CHAP. I. A discourse of the Postures, and the handling of Arms.

HE that will be a compleat Souldier, must first begin to learn the use of his Arms, laying that down in his thoughts for his first foundation. But this hath beene the neglect of many in our times, who have strived to know high thoughts in the Art Military, before they can well performe their Postures. Therefore, my advice shall be unto all such that desire to thrive in this Art, that they will not soar too high; but first learn the A, B, C, thereof, after which they may proceed by degrees to pronounce to the Souldier with boldnesse their proficiencie therein. He therefore that with safety, ease, and delight desireth to handle his Arms, must set ti [...]es apart frequently to practise himselfe therein. And here I cannot but much blame the Officers of our Trained Bands in London, of two great neglect:: the first, in making men File-leaders either out of respect, or favour they bear unto them; or else because one man hath a better Buf-coat than another: I speake not this to encourage any man to come slovenly habited when he shall march forth with his Captain, but rather advise all Soul­diers to fit themselves with the best array they can, and could wish all the Serjeants in drawing up their Files, to pitch upon such Gentlemen to be File-leaders, as may take charge of his File, and shall be able, willing, and ready upon all convenient times, to in­struct and teach his File in all their Postures, and neat handling of their Arms, which if carefully observed, they would reap the benefit of much ease to themselves and the private Souldiers: readinesse in the performance of the Postures would much redound ro the ho­nour of the Captain that shall lead them. But for the farther satisfaction of the ingenious Souldier that shall enquire what Posture is, I shall briefly resolve them thus.

Posture, as I conceive, is a garbe or figure that a man stands in, in the handling of his What Posture is. Arms; which he useth for the better grace and becomming of them.

There are severall motions belonging to each Posture, which some call Postures, but they much deceive themselves, as shall appear clearly unto them (by the survey) as they shall be set down in order. And first, we will begin to set down the Postures of the Pike.

CHAP. II. Severall reasons why the Pike is the more honourable Arms.

FIrst I shall begin to set down the postures of the Pike, before the postures of the Mus­ket, for these reasons following, as conceiving: First, They are the more honou­rable Arms, in respect the Colours flying upon the head of them, and upon the draw­ing up of the Company there is the most properest place for the Captain to be, either upon a Stand or upon a March, provided he have ground sufficient to March them all a brest. If upon a Stand the Captain shall have occasion to engage against an Enemy, thither his Officers may repair unto him upon the head of the Pikes, there to receive directions. And if the Captain shall cause the Serjeants to draw off part or all the Muskettiers from the Body of Pikes to fire against the enemy, the Gentlemen of the Pikes in the mean time stands undauntedly to undergoe all the cruell shot of the Cannon from the contrary part for to pre­serve their Colours, who are likewise a place of Randezvous for the Muskettiers to repair unto when they shall retreat from fight. Farther, it hath been the ambition of many Gentle­men, both in Holland, France, and in these our late unhappy Wars in England, to trail Pikes with severall Commanders whom they shall thinke fit. And lastly, to conclude all, that the Pike is the more honourable Arms, it is so in respect of its antiquity, for there hath been the use of the Pike and Spear, many hundred years before there was any knowledge of the Musket, as in many Histories you shall finde. And so for present, I wil conclude this dis­course of the Pike, desiring the Muskettiers to have a favourable censure of me: for I in­tend not by it to perswade all Souldiers to the handling of the Pike, and none to be Mus­kettiers, for that cannot be, I should rather advise all Captains that have occasion to raise their Companies to have two thirds of Muskettiers, and but one of Pikes: that is to say, if they should have 18 Files, to cause twelve of them to carry Muskets, and the other six Files Pikes. And in my judgement they shall performe the better service unto any Nation where they shall be employ'd; and I shall farther desire the Souldiers (especially those that be of low stature) to handle and take delight in the use of the Musket; for it is an exceed­ing great honour to him so to handle his Musket, as that he doth it with ease and in a comely manner, and he that shall become expert therein; I have often observed this com­mendation to follow him, by the report of others; Such a one is a good Muskettier, and an able Souldier; concluding thereby, he that will take the pains to be a good Muskettier certainly cannot be idle, but hath gained somthing more to make him capable of such praise. To conclude, I shall desire the Gentlemen of the Pikes, and the Gentlemen of the Muskettiers to goe hand in hand in love like dear brothers, and neither of them to envie each other, and in so doing, God will give a blessing to all their undertakings. But now, fearing I have dwelt too long upon this discourse of the Arms, I shall next proceed to set down, first the postures of the Pike, then the postures of the Musket, with all the words of command tending to their Motions, after collect them in order in a brief way, and then set forth unto you the equality of number that the one Arms hath with the other, in the postures as followeth.

CHAP. III. The Postures of the Pike.

THE Pike lying on the ground, the first word of command will be, stand to your Arms.

Charge with the But end of the Pike, at the inside of the right foot, your Pike in the left hand, drawing your Sword over your left arm.

This way of charging to the Horse, I have set down, as being practised somtimes amongst [Page 3] 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.

• 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 B [...]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, 'twill 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.

• Shoulder your Pikes, Charge to the right.
• Comport your Pikes, Charge to the left.

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 perceived upon a stand, that then the Pike-man lets slip his Pike from the shoulder, untill the Butt end rest upon the ground, then laying his right arme over it, he stands in an il-favour'd lazit way. Such Postures as these are not fit to be ranged among the former; but rather to be condemned, in regard the Souldier will be apt enough to finde out such Postures as these of himselfe, if not prevented by the discretion of the carefull Officers; for upon a stand the Souldiers properest Posture is to Order his Pike. And thus much in briefe concerning the Postures of the Pike.

CHAP. VI. The Postures of the Musket collected in a briefe way.

ACcording to my former promise I shall endeavour to give the best satisfaction I can to the Muskettiers, as well as to the Pikes, that there is an answerablenesse of number in the proper Postures of the Musket to them of the Pike: and they are eight (as I conceive) and may be proceeded on in order from the taking up, to the laying down of the Musket, and nothing acted twice: the words of command for the Postures followeth,

The Musket lying on the ground, the words of command will be as afore.

• Stand to your Arms,
• Handle your Arms.

Now you are to take notice that in taking up the Bandiliers, putting them on, taking up the Rest, putting the string about the left wrist, the taking up of the Match, placing of it, the taking up of the Musket, these, or the like are no Postures, but motions to the first Posture. Therefore I will proceed upon them all in order as they lie, leaving out the words of command tending to the Motions.

• 1 Order your Musket,
• 2 Rest your Musket,
• 3 Poyse your Musket,
• 4 Shoulder your Musket,
• 5 Ballance your Musket and Rest on the right with the barrell upwards,
• 6 Trail your Rest, and ballance your Musket on the left side with the bar­rell downwards,
• 7 Recover your Musket, and performe your Sentinell Posture.
• 8 Frō this perform your Funerall Posture.

This being ended, a man may recover his Musket, and Rest, that knows how to per­form this last Posture, without bringing him again upon the Rest, and may lay down his Armes again, observing the former Rule, where the Pestures of the Musket are set down at large.

CHAP. VII. 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.

THe Musket and Pike lying on the ground, these words of Command may pro­perly be imployed to both; That is to say,

• Stand to your Arms.
• Handle your Arms.

The But-end of the Musket standing, or resting on the ground, at the out side of the right foot, is conformable to the Pike ordered.

The Musket poysed; to the Pike advanced.

The Musket shouldered; to the Pike shouldered.

The Musket porting; to the Pike porting.

The Musket reverst; (as in the Funerall Posture) to the Pike trailing.

The Musket rested, to the Pike cheeked; which is his proper Sentinell Posture.

The Musket presented; to the Pike charged.

As for the Motions of Posture, which conduce to the lading, and priming of the Mus­ket, as to cast about, trail, recover, and the like, they are all included in that generall Word of Command, properly to the Muskettiers belonging, which is to make ready.

Now, me thinks, I hear some ingenious Souldier begin to aske me, what are the the use of these Postures so fully laid down by you? To whom I shall be so courteous, as to satis­fie them, according to my former Method, beginning with the Pike, as followeth.

CHAP. VIII. The use of the Postures of the Pike.

THe Pike being ordered is the proper Posture of a Souldier upon a stand, which he The use of Or­dering the Pike. ought ever to minde upon any such occasion, so to make use of it. And I have likewise seen in many places, in the day time, this Posture to be used by the Soul­dier standing Sentinell.

The Pike advanced, is usefull for the Souldier upon a Troop, when they are to march The use of ad­vancing the Pike. swiftly, either for the relieving of some Court of Guard, or to repair to their place of Ran­dezvous, or upon some suddain approaching to an Enemy, to make a Charge: for then he will be in a fit capacity to clap down quickly his Pike, upon the breast of the Enemy. It is likewise very usefull in the time of excercise: to the half-files, and bringers up, upon any doubling to the Front, for then they are alwayes to be advanced, in respect of a longer march in their doublings, then those that double Ranks and Files; but having doubled, they must always conforme in Posture to the part doubled.

The use of Porting was invented for the ease of the Reare half-Files, upon a Charge; for the Front half-Files are only for to charge; the Rear haf Files in the mean time are to The use of Porting. port. It is likewise very usefull at such times when the Souldiers are marching through a Gate, or Sally-Port; from whence I conceive it doth derive its name porting.

The use of shouldering the Pike, is only properest upon the March, and in some kinde ve­ry usefull upon a Stand in time of Fight; provided they are at convenient distance from The use of Shouldering. the Enemy. For it much preserveth the Pikes, and Pikemen, from the danger of the shot, the bullets then gliding off from their Arms; which if they stood at such times, either ordered, or advanced; the bullets would make such a clattering amongst the Pikes, that what with breaking of them, and the shivers flying from them, may much endanger the Souldiers which shall carry them.

The comporting of the Pike is only usefull to the Souldier marching up a hill, for if then The use of Comporting. he should be shoudered, the But-end of the Pike would always be touching of the ground, to hinder him in his March; and much endanger his fellow-souldiers that shall come after him. Neither can he march advanced; for if there should be any winde, it would be ready to blow him down. Therefore as above, that which is most commodious for the Souldiers marching up a hill, is to comport his Pike.

The trailing of the Pike is seldome used, but when the Souldier shall march straight The use of Trailing. forward through a Wood, the File-leader before he enters in, trails his Pike, and con­sequently all the rest in his File: then stooping down, they take up the But-end of their Leaders Pikes, which they may easily gripe with their own in their right hands, and after march forward through the busling leaves in a straight line, every file single by himselfe, but as neare each other as possible they can march for more securitie sake; that when they are cleare, they may finde each other, and be in a condition to rally up againe, as occasion shall require. The trailing of the Pike, may also be of excellent use in a Trench, that at such time when they shall have intelligence, where the Enemy are preparing to make a Breach, they may then move forwards unto that place undiscovered, and may de­fend the same.

The cheeking of the Pike, is the proper Sentinell posture, and then to be used. The use of Cheeking.

CHAP. IX. The use of the Postures of the Musket.

I Conceive it will not be materiall to go over every posture of the Musket, to describe the use of them, in respect the greater part of them hath conformity to the Pike. Those that shall remaine, and of the chiefest consequence, I shall not be wanting to satisfie the Souldier in.

The ballancing the Musket, and Rest, on the right side with the Barrell upward is one The use of ballancing the Musket on the right side. of the chiefest Postures belonging to the Musket; from thence he begins to make ready, as to open, cleare, and prime the pan, all being motions to this Posture.

To traile the Rest, and Ballance, the Musket on the left side, with the barrell down­ward, The use of ballancing the Musket on the left side. is a Posture likewise of as great consequence; for there are severall motions, belong­ing also to this Posture, as to finde out the charge, to open it, to charge with powder, to take bullet out of the bag and to charge with bullet, with divers other motions before you can recover your Musket and Rest againe.

CHAP. X. The manner and way to do the Funerall Posture.

NExt followeth to shew how to do the Funeral Posture; the properest and the best way to begin this Posture, is when the Musket is rested, and is to be performed after this manner. You must first slip up you your Musket upon the Rest, so high, untill the Fork of the Rest be within a handfull of the cock; after you must bring your right hand under the barrell of the Musket, close to the Fork of the Rest, and then lift him off and after cast your Rest backward, trailing him on the left side, and bring your Musket under your left arme, with the barrell downwards, bearing the But-end up­ward, with your two fore-fingers, and your thumb, holding off the pan, and that with the left hand. Now if you begin to be weary in the March, by reason of the weight of the Musket; you may to ease your selfe, bring your right hand backward, and there take hold of the Musket, keeping still your left hand in it's first place, untill you shall reduce him to the Rest again.

CHAP. XI. The Souldiers desire to know every perticuler place of Dignity, as they stand in Rank and File.

THe Souldier now having obteined some pretty knowledge, skill, and ready apt­nesse in the managing and performing the Postures, begins to look about himself, what next is needfull for to fasten upon, to make a further progresse in this Art And straight he meets with some that whispers to him, that it were a gallant thing to know the Dignity of a File, true and rightly stated; to which he answers, but where can it be found, the opinions of Souldiers are so various, and differing therein, that none knows where for to atteine it. My Captains eye (saith he) is upon me, because I do the Postures well, which causeth the Serjeants to make me a File-leader, and that I know to be the chiefest, and first place of Honour in the File, the second place to be the Bringer up, the third, the half File leader: the fourth, the Bringer up of the Front half-Files. Thus far, no Souldier of any known judgment can deny; but now a days our Files being drawn up six deep, makes me altogether ignorant of the honour of the Rest; Nei­ther know I the Dignity of a File eight, or ten deep, which still in some places they do re­teine, drawing them up so deep. If my ambition were but now fully satisfied herein, I should in time come for to know the Dignity of the Captains, as they are drawn up all in a Regi­ment; by which Rule, I am informed they walk. And in my judgment, there cannot be a truer stating the Dignity of a Rank and File, then that which shall conforme to the Dignities of the Captaines, as they are drawn up a Brest all in a Regiment. Now, for as much, as many Regiments, consist of severall Numbers of Captaines, and Companies in them; as some six Companies, others eight; some greater, as ten, and twelve Compa­nies. It is expedient therefore not only for my selfe, but for every Souldier that will be truly knowing to be resolved herein concerning those severall numbers, and as occasion shall alter to any other; they may informe themselves by these how to fit their purpose. And therefore, not to keep the apt and forward Souldier longer in suspence, but that he may proceed, I shall amongst the rest, declare my thoughts therein, and set it forth unto their view, everhoping from my fellow-souldiers a favourable censure of my good mean­ing to them, and to my Countrey, for to imploy that little talent, which lately my endea­vours hath obteined to do them service. And shall forthwith set down unto them four Tables of Dignity, both of Ranks, and Files, which shall be first of twelve a Brest, and twelve deep. Secondly, ten a Brest, and ten deep. Thirdly, eight a Brest, and eight deep. And lastly, six a Brest, and six deep; wherein every ingenious Souldier shall easily know his perticuler place of honour and dignity, both in Rank and File, wherein he stands.

The Table being thus set forth unto the Souldiers view, as is be­fore expres [...], methinks, I hear some say: Sir, we like the drawing forth and the manner of your Ta­ble very well, we see cleerly there the particular places how every man stands in his dignity both in Rank and File according to your severall Figures; but we beseech you, Sir, be so favourable as to make us understand it by a far­ther demonstration of the same, and be pleased out of your cour­teous nature to explain your selfe a little farther therein; and to af­ford us some reasons to confirm and back the same, that it may cleerly appear to our judgements the truth thereof, and that we may sit down and rest our selves with fullest satisfaction therein. To Answer, me thinks, it should be strange to make deniall here to the modest desire of any ingenions Souldier, and cleere repugnant to my wonted custome; and therefore without any more delay, I shall farther let them know.

CHAP. XII. Reasons for the places of dignity both in Rank and File, for the first foure in a File eight deep.

THat which gives most life for the true explaining of the former table is, to shew the severall places of honour and dignitie of the Captains, how they are drawn up a brest all in a Regiment. Be pleased therefore to goe along with me, and you shall understand that the Collonel hath the first place of honour, as being Commander in chiefe, whose Company stands upon the right, which makes the figure (1) The second place of honour in the Regiment is the Lieutenant Collonel, whose Company is drawn up upon the left, as being the outmost there, and is described by the figure (2) The third place of honour is the Majors Company, which is drawn up upon the right of the left halfe Ranks, whose place is described by the figure (3) The fourth place of honour is the eldest Captains Company; which is drawn up upon the left of the right halfe Ranks, and is set forth by the figure (4) And now we have proceeded thus far, we will make Alt and begin to examine whether we have rightly hitherto proceeded, or no, therefore, for the more cleering and understanding herein, you must take notice it is the discretion of every knowing Commander so to aime and state his Battail, as that he makes his Front equiva­lent in worth, strength, and dignity to that of the Reer, and with equall proportion of number, and in like manner so to order his right half Ranks as that they may carry an equall ballance in worth, number and dignity with the left half Ranks. Now therefore to begin to make some triall or experiment herein by examining the first worth with the fourth, and that will make the number (5) and then put to triall the second worth and third, and you shall easily discern it to carry the same proportion of number. So that it may appear cleerly in the judgement of any discreet Souldier a true and equall proportion, the Front with the Reer, the right half Ranks sutable to the left halfe Ranks, and that both in number, honour and dignity.

Having thus far entred into the discourse, it remains to describe and shew the reasons of the other four of their places and dignity as they stand.

CHAP XIII. Reasons of the place of the second foure as they stand in Rank and File, the File being eight deep.

NOw for the further resolution herein, there is to be taken notice of, that the ge­nerall drawing up of Regiments, when they consist of so few Companies as 8, 6, or 7, is commonly in two grand Divisions, that is to say, two bodies or two stands of Pikes, which are flanked with Muskettiers. Therefore you may ob­serve the discretion of the Major who commonly is appointed to draw up the Regiments, doth so order the places of the Captains, that they may aptly fall into their due places of Honour, upon a stand and upon a march; and doth so order their Dignities as before is ex­prest, as to make both the Front, Reer, right and left half Ranks, equall in Number, Strength, and Dignity. And, therefore, he draws up the third and fourth Captain between the Collonels Company and the eldest Captain, which makes their number (13:) and in like manner he draws the second Captain, and the youngest Captain betweene the Lieutenant Collonels Company and the Majors, whose number likewise carries equall proportion to be (13.) Now if you please to examine the whole number of the right halfe Ranks, and that makes (18:) maketriall likewise of the left halfe Ranks, in casting up of his ac­compt; and you shall finde the same proportion of number as is cleerly set forth within the Table, both of Ranks and Files, for as the honour of every Souldier stands in the Rank, you will finde the same to stand so in the File.

CHAP. XIV. Other Reasons to cleere it further to the Souldier.

TO give you farther satisfaction, and Reasons for the placing of the second foure, in respect it is contrary to the Rule and Judgement of some Souldiers: therefore far­ther observe with me this; When a Regiment is drawn up in the true Order of a Regimentall way; there is as before expressed, two Bodies, or Stands of Pikes, slanked with Muskettiers; and it is the Office of every Major to give forth in writing notes of paper unto every Captain, and Leiutenant, where their place shall be upon a Stand, and where upon a March, that he may with more readinesse know where to lead, and where to fall in, or to bring up, as occasion shall require. Now, for as much, that it hath been the practise here in England, and in most Countries also besides, as I have been infor­med by very able knowing Souldiers; that the first place of Honour that is appointed out unto the Captaines, is first unto the eldest; who alwayes leads the Collonels Colours, or first grand Division of Pikes, which is the greatest Honour that can be appointed out unto the Captaines, and therefore most properest and due to him as being Eldest. If so, as that it is then generally granted, that the leading of the Collonels Colours, or the first Body, or Stand of Pikes in the Collonels Grand Division, is the first and chiefest place of Honour a­mongst the Captains; Why then, certainly, I must conclude the second Captain, which carries the Number (5) would be infinitely wronged, and injured, if he were denied, and not brought into the left halfe Ranks, for there he aptly stands to fall in, to lead the Leiu­tenant Collonels Colours, or the second Body, or Stand of Pikes, which is the second place of Honour. Now having resolved, that it is cleerly the due, and Right for the se­cond Captains place, to lead the second Body of Pikes; we must then of necessity, bring in the youngest Captain into the left halfe Ranks likewise; who carries the Number (8) and that will make up an equall proportion, as before exprest to the third and fourth Captains; carrying with them the figures (6 and 7) which are drawn up in the right halfe Rank.

CHAP. XV. Reasons given for the last Table of every perticuler Place of Honour, and Dignity, as they stand.

I Conceive, what formerly hath been exprest of the middle Table, may give full resoluti­on of the perticuler places of Honour, and Dignity, as they stand both in Rank and File. It further now remaines to speak somewhat of the rest, and therefore, I shall go down-ward, cleering still the first four places of Honour, which being rightly nu­derstood, [Page 11] the rest will naturally fall into the capacity of any ingenious Souldier. There­fore further pray observe with me this again in examining of the sutablenesse, and equall proportion of Worth, and number of the first and fourth Worth, carrying unto that of the second and third. And thus far you may rest, and satisfie your selfe therein. We have therefore now no more to place, and settle, but the fifth, and sixth Worth, and then our work in this Table will be quickly finished. Therefore of necessity, as formerly expressed, we must bring in the fifth Worth, into the left halfe Ranks, as being the second Captaine; whose proper place as I said before, is to lead the Lieutenant Collonels Colours, or the se­cond Body, or Stand of Pikes. He being there thus fixed, we have no more to place, but the sixth Worth, which is the last, or youngest Captain; and we have no other place to bring him in, but between the first and fourth Worth, or if you will have it more cleere, between the Collonel, and eldest Captain. But, here by the way, I am like to meet with some Objector, that will say, Sir, What's become of your equall proportion here? Your right halfe Ranks, with your left, as you have so formerly stated them; your right halfe Ranks carrieth, or exceedeth one more in number then your left halfe Ranks doth; and where we finde the greater number, we must conclude the lesser dignity, and if so, Why do you not rather contrive it on the left, then upon the right? To which I answer first, that in raising up of Companies into a Regiment, those that are the Field Officers by right should have the most men, and greater Companies, then the private Captains have; therefore if you will observe in the stating of this Dignity of a Rank six a Brest, you will finde in the left halfe Ranke, two Field Officers, whose Companies are the greater then any private Captains; certainly, they must needs countervaile with any number of men with the right halfe Ranks, for although the Collonels Company is, or ought ever to be the greatest, yet there is no more Field Officers, but himselfe in his Division. And again, secondly, where there cannot be an equall dividing of number, (as here you will finde it of six a Brest, or six deep) but that there will fall out some odd, either on the right halfe Ranks, or on the left, and likewise the same either in the Front half Files, or Rear-half -Files, as by example in the triall you will easily finde, by casting up the whole num­ber, as they stand a Brest, and they will fall out to be (21:) divide this number into two parts, and you cannot but must cast the odd either on the right, or on the left. Therefore, to conclude, since that there is a great possibility that there will be an equality of number of men in the left half Ranks, sutable to that of the right, where there shall fall out an odd number, that you cannot cast it into the left half Ranks, but that you must remove the fifth Worth; in this extremity I say you may not do it, but rather place it on the right. For the Major having no certain place to march in a Regiment, it is the proper place of the se­cond Captain to walke along with the Lieutenant Collonel, taking his due place of honour in his division, as the first shall do by marching with his Collonel; and thus much shall suffice to be spoken of the last Table.

CHAP. XVI. Reasons likewise to be given for the Table, 12 a Brest, and 12 deep.

FOr as much as formerly hath been spoken, that it is the discretion of every Com­mander so to order his men, as to make an equall ballance throughout the battell, that his Front carry with it an equall proportion of Worth, Number, and Dignity; with that of the Reer: and likewise so to steer, and order his right half Rank, or right Flank, sutable with that of the left. The next way then to receive further satisfa­ction herein, is by an examination thereof as it lies, and is set open to view.

Compare now the Worth and Diginity of the right half Ranks, and you shall quickl [...] perceive to carry a like proportion of number and worth with the left. To make it [...] little more clear unto those that shall desire to be more satisfied herein, you may take notice, and [Page 12] observe a true qualification throughout the whole Rank. As first, begin with the Collonel, who is the best and chiefest man of honour in the Regiment, and next to him is placed the ninth or youngest Captain▪ to qualifie his dignity and make his number (13,) the Lieu [...]e­nant Collonel being the second man of honour, hath placed to him the eighth, which qua­lifies him in like manner to the Collonel, and makes his number (13.) Next come we to the Major, and next to him is placed the seventh Captain, which makes him sutable with the rest in his figure and qualification, and to bear the number (13.) After we are to speak of the eldest Captain, who hath the sixth Captain joyned unto him, and makes his num­ber (13.) And so comparing all the rest, dividing them by two's, they will stand as fol­loweth.

Thus much, I conceive, may give a right understanding to any coming on Souldier, of the true and right stating of a Rank twelve abrest, being a thing very needfull for to know, in respect that there are many Regiments which doe consist of twelve Companies; and when in course; as in the sequell of this Book, when as I shall shew the manner of drawing up of twelve Companies; there will a little more light appear unto them to their farther knowledge of the same. But thus much for the present, as concerning a Rank twelve a brest; and now I shall come to speak or to touch a little of a Rank ten a brest, and a File ten deep.

CHAP. XVII. Brief reasons to be given of the Dignity of places of a Rank ten a brest, and of a File ten deep.

WHat hath been formerly declared concerning a Rank twelve a brest as before shewed by every particular place of honour, as they stand with the reasons for the same, it may give a cleer understanding by the same rule to finde the Dignity of places ten a brest. For walking by the same way and rule of exa­mination, and you will finde them to carry by dividing by two's, being added to the four first places of honour, and they will carry sutable proportions, as underneath is set forth.

But for as much that in this Range of ten a brest there will fall out some odd, we must then of necessity sake, place it upon the right, and 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 shallbe 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 [Page 13] 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 for [...] 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.

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.

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.

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 right, locking themselves so firme and stedfast, one within another, which 'twere impossible for any Body of Horse to enter in amongst them. Secondly, it is of excellent use for to maintain a breach, and to keep out an Enemy. Thirdly, it is very usefull to both arms at such time, when a Commander hath any thing of consequence to discover unto his Com­pany, which he may have many occasions so to do; as before his Exercise, to advise them to silence, to observe their words of command, and their directions; and when they are to fight against an Enemy, to perswade, and keep them off from fear, by assuring them good reasons of hopes of overcoming. These, or such like speeches, manytimes a Captain may have just occasion to expresse himselfe unto his Company, and being at so close a Distance, they may more aptly hear his words, and obey his Comands. But here now, by the way, too much preaching upon the head of a Company concerning matters of Exer­cise, is too much a dulling of the Souldier, who rather would fall into action, then so to be confounded with much talking.

Close order may be of very good use also, for most things which hath been spoken of the closest order; only here the Souldier hath a little more liberty in the handling of his [Page 15] arms, by being at a wider Distance. This Distance also is of good use, before wheelings, because many times upon their moving, they are apt to flie out to their proper Distance of order, which they always should be at in their wheelings, where note, if first they were at order, they would flie out to wider Distance.

Order is the Distance which the Souldier doth fight upon, and is to be used skirmishing against an Enemy; it is also usefull at such time, when the Drum shall beat a Troop, and that the Souldiers are marching to relieve some Court of Guard, or making some expedi­tion against an Enemy, for then they are in a fit capacity of Distance, for to fight. It is also very usefull, and to be observed upon facings, for all intire doublings, and for wheelings; Order likewise in File, and open order in Rank, is to be used at such time when the Drum, shall beat a march, and the Body upon their moving, or marching.

Open order is the Distance proper for all doublings of Ranks and Files, by the half -Files or by the Bringers up, wherein they have intervall of ground, sufficient to move in. It is also a very proper Distance for facings, and ever to be observed in time of Counter-marches

It is the properest distance for the Ranks to be in upon a March, but the Files are then, to be at order, as is before exprest.

The use of double Distance is to be observed at such times when the Souldiers shall stand, or happen to be in some eminent danger of the Cannon shot, from the Enemy; for stan­ding then so thinne, they may be much preserved from danger; it is likewise very good for Inversion, and Conversion.

You may take notice of these briefe directions, in openings of Ranks and Files, when the Files are commanded to open to the right, the left hand File stands, and all the Files take their Distance from the left, observing always in the Motions of Files, their Leaders, and to move altogether along with them. If it be an opening of Files to the left, then contra­ry wayes, the right hand File stands, and they take their Distance from the right. So likewise for closings unto what hand soever they be commanded to close, the out-most File is to stand, the rest are to move and close to that. In opening or closing of Ranks, the first Rank is always to stand, the rest are to move either opening or closing, according as is commanded, always observing in their motions their right-hand-men, and moving al­together.

CHAP. XXII. Directions of the way and manner of drawing up a private Company.

THe Postures being formerly described forth, the diginity of places in a File, and words of Command made known unto the Souldier for their severall Distances. It next followeth to shew the joyning of Files, and drawing up a Company; where first pray minde at such times when the Drums are beating about the Quarters, and in severall places makes Proclamation, (as by order from their Captain,) for all Gentlemen Souldiers that are under his Command, to repair unto his Randezvous, unto such a place, and at such an hour; then it must be the immediate care of every Offi­cer under his Command, punctually at that hour and place, thither to repair, for the more incouraging of the Souldiers as they shall come in, and not to stir themselves from thence, without some order from their Captain, for fear of giving bad examples unto others. And when they shall perceive some considerable number of men to come in, the Serjeants then may take advice with their Lieutenant and Ensigne, which of them they will appoint out to draw forth the Muskettiers, and which the Pikes, and whom they shall make the right hand File-leader of the Muskettiers, and who shall be the left; and again, who shall be the Leader of the right hand File of Pikes, and who shall be the left. For these four, being such remarkable places of Honour unto the knowing Souldier, that speciall care must be had in placing deserving men, to be there. Now it is, or ought to be the discretion of every Lieutenant, and Ensigne, (as being Commission-Officers) to resolve the Serjeants herein, that they may with more alacrity go on to draw the rest up between; and so to order unto each of them their perticuler duties, as to carry equall paines in drawing forth the Files. Therefore in respect, that for the most part in every Company, they have three Ser­jeants, two of them ought to take charge in drawing forth the Muskettiers, (being help [...] by the advice of their Lieutenant,) and the other to draw forth the Files of Pikes, being [Page 16] assisted in Counsell by their Ensigne: for at such times the Officers ought not to be idle and to stand gazing upon each other, but every one according to his particular place and relati­on, should be very active and assisting to each other. In the drawing up the Company, the properest way will be then, as you may understand, in perfecting up a Company, to draw them forth into Files, and to make them six deep; as being our custome here in England, and farther to have care in choosing able Souldiers to be File-leaders, who having spent some time and pains in their Files in shewing them their Postures, they may be called to joyne into a Body.

For farther direction herein unto the Serjeants (whose proper place it doth belong unto) to observe this order in drawing up their Files, that they may ingrosse the Pikes into one Body by themselves and the Muskettiers into another, and not to flank the Pikes untill such time they shall perceive that in both Arms they are compleat. There are likewise severall places of honour that the Serjeants ought to take notice of, and to be informed of placing of man of worth and desert in both Armes, that is to say, in the Body of Pikes, and of the Muskettiers, which underneath by figures I shall set forth for farther satisfaction therein.

Here I have set down the manner how the Serjeants should draw up their Files in each armes a part by themselves, and have figured forth unto them the foure chiefe places of honour in both arms. It concerns them therefore very much to minde and have regard to these particular places, and to order such men of worth there, which may be well deserving of the same, and those Gentlemen whom they shall thinke fit after to be worthy of File-leaders places, they are to draw them up between the figure (1) and the figure (4,) and between the figure (3) and the figure (2) and that rule to observe in both armes, and to be carefull to place good Souldiers in the Reere, and such who may be able Souldiers for Halfe-file-leaders, because there may be much occasion by doublings to bring them up for to assist the Front.

Thus much, I do confesse, may be sufficient forthe present to give directions to the Ser­jeants for drawing up the Files and joyning them together. Next after I have shewn how to flank their Pikes with Muskettiers, I will set forth unto them and the Drums, where their places are upon a stand, and where to be upon a march.

Next followeth to flank the stand of Pikes with the Muskettiers; command the Gentle­men of the Pikes to face to the right, and left half-ranks of Muskettiers to Face to the left, and then to march and interchange ground, facing after to their leaders, and closing Files inward to order, they will stand as underneath is set forth.

If it should happen as somtimes it doth, for a Company to be very large, as in a Collo­nels, why then they may have just cause to have foure Serjeants as I have thus placed them. But here again it will be expected of diverse Souldiers to shew some reasons for the pla­cing [Page 17] of the Serjeants being thus drawn up and upon a stand, which I shall en­deavour fully for to doe, after I have set down where their places are upon the march. Now before we shall come to treat of the Company upon their long march, the Captain perceiving for his most conveniencie of marching in the street or in a lane, that it will be convenient to divide his Muskettiers into equall divisions for their march, and therefore, according to this number here set down; they may be divided into foure divisions, that is to say, two to march in the Van and two in the Reer, and two divisions of Pikes. But before they are moving, it is the Serjeants duty to come unto the Captain, to be informed from him where their proper places are to march, and what divisions each of them shall lead, and likewise so the Drums, to know their places where to beat upon the march. To answer to them all in the first place, the Captain ought to give directions to his youngest Serjeant to lead the second division of Muskettiers in the Van; the first division of Pikes being led by the [...]nsigne, he commands the second for to be led by his second Serjeant, and after orders or appoints the eldest Serjeant to lead the first division of Muskettiers of the Reer­guard, and the third Serjeant to lead the last division of Muskettiers, the Lieutenant bringing up the Reer and Drums commanded to fall in behinde the two first Ranks of each division, and to beat between the second Rank and fourth.

Having thus stated to them all their proper places, next it will be conveni­ent for the Captain to command them to shoulder their Arms, both Pikes and Muskettiers, and the Officers and Drums taking all their places as before di­rected, they may begin to move and draw forth into a long March as follow­eth.

CHAP. XXIII. Severall reasons given for the placing of the Serjeants after this manner:

WHen a Body is drawn up in manner as before expressed; the Cap­tain being Commander in chiefe, his discretion is to ballance the Officers as neer as he can with equall dignity and worth, his Front proportionally with the Reer. To which purpose he takes unto himselfe the youngest Serjeant, and places him on the right Angle in the Front, whereby he may be there ready to march down into the Body or elswhere, according unto the discretion of the Captain to fulfill his commands, as also to stand there as a Spectator of the Captains actions, and an assistant which may be much improvement to him. And in like manner he commands the third Serjeant to the left Angle in the Reer; as being the second youngest, and may be a help unto his Lieutenant there, as the fourth is to him in the Front. The eldest Serjeant, he orders to the left Angle, in the Front, as being the most honourable place for him, being there ready to lead upon a march the Van of the Reer-Guard; & the second Serjeant he is appointed to stand on the right Angle of the Reer, to make them equall in dignity unto the Front. Now if you please to examine the dignity of the Serjeants, in the first place, as the first Serjeant, and the fourth, making the number (5) and after take a view of the second place, or Reer, and there you shall observe that the second Serjeant, and third, may every way ballance themselves, to be equivalent in the worth, with the first, and fourth, carrying with them a like the same number. So that it is cleerly evident, that the Serjeants are rightly stated in number, and dig­nity, the Front proportionably with the Reer, in the judgement of any know­ing Souldier. Something more may be spoken of the second Serjeants place, which you may take notice in his March, to lead the second Division of Pikes, which is the most honourablest place of leading, that is appointed [Page 18] forth unto the Serjeants, the first only excepted, and upon a Stand, when they shall lead up their Divisions, every Serjeant is to be take him unto his place, as they were at first placed, and to continue there untill such time they shall receive further order from their Captain. Thus much, I conceive, may give satisfaction unto the discreet Souldier, in these perticulers, leaving them liberty to judge according unto their own best thoughts, while we endeavour to draw up our Divisions all a Brest again, and to make some description of a Body.

The Captain upon his March having attained some convenient place to draw up his Company, makes Alt, and commands the Serjeants to lead up their Divisions, upon the left, and causes the Muskettiers to open from the Pikes, making sufficient intervalls for the Drums, to beat two a Brest, even with the Front, the first two between the right hand File leader of Pikes, and the Muskettiers upon the right, the second two Drums do­ing the like, upon the left. And always the Captain ought to march his Company after this manner all a Brest, provide he have ground sufficient for the same. And being far more gracefull so to do, then to march them stragling upon a long March, for it doth represent in some kinde the manner of marching of a Regiment, and at such times the Serjeants are to march upon the Angles as is before described, moving to and again, sometimes upon the Flanks, and causing the Souldiers to keep their Distance of order in File, and open order in Rank, and to march all even a Brest, and after to return again unto their places.

CHAP. XXIV. Before I come to make description of a Body, I shall shew some further Reasons of the Serjeants places of lesser Companies, with the placing of the Drums.

IT happens many times, some Companies falls not out so large, as is before forth, and that they have but three Serjeants, and therefore it would be known, when that they have but one Division of Muskettiers in the Van, two Divisions of Pikes, and one Divi­sion of Muskettiers, in the Reer, which is the Reer-Guard, where then the placing of these three Serjeants, and three Drums, shall be upon their long March, and where to be marching all a Brest. To which, I answer, in the first place, the youngest Serjeant is always to attend the Captain, and having no Division to lead, he is to be upon the right Angle of the Front, there expecting his Captains pleasure and comands; and the second Serjeant is to lead the second Division of Pikes, and the eldest Serjeant to lead the last Division of Muskettiers, or the Reer Guard, here are their places upon the long March.

But when they are drawn up, and so march even a Brest, the youngest Serjeants place, as is before exprest, is to march upon the right Angle in the Front, and the eldest upon the left, the second Serjeant is to march in the right Angle in the Reer. They having their places thus stated, are to move sometimes up and down upon the Flanks, in their marching, causing the Souldiers to keep their due distance of order in File, and open order in Rank, and to march even a Brest, and after they may return unto their places again.

But here, me thinks, I meet with some Objector by the way, who saith, the eldest is much wronged herein; for that it is his proper place to be upon the right; that when Forlorns are drawn off against an Enemy, he is there ready first to lead them on, claiming it as his due, to give the first on-set, and therefore far more honour for him to be on the right, then on the left, and the youngest Serjeant, rather to be placed on the left, then on the right; as for the second Serjeants place, 'tis fit he should be in the Reer, to assist the Lieutenant there, he having none but he, to help him, if any occasion should require. To which, I answer, that it is the youngest Serjeants place to be upon the right Angle, either upon a Stand, or upon a March, and not the eldest; for these reasons following. The youngest Serjeant is not placed there for any honour that it is to him, for he hath no Di­vision at all to lead upon the March, (except the Company be very great) and if so, he is placed so neer the Captain, to be serviceable to him to carry, and convey his pleasures unto all the rest of the Officers. As for the leading of the Van-guard, upon the March, the Captain takes that place unto himselfe; and it is far more honour unto the eldest Serjeant to be a Leader of the Reer-Guard, or entirely the left -Flank, then to lead a Sub-di­vision of Pikes. And besides that, it is properest for his place to be upon the left, when [Page 19] they are all drawn up upon a Brest, for these two reasons; as first, he is there upon in a readi­nesse, to take his due place, upon the sub-dividing on the long March; and again; upon a Stand, when they are all drawn up, and ready to ingage against an Enemy, and the For­lorns to be drawn forth, equally a like from both Flanks, he is then as ready in the Front to execute his Captains Commands, the youngest Serjeant, being likewise sent to be some­thing helpfull to him, and attending after for further order from his Captain, to send him reliefe by the second Serjeant, as occasion shall require. So that in my judgement, take it either upon the long March, or others, when drawn all up even a Brest, all things are so stated, for his due honour and place, that he hath no reason to complain, nor any of the rest, having all their due, and proper places, which doth belong unto them.

As for the placing of the Drums, upon the long arch, Mevery Division ought to have his Drum to fall between such Ranks, as before exprest; excepting only the second Division of Pikes, which may be excused, when they are to beat a March, as being all drawn up, they are to fall in two, to beat even a Brest, upon the right, and one, upon the left, as is be­fore set down. If it should chance further in a Company, to be so small to have but three Divisions, that is to say, one Division of Muskettiers, in the Van, the Body of Pikes in the midst, and another Division of Muskettiers, to bring up the Reer-Guard, and having but two Serjeants, and two Drums; the youngest Serjeants place, will be as before mentioned, upon the right in the Front, and the eldest Serjeant upon the left, and to take his place to lead the last Division of Muskettiers, upon the long March; and the first Drum to beat in the first Division of Muskettiers, and the second to beat, and to march along amongst the Pikes. I have a little more enlarged my selfe in this discourse of placing of the Serjeants, then I at first intended; but meeting many times with severall Souldiers, desiring satisfa­ction in every one of these perticulers, I shall perhaps undergo here the hard censure of some, for this my tedious discourse; but to such others which desires to be knowing herein, I hope will have a more favourable opinion of my good meaning unto them. And here I shall conclude for the present, concerning the perticuler places of the Serjeants, in every private Companie; and now supposing, as by order from the Captain, the Serjeants have brought up their Divisions, standing again, as before, expecting something more to be spo­ken unto them, they silently stand to here what follows.

CHAP. XXIV. A Description of a Body of men through out, with all their severall parts, and kinds.

IT is a very necessary knowledge to every perticuler Souldier, to be acquainted through­out with all the parts of a Body of men, drawn up, with their severall extents, and bounds, and with the true understanding of the same. Where first note the Descripti­on of Files, a File is a Sequence of men, consisting of Leaders, and Followers, from the first, unto the last; the joyning of Files Flank-wise, maketh Ranks, and is the com­pleating up of a Body: for one File alone cannot be said to have any Ranks in it, but joyn­ing two, or more Files together unto one, you may account them (provided they be six deep) to have so many Ranks for number, as doth extend from their Leaders to their Bring­ers up. And further know, that a Rank is a Row of men, standing shoulder to shoulder, in an even line from the left Flank to the right; or from the out-most man upon the left, unto the out-most man upon the right; standing all in a row File wise. Neither can it be said of one Rank, to have any Files in it; for as the closing of Files to Files, makes Ranks, so the adding of Ranks to Ranks, makes Files.

As for the Depth of Files, they have in these latter Ages, much varied therein; some­times making them sixteen deep, others ten, and eight deep, and now lately, they have brought them unto six deep, as being the custome of the Swedes, and the French, and al­together now the practise here in England. In which form and way, I purpose to walk, but to proceed to my former promise to the Souldier: There is in every Body of men, drawn up, consisting of Pikes, and Muskettiers, whether of greater or smaller number, it makes no matter; a Front, a Reer, a Right-Flank, and a Left-Flank; there is also Front half-Files, and Reer half-Files; there is a Right half-Ranks, and a Left half-Ranks; and [Page 20] there is a Length, and Depth of the Battail: and of every one of these in their severall kinds, they have their perticuler extents, and bounds, according to their number of men.

Therefore, take notice in the first place, that the Front is the first Rank, or row of men, which are the File-leaders, and chief men of their Files, who properly ought to take charge of their Files, being as it were their Captains, and leads them first on in the Brunt a­gainst a furious Enemy; the extent of the Front is from the left hand File-Leader, unto the Leader of the right hand File.

The Reer is the last Row or Rank of men, being the Bringers-up of the Files, who next the Leaders are the chiefest men of honour in the File, and are as it were unto them, their Lieutenants, and in the absence of the Leaders, they are to take charge of the File, and to instruct them in their Postures: the extent of the Reer, is from the Bringer-up of the left hand File, unto the place of the Bringer-up of the right.

The right Flank is the out-most File, upon the right, where always ought, by the way, to be very able Souldiers placed, because they first give on-set, or fire against the Enemy, if on that part they shall be charged; the extent of the right Flank is from the Leader of the right hand File, unto the Bringer-up of the same.

The left Flank, likewise is the out-most File upon the left, and his extent is from the Leader of the left hand File, unto the Bringer-up.

The Front half-Files extent or bounds, reacheth no further then from the Front, unto the midst of Ranks, or to the Bringers-up of the Front half-Files, which being but six deep, is the third Rank from the Front, and the Length of the same reacheth from the out-most part of the left Flank, untill you come unto the right.

The Reer half-Files beginneth from the midst of Ranks, or from the fourth Rank from the Front, and runneth downward in his depth to the Bringer-up of the whole File, and the Length of the same is to be taken side-wise, as they stand shoulder to shoulder, from the out-most man upon the left, unto the out-most man upon the right.

The right half Ranks, in their Length, runneth no further, then from the out-most man upon the right, unto the midst of Files, or to the left hand File-leader of the right half-Ranks; the Depth of the right half-Ranks reacheth from the Front, running down unto to the Reer.

As for the left half-Ranks, as much may be said, to take his Length, from the midst of Files, or from the right hand File-leader, of the left half-Ranks unto the out-most Files upon the left; the Depth of the left half-Ranks, may be understood in form and manner, conformable to the right.

Next come we to speak of the Length and Depth of the whole Battail; the Length of the Battail is ever to be accounted of the number of men in a Rank, and not in a File; for the Files perhaps may not be above six deep, when that there may be hundreds in a Brest in the Ranks, and farther the Length of any Battail is to be taken from the out-most point of the left-Flank, or left-hand File-leader, stretching it selfe forth by an even Line a­long, untill you come to the outmost point of right Flank, or right-hand File-leader; the Depth of the Battail always is to be taken from the Front, or first Rank, and going down backward in a straight Line down to the Reer, to the last Rank, or to the Bringers-up of the Files. For as the Length of the Battail is to be taken from the left Flank, going a long in Front unto the right, so the Depth of the Battail is to be taken from the Front, going backward down to the Reer.

There is also to be understood that in every Battalia drawn up, there are other parts and Denominations, very considerable to be known; that is, in every such an one, there is a Van-Guard, a Reer-Ward, and Main-Battail. The Van-guard are the Muskettiers, upon the right, or the right Flank; or as most commonly called amongst us in these dayes, the Right-wing, or the Left-wing, which are the Muskettiers, and the Flankers of the Body of Pikes, the reason, as I conceive, the Muskettiers are accounted and called Wings, is be­cause they are first drawn off, as by flying motion in Forlorns, to ingage against an Enemy; but of this by the way, to proceed: the Reer-Ward, or Reer-Guard, are the Muskettiers, on the left Flank; and the Battail is the Body of Pikes, and here I shall conclude concer­ning the Description of a Body.

CHAP. XXVI. Directions to all such as shall desire to exercise a Foot-Company, with some admonitions to the Souldiers, as shall be exercised by them.

HE that intends to exercise a Body of men, must truly know what he shall command, and so to give his directions unto the Souldiers, as they may aptly make ready ex­ecution of the same. He must at such times▪ above all the rest, assume unto himself the confidence & presence (as near as he is able) of a compleat Souldier. He is also to stretch out his voice so, as he may conveniently be heard, & understood by the inferiour Offi­cers, and Souldiers; which will cause them more readily to obey his Commands. He ought to carry a cheerfull countenance unto them, provided they do well; but otherwise, if care­lesly dis-regarding his Commands, he may look harshly upon them. His eyes ought to be quick and nimble, observing all their Motions, whether it be to the right, or left, to 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 [...]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, lef [...], 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 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 [Page 23] 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.

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 [...]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 u [...]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 B [...]ttail, is doubled by the doublings of [...]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-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 [...]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 Dep [...]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 c [...]ll and [Page 25] 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 left [...] 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 doubled the right Flank to your Leader.

Reducement. Double your Ranks to the right intire to the Reer, face to the Reer, and the even Ranks from the Reer, move forth, and double the odd to your Leader.

Command. Left half-Ranks double your right Flank to the right and left outward.

Direction. Face all to the right; and left half-Ranks move to the right and left out­ward, and double your right Flank to your Leader.

Reducement. Front and Reer half-files double your Ranks intire to the left Flank; Front half-files face about, and every even Rank from the midst move forth, and double Ranks intire towards the left Flank, face to your Leader.

Command. Left half-Ranks double your right Flank to the right and left inward.

Direction. Face all to the right; and left half-Ranks move forwards to the right and left inward, and double the right Flank, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Front and Reer half-files double your Ranks intire to the left Flank; half-files face about, and every even Rank from the Front and Reer, move forth, and double your Ranks intire towards the left Flank, face to your Leader.

Command. Left half-ranks double your right Flank to the right by Countermarch.

Direction. Right half-ranks face to the right, left half-ranks turn off to the left, move forwards, and double your right Flank, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Double your Ranks to the left intire, every man placing himself on the out-side of his left-hand man.

Command. Left half-ranks double your right Flank to the left by Countermarch.

Direction. Right half-ranks face to the right, and left half-ranks turn off to the right, and double your right Flank to the left, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Double your ranks to the right intire to the reer, every man placing himself on the out-side of his right-hand man; face to the reer, and every even rank from the reer, move forth to the right, and double the odd, face to your Leader.

Command. Left half-ranks double your right Flank to the right and left outward by Countermarch.

Direction. Right half-ranks face to the right, and left half-ranks face to the left, and turn off to the right and left, moving forward untill you have doubled the right Flank to the right and left outward; face to your Leader.

Reducement. Front & Reer half-files double your Ranks intire to the left-Flank, every man placing himself on the out-side of his right & left-hand man; Front half-files face about, & every even rank from the midst move forth to the left-Flank, and double the odd, placing your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men, and every even rank from the Reer half- [Page 29] files, move forth, and double the odd, placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men: face to your Leader.

Command. Left half-ranks double your right-Flank to the right and left inward, by Countermarch.

Direction. Face all to the right and left out-ward; left half-Ranks turn off to the right and left inward, move forward untill you have doubled the right Flank, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Front and Reer half-files double your Ranks intire to the left-Flank, every man placing himself on the out-side of his right and left-hand man; half-files face about, and every even Rank from the Reer, move forth to the left Flank, and double the odd, placing your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men; and every even Rank from the Front move forth, and double the odd; placing your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men, face to your Leader.

Command. Double your Files to the right intire advancing.

Direction. Every even File from the right, move straight forth untill you be cleer, and double the odd.

Reducement. Half-files double your Front to the right; or Front half-files double your Reer to the right.

Command. Files double your Depth to the right intire.

Direction. Every even File from the right face about, move down, untill you are cleer of the Reer, and double the Depth of the odd Files; face to your Leader.

Reducement. Half-files double your Front to the left; or Front half-files double your Reer to the left.

Command. Double your Files inward intire to the right.

Direction. Half-files of every even File from the left, face about; even Files from the left move forwards untill you are cleer of the standing part, after face all to the right, and then every even File from the right, move forwards into the Intervalls, and double intire the odd, face to your Leader.

Reducement. The three first, and the three last Ranks, double the six middle-most Ranks to the right; the three first Ranks face about, and move down to the midst by their own left-hands; and the three last Ranks move forwards to the midst, to their own right-hands; face to your Leader.

Command. Double your Files to the right intire, advancing, every man placing himselfe before his Leader.

Direction. Every even File from the right, advance forwards, and double the odd, eve­ry man placing himselfe before his Leader.

Reducement. Front half-files by Countermarch double your Reer, to the right; Front half-files turn off to the left, and double the Reer, face to your Leader.

Command. Files double your Depth to the right, every man falling behind his Bringer-up.

Direction. Every even File from the right, face about to the right, and double the odd, by placing your selves behind your Bringers-up.

Reducement. Bringers-up double your Front to the left.

Command. Left half-Ranks double your right Flank intire advancing.

Direction. Left half-Ranks march straight forth, untill you are cleer of the standing part, after move to the right, being first faced there, and double the right Flank, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Front half-files double your Reer to the right intire, face to the left, and move cleer of the standing part, after face to the Reer, move down, and even the Reer; face to your Leader.

Command. Left half-Ranks double intire the Depth of the right Flank.

Direction. Left half-Ranks face about to the right, and move down, untill you are cleer of the standing part, after face to the left, and move forward, untill you have doubled the Depth of your right Flank; face to your Leader.

Reducement. Half-files double your Front to the left intire, face to the left, and march cleer of the standing part, after face to your Leader, march up, and even the Front.

Command. Left half-Ranks double your right-Flank inward intire.

Direction. Half-files of the right half-Ranks face to the Reer, right half-Ranks move [Page 30] forward untill you are cleer of the standing part, face all to the right, and left half-Ranks move forwards, and double 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 right Flank; the three first, and the three last ranks, face to the right, and march untill you are cleer of the standing part, after face inward, march, and close your Divisions, and face to your Leader.

CHAP. XXXV. Divisionall Doublings to the right Flank.

Command. DOuble your Files to the right by Division.

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, 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 [Page 32] 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 [...]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 [Page 33] 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 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. RA [...]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 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 th [...]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.

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 [Page 38] 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 Conversion, or Ranks ranking, or Files ranking, they having more va­riety in them, then many times can be usefull, except it be to present unto the Souldiers some things that are new in the motions, which many times they love to see. I could upon this Subject have much more enlarged my selfe, but conceiving what is already set down may be sufficient for the knowledge of any intelligible Souldier. I come therefore briefly to treat of Inversion, or of Ranks filing, and Files filing.

CHAP. XLIV. Of Ranks filing, or of Files filing, or of Inversion with their severall sorts and kinds.

Command. FIles, file to the right.

Direction. The right-hand File is to move away cleer of the stand­ing part, and after the next File to fall in the Reer of the first, and consequently so all the rest untill they become one File.

Reducement. File-leaders, lead up your Files to the left, or file, file six to the left.

Command. Files, file to the right intire advancing.

Direction. The right-hand File stand, the rest move away successively, placing themselves in one direct file before the Front.

Reducement. File, file six to the right into the Reer, face all about, or File, file six to the right towards the Front.

Command. Files, file inward into the right Flank.

Direction. Half-files face about, & the out-most Files then upon the left as they are so faced, are to move away forward, and consequently all the rest, are to fall in behinde them, the like is to be performed by the Front, the out-most File at the same time is to move away, and the rest successively falling in untill they have made one intire File, after they are to face to the Front.

Reducement. Front-half-file, file three to the left, Reer half-file face about, and file three to the right, face to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

Command. Files, file to the right by Division.

Direction. Half-files face about, the out-most file upon the right is to stand, the rest are to move forward, and to place themselves successively into one intire file, going forward after each other, and after face to the Front.

Reducement. Front half-file file three to the right, and Reer half-file face about, and file three to the left, face to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

Command. Ranks file to the right, every man placing himself behind his right-hand man. Ranks filing by way of Coun­termarch.

Direction. This may be done marching or standing; if marching, the right-hand man of the first rank doth first move away, the rest in the same rank do fall in behinde him, and consequently all the rest, untill they make one intire file; if upon a Stand, the ranks are to open backward to such a Distance, as they may conveniently fall into one File.

Reducement. File, rank 12 to the left; or File, rank as you were.

Command. Ranks, file to the right, advancing, every man placing himself before his right hand man.

Direction. The out-most file stand, the rest are to move forward with their right leg, The Ranks are to be at twice double distance and the Files at order. placing themselves before their right-hand men.

Reducement. File, rank 12 to the right, or file, rank as you were.

Command. Ranks, file to the right, every man placing himself before his Leader, and his Bringer-up.

Direction. The half-files are to face about, only the right-hand file is to stand, the rest are to move forward, filing to the right Flank, every man placing himself before his Lea­der, and his [...]ringer-up, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Front half-file, rank 12 to the right, Reer half-file face about, and rank 12 to the left; face to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

Command. Ranks, file inward into the right Flank, every man placing himself before his Leader, and his Bringer-up.

Direction. Half-files face about, Front and Reer half-files are to march to such covenient distance, as the ranks may fall into the midst of the right flank, after they are to face a­bout, or to face to the midst of ranks, and then they are to move forward into the right flank, every man placing himself as before commanded, and after face to their Leader.

Reducement. Front half-files rank 12 to the left, Reer half-file face about, and rank 12 to the right, face to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

Command. Files, file to the right, every man placing himselfe behinde his Bringer-up. Files filing by way of Coun­termarch.

Direction. The out-most file stand, the rest face about, and move forward each perticu­ler file to the left, placing themselves behinde their right-hand file, and their Bringers-up.

Reducement. File, file six to the left, every man placing himself before his Leader.

Command. Files, file to the right, every man placing himself before his Leader.

Direction. The right-hand file stand, the rest move forwards, every file successively placing themselves before their Leaders, and their right-hand file.

Reducement. Files, file six to the right into the Reer, every man placing himselfe before his Bringer-up, face all about, the last six men stand, the rest are to move, and to file six to the right, placing themselves before their Bringers-up, and after to face to the Front.

Command. Files, file to the right flank by Division, every man placing himself before his Leader, and his Bringer-up.

Direction. Half-files face about; the right-hand file is to stand, the rest are to move forward to the right flank, placing themselves before their Leaders, and their Bringers-up, making one intire file to the right, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Front half-files face about, and file three to the right, every man placing himself before his Bringer-up, and Reer half-file, file three to the left, placing your selves before your Leaders, face to your Leader.

Command. Files, file inward into the right flank, every man placing himselfe before his Leader, and his Bringer-up.

Direction. Half-files face about, and Front and Reer half-files move forward, until there be sufficient Distance to file into the right flank, after face them about to the midst of ranks, then the files may move successively into the right flank, placing themselves before their Leaders, and their Bringers-up, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Front half-file, file three to the left, every man placing himselfe before his Leader, and Reer half-file face about, and file three to the right, every man placing him­selfe before his Bringer-up, face to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

CHAP. XLV. Ranks wheeling into the Flanks.

Command. RAnks wheele to the right, into the right Flank.

Direction. Every perticuler Rank is to wheel to their right hand They ought to be at twice double distance in rank, and at close order in file. untill they have brought their aspects unto the right Flank, after face to the Front.

Reducement. File, rank 12 to the right, the first man is to stand, the rest are to move forward to the right successively, 12 in a Rank to the right.

Command. Ranks wheel to the left to the right Flank.

Direction. Face all about, and Ranks wheel to the left, 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 [...]ch flanks, and into the midst, every man placing himselfe before his Leader, and his [...]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 t [...]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 wheeling, six to the right, and six to the left, untill they have brought their aspects unto both the flanks, after face to their Leader.

Reducement. Files, rank 12 to the right and left inward into the Reer, face all to the right and left about inward, and begin the Motion from each file, to rank six to the right, and six to the left, making up 12 a Brest in the Reer, the rest following, untill they have made six ranks in a Brest, face to your Leader.

Command. Ranks, wheel to the right and left towards the reer.

Direction. Face all about, the out-side men are the hinges of this Motion, who are to wheel from the reer to the right and left, untill they have brought their aspects unto both the flanks, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Files, rank 12 to the right and left inward, the right-hand file is to begin to rank six to the left, the left-hand file is to rank six to the right, making up even a Brest 12 in number, the rest doing the same.

Command. Front and reer half-files wheel your ranks outward into both flanks.

Direction. Half-files face about, and front and reer half-files wheel outward into both flanks, untill you have brought your aspects unto the right and left, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Front and reer half-files rank 12 to the right and left inward, towards the midst of ranks, front half-files face about, and begin the Motion from the Bringers-up, of the front half-files, and the half-file-leaders; ranking six to the right and left from each file making 12 a Brest, face to your Leader.

Command. Front and reer half-files wheel your ranks inward into both flanks.

Direction. Half-files face about, and march all untill you be at twice double distance in the midst, then face all about to the right, and wheel to the right and left, untill you have brought your aspects unto both flanks, by wheeling inward to them, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Files, rank 12 to the right and left inward into front and reer, half-file, face about, and rank in front and reer, six to the right, and six to the left, making 12 a Brest after face to your Leader.

CHAP. XLVIII. Of Ranks wheeling to the midst of Files.

Command. FRont and reer half-files wheel your ranks inward to the midst of files.

Direction. Half-files face about, and front and reer half-files wheel your ranks to the right and left inward, untill they face in op­position, to your Leader.

Reducement. Files, rank six to the right and left outward unto the midst of ranks; front half-files face about, and rank six to the right and left outward, reer half-files do the same to your Leader.

Command. Front and reer half-files wheel your ranks inward into the midst of files.

Direction. Half-files face about, front and reer half-files march untill you have atteined twice double distance in the midst of ranks, face all about to the right, and wheele to the right and left inward into the midst of files, to your Leader.

Reducement. Files rank six to the right and left outward into front and reer, half-files face about, and front and reer half-files rank six to the right and left outward, as before commanded, to your Leader move forward, and close your Divisions to your double distance.

CHAP. XLIX. Of Ranks wheeling to both Flanks, and into the midst, at one and the same time.

Command. FRont and reer half-files wheel your ranks to the right and left into They ought to be at more then open order in Ranks, and at order in Files. both flanks, and the midst of files.

Direction. Half-files face about to the right, and the middle files, and the out-most files upon each flank, are the hinges of this Motion, the rest are to wheel their ranks to the right and left towards both the flanks, and to the midst of files, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Files, rank six to the right and left inward to the midst of ranks, and be­tween the flankers, and the middle files, front half-files face about, and rank six to the right and left inward towards the midst of ranks, and between the flankers, and the middle files, the reer half-files doing the same, face to your Leader.

Command. Front and reer half-files wheel your ranks inward into both flanks, and into the midst of files.

Direction. Half-files face about, and front and reer half-files march untill you be at double distance in the midst, after face all about to the right, and wheel your ranks [Page 43] to the right & left inward into both Flanks, and into the midst of files, face to your Leader.

Reducement. Files, rank six to the right and left inward into Front and Reer, between the flankers, and the middle files, half-files face about, and rank six to the right and left inward to the reer between the flankers, and the middle files, the front half-files doing the same to the front, after facing to their Leader, and half-files move forwards, closing their Divisions to the distance of the former ranks.

Having dwelt thus long upon this Subject of Inversion and Conversion (occasioned thereunto by their great variety and difficulty in the performance of them;) I hold it con­venient to give a breathing space unto the wearied Souldier, whilest I, in the mean time, prepare further matter for his longing desire.

Yet before I enter in any other discourse of the Art Military, I hold it requisite to give some admonitions to those that shall venture upon them. For being very difficult, they are not easily understood by every punie; my advice therefore, is to wave such things, in time of Exercise, which the Souldiers are unacquainted with, providing for them such matter, as is both plain and easie, and being frequently practised in such, he may after drill them on to harder, till by degrees he hath brought them unto such perfection & knowledge, that they shall be able to perform and execute what is commanded; not gazing upon one another, (as I have often observed) neither knowing their Leaders meaning, or if they did, they are altogether ignorant how to fullfill his commands. Frequent practise therefore makes the Souldier expert, witnesse our gallant Souldiers and Citizens of London, who are most of them so well grounded (by frequent practise) that their Lenders can scarce give a word of Command which is not easily apprehended by them, they being in their Exercises so often inured to such difficult expressions as these of Inversion and Conversion.

CHAP. L. Of Counter-marches with their severall sorts and kinds, affording much variety in time of Exercise.

THose which have a longing desire to be throughly knowing in this part or branch of Military Discipline, must take notice of these foure sorts, (viz.) Counter-marching of Files, next of Ranks, after the Front, and Reer half-files, and lastly, of right and left half-ranks: all which, are performed either by intire, or divi­sionall Counter-marches, or else by the intire changing of ground, and that by many ways the Front half-files, with the Reer, the right half-ranks with the left. So that an expert Leader may venter so far in them, as to continue his Exercise, (without reducing) almost for an hour, and not to expresse himself twice in any one word of Command; they afford­ing such plenty and variety in them, that with pleasure using but four words of Command, he may bring each Souldier into his proper place again; observing these directions fol­lowing. As first, to look down in the Body where his File-leaders are, and where his Bringers-up: and likewise making the severall places of his halfe File-leaders, and the Bringers-up of his Front half-files, together with his Flankers, and his middle Files: this speciall care being taken, he may begin, and proceed to their Reducement, after this manner.

If by some former Counter-marches, his File-leaders are in the place of his halfe File-leaders, and that his Bringers-up are in the room of the Bringers-up of the Front half-files, then he may proceed in this, or the like kind, commanding them to counter-march their Front and Reer into the midst; which being performed, they will stand in some pretty way of reducing, after facing them to the Front, where he meets with his Bringers-up, in stead of his File-leaders; which by one Counter-march will bring them up again into the Front. Yet perhaps the Flankers have inter-changed ground with the middle File-leaders, if so, then counter-march their Flanks into the midst, and face them to the Front; and if it happen that the right Flank is become the left, and the left; the right: then counter-march their Ranks to any hand, and after face them to the first Front they are reduced. And farther take this for a generall rule, that when Files, Ranks, or Counter-march to any stand, command them to counter-march to the contrary, and it will reduce them, or counter-marching your Front and Reer into the midst, counter-marching of them back again from the midst, will bring each man into his proper place again, the same rule being observed, reduceth the flank­ers, or Front and Reer half-files counter-marching of them from the midst.

Counter-marches, rightly considered, branch themselves forth into these three particulars.

• The
  • Macedonian.
  • Lacedemonian.
  • Chorean.

The Macedonian is a Counter-march of gaining ground, for that it leaveth the ground it formerly stood upon, and in lieu thereof taketh the ground before the front, and turneth their aspects unto the reer.

The Lacedemonian is a Counter-march of losing ground, for that it leaveth the ground it first stood upon, and in room thereof taketh the ground which is behind the reer, thither likewise altering the Souldiers aspects.

The Chorean is a Counter-march maintaining ground, keeping the ground the Battalia formerly stood upon, every Souldier taking anothers place, it likewise turns the Aspect to­wards the reere.

Thus you see (for all their great varietie which latter ages have invented) they consist but of three sorts or kinds, either maintaining, gaining, or losing of ground, and may bee performed (as I said before) either by intire or divisionall Counter-marches.

It may now be expected that I declare unto the Souldier the meaning of each particu­lar Counter-march, briefly, therefore, thus. Files counter-marching is when every Soul­dier followeth his Leader, ranks counter-marching is when every Souldier followeth his side man, whether it be to the right-hand or to the left: Front and reer half-files counter-marching is, sometimes when every particular Souldier followeth his Leader or his Brin­ger up, or else when they follow their half-file leaders, or their Bringers-up of the Front half-files, or the like: Right and left half-ranks counter-marching is, when every Soul­dier in the ranke followeth the outmost men upon the right and left, or when they shall follow their inside right and left hand men, or the like: What hath hitherto been spo­ken may be sufficient both for the instruction and direction of any discreet souldier; I come in the next place to set them all before them as they lie in Order.

CHAP. LI. Intire Counter-marching of Files.

• Right
  • Hand Counter-march maintaining ground.
• Left

Direction. File-leaders turn off upon the ground you stand, the rest moving up successively into the file-leaders place turning off un­till the bringers up, come up into the Front, after face to your Leader,

Command. File-leaders stand, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves before your Leaders.

Command. File-leaders face about, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves behind your Leaders, face to your Leader.

Command. File-leaders face to the reer, the rest passe through to the right or left follow­ing your bringers-up, and placing your selves behind your Leaders; face all to your Leader.

Command. File-leaders stand, the rest passe through to the right or left; and place your selves before your Leaders following your bringers-up.

Command. Files to the right or left counter-march losing ground, placing your selves be­fore your bringers up.

Direction. Every file-leader turn off upon the ground he stands on, the rest successively doing the same untill they come to the last ranke, who need doe no more then face about; after face all to their Leader.

Command. The last rank stand, the rest passe through to the right or left, placing your selves behind your bringers-up, every man following his Leader.

Direction. File-leaders turn off to the right or left, the rest following successively untill they are all cleer of the reer, then face to their Leader.

Command. Bringers-up stand, the rest face about, passe through to the right or left, and place your selves behind your bringers up.

Command. Bringers-up face about, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves before your Bringers-up.

Direction. Face all to the Reer, and begin the Motion with the second Rank from the Reer, moving forward, every man placing himself before his Bringer-up; to your Leader.

Command. Counter-march your Front and Reer into the midst.

Direction. Half-files face about, and turn off to the left, Front half-files turn off to the right; to your Leader:

Command. Front and Reer half▪files counter-march to the right or left.

Direction. This is to be done distinctly, the Front half-files turning off to the right by themselves, the Reer half files turning off in like manner; face to your Leader.

Command. File-leaders, and half file-leaders stand, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves before your Leaders and half file-leaders.

Command. Counter-march your Front & Reer half-files to the right & left from the midst.

Direction. Front half files face about, and turn off to the right, Reer half-files turn off to the left to your Leader.

Command. File-leaders and half file-leaders face about, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves behinde your Leaders, and your half file-leaders; to your Leaders.

Command. File-leaders, and half file-leaders stand, the rest passe through to the right or left, & place your selves before your Leaders and half file-leaders, every man following his Bringer-up, and the Bringers-up of the Front half-files.

Command. File-leaders, and halfe file-leaders face about, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves behinde your Leaders, and halfe file-leaders, following your Bringers up.

Direction. The File-leaders, and the halfe file-leaders (being first faced) are to stand, and the Bringers-up of the Front and Reer half-files are to move forwards, untill they be cleer of the standing part, after they are to face to the Reer, which being ended, they are again to face to the Front.

CHAP. LII. Divisionall Counter-marching of Files.

Command. FIle-leaders, and Bringers-up stand, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves before your Leaders, and your Bringers-up.

Direction. Half-files face about, the Counter-march being ended, command them to move forwards, and close their Divisions.

Command. File-leade [...]s face about, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves behinde your Leaders, and your Bringers-up.

Direction. The two last Ranks from the Reer face about, and then they are to begin the Motion together, which being ended, face them to the front, and the half-files are to move forward, and to close their Divisions.

Command. File-leaders, and Bringers-up stand, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves before your Leaders, and your Bringers-up, following the halfe file-leaders, and the Bringers-up of the Front half-files.

Direction. Half-files face about, this Motion is begun by the Bringers-up of each Division, which being ended, they are to face to their Leader, the half files moving forwards, closing their Divisions.

Command. File-leaders face about, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves behinde your Leaders, and your Bringers-up, following the halfe file-leaders, and the Bringers-up of the front half-files.

Direction, The two last Ranks from the Reer face about; this Motion is begun by the Bringers-up of each Division, who are to lead away the rest following untill they be cleer of the Front and Reer, and after to face about, placing themselves behinde their halfe file-leaders, and the Bringers-up of the front half-files, then facing to the front, the half-files moving forwards, closing their Divisions.

Command. Counter-march to the right and left, your Front and Reer half-files from the midst (losing ground) every man placing himse [...] before his Leader, and his Bringer-up. [Page 46] Direction. Front half-files face about, and turn off to the right, and the half-file leaders turn off to the left, and march cleer of the front and reer and after the file-leaders, the bring­ers up are but to face about, and the Counter-march will be ended, then face the half-files to the front, let them move forward and close their divisions.

Command. Front and reer half-files interchange ground to the right or left, marching cleer each from other.

Direction. Front half-files face about, and passe through to your own right hands, untill you be cleer, six foot of each other, then face to the Front, the half-files moving forwards, and closing their Divisions.

Command. Front and Reer half-files counter-march to the right, and inter-change ground.

Direction. Half-files face about, and turn off to the right, and front half-files at the same time doing the like, moving forward untill they be cleer one of another six foot, then facing to their Leader, close their Divisions.

CHAP. LIII. Intire Counter-marches of Ranks.

Command. RAnks to the right-hand counter-marching maintaining ground.

Direction. Face to the right, the right-hand file that was, turn off to the right, the rest moving up into the same ground, turning off likewise, to your Leader.

Command. The out-most file upon the right, face to the right, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves before your right-hand men.

Direction. Face to the right, and passe through as before exprest, to your Leader.

Cmmand. The right-hand file face to the left, the rest passe through to the right or left, and place your selves hehinde your right-hand men.

Direction. Face to the right, and move forwards, and place your selves behinde your right-hand men, to your Leader.

Command. Ranks to the left-hand counter-march losing ground.

Direction. The out-most is to turn off to the left about untill he hath brought his aspect unto the right flank, and so consequently all the rest, moving still forwards untill they have gained upon the out-side of the right flank so much ground as they have lost, or that they have placed themselves before their right-hand men by following their left-hand men, face to your Leader.

Command. The right-hand file face to the left, the rest passe through to the right, fol­lowing your left-hand men, and placing your selves behinde your right-hand File.

Direction. The out-most File upon the left face to the right, and march through the Intervalls towards the right flank; and when he is moved away, the rest upon the left are successively to do the same, untill they have in lieu of that ground they formerly stood, gained so much upon the out-side of the right flank, then facing about toward the left flank, after face to your Leader.

Command. Ranks to the left-hand counter-march maintaining ground.

Direction. Face to the left, and the left-hand File that was turn off to the left on the same ground he stands, the rest moving up successively doing the same, to your Leader.

Command. The left-hand File stand, the rest face to the left, passe through, and place your selves on the out-side of your left-hand men.

Direction. The left-hand File face to the left, the rest passe through to the left, and place your selves before your left-hand men; to your Leader.

Command. The left-hand File face to the right, the rest face to the left, passe through to the left, and place yourselves behinde your left-hand men.

Command. The left-hand File face to the left, the rest passe through to the left, and place your selves before your left-hand men, following your right-hand men.

Direction. Face all to the left, and the out-most Files upon the right move forward upon the left, the rest successively doing the same, untill you have all placed your selves before your left-hand men, to your Leader.

Command. The left-hand File face to the right, the rest face to the left, passe through to the left, and place your selves behind [...]ur left-hand men, following your right-hand men.

Direction. The right-hand file that was is to begin this motion, the rest are conse­quently to follow untill they have gained as much ground on the out-side of the left-flank as before they lost, after face about to the right, and after to their Leader.

Command. Ranks to the right-hand counter-march every man placing himselfe on the out-side of his left-hand man, by following his right-hand man.

Direction. The left-hand file stand, the out-most file upon the right, is to turne about to the right, untill he hath brought his aspect to the left-flanke, then moving forward un­till he he be cleer of the second file, after the rest are to doe the like forsaking the ground they stood upon, and in lieu thereof to gain so much upon the out-side of the left-flanke, placing themselves on the out-side of their left-hand men; their Aspects being to the Front. Or you may command the out-most file upon the right to face to the left, and so begin to lead untill he be cleer of the second file, the rest doing the same untill they have all placed themselves on the out-side of their left-hand men, their Aspects being to the Front; which I conceive, to be the easier way.

Command. Counter-march your Flanks into the midst.

Direction. Face to the right and left outward, right-flank turn off to the right, left-flank turn off to the left, untill they meet in the midst, to your Leader.

Command. Right and left half-ranks counter-march to the right or left.

Direction. Face all to the right, the right half-ranks are to turne off to the right by themselves, and the left half-ranks in like manner, to your Leader.

Command. The out-most File upon the right, and the right-hand file of the left half-ranke stand, the rest face to the right, passe through and place your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men, face to your Leader.

Command. The out-most file upon the right, and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the right and stand, the rest passe through to the right, and place your selves before your right-hand men, face all to the right, and the motion being ended, face to your Leader.

Command. The out-most file upon the right, and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the left and stand, the rest face to the right, passe through and place your selves behind your right-hand men, to your Leader.

Direction. For these three last Counter-marches is for the moving part to begin to Coun­termarch, who are the next files of the standing part, and so to follow successively until they have performed the command, and after to face to their Leader.

Command. The right-hand file of the left half-rank, and the out-most file upon the right stand, the rest passe through to the right and place your selves on the out-side of your right hand men following your out-most files.

Direction. The out-most files are to face to the right, and to lead away untill they bee cleer of the next, who likewise are to follow successively.

Command. The out-most file upon the right, and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the right and stand, the rest passe through to the right, and place your selves be­fore your right-hand men.

Direction. Face all to the right, and the out-most files that were, are to begin the mo­tion, placing themselves before their right-hand men, the rest following successively, to your Leader.

Command. The outmost file upon the right, and the right-hand file of the left half-rank face to the left and stand, the rest passe through to the right; and place your selves behind your right-hand men.

Direction. The out-most files are to turn about untill they have brought their aspects un­to the right-flanke, then move away untill they be cleer of the second file, and in like man­ner they are to turn off, doing the same untill they have placed themselves behind their right hand men, then facing to the left-about, and after to their Leader, to even their ranks and straighten their files.

Command. Counter-march your right and left half-ranks from the midst.

Direction. Face inward, right half-ranks turn off to the right, left half-ranks turn off to the left; to your Leader.

CHAP. LIV. Divisionall Counter-marches of the right and left half-ranks.

Command. THe outmost file upon each flanke stand, the rest passe through to the right and left, and place your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men.

Direction. The rest face outward, and begin the motion by the next files, the others following in order, and after to close their files into the midst to o­pen order.

Command. The out-most file upon each flanke face outward and stand, the rest passe through to the right and left, and place your selves before your out-side men.

Direction. The rest are to face outward, and the next files unto them that first faced are to begin the motion, placing themselves before their out-side men, after face to their lea­der, and close files into the midst to order.

Command. The out-most file upon each flanke face inward, the rest passe through and place your selves behind your out-side men.

Direction. The rest are to face outward, and to passe through to the right and left, pla­cing themselves behind their right and left-hand men, and after to move forward, and close their divisions and face to their Leader.

Command. The out-most file upon each flanke stand, the rest passe through to the right and left, and place your selves on the out-side of your right and left-hand men following your in-most files.

Direction. The in-most files are to begin the motion, moving away to the right and left, untill they be cleer of their second files, and then they are to move away successively untill they have all placed themselves on the out-side of their right and left-hand men, and then close files into the midst to open order.

Command. The out-most files upon each flanke face outward, the rest passe through to the right and left, placing your selves before your right and left-hand men, following your in most files.

Direction. The rest are likewise to face outward, and the inmost files are to begin the motion, the rest following in order untill they have placed themselves before their out-side men, after face to the Front, and close files into the the midst to open order.

Command. The out-most file upon each flanke face inward, the rest passe through to the right and left, and place your selves behinde your out-side men following the inmost Files.

Direction. The rest are to face outward, the in-most files begin to move forward to the right and left, the rest consequently doe the same, untill they all stand behind their out-side men, then facing to the right and left about, closing their divisions by moving for­ward, after face to the Front.

Command. Counter-march your right and left half-ranks from the midst losing ground and placing your selves before your out-side men.

Direction. Face inward, right half-ranks turn off to the right, and left half-ranks turn off to the left, and move forward untill you have placed your selves before your out-side men, after face to your Leader, and close files into the midst to open order.

Command. Right and left half-ranks interchange ground.

Direction. Face inward, and passe through to your own right-hand, untill you bee cleer six foot each of other, after face to your Leader, and close files into the midst to open order.

Command. Right and left half-ranks counter-march to the right and left, and interchange ground.

Direction. Face outward, right half-ranks turn off to the right, left half-ranks turn off to the left, and march cleer each of the other, after face to the front, and close files inward to open order.

Thus much may suffice to be spoken of all the several sorts and kinds of Counter-marches, which if any shall conceive my pains fruitlesse in culling out such plentie and varietie, there [Page 49] being so few of them practised among able and knowing Souldiers, my best apologie will be the high and venerable esteem had of Antiquity necessitated me thereunto, as also to give full satisfaction to the Leaders of our private Meetings, who of late have laboured to inure their Souldiers in the full practise thereof, made me the willinger rather to undergo the censure of some, then to incurre the displeasure of many. Yet by the way, give me leave fully to declare my selfe concerning the use of them; for, my opinion is, that of all the Motions, tending to Martiall Discipline: these may the best be spared, as being of little use, and not so much as practised abroad upon service, and therefore the fewer of them any Leader shall use in his Exercise, in my judgement, he doth the better, not spending time in needlesse speeches, telling of his Souldiers, that this is the Macedorian, this is the Lacede­monian, or Ocean Countermarch; not to lie under the censure my selfe of mispending time, I come, therefore briefly, in the next place to treat of Wheelings, being a subject more profitable for the intelligible Souldier.

CHAP. LV. Of Wheelings, with their severall uses.

HAving proceeded thus far in shewing all the severall sorts and kinds of Military Motions, it will now in the next place be expected that I speak somwhat of Wheel­ings, and as formerly, so now, to set before the Souldier their severall kinds and uses. Wherefore, take notice of two sorts, Wheelings angular, and Wheelings on the Center, (which latter is commonly called the Prince of Orange his wheeling) being acted, or performed by the Souldier two severall ways, that is to say, Intire, or Divisionall

Intire Wheelings to the Angles, are when the Souldiers turn their Aspects from the front▪ proper to either of the Flanks, or Reer, whereby they may give the winde, or Sun, or some like advantage, bringing their best Souldiers thither for to encounter an Enemy. For the better performance of this Motion, it will be convenient to close Ranks and Files into the midst to order, and to keep their due distance both in rank and file, observing in their Ranks their right and left-hand men, and following their Leaders, always conforming themselves in their Motion to the most commendable Posture, which is Pikes advanced, and Muskets poysed. Wheeling the Battail on the Center, is when they are so straightened with ground, that they have not room to wheel to the right or left, as in the former, which gaineth as much more ground before the front, as formerly they stood on; this wheeling brings their best Souldiers to either of the flanks, or Reer; I could wish that this wheeling were more oftner practised amongst us, for by it the Souldiers are better kept together in their Motion, being not so apt to flie out, as in the former

Divisionall Wheelings (provided they have sufficient number of men) are of singular good use to encounter severall Enemies at one and the same time, which the front of our Batta­lia bringing our best Souldiers for to skirmish with them. It is likewise usefull to bring either Arms into Front, Reer, or both the flanks: for suppose the Muskettiers to be upon the flanks, and fearing a desperate charge of the Horse, to fall upon them, by a Divisionall Wheeling the Pikes, are thither brought to receive their on-set, and in the mean space, the Muskettiers have time to recruit their Bandiliers again: much more might be spoken, but my intent is not to fill my Book with impertinent discourses, knowing what is already spo­ken is sufficient for the intelligible Souldier.

CHAP. LVI. Intire Wheelings.

• Command.WHeel your Battail to the Right.
• WHeel your Battail to the Left.
• WHeel your Battail to the Right. about.
• WHeel your Battail to the Left. about.

Direction. The right or the left-hand men in the front are the hinges of these Motions, the rest have a greater compasse to march, then they to bring their Aspects, unto the place commanded, following their Leaders.

• Command.Wheel your Battail on the same ground to the Right.
• Wheel your Battail on the same ground to the Left.
• Wheel your Battail on the same ground to the Right. about.
• Wheel your Battail on the same ground to the Left. about.

Direction. The left half-ranks moveth forwards wheeling to the right; and the right half-ranks contrariwise faceth to the left side-wise falling backward, moving still unto the place commanded.

CHAP. LVII. Divisionall Wheelings.

Command. WHeel the Battail off by Division from the Front.

Direction. Turn off to the right and left.

Command. Wheel the Battail off by Division from the Reer.

Direction. Face to the Reer, and turn off to the right and left.

Command. Wheel the Battail inward to the Reer.

Direction. Open from the midst to convenient distance, and turn off to the right and left.

Command. Wheel the Battail inward to the Front from the Reer.

Direction. Face to the Reer, open from the midst, and wheel inward to the front.

Command. Wheel off the Body by Division from the right flank.

Direction. Face to the right.

Command. Wheel off the Body by Division from the left flank.

Direction. Face to the left.

Command. Wheel the Body inward to the left flank from the right.

Direction. Face to the right, and open outward to convenient distance to wheel inward to the left flank.

Command. Wheel the Body inward to the right flank from the left.

Direction. Face to the left, and open outward to convenient distance, to wheel inward to the right flank.

Command. Wheel off your Front and Reer half-files by Division.

Direction. Half-files face about, and Front and Reer half-files turn off by Division.

Command. Wheel your Front and Reer half-files inward to the midst of Ranks.

Direction. Half-files face about, and Front and Reer half-files open outward to conve­nient distance to wheel inward to the midst of Ranks.

Command. Wheel off your Front and Reer half-files by Division from the midst of Rank.

Direction. Front half-files face about, and Front and Reer half-files wheel off to the right and left by Division.

Command. Wheel Front and Reer half-files inward, both to the Front and Reer from the midst of Ranks.

Direction, Front half-files face about, and Front and Reer half-files open from the midst to convenient distance, and wheel inward into Front and Reer.

Command. Wheel off your right and left half-ranks by Division.

Direction. Face outward, and wheel off to the right and left by Division.

Command. Wheel your right and left half-ranks inward to the midst of files.

Direction. Face outward, and open to the right and left to convenient distance to wheel inward to the midst of files.

Command. Wheel off your right and left half-ranks by Division from the midst of files.

Direction. Face inward, and cause them to move backward to convenient distance to wheel off by Division from the midst of files.

Command. Wheel your right and left half-ranks inward to both flanks from the midst of files.

Direction. Face inward, and open to the right and left to convenient distance to wheel inward 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 you [...] 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 outward or inward into the front, and filing again as they were.

Thus much briefly of firings to the Front, the Reer challengeth the next place, where suppose all the Muskettiers to be in the Reer of the Pikes, the Body marching.

• Firings to the Reer.
  1 Fire to the
  • right about falling in the front of their own Divisions.
  • left about falling in the front of their own Divisions.
• 2 Fire and fall off to the right and left, and rank with the first rank of Pikes, into the front.
• 3 Fire even with the Reer, and fall off before the Front of your own Divisions of Muskettiers.
• [Page 53]4 Fire even with the Reer, or last rank, and fall off to the right and left with a swift Motion, placing your selves 10 20 or 30 paces before the front of Pikes, still facing to the Body, and making ready again, and opening to the right and left, untill they be cleer of the Pikes.
• 5 Fire by Introduction to the Reer twice over untill they come down even with the Reer, and flank the Pikes.
• 6 Fire to the right and left about to the Reer, Ranks drawn forth, and in again.
• 7 Fire so the Reer, every rank drawn forth cleer each from other, and falling in again, and flanking the Pikes.
• 8 Fire to the right and left about files ranking downward to the Reer, and filing as they were.
• 9 Fire to the right and left about, ranks, ranking downward to the Reer, and ranking as they were.
• 10 Fire losing ground, falling off to the right and left about, just before the front of Pikes.
• 11 Now if the Enemy pursue eagerly, and that you candot make a safe retreat march­ing, face all about, and fire upon them by way of Extraduction, or by half-ranks, divi­ded as formerly hath been shewn.

And thus much likewise briefly concerning firings to the Reer; in the next place I shall Firings to the Flanks march­ing. shew some firings to the flanks: for performance whereof, it will be expedient to bring all the Muskettiers upon one of the flanks, but for order sake, I will begin with the fi­rings from the right flank.

• 1 Fire to the right, and gather up your files, it is to be performed after this manner, the out-most file upon the right is to face to the right, and to give fire, and after to face to the front, and stand, untill the next file have fired in like manner, and then the first file gathers up unto him upon the right even a Brest, and standing untill the third file have fa­ced to the right, and fired in like manner, and after facing to the front, the other files moving up in the like way as before, and following successively this rule untill all have given fire, and then to march up, and even the front of Pikes, the Muskettiers will stand as at first, when they were brought upon the right flank.
• 2 Fire to the right, File-leaders leading up their files next to the Pikes.
• 3 Fire to the right, Bringers-up leading away next the Pikes, which being twice done, reduceth them.
• 4 Fire to the right, leading up on the contrary flank, either by the File-leaders, or Bringers-up.
• 5 Fire to the right, and leading up by Bringers-up between the Pikes, and passing tho­rough to their places again, doing the same, reduceth them.
• 6 Fire to the right, and leading up between the Pikes by the Leaders, and passing tho­rough the Pikes again to the right, they will be as at first; the like may be done to the left, or in some kind to both flanks, at one and the same time.
• 7 Fire to the right by ranks wheeling and ranks, to rank as they were to the right, upon their marching reduceth them.
• 8 Fire to the right by ranks inverting, or filing, and upon the March the Souldiers ranking, reduceth them.
• 9 Fire to the right files, filing, and gathering up their files to the left reduceth them.

These firings being performed marching, the next shall be upon a Stand, where note you must cast all your Muskettiers upon that flank, where you conceive the Enemy will fall on, whether right, left, or both, but for order sake we usually begin with the right▪ wherefore face to the right, and proceed as followeth. Firings to the right Flank up­on a Stand.

• 1 Fire and fall in the Reer of your selves.
• 2 Fire and flank the Pikes.
• 3 Fire even with the Pikes, and fall in the Reer of themselves.
• 4 Fire even with the Reer, moving forth to the right and left, by ranks falling in the Reer of themselves.
• [Page 54]5 Fire by extraduction by half-ranks drawn forth, and falling rank after rank in the Reer of the Pikes, after to reduce them as at first, cause them to double their front by Division.

These firings may as well be performed to both the flanks, as to one, the Body being fa­ced accordingly, which would make many firings more, but these already set down, may be sufficient for any ingenious capacity to work upon for the present, observing this rule, that in every firing he shall make use in time of his Exercise, he may reduce them by another, which will be more pleasing to the Souldier, by reason of the great variety it affords unto them. And now, in the last place, I know it will be expected, that I should speak some­thing of the use of firings: wherefore briefly thus.

Firings to the front marching, or moving, when we either pursue after, or approach to an Enemy.

Firings to the front, maintaining ground when two Bodies encounter one another.

Firings to the front, losing ground, when either we are forced thereunto by necessity, or that we do it out of policy, to draw the Enemy into a train, or snare.

Firings to the Reer marching, when we are pursued by an Enemy, yet would continue our March untill we have gained some place of importance, or advantage.

Firings to the Reer upon a Stand, when we are compelled thereunto by the violent pursuit of an Enemy; or else when we have gained a place of advantage of ground, or have re­covered the winde or Sun, whereby we are the better able to encounter with them.

Firings to the flank, or flanks marching, when we are assaulted by some Ambuscado se­cretly placed to hinder our passage; or supposing two Armies are marching to one and the same place, a river being betwixt them.

Firings to flank or flanks standing when the Enemy chargeth on with a resolution to cut off or divide part of the Army from the other.

Having thus briefly set down severall firings to front, reer, and both flanks, with their uses either marching, or standing, I hold it convenient in the next place to give some short directions in time of Battail, both to the Officers, and their Souldiers.

First, that the Drummers have a vigilant eye upon their Commanders, whose voices are drown'd by the loud thundering of the Cannon, or Muskettiers, as also by the neighing of Horses, or the lamentable cries of the maim'd and wounded Souldiers, at which time the Leaders Staffe, half-Pike, or what else he carries in his hand 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.
• [Page 57]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 Forl [...]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, 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 [Page 77] 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 [Page 60] 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.