Advertisements.A Tok …
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Advertisements.

A Token for Children: Being an exact Account of the Conve [...]sion, Holy and Exemplary Lives and Joyful Deaths of several young-Children. By James Jane­way, Minister of the Gospel To which is Added, A Token for the Children of New England, or some Examples of Children, [...] whom the Fear of God was remarkably [...]udding before they dyed; in several parts of New England

Conscience the Best Friend upon Earth: Or, the Happy Effects of keeping a Good Conscience. Very Useful for this Age: By Henry Stubbes, Minister of the Gospel.

The Blessed Hope▪ and Glorious Appearing of the Great God our Saviour Jesus Christ: Opened and Applied in several Sermons. By Increase Ma [...]her, Praesident of Harvard Colledge in Cambridge, and Preacher of the Gospel at B [...]ston in New England.

All Sold by Nicholas Boone, at his Shop over against the Old Meeting House, in Boston, New England.

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Military Discipline. THE COMPLEAT SOULDIER, OR Expert Artillery-Man.

CONTAINING The several Postures and Exercises of the Musket & Fire-lock; with various Beats of the Drum, neces­sary for Young Souldiers.

ALSO Divers ways of Exercising a Company; very useful for all Officers, and others that delight in Military Affairs.

To which is added, The Duties of all the Officers, in a Private Company: As also the Military Law of the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, very necessary for Captains, Clarks &c.

Being a Collection from Col. Elton, Bariff, and others.

Boston, Printed for and Sold by Nicholas Boone, over against the old-Church, 1701

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TO THE Reader.

Courteous Reader,

I Have set forth this small Treatise, principally aiming at the benefit of my Country, wherein I hope I shall not prove Unserviceable: Books of this nature are much wanted, but much more the pract­ice. The method of this Book will I hope be extreamly pleasing; the bulk of other Books of this nature being so large, that they require much time to peruse, and money to purchase; of which two things, many persons desirous of Experience in Military Affairs, can spare neither. Though it be Peace in our Land at this day, yet we ought to prepare in Peace for Times of War. Intervals of time may herein be spent by Youth, and by the help of [Page] this Book may become their own Tutors, and every private Shop become an Accademy of Arms. I have Considered the Authors of b [...]st Note, upon this Subject, as Collonel Rich­ard Elton, Collonel William Barriff and o­thers; but find them to be most in use among us, having nothing to do, with the Ancients, as Plutarch, Vegetius, Xenophon, Homer, Justin, Tulley, &c. I know that some will not be wanting, to disparage this work and the Workman, some may Carp at it, and say we expected some new thing, not an old heap of stuff: to such I say, let them mend it, as also lead us in a good new way, and I, whatever others are, shall be very thankful; 'tis easier to find faults then to mend them. I must ingeniously confess, that I am one of the meanest, both for Skill and Scholarship to have undertaken a work of this nature. To the Courteous and Skilful, into whose hands this may come, whose better parts will yield better fruits. I shall request their favourable Censure, and with their Judgments, mend what I have mist, for which their loves, I shall stand ever engaged.

Nicholas Boone.
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THE Compleat Souldier, Or, EXPERT ARTILLERY-MAN.

CHAP. I. By way of Introduction.

THe first Rudiments of Education wherewithal a young Souldier ought to be conversant in, is first to learn the right use of his Arms, than which nothing can make a man more compleat, nor fit him to bear the Name of a Souldier; neither can a man whatever attain to the least part of the Art-Military (which concerneth Foot Souldiers) with­out the Handling and Managing of his Arms. How delight [...]ul is it to those that [Page 8] can perform this first Part? And with what Ease, Courage and Safety, can they both defend themselves, and offend their Enemies? Whereon the contrary, the chiefest Arms (without Exercise) become not onely toublesome Burthens unto the unskilful Bearers, but oftentimes prove hurtful and dangerous, both to themselves and others: Therefore this ought to be considered by all, who intend any profici­ency in this part of the Art Military; that both with Art and Courage (in time of danger) Defend both their King and Country. It hath been the manner of all famous Generals to bring their Souldiers to perfection by Exercise: Vegetius saith vey well, It is not length of Life or number of Years, that teacheth the Art of War, but continual Discipline, and Exercise of Arms: Let a Souldier Serve never so many years, so long as he is Unexercised, he shall still be a raw Souldier. No man is born a Souldier naturally, one may more incline to War than another; but the skill cometh not without industry and pains.

Notable was the saying of Pyrrhus to his Muster-Master; Chuse you (saith he) Good Bodies, and I will make them Good Soul­diers: A strong Body is most requisite in a Good Souldier, to undergo the Labours [Page 9] of War; but it is Exer [...]ise and desire to handle Weapons that giveth the perfect skill. Therefore as Demosthenes, being de­manded what was the first and principal thing in the Art Oratory: answered Action; what the second, Action; what the third, Action; so we may truly say, that in the Art Military, Exercise is not only the first, second and third principal thing to make a Souldier, but also all in all. I could have given you an account of the Exercise used in Ancient Time, and of the Victo­ries which have been obtained by a small number of men well Exercised, against a multitude Unskilful and Untrained: But that not being pertinent to my intent, and having too much transgressed already, I shall give next a touch upon the Definition of a Posture.

CAAP. II. The Definition of Posture.

POSTURE is conceived to be a Garb or Figure that a man stands in for the well handling of his Arms, in which there are Motions attendant unto the same [Page 10] for the better grace, and becoming of them. Likewise by Motion it carries a neat Agility of the Body, whereby the right handling of their Arms is atchieved, and so becomes easie; Motion being the working part, Posture the alteration or act, either in circumstance or matter: as to Rest your Musket being one Posture; to Shoulder your Musket another; so likewise the rest.

CHAP. III. The Exercise of the Musket

Lay your Right Hand on [...]

TUrn the Barrel [...] Lock uppermost, and [...] Hand (your fingers extend [...] [...] the Lock, close, the Butt▪ end [...] Musket to your Shoulder, that the Muzels may be all of a height.

Poise your Musket.

Grasp your Musket hard, facing to the Right with a quick motion upon your left heel, keeping your Musket directly [Page 11] before you the height of your Neckloth, your right Elbow on your side, your feet neither too near, nor at too great a distance.

Rest your Musket.

Let your Musket sink down to your Left-hand, that arm hanging as low as may be without stooping with your Bo­dy, and receive the Musket into it just where the Scowrer enters into the stock; be sure your hand touch no part of the Barrel; the Musket is to be held but a little sloping from perpendicular, half a foot from your side. Be sure to let your left arm hang down free as low as you can without stooping, (and not hugg your Musket up above your Waste as was used formerly) keeping the Right Hand upon your Musket behind the Lock, your fingers extended.

Cock your Musket.

Place your right Thumb upon the Cock, and your fingers behind the Trigger, and with the help of closing it to your Thigh, you Cock it, keeping it still rested with your Thumb on the Cock.

Guard your Musket.

Keeping your Thumb upon the Cock, and your fingers behind the Trigger, you bring up your Musket with a very quick [Page 12] motion streight before you to the Reco­ver, your Left Hand as high as your mouth, half a foot from it without stoop­ing.

Let not your Musket sink, but keep it at the height: Always observing when you bring up your Musket before, (which is Recovering the Musket) to bring your Right heel to your left instep; and be sure to have a care of tossing the Muzzel of your Musket backwards, but keep it streight up right.

Present.

Fall back with your Right foot, so that the left heel be against the middle of it, raising the Butt-end of your Musket to your Shoulder; That is between your Breast and right Shoulder, which locks it fast; but little higher than your Piece, having your fingers ready to pull the Trigger, you must bend your Knee, and keep the right very stiff, your Piece must be levelled breast high, and no higher.

Fire.

Be sure to draw your Trigger at one motion, keeping your Body very steady, taking aim, and your Musket fast to your Shoulder, till you have the word of Com­mand to recover your Arms.

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[...] [Page 14] the Pan, and not on the top, keeping your left Toes directly to the Front.

Shut your Pan.

With your two first Fingers; at this word casting back your Primer, bring [...] [...]our right heel to your left instep, and your Musket streight up before you, recovered with the Barrel towards you, your left hand always as high as your Mouth, and with a very quick motion; your Thumb on the top of the Steel.

Blow off your loose Corns.

Be sure to blow all together at one strong blast, bringing your Pan up to your Mouth, standing upright, and not putting your Mouth down to your Pan: Cast out your Arms after your blast, not letting your Musket sink from the Posture t'was in before.

Cast about to Charge.

You advance with your right legg turn­ing your M [...]sket the barrel down wards, so bringing it to your le [...]t side a little back­ward in your left hand, besure that none of your Fingers touch the Barrel. The right foot is to have the Toe directly to the Front, Ballancing your Musket in the left hand, the Muzzel directly to the proper Front, your right hand joyned to [Page 15] the Muzzel of your Musket, your Thumb extended to the side of the Barrel.

Handle your Charger.

With a full gripe hold it even with the Muzzel of your Musket, about an Inch from it, underneath your Musket.

Open it with your Teeth.

Bring it up to your Mouth standing upright with your head, bring the Charger within an Inch of the Muzzel underneath, as before, and cover the mouth of your charger with the ball of your Thumb.

Charge with Powder.

When you have put the Powder in the Barrel, hold your Charger again under­neath, as before.

Draw forth your Scowrer.

You are to let fall your Charger and turn your hand, your little Finger to be next the Muzzel, draw it at three motions, being drawn, dart it against your right eye, your Arm extended.

Shorten it to an inch.

Turn the great end of your Scowrer towards you, and slip your hand till with­in an inch of the end, letting it rest a­gainst your right Breast.

Charge with Bullet.

Take the Bullet out of your mouth, [Page 16] putting it into the Barrel, as also [...]he great end of the Scowrer.

Ram down Powder and Ball.

With a full grasp, your Thumb and Fore finger from the Muzzel, your Thumb on the top of the Scowrer.

Withdraw your Scowrer.

Turn the small end of your Scowrer to your Breast, slip your hand till within a handful.

Return your Scowrer.

Replace it in the stock of your Musket, pressing it down with your Thumb, keep­ing your Musket clear from your side half a foot.

Poise your Musket.

As before.

Shoulder your Musket.

As formerly.

Order.

As before.

Lay down your Arms.

Stepping forward quick with your Left Leg, and stooping all together, lay it down streight only with your Right hand.

Quit your Arms.

Falling back with your Left Leg even to your Right, stand up all together.

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Face to the Right about. March.

When clear of your Arms you are to disperse, and upon beat of the Drum, to run to your Arms with a Huzza, When you draw your Sword take hold of the Scabbard with your Left Hand.

Return your Swords.

You must do it all at a motion, and stand to your proper Front.

Handle your Arms.

Order your Arms.

Poise your Muskets.

Shoulder your Muskets.

CHAP. IV. Exercise of the Gra­nadiers.

A Great part of the Exercise of the Granadiers is the same with tha [...] of the Musketiers.

  • Lay your Right hand on your Firelock.
  • Poise your Firelock As the Exercise of the Musketiers.
  • Rest your Firelock As the Exercise of the Musketiers.
  • Cock your Firelock As the Exercise of the Musketiers.
  • Guard your Firelock As the Exercise of the Musketiers.
  • Present As the Exercise of the Musketiers.
  • [Page 18] Fire
  • Recover your Arms
  • Cast over to the Left Then they are to lay their right hand on their Daggers▪
  • Draw your Dagger Hold it fast before you upright.
  • Screw it into the Muzzle of your Firelock So that the flat side may be toward you when recovered.
Recover your Arms.
  • Charge To the Right Four Times
  • To the Right about Chargewith a quick motion Seiz­ing the Fire­lock under the lock with the right hand
  • As you were
  • To the Left Four Times
  • To the Left about Charge
  • As you were
Recover your Arms.
  • Cast over to the Left They are to Seize their Dagger with their right hand.
  • [Page 19] Withdraw your Dagger Holding it before you the flat side towards you.
Return your Dagger
  • Poise your Firelock As the Muske­tiers
  • Half bend your Firelock As the Muske­tiers
  • Clean your Pan As the Muske­tiers
  • Open your Cartridge box
  • Handle your Primer
  • Prime As the Exercise of the Musketiers
  • Return your Primer As the Exercise of the Musketiers
  • Shut your Pan As the Exercise of the Musketiers
  • Blow off your loose Corns As the Exercise of the Musketiers
  • Cast about to Charge
  • Handle your Cartridge
  • Open it with your Teeth
  • Charge with Powder and Ball
  • Draw forth your Scowrer Putting them toge­ther into the Muz­zle of the Firelock hold it there.
  • Shorten it to an inch
  • Ram down powder & ball As the Muske­tiers
  • Withdraw your Scowrer As the Muske­tiers
  • Shorten it to a handfull As the Muske­tiers
  • Return your Scowrer As the Muske­tiers
  • Poise your Firelock As the Muske­tiers
  • [Page 20] Shoulder your Firelock Upon which word of Com­mand the Ranks are to close forward, to Six foot, the Sergeants taking care to plant their Halberts at a due distance.
  • Poise your Firelock
  • Order your Arms
  • Lay down your Arms
  • Quit your Arms
  • Face to the Right-about
    • March Upon the Beat of the Drum you are to Run to your Arms with a Huzza
    • Leader
  • Draw your Dagger
  • Return your Dagger
  • Handle your Arms
  • Order your Arms
  • Poise your Firelock
  • Shoulder your Firelock.

CHAP. V. The Souldiers place of dignity.

THe noble Souldier being inquisitive after Honour is much desirous to un­derstand his place of worth and dignity▪ [Page 21] which he ever conceives to be as due to him as his Life: which was the reason that caused both the Grecian and Roman Generals to be so exact and curious in be­stowing Rewards upon all Valiant Souldiers who were deserving of the same, & accor­ding to every Man's worth and Dignity, gave him precedence of place and com­mand over the others, that they might lead and direct them as occasion shall require there for.

First, Know that a File is a number of men, beginning at one Leader, and conti­nuing in order of followers to the last man; or from the first, which is termed a File-leader, to the last which is termed a Bringer-up.

For the number of a File, our present Discipline only allows four, though in ma­ny Towns in this Province, they allow six, so that there needs no further dispute con­cerning the number of a File.

Secondly, A Rank is a row of men com­posed of Files more or less joyned together▪ as when one File is laid fl [...]nkwiss to one another, standing shoulder to shoulder from the right-hand to the left.

Therefore the File leader ought to be the worthiest, because he not only commands his File, but makes the first on-set against his enemy.

[Page 22]The Bringer up ought to be the second in place of honour, because he is the last man in the Field marching in the Reer, which upon all occasions he ought to defend.

The Half-file leader is the third in ho­nour, because he is the leader of the Reer-half-files upon their several Motions, as doubling the Front, either intire, or divi­sonal.

The last man (or Bringer-up) of the Front-half files, is the last man in Dignity; but when the Reer half files are commanded off, he hath the honour of defending the Reer.

So by this Geometrical Proportion, the whole Body is equivalent in skill & worth, and as it were (and indeed ought to be) seconds the one to the other, so long as life indureth. And then it may be said of them, as Plutarch writeth of the holy Band of the Thebans, that it was never Beaten until the Battel of Cheraean; after which Battel, Philip the Father of Alexander Sur­veying the dead bodies, and coming to the place where these three hundred lay, all close mingled one with another, & struck through with the Macedonian Pikes, he wondred greatly; but hearing that it was the Band of Lovers and belov'd he wept, and said, Evilly may they perish, that suspect [Page 23] any filthiness in deed, or suffering to have been practised amongst such men.

CHAP. VI. Of the Drum.

IT is requisite in the next place that care be taken, that every Souldier be right­ly instructed in all Military Signs and di­rections: the Drum is the only Instrument that the Souldier is to take notice of, and ought well to understand these several Beats or Points of War. Viz.

  • 1 A Call
  • 2 A Troop
  • 3 A March
  • 4 A Preparative
  • 5 A Battalia
  • 6 A Retreat.

Besides these, there are two other Beats of the Drum, Viz.

  • 7 A Tato
  • 8 A Revally.

The Tato, that is, to shut or make fast your doors, for when this is beaten, all per­sons ought to repair to their private rest, whether in Military Watches, or Garrison. A Revally is beaten in the Morning by break of day (I suppose it comes from the [Page 24] French word Reviller, to awake from sleep) at which times the Sub-Officers usually take off their Sentinels.

These two (I suppose) cannot be said to be points of War, but only private di­rections for a Watch or Garrison, the one to give notice at what time they ought to be at Rest, and the other to shew the time that the Gates should be set open, or the Watch break up.

Now as you may learn for what end these six several▪ Beats of the Drum are made use of: observe Bariff, page 5.

First, by a Call, you must understand to hear present Proclamation, or to repair to your Ensign.

Secondly, by a Troop understand to Troop along to the place of Randezvouze or else where.

Thirdly, by a March you are to under­stand, to take your Open Order in Rank, to shoulder your Arms and to direct your March either quicker or slower, according to the Beat of the Drum.

Fourthly, by a Preparitive you are to understand to close to your due distance both in Rank and File, for skirmish, that so you may execute upon the first Command.

Fifthly, by the Battel or Charge, under­stand the continuation or pressing forward [Page 25] in order to Battle, boldly [...]e [...]ping forward in the place of him that falls dead or wounded before you.

Sixthly, by a Retreat, understand an or­derly retiring backward, either for Relief, advantage of the ground, or for some poli­tick end; as to draw the Enemy into some Ambushment, or such like: So that for the Drum, it is the Voice of the Commander, the Spur of the Valiant, and the Heart of the Coward. So far Bariff.

The Drum is of Ancient Antiquity, and from age to age it hath been a fit Instru­ment for the Service of the Foot: And not only the Drum was thought a fit In­strument alone for the Foot, but they were allowed some other pleasing Instrument to delight and transport the spirits of the Souldiers; as the Flute, Harp or Pipe.

CHAP. VII. The several Distances.

NOW that our Souldiers have attained some small knowledge in the use of their Arms, and rightly understand the Beats of the Drum; it will be expedient [Page 26] in the next place to shew them the several distances: which are these four, Viz.

which is both in Rank & File.
Close Order
1 Foot & half
Order
3 Foot
Open Order
6 Foot
Double Distance
12 Foot.

There is several Distances to be per­formed in, First, March, Secondly, Motion, Thirdly, Skirmish.

The distance of March between File and File is 3 Foot, and between Rank and Rank 12 Foot.

The distance of Motion between File and Rank 12 Foot.

The distance of intire Doublings & Skir­mishes between Rank and File is 3 Foot.

The distance for preven [...]ion of Cannon-Shot, is▪ betw [...]n File and File 12 or 24 Foot, which is the Double-Double distance.

For to deliver unto you the opinions of seve [...]al ancient Commanders c [...]ncerning Distances, will be needless, it being suffici­ently made plain by several eminent Au­thors: but to proceed wi [...]h all brevi [...]y pos­sible to the words of Command, which a [...]e as followeth: Being to their Open Order.

Command.
  • [Page 27] Ranks close forward To Order
  • Files close inward To Order
  • Ranks close forward To close Order
  • Files close inward To close Order
  • Ranks open backward To Order
  • Files open to the Right To Order
  • Ranks open backward To open Order
  • Files open to the Left To open Order
  • Ranks open backward To Double Distan [...]e
  • Files open outward To Double Distan [...]e
  • Ranks close forward To open Order
  • Files close inward To open Order

Note, That Close Order is useful for any manner of wheeling; or when the Com­mander is to deliver some what of concern­ment to the Souldiers.

But if any one have a desire to be fur­ther satisfyed concerning distances, let them Read Bariff, Ward, Elton, who have suffi­ciently treated on this subject: this being intended only as a Pocket book for young Souldiers.

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CHAP. VIII. Of Faceings.

BEfore I come to shew the variety of Faceings in Action, I think it will not be amiss to define unto you what is meant by Faceing.

Faceing is a perticular turning of the As­pect from one part to another, whereby the Front proper becomes the Front acci­dental; and a Front accidental may be reduced to his proper Front. The words of Command, take as followeth.

Command.
  • Face to the Right As you were
  • Face to the Left As you were
  • Face to the Reer As you were
  • Face to the Front As you were
  • Face to the Center As you were
Command.
  • Face to the Front and Reer As you were
  • Face to the Right and Left outward As you were
  • Face to the Right and Left inward As you were
  • Face to the Midst of Files As you were
  • Face to the Midst of Ranks As you were
Command.
  • [Page 29] To the Right As you were
  • To the Right As you were
  • To the Right As you were
  • To the Right As you were
  • To the Right about As you were
  • To the Left about As you were
Command.
  • To the Left As you were
  • To the Left As you were
  • To the Left As you were
  • To the Left As you were
  • To the Left about As you were
  • To the Right about As you were
Command.
  • Half Files Face to the Right As you were
  • Half Files Face to the Left As you were
  • Half Files Face to the Right & Left outward As you were
  • Half Files Face to the Right about As you were
  • Half Files Face to the Left ahout As you were
  • Half Files Face to the Right & Left inward As you were

There is also Faceings which causeth the Body to Face to the Front, Reer, and both Flanks, which some call Faceing Square.

Command. Face Square, and March.

[Page 30]Direction. The first Rank Stand, the last Rank Face about, the Center Ranks, Face to the Right and Left.

Reducement. Face to the Right about. March. Close your Divisions. To your Leader.

Command. Face Square, and March.

Direction. Flanks [...]ace out-ward, Center half Files, face to th [...] Right-about.

Reducement. Face to the Right about: March. To your Leader.

Command. Face to your four Quarters.

Direction. F [...]ont half Files of half Ranks to the Right, Stand. Front half Files of half Ranks to the Left, Face to the Left. Reer half Files of half Ranks to the Right, Face to the Right. Reer half Files of half Ranks to the Left, Face to the Right about: March. You may March them Faceing to the Right four times, then Face in Opposition and close your Divisi­on. To your Leader.

Angular Faceings.
  • Face to the Right]
  • Face to the Left] Angle
  • Face to the Outward Angles in the Front
  • Face to the Inward Angles in the Front
  • Face to the Right]
  • Face to the Left] Angle in the Reer
  • [Page 31] Face to the Outward]
  • Face to the Inward] Angles in the Reer
  • Face to the Inward Angles of the R Fl [...]k
  • Face to the Inward Angles of the L. Fla [...]k
  • Face to the Outward] Angles both of Front & Reer.
  • Face to the Inward]
  • Face to the Four outward Angles
  • Face to the Four inward Angles.

CHAP. IX. Entire Doublings to the Front.

☞ Note, That the Letter C. stands for command, the Letter D. for Direction, the Letter R. for Reduce­ment.

C. Ranks, to the Right double.

D. Every even Rank from the Front, move forward with the right-leg, and double the odd.

R. Files, to the Left double, Or, Ranks as you were.

C. Ranks, to the Left-double.

D. Every even Rank from the Front move forward with the right leg, and dou­ble the odd.

[Page 32]R. Files, to [...]he right-double, Or, Ranks as you were.

C. Ranks, to the right and left double outward.

D. Every even Rank from the Front move outward, from the midst, and at three steps double the odd.

R. Files, to the right and left double in­ward.

C. Ranks to right and left, double in­ward.

D. Every even Rank from the Front move inward from the Flanks, and at three steps double the odd.

R. Files, to the right and left double outward.

C. Half Files, double your Front to the right.

D. Half Files, Advance forward to the right into the Front.

R. Files, double your depth to the left.

C. Half-Files, double your Front to the left.

D. Half Files, Advance forward to the left into the Front.

R. Files, double your depth to the right.

C. Half Files, double your Front to the right and left outward.

D. Half Files, Advance forwards to the right & left from the midst into the Front.

[Page 33]R. Files, double your depth to the right and left inward.

C. Half Files, double your Front to the right and left inward.

D. Half Files, Move forwards from the Flanks inward into the Front.

R. Files, Double your depth to the right and left outward.

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

D. Bringers-up, advance your Arms and move forward with the right leg into the Front.

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

C. Bringers up, double your Front to the left.

D. Bringers up, advance your Arms and move forward to the left into the Front.

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

C. Bringers up, double your Front to the right and left outward.

D. Bringers up, advance forward to the midst of the Reer, to the right and left into the Front.

R. Files, double your depth to the right and left inwards every man falling behind his Bringer up.

C. Bringers up, double your Front to the right and left inward.

[Page 34]D. Bringers up ▪ advance forwards from the F [...]anks inward into the Fron [...].

R. Files, double your depth to the right and left outward every man placeing him­self behind his Bringer up ▪

C. Double your ra [...]ks to the right entire.

D. Every oven Rank from the Front, Face to the right, March forth and double the odd.

R. Right Half Ranks double your left Flank

C. Double your Ranks to the left entire.

D. Every even Rank [...] from the Front face to the left, March [...] and double the odd [...] ▪

R. Left Half-Files, double your right Flank.

C Double your Ranks inward entire.

D. Every even Rank from the Reer, move outward unt [...] cle [...]r o [...] the standing part; Every even Rank from the Front, move [...]orward and double the o [...]d.

R. The inmost Files d [...]uble your Flanks to the righ [...] and left outwards: after close.

C D [...]uble your Ranks to the right en­tire, every man placing himself on the out­side of his right hand man.

D. Every even Rank from the Front, move to the [...]ight, and place your selves on the ou [...]side of your right hand men, and double the odd Ranks.

[Page 35]R. Right Half Ranks double your le [...]t Flank, every man plac [...]ing himself on the inside of his right hand man.

C. Dou [...]le you [...] Ranks to the left entire, every man placeing himself on the out-side of his left hand man.

D. Every even Rank from the Front, move to the left, and double the odd Ranks by placeing your selves on the out side of your left hand men.

R. Left-Half Ranks double your right Flank, every man plac [...]i [...]g himself on the inside o [...] his right hand man

C. Half Files, double your Front to the right-entire.

D. Half Files, face to the right, March clear of t [...]e standing part, face to your Leader, make an even Front.

R. Right-Half Ranks, double entire the depth [...] your left Flank.

C. Half Files, double your Front to the left enti [...]e

D. Half Files, face to the le [...]t, March clea [...] of the standing part: To your Lea­der: Move up and double the Front.

R. Left Half Ranks, double entire the depth of your right Flank.

C. Half Files, double your Front inward entire.

D. Front-Half Files, face outwards, March [Page 36] clear of the standing part: To your Lea­der. Reer-Half Files, Move up and double the Front.

R. The inmost Files, double the depth of your outmost File; Face in opposition, close your division: To your Leader.

CHAP. X. Divisional Doublings.

C. DOuble you Ranks to the right and left by division.

D. Every even Rank from the Front face outward: March forth, and double the odd.

R. The outmost Files upon each Flank that moved; face inward, and strengthen the Body.

C. Double your Ranks to the right and left by division, every man placeing him­self on the out side of his right and left hand man.

D. Every even Rank from the Front move forth to the right and left outward, and double the odd, placeing your selves on the out-side of your right and left hand man.

[Page 37]R. The outmost Files upon each Flank that moved, double the inmost Files to the right and left inward, every man placeing himself on the inside of his right and left hand man.

C. Half-Files, double your Front by di­vision.

D. Half Files, face outwards, March clear of the standing part: after face to your Leader, Move up even a breast and double the Front.

R. The outmost Files upon each Flank that moved, double entire the depth of the inmost Files.

CHAP. XI. Entire Doublings to the Front by Wheeling.

C. WHeel off your Reer Half Files, and double your Front to the right entire.

D. Half-Files, face about, wheel to the left, March up and even the Front.

R. Wheel off your Right Half-Ranks, and double your left Flank entire to the left.

[Page 38]C. Wheel off your Reer-Half-Files, and double your Front to the left-entire.

D Half Files, face to the Reer. Wheel to the right.

R. Wheel off your Left Half Ranks, and double your right Flank to the right entire.

C Wheel your Reer half Files inwards into the midst, and double your Front inward entire.

D. Front half-Files, open from the midst, until you be clear of the standing part: Face to your Leader; Half-Files face about, and wheel your Reer inward into the midst; Move forward until you have doubled the Front.

R. The inmost Files that doubled wheel about to the right and left outward, and double entire the depth of the outmost Files; face to your Leader, and close your Files to the midst to order.

CHAP. XII. A Divisional Doubling to the Front by Wheeling.

C WHeel off your Reer half-Files, and double your Front by division.

[Page 39]D. Half Files, face to the Reer, and wheel about to the right and left, move forward and double the Front.

R. The outmost Files upon each Flank that doubled, wheel about to the right and left inwards, and double entire the depth of the inmost Files: To your Leader.

Here end the doubling that properly be­long unto the Front. But by the way, no Leader is tyed to do all these doublings at once, but part of them as he shall think fit.

CHAP. XIII. Of Files Ranking, or Ranks Fileing.

☞ NOte, That what is Commanded to the Right, the same may be performed to the Le [...]t.

C. Files, File to the right.

R. Files, File four to the left.

C. Files, File to the right and left by di­vision.

R. Files, File four to the right & left.

C. Files, File to the right entire ad­vancing.

R. File four to the right towards the Front.

[Page 40]C. Files, File inward into the right Flank.

R. Front-half-Files, File two to the left: Reer-half Files, face about and File two to the right: Face to your Leader, and close your divisions.

C. Files, File to the right by division.

R. Front-half Files, File two to the right, and Reer-half-Files, face about, and File two to the left: face to your Leader, and close your divisions.

C Files, File inward into the right and left Flank by division.

R. Half files, face about to the right: Front and Reer Half files, File two to the right and left inwards: face to your Lea­der, and close your divisions.

[For Fileing inward, the Half files are to face about, and so the left hand File of the Reer, & right of the Front are to move away, till they become one File.

Fileing by division is the same, only the right hand Files stands, the rest move away.

Fileing inward into the right Flank by division, Half files are to face about; then the Leaders and Bringers up of the right and left, are to lead, and so successively fall into the Reer of each other.]

[Page 41]

Of Ranks Fileing.

Ranks Fileing is sooner performed and reduced than Files Fileing, and will be more ready to make resistance against any oppo­sition in the Front.

C. Ranks, File to the right, or to the left, placeing your selves behind your right hand men.

R. Files, Rank as you were.

C. Ranks, File to the right and left by division.

Direction is the same▪ with the last, differing only [...] this, Half Ranks to the left, fall behind their left hand men to the left; the Half-Ranks to the right, behind their several right hand men.

R. Files, Rank to the right and left in­ward, as you were.

CHAP. XIV. Of Countermarches.

THe next branch of Discipline which offers it self is Countermarches; these three being most useful.

1. Maintaining ground. 2. Loosing ground. 3. Gaining ground.

[Page 42]The distance for Countermarches is open order in Rank and File.

C. Files, to the right, Countermarch.

Direction. The word of Command be­ing given, all the File Leaders step forward with their right Legs, and face about to the right, every File-Leader with his File following him towards the Reer, passing through the enterval on his right hand, observing to keep even in Rank with his right hand man, and not to turn, until he come to the ground whereat first his File-Leader began the [...]ion: the Com­mand is performed when the Bringers up have attained unto the place where before their File Leaders stood.

R. Files, to the left, Countermarch.

C. Ranks, to the right, Countermarch.

Direction. Face to the right; then the right hand File is to turn off to the right, and to March even to the ground of the left hand File.

R. Ranks to the left, Countermarch.

☞ Note, That any entire Counter­march of Files and Ranks will be reduced, by making another entire Countermarch to what hand soever: but if you desire to h [...]ve them not only red [...]ced to the same Aspect, but also precisely to the same place, [Page 43] then if the Countermarch be to the right, Countermarch again to the right, so to the left, without Faceing.

C. Countermarch 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, and face to your Leader.

R. Countermarch your Front and Reer into the midst again, will reduce the last word of Command; or else by any other divisional Countermarch of Files.

C. Front and Reer [...] Files, Counter­march to the ri [...]t.

Direction▪ Front half Files, Countermarch to the right, following your File Leaders: Reer half Files, Countermarch to the right, following your Half file Leaders.

R. Countermarch Front and Reer into the midst; then face to the Front proper, and they are reduced.

C. Countermarch your Flanks into the midst

Direction. Face to the right and left out wards; the Right Flank turn off to the right; the Left Flank turn off to the left, March, and close your divisions.

R. Countermarch your Flanks into the midst, and they are reduced.

C. Right & left Half-Ranks enterchange ground.

[Page 44]Direction. Face to the right and left inward; March and enterchange ground: To your Leader.

R. Enterchanging of ground back again will reduce; or divisionally to Counter­march their Flanks into the midst of the Battel.

Countermarches Loosing ground.

C. Files, to the right hand Counter­march, placeing your selves before your Bringers up: [...].

Direction. Bringers up, [...]ace about to the right; the rest Countermarc [...] [...]o the right, every man turning on the ground he stand [...] following their Leaders, placeing themselves before their Bringers up.

R. Bringers up, Stand; the rest pas [...] through to the right, and place your selves before you. Bringers up.

C. Files, to the right Countermarch, eve [...]y man turning on the ground he stands▪

Direction. The File Leaders of each File [...] to step-side-wa [...]s to the right, and so March even in Rank together, every man following his Leader, and turning on the [...] stands.

R. Files, to the left Countermarch, every man turning on the ground he stands.

[Page 45]C. Bringers-up, face about to the right; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves before your Bringers up.

D. Face all to the right about; Bringers-up, Stand; the rest of the Body pass through to the right, and place your selves before your Bringers-up.

☞ Note, This motion is begun by the Rank, next the Bringers-up, and so continued successively by the rest, till the Command be ended.

R. This [...] may be reduced, by doing [...] same to the con [...]ra [...]y hand; or [...] please.

C. [...]ingers up, S [...]and; the rest pass th [...]o [...]gh to the right, and place your s [...]lves behind your [...]

☞ Note, [...] by the Rank, [...] File-Leaders [...] face to the [...] reduced.

D. The last [...] Body face to the [...] the right, placeing [...] Bringers up; then [...] their proper File-Leaders, and they are reduced.

[Page 46]C. Ranks, to the right Countermarch, every man turning after his right hand man on the ground he stands.

Direction. Face all to the right: which being performed, the right hand File, toge­ther with all the rest becomes Ranks, & so begin the Countermarch, every Rank turning after his right hand man on the ground he stands, so Marcheth forth right beyond that which was the left Flank.

R. Right-hand File, face to the right; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves before your right hand man.

Countermarches Gaining Ground.

C. File Leaders, face about to the right; the rest pass through to the right, and place your selves behind your Leaders.

☞ Note, This motion beginneth with that Rank next the File Leaders.

Direction. File Leaders, face about to the right; the rest pass through to the right, and place themselves behind their Leaders, every Rank successively passing through, and taking their places.

R. File-Leaders, face to the Reer; the rest pass through to the left, following your Bringers-up, placeing your selves behind your Leaders.

[Page 47]☞ Note, This Countermarch may be reduced as the rest, by doing the same to the contrary hand, or by an entire Coun­termarch of Files.

This may suffice to be spoken of all the several sorts of Countermarches, they being the least usef [...]l of any part of the Art-Military. Therefore in the next place I come briefly to treat of Wheelings.

CHAP. XV. Of Wheelings.

BEfore you begin to Wheel, close both Ranks and Files to their order.

Two things are to be observed in all Wheelings. 1. That they keep their due distan [...]e, which is in all Wheelings three Foot, both in Rank and File. 2. That upon all Wheelings you must besure to follow your Leader.

Entire Wheelings.

C. Wheel your Battel to the

  • Right
  • Left
  • Right about
  • Left about

[Page 48]Direction. The right or left hand man in the Front are the Hinges of these mo­tions, who with a small motion move to the right or left; the rest, the more their places are remote from the right or left Angle, the more swift must every mans motion be to bring their Aspects unto the place Commanded: following their Leaders, and keeping their distance.

R. If [...] wheel to the right about, then Wheel to the right about again. If to the left, then to the left, this being the nearest both of A [...]pect and place.

C. Wheel your Battel on the same ground to the

  • [...]
  • Left
  • Right about
  • Left about.

Direction. Left Half-Ranks move for­wards, and Wheel to the right: Right Half Ranks, face to the left side ways falling backward, move to the place Commanded.

C. Wheel off your Front by division, into the Reer.

Direction. File-Leaders of the right Flank, Wheel about to the right: File Leaders of the left Flank, Wheel about to the left in the same manner▪ close your divisions.

C. Wheel the Body off by division from the Reer, into the Front.

[Page 49]Direction. Face to the Reer, and turn off to the right and left.

C. Wheel the Body inward to the Reer, from the Front.

Direction. Open from the midst of Files and Wheel inward.

C Wheel off the Body by division from the right Flank, into the Left.

Direction. Face to the right.

C. Wheel off the Body by division from the left Flank, into the Right.

Direction. Face to the left.

C. Wheel off your Front and Reer-half-Files by division, into midst of Ranks.

Direction. Half-Files face about; Front and Reer half-Files turn off by division.

C. Wheel your Front and Reer half-Files inward to the midst of Ranks.

Direction. Half Files, face about; Front and Reer half Files, open outward to conve­nient distance; then Wheel inward to the midst of Ranks.

C. Wheel off your Front and Reer half-Files by division from the midst of Ranks, into Front and Reer.

Direction. Front-half-Files, face about; Front and Reer-half-Files, Wheel off to the right and left by division.

C. Wheel Front and Reer-half Files in­ward, to Front and Reer from the midst of Rank [...].

[Page 50]Direction. Front-half Files, face about; Front and Reer half Files, open from the midst to convenient distance, and Wheel inward to Front and Reer.

C. Wheel off your right and left Half-Ranks by division, into Front and Reer.

Direction. Face outwards and Wheel off to the right and left by division.

C. Wheel your right & left Half-Ranks inward to the midst of Files.

Direction. Face outward, and open to the right and left; then Wheel inward to the midst of Files.

C. Wheel off your right and left Half-Ranks by division from the midst of Files.

Direction. Face inward, then move backwards to a convenient distance, and so Wheel off by division from the midst of Files.

C. 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 le [...]t to a convenient distance, and Wheel inward to both Flanks.

As for Reducement of every particular Wheeling, you may observe as before in Countermarches: unto what hand soever they Wheeled, Command them to Wheel [Page 51] to the contrary hand, and they will be Reduced: Or what part is Wheeled of division, Wheel inward again from that place.

CHAP. XVI. Of Fireings.

THe Front being the head of the Body, challengeth the first place.

1. By single Ranks, advancing three paces, falling into the Reer of themselves.

2. By way of Introduction after this manner: the first Rank gives Fire and stands, the rest moving forwards until the next Rank hath placed themselves before the first, then give Fire, the rest moving up and doing the like, and by Fireing once more the same way, the File Leaders come up again to their proper places.

3. Fire, four Ranks together, one kneel­ing, two stooping, and the last standing▪

4. Fire, some Ranks drawn forth to the

  • Right
  • Left.

Of Fireing to the Reer.

1. Face to the

  • Right
  • Left

about, Fire. Falling into the Front of their own divisions.

[Page 52]2. By way of Introduction to the Reer twice over until they come down e [...]en with the Reer.

3. Fire to the right and left about to the Reer, Ranks drawn forth, and in again.

4. Fire, loosing ground, falling off to the right and left.

Of Fireing to both Flanks.

1. Face to the

  • Right
  • Left

2. By way of Introduction to the right or left.

3. By Flanks doubling, their Right or Left Flank.

CHAP. XVII. A Doubling to make every man a File-Lea­der by Dignity.

C. HAlf Files, double your Front to the left.

C. Double your Files to the right entire, advancing, every man placeing himself before his Leader.

[Page 53]C. Front Half-Files, double your Reer to the left.

C. Double your Files to the left entire advancing every man placeing himself be­fore his Leader.

C. Bringers up, double your Front to the right.

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

C. Half Files, double your Front to the right.

C. Double your Files to the left entire, advancing.

C. Ranks, to the right double.

C. Files, to the right double.

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

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

Reducement▪ Ranks, to the left double. Files, to the left double.

☞ Note, Fewer words of Command will perform this, if four in File, but this intented for Six in File.

[Page 54]

CHAP. XVIII. The several duties belong­ing to a Foot Company.

A Private Souldier ought to be very Active, not slothful and idle, informing himself of his duty, learning from his Corporal, or other Officers; the true use and handling of his Arms, always keeping them neat and clean, and well fix­ed. Upon Beat of the Drum, he is to re­pair to his Colours, or Company: upon the March, he must observe his Leader, and his Right-Hand Man, that he may March streight in File, and even in Rank. In time of Exercise, he must be Silent, minding the words of Command and Di­rection, which are given forth by the Leader. He ought likewise to be well versed in all the ordinary words of Com­mand; and to mind the place he stands in, that he may the more readier move, whether it be to Face, Double, Counter­march, or Wheel.

To Conclude, a Private Souldier ought to avoid all Quarreling, Mutinies, Swear­ing, Cursing or Lying; also avoiding [Page 55] Drunkenness, and all manner of Gaming: he ought to be Loving and Cou [...]eous to all his Fellow-Souldiers

Of a Captain.

HE that is a Captain of a Company, ought in respect he Leadeth the same, and is Chief, to appoint unto the Officers their several places, what Divisions they shall Lead, and where they shall March; and according to the number of Files to make his Divisions answerable thereto. He is as well to know his own, as all the several Duties of his Officers, and to be a good Posture-man himself, that when he sees any of his Souldiers handling of their Arms in an undecent and slovenly manner, may the better reprove them for the same. And although many Cap­tains regard them not, but leave them to be instructed by the Inferiour Officers, yet it is a great honour to a Captain when his Souldiers are taught by himself.

In time of engagement with an Enemy, he must Couragiously and wisely behave himself, & encourage his Souldiers of hopes of Victory, Chearfully animating of his Souldiers to fall on. He is to take a Fatherly care of his Souldiers, timely providing [...]or [Page 56] the Maimed, Wounded and Sick, such helps and remedies as their present condi­tions requires. His care must be to execute Justice, appease Quarrels, punish Offend­ers; by doing whereof, he will main [...]ain the Honour and Dignity of his place: and again, he must not be too rigid and ha [...]sh, Caning or Beating without just cause, lest he incurr their hatred Moreover he ought to be Religious, Temperate and dis­creet, Faithful in his trust, Valiant in the Field against his Enemy.

Of a Lieutenant.

HE that is a Lieutenant to a Company, ought to be a good & able Souldier, and well understand the duty of a Cap­tain, in respect he is Captain and Com­mander in Chief over them in his absence. In the absence of his Captain, he is to see all such orders as he hath received, duely executed: He is to teach and instruct the Souldiers in the use of their Arms, and to shew them their Postures. In time of Ex­ercise, he ought to be in the Reer, and to see all things there truly executed accord­ing to the Captains Commands

Briefly, He ought to know how far his power doth extend, either in the [Page 57] presence or absence of his Captain, always demeaning himself so that he may gain the love of his whole Company, by act­ing those things amongst them as may be just and honest.

Of an Ensign.

AN Ensign being a Commission Offi­cer, in the absence of his Captain and Lieutenant, is Commander in chief of the Company. He ought to be a proper man, Grave, Valiant and discreet, and to be well skill'd in all the lofty Figures of displaying the Colours above the head; and to make use of them according to dis­cretion and command; which is not only a heal [...]hful Exercise to his Body, but also most becoming him, or any other Gentle­man or Commander whatsoever.

Of a Sargeant.

A Sargeant ought to be well skill'd in the Postures, and all Military Motions; whereby he may Correct the Errors of such as handle not their Arms in an handsome or serviceable way; and also helpful to his Captain, or other Superiour [Page 58] Officers in time o [...] Exercise: His duty is to draw forth the Files according to such depths as shall be appointed him by his Cap [...]ain, or o [...]her Superiour Officer, and to o [...]der them in drawing up▪ and joyn­ing together the Souldiers to such places of honour as they sha [...]l direct him. He is concerned to see that the Souldiers March even in their Ranks at their distance of Order in File, and Open Order in Rank. Also, he must direct the Corporals where to set out the Sentinels, and how to order his Watch: He must likewise make Rounds; and if he find a Sentinel asleep, he is to commit him to Justice.

Of a Corporal.

THe Corporals of a Company are not tyed to a set number, but to be or­dered according to the several divisions of the same; for their rule of Dignity, I con­ceive according to Elton, to make them the Right hand File [...]Leader in every division. His Duty is to teach and instruct them in the right use of their A [...]ms: he must like­wise preserve and keep [...]he word constant in his Mem [...]ry: when the Captain of the Watch goes the fi [...]st Round, he shall with his Sword drawn against his breast give it [Page 59] him; and receive such orders from him as he shall Command him: but afterwards when the Round shall come again, he shall cause the Rounders (or Gentlemen) with his Sword drawn, to give the word to him before they pass: He ought never to go alone (being called by the Sentinel) but to have a Guard of three or four Musketiers with him, selected out of his Corps of Guard. He must advice his Sen­tinels how to demean themselves upon a discovery of an Enemy, either to give an Alarum, or else to give notice without making a noise. He is likewise to have an eye to their Lives and Manners, and to take care his own carriage be Sober, Wise and discret, for the avoiding ill example unto others.

Of a Clerk.

HIS carriage ought to be very just and honest; his chiefest duty is to keep the Muster Roll: he is many times in­trusted to receive the Companies Money, and pay such Monies as shall be ordered him by his Captain, giving a true account to his Captain of all such Monies he hath either received or paid forth.

[Page 60]

Of the Drummers.

EVery Captain ought to have two good Drums and Drummers, that knows how to Beat all the several Points of War. It is likewise Expedient that they should be good Linguists, in respect sometimes they may be sent to an Enemy for the Ransoming of Prisoners.

CHAP. XIX. Of Military Watches.

THE Corporals according to order giv­en them, are to dispose of the seve­ral Sentinels, and to have an especial care that they keep their Muskets Prim'd and Laden; which must often be observed by visiting of the several Sentinels, to see that all things be in due order & with silence; to the end that the Sentinels may always be heard, as often as occasion may offer. The Office of every Sentinel after he is placed upon his duty, is to enquire of every Passenger or others that shall but stir, Who Comes there? Yea, though [Page 61] it be the Captain himself. The Rounds are made with light, so soon as a Sentinel perceives any, he is to cry with a loud voice, so that he may be heard by the next Corps of Guard: Who comes there? He who goes the Round should Answer,

The Round, Or, The Round Major, Or, The Grand Round.

The Sentinels by whom he passes should [...]lways rest their Arms, and never permit any whomsoever to come near them. When they draw near a Corps of Guard, the Sentinel shall ask him, Who comes there?

So soon as he Answers, The Round

The Sentinel is to call to him to Stand. And to the Corporal to come forth.

Thereupon the Corporal is to come immediately out of the Corps of Guard, to draw his Sword and Ask,

Who comes there?

When he is Answered, The Round

He is to say, Let him who has the word, advance.

Then the Round Advances and gives the Word into the Corporals Ear so low that he cannot be heard by any body else. But if one should give any other [Page 62] Word than what is true, he ought to be stopt, and the Officer of the Guard is to be acquainted wi [...]h it▪ who either keeps him all night a Prisoner, or disposes of him as he thinks proper.

Such as walk the Round, are to take a strict account of all they meet, What, and who they are, and in case of defici­ency, of answering justly on the one side or suspicion, on the other; they are to secure and guard them to the Corps of Guard. A Sentinel, is▪ to stand in his Place and Posture a full ho [...]r and no more, at which time the Corporal is to relieve him.

CHAP. XX. The Ordering of a pri­vate Company, on a Funeral Occasion.

WHen any Commander or Souldier of Worth, shall be Deceased, a private Cap [...]ain that would shew respect & honour, by his Companies attending the Corps to the place of Burial, must order his Souldiers after this manner. They being Summon'd by Beat of the Drum to meet at their usual [Page 63] place of Randezvouze, they may be drawn up acco [...]ding to th [...] usual manner. The Captain may order them to March in an orderly manner to the place of him that is Deceased, being in two Divisions, let them so continue with their Arms Ordered, until such time as the Corps be brought into the Street, after which the Captain may Command them to perform the Fu­neral Posture; which is,

Bring your Musket under your left Arm, with the Barrel downward, bearing the But-end upward with your two four Fin­gers, and your Thumb; holding of the Pan with the left hand▪ bringing your right hand backward, taking [...] of the Mus­ket near the Muzzel.

The Captain and Lieutenant conforming their Half Pikes to the Funeral Posture▪ the Ensign either stripping his Colours from the S [...]a [...]f, tying them about his Wast, put­i [...]g a black Ribbon to the end of his S [...]a [...]f, or have a black Vail to come over them after they are [...]url'd, con [...]orming to the Funeral Posture. The Drums being covered with Black, Beating the Funeral March. When the Body is laid in the Grave, they upon warning of the Drum (being all ready and presented) give th [...]ee Volleyes of Shot altogether; at which time [Page 64] the Ensign unfurl his Colours, and the Body upon the Mar [...] to the place of lodging the Colours, where after a Volley of Shot, a Dismission being Beat, every man may return to his Quarters.

A POEM On the Art Military, AND Compleat Souldier.

I Was no Poet born; nor ere could mount
The Muses Sacred Hill; or reach their Fount,
Where it is held a Crime, to talk about
Meriting Works, and not to Rhyme it out.
The Fire Lock Musket's with their Use:
And necessary Motions which conduce
As Media's to attain them: Those Ways best
Most Ready, Safe, Easy, Comeliest.
Ordained so, that all the parts are deck't
With men of Equal worth, and like respect.
And to Enbody them; the joyning Files
Flank wise (effecting Ranks) the Band compiles.
Due Distances, whereby just PARALLEL,
Rank keeps to Rank, & File to File: as well
[Page 65]When they do Ope, Close, Move; as when they stand,
And save their Evening, Straightning, Post-Command.
Faceings no more, nor fewer then you see
Th [...] in-ner, and out-ter Sides, and Angels be.
Lengthning or Strengthning, Doubling Files, or Ranks;
Battel, Front, Reer, Both; one, or both the Flanks.
Dance like Counter-marches, Wheelings precise.
Fireings that SERVE to MASTER Enemies▪
Duties of all the Private Souldieries,
The Militia Laws: For the Artilleries.
And Officers to Captains. The Charge
Of Military-Watches: and their large
Commission. Then, to order Companies,
And Souldiers at Funeral Obsequies.
Sure, in most Holy-Writ, we find this Art's
Laid-down before us, in the Whole & Parts
Thereof: It's Taught, & Learn't, & Practised
By Gods own People, and it may be said,
The Postures of the Armes in those times held
(Of Bow & Arrow; Buckler Lau [...]; Spear, Shield.)
Watches and Wards. Armies of Myriads,
Reg'ments of Thousand, Bands of Hundereds,
Fi [...]ties; Files of tens. Closing Hosts for fight,
And [...] what I have not Room to write.
[Page 66]LET them that undertake to Praise a Book,
Not on the Title, but the matter look.
Of Cock-Brain'd Milit [...]sters store there are
That are pretenders in the Art of War;
Can Military Discipline express
In words of Art, and windy flourishes;
Big Looks & Language lowder than the Drum:
As knowing more than this Compendium;
When Si [...]y Vapours, they ne're read or saw,
More then the Statutes of the Martial Law.
FINIS.
[Page 67]

THE Contents.

  • THE Introduction. Page. 7
  • The Definition of a Posture. Page. 9
  • The Exercise of the Musket. Page. 10
  • The Exercise of the Granadiers Page. 17
  • The Souldiers place of Dignity Page. 20
  • Of the Drum Page. 23
  • The several Distances Page. 25
  • Of Faceings Page. 28
  • Entire Doublings to the Front Page. 31
  • Divisional Doublings Page. 36
  • Entire doublings to the Front by Wheeling. Page. 37
  • A divisional doubling to the Front by Wheeling. Page. 38
  • [Page 68]Of Files Ranking, or Files Fileing Page. 39
  • Of Countermarches Page. 41
  • Of Wheelings Page. 47
  • Of Fireings Page. 51
  • The several duties belonging to a Foot Company. Page. 54
  • Of Military Watches Page. 60
  • The ordering of a private Company on a Funeral Occasion. Page. 62
The Military LAWS: P …
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The Military LAWS: Passed by the Great and General Court or Assembly of the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England.

I. An Act for Regulating the Militia, begun and held at Boston, Novemb. the 8 th. 1693.

II. An Act in Addition to the Act, for Regulating the Militia, begun and held at Boston, the 31. day of May, 1699.

III. An Act for putting the Militia of this Province into a readiness for defence of the same, begun and held at Boston the 31. of May 1699. And continued by several Proroga­tions unto the 13. day of March following.

Boston, Printed for Nicholas Boone. 1701.

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Military LAW: An Act for Regulating of the Militia.

WHEREAS for the Honour and Service of Their Maje­sties, and for the Security of this Their Province against any Violence or Invasion whatever: It is neces­sary that du [...] care be taken that the Inhabitants thereof be Armed, Trained, and in a suitabl [...] posture and readiness for the ends aforesaid; and that every Person may know his duty and be obliged to perform the same.

Be it therefore Enacted by His Ex­cellency the Governour, Council and Representatives in General Court As­sembled, and it is Ordained and Enacted by the Authority of the same.

1. THAT all Male Persons from Six­teen years of Age to Sixty, (other than [Page 72] such as are herein after excepted) shall bear Arms, and duely attend all Musters and Military Exercises of the respective Troops and Companies where they are listed or belong, allowing three Months time to every Son next after his coming to Sixteen years of Age; and every Servant so long after his time is out▪ to provide themselves with Arms & Ammunition &c.

2. AND the Clerk of each Troop and Company once a Quarter yearly, shall take an Exact List of all Persons living within the Precincts of such Troop o [...] Company, and present the same to the Captain or Chief Officer, on pain of forfeiting Forty Shillings for each default, to be paid to the Captain or Chief Officer to the use of the Company. And in case of non payment, to be levied by distress and sale of the of­fenders goods, by vertue of a Warrant from the Captain or Chief Officer, who is here­by Impowred to grant the same.

3. THAT every Person listed in any Troop or Company shall so continue and attend all duty in such Troop or Company, or otherwise suffer the penalty by Law provided, until orderly dismist or removed out of the Town or Precinct; and in case [Page 73] of removal into the Precinct of another Company in the same Town, to produce a Certificate under the hand of the Captain or Chief Officer of the Precinct whereto he is removed, that he is listed there.

4. IF any Person liable to be listed as aforesaid, do exempt himself by Shifting from house to house, or place to place, to avoid being so listed; he shall pay as a Fine for every such offence, to the use of the Company to which he belongs, Ten Shillings, being Convicted before any Justice of the Peace of the County.

5. THAT every listed Souldier and other Housholder (except Troopers) shall be always provided with a well fixt Firelock Musket, of Musket or Bastard Musket bore; the Barrel not less than three foot and a half long, or other good Fire Arms, to the Satisfaction of the Commission Offi­cers of the Company, a Snapsack, a Coller with Twelve Bandeleers or Cartouch box, one Pound of good Powder, twenty Bullets fit for his Gun, and twelve Flints, a good Sword or Cutlash, a Worm and Priming-wire fit for his Gun; on penalty of Six Shillings for want of such Arms as is hereby required, and Two Shillings for each other [Page 74] defect, and the like Sum for every four weeks he shall remain unprovided; the Fine to be paid by Parents for the Sons under Age, and under their Command; and by Masters or heads o [...] Families, for their Servants, other than Servants upon Wages.

6 THAT every Trooper shall be al­ways provided with a good serviceable Horse, of Five Pounds value, and not less than fourteen hands high (the same to be determined by the two chief Commission Officers) covered with a good Saddle, Bit, Bridle, Holsters, Pectoral & Crooper; and furnished with a Carbine, the Barrel not less than two foot and hal [...] long, with a Belt and Swivel, a case of good Pistols; wi [...]h a Swo [...]d or Cutlash, a [...]la [...]k or Ca [...] ­touch-box; one pound of good Powder, three pounds of s [...]zeable Bullets, twenty Flints and a good pair of Boots and Spurs; on penalty of Twelv [...] Shillings [...]or wa [...]t of such Horse as is hereby ordered, and Three Shillings a piece [...]or every other defect▪ & the like Sum for every six weeks he shall remain unprovided: and that each Troop­e [...] [...] his Horse, and sh [...]ll not dispose thereof without the [...] o [...] his c [...]ief Officer, on the penalty o [...] Five Pounds: [Page 75] And for non appearance at the time and place appointed for Exercise, every listed Trooper for each days neglect shall pay Ten Shillings Fine.

7. THAT there may be two Troops in a Regiment, each of which Troops shall not exceed Sixty men with Officers.

8. THAT Regimental Musters shall be but once in three years, (except in Boston) And every Captain or Chief Officer of any Company or Troop in any Regiment, shall be obliged on penalty of Five Pounds, to draw forth his Company or Troop, or cause them to be drawn forth four days Annually, and no more, to Exercise them in Motions, the use of Arms, and Shooting at Marks, or other Military Exercises, which every person liable to Train, having been duely warned, and not appearing and at­tending the same, shall for each days neg­lect pay a Fine of Five Shillings.

9. THAT the Commission Officers of any Company or Troop, or the major part of them, may order the correcting and punishing disorders and contempt on a Training Day, or on a Watch, the punish­ment not being greater than laying Neck [Page 76] and Heels, Riding the Wooden Horse, or Ten Shillings fine.

10. THAT there be Military Watches appointed and kept in every Town, at such times, in such places, and in such numbers, and under such Regulations as the chief Military Officers of each Town shall ap­point, or as they may receive Orders from the Chief Officer of the Regiment: And that all persons able of Body, or that are of Estate (and not exempted by Law) shall by themselves or some meet person in their stead, to the acceptance of the Commander of the Watch, attend the same, on penalty of Five Shillings for each de [...]ect; there having been due warning given.

11. EVERY Souldier or other person liable by Law, refusing or neglecting to attend Military Exercises, on Training days; or Military Watches, that shall not pay, or have no Estate to be found whereon to levy the fine, it shall be in the power of the Captain, or Chief Officers of such Com­pany on the next Training day after such neglect (he not having satisfyed the Clerk) to punish him for such offence, by laying Neck and Heels, or Riding the Wooden [Page 77] Horse, not exceeding one Hours time: And if such Delinquent shall absent him­self the second Training day, without give­ing sufficient reason to the Captain, or Chief Officer for the same; it shall be in the power of the Chief Officer of the Compa­ny to direct a Warrant to the Constable of the Town, requiring him to apprehend such Delinquent, and bring him into the Field, that he may be punisht according as by this Law is provided: And all Consta­bles are hereby Required to Execute such Warrants accordingly.

12. THAT the Persons hereafter named be Exempted from all Trainings; Viz. The Members of the Council the Representatives, for the time being, the Secretary, Justices of the Peace, Praes [...]dent, Fellows, Students, and Servants of Harvard Colledge, Exempted by Colledge Charter, Masters of Art, Ministers, Elders and Deacons of Churches, Sheriffs, al­lowed Phys [...]cians, or Chyrurg [...]ns, and pro­fest School Masters, all such as have had Commissions, and Served as Field Officers, or Captains, Lieutenants, or Ensigns, Coroners, Treasurers, Attourney General, Deputy Sheriffs, Clerks of Courts, Constables, constant Ferry­men, and one Miller to each Grist-Mill: Officers imployed in and about Their [Page 78] Majesties Revenues, all Masters of Vessels of Thirty Tons and upwards, usually im­ployed beyond Sea, and constant Herdsmen, Lame Persons or otherwise disabled in Body (producing Certificate thereof from two able Chyrurgeons) Indians and Negroes.

13. THAT the Persons hereafter named be and hereby are Exempted from Military Watches and Wardings, viz. The Members of the Council, Secretary, Representatives for the time being, Praesident, Fellows, Students of Harvard Colledge, and the Gentlemen belonging to the Troop of the Governours Guard, Ministers and Elders of Churches, al­lowed Physician [...] and Chyrurgeons, Constables, constant Ferry men, and one Miller to each Grist-Mill.

14. THAT the Captain and Commissi­on Officers of each Company or Troop, shall and hereby are fully impowred to nominate & appoint meet persons to Serve as Serjeants and Corporals in the respective Companies or Troops, and displace them, and appoint others in their room, as they shall see meet.

15. THAT twice every year or oftner if required, every Captain or Chief Officer [Page 79] of each Company or Troop shall give or­der for a diligent enquiry into the state of his Company, and for taking an exact list of the names of his Souldiers, and Inhabi­tants within the Limits of his Company, & of the defects of Arms or otherwise, and names of the defective persons, that they may be prosecuted as the Law hath provi­ded, and such care may be taken as is pro­per to remedy the same.

16. THAT if any person who is by Law obliged to provide Arms & Ammunition, cannot purchase the same by such means as he hath, if he bring to the Clerk of the Company, Corn or other Merchantable Provision, or vendible Goods, so much as by Apprizement of the Clerk & two other persons mutually chosen, shall be judged of greater value by one fifth part than such Arms or Ammunition is of: he thereupon shall be excu [...]ed from the penalties for want of Arms & Ammunition, until he can be provid [...]d, which said Clerk shall provide as soon as may be by sale of such goods, and render the overplus to the party, if any be: But the party shall notwithstanding give his personal a [...]t [...]dance upon all occasions as other Souldiers, until he be supplied, and at such times shall perform any proper Ser­vice he may be put upon by the Captain of [Page 80] Chief Officer of the Company he belongs to; but if the person be judged unable to buy Arms, or to lay down the value propo­sed, if he be a single man, he shall be put out to Service by the two next Justices of Peace to earn wherewith to buy Arms and Ammunition; if such person have a Family and be judged unable▪ by the Captain and major part of the Select men to lay down such value for the end aforesaid, then he shall be provided for out of the Town Stock, or by Arms procured at the Towns charge, until such time as he be judged able to pro­vide for himself, & such Arms to be under the care of the chief Military Officer & the Select-men of the Town.

17. THAT Drums, Drummers, Trum­pets, Trumpeters, Colours & Banners be by the Commission Officers of each Troop or Company provided at the charge of the respective Companies & Troops where there are not already provided, & the fines will not reach to procure the same, & that such as have been imployed as Drummers or Trump [...]ters, or are fit and capable there­of, being appointed unto such Service by the Chief Officer of any Company or Troop, shall attend the Service, on penalty of Forty Shillings fine, and every Drummer for a years Service shall have Twenty Shillings i [...] he find [Page 81] his own Drum, & Ten Shillings if the Cap­tain finds the Drum; & a Trumpeter Forty Shillings a year, if he find his own Trumpet, and Twenty Shillings, if the Captain finds it.

18. THAT such meet person as by the Commission Officers of any Company or Troop shall be appointed Clerk, and shall refuse to serve, shall pay Forty Shillings fine, and another be chosen in his room, and so until one do accept: which person shall be under Oath for the faithful discharge of his Office, to be Administred unto him by a Justice of Peace in the same County, in the words following.

YOu do Swear truly to perform the Office of Clerk of the Military Company under the Command of A. B. Captain, to the utmost of your skill and power in all things appertain­ing to your Office according to Law. So help you God.

And for every distraint made for any fine not exeeeding Forty Shillings, he shall have one quarter part for his pains & trou­ble. And for such fines he may distrain Ex Officio; and in distraining shall observe such Rules as the Law hath provided in other cases; & upon ten days notice shall account with and pay to the Captain or Chief Officer what fines he hath receiv [...]d, his own part being deducted.

[Page 82]19. THE Chief Military Officer of each Regiment as often as he shall see cause, shall require the Captain or Chief Officer of each Company in his Regiment to meet at such time and place as he shall appoint, and then with them to confer and give in charge such Orders as shall by them, or major part of th [...]m be judged meet, for the better ordering and settling their seve­ral Companies, and for the better promo­ting of Military Discipline amongst them. And the Chief Officer is hereby impowred by his Warrant directed to any Clerk or Of­ficer of his Regiment to summon or cause to be brought before them any Offender against the Laws Military, and according to Law to hear and determine all matters proper for their Cognizance, and to give sentence, and to grant Mittimus or War­rants for Distraint to the Clerk of the Company where the Offence is committed, for ex [...]cu [...]ing which Warrant, if above Fo [...]ty Shillings, he shall have Ten Shillings out of the same for his pains and trouble therein; and no more.

20. THAT there be a stock of Pow­der and Ammunition in each Town pro­vided, and from time to time as there is need, be renewed by the Select-men; which shall be a barrel of good Powder, two [Page 83] hundred weight of Bullets, and three hun­dred Flints for every sixty listed Souldiers, and after that proportion for the listed Souldiers of each Town, whether more or less: Also that the Select-men procure such a number of Arms, & so much Ammuniti­on as shall be made appear by the Chief Commission Officers of each Company in the several Towns to be needful for the supply of such Poor as by Law they are to provide for: And such Town as cannot make it appear to the chief Commander of the Regiment that they are thus provided at or before the first of May next, shall pay Five Pounds fine, which shall be distrained by Warrant from said Officer directed unto the Constable upon the Select men of the Town or any of them, and disposed of for the use of said Town towards the supply of such Stock; and the like Sum for every three months they shall remain so un­provided.

21. AND the Select-men where there is not a sufficient Stock of Powder, Arms & Ammunition, and in such Towns where there is need of Watch houses, Firing and Candl [...]s for their Watches; in such case the Select men for so much as is wanting are to procure or satisfy what is required or needed as before, & shall make provision [Page 84] for the same by a Rate equally and justly laid upon the Inhabitants & Estate in such Towns, and such Rate signed & committed by them to the Constables to collect, who shall, and hereby are required & authoriz­ed to collect the same; and for non pay­ment to distrain as for other Rates, and the money or pay collected to be brought in to the chief Military Officers and Select-men of the Town, to be by them improved for the ends aforesaid. And the Select men or so many of them as shall neglect their duty herein, shall pay Twenty Shillings fine, to be paid to the Captain for the use of the Company, being convict before two Justi­ces of the Peace, who are hereby impow­red to convent the party, and to hear and determine the same, and if need be, to ap­point other meet persons in such Towns under the like penalties to perform said Service.

22. THAT no Clerk Ex Offi [...]io make distraint for any fine until four days after the Offence committed; that so the party may have opportunity to make excuse, if any he have, why he should not pay the [...]ine; and every Clerk that neglects or re­fus [...]s to account or make payment, as by this Law is provided, he by a Warrant from the chief Officer of the Company directed [Page 85] to the Constable, may be distrained on for so much as he hath or should have collect­ed or distrained for.

23. THAT all Officers yield Obedience to the Warrants or Commands of their Superiour Officers on penalty of Five Pounds; to be heard and determined at the next meeting of the chief Officers and Captains of the Regiment; and the fine to be taken by distress and sale of the Offenders goods, (returning the over plus if any be) by Warrant from the chief Officer of the Re­giment, directed to the Clerk of the Com­pany to which such offender belongs, and to be improved to the use and benefit of such Company as the Officers so met shall agree, their Expences being first defray'd out of the same.

24. THAT an Alarm at the Castle up­on Castle Island near Boston, being made upon such causes as are agreeable to In­structions to be given by the Governour to the Captain of the Castle, shall be by put­ting out two Flaggs, and firing of two Guns towards the Town; at which time there shall with all possible speed such numbers be sent down for their relief, as the Governour and Captain General, or such person as shall be Commander in Chief in his absence, shall think necessary. [Page 86] At any other place an Alarm may be made by firing three Guns one after ano­ther, or by firing a Beacon, their Drums beating an Alarm, all persons being called upon to Arm: Upon which all the Tra [...]n­ed Souldiers, and others capable to bear Arms that are then Resident in any Town, shall forthwith appear compleat with their Arms and Ammunition according to Law, at the usual place of Rendezvouz, or where the Chief Officers shall appoint; there to attend such Commands as shall be given for Their Majesties Service; and that on the penalty of Five Pounds fine, or three months Imprisonment: The Members of the Council, Justices and Sheriffs to attend upon the Governour, if at or near Boston, and in other places, to appear and advise with the Chief Military Officers of the Town, and to be assisting in Their Maje­sties Service according to their Quality; and such Alarms shall at all times be carried on from Neighbourhood to Neighbour­hood, and from Town to Town through­out the Province, and from such Town where the Alarm is made, there shall be forthwith dispatch'd one or more Horse men to signifie the occasion thereof to the Justice of Peace, Chief Military Officer or Constable of the next Town or Towns, [Page 87] which all persons are to take notice of and attend as is before directed: And if the Alarm▪ be made either from a Sea port Town, or other Town that lyes a Frontier to, or in great danger of the Enemy; the Captain or Captains of the Adjacent Towns shall forthwith go with or send such relief as they shall judge meet for the offence of the Enemy, or de [...]ence of them­selves and Neighbours, but so as to be ob­servant to any Commands or Orders they may receive from their Superiour Officers: And if any person shall wilfully make a false Alarm, he shall be fined to Their Majesties Twenty Pounds for support of the Government, or suffer six months Impri­sonment.

25. NO Officer Military or Civil, or other person shall Quarter or Billet any Souldier or Seaman upon any Inhabitant within this Province, without his consen [...] (other than the Publick Licen [...]ed Houses) under the penalty of One hundred Pounds; to be recovered by Action, Bill, Plaint or Information, in any Court of Record; one half to Their Majesties, for the sup­port of the Government; the other half part to the party grieved that shall inform and sue for the same. And every such In­habitant may refuse to Quarter any [Page 88] [...] or Seaman notwithstanding any order whatsoever.

26. THAT all persons Exempted by this Law from Trainings, shall notwith­standing be provided with Arms and Am­munition compleat upon the same penalty as those that are obliged to Train.

27. ALL Fines, Penalties & Forfeitures arising by Virtue of this Act or any breach thereof (not otherwise disposed of there­in) shall be for the use of the Regiment, Company, or Troop respectively: That is to say, for procuring and repairing Drums, Trumpets, Colours, Banners, Halberts, paying of Drummers and Trumpeters, or other charge of said Company; and the over plus (if any be) to be laid out in Arms & Ammunition for a Town Stock, and be recovered by Action, Bill, Plaint, or Information in any of Their Majesties Courts of Record.

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An Act in Addition to the Act, For Regula­ting the Militia.

WHEREAS in and by the Act Entituled, An Act, For Regulating the Mili­tia, amongst other things therein contained: It is Enacted, That Drums, Drummers, Trumpets, Trumpeters, Colours and Banners be by the Commission Officers of each Troop or Company, provided at the Charge of the res­pective Companies and Troops where they are not already provided, and the Fines will not reach to procure the same. But no direction being gi [...]en by the said Law how or in what manner such Charge shall be Raised and Levy­ed upon such Company or Troop.

Be it therefore Enacted by His Ex­cellency the Governour, Council and Representatives in General Court As­sembled, and by the Authority of the same, That when and so often as the [...]ines arising in any Military Company or Troop shall not be sufficient to answer the Charge of providing suitable Drums, Trumpets, Colours and Banners, and the support of Drummers, or Trumpeters. [Page 90] The Commission Officers of such Com­pany or Troop respectively are hereby Authorized and Impowred to Assess so much as shall be wan [...]ing and necessary for that use and occasion, upon their Company or Troop; and to proportion the same in the most equal manner they may, upon all the persons Entred in the Roll of such Company or Troop, and liable to attend any Military Duty in the same, having due regard unto persons ability for Estate and other Cir­cumstances. And where there be Sons and Servants, their Parents or Masters to pay for them if they cannot do it them­selves. And the Assessment so made being Signed by the Commission Officers, shall be committed unto the Clerk of such Company or Troop, together with a Warrant from the Chief Officer of the same, requiring said Clerk to Collect and pay in the same unto himself, to be im­ployed and disposed to the use aforesaid: And to make distress of all persons that shall neglect or refuse to pay their pro­portion thereof. And such Clerk is here­by Impowred and Required to execute such Warrant accordingly, and to pay in said Monies unto his Chief Officer. And if any fail in their betrustment and [Page 91] duty aforesaid, they shall be liable to give account to their Superiour Officers from time to time.

An Act for putting the Militia of this Province into a readiness for de­fence of the same.

WHEREAS by the Law of this Pro­vince, it is already Provided, That in case of Alarms made either from a Sea­port Town, or other Town lying Frontier to or in danger of an Enemy, the Captain or Captains of the adjacent Towns shall forth­with go or send such relief as they shall judge meet for the Offence of the Enemy, and De­fence of themselves, &c. But Forasmuch as the Occasion may be such and so sudden, as it may be necessary to call together, Arm, Array and put into a posture for War the whole Mi­litia and Forces of one or more Regiments for the Defence of the Province, and His Majesties Subjects therein, in case of Invasion or near approach of an Enemy, before the notice there­of [Page 92] can reach the Captain General or Commander in Chief, to have Directions or Orders from him for the same.

Be it therefore Enacted and Decla­red by His Excellency the Governour, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Council and Representatives in General Court Assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That all persons Commissioned by the Captain General or Commander in Chief of this Province for the time being, to bear Office in any Milita­ry Compa [...]y or Troop within the same, be, and hereby are Impowred & Authorized by virtue of such Commission, when and as occasion shall require, in the cases and to the in [...]ents and purposes above-said, to Arm, Array and Weapon the Company or Troop respectively under their Com­mand, o [...] part of them; and by force of Arms to Encounter, Repel, Pursue, Kill & Destroy any that shall appear in hostile manner to att [...]mpt or enterprize the de­struction, invasion, detriment or annoyance of [...] His Majesties Subjects, Forts, Garrisons, Towns or Plantations within this Province▪ And that such Officer or Officers so taking to Arms, shall forthwith dispatch notice to his or their Superiour [Page 93] Officer of his or their motion and the oc­casion thereof, and observe such Com­mands and Orders as he or they shall re­ceive from him.

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the Colonel or Chief Officer of each Regiment be, and hereby is Impowred and Authorized, as occasion shall requi [...]e, in any of the cases and to the intents befo [...]e menti [...]ned f [...]om time to time to assemble in Mar [...]i [...]l Array, and put into Warlike posture the whole Militia of the R [...]giment u [...]der his Com­mand, or such part of them as he shall think needful, upon any Alarm, Invasion, or notice of the appearance of an Enemy by Sea or Land: And the Regiment, Com­panies or Troops so Armed, Arrayed and put into Warlike posture, or part of them, to lead, conduct and imploy, or to appoint some other fit person by writing under his hand, to lead, conduct and imploy them as well within the Regiment and County whereto they belong, as into any other adjacent County or place within this Pro­vince for the assisting, succouring and re­lieving any of His Majesties Subjects, Forts, Garrisons, Towns or places, that shall be assaulted by an Enemy, or in danger there­of, [Page 94] and with such Party, Companies or Troops, by force of Arms to Encounter, Repel, Pursue, Kill and Destroy such Ene­my or any of them, by all fitting ways, enterprizes and means whatsoever. And the Colonel or Chief Officer of such Regi­ment so taking to Arms, or sending forth any party of men, shall forthwith post a­way the intelligence and occasion thereof unto the Captain General or the Com­mander in Chief for the time being; and shall attend and observe such Directions & Orders as he shall receive from him. And in case it happen the Colonel or Chief Officer of any Regiment be out of the Li­mits or Precincts of the Regiment for which he is or shall be Commissioned, at the time of any Invasion, Attack or appearance of an Enemy, or Alarm given from any of the Neighbouring Towns or Regiments, the next Commission Officer then within the Regiment shall have, use and exercise the same powers and authorities herein before granted, until the return of the Co­lonel or other Superiour Officer. And such Officer so acting shall post away the Intelligence thereof with the occasion for the same as aforesaid unto the Captain General, or the Commander in Chief for the time being, and shall attend & observe [Page 95] such Directions and Orders as he shall re­ceive from the Captain General or Com­mander in Chief therein.

And for the better preventing of false A­larms by disorderly Shooting off Guns in the night.

Be it further Enacted by the Autho­rity aforesaid, That no person or per­sons whatsoever in any Town or Garrison, shall, during the time of War, or of keep­ing a Military Watch in such Town or Garrison, presume to discharge or Shoot off any Gun or Guns after the Suns Setting, or before the Sun's Rising, unless in case of Alarm, approach of an Enemy, or other necessary defence. On pain that every person so offending & being thereof con­victed before one or more of His Majesties Justices of the Peace shall forfeit and pay the Sum of Twenty Shillings for each Gun so discharged, one Moiety thereof to and for the use of the Poor of the Town where the Offence shall be commited, and the other Moiety to him or them that shall in­form or prosecute for the same. And if such Offender shall not have wherewith to answer the said Fine, or shall refuse or [Page 96] neglect to pay the same, then he shall be [...] in the Stocks not exceeding two hours time.

And in case any person so offending be belonging to any Garrison or Forces in actual Service, and borne in His Majesties Pay, he shall be punished at the descretion of a Court Martial, or the Commission Officers of the Garrison, Company, or Troop where [...]o he belongs, by putting in­to the Bilbo's, laying Neck [...]nd Heels, or Riding of the Wooden Horse.

The END.

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