The way to make every man in a File eight deep a File-leader according The Dignity of the File 1 6 7 4 3 8 5 2 unto dignitie by a doubling 2 Command BRinger-up double your front to the left Double your files to the right intire advancing 3 Command Half-files double your front to the left Double your files to the left intire advancing 4 Command Bringer-up double your Front to the right Files double your depth to the right 5 Command File rank two to the right Double your files to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his Leader 6 Command Front half-file double your Reer to the right following your Leaders Double your files to the right by Division every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up 7 Command Front half-file double your Reer to the left following your Leaders Double your files to the left by Division every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up 8 Command The two first and the two last men double the four middle-most men to the right following your Leaders and your Bringers-up Files double your Depth to the left Reducement Half-files double the front to the right Bringers-up double your front to the right Files to the right and left double inward Double your files to the left intire advancing Although I have here set down words of Command to make every man a File-leader both by Succession and Dignity a Commander is not thereby tied up but may if he please practise the same upon a whole Company altering but a little some words of Command As for example we cannot say in a file double your ranks there being none untill there be some other files joyned thereunto and therefore if we intend a doubling by a single file we command it to rank two to the right or left which in a Company must be exprest Ranks to the right or left double Thus you see with a little alteration every man is brought up into the Front either by succession or dignity whether the files be even numbers or odd great bodies or small But here by the way I must crave pardon to speak something in commendation of these Doublings in answer to them that accounts them but toys to whom I will be so bold as to tell them that it is not for want of ignorance they so slightly esteem of them for were they truly knowing in the Art of Drilling they must of force confesse abundance of variety in them affording much delight to him that shall command and great content unto them that are commanded perceiving themselves to be made file-leaders by the skill and worth of their Leaders And besides there may be just cause at one time or other many times to alter the ranks exchanging the one for the other bringing thereby their best deserving Souldiers into the chiefest places of honour and casting others into their rooms at the discretion of the Commander Therefore I could wish all Leaders whatsoever to be well skill'd and verst in these Doublings the frequent practise whereof will make them more apt in the Exercise of more difficult things in the Art Military To which ingenious study I leave them and in the next place proceed to shew them severall figures of Battail to be performed by single files consisting of severall Depths of men CHAP. LXIV Concerning Figures of Battail to be performed by single Files with some admonitions to those that shall practise themselves therein THe great plenty and variety of matter that may be performed in the exercising of a single file makes me wonder at the ignorance of those who are famed abroad for able knowing Souldiers who after they have passed over the Postures are at a Stand as if there were nothing else to be done with the same But did they truly understand what dishonour and disparagement it is unto them they would not be so idle and backward but set times apart often inuring themselves to the practise thereof going through all the Motions Distances Facings Doublings Counter-marches and Wheelings and may farther if he please with his single file draw forth divers figures of Battail declaring unto his Souldiers their severall reasons and uses The exercising his Companie after this manner affords unto them both content and delight and it is likewise very usefull in greater Bodies when time of need shall require as shall appear in the sequell of this Book But here me thinks I heare some say of what use are your figures seeing for the most part in pitcht Battails or skirmishing in the field they commonly fire one again another in Squares or by Forlornes drawn forth from the Body and being relieved return into their places again To whom I answer that in one respect it is true there being scarce any pitcht Battail in the field fought in these latter times but it hath been with even fronts who ever are first ingaged whether it be by Divisions drawn off by way of Forlâ—rnes as have Wings or Battail the Fight with even Fronts or Squadrons as having every five or six files divided a part from each other having six foot ground intervall betwixt the above said number of files for the conveniency of the Ranks wheeling off after they have fired As concerning such figures as are framed like the Wedge Saw Sheers or Diamond I must confesse there is little or no use at all except it be for delight or for the practise and experience of some young Souldier whereby he may plainly see the custome of the Ancients in setting forth such ancient figures But to let this passe and to come to the place where we left I shall shew unto the Souldier how needfull it is for him to be well skilled in the framing of figures of Battail and likewise to be throughly acquainted with their severall uses Wherefore take this for a generall rule that there was never any pitcht Battail but there were Reserves appointed out unto all the parts thereof whereby they might bring off and at time of need relieve each other and if so certainly they must of necessity carry along with them severall forms and figures of Battail according to the discretion of the Major-Generall or other Commanders in chiefe whom it shall concern It will therefore be expedient since there is a necessity of figures of Battail and for the setting a part of Divisions for the relieving of each other for every Commander that will be truly knowing to have always some imprinted in his memory that in time of need he may not be to seek or wanting in them To which purpose I have collected some few putting them to their view being formerly-practised by me
the right the outmost-men move forward and rank to the right with the last man in the Reer of each division face to your leader and move forward two paces Reducement Reer division face about middle-man of the first rank of each division move forward and rank two to the left into Front and Reer Files close into the midst to order ranks close forwards to order Halfe-files double the Front to the right intire Ranks rank outward into the Front every man placing himselfe on the outside of his right and left hand men Ranks file to the right and left inward Files double your depth to the left Face to your Leader It might be expected that I should shew the severall Charges upon all these Figures but in regard I may perhaps meet with some of them again in greater Bodies or the like I shall for present passe them over and in those places endeavour to give them the best satisfaction I can In the mean time they may with ease finde out in every one of them such charges as may instruct the Souldiers how to fight whether it be to Front Reer both Flanks or Angles they may be shewn and exercised in them according to the discretion of him that shall command them whether they be Muskettiers or Pike-men and therefore thus much shall suffice concerning the exercising of a file for matter of Figures In the next place followeth the Exercise of greater Bodies The end of the first Booke THE COMPLEAT BODY OF THE ART MILITARY The Second Book CHAP. 1. Concerning the Artillery and the Military Gardens together with the Private Meetings in and about the City of LONDON THe great delight in handling of Arms in Military Exercises makes the City of LONDON and the Suburbs thereof famous through the whole World by reason as I conceive of those two great Nurseries or Academies of MILITARY DISCIPLINE the ARTILLERY and MILITARY GARDENS from whom as out of pure Fountains all other our Private Meetings as of Town-ditch and Cripplegate c. are derived The Artillery Garden deserves the first place in respect it is the greatest Meeting from whence as it were out of a Nursery have been transplanted many able knowing souldiers both at home and in forreign Countries to the great honour of our Nation The Military Garden is famous likewise for the great improvement of diverse worthy persons of quality daily thither resorting whose excellent skill in Military Exercises hath raised many of them to high preferment here at home and places of honourable command abroad The Captains in chiefe of these Academies are Major Generall Skippon and Major Henry Tyllier which later was the first that ever shew'd in the Military Garden of which I am a member the marching of the Souldiers in a Regiment all way whose great pains amongst us deserves much honour and high commendation shewing unto us such variety of matter in a Souldier-like way as was never before seen by any member thereof Not to ecclipse the fore-mentioned Private Meetings in London but to give them that due which belongs unto them they likewise are of great honour and same for their frequent exercising of their Souldiers in the handling of their Arms whether it be of the Pike or Musket and instructing them in the knowledge of Drilling and drawing up of Companies and Bodies of men furnishing both Kingdoms with able knowing souldiers My hearty wishes therefore that all and every one of them may be propt up and supported to all ages that when need shall require we may draw from these fountains such skilfull and experienced Commanders and Officers as may be as it were a Bulwark to this our Nation Not to dwell any longer upon this discourse I come therefore briefly to set forth severall Exercises formerly practised by me amongst those loving Gentlemen of Town-ditch according to the usuall numbers there appearing whether they be great or small practised for the most part with 24 or 32 men and somtimes although seldome with 64 men unlesse it were upon generall days when they were drawn forth into the field at such times perhaps there might be an appearance of greater numbers as 120 and upwards My purpose therefore is to pitch upon and to make use of all and every one of these numbers making 12 Exercises dividing them by threes untill I have run over them all conceiving them sufficient for the industrious to gather from thence matter enough for his intended Exercise And for the more enabling of them I shall indeavour in these curious times to walk a long in as plain a way as possibly may be giving directions unto all Words of Command for the better performance of the same wishing all my loving fellow-souldiers to conceive well of my good meaning intended to them desiring withall to be rightly informed of what part soever they fall upon that they proceed leasurely and orderly in the same which will not only be an incouragement unto the Authour from whom they gather their Exercises but will bring much prayses and commendation to themselves But to leave every one to their own best thoughts whilest I proceed to practise what before promised concerning the severall Exercises following CHAP. II. The first Exercise of four Files six deep EAch File-leader as being his duty having gone over the Postures shewing and instructing his file with their uses and neat handling of their Arms hearing the Drums beat a Call for all to repair and stand to their Arms begin to lead up their files according to order the Leader then closing their ranks and files to close order craving their silence may proceed to shew unto them all their severall distances and facings according unto the former rule set down and after he may proceed to Doublings if he pleaseth as followeth CHAP. III. A Doubling consisting of sixteen in number every one differing from the other and not reduced untill the last Word of Command Command FIles file to the right intire advancing Command Bringers-up double your Front to the left Command Half-files double your Front to the left Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right intire Command Right half-half-ranks double your left flank intire advancing Command Half-files double your front to the right intire Command Left half-ranks double intire the Depth of your right flank Command Files file to the left intire advancing Command Bringer-up double your front to the right Command Front half-files double your Reer to the right and left outward following your Leaders Direction Reer half-files face about the file-leaders are to turn off to the right and left the rest are to follow them untill they are marched down into the Reer and have doubled it to the right and left outward Command Half-files double your front inward intire Command The two out-most files upon each flank double intire the Depth of the inmost files Direction The two out-most files face about inward and move streight down cleer of the standing part afterwards face inward march
time brought into the Field compleatly arm'd where being drawn forth into files and by the Leaders thereof exercised as before they are commanded tolead up their files yet not presuming to place themselves but leaves that to the discretion of their superiour Officers who knows best the desert of each perticuler man But by the way give me leave in this place to tell the Souldiers and Leaders of our Private Meetings that this decorum is not rightly observed the souldier thinking himself wiser then his Loader presumes to chop and change by Counter-marching of his file making some part of the Reer to be more honourable then the Front which cannot be for the youngest souldier there is off more honour then the eldest in the Reer in regard it is the more honorable part of the Battalia therefore it is plain that they take more upon them then becomes them for no file-Leader ought to meddle with his file in matter of motions without consent of the Superiour Officers neither ought the Leader either through favour or out of malice when all the files are joyn'd into one compleat Body to Counter-march the files and after proceeding to other Motions depraving thereby the Leaders thereof of their due honour for else why just in the time of Exercise or Marching should one single file as the right or left be counter-marched if he bore not malice to some thrusting them by this un-souldier-like way out of their places and through favour or affection often times putting men of little desert into their places To leave this discourse not pleasing to some let the Commander draw forth one file of Pikes and double it by the half-file and send a Serjeant to fetch the Colours and after closing his ranks and files to order he may begin to make some alteration in the exercising of them in their Motions spending his time altogether upon Inversion and Conversion CHAP. XIII Thirtie severall Words of Command of Inversion and Conversion Command RAnks rank intire to the left into the Front Direction The first rank stand the rest face to the left and successively move into the Front Command Rank rank four to the left Direction The first foure upon the left stand the rest face to the left and by foures fall successively behind the first foure upon the left Command Files rank outward into the Front Direction The inmost files stand the rest open outward to double distance and after rank outward into the Front Command Rank file three to the right and left outward by wheeling Direction The three outmost men upon the right and left wheel to the right and left outward the rest doing the like by threes after close into the midst to order and face to their Leader Command Files rank inward into the reer Direction Face to the reer and move to the right and left inward into the reer to your Leader Command Rank file six to the right and left outward advancing Direction The outmost man upon the right and left stand the rest move outward untill they be six in a file and the next outmost men are to stand the other doing the like and after close files into the midst to order Command Files rank inward into the midst of ranks Direction Front half-files face about and right and left half ranks open from the midst to double distance the rest open outward to order and move to the right and left inward to the midst of ranks to your Leader and close files inward to order Command Ranks file 12 to the right and left inward every man placing himself before the Leaders and the Bringers-up of the middle Files Direction Ranks open backward to double distance the middle-file stand the rest advance forwards and file 12 to the right and left inward placing themselves before the Leaders and Bringers-up of the middle-files Command Files rank six to the right and left inward Direction Files open from the midst to double distance and move three to the right and three to the left inward untill you have made four ranks six a Brest after close ranks forward to order Command Ranks rank outward into Front and Reer every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Direction Half-files face about and rank to the right and left outward into Front and Reer as is commanded face to your Leader and close ranks forward to order Command Ranks file 12 to the right and left inward every man placing himselfe behinde the Leaders and Bringers-up of the middle-files Direction Ranks open backward to double distance the middle-files stand the rest move side-wayes to the right and left and place your selves behinde the Leaders and Bringers-up of the middle-files Command Files rank six to the right and left inward into Front Reer and Midst Direction The three last ranks of the Front and Reer half-files face about and Files open outward to double distance and move to the right and left inward into Front Reer and Midst making four ranks six a Brest after face to your Leader and close ranks forwards to order Command Ranks rank outward into the midst Direction Front half-files face about and move outward and rank to the midst and face to your Leader Command Ranks wheel to the right and left outward Direction Half-files face about and wheel to the right and left outward into both the flanks face to your Leader and close files into the midst to order Command Files rank six to the right and left outward into Front Reer and Midst Direction The three last ranks of the Front and Reer half-files face about and rank outward three to the right and three to the left into Front Reer and Midst face to your Leader and close ranks and files to their distance of order Command Ranks file to the right intire advancing Direction The out-most file stand the rest move forward and file to the right intire advancing Command File rank three to the right Direction The first three men from the Front rank three to the right the rest successively doing the same closing ranks forward to order Command Ranks wheel to the left Direction Ranks open backward to open order and wheel to the left Command File rank six to the left Direction The first six men rank six to the left the rest successively doing the same untill they have made four ranks six a Brest then close ranks forwards to order Command Ranks rank outward into the midst every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Direction Front half-files face about and Front and Reer half-files rank outward into the midst placing your selves on the out-side of your right and left-handmen face to your Leader Command Ranks wheel three to the right and left outward Direction The last rank face about and wheel by threes to the right and left outward towards both flanks face to your Leader and close files to the right to order they will stand four a Brest and
double their depth intire to the right they are reduced Then the Leader may appoint one of the Serjeants to draw off the Muskettiers and file them away to the right and left outward either by ranks filing or files filing and every Muskettier to poyse his Musket then the Pikes may advance their arms and the Drum beat a troop and the Commander may lead them away and lodg his Colours CHAP. XXVI The ninth Exercise consisting of 64 men eight files eight deep IN this Exercise a Commander may in matter of motions present unto the Souldiers fâ—rther varietie to delight them withall in bringing up each man into the Front to be a File-leader according unto succession and dignity by proper words of Command by doublings with their Reducement Therefore to avoid any further circumstance wee will pass over the Postures and fetching of the Colours and suppose the Souldiers standing in a condition to be exercised begin first to make them all File-leaders by succession as followeth Command Ranks to the left double Command Files to the left double Command Half-files double your front to the right Command Double your files to the right intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Command Ranks to the right double Command Files to the right double Command Front half-files double the reer to the right Command Double your files to the left intire advancing Command Double your ranks to the right into the reer face all about Command Double your files to the left advancing Direction Every even file from the left move forward to the left and by three steps double the odde advancing Command Half-files double your front to the left Command Double your files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Command Double your ranks to the left into the reer face all about Command Double your files to the right advancing Reducement Files rank to the right into the front Rank file eight to the right reduceth them Next followeth to make every man file-leader according unto dignity with their Reducement Command Bringers-up double your front to the left Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Half-files double your front to the left Command Double your files to the left intire advancing every man placing himself before his leader Command Bringers-up double your front to the right Command Files double your depth to the right Command Ranks to the right double Command Front half-files double your reer to the right following your leaders Command Double your files to the right by division every man placing himself before his leader and his bringer-up Command Front half-files double your reer to the left following your leaders Command Double your files to the left by division every man placing himself before his leader and his bringer-up Command The two first and the two last ranks double the four middle-most ranks to the right following your leaders and your bringers-up Direction The four middle ranks stand the file-leaders are to turn off to the right and the next rank is to follow them untill the leaders rank even with the bringers-up of the front half-files and at the same instant of time the bringers-up are to move forward to the right the rest following untill the bringers-up range even a brest with the half-file-leaders to your leader Command Files double your depth to the left Reducement Half-files double your front to the right Bringers-up double your front to the right Then divide every four files distinctly apart making five divisions Files double to the right and left inward in each division and close files into the midst to order Files double to the left intire advancing reduceth CHAP. XXVIII Eight severall Counter-marches with their Reducement Command FIles to the right hand counter-march maintaining ground Command Ranks to the left hand counter-march losing ground Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files into the midst of ranks Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left and front half-files turn off to the right untill they meet the front and reer into the midst to your leader Command Right and left half-ranks counter-march into the midst of files Direction Face outward right half-ranks turn off to the right left half-ranks turn off to the left to your leader Command Files to the left hand counter-march losing ground by following your leaders Command Ranks to the right hand counter-march mayntaining ground Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files to the right and left following the half-file-leaders and the bringers-up of the front half-files Direction Half-files face about the bringers-up of the front half-files and the half-file-leaders are to begin the motion the rest are to follow untill they have gained so much ground beyond the front and reer as they formerly possest in the midst to your leader and close your divisions Command Counter-march your half ranks to the right and left by following of the inmost files Direction Face outward the inmost files are to begin the motion moving forward the rest following untill they have gained so much ground beyond the flanks as they formerly possessed in the inmost files to your leader and close files into the midst to order they are reduced CHAP. XXIX Ten severall Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel the battail off by division from the front Command Wheel the body off by division from the right flank face to the right Command Wheel the battail off by division from the reer face about Command Wheel the body off by division from the left flank Command Wheel your battail inward to the reer from the front Direction Open outward to convenient distance to your leader Command Wheel your battail inward to the left flank from the right Direction Face to the right and open to convenient distance to your leader Command Wheel your battail inward to the front from the reer Direction Face about and open to convenient distance and wheel inward into the front Close ranks forward to close order and files into the midst to close order Command Wheel your battail inward to the right flank from the left Command Wheel the outward angles of front and reer to the right and left about into the center face to the outward angles Command Wheel the inward angles to the right and left about from the center CHAP. XXX Plain firings and figures of Battail IN the next place I wil proceed to some plain firings wherefore first double your ranks forward to the left by half-files and fire even with the front of pikes fal in the reer of themselves then fire and fall between the Pikes then move forth after this manner one rank drawn forth to the right and another to the left fire fal in again as before Then command the first rank to stand and the rest to move forth both Pikes and Muskettiers to the right and left untill each rank be cleer of other then let the Pikes charge and Muskettiers give
Military Here did I finde that which did please me better Then could another Indie's every letter To me 's an Orient Pearl and all thy words Are silver Mines in short thy book affords So vast a treasure that I dare fore-tell It will long flourish without parallel The postures of the Pike and Musket thou Dost teach with their conformities and how The dignities of Ranks and Files must be Stated in giving each his due degree Of Martiall Honour with their sev'rall Motions As Facings Doublings Wheelings and quaint Notions Of Firings who ever yet did see Such Motions ELTON as are done by thee It caus'd my admiration when I found How thy luxuriant wit disdaining bound Did vary it's Experiments upon A single File hence I went viewing on To thy twelve Exercises thy setting forth The drawing up of Reg'ments a thing of worth Neer to be rightly valu'd forming Brigades Placing artillery with other aides To Martiall Discipline but heer 's too much To out-vie all our ancients had but such Brave rules been taught Achilles sure less far Then twice five yeers had end'd the Trojan War William Johnson Captain To his much honored and ever renowned Friend Richard Elton Serjeant Major Anagram RICHARDUS ELTON I HELD ARTS CROUN Distic To honour Art and eke my Name renown Mars condiscends to say I held Arts Croun Acrostichon Rich in thy Art brave ELTON lo thy Fame Is crown'd above to eternize thy Name Can this thy Work be carped at let none Have such a Thought t is Momus carps alone Away away let Silence be the word Read ere thou censure this Work doth afford Delight and Skill even to the knowingst men Unto the weaker sort lo here thy Pen Such Rules lays down in Battail and Retreat Each one is made as this thy work compleat Leave then thy Work with us now thou hast done The Fame thereof doth crown thee Mars his Son Of all that merit worth o◠Art would gain None holds the Crown but Elton by his pain John Walker Lievtenant To his much honor'd friend Serjeant Major Richard Elton IF Authors ancient and of modern days Justly by us deserved have much prayse Who of the Military art have writ And for to honour them it was thought fit Then much more thon brave Elton who hast showne Such skill in these thy labours as yet none E're saw before for hereby men may learn A skilfull Artist rightly to discern Here thou hast taught us how to use alike The Postures of the Musket and the Pike How every man his place may truly know And how of Files a Body great doth grow But why do I endevour for to show Thy worth my pen to do it is too slow I only can admire thee and will leave it To some brave English Homers pens to do it Then Fame by them thy glory loude shall rayse And trumpet out thy just deserved prayse That so the World may at no time forgit How by thy worth thou hast advantag'd it Richard Hobby On the COMPLEAT BODY of the ART MILITARY composed by my Good Friend Major RICHARD ELTON I Was no Poet born nor ere could mount the Muses sacred Hill or reach their Fount o swoop thereof and come a Poet thence Prithee my Genius then tell me from whence is it I have this my new whiffling Gale for Meterizing it is hence men faile * Seldom have Archetypes of this Nature been perused by any but who have been impuls'd to put to their Approbationall or Commendatory Verses Witnesse the Books of Sir Thomas Kelly Ward Barriff and not a few more seldome of such a Trade-winde when they passe the Point of Mars ' is or Bellona's place Or can't one tho he would endight so nigh (a) Files call'd by Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Romans VERSUS Possibly from an old fashion of Writeing the Words of a Verse not to the side of but under one another Martiall Verses but he shall versifie The Influence came from that pure breath that bid thee write and from the fertile blasts that did blow from that Quarter of the World where those of Good Deserts are Honour'd not with Prose bur measur'd scanned lines and Voices that can tune it and their Numbers modulate Where it is held a crime to talk about Meriting Works and not to Rhyme-it-out 'T is thence Go forward now and Warble forth this Book 's rich Contents and therein it 's worth The Pike's and Musket's Postures with their (b) How much concerning the right Handling true Vse of that famously succesfull engine for Arrows the Bow was laid-down in that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spoken of 2 Sam. 11. 18 I ken not But Bows and Arrows would be of speciall Service in the hands of our meerly defensive Picquiers For by these Feathery weapons they might annoy those who by fiery ones too oft directing destructive Bullets against subjective Stands have shamefully laid low abundance of Proper-men And I remember I have read in the Book call'd Londons Artillery of some fights where Archers have put Gun men to flight Use and necessary Motions which conduce as Media's to attain them Those Wayes best most ready safe short easie comeliest (c) A Metonymie so generally approved that the Name Picquiers or Pike-men is rarely heard given to them though those who carry Musquets are commonly called Mousquettiers The Pikes and Muskettiers conformity in Posturing Places of Dignity ordained so that all the parts are deck't with men of equall worth and like respect And to en-body them the joyning Files flank-wise effecting Ranks the Band compiles Due Distances whereby just PARALLEL Rank keeps to Rank and File to File as well when they do Ope Close Move as when they Stand and save their Even-ning Straightning Post-command shameing- * I speak freely To bid the Company after every Motion to even Ranks and streighten Files speaks no lesse than the Commander extream fond Or them very untoward Me thinks they are shameing-Shameing-words Faceings no more nor fewer than you see th' in-ner and out-ter Sides and Angles bee Lengthning or Strengthning Doubling Files or Ranks Battell Front Reer both one or both the Flanks (d) We read of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saltatio Pyrrhica A Daunce in order of Battell taught by Pyrrhus to his Souldiers Plin. lib. 2. cap. 16. Without doubt the Motions were not unlike those at the Coraean Laconic Macedonian Evolutions Yet I can't but think that in those days they were more nimble at them than in these and did 'm Galiard-like frollickly From the Noise which durante motione their Armes made the Dance was epitheted Bellicrepa Daunce-like Counter-Marches Wheelings (e) Wheelings are the most Nice Motions of all and if they may be so exprest Solicitous Coagitations That Angular-man who is as the Hinge of the Motion moving so much slower than the other Corner end of the same Rank to which he ever-and-anon casts an eye as it hath a larger compasse to
either of the flanks by these commands the souldiers aspects are thither brought to present unto him a volley of shot It is likewise very usefull for the making of a Line against a Brest-work or lining of hedges carrying it self severall ways secretly to lye in Ambuscado whereby they may fire upon the Enemy as he marcheth by Or approching against any Fort or place of danger they may daringly make a large front and firing upon them after filing to the right or left making large intervalls they much preserve themselves from the danger of the great shot proceeding from the Enemy Again ranks ranking either in equall or unequall parts is of singular good use upon a narrow passage where they can march but 2 3 4 or 6 a Brest the Commander notwithstanding they marched before 20 a Brest may by it bring them to such small numbers whereby hee may much preserve them in time of imminent danger and perill To dwell no longer upon this discourse Inversion and Conversion many times requres larger distance then any other of the Motions as sometimes double distance or twice double distance wherefore being so many occasions for the use of them both I hold it requisite for a Leader frequently to practise his souldiers in them no part of the Art Military affording more commendations to the Souldiers that shall readily and handsomly perform the same Briefly therefore passing over what might be more spoken concerning them I shall in the next place set them all forth in their full view leaving every discreet Souldier to his own liberty to make use of as many of them as hee shall think fit and to use them after what manner he pleaseth CHAP. XXXIX The words of Command for Ranks Ranking and Files Ranking to the Front they being twelve a Brest and six deep Command RAâ—â—s rank to the right 2 3 4 or 6 as occasion shall require Direction If to two the two out-most men upon the right are to move away the next two to fall behinde them untill the first rank hath made six Ranks and the rest doing the like untill the first six Ranks are become thirty six Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the left the first Rank is to stand the rest are to move away two and two untill they have made up 12 in one rank and the rest are to do the like untill they are made up all again as at first or command Ranks rank as you were the same rule is to be observ'd if you rank to any of the other numbers to divide them accordingly Command Ranks rank three to the left Direction The first three men upon the left are to move away the next three are to fall in behind toward the left untill the first Rank have made foure Ranks the rest are to do the like untill they have made them 24 Ranks Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right the first Rank is to stand the rest are to move forth by three and three untill they have made twelve in one Rank the rest are to do the like untill they be as they were at first or ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank three to the right and left outward Direction The three out-most men of the first rank upon the right and the three out-most men upon the left move away the next three of each hand in the same rank are to do the like and every rank throughout to follow successively dividing themselves three to one hand and three to the other untill they have made twelve ranks in each Division and falling in the Reer successively to each hand of the first rank Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward or ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank intire to the right into the front Direction The first rank stand the rest face to the right and move away every rank placing it selfe successively to the right untill they stand all in one rank in the front Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the left the first 12 men upon the left are to stand the next 12 are to face to the left and to move and fall in the Reer of the first and so consequently all the rest or else to command ranks rank as you were Cmmand Ranks rank intire to the left into the front Direction The first Rank stand the rest face to the left and move untill they have successively placed themselves and made one intire rank into the front Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right the 12 out-most men upon the right stand the rest face to the right and move making 12 in every rank or ranks rank as you were Command Ranks rank outward into the front Direction The first Rank stand the rest face outward and place your selves successively into the Front facing after to your Leader Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward the 12 middle-most men stand the rest face inward and move ranking 12 successively behinde the first rank and after facing to their Leader and to even their ranks Command Ranks rank inward into the Front Direction The first Rank is to move away to the right and left the next rank moving up into his ground doing the like and consequently so all the rest untill the last rank be come up intire into the front Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward the first six upon the right and the first six upon the left stand the rest move outward falling in the Reer of the first rank ranking six to the right and left and after closing their Divisions Command Files rank to the right into the front Direction Files open to the left to your double Distance and ranks close forwards to close order and move up to the right into the front Reducement Rank file six to the left the first six upon the left are to fall into a file the rest doing the like untill you have made 12 files as at first or command rank file as you were Command Files rank to the left into the front Direction Every man is to move forward to the left into the front beginning from the Leader of the File and moving up successively making one intire rank Reducement Rank file six to the right the six out-most men upon the right are to fall into a file the rest in like manner are to do the same or rank file as you were Command Files rank outward into the front Direction Right and left halfe ranks close into the midst to close order after move to the right and left outward untill they be come up into the front Reducement Ranks file six to the right and left inward the midde men are to stand the rest are to move side-wayes to the right and left inward and to file as before commanded or rank file as you were Command Files rank inward into the front Direction Right and left half Ranks open from the midst to twice double Distance and Files move up to the right and left intire
into the front Reducement Rank file six to the right and left outward the out-most men stand the rest move to the right and left outward filing according to command and after to close their Divisions CHAP. XL. Ranks ranking into the Front by Counter-march Command RAnks rank intire into the Front every man placing himself on the out-side of his right-hand man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move away to the right successively into the Front placing themselves on the out-side of their right-hand men Reducement Rank rank 12 to the left every man placing himself on the out-side of his left-hand man the first 12 upon the left are to stand the rest are successively to fall in behinde the first Rank placing themselves as before commanded or Rank rank as you were placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men Command Ranks rank intire to the left into the Front every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his left-hand man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move away to the left successively placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right every man placing himself on the out-side of his right-hand man or rank rank as you were every man placing man placing himself as before Command Ranks rank outward into the Front every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man Direction The first Rank stand the rest move forth to the right and left and successively to fall into the Front every man placing himself on the out-side of his right left-hand man Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward every man placing himself on the in-side of his right and left-hand man the 12 middle-men are to stand the rest are to move to the right and left inward six to one hand and six to the other making 12 in Rank and falling behinde the first Command Ranks rank inward into the Front every man placing himself on the in-side of his right and left-hand man Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double Distance the first Rank of each Division is to stand the rest are to move successively to the right and left inward into the Front making one intire Rank Reducement Rank rank six to the right and left outward every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his right and left-hand man the first Rank of each Division stand the rest move to the right and left outward ranking as before commanded falling successively in the Reer of the first Rank and after to close their Divisions CHAP. XLI Files ranking into the Front by Wheeling Command FIles rank to the right into the Front by wheeling Direction Face to the right and wheel to the left untill they stand The Files are to be at double distance and Ranks at close order even a Brest in one intire Rank in the Front Reducement Rank file six to the left by wheeling face all to the Reer and the first six men then upon the right wheel to the right and so consequently all the rest wheeling by sixes to the right their Leaders that were before being the hinges of the motion and after face to their Leader Command Files rank to the left into the Front by wheeling Direction Face to the left and wheel to the right untill they make all one intire Rank in the Front Reducement Rank file six to the right by wheeling face to the Reer and the six out-most men upon the left wheel to the left the next six are to follow and consequently all the rest untill they have made 12 Files as at the first and after face to their Leader Command Files rank outward into the Front by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks close into the midst to order and face outward wheeling to the right and left untill you are one intire Rank Reducement Rank file six to the right and left inward by wheeling face about to the right and the 12 middle-most men are to wheel to the right and left inward and the rest are likewise to do the same by sixes untill they have made themselves into 12 files after face to their Leader Command Files rank inward into the front by wheeling Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance after face inward and wheel to the right and left inward untill they are all in one rank in the front Reducement Rank file six to the right and left out-ward face all about and wheel by sixes to the right and left the Leaders being the hinges of the Motion after face to the front and right and left half-ranks may close into the midst again to their double distance Here endeth ranking into the front with all their severall kinds the Reer challengeth the next place but I shall spare the pains and labour to set them down in regard that he who hath a mind to rank his men thither may if he pleaseth make use of all the former words of Command for the performance of the same facing them upon every Command to the Reer I come therefore in the next place only to mention the ranking into the midst by Ranks and Files which may likewise be performed by the former words of Command provided they have convenient distance and be faced to the midst and after the Command is executed to face them to their first front Yet there is remaining a ranking unto all these places at once for the performance of which observe these few words of Command following CHAP. XLII Ranks ranking or Files ranking at one and the same time into Front Reer and Midst Command RAnks rank outward into the Front Reer and Midst Direction The two last ranks are to face about the first rank They are to stand at order in Rank and File and the last rank and the third rank from the front are to stand the other three are to move forth six to the right and six to the left untill they have ranked unto all these places after face to the front and the last rank moving forward to open order Reducement Ranks rank 12 to the right and left inward the last rank face about the 12 middle-most men of each rank are to stand the six out-most men of each rank are to face inward to move and fall into the right and left behinde the middle-most men after the two last ranks are to face to the front Command Ranks rank inward into the Front Reer and Midst Direction Right and left half-ranks open from the midst to twice double distance the two last ranks face to the Reer the first and last rank and the third rank from the front stand the rest move to the right and left inward ranking into front reer and midst after that the last rank is to face to the front and to close forward to open order Reducement Ranks rank six to the right and left outward the last rank face
to both the flanks Command Wheel the outward Angles to the right and left about to the Center Direction Face to the outward Angles and close ranks and files to close order and the Angles on the right turn off to the right the Angles on the left turn off to the left Command Wheel the inward Angles to the right and left about inward from the Center Direction Face to the inward Angles or to the Center and wheel about to the right and left inward from the Center These are all the intire and divisionall Wheelings that have hitherto been practised by any according to my best observation there are other Wheelings which may properly be term'd Doublings which I have placed amongst the Doublings where they more properly belong Now if any shall demand of me a reason why I have omitted the Reducements to each perticuler Command my answer thereunto is easie for as in the Countermarches so in these they may be reduced by three or four words of Command except a Commander shall of set purpose keep them off from the same to make some experiment after any wheeling is performed face them after to their first Front and command them to even their ranks and straighten their files they will be as at first and unto what hand soever they wheeled command them to wheel to the contrary hand and they will be reduced unto the first front or what part is wheeled off by Division wheel them inward again from that place and it will easily reduce them Thus you see that it is almost impossible for a Leader to be out unlesse he be extreamly ignorant therefore he need not fear to venter far in the progresse of them before he shall reduce them provided he use no Doublings which if he shall great care must be had that he be not put to a stand for the prevention whereof let him look back unto those doublings by wheelings wherein one doth reduce another where he may finde some remedie to help himselfe forth again CHAP. LVIII Of Firings either for delight or service THe chiefest thing required of the Muskettiers next their Postures by which they are taught how to handle their Arms with delight both marching or skirmishing is firing which to speak the truth is the full accomplishment of all the rest for unlesse they be really performed the rest are of no great advantage For to what end is it for any man to prime lade or cock if he present not answerably therefore firings are the execution of all the former in so much my advice shall be to all Commanders that they be carefull and diligent to have all their Muskettiers often practised with false firings which is firing in the pan only and falling off as hereafter followeth to the end that in time of need they may not spend their powder and bullets in vain And that they may likewise know where to fall off that others may do the like and where to place themselves securest from danger yet so as they may be still aiding the one unto the other I shall therefore for the good of my Countrey and for the benefit of all such as are herein concern'd collect forth some firings which shall be every one differing from the other in one kind or other either in the execution or reducing whereby the ingenious Souldier may cull forth such as he best likes to make use of what he shall think to be most fit and pertinent to his intended purpose be it either for delight or service briefly therefore thus Firings really considered can be perform'd but five ways that is to say to the Front Reer right or left-Flank Oblique or Angular but there is so much variety to be expressed in the performance of each of these that it makes them seem so many severall firings as by the following discourse shall be fully demonstrated CHAP. LIX Severall Firings to be performed with any number of men THe Front being the head of the Body and therefore the more honourable part challengeth the superiority or first place and therefore without any farther circumstance I come directly to the firings as they lie in order as followeth draw all the Muskettiers before the Pikes before you begin youâ— firings Firings to the Front 1 Two Ranks advancing ten paces falling in the Reer of themselves By single miles advancing three paces falling in the Reer of themselves 2 Fire 3 Fire and flank the Pikes 4 Fire by Files advancing 10 or 20 paces first single secondly ranking inward 1 2 3 4 or more falling down into rheir places again 5 Fire by Ranks filing and advancing 10 or 20 paces and moving down and ranking in the Reer of their own Divisions 6 Fire by Divisions drawn off 10 or 20 or 30 paces and returning again 7 Fire even with the Front and falling in the Reer of their own Divisions 8 Fire even with the half-files and fall in the Reer of themselves 9 Fire by way of Introduction thus the first rank fires and stands the last rank passeth up between the files and placing themselves before the File-leaders or first rank then stand and give fire the rest doing the like till the file-leaders come up again into their places and fire the second time 10 Fire by Introduction after this manner the first rank gives fire and stands the rest moving forward untill the next rank hath placed themselves before the first then stands and gives fire the rest moving up and doing the like untill they have all fired twice 11 Fire even with the Front falling in the Reer of Pikes 12 Fire by Extraduction the first rank passing from the Reer upon the out-side of the Pikes upon the left untill they have placed themselves in a rank in the Reer of the Muskettiers the rest successively doing the like untill they have fired all over and brought themselves as at first 13 Fire by the out-most files wheeling or ranking outward into the Front falling off Here the Muskettiers are upon the Flanks again likewise being led off by Bringers-up leading up next the Pikes this done twice reduceth 14 Fire two Ranks together falling off or falling down 15 Fire four Ranks together two kneeling and two standing upright falling off or falling down 16 Fire six Ranks together two kneeling two stooping and two standing upright falling off or falling down 17 Fire some Ranks drawn forth to the right or by division and in again left or by division and in again Note also if you please you may draw forth one Rank to the right and another to the left at one and the same time together 18 Fire by files drawn forth oblique then face about and move into their places Note also that severall figures may be made by these kinds of firings as the V the W or the Fort-battail and the like 19 Fire by ranks ranking into the front or files ranking into the front and ranking or filing as they were 20 Fire by files wheeling
their leader they are reduced Which being performed the leader may lodge his colours having finished his ninth Exercise CHAP. XXXI The tenth Exercise consisting of 24 Files being six deep according to the first drawing up of a private Company THere being a greater number appearing upon this days Exercise then in the former it concerns a Leader more especially to give speciall charge to the inferiour officers to be carefull in the drawing forth the files that they make no man a file-leader bringer-up half-file-leader or bringer-up of the front half-files but such able souldier as may be deserving of the same whose diligence and care upon all motions is principally required being as it were the hinges of the Leaders severall words of command Wherefore supposing them to be drawnup in battalia and the colours being brought to the head of the Company the four Serjeants ready at hand attending their Captains commands and the body being closed in ranks and files to their distance of order and silence craved at the Company he that shall exercise them may begin after distances and facings shewen with this or the like doubling following CHAP. XXXII Eight entire severall Doublings with their Reducement Command FRont half-files double your reer inward intire Command The twelve inmost files double intire the depth of the six out-most files In-most files face about Command Half-files double your front to the right Command Double your files to the right intire advancing Command Half-files double your front inward intire Command The six outmost files upon each flank double intire advancing the twelve middle files Command Half-files double your front to the right intire Command Right half-ranks double your left flank intire advancing which being performed they are reduced CHAP. XXXIII Eight severall Counter-marches with their Reducement Command FIle-leaders stand the rest passe thorough to the right and place your selves before your leaders Command The right hand file stand the rest passe thorough to the right and place your selves on the out-side of your right hand men Command Counter-march your front and reer into the midst of ranks Direction Half-files face about and turn off to the left front half-files turn off to the right to your leader Command Counter-march your flanks into the midst of files face outward Command Files to the right hand counter-march maintayning ground Command Ranks to the left hand counter-march losing ground Command Counter-march your front and reer half-files from the midst of ranks maintaining ground Direction Front half-files face about and turn off to the left the rest turn off to the right every man moving up into his leaders ground to your leader Command Counter-march your right and left half-ranks from the midst of files losing ground Direction Face inward and turn off every rank on the ground they stand face to your leader and close files into the midst to open order they are reduced CHAP. XXXIV Eight entire Doublings by Wheelings with their Reducement Command WHeel off your reer half-files and double your front to the right intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank intire to the left Face outward Command Wheel off your reer half-files and double your front to the left intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double your left flank to the left intire Face outward Command Wheel off your front half-files and double the reer to the right intire Half-files face about Command Wheel off your right half-ranks and double the left flank to the right intire Face outward Command Wheel off your front half-files and double the reer to the left intire Half-files face about Command Wheeel off your left half-ranks and double your right flank to the right intire Face outward CHAP. XXXV Plain Firings and Figures of Battail The first firing LEt the two outmost files of Muskettiers upon each flank advance ten paces before the front give fire and fall in the reer of themselves after face about and move down into their places again then face to their leader Then let the next two files upon each flank move away in like manner and fire as the former did and move down into their places again After let the other remaining files be led forth by the other two Serjeants and give fire as before and fall back again into their places The second firing Let two Serjeants draw four files upon each flank and move them away 10 or 20 paces before the front and give fire and fall in the reer of themselves and after face about move down into their places And whilest they are moving down let the other two Serjeants draw forth the remayning four files upon each flank and fire as the former did and after return again into their places The third firing Let all the Muskettiers move forth cleer of the Pikes and let them open from the midst untill they stand in four divisions leaving sufficient intervalls for their wheeling into the reer of themselves first let them fire in each division falling in the reer of themselves untill they have all fired over two or three times after this kind The fourth firing Let them close their files before the front of â—ikes into the midst to order then let the two first ranks kneel down the next two stoop and the last two stand upright and give fire six ranks altogether then let the left half-ranks of Muskettiers be wheeled about to the left into the reer of the Pikes and the right half-ranks move to the left untill they stand streight before the front of Pikes The fifth firing Let the half-files face about and let them give fire to front and reer after this manner by two ranks drawn off ten paces before the front and reer and fall off to the right and left into the reer of themselves then facing about let them open outward and give way for the next two ranâ—s to come forward into their places who are to fire and fall off as the former did the other two ranks doing the same this firing may be continued as long as the Leader pleaseth The sixt firing Let them give fre on the ground they stand and fall off to the right and left into the reer of themselves The seventh firing Let them rank outward into front and reer and give fire altogether and rank again as they were The eight firing Let them give fire on the ground they stand and flank the Pikes those in the front flanking the Pikes on the right they in the reer flanking them on the left after let the Pikes charge on and being retreated into their places let them face all to their leader and in the next place proceed to figures of battâ—â—â— Command Files open outward to open order ranks open backward to your open order then let every four files close outward to order and ranks close to front and reer to order they will stand in twelve divisions as followeth Command The two inmost
Enemy In the next place 3000 horse may be a good proportion for 10000 or 12000 foot which ought to be equally divided in their Troops and placed upon the flanks of the foot in such good order as the Troops may come with conveniency to fight for the relieving of each other But in case you shall perceive the Enemies horse as somtimes through necessity of ground or by other politicall ends may be inter-laced and placed between the intervalls and divisions of their foot it will be needfull then that we should observe the same form and likewise have horse to come forth and encounter with their horse least they should â—reak in upon our divisions of foot which by this means and good order may be timely prevented next follows the Figure of the Army as before described and ordered to be drawn up â—olio 176. CHAP. XXIII The severall duties belonging to the Foot in a Regiment as followth by degrees from a private Souldier unto a Collonel of the same and first of a private Souldier A Private Souldier ought to be very active not slothfull and idle informing himself of his duty learning from his Corporall or other Officers the true use and well handling of his armes always keeping them neat clean and well fixed Upon the beat of the Drum he is to repair to his Colours Squaâ—ron or Company upon the march he must observe his Leader and his right and left hand men that he may march streight in file and even in rank in time of Exercise he must be silent in the body well minding the words of command and directions which are given forth by the leader He ought likewise to be well verst in all the ordinary words of command and to mind the place wherein he stands that he may the more readier move and not be to seeke at such time when he shall be commanded wehther it be to face double counter-march or wheel He mâ—st informe himselfe of all the severall beats of the drum as first of a Call second a Troop third a March fourth a Preparative fifth a Battle or Charge sixth a Retreat and also of the Revallâ—y and the Tattoo By the first he is summoned to hear present proclamation or else commanded to repair to his colours upon the beat of the second he is to advance his armes and to close in rank and file to the distance of order and to troop along unto such places and services as he shall be comanded unto upon the hearing of the third he is presently to shoulder his arms and to take his distance of six foot in rank and three foot in file upon the fourth he is to close both in rank and file unto the fighting distance which is called order and to prepare himself for skirmish upon the beat of the next he is undauntedly to move forward boldly steping in good order into the place of his fellow souldier that shall happen to fall down dead before him Upon the beat of the last he must orderly fall back either for releife or advantage of ground or other polliticall ends whereby he may draw the enemy into a suare The first of the remaining two gives warning in the morning for some of the Sentinels to fall off or to be taken in the latter is used in the night to give notice unto the souldiers or others for their repairing to their severall guards watches and lodgings To conclude a private souldier ought to avoyd all quarrelling mutinies swearing cursing or lying and to be content with his wâ—ges and likewise to be a good husband in the well managing of his means keeping himselfe neat and handsome in his apparell avoyding drunkenness and all manner of gaming truly to serve and feare God and to be obedient unto all the commands of his superiours cheerfully going on upon all duties and to be loving kind and courteous unto all his fellow souldiers The duty of a Sentinel A Sentinel must be very vigilant carefully casting his eyes about him and harkning whether he heare the noyse or approach of any drawing neer him which if he perceive he is presently to command them to stand presenting his Musket or Pike to their brest and after calling his Corporal for to take the word unlesse he should be commanded to come in silently He is not to come off until he be relieved by the Corporall or Lanspassadoe His proper posture being a Muskettier is to have his Musketrested and loaded with powder and bullet his match cockt and his pan guarded being a pike-man if he stand Sentinell in the night he must have his pike check'd if in the day his pike ordered Or it may be a very proper posture for a pikeman to stand sentinell with his pike in his left hand holding it a little below the cheeks thereof and with his sword drawn being held in his right hand which I leave to judge or to be made use of according to discretion and as occasion shall require Of a Gentleman of a Company A Gentleman of a company ought to have such worth in him as may make him capable to be a file-leader or Captain of his file and he more especially above the rest ought to be well skill'd in all the postures of such armes he weares and at convenient times instructing and teaching his file in the neat and gracefull handling of their armes He ought to be of an undaunted courage and gallant resolution for the better example and imitation of the rest whose worth and valour many times indears them so much into the savour of their Comanders that they raise them up to greater places of preferment In the Low Countries a Gentleman of a Company hath his full pay having nothing kept back for after reckonings as common private souldiers have At his first entrance he somtimes stands Sentinell to informe himselfe of the duties thereof but most commonly he is placed to be a Sentinell per-due intime of iminent danger either in the field or upon approches He is to lie perdue with his sword and pistoll not removing from his place till he be relieved nor is he to retreat for one man but in case of more then he is to fall back to the second and discovering an enemy he is to come off betimes and silently to give the alarum whereby the Corps du Guard or company may be provided for their own defence A Gentleman of a Company doth many times goe the round with the Captain of the watch or his fellow Gentlemen who are likewise rounders either in the field or in garrison and doe give the Corporals of the Guards the word charging the Sentinells to looke well about them To conclude he ought truly to love respect and obey his Captain and to stick close unto him vindicating him upon all just occasions when he shall be wronged and injured by any muâ—â—â—es of the common souldiers or others Of a Barber Chyrurgion IN every Company there ought to be a Barber Chyrurgion
then the Pikes may be drawn up again into one Body and the Muskettiers into another and falling in the Reer of the Pikes they may troop away And a little before the place of lodging the colours they may make Alt and the Muskettiers may fleeve up by the out-side of the Pikes from the Reer filing to the right and left making a Guard for the colours and pikes to march through them and being cleer and the colours lodged they may face about again to the right and give another volley of shot but if there should be such astreight of ground that the Muskettiers cannot be drawn into a Ring then they must be otherwise disposed of by making them into two ranks the one on the one side of the Street and the other of the other side facing them either in opposition or in an oblique manner if in opposition they must present very low and give fire three times altogether as before with one volley after another if oblique the one rank is to be faced towards the upper end of the Street and the other towards the lower end and so may fire with lesse danger to each other the Pikes to be siled away to the right and left behinde the Muskettiers before they were thus faced And again where they have not length of ground to contrive the Muskettiers into two single ranks they may fire altogether as they stand at order mounting up the Muzzels of their Muskets into the aire without offending each other Therefore according to the conveniency of the ground it must be the discretion of every Commander to order his men accordingly to performe his three volleys of shot in the most gracefullest way which being ended they may all returne to their Quarters And thus much may suffice for satisfaction to any Commander in ordering his single Company to any Funerall Occasion marching alone of it selfe CHAP. XXVI The Ordering of a Regiment to a Funerall Occasion WHen Companies are to march in a Regimentall way care must he had that the Regiment be first drawn up according to this rule The Pikes to be in one Body and the Muskettiers equally divided to flank that Body after which let the Major make his divisions appointing the places of every Captain and Lieutenant where they shall lead and where they shall bring up After that they may move away towards the place or lodging of him that is to be interred and there make Alt opening the Van-guard of Muskettiers and facing them to the Reer then let the Body of Pikes and them interchange ground that the Pikes may march next the Hearse in manner as before exprest of a private Company whose smaller Bodies take rule from the greater Then let the Lieutenant Collonel lead the Regiment and the Collonel bring it up and so in like manner in every division the Bringers-up are to lead and the Leaders to bring up All Officers and their Arms being thus reverst the Front becomes the Reer and the Reer the Front they must move slowly away and before the Corps passe into the Church there must be ground reserv'd that after the Muskettiers have first made a Guard the Pikes may move through them and may also in like manner file in their ranks as the Muskettiers did joyning to them and making a Guard in like manner of each Arms. After which the whole Train may passe through in an orderly manner into the Church the Souldiers in the mean time attending without untill Sermon be passed over And being all in a readinesse they may give three severall Peals or Volleys of shot according to such warnings as shall be given them After which the Souldiers being ranked again as they were if they have conveniency of ground the Major may cause the Captain to draw off their Companies and troop home to their severall Quarters according to their best conveniency But if they have not room it will be most properest for the Major to command the Muskettiers to stand and first to rank the Pikes again as they were Then let the Drums beat a Troop upon the head of the Pikes in the Reer of the Colours and let the Ensignes and Pikes first troop away through the Guard of the Muskettiers who being cleer of them and being led by the Collonel and other Officers there appointed the Muskettiers may also rank again in like manner and fall in the Reer of the Pikes following them untill they come unto a convenient place or ground for the Captains drawing off their Companies as they shall receive order from their Collonel Lieutenant Collonel or Major And here I will conclude my Discourse concerning the Exercising of the Infantry in all their Military Motions and Exercises FINIS The CONTENTS of the Chapters The first Booke A Discourse of the Postures and the handling of Arms page 1 Several reasons why the Pike is the more honorable arms p. 2 The postures of the Pike ibid. The Postures of the Musket p. 3 The postures and charges of the Pike to be performed in a shorter way all things acted in order and nothing done twice p. 4 The Postures of the Musket collected in a brief way p. 5 There is also a conformity of posture with the Musket to those of the Pike and words of command to be given as may in many things be received by both arms p. 6 The use of the postures of the Pike ibid. The use of the yostures of the Musket p. 7 How a Muskettier shall perform the Sentinel posture ibid. The manner and way to do the Funerall posture ibid. The reducement of a Musket from the Funeral posture p. 8 The Souldiers desire to know every perticuler place of Dignity as they stand in rank and file p. 8 Reasons for the places of dignity both in rank and file for the first foure in a file 8 deep p. 9 Reasons of the place of the second four as they stand in rank and file the file being 8 deep p. 10 Other reasons to cleer it further to the Souldier ibid. Reasons given for the last Table of every perticuler place of Honour and Dignity as they stand ibid. Reasons likewise to be given for the Table 12 a brest and 12 deep p. 11 Brief Reasons to be given of the Dignity of the places of a rank 10 a brest and of a file ten deep p. 12 What distance is and the reasons for the first beginning of the same with all their severall uses ibid. The severall sorts of distances which are fit and proper for the Souldier to be exercised in p. 13 Words of command for the opening of ranks and files to all their distances with their closings again ibid. The use of each perticular distance and at what time to be used p. 14 Directions of the way and manner of drawing up a private company p. 15 Severall reasons given for the placing of the Serjeants after this manner p. 17 Reasons given for the placing the Serjeants and Drums of lesser Companies
p. 18 A description of a Body of men throughout with all their severall parts and kinds p. 19 Directions to all such as shall desire to exercise a Foot cōpany admonitions to the Souldiers to be exercised p. 21 Of the severall kindes of facings and their use with the words of command to performe the same p. 22 The words of command for facings p. 23 The varieties of Doublings with their parts and uses p. 24 The words of comand for Intire Doublings to the Front p. 25 Divisionall Doublings to the Front p. 26 Intire doublings to the Front by Wheelings p. 27 A divisionall doubling to the Front by wheeling ibid. Intire Doublings to the right Flank ibid. Divisionall doublings to the right Flank p. 30 Intire doublings to the right Flank by Wheeling ibid. A divisionall doubling to the right Flank by Wheeling p. 31 Of Inversion and Conversion p. 32 The words of command for Ranks Ranking and Files Ranking to the Front they being 12 abrest 6 deep p. 33 Ranks Ranking into the Front by Countermarch p. 35 Files ranking into the Front by wheeling ibid. Ranks ranking or files ranking at one and the same time into Front Reer and Midst p. 36 Of files ranking into Front Reer and midst p. 37 Of files ranking by wheeling ibid. Of Ranks filing or of files filing or of inversion with their severall sorts and kindes p. 38 Ranks wheeling into the Flanks p. 40 Of files filing or Ranks filing to both flanks and the midst at one and the same time ibid. Of ranks wheeling to both the Flanks p. 41 Of ranks wheeling to the midst of files p. 42 Of ranks wheeling to both flanks and into the midst at one and the same time ibid. Of Countermarches with their severall sorts p. 43 Intire countermarching of files p. 44 Divisionall Counter-marching of files p. 45 Intire Countermarches of Ranks p. 46 Divisionall Counter-marches of the right and left halfe ranks p. 48 Of Wheelings with their severall uses p. 49 Intire Wheelings ibid. Divisionall Wheelings p. 50 Of filings either for delight or service p. 51 Severall firings to be performed with any number of men p. 52 The way to make every man in a file six deepe according to succession a file-leader by doublings not using one word of command twice p. 55 The way to make every man in a file six deep file-leader according to dignity by a doubling not using one word of command twice ibid. The way to make every man in a file eight deepe file leader by succession and that by doubling not using one word of command twice p. 56 The way to make every man in a file eight deep a file-leader according unto dignity by doubling p. 58 Figures of Battail to be performed by single files with some admonitions to those that shall practise themselves herein p. 57 Military experiment upon a file six deep branching forth eight several figures of Battail with their reducement p. 58 Words of command to produce the first 8 figures of Battail with their reducement p. 59 Words of command for the second 8 figures of Battail with their reducement p. 60 Words of command for the third 8 figures of Battail with their reducement p. 61 The way to make 12 several figures of Battail with a file 10 deep with their reducement p. 62 Twelve several figures of Battail with a file 12 deep with their reducement p. 63 The second Book Concerning the Artillery and the Military Garders together with the Private Meetings in and about the City of London p. 67 The first Exercise of four files six deep p. 68 A doubling consisting of 16 in number every one differing from the other and not reduced untill the last word of command ibid. Eight several countermarches with their reducement p. 69 Ten several wheelings with their reducement ibid. Six figures of battail with several firings thereunto belonging p. 70 The second Exercise with four files six deep p. 73 Eighteen several doublings with their reducements ibid. Twelve several countermarches with their reducements p. 74 Twelve several wheelings with their reducements p. 75 Several plain firings upon this Exercise of 24 men with figures of batrail belonging to the same p. 76 The third Exercise with four files six deep p. 80 Thirty several words of comand of Inversion and conversion ibid. Next followeth several figures of battail with firings upon the same for the performance whereof p. 82 The fourth Exercise consisting of four files eight deep p. 88 The fifth Exercise with four files eight deep p. 94 Thirty severall doublings with their reducement ibid. Plain firings and figures of Battail p. 95 The sixth Exercise with four files eight deep p. 100 Thirty doublings by countermarches with their reducement ibid. Plain firings and figures of Battail p. 101 The seventh Exercise consisting of 64 men eight files eight deep p. 105 Two and twenty several doublings by wheelings with their reducement ibid Several firings and figures of Battail with 64 men p. 106 The eighth Exercise consisting of 64 men eight files eight deep p. 110 Several figures of Battail p. 112 The ninth Exercise consisting of 64 men eight files eight deep p. 115 Eight several countermarches with their reducement p. 116 Ten several wheeling with their reducement p. 117 Plain firings and figures of Battail ibid. The tenth Exercise consisting of 24 Files being six deep according to the first drawing up of a private Company p. 121 Eight entire several doublings with their reducement ibi Eight several countermarches with their reducement ibid. Eight entire doublings by wheelings with their reducement p. 122 Plain firings and figures of Battail ibid. The eleventh Exercise with 24 files six deep p. 127 Eight countermarches with their reducement ibid. Eight several wheelings with their reducement ibid. Plain firings and figures of Battail p. 128 The twelfth Exercise consisting of 24 files six deep p. 132 A doubling to make every man a File-leader by dignity ibid. Severall wheelings with their reducements p. 133 Plain firings and figures of Battail ibid. The third Boook Concerning the drawing up of Regiments with their several numbers forms manner and ways p. 139 The manner of drawing up a Regiment consisting of six companies containing in it a Collonel a Lievte Colonel a Major three Captains every one one having 108 men in a company and the three Field-officers 144 which makes compleatly up 756 men whereof two thirds are Muskettiers and one third of Pikes the Files being six deep p. 140 The reasons follow for the placing of the Captains their Colours and their Lievtenants after the manner before set down p. 142 More perticuler reasons for the placing of the Captains and Lieutenants of the first grand Division ibid. Reasons for the placing of the Officers of the second grand Division p. 143 The ordering of a Regiment to the long march with the placing of the Officers and the leading of carriages p. 144 The first Exercise of a Regiment