CHAP. I. A discourse of the Postures, and 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 been the neglect of many in our times, who have strived to know high thoughts in the Art Military, before they can well perform 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 boldness their proficiency therein. He therefore that with safety, ease, and delight desireth to handle his Arms, must set times apart frequently to practise himself therein. And here I cannot but much blame the Of­ficers of our Trained Bands in London, of two great neglects: 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 Buff-coat than another: I speak 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: readiness in the perfor­mance of the Postures, would much redound to 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 Arms; which he useth for the better grace and becoming of them.

There are several 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. Several 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 abrest. 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, [Page 2] 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 stand undauntedly to undergo the cruel 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 several Commanders whom they shall think fit. And lastly, to conclude all, that the Pike is the more honourable Arms, it is so in respect of 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 find. And so for present I will 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 judgment they shall perform 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 something 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 go hand in hand in love like dear Bro­thers, and neither of them to envy each other; and in so doing, God will give a blessing to 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.

• Handle your Pike to your Open Order,
• Handle your Pike to your Order,
• Raise up your Pike to your Close Order.

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.

• Charge to the
  • Front
  • Right Flank,
  • Left Flank,
  • Reer,
  Order your Pikes, and put up your Swords.

This way of charging to the Horse, I have set down, as being practised sometimes amongst us in our private Meetings; but I conceive it to be of little use to receive a desperate charge of the Horse, for by these charges the Souldiers are in so lame and weak a posture, that the Horse cannot choose if they come on with a full career, but beat 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 interval 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 [Page 3] charged on. Which in my judgment 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 a broad upon any service, that ever saw any charging of the Pikes at the Foot; therefore I will fur­ther proceed.

• From Order
  • Advance
  • Shoulder
  • Port
  • Comport
  • Cheek
  • Trail
  Your Pike. Order as you were.

• From your Or­der charge to the
  • Front,
  • Right,
  • Left,
  • Reer.
  Order as you were.

• Advance your Pike.
  • Shoulder
  • Port
  • Comport
  • Cheek
  • Trail
  Your Pike. Advance as you were.

• From your Advance charge to the
  • Front,
  • Right,
  • Left,
  • Reer,
  Advance as you were.

• Shoul­der your Pike.
  • Port
  • Comport
  • Cheek
  • Trail
  Your Pike. Shoulder as you were.

• From the Shoul­der charge to the
  • Front,
  • Right,
  • Left,
  • Reer,
  Shoulder as you were.

• Port your Pikes, Comport your Pikes,
  • Cheek
  • Trail
  your pikes Comp. as you were.

• From the Comport charge to the
  • Front,
  • Right.
  • Left,
  • Reer,
  comport as you were.

• Cheek your Pikes, Trail your Pikes, Cheek as you were.

• From the Cheek charge to the
  • Front,
  • Right,
  • Left:
  • Reer,
  Cheek as you were.

• Trail your Pikes, from your Trail charge to the
  • Front,
  • Right,
  • Left,
  • Reer,
  Trail as you were.

• Order your Pikes,
• Lay down your Pikes.

Here is to be observed by this Method an endeavouring to perform all the po­stures of the Pike, from each particular posture, only shortning it by degrees, leaving out what was before commanded until we come unto the Trial. 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 answerableness 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 Bandiliers,

• Take up your Match,
• Place your Match,

• Take up your Rest,
• Put the string of your Rest about your left wrist,

• Take up your Musket,
• Rest your Musket.

Here the Souldier may perform the saluting posture, if he shall find any occasion so to do, for the honouring of a friend, or any Gentleman of worth.

• Poyse your Musket,
• Shoulder your Musket,

• Un-shoulder your Musket and Poyse,
• Joyn 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.

• Find out your charge,
• Open your charge,
• Charge with powder,

• [Page 4]Draw forth your Scouring-stick,
• Turn and shorten him to an Inch,

• Put your scouring-stick into your musket
• Ram home your charge,

• With-draw your scouring-stick,
• Turn, and shorten him to a handful,
• 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 Coal,

• Cock Your Match,
• Fit Your Match,

• Guard your Pan,
• Blow the ashes from your Coal,

• Open your Pan,
• Present upon your Rest,
• Give fire brest-high,

• Dismount your Musket, joyning the Rest to the outside of your Musket.
• Vn-cock and return your Match,

• Cleer 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,
• The Musket being shouldered, you may proceed in these words of command, to recover the Rest into the right hand.
  Lay your left arm over your musket,

• 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,
  • Order,
  • Close Order,

• From your close Order charge to the Horse,
  • Front
  • Right
  • Left
  • Reer
  Recover your Pikes, and put up your Swords,

• Advance your Pikes, Charge to the Front.
• Port your Pikes, Charge to the Front.

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

• Cheeke your Pikes, Charge to the Reer.
• Trail your Pikes, Charge to the Reer.

[Page 5]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 Funeral 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 & 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 four 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, until the butt-end rest upon the ground; then laying his right arm over it, he stands in an ill-favour'd lazie 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 find out such postures as these of himself, if not prevented by the discretion of the careful Officers; for upon a Stand, the Souldiers properest posture is to Order his Pike. And thus much in brief concerning the postures of the Pike.

CHAP. VI. The Postures of the Musket collected in a brief 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 answer­ableness 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,

• 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 side, with the barrel upwards,
• 6 Trail your Rest, and ballance your mus­ket on the left side with the barrel downwards,
• 7 Recover your musket, and perform your Sentinel-posture.
• 8 From this perform your funeral-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 Arms again, observing the former Rule, where the postures 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 Armes.

The butt-end of the musket standing, or resting on the ground, at the outside of 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 funeral-posture) to the Pike trailing.

The musket rested, to the pike cheeked; which is his proper sentinel-posture.

The musket presented; to the pike charged.

As for the motions of posture, which conduce to the lading and priming of the [Page 6] musket, as to cast about, trail, recover, and the like; they are all included in that general word of Command, properly to the muskettiers belonging, which is to make ready.

Now, methinks, I hear some ingenious Souldier begin to ask me, What are 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 use of Ordering the Pike.THe Pike being ordered is the proper posture of a Souldier upon a stand, which he ought ever to mind 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 sentinel.

The use of Advance­ing the Pike.The Pike advanced, is useful for the Souldier upon a Troop, when they are to march swiftly, either for the relieving of some Court of Guard, or to repair to their place of Randezvous, or upon some sudden 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 useful in the time of exercise to the half-files and bringers up, upon any doubling to the Front, for then they are always 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 conform in posture to the part doubled.

The use of Porting.The use of Porting was invented for the ease of the reer half-files, upon a charge; for the front half-files are only for to charge; the reer half-files in the mean time are to port. It is likewise very useful 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 use of shouldering the pike is only properest upon the march, & in some kind very useful upon a stand in time of Fight, provided they are at convenient distance from the Enemy. For it much preserveth the pikes and pike-men 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 carry them.

The use of Comport­ing.The comporting of the Pike is only useful to the souldier marching up a hill; for if then he should be shouldered, the butt-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 wind, 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 use of Trailing.The Trailing of the Pike is seldom used, but when the souldier shall march straight 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 butt-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 himself, but as neer each other as possible they can march, for more security sake; that when they are clear, they may find each other, and be in a condition to rally up again, 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 use of CheekingThe cheeking of the Pike is the proper sentinel-posture, and then to be used.

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

I Conceive it will not be material to go over every posture of the musket, to de­scribe the use of them, in respect the greater part of them have conformity to the Pike. Those that shall remain, and of the chiefest consequence, I shall not be wanting to satisfie the souldier in.

[Page 7]The ballancing the musket, and rest, on the right side, The use of ballancing the Musket on the right side. with the barrel upward, is one of the chiefest postures belonging to the musket; from thence he begins to make ready, as to open, clear, and prime the pan, all being motions to this posture.

To traile the rest, and ballance the musket on the left side with the barrel downward, is a posture likewise of as great consequence; The use of ballancing the Musket on the left side. for there are several motions belonging also to this posture, as to find 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 again.

CHAP. X. The manner and way to do the Funeral-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 your musket upon the rest, so high, until the fork of the rest be within a handful of the cock; after you must bring your right hand under the barrel 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 arm, with the barrel downwards, bearing the butt-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 self, bring your right hand backward, and there take hold of the musket, keeping still your left hand in its first place, until you shall reduce him to the Rest again.

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

THe Souldier now having obtained some pretty knowledge, skill, and ready aptness in the managing and performing the postures, begins to look about himself what next is needful for to fasten upon, to make a further progress 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 attain 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-dayes our Files being drawn up six deep, makes me altoge­ther [Page 8] 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 retain, 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 conform to the Dignities of the Captains, as they are drawn up abrest all in a Regiment. Now for as much as many Regiments consist of several numbers of Captains, 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 self, but for every souldier that will be truly knowing, to be resolved herein concerning those se­veral numbers; and as occasion shall alter to any other, they may inform 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, ever ho­ping from my fellow-souldiers a favourable censure of my good meaning to them and to my Country, for to imploy that little talent which lately my endeavours have obtained 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 abrest, and twelve deep. Secondly, ten abrest, and ten deep. Thirdly, eight abrest, and eight deep. And lastly, six abrest, and six deep: wherein every ingenious soul­dier shall easily know his particular 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 exprest, 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 several 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 self a little farther therein; and to afford us some reasons to confirm and back the same, that it may clearly appear to our judgments the truth thereof, and that we may sit down and rest our selves with fullest satisfacti­on therein. To answer, methinks it should be strange to make denial here to the modest desire of any ingenious souldier, and clear 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 four in a File eight deep.

THat which gives most life for the true explaining of the former Table is, to shew the several places of Honour and Dignity of the Captains, how they are drawn up abrest all in a Regiment. Be pleased therefore to go along with me, and you shall understand that the Colonel hath the first place of honour, as being Commander in chief, whose Company stands upon the right, which makes the fi­gure (1). The second place of honour in the Regiment is the Lieutenant-Colonel, whose Company is drawn up upon the left, as being the outmost there, and is de­scribed [Page 9] by the figure (2). The third place of honour is the Majors Company, which is drawn up upon the right of the left half 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 half 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 aim and state his Battail, as that he makes his Front equivalent in worth, strength, and dignity to that of the Reer, and with equal proportion of number; and in like manner so to order his right half Ranks, as that they may carry an equal ballance in worth, number and dignity with the left half Ranks. Now therefore to begin to make some trial or experiment here­in, by examining the first worth with the fourth, and that will make the number (5) and then put to trial 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 judgment of any discreet souldier a true and equal proportion, the Front with the Reer, the right half Ranks sutable to the left half 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 places of the second four, 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 general 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 equal in number, strength, and dignity. And therefore he draws up the third and fourth Captain between the Colonels Company and the eldest Captain, which makes their number (13) and in like manner he draws the second Captain and the youngest Captain between the Lieutenant-Colonels Company and the Majors, whose number likewise carries equal proportion to be (13). Now if you please to examine the whole number of the right half Ranks, and that makes (18) make trial likewise of the left half Ranks, in casting up of his accompt, and you shall find the same proportion of number as is clearly set forth within the Table, both of Ranks and Files; for as the honour of every souldier stands in the Rank, you will find the same to stand so in the File.

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

TO give you farther satisfaction, and Reasons for the placing of the second four, in respect it is contrary to the Rule and Judgment of some Souldiers, therefore farther observe with me this, When a Regiment is drawn up in the true Order of a Regimental way, there, is as before expressed, two bodies, or stands of Pikes, flanked with Muskettiers; and it is the Office of every Major to give forth in writing notes of paper unto every Captain, and Lieutenant, where their place shall be upon a Stand, and where upon a March, that he may with more readiness 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 practice 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 Captains, is first unto the eldest, who alwayes leads the Colonels Colours, or first grand Di­vision of Pikes, which is the greatest honour that can be appointed out unto the Captains, and therefore most properest and due to him as being eldest: If so, as [Page 10] that it is then generally granted, that the leading of the Colonels Colours, or the first body or stand of Pikes in the Colonels 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 half Ranks, for there he aptly stands to fall in, to lead the Lieutenant-Colonels 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 half Ranks likewise, who carries the number (8) and that will make up an equal 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 half rank.

CHAP. XV. Reasons given for the last Table of every particular 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 particular places of Honour and Dignity as they stand both in Rank and File. It further now remains to speak somewhat of the rest, and therefore I shall go downward, cleering still the first four places of honour; which being rightly understood, the rest will naturally fall into the capacity of any in­genious souldier. Therefore further pray observe with me this again in exami­ning of the sutableness and equal 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 self 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 half Ranks, as being the second Captain, whose pro­per place, as I said before, is to lead the Lieutenant-Colonels 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 cleer, between the Colonel 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 equal proportion here? Your right half Ranks, with your left, as you have so formerly stated them; your right half Ranks carrieth or exceedeth one more in number then your left half Ranks doth; and where we find 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 abrest, you will find in the left half Rank two Field-Officers, whose Companies are the greater then any private Captains; certainly, they must needs countervail with any number of men with the right half Ranks; for although the Colonels Com­pany is, or ought ever to be the greatest, yet there is no more Field-Officers, but himself in his Division. And again, secondly, where there cannot be an equal dividing of number (as here you will find it of six abrest, or six deep) but that there will fall out some odd, either on the right half Ranks, or on the left; and likewise the same either in the Front half files, or Reer half files, as by example in the trial you will easily find, by casting up the whole number as they stand a­brest, 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, [Page 11] 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 walk along with the Lieutenant-Colonel, taking his due place of honour in his Division, as the first shall do by marching with his Colonel; And thus much shall suffice to be spoken of the last Table.

CHAP. XVI. Reasons likewise to be given for the Table 12 abrest, 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 equal ballance throughout the battel, that his Front carry with it an equal 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 to 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 & dignity of the right half Ranks, & you shall quick­ly perceive them to carry a like proportion of number and worth with the left. To make it a little more clear unto those that shall desire to be more satisfied herein, you may take notice, and observe a true qualification throughout the whole rank. As first, begin with the Colonel, who is the chiefest man of honour in the Regiment; and next to him is placed the ninth or youngest Captain, to qualifie his dignity, and makes his number (13). The Lieutenant-Colonel being the second man of ho­nour, hath placed to him the eighth, which qualifies him in like manner to the Colonel, 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 needful for to know, in respect that there are many Regiments which do consist of twelve Companies; and when in course, as in the sequel 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 abrest: And now I shall come to speak or to touch a little of a Rank ten abrest, and a File ten deep.

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

WHat hath been formerly declared concerning a Rank twelve abrest, 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 find the Dignity of places ten abrest. For walking by the same way and rule of exa­mination, and you will find 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.

[Page 12]But for as much that in this Range of ten abrest, 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 Arithmetical way. But I have no desire to fill this subject with plenty of unprofitable words and frothy flourishes, but rather driving really in a souldierly way, to make all things both plain and easie to every courteous Reader that shall be pleased for to peruse the same. And therefore, here for present, I shall conclude, what more might here be spoken by Dignities of Ranks and Files, leaving what shall remain until 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 several uses.

HAving thus now passed over several 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 joyn the Files into a Body, to satisfie the souldier of each particular Distance, with the seve­ral 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. Yet I must confess 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 nevertheless, 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 Facings, some other with Doublings, others with Counter-marches and with Wheelings. Yet nevertheless, 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 go through­out all parts of the Military exercise of Foot, and therefore will go 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 self, is no Motion; but there are several motions to the attaining of each particular Distance, both in length and depth. Therefore briefly thus: Distance is a place or interval of ground between every particular File and File, and betwixt every Rank and Rank as they stand, and at­tained by the several motions of Ranks and Files, and consisting of several pro­portions of ground, as easily may be understood by their several words of com­mand as they follow.

CHAP. XIX. The several sorts of Distances which are fit and proper for the Souldier to be exercised in.

• CLosest Order, Which is both in Rank and File Half a foot,
• Close Order, Which is both in Rank and File One foot and half,
• Order, Which is both in Rank and File Three foot,
• Open Order, Which is both in Rank and File Six foot,
• Double Distance, Which is both in Rank and File Twelve foot,
• Twice double Distance, Which is both in Rank and File Twenty four foot.

Having thus set down every Distance with their several proportions of ground, I shall next proceed to the words of command to the opening of the Ranks and Files from their closest Order, and after satisfie the Souldier with Reasons, and the uses of every particular Distance, as they go along in order.

CHAP. XX. Words of Command for the opening of Ranks and Files to all their Distances, with their closings again.

THe Commander craving silence, and that they be commanded to close Ranks and Files to their closest Order, the words of command for Distances are as fol­loweth,

• Files open to the right, to your Close Order,
• Ranks open backward to your Close Order,
• Files open to the left, to your Order,
• Ranks open backward to your Order,
• Files open to the right and left to your Open Order,
• Ranks open backward to your Open Order,
• Files open to the left, to your Double Distance,
• Ranks open backward to your Double Distance,
• Files open from the midst, to Twice double Distance.
• Ranks open backward to Twice double Distance.

The Ranks and Files being thus opened unto their twice double Distance from their closest Order, I conceive it to be a more souldierly-like way in the Opening and Closing of Files, that the discretion of the Commander do vary, and alter the hand in the commanding of them, then alwayes from every Distance to tie him­self to any particular hand; as to open to the right, and close to the right. But as concerning the opening of Ranks, the properest way in my judgment is to open them alwayes 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 half-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 con­veniency of their closing, then to the Reer. For then, again, they must perform a half- facing, which is not only unhandsome, but troublesome to the souldier. All that can be said 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 confirm the same, and therefore will pass over it, and come to close our Ranks and Files to such Distance, from whence they first were opened.

• Files close to the right and left inward, to Double Distance.
• Ranks close forwards, to Double Distance.
• Files close to the right, to your Open Order,
• Ranks close forwards to your Open Order,
• Files close into the midst to your Order,
• Ranks close forwards to your Order,
• Files close to the left to your Close Order,
• Ranks close forwards to your Close Order,
• Files close to the right to your Closest Order.
• Ranks close forwards to your Closest Order.

Concerning the words of Command for Distances, in the openings and closings of Ranks and Files, what before is set down, may be sufficient for any souldier to use in time of his exercise: But now it will be expected to give some reasons for every one of these, to shew them in their proper uses.

CHAP. XXI. The use of each particular 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 particulars; as first, Charging against the Horse, for that the Ranks then clapping in their left legs behind their Leaders right, locking [Page 14] themselves so firm 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 useful 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, many times a Captain may have just occasion to ex­press himself unto his Company; and being at so close a Distance, they may more aptly hear his words, and obey his Commands. 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 have been spo­ken of the closest Order; only here the souldier hath a little more liberty in the handling of his 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 alwayes 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 useful at such a 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 useful, 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 the 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 interval 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 thin, they may be much preserved from danger: it is likewise very good for Inversion, and Conversion.

You may take notice of these brief 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 alwayes 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-wise 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 alwayes to stand, the rest are to move either opening or closing, according as is commanded; alwayes 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 dignity of places in a File, and words of Command made known unto the souldier for their several distances; It next followeth to shew the joyning of Files, and drawing up a Company; where first pray mind at such times when the Drums are beating about the Quarters, and in several places make 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 [Page 15] 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 Ensign, 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 special care must be had in placing deserving men to be there. Now it is, or ought to be the discretion of every Lieutenant, and Ensign, (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 particular duties, as to carry equal pains 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 helpt by the advice of their Lieutenant,) and the other to draw forth the Files of Pikes, being assisted in counsel by their Ensign: 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 fix 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 joyn 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 until such time they shall perceive that in both Arms they are compleat: There are likewise several places of honour that the Serjeants ought to take notice of, and to be informed of placing of men of worth and desert in both Arms, 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 Arms apart by themselves, and have figured forth unto them the four chief places of honour in both Arms. It concerns them therefore very much to mind 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 think 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 Arms; and to be careful to place good souldiers in the Reer, and such who may be able souldiers for half-File-leaders, because there may be much occasion by Doublings to bring them up for to assist the Front.

Thus much, I do confess, may be sufficient for the present to give directions to the Serjeants for the 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 [Page 16] them and the Drums, where their places are upon a stand, and where to be put 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 sometimes it doth, for a Company to be very large, as in a Colonels, why then they may have just cause to have four Serjeants, as I have thus placed them. But here again it will be expected of divers Souldiers to shew some Reasons for the placing of the Serjeants being thus drawn up and upon a stand; which I shall endeavour fully to do, after I have set down where their places are upon a march. Now be­fore we shall come to treat of the Company upon their long march, the Captain perceiving for his most conveniency of marching in the street or in a lane, that it will be convenient to divide his Muskettiers into equal divisions for their march, and therefore, according to this number here set down, they may be divided into four 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 of 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 Ensigne: 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 Reer-guard, and the third Ser­jeant to lead the last division of Muskettiers, the Lieutenant bringing up the Reer; and Drums commanded to fall in behind 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 here you see.

CHAP. XXIII. Several 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 chief, his discretion is to ballance the Officers as near as he can with equal dignity and worth, his Front pro­portionally with the Reer. To which purpose he takes unto himself 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 elsewhere, ac­cording unto the discretion of the Captain, to fulfil 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 [Page 17] 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; and the second Serjeant he is appointed to stand on the right Angle of the Reer, to make them equal 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 alike the same number. So that it is clearly 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 forth unto the Serje­ants, the first only excepted; and upon a stand, when they shall lead up their Divisions, every Serjeant is to betake him unto his place, as they were at first placed, and to continue there until such time they shall receive further order from their Captain. Thus much, I conceive, may give satisfaction unto the dis­creet Souldier in these particulars, leaving them liberty to judge according unto their own best thoughts, while we endeavour to draw up our Divisions all abrest 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 intervals for the Drums, to beat two abrest, 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 abrest, provided he have ground sufficient for the same. And being far more graceful so to do, then to march them stragling upon a long march, for it doth represent in some kind 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 abrest, 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 set 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 abrest. 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 commands; 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 abrest, 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 abrest, and after they may return to their places again.

[Page 18]But here, methinks, 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 eldest Serjeant ra­ther 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 near 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 himself; 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 Subdivision of Pikes. And besides that, it is proper­est for his place to be upon the left, when they are all drawn up upon a brest, for these two reasons; as first, he is thereupon in readiness 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 engage against an Enemy, and the Forlorns to be drawn forth, equally alike 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 helpful to him, and attending after for further order from his Cap­tain, to send him relief by the second Serjeant, as occasion shall require. So that in my judgement, take it either upon the long March, or otherwise, when drawn all up even abrest, 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 March, every Division ought to have his Drums 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 abrest 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 self in this Discourse of placing of the Serjeants, then I at first intended; but meeting many times with several Souldiers, desiring satisfaction in every one of these particu­lars, I shall perhaps undergo here the hard censure of some, for this my tedious Discourse; but such others which desire to be knowing herein, I hope they will have a more favourable opinion of my good meaning unto them. And here I shall conclude for the present, concerning the particular places of the Serjeants in every private Company; 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 hear what follows.

CHAP. XXIV. A Description of a Body of men throughout, with all their several parts and kinds.

IT is very necessary knowledge to every particular Souldier, to be acquainted throughout with all the parts of a Body of men drawn up, with their se­veral extents and bounds, and with the true understanding of the same. [Page 19] 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 outmost man upon the left, unto the outmost 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 custom of the Swedes and the French, and altogether now the practice 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 there is a Length and Depth of the Battail: and of every one of these in their several kinds. They have their particular 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 their 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 outmost File upon the right, where always ought, by the way, to be very able Souldiers placed, because they first give onset, 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 outmost 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 farther 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 outmost part of the left Flank, until 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 outmost man upon the left, unto the outmost man upon the right.

The right half-Ranks in their Length runneth no farther, then from the out­most 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 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 outmost 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 [Page 20] 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 outmost point of the left Flank, or left-hand File-leader, stretching it self forth by an even Line along, until 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 along 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 days, 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 motions in Forlorns, to engage 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 and 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, and understood by the inferior Officers and Souldiers; which will cause them more readily to obey his commands. He ought to carry a chearful counte­nance unto them, provided they do well; but otherwise, if carelesly disregard­ing 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 clearly 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 too 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 extravagant­ly carried away upon any other Subject, for fear he be out; but if any such thing should happen through forgetfulness, 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 sometimes 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 toyes; but yet sometimes, to please the fancy 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 [Page 21] is a very necessary thing likewise that a Leader sometimes do acquaint the Soul­diers of the use of their several Distances, Facings, Doublings, Counter-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 sometimes ordered, to very lit­tle purpose. He must be very careful 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 mind their several 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 alike 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 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 sometimes quickly run over in advising of the Souldiers, that they should ever mind when they are first drawn up into a body these parti­cular places, they would not stand so carelessy and so ignorantly in a Body, as many times they do, not knowing which way to move without a great deal 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 Souldier to be ac­quainted with the same.

Yet it is not only sufficient that the Souldiers do mind 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 helpful unto their fellow-Souldiers, by pointing out unto them with signs with the hand, where they should march, to perform what was before com­manded, and to be very civil and orderly in their carriage to each other, and to mind 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 sometimes may hap­pen) slip out of order, as by the mistaking of a hand or the like, yet nevertheless it should be their modest care, if not prevented by their Leader, to be ready to execute what they conceive he intended; and walking along in this civil 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 several kinds, 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, [Page 22] left, 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 always 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 Centre of his left foot by wheeling, until he hath brought his Aspect 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 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, nevertheless 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 form 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 kind or other to them all for to be used. There is likewise farther to be understood, that there are Entire-Facings and di­visional. Entire Facings are when they turn their Aspects all one way: Divisio­nal Facings are when they divert or turn their faces several ways, as to the Front, Reer, and both Flanks, all at one instant of time as shall be commanded.

There are likewise facings to the Front and Reer Angles, that is to say, of their outward and inward Angles. Outward Angles are when they are commanded to face to the right Angle or to the left, or both facing to the inward Angles, as when they are commanded so, as to face to the inward Angles towards the midst of Files. There is likewise facing to the inward Angles towards the midst of Ranks as to the Center; where note, when there is any use of these Facings unto the inward Angles, it is occasioned by some former words of command, that hath made some large intervals 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 useful, when the Captain or Leader hath any thing of importance to speak unto the Company; they standing at close order, he may side-wise 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 chuse 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 tye themselves up so as not to begin in their Exercise to command Facings, until 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 chuse upon such close Distances to face, that they may know the true use of them, and at such times when they want ground that the other mo­tions cannot be performed.

CHAP. XXVIII. The words of Command for Facings.

Face to the

• RIght,
• Left,
• To both Flanks,
• Right about,
• Left about,
• To Front and Reer,
• Midst of Files,
• Midst of Ranks,
• Right Angle,
• Left Angle,
• Outward Angles in the Front,
• Inward Angles in the Front,
• Right Angle in the Reer,
• Left Angle in the Reer,
• Outward Angles in the Reer,
• Inward Angles in the Reer,
• Inward Angles of the right Flank,
• Inward Angles of the left Flank,
• Outward Angles both of Front and Reer,
• Inward Angles both of Front and Reer,
• Inward Angles of both the Flanks to the Center,
• Front, Reer and both Flanks from the Center,
• To the outward Angles of Front and Reer from the Center,

As you were, or, To your Leader.

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 four 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 Facings, to have shewn several figures of Battail that might be produced and drawn forth, affording much variety of forms and number, and with much ease to be performed upon their several marchings, according as they are ordered to face, which might be very useful for service, and affording much matter for any particular Exercise, to use several firings upon the same. But I shall have occasi­on in another place to make use of divers of them, and setting them forth in the view, when I shall begin to set down in any particular 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 practice of any Commander, to make use of according unto his own discretion.

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 Battail is doubled by the doublings of Ranks and half-Files; and the Depth of the Battail is doubled by the doubling of Files, and of the half-Ranks. Now there are several 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 [Page 24] 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 particular place. Again, double Ranks to any hand entire or double, the Front by the half-Files to the right entire, 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 fail 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 ensue upon the same, if not timely prevented by the discretion of the Commanders.

There is likewise in the doubling of 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 entire, 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 Front too narrow, lest we give opportunity to the Enemy to encircle, and encompass 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 Depth, it is to be performed by one of these two, either entire, or divisional Doublings: therefore I shall proceed, and go on to shew what I conceive to be the properest way in the progress 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 entire Doublings, and next of the divisional; and in the mean time, I shall crave pardon from the courteous Souldier, that I put not down several Pricks or Figures to set forth the same, endeavouring rather to give him the words of Command for each parti­cular Doubling, with directions for performance of the same, together with their several Reducements, leaving it to his ingenious study and practice, to make use of what he pleaseth, where he may cull and chuse out such as shall be conve­nient and fit, either for service or delight; by the way advising him to retain 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 Entire 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, and 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.

[Page 25] 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 and 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 forward 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 entire.

Direction. Every even Rank from the Front face to the right, march forth, and double the odd.

Reducement. Right half-Ranks double your left Flank; or, Ranks as you were.

Command. Double your Ranks to the left entire.

Direction. Every even Rank from the Front, face to the left, march forth, and double the odd.

Reducement. Left half-Ranks double your right-Flank; or, Ranks as you were.

Command Double your Ranks inward entire.

Direction. Every even Rank from the Reer, move away outward until you be clear of the standing part; and after every even Rank from the Front, move for­wards, and double the odd.

Reducement. The inmost Files double your Flanks to the right and left out­ward, and after close.

Command. Double your Ranks to the right entire, 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 outside of your right-hand-men, and double the odd Ranks.

[Page 26] Reducement. Right half-Ranks double your left-Flank, every man placing himself on the inside of his left-hand-man.

Command. Double your Ranks to the left entire, 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 outside of your left-hand-men.

Reducement. Left half-Ranks double your right-Flank, every man placing him­self on the inside of his right-hand-man.

Command. Half-files double your Front to the right entire.

Direction. Half-files face to the right, and march clear of the standing part; af­ter face to your Leader, move up even abrest, and double the Front.

Reducement. Right half-Ranks double entire the Depth of your left-Flank.

Command. Half-files double your Front to the left entire.

Direction. Half-files face to the left, and march clear of the standing part, after face to your Leader, march up, and even the Front.

Reducement. Left half-Ranks double entire the Depth of your right Flank.

Command. Half-files double your Front inward entire.

Direction. Front half-Files face outwards, and march clear of the standing part: facing after to their Leader, the Reer half-Files may move up, and double the Front.

Reducement. The inmost Files double entire the Depth of the outmost 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 chuse as many of them, as he shall think fit, being all entire Doublings to the Front. Next follows to shew some Di­visional Doublings to the same.

CHAP. XXXI. Divisional 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 outmost Files upon each Flank that moved, face inward, march in and strengthen the Body.

Command. Double your Ranks to the right and left by Division, every man placing himself on the outside of his right and left-hand-man.

Direction. Every even Rank from the Front, move forth to the right and left outward, and double the odd, placing your selves on the outside of your right and left-hand-men.

Reducement. The outmost Files upon each Flank that moved, double the in­most Files to the right and left inward, every man placing himself on the inside of his right and left-hand-man.

Command. Half-files double your Front by Division.

Direction. Half-files face outwards, and march clear of the standing part: after face to your Leader, move up even abrest, and double the Front.

Reducement. The outmost Files upon each Flank that moved, double entire the Depth of the inmost Files.

CHAP. XXXII. Entire Doublings to the Front by Wheelings.

Command. WHeel off your Reer half-Files, and double your Front to the right entire.

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 en­tire to the left. Face outward, and right half-Ranks wheel about to the right, moving forward until they range even abrest with their left Flank; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel off your Reer half-Files, and double your Front to the left entire.

[Page 27] Direction. Half-files face to the Reer, and wheele about to the right, move for­wards, and double the Front to the left entire.

Reducement. Wheele off your left half-Ranks, and double your right Flank entire to the right. Face outward left half-Ranks, wheel about to the left, and move forward until you have doubled the right Flank, to your Leader.

Command. Wheel your Reer half-files inward into the midst, and double your Front inward entire.

Direction. Front-half-files open from the midst, until 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 until you have doubled the Front.

Reducem nt. The inmost Files that doubled, The inmost Files must have distance from the outmost Files, before they can begin to wheel. wheel about to the right and left outward, and double entire the Depth of the outmost Files, after face to your Leader, and close Files to the midst to Order.

CHAP. XXXIII. A divisional 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 outmost Files upon each Flank that doubled, wheel about to the right and left inward, Here likewise must convenient di­stance be given from the midst, for the outmost Files to wheel about. and double entire the Depth of the inmost Files, face to your Leader.

Here endeth the Doublings that properly belong unto the Front according to the practise of these times, whether they be Entire or Divisional, and of their several kinds; as first, take them of themselves in the plain way, after by Coun­ter-marches, as by the Bringers-up. Lastly, by Wheelings, and that first by En­tire, after by Divisional. 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 several uses for service, at one time or another, and then proceed to shew the use of the several Doublings to the Flanks, and next to the Reer, which in this place I hold needless 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. Entire 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.

[Page 28] 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 entire; 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 until you have doubled the right Flank to your Leader.

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

Command. Left half-Ranks double your right Flank to the right by Counter-march.

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 entire, every man placing himself on the outside of his left-hand-man.

Command. Left half-Ranks double your right Flank to your left by Counter-march.

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 entire to the Reer, every man placing himself on the outside 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 Counter-march.

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 until you have doubled the right Flank to the right and left outward; face to your Leader.

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

Command. Left half-Ranks double your right-Flank to the right and left in­ward, by Counter-march.

[Page 29] Direction. Face all to the right and left outward, left half-Ranks turn off to the right and left inward, move forward until you have doubled the right Flank; face to your Leader.

Reducement. Front and Reer half Files double your Ranks entire to the left-Flank, every man placing himself on the outside 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 outside of your right-hand-men, and every even Rank from the Front move forth, and double the odd, placing your selves on the outside of your left-hand men; face to your Leader.

Command. Double your Files to the right entire advancing.

Direction. Every even File from the right, move straight forth until 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 entire.

Direction. Every even File from the right face about, move down until you are clear 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 entire to the right.

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

Reducement. The three first, and the three last Ranks double the six middle­most 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 entire advancing, every man placing himself before his Leader.

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

Reducement. Front half-Files by Counter-march 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 entire advancing.

Direction. Left half-Ranks march straight forth, until you are clear 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 entire, face to the left, and move clear of the standing part, after face to the Reer, move down, and even the Reer; face to your Leader.

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

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

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

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

Direction. Half-files of the right half-Ranks face to the Reer, right half-Ranks move forward until you are clear of the standing part, face all to the right, and left half-Ranks move forwards, and double the right-Flank; face to your Leader.

[Page 30] Reducement. The three first, and the three last Ranks double the six middle­most Ranks entire to the right-Flank; the three first, and the three last Ranks face to the right, and march untill you are clear of the standing part, after face inward; march, and close your Divisions, and face to your Leader.

CHAP. XXXV. Divisional 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 clear 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 three middle­most 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 himself before his Leader, and Bringer-up; face to your Leader.

Reducement. The three first, and the three last Ranks, double the six middle­most Ranks to the left, every man placing himself before his Leader, and his Bringer-up; the three first Ranks face about to the left, and move down to the midst of Rrnks 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 clear of the standing part; after face all to the right-Flank, the left half-Ranks moving forward, until they have ranged even abrest with the right-Flank; face to your Leader.

Reducement. The three first, and the three last Ranks, double the six middle­most Ranks entire to the left-Flank; the three first, and the three last Ranks, face to the left-Flank, and move clear of the standing part, after face inward, march and close your Division; face to your Leader.

CHAP. XXXVI. Entire Doublings to right Flank by Wheeling.

Command. WHeel off your left half-Ranks, and double your right Flank en­tire to the right.

Direction. Face outward, and left half-Ranks wheel about to the left, and move forward until you have doubled the right Flank entire to the right; face to your Leader.

Reducement. Wheel off your Reer half-Files, and double your Front to the left entire; half-Files face to the Reer, and wheel about to the right, and march forwards until you have ranged your selves even with the Front.

Command. Wheel off your left half-Ranks, and double your right Flank en­tire to the left.

Direction. Face outward left half-Ranks, wheel about to the right, & move for­ward until you have doubled the right flank entire to the left; face to your Leader.

Reducement. Wheel off your Front half-Files, and double your Reer to the right entire; 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 entire.

Direction. Half-files of the right half-Ranks face about, right half-Ranks move clear 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 until they have doubled the right Flank inward entire; to your Leader.

[Page 31] Reducement. In wheeling the six middle Ranks from the right Flank, they must have ground sufficient for them to wheel about. Wheel off from the right Flank the six middlemost Ranks, and double your Front and Reer entire to the left Flank: the six middle-Ranks face to the right, and wheel about to the right and left, moving forward until they are clear 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 middlemost Files to wheel off to the right and left, and to double entire the depth of the outmost Files, then face to their Leader, and close their Divisions.

CHAP. XXXVII. A Divisional 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 wheel off to the right and left about, and move forward until 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 middlemost Ranks entire 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 out­most Files too that doubled to wheel about to the right and left inward, and double entire the Depth of the inmost Files, to your Leader.

Here endeth all the plain Doublings to the right Flank, performed by several Counter-marches 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 several kinds of Doublings, which if any shall seem hard or difficult unto thee, either in their Commands, Directions, or Reducements, thou mayst (care being taken) with much ease and delight per­form the same. And here the Captain is to take special notice, when he comes to the point of Doublings, that his properest way 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 Command, the ripeness and curiosity of Wits in these our days, enfor­ced me unto it; for they having much refined the Military Discipline, will not be pleased with ordinary stuff (as to say, As you were) which, I confess, 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 find out some other words of Command to reduce them again. Endeavouring therefore to give full satisfaction to both parties, I have taken the pains to set down other words of Command for Reducement, whereby those which shall profess themselves curious, may cull out such plenty as may best please their genius; advising them withal 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 several Commands, Directions, and Reducements before men­tioned; which being obtained, they may confidently and boldly proceed, so to inure their Souldiers in the practise thereof, that their own knowledge in a short time will reduce them to their former places without using these thred-bare words, As you were; variety being more profitable and delightful unto them, (provided they understand it) then to accustom them in an ordinary and plain way of reducing.

[Page 32]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 private Meetings, or in those great Nurseries of Military Discipline, the famous Academies of this our Island, the Ar­tillery and Military Gardens, who for Field-service have train'd up, and sent forth many worthy, able and 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 not at such time they have had no occasion for to use them all; which if not, must they be rejected? I an­swer positively, that being rightly enquired into, they have in them very useful 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 sigular good use for our advantage, and very dis­advantageous to the Enemy. The like may be spoken of the Pikes, who are by several 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 preserved 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 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 shewen, and to frame them suitable 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 command will bring any men in the Body to fight, unto that part which shall 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 several kinds of Doublings, out of which he may make singular good use according to his discretion, at all such times as need shall require, whether it be in Field, or otherwise in Garrison.

CHAP. XXXVIII. Of Inversion and Conversion.

NOt to omit any thing which may be beneficial for the knowledge of all them that intend to be good proficients in the 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 seldom 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 entire to the Front; or Files to rank in the like kind, 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 puzzle them with the words Inversion & Conversion. I intend therefore without [Page 33] curiosity plainly to set down their several Commands, Directions, and Reduce­ments, keeping my former method concerning Doublings. For in all and every one of them, they do either double the length or depth of the Front, Reer, Midst, or Flanks; no part of the Military Exercise affording more plenty of matter then they, carrying always along with them many things of excellent use. For exam­ple, suppose a Prince, General, 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 outward, which immediately 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 Funeral-occasions, or taking their leave from their Captain, where they may pour forth their Volleys 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 he that is an able posture-man standing in the midst, may shew unto them their several 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 useful for the making of a Line against a Breast-work, or lining of Hedges, carrying it self several ways secretly to lie in Ambuscado, whereby they may fire upon the Enemy as he marcheth by. Or approaching 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 Intervals, they much preserve them­selves from the danger of the great shot proceeding from the Enemy. Again, Ranks ranking either in equal or unequal parts, is of singular good use upon a narrow passage, where they can march but two, three, four, or six abrest; the Com­mander, notwithstanding they marched before twenty abrest, may by it bring them to such small numbers, whereby he may much preserve them in time of im­minent danger and peril. To dwell no longer upon this discourse, Inversion and Conversion many times require 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 he 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 abrest, and six deep.

Command. RAnks, rank to the right 2, 3, 4, or 6, as occasion shall require.

Direction. If to two, the two outmost men upon the right are to move away, the next two to fall behind them until the first Rank hath made six Ranks, and the rest doing the like until the first six Ranks are become thirty six.

Reducement. Ranks, rank twelve to the left; the first Rank is to stand, the rest are to move away two and two, until they have made up twelve in one Rank, and the rest are to do the like until they are made up all again as at first; or, com­mand, Ranks, rank as you were. The same rule is to be observed if you rank to any of the other numbers, to divide them accordingly.

Command. Ranks, rank three to the left.

[Page 39] Direction. The first three men upon the left are to move away, the next three are to fall in behind toward the left, until the first Rank have made four Ranks; the rest are to do the like, until 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, until they have made twelve in one Rank; the rest are to do the like, until 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 outmost men of the first Rank upon the right, and the three outmost 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, until 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 self successively to the right, until 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.

Command. Ranks, rank intire to the left into the Front.

Direction. The first Rank stand, the rest face to the left, and move until they have successively placed themselves, and made one intire Rank into the Front.

Reducement. Ranks, rank 12 to the right, the 12 outmost 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 middlemost men stand, the rest face inward, and move, ranking 12 successively behind 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, until 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. Ranks, file six to the left; the first six upon the left are to fall into a File, the rest doing the like, until you have made 12 Files, as at first: or com­mand, Ranks, 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 Files, and moving up successively, making one intire Rank.

Reducement. Ranks, file six to the right; the six outmost men upon the right are to fall into a File, the rest in like manner are to do the same: or, Ranks, file as you were.

Command. Files, rank outward into the Front.

Direction. Right and left Half-ranks close into the midst, to Close order; after move to the right and left outward, until they be come up into the Front.

Reducement. Ranks, file six to the right and left inward: the middle men are to stand, the rest are to move side-ways to the right and left inward, and to file as be­fore commanded; or, Ranks, file as you were.

Command. Files, rank inward into the Front.

[Page 35] Direction. Right and left Half-ranks open from the midst to twice double di­stance, and Files move up to the right and left entire into the Front.

Reducement. Ranks, file six to the right and left outward, the outmost 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 Countermarch.

Command. RAnks, rank entire into the Front, every man placing himself on the outside 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 outside of their right-hand-men.

Reducement. Ranks, rank twelve to the left, every man placing himself on the outside of his left-hand-man; the first twelve upon the left are to stand, the rest are successively to fall in behind the first Rank, placing themselves as before com­manded; or, Ranks, rank as you were, placing your selves on the outside of your left-hand-men.

Command. Ranks, rank entire to the left into the Front, every man placing himself on the outside of his left-hand-man.

Direction. The first Rank stand, the rest move away to the left successively, placing your selves on the outside of your left-hand-men.

Reducement. Ranks, rank twelve to the right, every man placing himself on the outside of his right-hand-man; or, Ranks, rank as you were, every man placing himself as before.

Command. Ranks, rank outward into the Front, every man placing himself on the outside 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 outside of his right and left-hand-man.

Reducement. Ranks, rank twelve to the right and left inward, every man placing himself on the inside of his right and left-hand-man; the twelve 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 twelve in Rank, and falling behind the first.

Command. Ranks, rank inward into the Front, every man placing himself on the inside 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 entire rank.

Reducement. Ranks, rank six to the right and left outward, every man placing himself on the outside 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. The Files are to be at double distance, and ranks at close a Order.

Direction. Face to the right, and wheel to the left, until they stand even abrest in one entire Rank in the Front.

Reducement. Ranks, 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 fixes 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, until they make all one en­tire Rank in the Front.

Reducement. Ranks, file six to the right by wheeling; face to the Reer, and the six outmost men upon the left, wheel to the left, the next six are to follow, and con­sequently all the rest, until they have made twelve Files as at the first, and after face to their Leader.

[Page 36] 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, until you are one entire Rank.

Reducement. Rank, file six to the right and left inward by wheeling, face about to the right; and the twelve middlemost men are to wheel to the right and left in­ward, and the rest are likewise to do the same by Sixes, until they have made themselves into twelve 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, until they are all in one Rank in the Front.

Reducement. Ranks, File six to the right and left outward, 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 the ranking into the Front, with all their several kinds: the Reer challengeth 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 please, 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.

They are to stand at Order in Rank and File. Command. RAnks, rank outward into the Front, Reer, and Midst.

Direction. The two last Ranks are to face about; the first Rank, 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, until they have ranked unto all these places, after face to the Front, and the last Rank moving f r ward to open Order.

Reducement. Ranks, rank twelve to the right and left inward; the last Rank face about, the twelve middlemost men of each Rank are to stand, the six outmost men of each Rank are to face inward, to move and fall into the right and left be­hind the middlemost 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 outmost 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.

Ranks ranking by Coun­termarch Command. Ranks, rank outward into the Front, Reer, and Midst, every man placing himself on the outside of his right and left-hand-man.

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 outside of their right and left-hand-men; face to your Leader.

Reducement. Ranks, rank twelve to the right and left inward, placing your [Page 37] selves on the inside of your right and left-hand-men, the last Rank face about, the twelve middlemost men in each Rank are to stand, and the outmost 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 inside 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 inside of his right and left-hand-man.

Direction. Right and left half-Ranks open from the midst to twice double di­stance, standing then 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 inside 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 himself on the outside of his right and left-hand-man, the last Rank face about, the six outmost men of each Rank stand, and the twelve middlemost men in each Rank are to divide themselves six to the right, and six to the left, falling in the Reer of the outmost men, placing themselves on the outside 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, 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 interval, that they may more distinctly perform the same. by Wheeling.

Direction. The two last Ranks face about, after face all out­ward, and wheel to the right and left, by two and two, until 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 par­ticular Rank to wheel by two and two towards the midst of Files, until they have made twelve Files as at first; and after 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 to open Order, the two last Ranks of each Division face about; after face all in­ward, [Page 38] and wheel by two and two to the right and left, until 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 particular Rank is to wheel by two's towards the Flanks, until they have made twelve Files, as at first; after facing all to the Front, and closing their Ranks and Files into the midst to Order.

Command. Files, rank inward into the midst by wheeling.

Direction. Right and left Half-ranks open from the midst to twice double di­stance, after face inward, and let them know that the Bringers-up of the Front Half-files 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, until they have made twelve 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, until 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 useful, 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 self; 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 several sorts and kinds.

Command. FIles, file to the right.

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

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

Command. Files, file to the right entire advancing.

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

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

Command. Files, file inward into the right Flank.

Direction. Half-files face about, and the outmost Files then upon the left as they are so faced, are to move away forward, and consequently all the rest are to fall in behind them; the like is to be performed by the Front, the outmost File at the same time is to move away, and the rest successively falling in until they have made one entire 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 outmost File upon the right is to stand, the rest are to move forward, and to place themselves successively into one entire File, going forward after each other, and after face to the Front.

[Page 34] Reducement. Front-half-files, file three to the right, and Reer-half-files 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 Counter-march.

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 behind him, and consequently all the rest, until 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. Files, rank 12 to the left; or, Files, rank as you were.

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

Direction. The outmost File stand, The Ranks are to be at twice double Di­stance, & the Files at order. the rest are to move forward with their right leg, placing themselves before the right-hand-man.

Reducement. Files, rank 12 to the left; or, Files, 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, onely 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 Bringer-up; face 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, 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 convenient 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-files 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 himself behind his Bringer-up. Files f [...] ­ling by way of Counter-march.

Direction. The outmost File stand, the rest face about, and move forward each particular File to the left, placing themselves behind their Right-hand-file, and their Bringers-up.

Reducement. Files, 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 himself 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-files, 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 himself 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 [Page 40] Flank, placing themselves before their Leaders, and their Bringers-up; face to your Leader.

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

CHAP. XLV. Ranks wheeling into the Flanks.

They ought to be at twice double Distance in rank and at Close or­der in file. Command. RAnks, wheel to the right, into the right Flank.

Direction. Every particular Rank is to wheel to their right hand, until they have brought their Aspects unto the right Flank; after face to the Front.

Reducement. Files, 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, until you have brought your Aspects unto the right Flank; face to your Leader.

Reducement. Files, rank 12 to the left: the first man is to stand, the rest are to move forwards, making up 12 abrest to the left, until 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-files, rank 12 to the left; Reer-half-files, 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, onely 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 of both Flanks, and the midst of Files.

Direction. The outmost File upon each Flank, and the two middle Files are to move away; the rest are to fall in successively behind 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 outmost File upon each Flank stand, and so likewise the two in­most Files; the rest move forth and place themselves successively filing, advan­cing toward both Flanks, and the midst of Files.

Reducement. Files, file six to the right and left inward to the Reer, placing yourselves 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.

[Page 41] Command. Files, file to both Flanks and the midst by Division. They must be at order both in rank and file.

Direction. The outmost File upon each Flank, and the two inmost 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 eighteen deep.

Reducement. The six middlemost 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 outmost 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 inmost and the two outmost Files stand; the rest move successively by threes, until 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 middlemost men move inward by threes into Front and Reer, between the out­most and the middlemost Files: face to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

Command. Files, file both Flanks and to the midst of Files, every man placing himself before his Bringers-up.

Direction. Face all about; the two outmost Files and the two middlemost 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 outmost File upon each Flank, and the two middlemost Files stand; the rest advance forward, placing themselves successively before their Lea­ders, filing 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 outmost File upon each Flank, and the two inmost, 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 middlemost 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 outmost and the mid­dlemost Files; that is, by threes to place themselves before their Leaders and their Bringers-up; face to your Leader.

Command. Files, file inward into both Flanks and into the midst, every man placing himself before his Leader and Bringer-up.

Direction. Half-files, face to the Reer; march all, and open from the midst to twice double distance; face all about to the right, the two inmost and the two outmost 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 himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up; Half-files, face about; the three first and three last Ranks stand; the 12 middlemost men move for­wards by threes, between the outmost and the middle Files, placing themselves as aforesaid; face to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

CHAP. XLVII. Of Ranks wheeling to both the Flanks.

They are to be at double distance in Ranks, and at order in Files. Command. RAnks, wheel to the right and left to both Flanks advancing.

Direction. The outmost men upon the right and left in every 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, until 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 abrest in the Reer; the rest follow­ing until 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 outside-men are the hinges of this Motion, who are to wheel from the Reer to the right and left, until 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 abrest 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, until 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 abrest; face to your Leader.

Command. Front and Reer-half-files, wheel your Ranks into both Flanks.

Direction. Half-files, face about, and march all until you be at twice double di­stance in the midst; then face all about to the right, and wheel to the right and left, until 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-files, face about, and rank in Front and Reer, six to the right and six to the left, making 12 abrest; 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, until 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 until you have attained twice double distance in the midst of Ranks; face all about to the right, and wheel 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.

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

Direction. Half-files, face about to the right; and the middle Files, and the outmost Files upon each Flank, are the hinges of this Motion; the [Page 43] 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, & between the Flank­ers, and 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 until you be at double distance in the midst; after face all about to the right, and wheel your Ranks to the right and 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; & 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, whilst 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 puny; 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 and 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 fulfil his commands. Frequent practice therefore makes the Souldier expert, witness our gallant Souldiers and Citizens of London, who are most of them so well grounded (by frequent practice) that their Leaders 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 th [...]ir several 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 four 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 Divisional 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 express 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: & likewise marking the several places of his Half-file-leaders, & the Bringers up of his Front-half-files, together with his Flankers & his middle Files: this special care being taken, he may begin and proceed to the Reducement, after this manner.

If by some former Counter-marches his File-leaders are in the place of his Half-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 kinde, [Page 44] commanding them to countermarch 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 general rule, that when Files or Ranks Counter-march to any hand, command them to Counter-march to the contrary, and it will reduce them; or countermarching 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 Reer.

Thus you see (for all their great variety which latter ages have invented) they consist but of three sorts or kinds, either maintaining, gaining, or losing of ground; and may be performed (as I said before) either by intire or divisional 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 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 Rank 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.

Command. FIles to the

• Right
• Left

Hand, Counter-march, maintaining ground.

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

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

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

[Page 45] Command. File-Leaders face to the Reer, the rest pass 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 pass through to the right or left, and place your selves before your Leaders, following your Bringers up.

Command. Files to the right and 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 until they come to the last Rank, who need do no more then face about; after face all to their Leader.

Command. The last Rank stand, the rest pass 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 until they are all clear of the Reer, then face to their Leader.

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

Command. Bringers-up face about, the rest pass 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 pass through to the right or left, and place your selves before your Leaders and half-file-leaders.

Command. Counter-march your Front and Reer half-files to the right and 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 pass through to the right or left, and place your selves behind your Leaders, and your half-file-leaders; to your Leaders.

Command. File-leaders and half-file-leaders stand, the rest pass through to the right or left, and 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 half-file-leaders face about, the rest pass through to the right or left, and place your selves behind your Leaders and half-file-lea­ders, following your Bringers-up.

Direction. The File-leaders and the Half-file-leaders (being first faced) are to stand; and the Bringers-up of the Front and Reer-half-files are to move for­wards, until 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. Divisional Counter-marching of Files.

Command. FIle-leaders and Bringers-up, stand; the rest pass 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, and faced a­gain to the Front, command them to move forwards, and close their Divisions.

Command. File-leaders, face about; the rest pass through to the right or left, and place your selves behind your Leaders and your Bringers-up.

Direction. The two last Ranks from the Reer face about; and then they are [Page 46] 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 pass through to the right or left, and place your selves before your Leaders and your Bringers-up; fol­lowing the Half-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 pass through to the right or left, and place your selves behind your Leaders and your Bringers-up, following the Half-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, un­til they be clear of the Front and Reer; and after to face about, placing them­selves behind their Half-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 himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up.

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 pass through to your own right hands, until 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 inter­change ground.

Direction. Half-files, face about, and turn off to the right; and Front-half-files at the same time doing the like, moving forwards until 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 outmost File upon the right, face to the right; the rest pass through to the right or left, and place your selves before your Right-hand-men.

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

Command. The Right-hand-file face to the left; the rest pass through to the right or left, and place your selves behind your right-hand-men.

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

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

Direction. The outmost is to turn off to the left about until he hath brought his Aspect unto the right Flank; and so consequently all the rest, moving still forwards until they have gained upon the outside 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 pass through to the right, following your left-hand-men, and placing your selves behind your Right-hand-file.

[Page 47] Direction. The outmost File upon the left, face to the right, and march through the Intervals towards the right Flank; and when he is moved away, the rest up­on the left are successively to do the same, until they have in lieu of that ground they formerly stood, gained so much upon the out-file 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, pass through, and place your selves on the outside of your left-hand-men.

Direction. The left-hand-File face to the left, the rest pass 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, pass through to the left, and place your selves behind your left-hand-men.

Command. The left-hand-File face to the left, the rest pass 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 outmost Files upon the right move for­ward upon the left, the rest successively doing the same, until 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, pass through to the left, and place your selves behind your 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 until they have gained as much ground on the outside 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 himself on the outside of his left-hand-man, by following his right-hand-man.

Direction. The left-hand-file stand, the outmost File upon the right, is to turn about to the right, until he hath brought his aspect to the left Flank; then moving forward until he be clear of the second File, after the rest are to do the like, for­saking the ground they stood upon, and in lieu thereof to gain so much upon the outside of the left Flank, placing themselves on the outside of their left-hand-men, their aspects being to the Front. Or you may command the outmost File upon the right to face to the left, and so begin to lead until he be clear of the se­cond File, the rest doing the same until they have all placed themselves on the outside 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, until 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 turn off to the right by themselves, and the left Half-ranks in l ke manner; to your Leader.

Command. The outmost File upon the right, and the right-hand-file of the left Half-rank stand, the rest face to the right, pass through, and place your selves on the outside of your right-hand-men; face to your Leader.

Command. The outmost File upon the right, and the right-hand-file of the left Half-rank face to the right and stand; the rest pass 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 outmost 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; pass 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 [Page 48] to Counter-march, 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 outmost File upon the right, stand, the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves on the out side of your right-hand-men, following your outmost Files.

Direction. The outmost Files are to face to the right, and to lead away until they be clear of the next, who likewise are to follow successively.

Command. The outmost File upon the right, and the right-hand-file of the left Half-rank face to the right and stand, the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves before your right-hand-men.

Direction. Face all to the right; and the outmost 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 pass through to the right, and place your selves behind your right-hand-men.

Direction. The outmost Files are to turn about until they have brought their aspects unto the right Flank, then move away until they be clear of the second File, and in like manner they are to turn off, doing the same until 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. Divisional Counter-marches of the right and left Half-ranks.

Command. THe outmost File upon each Flank stand, the rest pass through to the right and left, and place your selves on the outside of your right and left-hand-men.

Direction. The rest face outward, and begin the motion by the next Files, the others following in order, & after to close their Files into the Midst to open Order.

Command. The outmost File upon each Flank face outward and stand; the rest pass through to the right and left, and place your selves before your outside 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 outside men; after face to their Leader, and close Files into the midst to Order.

Command. The outmost File upon each Flank face inward, the rest pass through and place your selves behind your outside men.

Direction. The rest are to face outward, and to pass 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 outmost File upon each Flank stand, the rest pass through to the right and left, and place your selves on the outside of your right and left-hand-men, following your inmost Files.

Direction. The inmost Files are to begin the motion, moving away to the right and left, until they be clear of their second Files, and then they are to move a­way successively until they have all placed themselves on the outside of their right and left-hand-men, and then close files into the midst to open Order.

Command. The outmost Files upon each Flank face outward, the rest pass through to the right and left, placing your selves before your right and left-hand-men, following your inmost Files.

Direction. The rest are likewise to face outward, and the inmost Files are to begin the motion, the rest following in order until they have placed themselves before their outside men; after face to the Front, and close Files into the midst to open Order.

Command. The outmost File upon each Flank face inward, the rest pass through [Page 49] to the right and left, and place your selves behind your outside-men, following the inmost Files.

Direction. The rest are to face outward; the inmost Files begin to move for­ward to the right and left, the rest consequently do the same, until they all stand behind their outside-men; then facing to the right and left about, closing their Divisions by moving forwards; 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 outside-men.

Direction. Face inward, Right-half-ranks, turn off to the right; and Left-half-ranks, turn off to the left, and move forwards until you have placed your selves before your outside-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 pass through to your own right-hand, until you be 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 clear 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 fruitless in culling out such plenty and variety, there being so few of them practised among able and knowing Souldiers; my best apology will be, The high and venerable esteem I 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 practice thereof, made me the willinger rather to undergo the censure of some, then to incur the displeasure of many. Yet by the way, give me leave fully to declare my self concerning the use of them: for my opinion is, that of all the Motions tending to Martial 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 needless speeches, telling of his Souldiers that this is the Macedonian, this is the Lacedemonian, or Chorean Counter-march. Not to lie under the censure my self 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 several uses.

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

Intire VVheelings to the Angles, are when the Souldiers turn their Aspects from the Front proper to either of the Flanks or Reer, whereby they may gain the VVind 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, & following their Leaders, always conforming themselves in their Moti­on to the most commendable Posture, which is Pikes advanced, & 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 [Page 50] 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 often 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.

Divisional Wheelings (provided they have sufficient number of men) are of sin­gular good use to encounter several 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 useful 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 Division of 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.
• Left.
• Right
• Left

about.

Direction. The right or the left-hand-men in the Front are the hinges of these Motions; the rest have a greater compass 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.
• Left.
• Right
• 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. Divisional 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. VVheel 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. VVheel off your Front and Reer-half-files by Division.

Direction. Half-files, face about; & Front & 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 Ranks.

[Page 51] 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 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 divisional 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 particular Command; my answer there­unto is easie: for as in the Counter-marches, 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 the 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, unless he be extreamly ignorant; therefore he need not fear to venter far in the progress 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 remedy to help himself 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 unless 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 as my advice shall be to all Commanders, that they be careful and diligent to have all their Muskettiers often practised with false Firing; whch is, Firing in the Pan only, and falling off, as hereafter followeth, to the end that in [Page 52] 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 Country, and for the bene­fit of all such as are herein concerned, 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 performed 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 seve­ral Firings, as by the following discourse shall be fully demonstrated.

CHAP. LIX. Several 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 further circumstance, I come directly to the Firings as they lie in order, as follow­eth. Draw all the Muskettiers before the Pikes, before you begin your Firings.

Firings to the Front.1 Two Ranks advancing ten paces, falling in the Reer of themselves.

2 By single Ranks, advancing three paces, falling in the Reer of themselves.

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 their 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 until the next Rank hath placed themselves before the first; then stands and gives fire, the rest moving up and doing the like, until they have all fired twice.

11 Fire even with the Front, falling into the Reer of Pikes.

12 Fire by Extraduction, the first Rank passing from the Reer upon the outside of the Pikes upon the right, until they have placed themselves in a Rank before the Pikes, the rest successively doing the like, until they have fired all over, and brought themselves as at first.

Here the Musket­tiers are upon the Flanks again.13 Fire by the outmost Files, wheeling or ranking outward into the Front, fal­ling off 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.

17 Fire some Ranks drawn forth to the

• right
• 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, & move into their places. Note also that several Figures may be made by these kinds of Firings; as the V, the W, or the Fort-battail, and the like.

[Page 53]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.

1 Fire to the

• right
• left

about, falling in the Front of their own Divisions. Firings to the Reer.

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.

4 Fire even in 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 until they be clear of the Pikes.

5 Fire by Introduction to the Reer twice over until 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 to the Reer, every Rank drawn forth clear 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 cannot 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 shewen.

And thus much likewise briefly concerning Firings to the Reer; Firings to the Flanks march­ing. in the next place I shall 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 outmost File upon the right is to face to the right, and to give fire; and after to face to the Front and stand, until the next File have fired in like manner; and then the first File gathers up unto him upon the right even abrest, and standing until 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 until 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 through 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 through 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.

[Page 54]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.

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 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 of 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. Now 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 until 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 Wind 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 several 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 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 thundring 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 Staff, 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 careful 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 Forlorns either of Files or Ranks drawn forth, or o­therwise by Divisions, they see them neatly and handsomely perform'd by cocking [Page 55] 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 elsewhere 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 onely hurtful 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 confess, 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 first, must they therefore be rejected and carelesly thrown away? nay, rather they ought frequently to practice themselves in the use thereof; which if they did, they would finde the same very serviceable unto them in the time of skirmishing; wherewith they Fire better, and in a more comely and graceful 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 several 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 bearing of the Drum, 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 conform 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 eminent dangers and perils.

The Souldiers having now all the ground-work 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 attain thereunto without special 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 himself for present with that small number, whereby he is able to run through many plain things of Distances, Facings, Doublings, Counter-marchings and Wheelings. But being not fully satisfied, he presumes upon the former favour had from his Superiours, to go 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 joyn 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 Exercise, 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 dispargement 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 deep according to succession a File-leader, The file. by 1 doublings, not using one word of command twice.

2 Command. FIles, rank two to the left Bring the second man into the Front. 2

3 File, to the left double.

4 Command. Half-files, double your Front to the left.

5 Files, double your depth to the left.

6 Command. Bringers-up, double your Front to the right.

Double your Files to the left intire advancing. 4

Command. Bringers-up, double your Front to the left.

Double your Files to the right intire advancing. 5

Command. File, rank two to the right.

Files to the right double. 6

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, The Dig­nity of the File. by a doubling, not using one Word of command twice.

1 Command. HAlf-files double your front to the left.

6 Files double to the right intire advancing, every man 2 4 placing himself before his Leader.

3 Command. Front half-file double the reer to the left.

5 Files double to the left intire advancing, every man placing himself 3 2 before his Leader.

Command. Bringer-up, double your Front to the right.

Files, double your depth to the right, every man falling behind his 4 bringer-up.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the right.

Files, double to the left intire advancing

Files, rank two to the right. 5

Files, to the right double.

Bringer-up, double your Front to the left.

Files, double your depth to the left, every man falling behind his 6 bringer-up.

Reducement. File, rank two to the left.

Files to the left double.

CHAP. LXII. The way to make every man in a File eight deep File-leader by succession, The File. and that by 1 doubling, not using one Word of command twice.

2 Command. FIle, rank two to the left. 2

3 Ranks, invert to the left.

4 Command. Half-file double your front to the right.

5 Double your files to the right intire advancing, every man placing 3 6 himself before his Leader.

7 Command. Files, rank two to the right.

8 Files, to the right double. 4

Command. Front half-files, double your reer to the right. 5

Double your files to the left intire advancing.

Command. Files, rank two to the right into the reer. 6

Ranks, invert to the right.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the left.

Double your files to the left intire advancing, every man placing 7 himself before his Leader.

Command. File, rank two to the left into the Reer.

Face to your Leader. 8

Double your Files to the right advancing.

Reducement. File, rank to the right into the Front.

Rank, file eight to the right.

CHAP. LXIII. The way to make every man in a File eight deep, The Dig­nity of the File. a File-leader according unto dignity, by a doubling.

Command. BRinger-up, double your Front to the left. 2 1

Double your Files to the right intire advancing.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the left. 6

Double your Files to the left intire advancing. 3 7

Command. Bringer-up, double your Front to the right. 4

Files, double your depth to the right. 4 3

Command. Files, rank two to the right. 8

Double your Files to the right intire, advancing, every man placing him­self 5 5 before his Leader. 2

Command. Front-half-files, double your Reer to the right, following your Leaders.

Double your Files to the right by Division, every man placing himself be­fore 6 his Leader and his Bringer-up.

Command. Front-half-files, double your Reer to the left, following your Leaders.

Double your Files to the left by Division, every man placing himself be­fore 7 his Leader and his Bringer-up.

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. 8

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 tyed 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, until 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 ac­count 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 confess 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 practice 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 several Figures of Battail to be perform­ed by single Files, consisting of several Depths of men.

CHAP. LXIV. Concerning Figures of Battail to be performed by singles Files, with some admonitions to those that shall practice 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 [Page 58] 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 truely understand what dishonour and disparagement it is unto them, they would not be so idle and backward, but set times a part, often inuring themselves to the practice 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 several reasons and uses. The exercising his Company after this manner, affords unto them both content and delight; and it is likewise very useful in greater Bodies, when time of need shall require, as shall appear in the se­quel of this Book.

But here, me thinks, I hear some say, Of what use are your Figures? seeing for the most part in pitcht Battails, or skirmishes in the field, they commonly fire one against another in Square, or by Forlorns 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 are first engaged; whether it be by Divisions drawn off by way of Forlorns, Wings or Battail, they fight with even Fronts or Squadrons, as having every five or six Files divided a part from each other, having six foot ground interval betwixt the abovesaid 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 confess there is little or no use at all, except it be for delight, or for the practice and experience of some young Souldier, whereby he may plainly see the custom of the Ancients in setting forth such ancient Figures. But to let this pass, and to come to the place where we left; I shall shew unto the Souldier how needful it is for him to be well skilled in the framing of Figures of Battail, and likewise to be throughly acquainted with their several uses. Wherefore take this for a general 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 several forms and Figures of Battail, accord­ing to the discretion of the Major-general, or the Commanders in chief whom it shall concern. It will therefore be expedient (since there is a necessity of Figures of Battail, and for the setting apart of Divisions for the relieving of each other) for every Commander that will be truely 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 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 experiments upon a File six deep, branching forth eight several Figures of Battail, with their reducement.

Command. FIle, rank two to the left.

Command. The middlemost Rank o­pen to the right and left to open order.

Command. The last Rank advance [Page 59] 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 pac e.

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 clear 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 middlemost man to the right Rank-wise.

Command. The left-hand-man of the middlemost Rank face about, the middlemost Rank march two paces be­fore the Front and Reer; face to your Leader, and close Ranks and Files to Order.

Command. The second Rank from the Front double the first to the right and left outward by Division; the last man in the Reer close forward to Order.

Command. The out most men of the middle Rank face about, and move down even with the Reer; to your Lea­der.

Reducement. The middlemost man in the Reer advance forwards to the left into the Front.

Files, close inward 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 behind his Bringer-up.

Files, rank two to the right.

Ranks, rank entire to the left into the Reer, every man placing himself on the outside 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 Reducement.

Command. HAlfe-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 [Page 60] 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 until you be clear one of an­other; to your Leader.

Command. The last Rank move to the right and left, and place your selves three foot behind the Front-Divisions.

Command. Division on the right face about, march all until you be clear one of another; then face to the right, and march until you stand even abrest of each other; face to your Leader.

Command. Reer-Division face about; the last man in each Division move for­wards into the midst of the Rank that is before you; face to your Leader, a [...] close your Divisions to Order.

Command. The last man in the [...] move forwards to the right in the Rank of him that stands before you, the last Rank open outwards to Order; to your Leader.

Redueement. 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 straighten your Files; to your Leader.

Files, double inward by Division. Double your Ranks to the left entire into the Front and Reer.

Direction. Halt-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 inmost men of the last Rank close inward to close Or­der, the two outmost men of the last Rank fall back two paces.

[Page 61] Command. The middlemost man in the first Rank face about, march all till you are clear one of another; to your Leader.

Command. Files, close into the midst to Order, the last man move forward to Order.

Command. The middlemost Rank o­pen to the right and left to double di­stance.

Command. The outmost men upon the Flanks face inward, the last man in the Reer face about, the first and the last Rank face to the four Angles, move all three paces; to your Leader.

Command. The first man in the Front, and the last man in the Reer stand, the rest face outward, and march three paces; to your Leader.

Command. The last men of the out­most Files move forwards to the right and left, until you range even abrest with the middle-men.

Reducement. The last man in the Reer move forward, and range even a­brest with the first Rank. Ranks, file to the right, following your Leader; they are reduced.

CHAP. LXVIII. Words of Command for the third Eight Figures of Battail, with their Reducement.

Command. BRingers-up, double your Front to the left.

Command. The first and the last Rank stand; the third Rank double out­ward Rank-wise, the Middle-rank face outward, march all two paces; to your Leader.

Command. The middle Rank stand, the rest double to the right File-wise; face all to the Center, and march some two paces to your Leader.

Command. The Middle-rank double inward File-wise, and move a little for­ward.

[Page 62] Command. Half-file of the middle file double your Front to the left; Front-division face to the right, and move one pace; to your Leader.

Command. The left-hand-File in the Front, face about, and march clear of the Reer; face to your Leader. The middle File double to the left Rank-wise; Files close into the midst to Or­der; Files rank outward into the Reer, and then begin from the right to wheel them about to the left in a Ring.

Command. Files close into the midst to Order, the first Rank close inward to colse Order; the third Rank open outward to open Order: the last man in the Reer move even abrest with the Rank that is before you.

Command. Files, open to the right and left until you stand straight with your Bringers-up, the rest moving for­wards until they have ranged even abrest with the first man.

Command. Angle-men, face to the four Angles; the middle-men in the outmost Files face inward; the middle­man in the Front face about: march ail three paces; Face to your Lea­der.

Reducement. The last man in the Reer of the middle File face about; middle File march clear of the stand­ing part; Files close into the midst to Order: the last man in the Reer fall in the Reer of the right-hand-File, the first man in the Front move to the left, and fall in the Front of the left-hand-file; close your Ranks and Files forward to Order, and make an even Front; Files double your depth to the left, every man falling behind his bring­er-up, reduceth them.

CHAP. LXIX. The way to make twelve several Figures of Battail, with a File ten deep, with their Reducement.

Command. FAce to the right, and wheel your Front into the midst; Face after to your Leader.

Command. The last men in the Reer of the outmost Files face about; out­most Files move clear of the standing part, face inwards, and close your Di­visions; to your Leader.

Command. The last man of the middle File, and the last Rank, face about; the first Rank, and the last Rank, and the middle File, move forwards two paces; the rest open outward two paces; to your Leader.

[Page 63] Command. The last man in the Front-division advance forward three foot be­fore the Front; the first man of the Reer-division, face about, and move three foot behind the Reer; the out­most Files double ranks inward; Ranks, close forwards to Order, and face to your Leader.

Command. The first man in the Front, face about; the last man in the Reer, stand; the rest face outwards, march all until the first and the last man meet, face all to your Leader; mid­dle-men, double to the Right rank-wise, and close outward to Order.

The two middle-men in the Body face about, and move cleer of the Reer three foot; face to your Leader; mid­dle-men of the outmost Files close in­ward to order.

Command. Middle-man upon the right of the second Rank, advance for­ward three foot before the Front; the three first men in the Front, and mid­dle-man of the second Ranks move for­wards three paces, the rest closing in­ward one pace.

Command. The last Rank open out­ward to double distance, and the next Rank open outward to open Order, and the third Rank from the Reer to close inward to Order.

Command. The second man from the Front, face about, move down and range even with the Reer: outmost men of the last Rank advance forward, and range even with the second Ranks from the Front: the last Rank move forwards until they have exceeded three foot the next Rank that stands before them: Divisions on the Wings, face outward, move two paces; to your Leader.

Command. Front-division, face about, and march down even with the Reer; the last man move forwards to order, to your Leader.

Command. Middle-division advance forward cleer of the standing part; Divisions in the Reer close inwards to order; wheel your Reer into the midst; to your Leader.

Command. The last Rank close inward to order, and to double to the left File-wise; the second man from the Reer move forwards into the second Rank that is before you.

[Page 64] Reducement. The first man in the Front move a little to the right, the second man from the first Rank double the first man to the left Rank-wise; the first Rank wheel off by Division, and double the last man in the Reer to the right and left Rank-wise; Ranks close for­wards to Order, & face to your Leader.

Reducement. The first and second Rank face about; the first Rank double the second to the right and left outward; to your Leader: the last Rank move forward, and even your Ranks, and straighten their Files; wheele Front and Reer to the left Flank; the last Rank face about before they wheele; then facing to their Leader, they are re­duced.

CHAP. LXX. Twelve several Figures of Battail with a File twelve deep, with their Reducement.

Command. FRont Half-file double your Reer to the left; face to your Leader. Half-files double your Front to the left.

Command. The middlemost men up­on each Flank face outward; the two middle-men of the last Rank, face a­bout: Those that are thus faced, and the two middle-men of the first Rank move forward to your Leader three paces; the first and the last Rank stand, the rest move outwards two paces; face to your Leader.

Command. The outmost Divisions o­pen from the midst almost to twice dou­ble distance; the first Rank face about, and rank even with the midst of Ranks; face to your Leader. The last Rank double to the right File-wise, the se­cond man from the Reer advance for­ward, and place himself three foot be­fore the middle-men, the last man at the same time closing forward to Order.

Command. The outmost Division up­on the right move away, the rest suc­cessively falling in the Reer of them until they stand straight after the first Division.

Command. The outmost man upon the left of the middle Division to open to the left to double distance; the rest of that Division to face to the right, and to move clear of the standing part; face to your Leader; the last man in the Front, face about ro the last Division; the first man of the Front-Division, and the first man of the Reer-Division to move forwards, and to close to open Order: after facing to the left Flank, closing to the outmost man to Order; face to your Leader: and after face all to the Center, and move a little for­ward, to your Leader.

[Page 65] Command. The outmost man upon the right, and the outmost man upon the left, close inward to Order.

Command. The two middle men move forth to the right and left three foot clear of the standing part; the first man in the Front face about: the first man in the Front, and the last man in the Reer, move into the second that is before you: to your Leader.

Command. The two outmost men up­on each Flank, close inward to open Order.

Command. Face all to Front, Reer, and both Flanks, and the four middle then move forwards into the Rank that is before them, and they will stand in a Square; face to your Leader.

Command. Files, rank outward; the middleman of the first Rank move for­ward, and place himself three foot be­fore his right and left-hand-man; the outmost and the middle man of the last Rank move backward, and place himself three-foot behind the Reer-division; close forwards to open order.

Command. The first and the last Rank move to the left one pace, and after double to the right File-wise; the Mid­dle-rank close inward to order.

Command. The two outmost men of the Middle-rank, face about; move down and range even abrest with the middle-man of the Reer-division, clo­sing inward to order, and facing to the Front: even men from the left, move forwards, and rank even abrest with the middle-man of the Front-division, and close inward to order; the out­most-men open outward to double di­stance.

Command. Reer-division, face about, and move two paces; the outmost-man upon the left, face about to the right with the last man in the Reer of each Division; face to your Leader, and move forward two paces.

[Page 66] Reducement. Reer-division, face about; middle man of the first Rank of each division move forward, and rank two to the left into Front and Reer: Files close into the midst to order: Ranks, close forwards to order: Half-files, double the Front to the right intire: Ranks, rank outward into the Front, every man placing himself on the outside of his right and left-hand-men: Ranks, file to the right and left inward: Files, double your depth to the left; face to your Lea­der.

It might be expected that I should shew the several Charges upon all these Fi­gures; but in regard I may, perhaps, meet with some of them again in greater Bodies, or the like; I shall for present pass them over, and in those places endea­vour to give them the best satisfaction I can. In the mean time they may with ease finde out in every one of them such Charges as may instruct the Souldiers how to fight; whether it be Front, Rear, both Flanks or Angles, they may be shewn and exercised in them according to the discretion of him that shall com­mand them, whether they be Muskettiers or Pike-men. And therefore, thus much shall suffice concerning the exercising of a File for matter of Figures. In the next place followeth Exercise of greater Bodies.

CHAP. I. Concerning the Artillery and the Military Gardens, together with the Private Meetings, in and about the City of LONDON.

THe great delight in handling of Arms in Military Exercises, makes the City of London and the Suburbs thereof famous through the whole World, by reason, as I conceive, of those two great Nurse­ries or Academies of Military Discipline, the Artillery and Military Garden, from whom, as out of pure Fountains, all other our Pri­vate Meetings (as of Townditch, and Cripplegate, &c.) are derived.

The Artillery Gardens deserves the first place, in respect it is the greatest Meet­ing, from whence, as it were out of a Nursery, have been transplanted many able knowing Souldiers both at home and in foraign Countries, to the great honour of our Nation.

The Military Garden is famous likewise for the great improvement of divers worthy persons of quality daily thither resorting, whose excellent skill in Mili­tary Exercises hath raised many of them to high preferment here at home, and to places of honourable command abroad. The Captains in chief of these Acade­mies are Major General Skippon, and Major Henry Tyllier, which later was the first that ever shewed in the Military Garden (of which I am a member) the march­ing of the Souldiers in a Regimental way; whose great pains amongst us deserves much honour and high commendation; shewing unto us such variety of matter in a Souldier-like way, as was never before seen by any member thereof.

Not to eclipse the fore-mentioned Private Meetings in London, but to give them that due which belongs unto them, they likewise are of great honour and fame for their frequent exercising of their Souldiers in the handling of their Arms, whether it be of the Pike or Musket, and instructing them in the knowledge of Drilling, and drawing up of Companies, and Bodies of men, furnishing both King­doms with able knowing Souldiers. My hearty wishes therefore are, that all and e­very one of them may be propt up, and supported to all ages, that when need shall require, we may draw from these Fountains such skilful and experienced Com­manders and Officers as may be, as it were, a Bulwark to this our Nation.

Not to dwell any longer upon this discourse, I come therefore briefly to set forth several Exercises (formerly practised by me amongst those loving Gentle­men of Town-ditch) according to the usual numbers there appearing, whether they be great or small, practised for the most part with 24 or 32 men, and some­times (although seldom) with 64 men, unless it were upon general days, when they were drawn forth into the field; at such times, perhaps, there might be an appearance of greater numbers, as 120 and upwards.

My purpose therefore is to pitch upon, and to make use of all and every one [Page 68] of these numbers, making 12 Exercises, dividing them by threes, until I have run over them all, conceiving them sufficient for the industrious to gather from thence matter enough for his intended Exercise. And for the more enabling of them, I shall endeavour (in these curious times) to walk along in as plain a way as possibly may be, giving directions unto all Words of Command, for the better performance of the same; wishing all my loving fellow-Souldiers to conceive well of my good meaning intended to them: desiring withall to be rightly in­formed of what part soever they fall upon, that they proceed leasurely and or­derly in the same; which will not only be an encouragement unto the Author from whom they gather their Exercises, but will bring much praises and com­mendation to themselves. But to leave every one to their own best thoughts, whilest I proceed to practise what before promised concerning the several Exer­cises following.

CHAP. II. The first Exercise of four Files six deep.

EAch File-leader (as being his duty) having gone over the Postures, shewing and instructing his File with their uses, and neat handling of their Arms, hearing the Drums beat a Call for all to repair and stand to their Arms, begin to lead up their Files according to Order; the Leader then closing their Ranks and Files to close Order, craving their silence, may proceed to shew unto them all their several Distances and Facings, according unto the former rule set down, and af­ter he may proceed to Doublings (if he pleaseth) as followeth.

CHAP. III. A Doubling consisting of sixteen in number, every one differing from the other, and not reduced until the last Word of Command.

Command. FIles, file to the right intire advancing.

Command. Bringers-up, double your Front to the left.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the left.

Command. Front-half-files, double your Reer to the right intire.

Command. Right-half-ranks, double your left Flank intire advancing.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the right intire.

Command. Left-half-ranks, double intire the Depth of your right Flank.

Command. Files, file to the left intire advancing.

Command. Bringers-up, double your Front to the right.

Command. Front-half-files, double your Reer to the right and left outward, following your Leaders.

Direction. Reer-half-files, face about; the File-leaders are to turn off to the right and left, the rest are to follow them until they are marched down into the Reer, and have doubled it to the right and left outward.

Command. Half-files, double your Front inward intire.

Command. The two outmost Files upon each Flank, double intire the Depth of the inmost Files.

Direction. The two outmost Files face about inward, and move streight down cleer of the standing part; afterwards face inward, march, and close your Divi­sions; to your Leader.

Command. Front-half-files, double your Reer inward intire.

Direction. Reer-half-files, face about, and move outward cleer of the standing part; Front-half-files, face about, march down and even the Reer to your Leader.

Command. The two outmost Files upon each Flank double intire, advancing the four inmost Files.

Direction. The two outmost Files move forward cleer of the standing part; face inward, march and close your Divisions; face to your Leader.

Command. Double your Files inward intire, advancing, every man placing himself before his Leader.

Direction. The two inmost Files stand; the two outmost Files move forwards, [Page 69] and double your inmost Files intire advancing, placing your selves before your Leaders.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the right, they are reduced.

CHAP. IV. Eight several Counter-marches, with their Reducement.

Command. FIle-leaders, stand; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves before your Leaders.

Command. The Right-hand-file, stand; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves on the outside of your right-hand-men.

Command. File-leaders and Bringers-up, stand; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves before your Leaders and your Bringers-up.

Command. The outmost File upon each Flank, stand; the rest pass through to the right and left, placing your selves before your outside-men.

Direction. Face outward, and pass through to the right and left, placing your selves before the outmost Files; to your Leader, and close your Divisions to open Order.

Command. Bringers-up, stand; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves behind your Bringers-up.

Direction. The five first Ranks are to face about; the next Rank to the Reer is first to begin the Motion; the rest are successively to follow, until the Leaders are become the Bringers-up.

Command. The Left-hand-file, stand; the rest pass through to the left, and place your selves on the out side of your left-hand-men.

Command. File-leaders and Bringers-up, stand; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves behind your Leaders and Bringers-up.

Direction. The first and the two next Ranks from the Reer, face about; the two first Ranks from the Front, and the two last Ranks from the Reer move for­wards, placing your selves behind your Leaders and your Bringers-up; face to to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

Command. The outmost File upon each File face inward; the rest pass through to the right and left, placing your selves behind your right and left-hand-men.

CHAP. V. Ten several Wheelings, with their Reducement.

Command. WHeel the Front-half-files inward into the midst, and double your Reer inward intire.

Direction. Half-files, face outward, and march cleer of the standing part; after face to the Reer: Front-half-files, open from the midst to open Order, after Wheeling to the right and left inward into the Reer; to your Leader.

Command. Right and Left-half-ranks, double the depth of the Battail by Wheeling into the Front.

Direction. Right-half-ranks, wheel to the left; and Left-half-ranks, wheel to the right; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel off the Front-half-files, and double the Reer by division.

Direction. Half-files, face about; and Front-half-files, wheel off by Division, moving down even with the Reer; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel off your right Half-ranks, and double your left Flank to the right intire.

Direction. Face outward, and Right-half-ranks wheel about to the left and move away, and double the left Flank to the right; to your Leader.

Command. Front and Reer-half-files, double the Depth of the Battail by wheel­ing into the Front and Reer.

Direction. Half-files, face to the Reer; and Front and Reer-half-files wheel to the right and left inward; face to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

Command. Wheel off your Left-half-ranks, and double your right Flank by Division.

Direction. Face outward, and Left-half-ranks wheel off by Division, and move even with the right Flank; to your Leader.

[Page 70] Command. Wheel off your Reer-half-files, and double the Front to the right intire.

Direction. Half-files, face about, and wheel to the left, until you have ranged e­ven with the Front.

Command. Wheel your Battail off by Division from the Front.

Direction. Right-half-ranks, wheel about to the right and left; Half-ranks, wheel about to the left, and move down to the Reer; face to your Leader, and close into the midst to order.

Command. Wheel off your Left-half-ranks, and double your right Flank to the left intire.

Direction. Face outward, Left-half-ranks wheel about to the right, and move forward, and double the right Flank to the left intire; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel off your Front-Half-files, and double the Reer to the left intire.

Direction. Half-files, face about; and Front-half-files, wheel about to the right, move down and range even with the Reer; face to your Leader, reduceth them.

CHAP. VI. Six Figures of Battail, with several Firings thereunto belonging.

Command. RAnks and Files close to order, they will stand us underneath is set forth, from which we will draw our Figures after we have fired upon this Platform three or four times.

Command. Double your Files inward intire advancing.

The first firing. Let the first two Ranks advance forward ten paces, give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; after wheeling off to the right and left, placing themselves before the Front of Pikes: the next two Ranks, and so the rest suc­cessively doing the like until they have Fired once over, which reduceth them.

The second firing. Let the first Rank advance three paces, give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; the rest doing the like until all have Fired once over, as before.

The third firing. Let them give Fire on the ground they stand, and fall off to the right and left, and Flank the Pikes.

The fourth firing. Let them Fire even with the Front, and fall in with the Reer of the Pikes; which being ended, let the Pikes charge on.

Reducement. Muskettiers, double your Front by Division.

Command. The first two Ranks, stand; the rest face outward and move cleer of the standing part; to your Leader: the two last Ranks move outward side-ways two paces.

[Page 71] The first firing. Let every Division give Fire on the same ground they stand, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The second firing. Let them advance forwards until they be cleer of the Pikes; give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves, after moving down into their places.

Command. Front-division, advance forward three paces; the two next Divisi­ons move outward one pace: Pikes in each Division face about, and move two paces; to your Leader: Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer advance forwards, and range even in Front and Reer with the Middle-divisions of Pikes; the first Rank of Pikes in the Front-division move three foot cleer of the standing part.

The first firing. Let them give Fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of them­selves.

The second firing. Let them give Fire to Front, Reer, and both Flanks altoge­ther.

Direction. Reer-divisions, face outward; the last Rank of Pikes and Musket­tiers of the Front-division, face to the Reer; the last Rank of Muskettiers move down cleer of the Reer, and close inward to order; then last the Pikes port, and after the Muskettiers have Fired, charge on, then retreating into their places again.

Command. The first and the last Rank of Pikes, face about, and move down cleer of the Reer, and close Ranks forwards to order; outmost Divisions of Mus­kettiers face about, move down and flank your own divisions of Pikes: The first Division of Pikes move forward, and range even abrest with your own Division of Muskettiers; the Front-division of Muskettiers closing into the midst to order.

The first firing. Let the Front-division give Fire and fall in the Reer of them­selves; after wheeling off to the right and left, move down and Flank the Reer-division of Pikes.

The second firing. Let the Front-division of Muskettiers Fire and fall in the Reer of themselves; then face about, and move down upon the inside of the next division of Pikes; and after face to their Leader.

The third firing. Let the Muskettiers upon the Flanks move up into the room of the former, and Fire, falling in the Reer of themselves; and after face about, and move down into their places again; the Muskettiers on the inside moving up into their places again.

The fourth firing. Let the Reer-division face about; then let them Fire to Front [Page 72] and Reer, and fall in the Reer of themselves; let the Pikes charge, and after ordering their Arms, their Reer-division facing to their Leader, the Muskettiers thereof may move up into their places again.

Command. The outmost divisions face outward, and move two paces; face to your Leader, move up until you range even abrest with the second divisions next the Front; Reer-division move streight forward two paces.

The first firing. Let them all give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The second firing. Let the Muskettiers advance forwards until they be cleer of the Front-division, and then rank outward and Fire altogether; after filing inward as they were, move down again into their places: the Pikes at the same time charging, and after order their Arms.

Command. Front-division advance forward three paces; the outmost division upon the Flanks move up, and range even with the Front.

The first firing. Direction for the same: let them all face to the Reer, and the middle-division of Muskettiers move forwards, and flank the Reer-division of Pikes; after let all the Muskettiers advance forwards three foot cleer of their own divisions of Pikes, and give Fire, falling in the Reer of themselves; and af­ter facing about, move into their places again.

The second firing. Let them Fire as they stand, and fall in the Reer of them­selves; and the Pikes in the Reer may charge on, and after facing to their Leader.

Command. The outmost divisions face inward, march three paces; and the next two divisions face outward, and move two paces; to your Leader: Reer-division, move outward until you stand streight with the Front-divisions.

[Page 73] The first firing. Let the Front-Division of Muskettiers give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; and after moving down in the room of them in the Reer: they at the same time moving up into the Front firing, in like manner moving down, and exchanging places with them in the Reer.

The second firing. Let the Muskettiers upon the Flanks move forward even with the Front, give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; and after move down in­to their places again, and face to their Leader.

The third firing. Let them face to the Front, reer, and both Flanks, and let the Pikes port, and the Muskettiers give fire.

The fourth firing. Let them give fire on the ground they stand, and fall in the Reer of the Pikes; the Pikes charging whilest the Muskettiers make ready again.

The fifth firing. Let the Pikes charge at foot, and the Muskettiers give fire over their heads; then recovering their Arms, face to their Leader.

Reducement. Front-Divisions face about; Front and Reer-Divisions march, and interchange ground, to your Leader; The out-most Divisions face inward, and close your Divisions, to your Leader: even your Ranks, and streighten your Files, and close to Order, they are reduced.

The Captain may now command the Muskettiers to poyse their Arms, and file away to the right and left, making as it were a Street or Gallery for him to troop away the Pikes, and lodge his Colours.

CHAP. VII. The second Exercise, with four Files six deep.

THe Souldiers being the second time summoned to appear at their place of Rendezvous, the Sergeants having drawn forth the Files, may give liberty to the Leaders thereof to exercise them in their several Postures; which being en­ded, their Captain or other Officers may command them to lead up their Files, and to joyn them into a Body; after which he may shew unto them their Distan­ces, and Facings, with their several kinds, following the former rule, and after proceed to these or the like Doublings following.

CHAP. VIII. Eighteen several Doublings with their reducements.

Command. HAlf-files, double your Front to the left.

Command. Double your files to the right intire, advancing.

Command. Front half-files, double your Reer to the right intire.

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

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

Command. Double your Ranks to the left intire.

Command. Right half-ranks, double your left Flank intire, advancing.

Command. Left half-ranks, 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; face all to the right: left half-ranks, move forwards into the right Flank, to your Leader.

Command. The three first, and the three last Ranks, double the six middle-most intire to the left Flank.

Direction. The three first, and the three last, face to the left, march cleer of the standing part, face inward, move, and close your Divisions, to your Leader.

Command. Right half-ranks, double your left Flank to the right.

Direction. Face all to the left, and right half-ranks move forwards, and double your left Flank to the right, to your Leader.

Command. Double your Ranks to the right intire.

Command. Right half-ranks double your left Flank inward intire.

Command. The three first, and the three last Ranks, double the six middle-most Ranks intire to the right Flank.

Command. Left half-ranks, double your right Flank intire, advancing.

Command. Front half-files, double your Reer to the left intire.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the right.

[Page 74] Command. Double your Files to the left intire advancing, every man placing himself before his Leader.

Command. Front half-files, double your Reer to the right, following your Lea­ders.

Direction. Half-files, face about; File-leaders, turn off to the left, and move down upon the right of the Reer, the rest following successively; to your Leader.

Command. Files double your Depth to the left intire; they are reduced being faced to their Leader.

CHAP. IX. Twelve several Counter-marches, with their reducements.

Command. FIles to the right hand countermarch, losing ground.

Command. Ranks to the right hand counter-march, losing ground.

Direction. Face all to the right.

Command. Front and Reer half-files, inter-change ground.

Direction. Front half-files, face about to the left.

Command. Right and left half-ranks, inter-change ground.

Direction. Face inward.

Command. File-leaders, face about; the rest pass through to the right, a place your selves behinde your Leaders; face to the Front.

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

Command. Counter-march your Flanks into the midst. Face out-ward.

Command. File-leaders, and Half-file-leaders, stand; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves before your Leaders, and Half-file-leaders.

Direction. The second Rank from the Front, and from the Half-file-leaders, are to begin the Motion, placing themselves, as before commanded.

Command. The out-most File upon the right, and the second File from the stand; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves on the out-side of your right-hand men.

Command. Files to the left-hand counter-march, losing ground.

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

Direction. Front and Reer half-files, turn off distinctly by your selves, on the ground you stand; face to your Leader.

Command. Right and left Half-ranks, counter-march to the right.

Direction. Face to the right; and right and left Half-ranks, turn off distinctly to the right; face to your Leader, they are reduced.

CHAP. X. Twelve several Wheelings, with their Reducements.

Command. WHeel your Reer Half-files inward into the midst, and double the Front inward intire.

Direction. Right and left Half-ranks, open from the midst to double distance; Reer half-files face about, and wheel your Reer inward into the midst, moving forward, doubling the Front inward intire.

Command. Wheel off your Right half-ranks, and double your left Flank to the left intire.

Direction. Face outward right Half-ranks, wheel about to the right, and dou­ble your left Flank to the left; to your Leader.

Command. Right and left Half-ranks, double the Length of your Battail by wheeling outward to the Front.

Direction. Face outward, and right Half-ranks, wheel to the left, and left Half-ranks, wheel to the right, and after close Files into the midst to order.

Command. Wheel off your right Half-ranks, and double your left Flank by Di­vision.

Direction. Face outward: right Half-ranks, wheel about to the right and left outward, moving forward, & doubling the left Flank to the right & left outward.

Command. Wheel your left Half-ranks inward into the right Flank.

Direction. Face outward, and open from the midst to double distance; the Front and Reer half-files, and after the left Half-Ranks may wheel inward, and double the right Flank inward intire.

[Page 75] Command. Wheele off your Reer Half-files, and double your Front to the left entire; Half-files face about.

Command. Wheel your right Half-ranks inward into the midst, and double the left Flank inward entire.

Direction. Face outward; and Front and Reer Half-files that were, are to open from the midst to double distance, and right Half-ranks wheel inward, and move forward into the left Flank.

Command. Wheel off your Reer Half-files, and double your Front to the right entire; Half-files face about.

Command. Wheel off your left Half-ranks, and double your right Flank by Division.

Command. Wheel off your Front Half-files, and double your Reer to the right entire: Half-files face about.

Command. Double the Depth of the Battail by wheeling Front and Reer into the midst of each Division.

Direction. Front Half-files move forward four paces, then the last Rank of each Division face about, and wheel into the midst of Front and Reer of each Division; face to your Leader.

Command. Wheel off your Front Half-files, and double your Reer to the left entire; Half-files face about.

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

Direction. Face all about, and right Half-ranks wheel about to the right and left outward to the Front; and closing Files into the midst to Order, they will be reduced as at first, and stand as underneath is set forth.

CHAP. XI. Several plain Firings upon this Exercise of 24 men, with Figures of Battail belonging to the same.

A Commander having thus passed over the Motions, may next prepare for Firings; and calling up his Serjeants, he may give them order how the Mus­kettiers shall fire in Front and Reer: but before he begin his Firings, it will be ex­pedient that he double his Front to the right and left inward by the Bringers-up, which being ended, he may proceed as followeth.

The first Firing. Let them fire by Divisions drawn forth ten paces before the Front of Pikes, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The second Firing. Let them fire again, and fall off to the right and left, moving down before the Front of Pikes, and closing their Divisions.

The third Firing. Let the first Rank kneel down, the next stoop, and the last stand upright, and give fire altogether; the Pikes in the mean time are to advance their Arms, and open to the right and left, charge on to the Front, until they be clear of the Muskettiers, and then face inwards, and close their Divisions; then facing all about, they may give fire to the Reer marching.

The fourth Firing. Let the last Rank face about to the left, and give fire, and fall off to the right and left, placing themselves before their Leaders of their own Divisions of Muskettiers.

The fifth Firing. Let them face about to the left again, give fire; and fall off to [Page 76] the right and left, and flank their Pikes, the Pikes at the same instant facing about, and charge on clear of the Muskettiers, the Muskettiers after facing in­ward, and close their Divisions: the Pikes may charge to the Horse, and the Muskettiers may give fire over their heads after this manner.

The sixth Firing. Let the first Rank stoop, and the other two stand upright, and give fire altogether; after recovering of their Arms, they may all face to the Front, commanding the Pikes to double the Front inward entire, and afterwards Files to double their Depth to the right and left outward, every man falling be­hind his Bringer-up, closing Files into the midst to Order, and wheeling about into the first Front, he may proceed as followeth.

Command. Front Half-files advance forwards three paces; the middle Rank of each Division face outward, and move clear of the standing part; face to your Leader.

The first Firing. Let the inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front fire, and fall off in the Reer of themselves; after facing about, move down, and inter­change ground with them in the Reer; they at the same instant moving up, firing, and in like manner interchanging ground with them in the Reer; and at the same time the outmost men are to move up, and fire to the Front, and to fall off to the right and left, into the place of them in the Reer, they at the same time moving up, and firing in like manner: this firing may be continued twice over.

The second Firing. Let them face to both the Flanks, and let the Divisions of Pikes in the midst open outward until they be clear of the standing part, then Porting; let the Muskettiers give fire on the same ground they stand, and the Pikes after may charge on until the Muskettiers make ready again, and then re­treating into their places again, the Muskettiers may give fire, as before is men­tioned, the Pikes in like manner charging on, then retreating to their places; face all to their Leader.

Command. Inmost Divisions of Pikes move to the left one pace, and double to the right File-wise, and face to Front and Reer, and march three paces; middle File of Front and Reer-Divisions open from the midst to double Distance; face to your Leader.

[Page 77] The first firing. Face to Front and Reer, and then give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The second firing. Let the Muskettiers move forwards, and the inmost Division rank outward into Front and Reer, and then give Fire altogether, and file as they were; the Pikes may charge whilst they make ready, and fall into their places again, they may continue upon this Firing a second time.

The third firing. Let the Muskettiers, and the two outmost men of the Pikes, face to both Flanks; and likewise the Middle-divisions of Pikes are to face to both Flanks after this manner: the first two of the Reer-division are to face to the right, and the two last men of the Front-division are to face to the left; then let the Muskettiers give fire to both Flanks; and the Pikes may after charge to the Front, Reer, and both Flanks until the Muskettiers make ready again; this Firing may be continued twice; to your Leader.

Command. The outmost single men of Muskettiers in the Front-divion, face about; the two outmost men of Muskettiers, both of Front and Reer-divisions move forward and close to order; face to your Leader, and close inward to open Order.

The first firing. Let them give Fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of them­selves, then face about and move down into the Reer; the rest moving up succes­sively, giving Fire and falling off in like manner; this may be continued twice over; then face them to the Reer, and let the Muskettiers rank to the right and left outward.

The second firing. Let the first Rank of each Division give Fire, and fall off to the right and left in manner and form of the former Firing, until they have Fired twice over; then to file as they were, and face to their Lea­der.

Command. Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes move to the right one pace; the second Division of Pikes move forward, and double the Front to the left; the second Division of Pikes from the Reer, face about; move down and double the [Page 78] Pikes in the Reer to the left; to your Leader: Middle-divisions of Muskettiers open outward to twice double distance; face all to the Center, and march two or three paces; to your Leader.

The first firing. The three last Divisions, face to the Reer; the two outmost men both of Pikes and Muskettiers, face to the Flanks; then let them all give Fire, and fall in the Reer of the Pikes; the Pikes may charge while the Muskettiers make ready again.

The second firing. Let the Muskettiers move forth and give Fire as at first, and after fall in again.

The third firing. Let them give Fire by Extraduction, and fall again in the Reer of the Pikes.

The fourth firing. Let the Pikes charge the Horse, and the Muskettiers give Fire altogether over their heads; then move forth into their first places, and face to their Leader.

Command. Front and Reer-divisions of Muskettiers open outward to double distance; the outmost men of Pikes close inward to open order: the third Rank of Pikes from the Front, face about; the third Rank of Pikes from the Front, and the third Rank of Pikes from the Reer, move forwards to order; face to your Leader: Front and Reer-divisions, stand; the rest face outward, and move two paces, to your Leader.

The first firing. Let the first Divisions Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then wheeling off to the right and left into the place of those Muskettiers in the Reer; they at the same time moving forward into their places, and firing, fal­ling off in like manner; the Muskettiers may give Fire on the ground they stand, falling in the Reer of themselves: This firing being twice performed, we proceed to another.

The second firing. Let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers and those upon the Flanks give Fire, and fall in the midst of Pikes; in the mean time the last Division of Pikes may open outward until they be cleer of the standing part; then let [Page 79] Pikes charge all whilst the Muskettiers make ready again: This firing may be performed twice; after which, let them move forth into their places again; and face to Front and Reer, and give Fire, and fall off in the Reer of themselves: the Pikes may charge, which being ended, face them to their Leader.

Command. The last Rank of Pikes of the Middle-division, face about; middle-division of Pikes move forward, until you range even abrest with the midst of the Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes; to your Leader: the last man of the out­most divisions of Muskettiers, face about; outmost-men move forward three paces, and face to your Leader: Ranks of the Front and Reer-divisions open from the midst to open order; Reer-divisions move forward two paces.

The first firing. Let them Fire to the Front, and fall in between the Pikes: this may be done twice; after which, face to the Front and Reer, and Fire there in the same manner: then let Pikes and Muskettiers intercharge ground, let them give Fire altogether unto Front and Reer; then facing about, inter­change ground with the Pikes, who are to charge on whilst the Muskettiers make ready; then retreating, let them all face outwards, and they will stand in form like a Saw, after they have moved two paces.

The second firing. Let the Muskettiers give Fire altogether to both Flanks, and the Pikes to charge on; after retreating, they may order their Arms, and face all to their Leader.

Reducement. The outmost Muskettiers upon the Flanks, move to right and left inward, placing themselves in the midst of their own divisions; the out­most men of Pikes to stand, the rest to double Ranks to the left; and the first Rank of Pikes to double to the right File-wise, and the second Rank from the Reer to double to the left File-wise; after let the outmost men of Pikes double their inmost Files into the midst; then moving forward their divisions, evening their Front, closing Files to the midst to order, they are reduced.

And now we will lodge our Colours, and repose our selves, until by the beat of the Drum we shall be summon'd to make our appearance.

CHAP. XII. The third Exercise, with four Files six deep.

BEing the third time brought into the Field compleatly arm'd, where being drawn forth into Files, and by the Leaders thereof exercised, as before; they are commanded to lead up their Files; yet not presuming to place themselves, but leaves that to the discretion of their Superiour Officers, who knows best the desert of each particular man. But by the way, give me leave in this place to tell the Souldiers and Leaders of our private Meetings, that this decorum is not rightly observed: the Souldier thinking himself wiser then his Leader, presumes to chop and change by Counter-marching of his File, making some part of the Reer to be more honourable then the Front, which cannot be; for the youngest Soul­dier [Page 80] there is of more honor then the eldest in the Reer, in regard it is the more ho­norable part of the Battalia, therefore it is plain, that they take more upon them then becomes them; for no File-leader ought to meddle with his File in matter of motions, without consent of the superior Officers; neither ought the Leader ei­ther through favour, or out of malice, when all the Files are joyned into one compleat Body, to Countermarch the Files, (and after proceeding to other Mo­tions) depriving thereby the Leaders thereof of their due honour; for else, why (just in the time of Exercise or Marching) should one single File, as the right or left, be Countermarched, if he bore not malice to some, thrusting them by this unsouldier-like way out of their places, and through favour or affection often times putting men of little desert into their places? To leave this discourse, not pleasing to some, let the Commander draw forth one File of Pikes, and double it by the Half-file, and send a Serjeant to fetch the Colours; and after closing his Ranks and Files to Order, he may begin to make some alteration in the ex­ercising of them in their Motions, spending his time altogether upon Inversion and Conversion.

CHAP. XIII. Thirty several Words of Command of Inversion and Conversion.

Command. RAnks, rank entire to the left into the Front.

Direction. The first Rank stand, the rest face to the left, and suc­cessively move into the Front.

Command. Ranks, rank four to the left.

Direction. The first four upon the left stand, the rest face to the left, and by fours fall successively behind the first four upon the left.

Command. Files, rank outward into the Front.

Direction. The inmost Files stand, the rest open outward to double distance, and after rank outward into the Front.

Command. Ranks, file three to the right and left outward by wheeling.

Direction. The three outmost men upon the right and left wheel to the right and left outward, the rest doing the like by threes; after close into the midst to Order, and face to their Leader.

Command. Files, rank inward into the Reer.

Direction. Face to the Reer, and move to the right and left inward into the Reer; to your Leader.

Command. Ranks, file six to the right and left outward, advancing.

Direction. The outmost man upon the right and left stand, the rest move out­ward until they be six in a File, and the next outmost men are to stand, the other doing the like, and after close Files into the midst to Order.

Command. Files, rank inward into the midst of Ranks.

Direction. Front Half-files face about, and right and left Half-ranks open from the midst to double distance, the rest open outward to Order, and move to the right and feft inward to the midst of Ranks; to your Leader, and close Files in­ward to Order.

Command. Ranks, file 12 to the right and left inward, every man placing him­self before the Leaders and Bringers up of the middle Files.

Direction. Ranks, open backward to double distance, the middle File stand, the rest advance forwards, and file twelve to the right and left inward, placing them­selves before the Leaders, and Bringers-up of the middle Files.

Command. Files, rank six to the right and left inward.

Direction. Files, open from the midst to double distance, and move three to the right, and three to the left inward, until you have made four Ranks six abrest; after close Ranks forward to Order.

Command. Ranks, rank outward into Front and Reer, every man placing him­self on the outside of his right and left-hand-man.

Direction. Half-Files face about, and rank to the right and left outward into Front and Reer as is commanded; face to your Leader, and close Ranks for­ward to Order.

[Page 81] Command. Ranks, file 12 to the right and left inward, every man placing him­self behind the Leaders and Bringers-up of the middle Files.

Direction. Ranks, open backward to double distance, the middle Files stand, the rest move side-ways to the right and left, and place your selves behind the Lea­ders and Bringers up of the middle Files.

Command. Files, rank six to the right and left inward into Front, Reer, and Midst.

Direction. The three last Ranks of the Front and Reer Half-files face about, and Files open outward to double distance, and move to the right and left in­ward into Front, Reer, and Midst, making four Ranks six abrest; after face to your Leader, and close Ranks forward to Order.

Command. Ranks, rank outward into the Midst.

Direction. Front Half-files face about, and move outward, and rank to the Midst, and face to your Leader.

Command. Ranks, wheel to the right and left outward.

Direction. Half-files face about, and wheel to the right and left outward into both the Flanks; face to your Leader, and close Files into the midst to Order.

Command. Files, rank six to the right and left outward into Front, Reer, and Midst.

Direction. The three last Ranks of the Front and Reer Half-files face about, and rank outward, three to the right, and three to the left into Front, Reer, and Midst; face to your Leader, and close Ranks and Files to their distance of Order.

Command. Ranks, file to the right entire, advancing.

Direction. The outmost File stand, the rest move forward, and file to the right entire, advancing.

Command. Files, rank three to the right.

Direction. The first three men from the Front rank three to the right, the rest successively doing the same, closing Ranks forward to Order.

Command. Ranks, wheel to the left.

Direction. Ranks, open backward to open Order, and wheel to the left.

Command. Files, rank six to the left.

Direction. The first six men rank six to the left, the rest successively doing the same, until they have made four Ranks six abrest, then close Ranks forwards to Order.

Command. Ranks, rank outward into the midst, every man placing himself on the outsidst of his right and left-hand-man.

Direction. Front Half-files face about, and Front and Reer Half-files rank out­ward into the midst, placing your selves on the outside of your right and left-hand-men; face to your Leader.

Command. Ranks, wheel three to the right and left outward.

Direction. The last Rank face about, and wheel by threes to the right and left outward towards both Flanks; face to your Leader, and close Files to the right to Order, they will stand four abrest, and six deep.

Command. Files, file outward entire, advancing.

Direction. The outmost File stand, the rest advance forward, and place your selves before the outmost Files; after close Files into the midst to Order.

Command. Files, file to the right.

Direction. The right-hand-File stand, the rest face about, and fall in the Reer of your right-hand-File; to your Leader.

Command. Files, file twelve to the right.

Direction. The first twelve stand, the other move forward, filing twelve to the right.

Command. Files, wheel inward into Front and Reer.

Direction. Files open from the midst to twice double distance, after face in­ward, and wheele six to the right, and six to the left, until you have made two Ranks twelve abrest; face to your Leader, and close Ranks forwards to Order.

Command. Ranks wheele inward to both the Flanks.

[Page 82] Direction. Ranks, open from the midst to twice double distance; the first Rank, face about; the first and the last Rank, wheel six to the right, and six to the left inward to both the Flanks; face to your Leader, and close Files to the midst to order.

Command. Files, file three to the right and left outward into Front and Reer.

Direction. Half-files, face about; the three first and the three last Ranks are to stand; the rest are to move by threes, filing to Front and Reer to the right and left outward; and after face to the Front, and close their Ranks forwards to order.

Command. Files, file to the midst by Division.

Direction. Half-files of the outmost Files, face about; and the outmost Files move forwards, and file by Division unto the midst of Files; face to your Leader.

Command. Files, rank inward into the Front.

Direction. Files, open from the midst to twice double distance, and move for­ward to the right and left inward into the Front.

Command. Ranks, file six to the right and left outward.

Direction. The outmost men are to stand; the rest are to move side-ways to the right and left, making six in a File; and then the next outside men in like man­ner are to stand, the rest successively are to file as before.

CHAP. XIV. Next followeth several Figures of Battail, with Firings upon the same, for the per­formance whereof,

Command. BRingers-up to double their Front to the right and left inward, and Ranks and Files to open to open order, and Muskettiers to close outward to close order; the inmost Files of Pikes close outward to the same di­stance, and they will stand in four Divisions; after let the Middle-rank in each Division open outward to open order, they will produce the first Figure.

The first firing. Let the first Rank give Fire, and wheel off to the right and left, and place themselves in the room of them in the Reer; and they at the same time moving forwards in their places, and give Fire as the first; after wheel off into their places again.

The second firing. Let the Middle-ranks advance three foot before the Front, and give Fire; face about, and move down into their places again.

Command. The last Rank in each Division move to the left one pace, and dou­ble to the right File-wise; and then advance forward, until their first men exceed two foot the Front of each Division; then let the first Rank open outward to o­pen order, and the last Rank close inward to the same distance.

[Page 83] The first firing. Let the middle File give Fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The second firing. Let the first Rank give fire on the ground they stand, and af­ter fall off to the right and left into the room of them in the Reer, they at the same time moving forward into their ground, and give fire in like manner, and fall off into their places again, and then the Pikes may charge on whilest the Mus­kettiers make ready again.

Command. Face all about: middle File, move forward three foot clear of the Reer; the first Rank close inward to Order, the last Rank open outward some­thing more then to open Order.

Upon this Figure let the first man in each division kneel down, and then to give fire altogether over one anothers heads, the Pikes at the same time charging brest-high to the Horse; then face all to their first Front.

Command. The last men in the Reer double to the left Rank-wise; Files, close into the midst to Order; Muskettiers, double your Pikes inward entire advancing, and move forward three paces; Files, double your depth to the right and left outward of each Arms, every man falling behind his Bringer-up; Front Half-files, double your Reer entire into the midst; Files, double to the right and left outward; Files, file to the right entire advancing: which being done, wheel them to the right about into a Ring, in form as followeth.

[Page 84]Upon this Figure let the Pikes charge round, and the Muskettiers give fire all together; which being ended, let the Commander go to the place where the File-Leader stands, and wheel them off again to the left until he hath brought them into one straight File, and then proceed.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the right; Ranks, double to the right and left inward; Files, double outward entire, advancing; Half-files of each Arms, double your Ranks forwards to the left; Front Half-files, double the Reer to the left; Files, file to the left entire, advancing, and wheel about into a Ring; then face all to the Center, and close Files of each Arms to the right and left in­ward to close Order.

Command. Middle-men in each Division move backward, and place your selves two foot behind your right and left-hand-men; face all about to the right, and close Ranks inward to Order.

[Page 85]Upon this Figure let them Fire by circumduction after this manner; let the odd men of Pikes port; and then the odd Muskettier, where the first Front was, is to give Fire, and to move away to the left; and the next odd man of Muskettiers upon the right, immediately comes stooping underneath the Pikes into the first mans place, Firing in like manner, moving away into the next odd mans place of the Muskettiers upon the left; the rest doing the same until the Muskettier come into his place again.

Command. Face all to the Center; odd men move forwards and place your selves two foot before the right and left-hand-men; after face all to the right a­bout.

Upon this Figure you may Fire likewise by way of circumduction: the Pikes porting all round, and having performed one Firing in this manner; in the next place, let the odd Muskettiers and Pikes move forth again, and kneel down; the odd Pike-men charging at foot, the Muskettiers may give Fire altogether; then let them face to the Center, and let the odd men move forwards, and place them­selves between the right and left-hand-men; then moving and closing their ring, let them face all about to the right: Then let the Captain go where the Leader of the File stands, and wheel him about to the left; the rest following until they be all brought again into one streight File.

Command. Files, file three to the left into the Front; Files, double to the right intire advancing; Front-half-files, move forwards three paces; Files, double your depth to the right of each Division; Half-files, double your Front intire into the midst. The two first and the two last men of Pikes upon each Flank, face in­ward; the two Middle-ranks, face outward; the two last Ranks of Muskettiers, face about; march all three paces; to your Leader.

[Page 86]To pass by the Firings which may be performed upon this Figure, I shall pro­ceed from hence to draw another.

Command. The outmost divisions of Muskettiers close inward to order; Front and Reer Divisions of Pikes, open outward to double distance; Pikes, double in­ward Rank-wise, and they will stand as followeth.

Upon this Figure Fire to the Front in their several Divisions one after another, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then wheel off to the right into the Reer, the rest of the Divisions moving forward in their room, doing the like until all have fired over twice.

Command. Muskettiers, double your Ranks outward in each Division, and they will stand as underneath.

Upon this Figure, as in the former, they may Fire likewise to the Front, falling down into the Reer; and after every Rank successively moving up into the Front, may Fire and fall off in like manner: this Firing may be done twice to the Front; and being faced to the Reer, they may there give Fire after this man­ner, and after face to their first Front.

Command. Muskettiers, double to the right and left inward File-wise; middle­most division of Muskettiers, face outward, and march until you have placed your selves in Front and Reer of the outmost Divisions of Pikes: The last Rank of Front and Reer-divisions of Muskettiers, double to the right File-wise, and move forward until your first men exceed two foot the Front of each division, which occasioneth the next Figure.

[Page 87]It is now high time that we put a period to this Exercise; wherefore let the Ensign unfurl his Colours, the Souldiers shoulder their Arms, and the Drum beat a march; upon which the Ensign being in the midst may display his Colours so long as shall be convenient, and after the Leader may proceed to their reduce­ment, as followeth.

Reducement. Middle-file of Muskettiers, face about, and march cleer of your own Divisions, and double to the left Rank-wise; Muskettiers, close inward to order; Pikes, double to the right and left outward File-wise: Files, close into the midst to order; Ranks, close to order; Pikes, move forward and even your Front; Pikes and Muskettiers interchange ground, they are reduced.

Now the Leader may command the Muskettiers to troop away, and after he may lodge his Colours, thereby refreshing both himself and his Souldiers, until the next summons by beat of the Drum.

CHAP. XV. The fourth Exercise, consisting of four Files eight deep.

THe Souldiers upon the fourth summons coming unto the place of Exercise, make fuller appearance then before, insomuch that their Files are drawn forth eight deep; the Leaders thereof having spent some time in exercising them in each particular posture, are called upon to joyn into a body; where their Leader stands, bethinking of himself what new matter he should delight them with, there being sufficient in any one particular motion for their Exercise, pitches for present to spend his chiefest time in motions upon facing, continuing longer in them, in respect of the several Figures of Battail demonstrated by them.

Now for the more ready performance thereof, I shall onely give the several words of command for each particular Figure which may be drawn from these facings, referring the Reader to the Figures themselves, where I shall have occa­sion to make use of them upon Firings, which shall be made known unto him by Alphabetical letters, pointing from each facing to the Figure it produceth. To come briefly to the exercise in hand, silence being craved, and Ranks and Files closed to order, the Leader may proceed to these or the like particular facings, producing eighteen Figures of Battail Alphabetically set forth, with their reduce­ments.

Command. Half-files, double your front to the left.

Direction. Files, open from the right to open order; Half-files, advance your Arms, and move forward to the left, and double the Front.

Command. Files, open from the midst to open order; Muskettiers, close out­ward to close order; the inmost Files of Pikes, close outward to close order; Ranks, close to Front and Reer to order, and they will stand in eight Divisions.

Command. Reer-division of Pikes, face about; Muskettiers, face outward, move all three paces, to your Leader; pointeth to the first Figure marked by the Alphabetical letter A.

Command. Muskettiers, face inward; Division of Pikes, face outward, march all until the Pikes are cleer three foot of the Muskettiers, to your Leader: this forms the Figure demonstrated unto you by the Alphabetical B.

Command. Reer-division of Muskettiers upon the left; face about to the right; [Page 88] Reer-division of Muskettiers upon the right, face to the right: Front-division of Muskettiers upon the left, face to the left; Divisions of Pikes, face to the Center; move all until your Muskettiers be cleer three foot of Front, Reer, and both Flanks; then let them stand, and face the Divisions of Muskettiers to the left, and the Division of Pikes to face about to the right, and to move all two paces; then face all to the Center, and close their Divisions a little; after face to their Leader C.

Command. Reer-divisions of Muskettiers, stand; the rest, face to the Reer, march all until your Reer-division range even abrest with those upon the Flanks; to your Leader D.

Command. Reer-divisions of Pikes, face outward, march all until the Reer-di­visions of Pikes be cleer of the outmost Divisions of Muskettiers; then let the Reer-divisions of Pikes face to the Front; the rest face to the Reer, march all three paces; to your Leader E

Command. Divisions of Muskettiers in the midst, face about; march all until the Middle-division of Muskettiers range even with the Reer; to your Lea­der F.

Command. Front-divisions of Pikes, face to the outward Angles: Reer-divisi­on of Pikes, face about, and after face to inward Angles of the Reer: outmost divisions of Muskettiers, face to your inward Angles: Front-division of Musket­tiers, face about; as you are now faced, move all some three paces to your Lea­der G.

Command. Muskettiers, face to Front, Reer, and both Flanks; Divisions of Pikes, face to the Center; march all until you be even abrest in Front, Reer, and both Flanks; to your Leader H.

Command. Reer-divisions of Muskettiers, face about; the outmost Divisions, face inward; Divisions of Pikes, face to the Center; march all three paces; to your Leader I.

Command. Divisions of Muskettiers upon the left in the midst, and the three last Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers, to face to the Reer, and move three paces, and stand; Middle-divisions, face to the left; and the rest face to the right, and move three paces; to your Leader K.

Command. The four last Divisions, face to the left; the four first Divisions, face to the right; move all until you be cleer one of another; then face to the right, and march until you range even abrest in Front and Reer; face to your Lea­der L.

Command. The two inmost Divisions of Pikes, stand; the rest face inward; march all until the Middle-divisions be three foot cleer of the Front; to your Leader M.

Command. Front-divisions of Pikes, face outward; the rest, face outward; march all until the Front-divisions range even with the outmost Divisions of Pikes; face your Leader N.

Command. Front-divisions of Muskettiers, face outward; the rest, face in­ward; march all until the Front-divisions of Muskettiers are cleer of the Pikes; then stand, and the six last Divisions to face about, and move three paces; to your Leader O.

Command. Reer-divisions of Muskettiers, face outward; march all some six paces; Reer-division of Muskettiers, face to the Front; the rest, face to the Reer, and move until the Reer-divisions range even abrest with the Front; to your Leader P.

Command. Front-division of Pikes upon the left, face about; march all un­til that Division be six foot cleer of the Reer; then stand, and Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes, face to the left, and move two paces; to your Leader Q.

Command. Front-division of Pikes, face about; march all until the Front-di­vision of Pikes range even abrest with the first Division of Muskettiers; to your Leader R.

Command. The two outmost divisions of Muskettiers, face about; outmost [Page 89] divisions of Pikes, face outward; move all until the outmost Muskettiers stand streight with the Front-division of Muskettiers; then face to your Learder S.

Reducement. Divisions of Pikes, face inward; the three last Divisions, face a­bout: march all some six paces; Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes, face to the left: Muskettiers, face about; move all two paces; to your Leader: Divisions, move forwards, and double your Front; close Files inward to order, and Ranks forward to order; double Files to the left intire advancing, reduceth them.

Thus much, I conceive may be sufficient at one time for a Leader to exercise his Company with the motions upon their Facings, so that he shall not need to trouble himself with any more then Firings: Where first, as is most properest, we will begin with some plain Firings to the Front; for the performance where­of, let the Half-files double their Front to the left; and Ranks and Files, close forwards and inward to order.

The first firing. Let them Fire by Divisions drawn forth ten or twentie paces, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The second firing. Let the Muskettiers close their Divisions before the Front of Pikes, and give Fire, and fall all off upon the right Flank.

The third firing The Body moving or marching, let the outmost Files face to the right, and give Fire, and lead away by the contrary side of their Pikes, by the Leaders of the File; the next File may do the same, and consequently all the rest until all have Fired; then let them face to the right; the Pikes in the interim charging on whilst the Muskettiers make ready again

The fourth firing. Let the Pikes open from the midst, that the Muskettiers may come up between them: two Ranks may kneel down, and the other two stand upright, and Fire altogether; the Pikes then charging, and after retreating, they may close again into the midst, continuing their Aspects to the right Flank; the Pikes may port, and the Muskettiers may slieve up upon the right and left of the Pikes; the first Rank giving Fire, and presently falling before the Front of Pikes; the next Rank doing the same, falling still behind their own Muskettiers, and before the Front of Pikes, as they are then faced; and having all Fired af­ter that manner, they may Fire again, and flank their Pikes; then facing to Front and Reer, they may give Fire to both places, and fall off to the right and left, and Flank their pikes from Front and Reer; and after face to their Lea­der.

Command. Files, open outward to open order; Muskettiers, close outward to order, the inmost Files of pikes, close outward to order; Ranks, close to Front and Reer to order; Reer-divisions of pikes, face about; Muskettiers, face out­ward; move all three paces; to your Leader. And now you have the Figure of battail pointed out in the first place unto you by the Alphabet.

A

The first firing. Let them Fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then wheel off to the right into the place of those Muskettiers in the Reer, they at [Page 90] the same time moving up into the Front, firing in like manner, and moving down into their places again.

The second firing. Let the Reer-divisions face about; and after let them give Fire both to Front and Reer; and falling in the Reer of themselves, the Pikes may charge while the Muskettiers make ready again: they may Fire a second time in the same manner.

The third firing. Face all to both Flanks; then let them give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes after charging on three paces, and the Muskettiers retreating three paces; after facing to their Leader, produceth this Figure following.

B

The first firing. Let the two first Divisions advance three paces before the Front give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves, and after move down into the places of them in the Reer; they at the same time moving up into their rooms, giving Fire, in like manner falling down into their places again: this may be perform'd twice over; after face them to Front and Reer.

The second firing. Let them give Fire, their Divisions advancing three paces be­fore the Front and Reer, falling in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes charging on, and the Muskettiers retreating into their places again, facing to their Leader.

Command. Reer-division of Muskettiers upon the left, face about; Reer-divi­sion of Muskettiers upon the right, face to the right; Front-division of Mus­kettiers upon the left, face to the left: Muskettiers, march all cleer of the Pikes, then stand; after face them in their several Divisions to the left, and move two paces; to your Leader.

C

[Page 91]If you finde by the words of Command given to make the former Fi­gure, that your Divisions stand too thin; you may face them all to the Cen­ter, and move forward every Division two or three paces; then face to their Leader.

The first firing. Let the Front-division of Muskettiers give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; after wheel off to the right into the room or place of them in the Reer; they at the same time moving up into the Front, Firing and falling off in like manner: this Firing may be performed twice.

The second firing. Let the Muskettiers upon the Wings advance forward three paces; give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; after face about, and move into their places.

The third firing. Let the Front-division of Muskettiers move to the right two paces; Reer-division, move up upon the left of them; then let them all both in Front and Reer give Fire on the ground they stand, and fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes after closing forward, their Divisions may charge on, and after retreating into their places again, the Division of Muskettiers upon the left in the Front in the mean space facing about, and moving down into their places.

The fourth firing. Let the Muskettiers face to the Front, Reer, and both Flanks; the Pikes, face to the outward Angles of Front and Reer, and Port; then let them give Fire on the ground they stand, and fall in the Reer of themselves: Pikes may charge on to the four Angles; then ordering all their Arms, move the Reer-division of Muskettiers forward even with them of the Wings; then face all to their Leader.

D

The first firing. Let the first division Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; after face about, and move down into the Middle-rank of Muskettiers; they at the same time marching up into their ground, Firing, and falling off in like manner.

The second firing. Let the Muskettiers upon the Wings advance forward, even a­brest with those in the Front, and Fire altogether; the three Divisions falling in the Reer of themselves, and after the outmost Divisions facing about, and moving into their places again.

The third firing. Let the Front-Division of Muskettiers face about, move down, and double the middlemost by division; after let the Muskettiers face outward, and move three paces, and give Fire to both the Flanks, falling off to the right and left; the middle-divisions making good their ground, and firing in like manner, falling off.

Having Fired twice over to both the Flanks, face them to their Leader, and draw forth the outmost Files of Muskettiers of the middle-division before the Front of Pikes, and close their Files inward to Order.

[Page 92] Command. Reer-division of Pikes, face outward, and move two foot cleer of the standing part; to your Leader.

E

The first firing. Let the first division of Muskettiers give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; and after wheel about, and fall in the midst of the Reer, and range even abrest between the outmost divisions of Pikes; after face to their Leader.

The second firing. Let the three other divisions advance forwards altogether three foot before the Front, and give Fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes charge on, and the Muskettiers still preserving their ground, making ready again whilst the Pikes retreat into their places.

The third firing. Let them give Fire again in like manner; the Pikes charging on, and retreating as before; then let the last divisions of Pikes move inward in a streight line with the outmost divisions of Muskettiers in the Front, and they will stand as followeth.

The first firing. Let them give Fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of them­selves: this may be performed twice; then face to the Front and Reer; the last Rank of the middle-division is to face about; the first Rank are to continue their Aspects unto the Front.

The second firing. Let the Pikes port to Front and Reer, and the Muskettiers give Fire to Front and Reer, and fall in the Reer of themselves; and after the Pikes may charge on, and retreat again: they may continue this Figure twice, the Pikes charging; and after face to their Leader.

Command. Reer-divisions of Pikes, face about, and move three paces, and face to their Leader; Front-divisions of Muskettiers, face about, and move down into [Page 93] the midst, as before, interchanging ground with the Reer-division of Muskettiers: the two last Divisions of Pikes move outward, until they be two foot clear of the next range of Muskettiers; middle Division of Muskettiers move backward even with the Reer Division of Muskettiers; to your Leader.

F

Upon this Figure face the three last Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers to the right about, and let them give fire to Front and Reer, and fall in the Reer of themselves, the Pikes may afterwards charge on to Front and Reer: and retreat back again into their first places; they may perform this firing twice, the Pikes likewise charging up before, and retreating into their places again; face all to their Leader.

And now it will be expedient, having almost tired the Muskettiers with these se­veral Firings, to end our fourth Exercise, and lodge the Colours; but first we will reduce them.

Reducement. The outmost Division of Muskettiers on the right, move forward, and fall in the Reer of them in the Front: Reer Division of Muskettiers move forward, and fall in the Reer of the left Division of Muskettiers, then let them move straight forwards and joyn with them in the Front, and close the Pikes in­to the midst to Order, and their Ranks forward to Order; let the Pikes double the Front inward entire, and after Files to double to the left entire, advancing, closing Files inward to Order; they are reduced.

CHAP. XVI. The Fifth Exercise, with four Files Eight deep.

THe Souldiers having made timely appearance according to the Drums sum­moning unto such places as was appointed by their Commander, and being by the Serjeants drawn forth into Files, the Leaders thereof being permitted to instruct and teach their Files the Postures, and handsome handling of their Arms, are forthwith by warning of the Drum to lead up their Files, and being joyn'd in a Body, according to the discretion of the Superior Officers, do there stand, silent­ly expecting what will follow. The Captain, or other that shall Exercise them, first commands the Bringers-up to double their Front to the left, and after ap­points one of the Serjeants to fetch the Colours; to which purpose he draws off the two inmost Files of Pikes; and advancing their Arms, the Drum beating a troop, they may move away, and bring them to the Company, being led thither by the Ensign, the Serjeant falling in the Reer of the Pikes; and they falling in­to their places again, they may be commanded, Files to double their depth to the right, every man falling behind his Bringer-up. Now the former days Exer­cise being chiefly spent in the Motions by several Firings, they may be spar'd in this, and in lieu thereof the Leader may out of the former plain Doublings col­lect one that may continue long in exercise before reduced, and in this Exercise he shall not need to trouble himself with Counter-marches or Wheelings, but fall immediately alone upon the Motions with this Doubling or the like, as fol­loweth.

CHAP. XVII. Thirty several Doublings, with their Reducements.

Command. HAlf-files double your Front to the left.

Command. Double your Files to the right entire, advancing.

Command. Half-files double your Front to the right and left outward.

Direction. Half-files advance your Arms, and move to the right and left out­ward, and double the Front.

Command. Double your Files outward entire, advancing.

Direction. Even files from the Flanks move forward and double the odd, and after close Files into the midst to Order.

Command. Half-files double your Front to the right entire.

Command. Right Half-ranks double the left Flank to the right.

Direction. Face to the left, right half-ranks move forward, and double the left Flank to the right; to your Leader.

Command. Double your Ranks to the right entire.

Command. Right half-ranks double your left Flank entire, advancing.

Command. Half-files double your Front inward entire.

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

Direction. Face to the right, left half-ranks advance your Arms, and move for­ward to the left, and double your right Flank.

Command. Double your Ranks to the left entire.

Command. Left half-ranks double your right Flank entire, advancing.

Command. Half-files double your Front inward entire.

Direction. Front half-files face outward, and march clear of the standing part; to your Leader; half-files move forward, and double the Front inward entire.

Command. Right half-ranks double entire the depth of the left Flank.

Direction. Left half-ranks stand, right half-ranks face about, and march clear of the standing part; then face to the right, and move forward even with the left Flank; to your Leader.

Command. Front half-files double the Reer to the left entire.

Direction. Front half-files face to the right, march clear of the standing part, face all to the Reer; Front half-files move down, and double the Reer to the left.

Command. Right half-ranks double your left Flank to the left.

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

Command. Double your Ranks to the left entire into the Reer.

Direction. Face all to the Reer, and every even Rank from the Reer move forth, and double the odd; to your Leader, and close forward to Order.

Command. The two outmost Files upon each Flank double entire, advancing the four inmost Files.

Command. Front half-files double the Reer to the right entire.

Command. Right half-ranks double your left Flank inward entire.

Direction. Half-files of the left half-ranks face about; left half-ranks move clear of the standing part; face all to the left: right half-ranks move forwards, and double the left Flank inward entire.

Command. The four middle ranks double your Front and Reer inward entire.

Direction. Half-files face about, the two first and the two last Ranks open out­ward, until you be clear of the standing part, then the four middle Ranks move forward two to the Front and two to the Reer, doubling entire to both places; face to your Leader, and close your Divisions.

Command. The two outmost Files upon each Flank, double the four middlemost Files by Division.

Direction. Half-files of the two outmost Files face about, outmost Files move clear of the standing part, then close inward to Order, and face to your Leader.

Command. The two first, and the two last Ranks double the four middlemost Ranks inward entire.

[Page 95] Direction. The four middle Ranks face outward, and move clear of the stand­ing part; then face to your Leader: the two first Ranks face about, move for­ward with the two last, doubling the middlemost inward entire; to your Leader.

Command. The four inmost Files double entire, advancing the two outmost Files.

Direction. The two outmost Files stand, the inmost Files move forward clear of the standing part; then face outward, and move straight with the outmost Files; to your Leader, and close Files into the midst to Order.

Command. Front half-files double the Reer by Division.

Direction. The four middle Files double the two outmost Files inward en­tire.

Direction. Half-files of the two outmost Files face about, outmost files move for­ward clear of the standing part, face all to the right and left outward; inmost Files move forward, and double the outmost inward entire; to your Leader, and close Files into the midst to Order.

Command. Front half-files double your Reer to the left.

Command. Files, double your Depth to the right.

Command. The two first and the two last Ranks double the four middle Ranks by Division.

Direction. The two first and the two last Ranks face outward, and march clear of the standing part; then face inward, and move forward, doubling the inmost Files by Division; face to your Leader.

Command. The two outmost Files upon each Flank double entire the Depth of the four inmost Files, reduceth.

CHAP. XVIII. Plain Firings and Figures of Battail.

HAving passed over these Motions of Doublings, in the next place we will pro­ceed to Firings; command therefore Files to open from the midst to open Order, and after let the Bringers-up double the Front to the left.

The first firing. Let the Muskettiers give fire even in the Front, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The second firing. Let the first Rank give fire, and fall in between the Pikes, eve­ry Rank doing the same until all have fired; then let the first Rank move forth by Division, give fire to the Front, and fall in again, every rank doing the same.

The third firing. Let them face to both Flanks and give fire, and fall off to the right and left, and flank their Pikes to Front and Reer: the Pikes may now port, and move all forward three paces; the Muskettiers may give fire again, and fall in the Reer of the Pikes, the Pikes charging on, and after retreating to their first ground may charge at foot, and the Muskettiers may give fire by two Ranks all together over their heads; after recovering their Arms, let them face to Front and Reer, and let the Muskettiers move forth clear of the standing part, then stand and give fire to Front and Reer, and fall off to the right and left, and flank the Pikes, who after may charge on to Front and Reer; then retreating, face all to their Leader.

Command. Half-files of Pikes face about, Muskettiers face outward, march all three paces; Pikes face to the right and left; Muskettiers face about to the right, march all three paces; then let the last Rank face about, the first and the last Rank double File-wise inward, advancing; Pikes face to the outward Angles of Front and Reer; Muskettiers face to Front, Reer, and both Flanks, and move all two paces; to your Leader.

[Page 96] G

The first firing. Let the first Division of Muskettiers fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of themselves, and after wheel off to the Right, moving down into the place of the Reer Division, who may at the same time move forward into their ground, and fire in like manner, wheeling off as the former did.

The second firing. Let the two outmost Divisions move forward into the Front, give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves, and after move down into their places.

The third firing. Face all to the Reer, and let the Muskettiers give fire there in the same manner as they did to the Front.

The fourth firing. Let the Muskettiers face to Front, Reer, and both Flanks, and the Pikes face to the outward Angles of Front and Reer, then let the Muskettiers move forth three foot clear of the Pikes, and fire to Front, Reer, and both Flanks, and fall in the reer of themselves, after facing about, move into their places again.

The fifth firing. Let them face as before, and give fire on the same ground they stand, and fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes may after charge on, and re­treat into their places again.

Command. Muskettiers move forth, and range even abrest with the Pikes into Front, Reer, and Midst, and they will stand in a square as followeth.

H

The first firing. Upon this Figure as they are faced to Front, Reer and both Flanks, and the Pikes to the outward Angles of Front and Reer, it will be best to fire on the ground they stand, and to fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes may after charge to the four Angles.

The second firing. Let them double their Ranks outward, and give fire; after face about and move three paces into the midst of Pikes, and having made ready again, let them face about, and move forward and fire as they did before, and after dismount their Muskets, taking them in both hands, they may, as occasion shall require, make use of the Butt end thereof against the Horse, and the Pikes may stand upon their charge.

The third firing. Let the Muskettiers double inward File-wise, the Pikes keep their Aspects to the four Angles, the Musketttiers, as before, may give Fire to Front, Reer, and both Flanks, and fall in the reer of those Pikes next their right hand; and having their Aspects unto the same Angles, they may fire there, if they please, by way of Extraduction, and move forth to the left into their places again; then let the Pikes face to the Front, and Muskettiers upon the wings face about to the right, and Muskettiers move forward three paces; face to your Leader forms the following Figure.

[Page 97]

The first firing. Let the first Division give fire together, and wheel off into the Reer, the next two Divisions moving forward into their ground, giving fire all together, and wheeling off to the right and left into the Reer, the rest still mo­ving forward until the Reer-division is likewise come up into the Front, and gives fire in like manner, and falling off to the right into his first place again; this firing may be continued twice.

The second firing. Let them give fire all together to the Front after this manner; let the middle Divisions move forth to the right and left clear of the Pikes, the Reer-division at the same time moving forward upon the outside of those in the Front, and give fire and move into their places again, making ready whilest the Pikes close forward, and charge on five or six paces, they may retreat again into their places.

The third firing. Let them face all to the Reer, and fire after this manner, the first Division kneel down, the middle Divisions move forth clear of the Pikes; the Front-division marching down into the Reer, may give fire all together, the out­most Division and the Front-division over the heads of them in the Reer, and move in, and back again into their places; then face to their Leader.

Command. The outmost Division of Muskettiers upon the left in the midst, and the three last Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers face about; march all three paces, and stand: Middle Divisions face to the left, and move two paces; face all to your Leader: Divisions of Pikes face inward; Front-division of Musket­tiers, and the second from the Reer face about, and move little, and close your Divisions; to your Leader.

[Page 98] The first firing. Let the first Division give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves, then wheel down into the Reer, the other Divisions successively moving up into the Front, and firing in like manner; this firing may be continued twice over.

The second firing. Let the Divisions of Muskettiers double their Ranks to the right and left outward, and give fire in single Ranks as they did before, until all have fired twice over.

The third firing. Let them double their Files to the right and left inward, and the Reer Divisions to face about, then let them give fire both to Front and Reer, falling first in the Reer of themselves; after to wheel off into the midst, and facing to Front and Reer, the middle Divisions may move forth into their ground, firing in like manner; the Pikes may after charge whilest the Muskettiers make ready again, and after retreating into their places, they may continue their firing, as formerly, the Pikes charging on as before.

The fourth firing. Let each Division of Muskettiers double Ranks outward, and fire to Front and Reer, and to wheel off in one single rank to the right and left, and rank again in the midst, and after double inward File-wise, and face to their Leader.

Command. The four last Divisions face to the left, the four first Divisions face to the right; march all until you be clear one of another; then face to the right, and move until you be even abrest in Front and Reer; to your Leader.

L

The first firing. Let the first Divisions give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves, after wheeling off to the right and left into the Reer, they at the same time moving forwards into their places, firing and falling off in like manner; they may perform the same firing to the Reer, being thither faced.

The second firing. Let the Reer-Divisions move to the right and left outward, clear of the standing part; then face to the Front, move up even abrest with the Front-Divisions, and let every Division fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes may charge, and after both they and the outmost Divisi­ons may move down into their places.

Command. The inmost Divisions of Pikes advance forward three foot before the Front, the rest face inward, and move two paces; to your Leader.

M

[Page 99]Upon this Figure let the first Ranks of the Front-Division fire, and fall behind the Front-Divisions of Pikes; the next rank may fire and fall behind the first, then let the Reer-division move up and give fire, and fall in the reer of themselves; and after wheel about to the right and left inward, moving down clear of the reer, and facing again unto their Leader: then they may fire a second time in the same way, the Front-divisions moving forth and firing first, and falling behind the Pikes, the reer-divisions coming up into their places, firing and falling off again by wheeling about inward, until they be clear three foot of the reer; then facing to their Leader, they will stand as followeth, where the Ensign may display his Colours, if the Leader pleaseth to march upon it.

Having now spent much time in these particular Firings, it will be convenient to give the Souldiers some respit to refresh their almost tired spirits, that they may more chearfully appear upon the next summons of the Drum; and therefore we will conclude this Exercise, and prepare for the lodging of the Colours.

Reducement. Reer-Divisions of Pikes move straight forward, until you range even abrest with the Front-Divisions of Pikes; Reer-Divisions of Muskettiers move forward, and range inward even abrest with the Front-Divisions; Files, close in­to the midst to Order; Front and Reer half-files, open from the midst to double distance; the four inmost Files of Front and Reer half-files face inward and in­terchange ground; then let each two Files of Pikes close outward to Order, and after to double their Divisions to the right File-wise, and to close Files to the left to Order; the two outmost Files of Muskettiers upon the right double Ranks inward, and lead them away before the left half-ranks of Muskettiers; the next two Files double Ranks outward, and lead them away behind the Reer by first facing them about; Pikes face to the left, and move straight before the Musket­tiers, and then double the Reer inward entire; after Files to double their Depth to the right, every man falling behind his Bringer-up; they are reduced.

CHAP. XVIII. The Sixth Exercise, with four Files eight deep.

THe Souldiers being met at the place appointed, and their Files being drawn forth according to the usual custom, the Leaders being to shew each Soul­dier how to handle and use his Arms, and after leads up their Files, and joyns them into a Body, where the Commander having sent for his Colours, stands at the head of them, commanding their silence and attention to the words of Com­mand. Now having in his former Exercise spent most of the time upon plain Dou­blings, he may in this shew unto them the great variety of Doublings by Counter-marches; and although they are very difficult, yet they will afford much delight and content unto the Souldiers.

GHAP. XIX. Thirty Doublings by Counter-marches, with their Reducement.

Command. BRingers-up, double your Front to the left.

Command. Double your Files to the left entire advancing, every man placing himself before his Leader.

Command. Front half-files double your Reer to the right and left outward, following your Leaders.

[Page 100] Command. Double your Files outward entire, advancing, every man placing himself before his Leader.

Command. Bringers-up, double your front to the right and left inward.

Command. Double your Files inward entire, advancing, every man placing himself before his Leader.

Command. Front half-files double your Reer to the right and left inwards, fol­lowing your Leaders.

Command. Files, double your depth to the right and left outward, following your Bringers-up.

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 about; even files ad­vance forward, and double the odd according to command; to your Leader.

Command. The four first, and the four last Ranks, double the eight middlemost Ranks to the right and left inward, following your Leaders & your Bringers-up.

Direction. The four first, and the four last Ranks advance your Arms, and the File-leaders and the Bringers-up begin the Motion, the rest are to follow; after order their Arms, and face to their Leader.

Command. Double your files to the left by Division, every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up.

Direction. The eight middle ranks double your Front and Reer to the right and left outward, following the Half-file-leaders, and the Bringers-up of the Front half-files.

Direction. The four last ranks of the Front and Reer half-files face about: the middle are to begin this Motion, and to advance their Arms, and to turn off to the right and left, every rank following them until they have doubled the Front and Reer: then face all to the Front, order their Arms, and close their Divisions forward to open Order.

Command. Double your files inward by Division, every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up.

Direction. Half-files of the outmost Files face about, the outmost Files advance your Arms and move forward, placing your selves before your Leaders and your Bringers up; face to your Leader, and order your Arms.

Command. The four first, and the four last Ranks, double the eight middlemost Ranks to the right and left outward, following your Leaders and your Brin­gers-up.

Direction. The four first, and the four last Ranks, advance your Arms, and move away to the right and left, and double the eight middlemost Ranks; to your Leader.

Command. Front half-files, double your Reer to the right, following your Leaders.

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

Command. Right half-ranks, double your left Flank to the right, following your right-hand-men.

Direction. Face outward, and right half-ranks turn off to the left, and double the left Flank to the right; to your Leader.

Command. Double your Ranks to the right entire, every man placing himself on the outside of his right-hand-man.

Command. Left half-ranks, double your right Flank to the left, following your left-hand-men.

Command. Double your ranks to the left entire, every man placing himself on the outside of his left-hand-man.

Command. Double your Ranks by Division, every man placing himself on the outside of his left-hand-man.

Command. The inmost Files double the outmost Files, placing yourselves on the outside of your right and left-hand-men.

[Page 101] Direction. The inmost Files advance your Arms, face outward, and move for­ward, and double the outmost Files, placing your selves on the outside of your right and left-hand-men; order your Arms, and close Files into the midst to o­pen Order.

Command. Double your Ranks by division into the Reer.

Command. The two outmost Files, double the four inmost by following of your outside-men.

Direction. The inmost Files, face inward; the rest face outward, and turn off to the right and left toward the Reer; and double the four inmost Files; to your Leader.

Command. Double your Ranks by Division into Front, Reer, and Midst; every man placing himself on the outside of his right and left-hand-man.

Direction. The two last Ranks of the Front and Reer-half-files, face about; e­ven Ranks from the Front, Reer, and Midst; advance your Arms, and face out­ward, and move forth, and double the Front, Reer, and Midst of Ranks, placing your selves on the outside of your right and left-hand-men; face to your Leader, and close Ranks forward to open Order.

Command. Double your two outmost Files to the right and left outward, and Midst, following of the inmost Files.

Direction. The two outmost Files, face outward; the rest face inward; and Front and Reer-half-files distinctly turn off to the right and left, and double the outmost Files to the right and left outward; and Midst following of the inmost Files; to your Leader: Files, close into the midst to Order.

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

Command. Bringers-up, double your Front to the right.

Command. File-leaders, double your Reer to the left.

Command. Double your Files to the left intire into the Reer, every man placing himself before his Bringer-up.

Direction. Face to the Reer, and even Files from the left; advance your Arms, and move forward, and double the odd, placing your selves before your Brin­gers-up; to your Leader.

Command. Files, double your depth to the left, following your Bringers-up.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the right and left inward, every man placing himself before his Leader, they are reduced as at first.

CHAP. XX. Plain Firings, and Figures of Battail.

HAving spent so much time upon these Doublings by Counter-marches, in the next place I shall proceed to Firings, and several Figures of Battail; where first command the Half-files to double the Front to the left, and then go on to your Firings.

The first firing. Let them fire even with the Front, and fall off, and Rank even with the Half-files, and fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes may after charge on, and the Muskettiers may give fire again, and fall in the Reer of the Pikes.

The second firing. Let the Pikes port, and the Muskettiers give fire by extradu­ction.

The third firing. Now the Muskettiers being upon the Reer, fire them there up­on the march; wheel them about to the right, and let them fire after this man­ner: face about to the right and left; let the last Rank fire, fall off, and Flank the first Rank of Pikes; and so consequently all the rest; after fire them to the Reer, and fall off to the right and left some six paces before the Front of Pikes, and in the Reer of themselves; then face the body about, and let the Pikes charge to the Reer, and after port; the Muskettiers may give fire to the Reer by way of extraduction.

The fourth firing. Next fire to the Reer by dividing the Muskettiers, and bring­ing them even with the Reer, and ranking outward, and falling again as they were; face to your Leader.

[Page 102] Command. Ranks and Files, open to your open Order; Muskettiers, close outward to Order; the outmost Files of Pikes, stand; the rest close outward to Order: Front-half-files, open forward three paces: Ranks, close to Front and Reer to Order: Pikes, move forward two paces; Pikes, face outward; Muskettiers, face inward, and move cleer one of another; to your Leader.

N

The first firing. Let them give Fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of them­selves; then wheel off to the right and left into the Reer, they at the same time moving up into their ground, give Fire, and falling off as before; the Pikes may after charge on while the Muskettiers make ready.

The second firing. Let Pikes and Muskettiers Rank outward and give Fire, and fall off in like manner, as before; after let them Fire, and fall in the Reer of the first Rank of Pikes of the Front-divisions; then the Pikes may port; then let the first Divisions give Fire, and fall in behind the Pikes; the Reer-divisions af­ter moving up into their places, may give Fire, and face about; march down in­to their places; then face to their Leader: This firing being continued twice or oftener over, you may fire them to the Reer (they being thither faced) after the very same manner, the Pikes there charging; after facing all to their Leader, let them double Files to the right and left inward of each division.

Command. Front-divisions of Pikes, face outward; Front-divisions of Musket­tiers, face outward; the rest face about; move all six paces; to your Leader; Reer-divisions, move forward two paces.

O

The first firing. Let the Front-divisions give fire, and fall in the Reer of them­selves; then wheel off to the right and left into the Reer; they at the same time moving forward into their places may give fire, and fall off as before: this may be twice performed.

The second firing. Let the Front-divisions give fire, and fall in the Reer of the Front-divisions of Pikes; the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers moving into their ground, firing, and falling behind the Reer-divisions of Pikes; then they may move forth cleer of the Pikes, and fire, and fall in again: they may fire after the same manner to the Reer: But I shall let that pass, and go on to the next.

[Page 103] Command. Reer-divisions of Muskettiers, face outward, and march three paces cleer of the Reer-divisions of Pikes; then face to your Leader, and move for­ward until they range even abrest with the Reer-divisions of Pikes.

P

The first firing. Let the first divisions of Muskettiers give fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of themselves; after wheel off to the right and left into the room of them in the Reer; they at the same time moving up into their places, firing and falling off in like manner: this firing may be continued twice over; then the Pikes may charge whilst the Muskettiers make ready again.

The second firing. Let the Reer-divisions move forward even abrest; then let the Muskettiers give fire altogether, and fall in the Reer of themselves: this firing may be continued twice over, and the Pikes may charge; after let those Divisions that moved, march down again into their places.

Command. Front-divisions of Pikes upon the left, face about, and move down four paces cleer of the Reer; Front and Reer-divisions of Pikes, move to the left two paces, to your Leader.

Q

Upon the former Figure fire first to the Front, and fall in the Reer of them­selves; then wheel down into the place of them in the Reer, they at the same time moving up into their places, firing and falling off in like manner. This fi­ring being twice performed, let the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers move up even abrest with the Front-divisions, and fire altogether, and fall in the Reer of themselves; after let the Pikes charge on, and the outmost Divisions of Musket­tiers face about, and move down into their places.

Command. Front-division of Pikes, face about, and march until they range e­ven abrest with the Front-division of Muskettiers; to your Leader; Reer-divi­sion of Pikes move forward three paces.

[Page 104]Upon this Figure let each division fire as they stand, and fall in the Reer of themselves, performing it twice over; the Pikes may charge on, whilst the Mus­kettiers make ready again, who after may give fire by two Ranks together, as they stand in each division; the Pikes charging as before.

Command. Outmost divisions of Muskettiers, face about, march until you range even with the Reer; face inward, and move until you stand streight after the Front-divisions of Muskettiers; to your Leader: middle-divisions of Pikes, face outward, and move cleer of the standing part; to your Leader.

The first firing. Let them give fire to the Front, by divisions relieving each o­ther; after face them to both Flanks, and let them give fire upon the ground they stand, and fall in the Reer of themselves: This firing may be continued twice; and after the Pikes may charge on, whilst the Muskettiers make ready a­gain; and after retreating into their places.

The second firing. Let the middle-division of Pikes in the Reer, face about; and the middle-division of Pikes, face to the Front; and Muskettiers to face to the outward Angles of Front and Reer; and let them give fire to the four Angles, and fall in the Reer of themselves, or fire altogether; and the Pikes may after charge on to Front, Reer and both Flanks, being all faced unto those places; and retreating again to their places, they may, if they please, fire a second time, and charge on in manner as before. Now if the Leader have a desire to fire to Front and Reer, let him face them thither, and let them fire on the ground they stand, and fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes after charging on, and re­treating again into their places; face them all to their Leader, and open the Front and Reer-divisions from the midst to sufficient distance, and let the Ensign display his Colours.

Reducement. Reer-divisions of Pikes, advance forward unto the left into the Front; outmost division of Pikes, face inward, march and close your divisions; Muskettiers in the Reer, move and close Ranks forward to Order; Files, double your depth to the right, every man falling behind his Bringer-up, reduceth them.

Then let the Muskettiers poyse their Muskets, if they be neer the place of lodging the Colours, and to move unto that place making a guard; their Mus­kets being rested, after which the Colours being furled up, and the Pikes ad­vanced; the Leader being on the right hand, and the Lieutenant on the left, and the Ensign in the midst; the Serjeants following them, and in the Reer of them the Drums beating a troop; let them march away and lodge the Colours, the Muskettiers giving of a volley, they may all betake themselves unto their se­veral habitations, until they shall be summon'd again by beat of the Drum unto their place of Rendezvous.

CHAP. XXI. The seventh Exercise, consisting of sixty four men, eight Files eight deep.

THe Souldiers appearing unto the place of Exercise, according unto the ap­pointment of their Leader, or accustomed thereunto by beat of Drum, are drawn forth into several Files, as is the usual custom. And the Souldiers being instructed of the use and handling of their Arms, by the Serjeants, Corporals, [Page 105] or Leaders of the Files, spending such time therein as shall be convenient until the fetching of the Colours; to which purpose they draw up their Files, and joyn into a Body, doubling the Front to the left by the Half-files, and send for the Colours. Which being brought unto the head of the Company, and the Soul­diers returned unto their several places, and that the Body is closed in Rank and File to close Order; then silence, and the well minding of their Directions, and their obedience is required of them, being three main properties belonging unto every Souldier. Now for more variety sake in matter of Motions; the Leader may spend his chiefest time in Doublings, by Wheelings, giving upon all occasions, the Souldiers their due distance unto every word of Command, and instructing them with their several reasons and uses, and so proceed to this that follows.

CHAP. XXII. Two and twenty several Doublings by Wheelings, with their Reducement.

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, until you come up even with the Front.

Command. Right and left Half-ranks, double the Depth of the Battail, by wheeling into the Front.

Direction. Right-half-ranks, wheel to the left; Left-half-ranks, wheel to the right; to your Leader.

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

Direction. Half-files, face to the Reer; and Front-half-files, wheel about to the right and left, and move down even with the Reer; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel off your right Half-ranks, and double the left Flank to the right intire.

Direction. Face outward; and right Half-ranks, wheel about to the left, and double the left Flank to the right intire; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel off your right Half-ranks, and double your left Flank by division.

Direction. Face outward; and right Half-ranks, wheel about to the right and and let, and double the left Flank by Division; to your Leader.

Command. Front and Reer-half-files, double the length of your Battail, by wheeling into the left Flank.

Direction. Face to the left; and Front-half-files that were, wheel to the left; Reer-half-files, wheel to the right; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel of your Left-half-ranks, and double your right Flank by division.

Command. Front and Reer-half-files, double the length of the Battail by wheeling into the right Flank.

Command. Wheel your Left-half-ranks inward into the midst, and double the right Flank inward intire.

Direction. Front and Reer-half-files, open from the midst to more then double distance; after face outward; and Left-half-ranks, wheel inward into the midst, and move forward, and double the right Flank inward intire; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel off your Front-half-files, and double the Reer to the right intire.

Direction. Half-files, face to the Reer; and Front-half-files, wheel about to the left, and move down upon the right into the Reer, and face to your Leader.

Command. Wheel your Right-half-ranks inward into the midst, and double your left Flank inward intire.

Command. Wheel off the Front-half-files, and double the Reer to the left intire.

Command. Wheel your Reer-half-files inward into the midst, and double your Front inward intire.

Direction. Right and Left-half-ranks, open from the midst to more then dou­ble distance; and Half-files, face about, and wheel inward into the midst, and move forward, and double your Front inward intire.

[Page 106] Command. Right and left Half-ranks, double the Depth of your Battail, by wheeling into the Reer.

Direction. Face to the Reer; and right-half-ranks, wheel to the left; and left-half-ranks, wheel to the right until you meet; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel your Front-half-files inward into the midst, and double the Reer inward intire.

Command. Wheel off your left-half-ranks, and double your right Flank to the right intire. Face outward.

Command. Wheel off your Reer-half-files, and double the Front to the left intire. Half-files, face about.

Command. Wheel off your Left-half-ranks, and double your right Flank to the left intire.

Command. Wheel off your Reer-half-files, and double your Front to the right intire. Face outward.

Command. Wheel off your Left-half-ranks, and double intire the Depth of the right Flank.

Direction. Left-half-ranks, face to the left, and wheel about to the left, until you come down in the Reer of the right Flank; to your Leader.

Command. Wheel off your Reer-half-files, and double the Length of your Front to the right.

Direction. Half-files, face about, and wheel round to the left, and move for­ward, and double the length of the Front to the right, they are reduced.

CHAP. XXIII. Several Firings, and Figures of Battail, with sixty four men.

HAving passed over these several Wheelings by way of Doublings, it will be sufficient time to proceed unto Firings; wherefore, first, command to open their Files from the midst to open Order; and the Bringers-up thereof to double the Front to the right and left inward.

The first firing. Let them fire to the Front, by Ranks ranking outward, and af­ter to rank as they were.

The second firing. Let them give fire to the Front, by ranks ranking inward, and ranking again as they were, and closing again to the Body of Pikes.

The third firing. Let the Half-files face about; and let them give fire to Front and Reer by Ranks ranking outward, and ranking in again as they were.

The fourth firing. Let them advance forwards by two Ranks, some ten paces be­fore the Front and Reer, and give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then face about, and fall before the Front and Reer of Pikes; and then fire again, falling off to the right and left, and Flank the Pikes; then the Pikes may charge on, and the Muskettiers may fall in the Reer of the Pikes, and then Pikes may charge at Foot, and the Muskettiers may give fire altogether over their heads.

The fifth firing. Let the Pikes port, and the Muskettiers move forth to the right and left, and fire by extraduction; then the Pikes may charge again, and the Muskettiers may move forth as before; and the first Rank of each division may give fire even with the Front and Reer, and stand; the rest may after move forth cleer of them, and give fire, falling behind their own Divisions of Muskettiers; then face all to their Leader, and close their Divisions forward to Order; and then proceed to Figure of Battail.

Command. Half-files, face about; Muskettiers, move forward until you be cleer of the Pikes; the two inmost Files of Muskettiers, stand; the two outmost Files of Muskettiers move forwards, until you be cleer of the inmost Files; the two outmost Files of Pikes, face outward, and move three foot cleer of the out­most Divisions of Muskettiers; and after to face to Front and Reer, and to move forward until they range even with the Reer-divisions of Muskettiers; then let them face all to the Front, and stand streight in their Divisions, both Rank-wise and File-wise; and they will stand as in the next Figure.

[Page 107]

Upon this Figure let the first divisions of Muskettiers give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; after wheel off to the right and left into the room of them in the Reer; they at the same time moving up into their places, firing and falling off in like manner. Then let the inmost divisions give fire in like manner, as the former did; and wheel off to the right and left, and be relieved by their own Reer-divisions of Muskettiers; then let the Pikes chaege on, and after retreating back again into their places.

Command. The two middle-ranks of Pikes, face outward, and move cleer of the standing part; then let the first Rank of Pikes face about; and the first and last Rank of Pikes to move forward to Order; face all to your Leader.

The first firing. Let the Front-divisions fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then wheel off to the right and left into the room of them in the Reer; they at the same time moving forward into their places, firing and falling off in like man­ner: Next let the inmost divisions of Muskettiers do the same, who may be re­lieved by the inmost divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer.

The second firing. Let them all face to the Reer, and give fire as they did to the Front.

The third firing. Let them face to Front and Reer, and give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves first; after falling off, and interchanging divisions, relieving each other; then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer, and after retreat­ing back into their places.

Command. The inmost divisions of Muskettiers to move forward until they be two foot cleer of the standing part; then let them face all inward, and move un­til the outmost divisions of Muskettiers range even abrest with the middle-divisi­ons of Pikes; to your Leader.

[Page 108]

Upon this former Figure, fire them to both Flanks; where first face them out­ward; let the first division give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; and af­ter wheel off to the right and left into the places of the Reer-divisions, and they move up at the same instant of time into their rooms, giving fire, and falling in the Reer of themselves; afterward into their places. Next let them fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; and after move inward, and fall in the Reer of the next division of Pikes; and then the first division of Muskettiers move forth, and give fire in the ground they formerly stood on, and fall in the Reer of themselves, and stand; and the next division of Muskettiers is likewise to move forth where formerly they stood, and to fire and fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes may after charge on, and after retreat back again into their places; and face to their Leader.

Command. Reer-divisions of Muskettiers, move to the left two paces, and double to the right File-wise; the two middle-divisions of Pikes, face outward, and move two paces; to your Leader: Reer-divisions of Muskettiers move for­ward, until the first division of Muskettiers be placed three foot before the midst of the middle-divisions of Pikes, and the second division be three foot behind the same, standing streight with the Front-divisions of Muskettiers in the midst.

Upon this Figure they being faced to Front and Reer, both Pikes and Musket­tiers; let the first divisions give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves, and stand; let the rest move forward until they be cleer of the Front-divisions of Muskettiers, [Page 109] and fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves, and after face about and move down into their places again; then let the Pikes open a little outward, and charge all to Front and Reer; and when they shall retreat back again into their places, the Muskettiers may fire again as they did before, and continue it as long as they please. Or they may fire upon this Figure either to Front or Reer, according to discretion, as long as they please.

Now in respect much time hath been spent in the Motions by wheelings in plain firings and Figures of Battail, we will draw forth one Figure more from the for­mer, that the Colours may be displayed, and that we may conclude our seventh Exercise, to refresh the Souldiers for a space, until they shall again have warning from their Commander for another appearance.

Command. The last Division of Muskettiers in the midst to face about, middle Divisions of Muskettiers advance forward until you be three foot clear of the Front and Reer; to your Leader: each Division of Pikes face outward, and move to convenient distance for the Colours to display; to your Leader.

Reducement. Front and Reer-division of Muskettiers face about, Front-divisi­on move down and double the Reer-division to the left rank-wise; to your Lea­der: the two first Divisions of Muskettiers in the Front face about; then let them, and the two last Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer, move forward until they be even with the next Divisions of Muskettiers; to your Leader. The two middle Divisions of Pikes close into the midst to Order, and to open their Ranks from the midst to something more then open Order; the two outmost Divisions of Pikes face inward, and move forward into the midst of the two middle Ranks in the Body; to your Leader. Front-divisions of Pikes face about, and Front and Reer-Divisions to move forward and to close their Divisions; to your Leader. Files close to the right and left inward to Order. Muskettiers in the Front and Reer, double your Pikes by Division. Files, double your Depth to the right and left outward, every man falling behind his Bringer-up, they will be reduced as at first.

Now the Serjeants may draw off the Muskettiers, filing them to the right and left outward, thereby making a guard for the Captain and other Officers to march through, trooping away and lodging the Colours; which done, one of the Serjeants command the Muskettiers to face about to the right, and to present all, and no man to give fire until they hear the beat of Drum; no man pulling his Tricker but once, which will be a means that they all fire handsomly together; which being ended, every man may depart home until he shall be called forth again.

CHAP. XXIV. The Eighth Exercise, consisting of sixty four men, eight Files eight deep.

THe Souldiers being again brought into the Field, or place of Exercise, the Serjeants, according to their wonted manner, drawing forth the Files, bids each File-leader to take his File into some convenient place apart, to exercise them in their several Postures and Charges, and after what manner they may fire, whether it be to Front, Reer, or both Flanks. Which being performed, they are called up to joyn into a Body, and commanded to close their Ranks and Files to their distance of Order, and the Front doubled to the right and left inward by the half-files distance beforehand, being prepared for their moving up. The Leader appoints one of the Serjeants to fetch the Colours, which being brought up to the head of the Company, the Leader for variety sake may spend the chiefest of his time in Firings, as followeth.

The first firing. Let the Muskettiers move forward until their Bringers-up range even with the Front of Pikes; after let the two outmost Files of Muskettiers move forward until their Bringers-up range even abrest with the Front of the two in­most Files; Let the Front or foremost Divisions give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then let them face about, and move down into their places where they were last, then let the two inmost Files of Muskettiers of each Division ad­vance forwards until their Bringers-up range even with the Front of the two outmost Files, and then let them give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; and after face about, and march down into their places again where they were last drawn off.

The second firing. Let them give fire on the ground they stand in each Division, falling off to the right and left in the Reer of themselves.

The third firing. Let the first Rank in each Division fire as they stand, and after move inward in a straight line before the Front of Pikes, which gives way for the next Rank to fire in each Division; and after to move inward into the Reer of the first Rank, and so consequently all the rest to fire in like manner until they have all fired, and stand straight before the Pikes.

The fourth firing. Let their Ranks rank outward into the Front, and then give fire all entire in one Rank, and ranking again as they were.

The fifth firing. Let the half-files of Muskettiers double the Front by Division, and give fire by two Ranks together, and after to move back again into their places.

The sixth firing. Let the two first Ranks kneel down, the other two stand upright, and give fire four Ranks together.

The seventh firing. Let the half-files, or Pikes to face about, and move three pa­ces; to your Leader: and then Files to double their Depth to the right and left outward of each Arms; then let them give fire eight Ranks together after this manner, two kneel down, two kneeling, two stand upright, and the two last to be drawn off to the right and left; and so to fire all together; which being end­ed, command the Pikes by their Files to rank outward into the Front, and then open outward to the right and left, and charge on in the Front, and file again as they were.

The eigth firing. Let the Pikes open their Files from the midst to double distance; then command the Muskettiers to face about, and move down into the midst of the Pikes, then let the half-files face about, and let the Muskettiers be at open Order in their Files, and the Pikes at Order; and then let them give fire first to Front and Reer by Intraduction after this manner: Let the first Rank in Front and Reer present and give fire on the ground they stand, and presently make ready again; the next Ranks may move forward, and place themselves three foot before them, and fire in like manner, and after stand, the other Ranks still moving forward into the next Rank until the first have fired, and then immedi­ately to clap before them, and fire in like manner, until all have fired twice over.

The ninth firing. Let them close their Files into the midst to Order, and fire on the same ground they stand, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The tenth firing. Let them fire and fall off to the right and left into the midst of [Page 111] Pikes again, then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer; and when they are clear of the Muskettiers, let them close to the right and left inward to Order.

The eleventh firing. Let the Pikes port, and let the Muskettiers be drawn forth one whole Rank to the right, and another to the left, both to Front and Reer give fire, and fall into their places again; then let the other four be drawn forth in like manner, and fire, and fall into their places again; the Pikes, if occasion shall require, may again charge on.

The twelfth firing. Let the Muskettiers range to the right and left outward, and fire even abrest with the Reer of each Division, and move in again into their places.

The thirteenth firing. Let the Muskettiers rank outward, and move even abrest with the Front and Reer, and there present and give fire: and whilest the Pikes are charging on, they may rank again as they were, and fall in the Reer of the Pikes, and make ready again.

The fourteenth firing. The Pikes being retreated into their first ground, you may open them to the right and left, and then the Muskettiers may move forward, and fire two Ranks kneeling down, and the other two standing upright; then the Pikes may continue their charge till the Muskettiers make ready again, and after they may retreat, and fall in the Reer of the Muskettiers, and close their Divisi­ons inward to Order. These firings being all upon a stand, and the Muskettiers being now in Front and Reer, they may be moved away, and may give fire upon the march to Front and Reer after this manner.

The fifteenth firing. Let the first Rank in the Front nimbly advance forward ten paces, then present and give fire, in which interim, the rest will be moved up un­to them; the others having fallen off to the right and left in the Reer of their own Divisions of Muskettiers, the next Rank may give fire in like manner, until all have fired thus once over; the Reer are to fire at the same time with the Front, facing about the last Rank, who are to fall off, and to place themselves before their own Divisions of Muskettiers.

The sixteenth firing. Let them fire as before, and the first Rank of the Front-divi­sion to fall off, and flank the Pikes to the right, the rest of that Division falling off, and placing themselves in the Reer of them; and likewise the first Rank of the Reer-Division, when they have fired, let them fall off, and range even abrest with the half-files of Pikes, and still preserving themselves in their places to be right-hand-men to those which were at first, and the rest to give fire and fall in the Reer of them.

The seventeenth firing. Now the Muskettiers being all upon the right Flank, let the outmost File face to the right and fire, and lead away the Bringers-up be­tween the Muskettiers and the outmost File of Pikes; let this be continued in the same manner until all have fired.

The eighteenth firing. The Body still marching, let them fire again after the same manner as before.

The nineteenth firing. Let them fire by Ranks wheeling to the right Flank, and after to rank to the right, so many abrest as they were at first, marching along with the Body.

The twentieth firing. Let them fire, and fall off on the contrary Flank.

The one and twentieth firing. Let them give fire upon the gathering, firing after this manner; let the outmost File upon the left, face to the left, give fire, and then face to the Front, and stand until the rest be clear; and then the next File to face to the left and fire, and after face to the Front, and then the first File may gather up even abrest upon the left of the second File; then the third File may face to the left and give fire; after face to the Front and stand, until the other two march up on the left, and joyn even abrest with him, and consequently so all the rest, until every File have fired, and that they be all moved up even abrest with the Pikes.

The two and twentieth firing. Let them wheel Ranks to the left, and fire, and after rank four to the left as they were at first, and march even abrest with the Pikes.

[Page 112] The three and twentieth firing. Let them fire to the left Flank, Ranks inverting, and after face to the Front, and to rank again as they were.

The four and twentieth firing. Let them fire by Files, filing to the right, and fa­cing after to the left, and fire to the left Flank; and then facing to their first Front, and to lead up their Files to the left again as they were.

The five and twentieth firing. Let them fire by the outmost Files to the left Flank, and lead away by the Leader, up between, or in the middle of Pikes.

The six and twentieth firing. Let them face outward, and fire upon a stand after this manner by Ranks dividing, moving forth to the right and left, and fire and fall in again into their places, the Pikes may after charge on, and retreat again into their places.

The seven and twentieth firing. Let them fire by Ranks, ranking outward into both the Flanks, and moving forward, and firing even abrest, and ranking again as they were, but not returning again into the midst of Pikes from whence they were drawn forth, but fire to both Flanks, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The eight and twentieth firing. Let them fire again, and fall in the Reer or midst of Pikes.

The nine and twentieth firing. Let the Pikes port, and let the Muskettiers fire by Extraduction to both Flanks, and return again into their places.

The thirtieth firing. Let the Pikes open to the right, and the Muskettiers move up into the midst, and the first Rank give fire, and slieve up to the right and left, and place themselves before the Pikes, the next Rank moving forward into his ground, and slieving away in the Reer of them until all have fired.

The one and thirtieth firing. Let them close their Divisions, and fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The two and thirtieth firing. Let them fire by Files ranking outward, and filing again as they were.

The three and thirtieth firing. Let them fire by Ranks wheeling outward into both Flanks towards Front and Reer; the half-files are to face about, the left half-ranks are to wheel to the right, the right half-ranks to the left, the Front-half-files doing the like, may give fire, facing after to the right and left inward, ranking as they were into the midst of Ranks, and facing again to the Flanks.

The four and thirtieth firing. Let them fire two Ranks together, and slieving pre­sently away, and flank the Pikes.

The five and thirtieth firing. Let them face to Front and Reer, and after move outward, and facing to the outward Angles of Front and Reer, and let them fire and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The six and thirtieth firing. Let them close Files into the midst to Order, and fire again, and let them fall off to the right and left, and flank the Pikes, then face all to their first Front, they are reduced.

Having spent all this time in the plain Firings, we will in the next place proceed to Firings upon such Figures of Battail as followeth.

CHAP. XXV. Several Figures of Battail.

Command. HAlf-files double your Front to the left, Muskettiers double your Pikes entire, advancing; Files open from the midst to double di­stance: the two outmost Files close outward to open Order, and the two inmost Files close outward to the same distance; half-files of each Division double the Front inward entire; Ranks and Files close to Order; the four outmost Files up­on each Flank stand; the four inmost Files upon the left face to the Reer; then let the four inmost Files upon the left, and the four inmost Files upon the right, move forward three foot before the Front and Reer, and then face to the left, and move two paces, then face all to the Front, and move straight in their Divi­sions, both Rank-wise and File-wise, they will stand as followeth.

[Page 113]

The first firing. Let the Front-division of Muskettiers move forward, until they be cleer of the standing part; then give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; and then closing their Files into the midst to Order before the Front of Pikes, the Reer-division of Muskettiers may move forward unto the Front of the first division of Pikes, and there rank outward, and give fire altogether, and file a­gain as they were, and after face about, and move down again into their places; the two outmost divisions of Muskettiers may next move forward some six paces; there stand and rank inward, and fire; face about, and file again as they were, and move forward to the Front of their own divisions of Pikes; & face to their Leader.

The second firing. Let the Front-division of Muskettiers fire, and fall off to the right and left, and flank their Pikes; and at the same time let the Reer-division of Muskettiers move forward as they did before, and fire even abrest with the first di­visions of Pikes, & fall in the Reer of themselves; then face about, and move down into their places, and face to their Leader; then let the two outmost divisions upon the Flanks give fire on the ground they stand, and fall off to the right and left, and flank the Pikes: they may fire to the Reer in the same manner, being thither faced.

The third firing. Let them face to Front, Reer, and both Flanks, and fire the first Rank of each division, and fall off to the right and left in the Reer of the Pikes; and the last Rank at the same time move forth, and give fire, and fall in­to their places again: but before they thus fire, the Front and Reer-divisions are to be wheeled to the left, and then let them fire by Move forth those Musket­tiers into their for­mer pla­ces, be­fore they fire by Ex­traducti­on. Extraduction; and the Pikes may after charge on, and then retreat back again into their places.

Command. Each division as they are faced to move forward three paces; Half-files of each division, open to the right until they be cleer of the standing part, they will stand as followeth.

[Page 114]Upon the former Figure being faced to Front, Reer, and both Flanks, fire then according unto all those places, the formost Divisions fire first, and let them wheel off to the right and left, and fall in the room or place of them in the next Divisi­ons, firing twice in this kind. Then let the formost Divisions fire and fall in the Reer of the Pikes; then let the Pikes port, and the Muskettiers in each Division may move forth again, and give fire by Extraduction; then let the Pikes charge on, and after charge at foot, and let the Muskettiers give fire over their heads, which being ended, let the formost Rank of Muskettiers in Front, Reer and Flanks move forward, and interchange ground with the Pikes, and face all to the Front; and after the third Divisions from the Front, and the third Divisions from the Reer, face inward, and move three paces; then face to their Leader, and close Files outward, and Ranks forward to Order in each Division, and stand straight and even in their Divisions, both Rank-wise and File-wise, and then proceed to the next Figure.

Command. The outmost Divisions upon the Flanks, face about, and move down two paces; to your Leader. Half-files of the two outmost Divisions double to the right and left inward Rank-wise, and after move that part that doubled two paces to the right and left inward; face all to your Leader.

Upon this Figure let the first and the last Rank of Muskettiers double to the right and left inward File-wise; then let the first Division give fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of themselves, then wheel off to the right about down into the Reer, and let every Division that are in the midst move up successively into the Front until all have fired and fallen off in like manner as the first, and every Division become again into his place, and the Front and Reer-Divisions have doubled Ranks to the right and left outward; then command the first and the last Rank of Muskettiers from the Front and Reer to double to the right and left out­ward File-wise, and let them give fire and fall in the Reer of themselves, and af­ter fall off into the Reer in like manner and form of the firing of the former Di­visions; either of these firings may be continued twice over: after command the first Division of Muskettiers from Front and Reer to double to the right and left inward Rank-wise, and then proceed.

Command. The third Division from the Front, and the third Division from the Reer to face outward, and to move three paces until they stand straight in Front and Reer between the middle Divisions, and after face to their Leader. Then let the Front-Divisions face about, and Front and Reer-Divisions move forward un­til they range even abrest with the second Divisions that stands before them, and then face to their Leader: it occasioneth the next Figure.

[Page 115]

Upon this Figure you may fire them to Front, Reer, and both Flanks; there­fore face the two outmost crosses to the Flanks, which contains on each side four divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers; and let the rest face to Front and Reer, and let all the Muskettiers in the Reer of each division of Pikes, move forth to the Angles of the Pikes, give fire, and fall back again into their places; and whilst the Pikes are charging on, the Muskettiers may make ready again, and fire in like manner as before, and fall back again into their places; the Pikes charging on to Front, Reer and both Flanks as before; and retreating again into their places. Then face them all to the Front, and let the second division from the Reer face about; and then the second division from the Front, and the second division from the Reer, move forward until they be three foot cleer of the Front and Reer; then face them to their Leader, and they will stand in a convenient Figure for marching, wherein the Colours may display so long as a Commander shall think fit.

Reducement. The two middle-divisions, face to the right and left outward, and march cleer of the standing part; to your Leader; then let them double to the right and left outward file-wise. After let them face to Front, Reer and both Flanks, and close their Files into the midst to Order. Then command Front and Reer-divisions that formerly wheeled to the left, to wheel back again to the right; then face all to the Front, and let the Front-division. face to the right, and move three paces; and then face to their Leader then let the Reer-division move up upon the left of them in the Front, and let the Pikes in each di­vision double their depth to the right and left outward; and let them close files in­to the midst to order, & ranks forward to order, & to move up even with else front, they standing in their distance of order, both in rank and file, let the half-files [Page 116] double their Front inward intire, and after Files to double their depth intire to the right, they are reduced.

Then the Leader may appoint one of the Serjeants to draw off the Musket­tiers, and file them away to the right and left outward, either by Ranks filing, or Files filing, and every Muskettier to poyse his Musket; then the Pikes may advance their Arms, and the Drums beat a Troop, and the Commander may lead them away and lodge his Colours.

CHAP. XXVI. The ninth Exercise, consisting of 64 men, eight Files eight deep.

IN this Exercise a Commander may in matter of Motions present unto the Souldiers farther variety to delight them withal, in bringing each man into the Front to be a File-leader, according unto succession and dignity, by proper words of Command, by doublings, with their Reducement. Therefore, to a­void any further circumstance, we will pass over the Postures, and fetching of the Colours; and suppose the Souldiers standing in a condition to be exercised, be­gin first to make them all File-leaders by succession as followeth.

Command. Ranks to the left double.

Command. Files to the left double.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the right.

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

Command. Ranks to the right double.

Command. Files to the right double.

Command. Front-half-files, double the Reer to the right.

Command. Double your Files to the left intire, advancing.

Command. Double your Ranks to the right into the Reer; face all about.

Command. Double your Files to the left, advancing.

Direction. Every even File from the left move forward to the left, and by three steps double the odd, advancing.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the left.

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

Command. Double your Ranks to the left into the Reer; face all about.

Command. Double your Files to the right, advancing.

Reducement. Files, rank to the right into the Front.

Ranks, file eight to the right, reduceth them.

Next followeth to make every man File-leader according unto dignity, with their Reducement.

Command. Bringers-up, double your Front to the left.

Command. Double your Files to the right intire, advancing.

Command. Half-files, double your Front to the left.

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

Command. Bringers-up, double your Front to the right.

Command. Files, double your depth to the right.

Command. Ranks to the right double.

Command. Front-half-files, double your Reer to the right, following your Leaders.

Command. Double your Files to the right by division, every man placing him­self before his Leader and his Bringer-up.

Command. Front-half-files, double your Reer to the left, following your Lea­ders.

Command. Double your Files to the left by division, every man placing himself before his Leader and his Bringer-up.

Command. The two first and the two last Ranks double the four middlemost Ranks to the right, following your Leaders and your Bringers-up.

Direction. The four middle-ranks stand; the File-leaders are to turn off to the [Page 117] right, and the next Rank is to follow them until the Leaders Rank even with the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files; and at the same instant of time the Bringers-up are to move forward to the right; the rest following until the Bringers-up range even abrest with the Half-file-leaders; to your Leader.

Command. Files, double your depth to the left.

Reducement. Half-files, double your Front to the right.

Bringers-up, double your Front to the right.

Then divide every four Files distinctly apart, making five divisions.

Files, double to the right and left inward in each division, and close Files into the midst to Order.

Files, double to the left intire, advancing; reduceth.

CHAP. XXVIII. Eight several Counter-marches, with their Reducement.

Command. FIles to the right-hand, Counter-march, maintaining ground.

Command. Ranks to the left-hand, Counter-march, losing ground.

Command. Counter-march your Front and Reer-half-files into the midst of Ranks.

Direction. Half-files, face about, and turn off to the left; and Front-half-files, turn off to the right until they meet the Front and Reer into the midst; to your Leader.

Command. Right and Left-half-ranks, Counter-march into the midst of Files.

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

Command. Files to the left-hand, Counter-march, losing ground by following your Leaders.

Command. Ranks to the right-hand, Counter-march, maintaining ground.

Command. Counter-march your Front and Reer-half-files to the right and left, following the Half-file-leaders, and the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files.

Direction. Half-files, face about; the Bringers-up of the Front-half-files and the Half-file-leaders are to begin the motion; the rest are to follow until they have gained so much ground beyond the Front and Reer, as they formerly possest in the midst; to your Leader, and close your divisions.

Command. Counter-march your Half-ranks to the right and left, by following of the inmost files.

Direction. Face outward; the inmost Files are to begin the motion moving forward, the rest following, until they have gained so much ground beyond the Flanks as they formerly possessed in the inmost Files; to your Leader, and close Files into the midst to Order, they are reduced.

CHAP. XXIX. Ten several Wheelings, with their Reducement.

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

Command. Wheel the body off by Division from the right Flank; face to the right.

Command. VVheel the Battail off by Division from the Reer; face a­bout.

Command. VVheel the body off by division from the left Flank.

Command. VVheel your Battail inward to the Reer from the Front. Close Ranks forward to close Orderr, and Files into the midst to close Or­der.

Direction. Open outward to convenient distance; to your Leader.

Command. VVheel your battail inward to the left Flank from the right.

Direction. Face to the right, and open to convenient distance, to your Leader.

Command. VVheel your battail inward to the Front from the Reer.

Direction. Face about, and open to convenient distance, and wheel inward in­to the Front.

Command. VVheel your battail inward to the right Flank from the left.

[Page 118] Command. VVheel the outward Angles of Front and Reer to the right and left about into the Center; face to the outward Angles.

Command. VVheel the inward Angles to the right and left about from the Center.

CHAP. XXX. Plain Firings, and Figures of Battail.

IN the next place I will proceed to some plain firings; wherefore, first, double your Ranks forward to the left by Half-files, and fire even with the Front of Pikes, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then fire, and fall between the Pikes; then move forth after this manner; one Rank drawn forth to the right, and a­nother to the left, fire, and fall in again as before. Then command the first Rank to stand, and the rest to move forth, both Pikes and Muskettiers to the right and left, until each Rank be cleer of other; then let the Pikes charge, and Mus­kettiers give fire altogether, and after fall behind each Rank of Pikes; then let the Pikes charge at Foot, and let the Muskettiers give fire over their heads: af­ter let Pikes port, and let the Muskettiers come forth again, and give fire by ex­traduction; and after command the Ranks to face to the right and left inward, and to close their Divisions: then let the Muskettiers move forth again into their first places, and Flank their Pikes. And having passed over some half a dozen fi­rings after this manner, then command Half-files to double their depth to the right intire, and proceed to Figures of battail, and firings which comes in the next place to view for a Leader, to spend his time further in the exercising of his Souldiers therein.

Command. Half-files, face to the Reer, and march six paces; to your Leader; Half-files of Muskettiers of each Division, face to the Reer. Muskettiers, march all until you be cleer of the Pikes; to your Leader. The two middlemost Ranks of Pikes of each division, face outward, and move cleer of the Muskettiers; to your Leader: The first and third Ranks of Pikes in the body, face to the Reer, and close Ranks into the midst to Order, the following Figure will appear.

The first firing. Let the Front-divisions give fire, and fall in the Reer of them­selves, the rest of the Divisions moving up into their ground, and fire, wheeling off to the right and left, having all fired over once, they will be reduced.

The second firing. Let the four inmost Divisions of Muskettiers face outward, and move cleer of the Pikes; then face to their Leader; then let the eight last divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers face to the Reer; then let them fire to Front and Reer, falling in the Reer of themselves; there being intervals for the Pikes to move forward upon their charge, and being retreated back into their places, will produce the following Figure.

[Page 119]

After the Figure is reduced unto his first aspect, command the Muskettiers, or Divisions upon the wings, to face to the right and left inward, and to march until they stand as in the first Figure; then face to their Leader: and command the eight first Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers to face outward, marching until you perceive an interval for the eight Reer-divisions to move up, and make an even range with the Front-divisions; which being done, they will appear as followeth.

Upon this Figure let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then wheel off to the right into the room of them in the Reer, they at the same time firing, and wheeling off into their places again.

Then let the Commander face them all to the right, and they will stand in four crosses, with Muskettiers on the wings File-wise; upon which facing they may march, the Officers being placed according unto discretion; and after they have marched, let them face again to their first Front.

Command. Front-divisions of Muskettiers, face to the right, and move two paces; to your Leader. Reer-divisions of Muskettiers, move up, and double the Front-Divisions to the left Rank-wise, which produceth the next Figure.

[Page 120]Upon the former Figure let all the Muskettiers give fire together, and fall off to the right and left in the Reer of themselves, the Pikes after charging through the intervals, and after retreating again. Then command Muskettiers that dou­bled to face about, and to move down into the Reer, until they be clear of the Pikes, and stand; then let the Muskettiers both in Front and Reer face to the left, and march until they stand straight in their Divisions; then face to their Leader, and they will stand as in the former Figure: then proceed.

Command. The four inmost Divisions both of Pikes and Muskettiers on the left, face to the Reer; inmost Divisions both of Pikes and Muskettiers both upon the right and left, march clear of the standing part; then let them face to the left, and move three paces; to your Leader. The four outmost Divisions both of Pikes and Muskettiers upon the right, wheel to the right; the four outmost Divisions upon the left both of Pikes and Muskettiers, wheel to the left, which will set forth the next Figure.

Tht first firing. Let them face to the Front, Reer, and both Flanks, and give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; after wheeling off to the right your Di­visions on the outside of the Pikes into the place of the Reer-Divisions, which are to advance forward into the Front, performing the like as the other Front-Divisions.

The second firing. Let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers move to the right two paces; after command Divisions of Muskettiers to double to the left Rank-wise, and let them give fire in Front, Reer, and both Flanks all together: the Pikes may after charge to all these places, whilest the Muskettiers make ready again, and retreat again into their places.

The third firing. Let them give fire again, and fall in the Reer of themselves; which being ended, you may proceed to another Figure.

Command. The left Division of Muskettiers, wheele off to the left, and place your selves in the left interval between the Pikes, which occasioneth the next Figure.

[Page 121]

Upon this Figure let the Muskettiers give fire in the Front, Reer, and Flanks, and Angles, falling in the Reer of themselves, and the Pikes may after charge on. Many other firings might be performed upon this Figure, but I shall not be tedi­ous to relate any more, but leave them to the discretion of every Leaders genius, and shall now shew the way to reduce them.

Reducement. Divisions of Muskettiers upon the Angles, face to the Center, and move three paces; after wheel the Divisions a little to the right, until they be brought in the Reer of their own Divisions of Muskettiers; which being done, command the four Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers on the right to wheel to the left; and the four Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers upon the left to wheel to the right. After command the four Divisions of Pikes and Muskettiers upon the left, to face to the left, and march to such a convenient distance, as that the four last Divisions, both Pikes and Muskettiers, may move up on the left to range even with the Front, they on the Flanks moving up also until they stand all even abrest. After command the inmost eight Divisions to face to the Reer, and let them all move until they be clear one of another, then face to their Leader; and let the eight Front-divisions face inward, and to move until they stand straight with the Reer-divisions. After let the Pikes in the Body in each Division open their Ranks to Front and Reer to their open Order. And then command Divisions of Pikes up­on the Flanks to face to the right and left inward, and march in and strengthen the Body of Pikes; which being done, let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers face to the Reer, commanding them all to close their Ranks forward to Order, and [Page 122] face to their Leader, they are reduced. Which being performed, the Leader may lodge his Colours, having finished his ninth Exercise.

CHAP. XXXI. The tenth Exercise, consisting of 24 Files being six deep, according to the first drawing up of a private Company.

THere being a greater number appearing upon this days Exercise then in the former, it concerns a Leader more especially to give special charge to the inferiour Officers to be careful in the drawing forth the Files, that they make no man a File-Leader, Bringer-up, Half-file-Leader, or Bringer-up of the Front-half-files, but such able Souldiers as may be deserving of the same; whose diligence and care upon all motions is principally required, being, as it were, the hinges of the Leaders several words of Command. Wherefore supposing them to be drawn up in Battalia, and the Colours being brought to the head of the Company, the four Serjeants ready at hand attending their Captains commands, and the body being closed in Ranks and Files to their distance of Order, and silence craved at the Company, he that shall exercise them may begin, after Distances and Facings shewen, with this or the like doubling following.

CHAP. XXXII. Eight entire several Doublings, with their Reducement.

Command. FRont half-files double your Reer inward entire.

Command. The twelve inmost Files double entire the depth of the six outmost Files. Inmost Files face about.

Command. Half-files double your Front to the right.

Command. Double your Files to the right entire, advancing.

Command. Half-files double your Front inward entire.

Command. The six outmost Files upon each Flank double entire, advancing the twelve middle Files.

Command. Half-files double your Front to the right entire.

Command. Right half-ranks double your left Flank entire, advancing; which being performed, they are reduced.

CHAP. XXXIII. Eight several Countermarches, with their Reducement.

Command. FIle-Leaders stand, the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves before your Leaders.

Command. The right-hand-file stand, the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves on the outside of your right-hand-men.

Command. Countermarch your Front and Reer into the midst of Ranks.

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

Command. Countermarch your Flanks into the midst of Files; face outward.

Command. Files to the right hand Countermarch, maintaining ground.

Command. Ranks, to the left hand Countermarch, losing ground.

Command. Countermarch your Front and Reer half-files from the midst of Ranks, maintaining ground.

Direction. Front-half-files face about, and turn off to the left, the rest turn off to the right, every man moving up into his Leaders ground; to your Leader.

Command. Countermarch your right and left half-ranks from the midst of Files, losing ground.

Direction. Face inward, and turn off every Rank on the ground they stand; face to your Leader, and close Files into the midst to open Order, they are reduced.

CHAP. XXXIV. Eight entire Doublings by Wheelings, with their Reducement.

Command. WHeel off your Reer-half-files, and double your Front to the right entire. Half-files face about.

Command. Wheel off your left half-ranks, and double your right Flank entire to the left. Face outward.

[Page 123] Command. Wheel off your Reer half-files, and double your Front to the left entire. Half-files face about.

Command. Wheel off your right half-ranks, and double your left Flank to the left entire. Face outward.

Command. Wheel off your Front-half-files, and double the Reer to the right entire. Half-files face about.

Command. Wheel off your right half-ranks, and double the left Flank to the right entire. Face outward.

Command. Wheel off your Front-half-files, and double the Reer to the left en­tire. Half-files face about.

Command. Wheel off your left half-ranks, and double your right Flank to the right entire. Face outward.

CHAP. XXXV. Plain Firings, and Figures of Battail.

The first firing. LEt the two outmost Files of Muskettiers upon each Flank ad­vance ten paces before the Front give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves, after face about, and move down into their places again; then face to their Leader. Then let the next two Files upon each Flank move away in like manner, and fire as the former did, and move down into their places again. Af­ter let the other remaining Files be led forth by the other two Serjeants, and give fire as before, and fall back again into their places.

The second firing. Let two Serjeants draw four Files upon each Flank, and move them away 10 or 20 paces before the Front, and give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves, and after face about, and move down into their places. And whilest they are moving down, let the other two Serjeants draw forth the remaining four Files upon each Flank, and fire as the former did, and after return again into their places.

The third firing. Let all the Muskettiers move forth cleer of the Pikes, and let them open from the midst, until they stand in four Divisions, leaving sufficient intervals for their wheeling into the Reer of themselves; first, let them fire in each Division, falling in the Reer of themselves, until they have all fired over two or three times after this kind.

The fourth firing. Let them close their Files before the Front of Pikes into the midst to Order, then let the two first Ranks kneel down, the next two stoop, and the last two stand upright, and give fire six Ranks all together; then let the left half-ranks of Muskettiers be wheeled about to the left into the Reer of the Pikes, and the right half-ranks move to the left until they stand straight before the Front of Pikes.

The fifth firing. Let the half-files face about, and let them give fire to Front and Reer after this manner by two Ranks drawn off ten paces before the Front and Reer, and fall off to the right and left into the Reer of themselves: then facing about, let them open outward, and give way for the next two Ranks to come forward into their places, who are to fire and fall off as the former did, the other two Ranks doing the same. This firing may be continued as long as the Leader pleaseth.

The sixth firing. Let them give fire on the ground they stand, and fall off to the right and left into the Reer of themselves.

The seventh firing. Let them rank outward into Front and Reer, and give fire all together, and rank again as they were.

The eighth firing. Let them give fire on the ground they stand, and flank the Pikes, those in the Front flanking the Pikes on the right, they in the Reer flank­ing them on the left; after let the Pikes charge on, and being retreated into their places, let them face all to their Leader, and in the next place proceed to Figures of Battail.

Command. Files, open outward to open Order; Ranks, open backward to your open Order; then let every four Files close outward to Order; and Ranks close to Front and Reer to Order, they will stand in twelve Divisions as followeth.

[Page 124]

Command. The two inmost Divisions of Muskettiers in the Reer, face about; in­most Divisions of Muskettiers in Front and Reer, move forward clear of the stand­ing part, and stand; Pikes face outward, Muskettiers upon the Flanks face inward, the rest face about to the right, move all two paces; to your Leader.

The first firing. Let the Front-divisions of Muskettiers give fire, and fall in the reer of themselves; then wheel off to the right & left into the room of them in the reer, they at the same time moving up into their ground, firing, & falling off in like man­ner as before. Then let the Front-divisions upon the Flank fire, & fall in the reer of themselves, and after wheel off to the right and left into the ground of those divisi­ons that stand in the reer of them, they at the same time relieving them, firing and falling off as before; then let the Pikes charge on, and after retreat into their places.

The second firing. Let them face to Front and Reer, and let the first Divisions give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then wheeling off to the right and left, and interchange ground with the next Divisions, who are at the same in­stant of time to move up into their places, and to give fire in like manner, and to fall off and return where they were before; then let the Pikes charge on to Front and Reer, and after retreat into their places, and face all to their Leader.

Command. The four last Divisions next to the Reer both of Pikes and Musket­tiers, face about, move down, and range even abrest with the Reer; Reer-divisi­ons of Muskettiers that are faced to the Front, move forward, and place your selves three foot short of the next Divisions that stands before you; to your Leader.

[Page 125]Upon this Figure let the Front-divisions give fire, and fall in the Reer of them­selves; then wheel off to the right and left, and range even abrest with the next divisions; yet keeping themselves distinctly from the other divisions. Then let those divisions of Muskettiers that stood in the Reer of them, move forward into their ground, and give fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; after face about, and move down again into their first places; then let those that first fired move up again into their ground, and let the outmost divisions begin to fire after this manner; let the first divisions fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves, and after fall off to the right and left, and place themselves in the room of the Reer-divi­sions, who are likewise to move up into their ground, and there to fire, and fall off as before; the Pikes may after charge on, and retreat back again into their places. The same firings may be performed to the Reer, they being thither faced: but to let that pass, we will fall upon the next Figure, wherefore,

Command. Divisions of Pikes, move forward until your Reer-divisions range e­ven abrest with the outmost divisions of Muskettiers; Reer-divisions of Musket­tiers face inward, and move streight in the Reer of the Reer-divisions of Pikes; to your Leader.

The first firing. Let the two last divisions of Muskettiers face about, and the o­ther divisions of Muskettiers to face to the right and left outward, and let them give fire on the ground they stand, and fall in the Reer of themselves; the Pikes may charge on, whilst the Muskettiers make ready again.

The second firing. Let them face all to the Reer, and let the Reer-divisions move forth to the right and left outward, and give fire altogether, and fall in the Reer of themselves.

The third firing. Let the four first divisions of Muskettiers, and the two first di­sions of Pikes face to the Front, and let them give fire to Front and Reer, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then face all to the Front, and proceed farther.

Command. The Front and Reer-divisions to move outward two paces: Reer-division of Pikes upon the left, face about; Reer-divisions of Pikes, move three foot before the Front and Reer; to your Leader; divisions that moved outward, close inward to your first ground, then they will stand as followeth.

[Page 126]

The first firing. Let the first divisions of Muskettiers give fire to the Front, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then face outward, and march cleer of the stand­ing part; then face to their Leader: then let every division of Muskettiers come successively into that ground, fire, and fall in the Reer of themselves; then face about, and move down into their places; then let the Front-divisions of Pikes charge on, and after retreat back into their places.