Instructions for yong Souldiers, agreeable to that discipline which is now practised within the Netherlands, under the command of the Prince of Orange.

I Will first begin with the severall beates of the Drum, becau [...]e every souldier is bound of necessity to learne to know and observe them▪ for when the Commanders voyce cannot be heard vnto the whole company, the Drum denounceth and ex­presseth the same. The gathering of the company unto their colours: when to Troope, March, Charge, Retreat; and such like. The beats or sounds which are to be learned, are these that follow.

Instructions for the Drum.

• A gathering.
• A Troope.
• A March.
• A Battalia.
• A Charge.
• A Retreat.
• A Reliefe.
• A Battery.
• A Call for proclamation.

[Page 3] The gathering is the first which is to bring the company together to their Co­lors, or place appointed by the superiour Commander

A Troope.

A troope is, that when the company is come to the place appointed, the Comman­der intending to keepe them close in their order, which is three foot, the readier with advanced Pikes to troope up to the Court of guard, or place appointed for watch. Likewise to charge the enemy, or receive a charge, and is as the voyce of the Comman­der to all, to advance their Pikes, & shoul­der their muskets, if they be at any other posture.

A March.

A March is, if the company be at a stand or trooping, charging, or retiring, as the voyce of the Commander, to shoul­der their armes, and march, if the march be beaten in a longer distance of time then is usuall; then they must open their files and rankes to the next distance which is sixe foot, the body marching very leasurely; out if the march be beaten swifter, then are they to close their files and rankes, and to march with a quicker pace; so that a skil­full Commander instructing the Drummer [Page 4] by signes, may at his pleasure march, troope, stand, retreat, charge, in front, in reare, in right or left flanke, in front and reare, or right and left at once, or every way at one time.

A Battalia.

Is the uniting of devisions in battaile forme. Likewise a preparation, the enemy being in sight or at hand, giving notice to all to prepare themselves for skirmish or for battaile.

A Charge

Is when the body is come to push of pike, or neere at hand, joyning body to body with the enemy, that no retiring be from the place, during the charge.

A Retreate

It a retiring backward leysurely with­out disorder, either to give way to other battaliaes to relieve them, or for gayning some advantagious ground, or to draw the enemy in an Ambush, or such like, which the superior Commander may sometimes upon pollicy direct.

A Reliefe

Is a relieving of the watch, and dismis­sing of Centinels from extraordinary pla­ces in day light.

A Batterie

Is most used in places of worke, as in Trenches, Batteries, Halfe-moones, Horne­workes, Redouts, Sconces, Counterskarls, and such like, that those therein imployed should be diligent in that imployment.

A Call

Is onely to proclaime the Commanders will concerning the well ordering of the Armie, and of such military Lawes which ought to be kept, that all should give eare unto that which the Drummer either rea­deth or speaketh.

For the beating of the March.

I have thought meete for the benefit of each Drummer which is not yet perfect in the March, to prick downe the old English March newly revived in the plainest forme I could invent. Wishing that all Drum­mers would leave off other forms invented, either by themselves, or others herein un­skilfull, that there may be an uniformitie in this Kingdome, as in all other Nations.

Within the March are 9. severall lines, or ranks, which must be knowne, and di­stinctly beaten dividing line from line, by a certaine distance of time, deciphered in short I. and long. in r. and halfe r.

Note that these 2. former letters short [Page 6] I. and long |. stands for single strokes: the long |. for the right hand stroke; the short I. for the left hand stroke. The next two letters, the whole r. for a full ruffe, the half r. in this manner, 2. for halfe a ruffe.

Where the | joynes with the r. in this manner, |r. the single stroke with the ruffe must be joyned together. The r, and halfe in this manner r 2 is a ruffe and halfe ruffe joyned.

There is also a preparation to the March which is only to be beaten once, and no more, at the beginning of the March.

The first is the preparation, the March follows.

The preparation.

• rI|I|r|. I [...]I|r|.
• —
• |I|I|.
• |I|I|.
• r I|r|.
• rr|r|.
• rrI|rI|.
• I|rI|r|.
• rrrr|.
• rr2|r2|.
• I|rI|r|.

I have insisted somewhat long in the of­fice of the Drummer, for that I finde a great [Page 7] defect in that place, and would wish a more generall reformation.

Instructions for those that are ignorant in arming and disarming themselves.

EAch Souldier having brought his Arms into the field, standing with them at their first order as may be observed in the following notes of the postures and moti­ons. Then the Commander giveth the Word.

Disarme, or Lay downe your Armes.

First, lay downe your Musket, stepping forward one pace with your right foot, then recover your foot to its place: then receive your Match into your right hand out of the left. Next lay downe your Rest, stepping forward with your left foot, reco­ver your foot backe againe. Take your Match into your left hand, betwixt the two lowermost fingers, as formerly: then lay downe your Match with your left foot stepping forward, on the right hand of your Rest recover your foot as before. After­ward in upright forme of body put off your Hat with your left hand, and holding it by your left side, take off your Bandiliērs with your right hand laying it downe be­twixt [Page 8] your Musket and your Match, the charges fromward you. Afterwards retire three paces backward, that you may the more gracefully come to the stand where you were, to arme your selfe.

The next word of command is.

Arme, or, Take up your Armes.

First, take up your Bandiliers, putting them on as you did take them off: then your Match as formerly, then your Rest; last your Musket. Performe these directi­ons, and all other with a gracefull and comely cariage of body.

[Page]

[figure]

The Word of command: Foot your Armes. The Armes being laid downe, the Souldier stan­ding three paces backe.

[figure]

[Page 10]

[figure]

Armed, and standing at his first order.

Being armed, and standing at your first order, then follows the preparation to the Postures.

The word of Command is,

Prepare.

Joyne your Musket with your Rest; open your pan, blow your panne, prime your pan. Shut, Cast off, and so forward, as you may perceive by the following notes, until you have shouldered and sloped: then be­gins your postures.

The first motion in the Postures is, Slip your Musket; the last motion is, Give fire. Note, all the rest of the motions that follow after giving fire, until you have sloped your Musket, are dependances unto the Postures, but more especially to the first Posture.

Now followeth the action of Souldiers being prepared, their Muskets being char­ged, as all ought to be, the enemy being not far from them, only waiting for the Word from the Commander, as you may observe in the next place.

The Postures and Motions of a Musketteere, the musket being charged, first stand­ing, then marching.

• 1 Hand your Armes, order your Musket, and Rest, even with your body in the ranke you stand in, which is called your first or­der.
• 2 Joyne your Musket with your Rest.
• 3 Poyse your Musket, and breast it.
• [Page 12] 4 Shoulder your Musket.
• 5 Slope your Musket.
• 6 Slip your Musket.
• 7 Poise your Musket.
• 8 Rest your Musket.

Falling backe with your right foot observe in this and most of all your Motions, to keepe the mouth of your Musket high and strait over your Leaders right shoulder.

• 9 Hand your Match.
• 10 Blow your Match.
• 11 Cocke your Match.
• 12 Try your Match.
• 13 Guard your pan.
• 14 Blow your Coale.
• 15 Open your pan.
• 16 Present your Musket breast, or rather middle high, removing backe your left foot unto your right, then your right foot slope­waies backe, standing with a full and up­right body, your left knee bending, your right elbow even with your shoulder.
• 17 Give fire.
• 18 Recover your ground with your feet.
• 19 Returne your Match.
• 20 Blow your pan.
• 21 Prime your pan.
• 22 Shut your pan.
• 23 Cast off your loose powder.
• [Page 13] 24 Recover your Rest.
• 25 Blow off your loose powder.
• 26 Beare about your Musket unto your left side, falling backe with your left foot: trayle your Rest between your Musket and bodie.
• 27 Hand your Charge, and open it.
• 28 Charge your Musket.
• 29 Draw out your skouring-sticke, and shorten it against your breast.
• 30 Ramme downe your Bullet.
• 31 Returne your sticke.
• 32 Recover your Musket and Rest.
• 33 Poyse your Musket.
• 34 Rest your Musket with your left foot forward againe.
• 35 Your saluting posture.
• 36 Your buriall posture.
• 1 Your guard posture
• 2 Your Order posture
• 3 Your sentinell posture 3.

These three last are in the number of the former, but remembered because they are to be used upon severall occasions.

Shoulder your Musket, and march with your Rest in your right hand.

Note that the three generall postures do begin, the Musket, being charged and shouldered.

[Page 14] The names of the 3 generall postures are these that follow.

1 Make ready, 2 Present, 3 Give fire, which are to be [...]erformed in 12 Motions.

If marching then gracefully with an ele­ven paces especially to the front.

Note that all the rest of the Motions which follow after giving fire, are depen­dances unto the first Posture.

In the first Posture are 8 Motions, in the second 3, in the third 1 Motion.

• The first Posture, Make ready. 8. Motions.
  • Slip your Musket.
  • Poyse your Musket.
  • Joyne yo [...]r Musket with your Rest.
  • Hand your Match.
  • Blow your Match.
  • Cock your Match.
  • Try your Match.
  • Guard your pan.
• The second Posture, Present. 3. Motions.
  • Blow your Coale.
  • Open your Pan.
  • Present breast high.
• The third Posture, Give fire. 1 Motion.
  • Give fire.

[Page 15] When you have given fire, winning or maintaining ground, recover your Rest with your right foot stepping forward. But losing ground, recover your Rest unto your foot, joyning it with your Musket falling about into your file, and ranke, ma­king ready againe as you go.

If you observe 3 paces in the presenting Posture, as some Regiments doe, then to the Front or right Flanke: begin your first Mo­tion with your left foot stepping forward but to the Reare or left Flanke with your right foot pacing first.

Note that there be many Regiments that observe but 2 paces in the presenting Posture.

Note, when you give fire to the Reare, turne right about.

The Postures and Motions of a Pikeman, standing and marching.

• 1 Hand your pike.
• 2 Advance your pike.
• 3 Lay downe your pike.
• 4 Take up your pike.
• 5 Order your pike.
• 6 Shoulder you pike.
• 7 Levill your pike.
• [Page 16]8 Slope your pike.
• 9 Advance your pike.
• 10 Port your pike.
• 11 Comport your pike.
• 12 Cheeke your pike.
• 13 Trayle your pike.
• 14 Recover your pike.
• 15 Shoulder your pike.

Note, when you beare your pike shoul­dred it must be sloped; except you be com­manded to level it.

Observe when you charge at a stand, fall backe with your right foot: if march­ing, advance your selfe forward, your body upright, your left knee bending.

• 16 To the front charge
• 17 As you were.
• 18 To the right charge.
• 19 As you were.
• 20 To the left charge.
• 21 As you were.
• 22 The reare charge.
• 23 As you were.
• 24 To the front and reare charge.
• 25 As you were.
• 26 To the right and left charge.
• 27 As you were.
• 28 Every way charge square
• 29 As you were.
• [Page 17] 30 Quarters every way charge.
• 31 As you were.
• 32 Advance your ground and charge to either hand at discretion.
• Betweene every charge, march.
• 33 Retreate charging.
• 34 Your breathing posture.
• 35 Advance forward againe.
• 36 Stand, order your Pike.
• 37 Open order at foot.
• Now followes the charge against horse.
• 38 Close order at foot.
• 39 Draw your sword over your left arme, joyne it close unto your Pike.
• 40 To the front charge at foot.
• 41 To the right charge.
• 42 To the right charge.
• 43 To the right charge.
• 44 To the right charge.
• 45 Right about charge.
• 46 Left about charge.
• 47 To the right and left charge.
• 48 To the front and reare charge.
• 49 Every way charge square, or quar­ters at discretion.
• 50 Stand, sheath your sword.
• 51 Order your Pike.
• 52 Your buriall posture.

Three generall postures of the Pike, in thir­teen great and small motions: three stand­ing, seven marching, three charging.

• The first posture. 3 Standing.
  • 1 Lay downe your Pike.
  • 2 Take up your Pike.
  • 3 Order your Pike.
• The second posture. 7 Marching.
  • 4 Advance your Pike.
  • 5 Shoulder your Pike.
  • 6 Levell your Pike.
  • 7 Slope your Pike.
  • 8 Comport your Pike.
  • 9 Cheek your Pike.
  • 10 Traile your Pike.
• The third posture. 3 Charging.
  • 11 Port your Pike.
  • 12 Charge overhand.
  • 14 Charge at foot.

All these postures and motions both of Musketteers and Pikemen in a body or Battalia great or small, may be performed without words, by signes of the Comman­der, and the beating of the Drumme, the Drummer observing every motion from the Commander.

Now followeth the motions of Facing, Doubling, Countermarching, Wheeling, [Page 19] and such like, in a grose body or Battalia.

Note and remember well that there are several sorts of distances to bee observ [...]d for severall uses, upon variety of occasions: for Marching, for Exercising, for Skirmish­ing, for battaile, in front, in flanke, in rear, which every Commander doth, or ought to know.

Close order: Order: Open order: Dou­ble distance: double double distance: the first, one foot and an halfe: the second, three foot: the third, six foot: the fourth, twelve foot: the fifth, twenty foure foot.

Now to begin wi [...]h that which is first put in practise, which is open order, sixe foot.

Open order sixe foot square: that is, six foot, file from file, and six foot, ranke from ranke, which is the first distance that a Company is framed unto, especially for exercise. Next there is order, three foot square both in file and ranke, for exercise, or for battaile. Thirdly, there is closest, or close order, which is one foot and an halfe, file from file, and is only used for the Pikes when they come to the push▪ There is likewise a double distance, twelve foot square, either in file or ranke, and a dou­ble double distance, twenty foure foot, [Page 20] which two last are practised, sometimes upon extraordinary occasions. There is likewise a marching order, three foot file from file, and sixe foot ranke from ranke, or to oppose an enemy onely in front, and an open order, sixe foot file from file: twelve foot ranke from ranke, which I leave to the discretion of the Commander.

Now to make some use of part of these, I will onely at this time set down the plain and true words of command, with some few remembrances joyned to them wish­ing all Officers which yet faile in the right delivering of the words of command, to observe and follow these directions: for if a Commander speake them not right, as the Proverbe is, setting the cart before the horse, the souldiers although skilfull, doth act them many times wrong.

The company being come to the ap­pointed place, neither yet in file nor ranke, the Commander gives the word as follow­eth.

Leaders, leade forth your Files, joyne them into a body, or frame a body.

Note that a file is a number or sequence of men standing one behinde another at a certaine distance, as you may reade after more at large, being tenne deepe, as most [Page 21] nations have in use: yet they may be eight▪ or sixe, or fewer, or more, as the occasion offereth. But before wee frame our body or battalia,

Let all Souldiers observe, but especially all Officers, how a body or battalia is distin­guished or named in each severall part as followeth.

First, there are files and ranks, these files & rankes annexed or united together▪ make a body or Battalia.

A file is a sequence of men standing one behinde another, at a certaine distance, whose faces are directly placed one way, the backe of the former, to the face of the follower: subsisting commonly of tenne in depth, according to the moderne use of the Netherlands, but may be brought to more or fewer as I have said before.

This file is distinguished into a Leader, a bringer up, and two middle men, with sixe other betweene. The first man of the file is called the Leader, the last man a bringer up; the two that are in the middle of the file, are called by the name of mid­dle men, which are the leaders of the halfe files, when they are to double on the other, and for other uses.

A Ranke is a row, or a number of men [Page 22] above one, few or many stand one by another, side by side, or pouldron to poul­dron, their faces being directed all one way. Of these Files and Ranks as I have set down before, being connexed together, is framed a Battalia, by these names distingui­shed as followeth.

The front, the reare, the right flanke, or halfe rankes, the left flanke, or halfe rankes; the right wing, the left wing.

The front are the halfe files that are be­fore, being tenne deep, the formost five Rankes.

The reare are the halfe files that are be­hinde.

The right flanke are the halfe rankes on the right hand.

The left flanke, are the halfe Rankes on the left hand.

The right and left wings are the devisi­ons of Musketteers, which are on both hands of the Pikes, but especially when they are to act their owne part, being appointed to move or to skirmish, in front, flanke, or reare.

Stand at your open order square: marke your directions.

Silence.

Note, facing any way at a stand, remove [Page 23] your right foot, turning upon your left toe.

To the right hand.

As you were.

To the left hand.

As you were.

Right about.

As you were.

Left about.

As you were.

Note that in all doublings, if you double to the right, fall off to the left into your first place: if you double to the left, fall backe to the right.

Ranks to the right hand double.

As you were.

Ranks to the left hand double.

As you were.

Files to the right hand double.

As you were.

Files to the left hand double.

As you were.

Halfe Files or middlemen to the right hand double your Front.

As you were.

Half files to the left hand double your front

As you were.

Bringers up to the right hand, double your Front.

As you were.

[Page 24] Bringers up to the left hand, double your Front.

As you were.

To the right hand Countermarch maintai­ning ground.

As you were, to the left Counter.

To the right hand Countermarch losing ground.

As you were, to the left Counter.

To the right hand Countermarch winning ground.

As you were, to the left Counter.

Now follows some things to be acted in a closer distance, namely, order, three foot both Files and Ranks.

The Word of Command.

Files close, that is, to the middle, or to the right close, or left, at discretion.

Ranks close forwards.

Halfe files or middle men to the right hand intire, double your Front.

As you were.

Halfe Files to the left hand intire, double your Front.

As you were.

Halfe Files to the right, and left by divisi­on, double your Front.

As you were.

The body, to the right hand wheele, mo­ving [Page 25] on the right corner man.

To the left hand wheel moving on the left corner man.

To the right hand wheel, moving on the middle man, or men in Front, which are Leaders, or wheel about, at discretion.

Now follow some things which are to be performed at a double distance, 12 foot ranke from ranke, or double double di­stance 24 foot, agreeable to the number of men that are in ranke.

Ranks open to your double distance, keeping their files at their order.

Ranks to the right hand by conversion.

As you were.

Ranks to the left hand by conversion.

As you were.

Ranks to the right, and left by conversion.

As you were.

Ranks close.

These Motions which I have repeated, of Facing, Doubling, Countermarching, and Wheeling, are commonly known, and practised by the Officers and Companies in the Netherlands, and in other places where the warres are: there are not many that knoweth, or for some reasons teacheth any more.

Now to satisfie those that desire to learn [Page 26] and understand more then common things of this subject, I have joyned with these some other, which are of great importance in time of advantage, or disadvantage, to be practised against a skilfull enemie. There­fore I will begin againe, setting downe the additions in their places.

Where the word Note stands in the Mar­gent there follows a change of that which went before.

The Company being framed into a square open order as is set downe before.

Not that all the Musketteers must be in one division on the right hand of the pikes a double distance from the body of pikes.

The Commander standing at the head of the company before the middle file Lea­ders, giveth the word.

If it be the Captaine, then the Lieutenant ought to be at the reare, the Ensigne at the head of the pikes, the Serjeants on both the Flanks, the Drummes even with the for­most ranke, on both the Angles.

Facing

To the right hand.

As you were.

To the left hand.

As you were.

[Page 27] Right about.

As you were.

Left about

As you were.

To the right and left.

As you were.

To the Front and Reare.

As you were.

Every way square.

As you were.

Every way quarters.

As you were.

Ranks doubling.

Ranks to the right hand double.

As you were.

Ranks to the left double.

As you were.

Files doubling

Files to the right double.

As you were.

Files to the left double.

As you were.

Files to the right and left double.

As you were.

Files to the Center double.

As you were.

[Page 28] When middle men is named to double, it is the oldest used word of Command, for the Reare to double the Front, which I do now follow: because when I name halfe Files, it is to be understood that the halfe Files in the Front are to double the halfe files in the Reare.

The Reare doubling the Front by Middlemen.

Middlemen to the right hand double your Front.

As you were.

Middlemen to the left double your Front.

As you were.

The reare doubling the Front by Bringers up.

Bringers up to the right double your front.

As you were.

Bringers up to the left double your front.

As you were.

Halfe files in the Front doubling the Reare by middlemen.

Halfe Files to the right hand double the Reare.

As you were.

Halfe files to the left double the Reare.

As you were.

[Page 29] The Front doubling the Reare by Leaders. Note.

Leaders to the right double the Reare.

As you were.

Leaders to the left double the Reare.

As you were.

Halfe ranks doubling the flanke. Note. Doubling the flank.

Halfe ranks to the right double your flank.

As you were.

Halfe ranks to the left double your flank.

As you were.

Countermarching, Note. Counter-March. maintaining, losing, and winning ground.

Countermarch to the right hand, and maintaine ground Corian or moderne.

As you were to the left.

Countermarch to the right, & lose ground, Macedonian.

As you were to the left.

Countermarch to the right, and winne ground, Lacedemonian.

As you were to the left.

You may if need require countermarch your Leaders and bringers up into the cen­ter, or your flanks, or angles, or wings, in­to the center, or middest of the body, or exchange your angles, or double your wings, or flanks, by Countermarch.

Now follow some things which are to Note. [Page 30] be performed in the second distance, name­ly, order; 3 foot.

Files close, that is, to the middle, or to the right or left, at discretion.

Rankes close forwards. Note. Intire doubling

Ranks to the right hand intire double.

As you were.

Ranks to the left intire double.

As you were.

Ranks to the right and left by division double.

As you were.

Files intire doubling. Note.

Files to the right hand intire double.

As you were.

Files to the left intire double.

As you were.

Files to the right and left intire double.

As you were.

Files advance to the right intire double. Note.

As you were.

Files advance to the left intire double.

As you were.

Files advance to the right and left intire double.

As you were.

The halfe files in the rear intire doubling the halfe files in the front. Note.

Middlemen to the right intire, double your front.

[Page 31] As you were.

Middlemen to the left intire, double your front.

As you were.

Middlemen to the right and left, by di­vision, double your front.

As you were.

The halfe files in the front intire, dou­bling the reare. Note.

Halfe files to the right intire, double the reare.

As you were.

Halfe files to the left intire, double the reare.

As you were.

Halfe files to the right and left by divisi­on, double the reare.

As you were.

The halfe rankes intire doubling the flanke. Note.

Halfe rankes to the right hand intire, double your flanke.

As you were.

Halfe ranks to the left intire, double your flanke.

As you were.

Halfe rankes by division, double your right flanke.

As you were.

[Page 32] Halfe rankes by division, double your left flank.

As you were.

Right flanke advance to the left intire, Note. double your flank.

As you were.

Left flanke advance to the right intire, double your flank.

As you were.

The body wheeling.

The body to the right wheele, Note. moving on the right cornerman.

To the left wheel, Wheeling. moving on the left corner man.

Even so right or left about.

To the right wheel, moving on the mid­dle leader or leaders, or left, or about at discretion.

The front or flanks wheeling into the center, Note. or midst of the body.

Front wheele into the center, then face to the Leader or Commander: if need re­quire, wheel again the front into the cen­ter or midst of the body, then face as before: the first wheeling bringeth all the Musket­teers before the body of Pikes: the second wheeling into the middest of the Pikes: the third wheeling unto the rear of the Pikes: [Page 33] the fourth, wheeling on the flankes, as at first they were.

The use of the manner of wheelings.

Suppose there were three or four files of Musketteers on each hand of the Pikes, Note. The use of whee­ling. they could deliver but six or eight shot at once in the front. This first wheeling, bringeth the Musketteers, that they may deliver twenty shot at once, being tenne deep. The second wheeling bringeth them into the midst: delivering them from the violent charge of horse, charging in the flankes, especially when their powder is spent, or upon some policy to cover the Musketteers from sight of the Enemy. In like manner the rest of the wheelings are by a skilfull Commander put in practice at convenient time, as the occasion offereth.

Likewise you may wheele the front to the right and left by division, to receive the Enemy who is ready to charge both the flanks at once.

Now follow some formes of doublings, which must be performed at a wider di­stance, six, twelve or twenty foure foot, at the discretion of the Commander.

Remember alwaies the manner and form of opening and closing of files and rankes.

[Page 34] Being in open order, Note. F [...]les closing. the word being gi­ven, files close, without naming any hand, is thus performed: the two middle leaders close, unto the next distance, which is three foot, the rest of the files likewise close to­wards the middle leaders, untill they are at the distance commanded.

If the word be files to the right close, then the right hand file moveth not, but standeth fast; all the rest of the files close towards the right file, till they are at their distance appointed.

If the word be files to the left close, then the left file standeth fast; the rest of the files close towards the left hand▪ untill they come to the distance commanded.

If the word be files▪ to the right and left close then the one halfe of the files close to the right hand file, which standeth fast, the other halfe to the left, opening in the mid­dle of the body, leaving a space betwixt the two halfe bodies, which is done for some speciall use best knowne to the Com­mander.

Observe that at what distance soever the company stands in, Note. if the word be Close, not naming any order, whether files or rankes, then they must close to the next distance, being at twelve foot, they close [Page 35] to six foot, being at six, they close to three foot: in the same manner; files opening, or rankes opening.

Being in close order, Files ope­ning. if the words be files open, not naming any hand, then the mid­dle leaders open one from the other unto six foot both wayes, the rest of the files on both flankes take their distance from them.

If the word be, Files to the right hand open, Note. then the left file or angle moveth not; the next file to the left hand first ta­keth its distance, the rest of the files in like manner pressing upon their right hand files, till the distance commanded be obtai­ned in opening.

If the word be, Files to the left open, then the right file standeth fast, the rest of the files opening to the left hand, still pres­sing upon their left hand files, till they be in the distance and order commanded.

Rankes closing.

If the word be, Note. Rank [...]s closing. Ranks close, then the first rank moveth not, namely, if they be at a stand, all the rest of the ranks close forward, till they be at the distance ap­pointed.

If need require, you may close your ranks backward, from the front to the [Page 36] reare, with this word of command. Ranks close backeward, then the last ranke mo­veth not, all the rest of the ranks go back­ward towards the last ranke, taking their distance, ranke by ranke, from the reare or last ranke.

You may likewise open your rankes from the leaders to the reare, Ranks o­pening. or from the bringers up to the front: but

If the word be without any addition, as this that followeth:

Rankes open.

Then the first ranke moveth not, the rest of the rankes fall backe, till they have gained that distance commanded: the se­cond ranke standeth first, the rest in like manner, one after another, till they have all performed it.

If the word be, Rankes open forwards,

Then all the body advanceth forward, except the last rank which standeth firme: the second to the last taketh the distance first, then the rest, till they have all perfor­med it.

Files and Rankes close.

Sometimes it is convenient to close Files and Rankes both at once, Note. Closing [...]f Files [...]nd ranks. then it is perfor­med marching, being before at a wider distance, at a sodaine to give way unto [Page 37] horse or foot to passe, or to enter into a narrow passage, or such like.

The body being at their close order, both files and rankes, and you would have them open: the word of command.

Files and rankes open.

Which is from the same distance that they did close, Opening Files and Rankes. doe they open unto againe, or unto any other distance commanded both together. If they be at a stand, then the rankes open first, and then the files, and in closing, the files close first, then the ranks.

If the word be Files and Rankes, close to the center.

Then the halfe files and rankes, Note. close to the middle of the depth of the Body: the halfe files in the front moving backward, the reare halfe [...]iles forward, till they bee at their distance commanded.

So likewise opening from the center, which may be done in the like manner, as is directed before.

If the Commander have occasion to bring all the rankes into one file, or into two, the Body being at their order, three foot.

The word, Inversion. Ranks open to 6 foot, 12. or more, as the number are in Ranke, then [Page 38] Ranks to the right hand file, or by inversion

As you were.

Ranks to the left by inversion.

As you were.

Ranks to the right and left by inversion.

As you were.

Ranks to the right by conversion.

As you were.

Ranks to the left by conversion.

As you were. Note. Conversi­on.

Ranks to the right and left by conversion.

As you were.

Now followeth the closing of the ranks, and opening of the files: that which the Ranks performed in File, may the Files performe in Ranks.

Ranks close, to your order.

Files open, Note. to 6 foot, 12 foot or more, agreeable to the depth, alwaies having in memory, that 6 foot, is named open order, 12 foot double distance, 24 foot double double distance.

Files to the right hand ranke by conver­sion. Note. Files by conversi­on.

As you were.

Files to the left ranke by conversion.

As you were.

Files to the right and left ranke by con­version.

[Page 39] As you were.

Files close, to what distance the Com­mander judgeth fit or convenient.

If you would, ocasion being offered, draw out your Files in depth at a passage, or such like, into one or two Files, or ranke your Files, or ranke your Ranks. The word of Command.

Files to the right file on in sequence. Note. Sequence.

As you were.

Files to the left file on.

As you were.

Files to the right, and left file on.

As you were.

Files to the right ranke, 2. 4. 7. or more.

As you were. Note. Files rank [...]

Files to the left ranke, 3. or more.

As you were.

Files to the right and left Ranke, 5. 6. or more, or fewer.

As you were.

Ranks to the right ranke, Note. Ranke▪ ranke. 3, 5. or more.

As you were.

Ranks to the left ranke, 2, 4.

As you were.

Ranks to the right and left ranke, 3, 5, 6.

As you were.

The manner how to performe these last, and most of all those things which are writ­ten [Page 40] before in this Booke, which bear on­ly the words of Command, and are not there explained, may you find after in ano­ther place unfolded, and more at large set forth for the manner of acting them.

Many other things of this subject might be added, but I suppose these are sufficient for all such as are willing and inclinable to follow them, and for any understanding Officer to work on, and make triall of their further skill: wishing a happy issue unto their good endeavours.

As I have said before concerning the performance of the Postures and Motions of Musketteers, Most things performed by signes. and Pikemen particularly, by signes of the Commander, and the bea­ting of the Drumme: So likewise may be performed the most of all other Motions, of Facings, Doublings, Countermarches, and Wheelings, Opening, Closing, March­ing fast, or leasurely, Trooping, Charging, Retreating, and such like, by signes of the Commander, and the beating of the Drum.

Here followeth some short remembran­ces for the acting of these particulars, con­cerning distance, and forme.

First for facing.

Facing any way by command at a stand, Note. The man­er of fa­cing. some teach to remove the same foot, as the [Page 41] hand is named; which is a very good way, but for some respects, I follow the ancien­test and knowne manner practised in most parts.

Which is at a stand to remove the right foot, either when you face to the right, or left. Right about, or left about, turning up­on the left toe, or heel: but the toe is the best, the Pike at the order, the Musketteer his Musket shouldered, Bearing of their Armes. or rested, at the dis­cretion of the Commander.

If the body be marching, Note. then facing any way that foot which is furthest from the hand named ought first to remove, the Pikes and Muskets shouldered.

The body trooping, the pikes advanced, the muskets shouldered.

For all Doublings.

Observe, Note. that in all doublings, hand and foot ought to go together: although some do teach that the contrary foot to the hand which is named should first remove: but the best way is the same hand which the Commander nameth, the same foot first re­move: the right hand, the right foot: the left hand, the left foot.

Observe likewise, that in all movings, or doublings at a stand no above three paces, the Pike at the order, the Musket rested, or [Page 42] shouldered; But if they move above 3 pa­ces, then the Pike ought to be advanced, the Musket shouldred, ported, poised, or brea­sted, at discretion, the whole body moving, or any part thereof. All those which are in the rankes, or files that move must ob­serve their Leaders, and beare their Armes as they doe: the leaders, or formost men, receiving the word or sign from the Com­mander.

Observe, Note. when you double to the right hand, you must returne back to your place turning to the left: If you double to the left, returne backe to the right.

When rankes, Note. Mov [...]ng al together. middlemen, or bringers­up are to double, each man in those rankes which are to move, must observe the right­hand man in that ranke they stand in, mo­ving with him pace by pace, unto the place appointed, and so likewise backe a­gaine unto their owne places if it bee so commanded, neither going before, nor af­ter one another, but even altogether.

Doubling of files, halfe rankes, flankes, wings, or angles, each man in the file hee standeth in, must observe his file-leader, and move even with him pace by pace, the file-leader looking downe his file, setting forth the same foot, the hand is named, the [Page 43] rest of his file seeing him will doe the like, although they heard not the word of com­mand.

To know by signe without words, the severall Countermarches, Counter­march by signes. maintaining, lo­sing, and winning of ground, that which followeth will instruct you.

Countermarching, Note. main aining ground, is known by the Leaders turning upon the same foot as the hand is named, neither pa­cing forwards nor backwards, till he bee turned: then marches downe the file unto the rear, the Leaders observing the Com­mander, and all the rest of the files moving together at their distance, turning at the same place, where the Leaders turned, till the front be turned, and brought into the same place where the rear was, and the rear where the front was.

Countermarching againe to the contra­ry hand, in the same manner bringeth eve­ry one in his first station.

Losing ground is known when the Lea­ders step forwards one pace, Note. and turning to the hand named, then standing still, the second Ranke with all the rest that follow passe on their leaders right hand, if the right be named, and place themselves be­hind their own Leaders at their distance.

[Page 44] Winning ground is knowne when the Leaders step backwards with the right foot, if the right be named or signed by the Commander: and being two paces past the second ranke, then that second ranke like­wise steppeth backe, following their Lea­ders at their distance, and so subsequently all the rest, winning of ground towards the enemy, who marcheth after them to charge their reare, or bringing their front in the suddennest manner to follow the Enemy retiring, or to double their owne reare in the quickest forme to receive the Enemy over winging them.

In all sorts of Countermarches, Note. they may beare their Arms, Pikes advanced or com­ported, if shouldered: then at the turning, they must advance, port, or charge, or arme their Pike with their right hand aloft: be­ing turned, shoulder againe, the Muskets shouldered or brested, at discretion.

There are other manner of wayes to per­forme these Countermarches, either for files or rankes. But these here set downe, are the playnest, and as I suppose, the best, which may suffice for this time.

Note that you must not countermarch, Note. if the Enemy be neare at hand, lest the Body be brought in disorder, and so easily over­throwne.

Wheeling.

When you are to wheele, if the Body be great, and stand at their open order, the best way: is to close, both Files and Rankes, es­pecially the Files to their order: if the body be small, then double either Ranks or halfe files; the Pikes advanced, the Muskets shouldered or breasted: the severall forms of wheeling is set down before, fol. 32. 33.

The difference in the acting of Inversion and Conversion.

Where you read Inversion, or Conver­sion, that you may the better understand the meaning of them, and how they differ, in former times there hath beene made no difference in the forme, but only in the name; which was an errour, they differ as followeth.

The Commander giving the word.

Rankes to the right file, or by Inversi­on.

Observe that the right file standeth firm, and moveth not: all the rest of each ranke turning their faces towards the right hand, move all till they become into that file that standeth still, placing themselves each man behinde his right hand man, & so become all one file. Note that all the whole ranke that moveth, must place thēselves betwixt [Page 46] their owne right hand man that stood still, and the next that stands after him: the first Ranke between the leader of the File that standeth, and the second in that file: the second Ranke betweene the second and third in that File, and so the rest, an even distance one from the other.

If the word be Rankes to the left by inversion; then the left file standeth fast, and moveth not, the rest of every Ranke moveth, till they be come into the left File, making one file, in the like manner as they did on the right hand.

The Word.

Ranks to the right and left by inver­sion.

Then halfe the Ranks fals behinde their Sidemen to the right, and halfe to the left hand, making two files, marching with them in that forme, over Bridges, or through Woods, or narrow passages, or to deliver vollies against horse or foot, facing inward or outward, as the Commander di­recteth.

The Word.

Ranks to the right by conversion.

Then the whole Ranke wheeleth to­wards the right hand, moving on the out­most right hand man, in that Ranke they [Page 47] stand in, till all the Rankes be come even with the right File, whose faces being tur­ned to the right hand, they all become one ranke, either to give a volley against horse or foot by a River, Morase, or Wood side, and many other uses may these inverting or converting afford us when occasion is offered.

Rankes to the left by conversion.

Then all the Rankes wheeleth to the left hand in the same manner as they did to the right, on the outmost left hand man in their owne rank: who facing likewise to the left, become altogether one ranke, and when they have performed that which is commanded: As you were, bringeth every man in his owne first place.

Rankes to the right and left by Conver­sion.

Then halfe the Rankes wheele to the right, and halfe to the left hand: then facing right and left, are become two Ranks; and so, as you were, when you have performed what you intended.

As the Rankes are converted into one File or two, so may likewise the Files be converted into one Ranke or two, as the occasion offereth.

Observing, when the Rankes are to [Page 48] file by conversion, or inversion, you must open your ranks to such a distance agreable to the number which are in the ranke, that they may have roome to come into the file commanded.

When you would convert your Files in­to one ranke or two, you must close your Ranks, and open your Files to that distance as the File is in depth, they may have suffi­cient roome to come into the rank, and to use their Armes as they are directed.

To give you some light how to per­forme it, because it is not commonly knowne, neither hath been practised much in former times. It is thus performed as fol­loweth.

The word of Command.
Files to the right handranke, or by Conversion.

The first man, or leader of the File, stan­deth fast, the second man in the file cometh upon the right hand of his Leader; the third man in the file on the right hand of the se­cond; and so subsequently all the rest, each man on the right hand of him that did stand in the same file next before himselfe, till they be all in one ranke: performing that [Page 49] which they were commanded; as you were bringeth every man to his first place.

Files to the left hand ranke, or by conversion.

Which is performed in the like manner as the other, the whole file coming up and placing themselves on the left hand of their Leaders making one Ranke.

Files to the right and left by Conversion.

The formost ranke as they did before, standeth fast: the rest of the body divideth it selfe going up, placing themselves, the right halfe ranks on the right hand of their leaders; the left half ranks on the left hand of their leaders, leaving an open space in the midsts of the ranks, for Horse, Wagons, Ordnance, and such like to passe through.

Likewise by converting one ranke at once into file, you may march by a narrow passage giving fire against the enemy rank after ranke, when the ranke alone is con­verted into a file either by wheeling, or falling after one another, and hath given fire, marching forward, and being by the passage ranke againe as they were.

This may be performed to the right, or left, or to both, by dividing the ranke.

File in sequence.
The word of Command.
Files to the right file, on, or in sequence.

That is, to draw all your files into one file; if the right be named, then the right file of the whole body, or of that whole di­vision, advanceth first forward, the second file followeth the first; be third, the second; and all the rest in that manner, one after a­nother. One use amongst many is to passe over a bridge, or to free themselves from great Ordnance playing at them, and the like. When they are through that passage, they draw up their Files into one even Front, making one intire body againe.

Here followes another forme either for a passage, or to free themselves from dan­ger of shot, or the like.

The Word.

Files ranke 2. 4. 6. or more according to the breadth of the passage, if it be to the right hand, then the right file advanceth first forward, and fall in ranke, the same number commanded, the first file being ended, the next file doth the like; advan­cing forward falling in ranke after the for­mer: the rest of the Files perform the same [Page 51] order till they are all rankt.

If the word be to the left hand, then the left hand file first advanceth forward, ran­king as it is appointed. The rest of the Files observe the like forme, till it be finished as is commanded.

There is another forme out of the ranks, to rank 3. 5. 7. or more, as need requireth.

The Word.

Ranks to the right ranke 3. 5. 8. and the like.

If there be ten in ranke, and they are commanded to ranke three, those three that stand in the first ranke on the right hand advanceth forward making the first ranke; the next 3 in the same ranke make the se­cond ranke; the next 3 the third rank: the tenth man that is left in the first ranke, ta­keth his place first after the right hand man in the third Rank; then the two right hand men in the second Rank advance forward, ranking with him, making the fourth rank, the rest of the ranks do the like, till they have all finished what was enjoyned.

If the left be named, then the left hand man with the other two next him advance forward and make the first ranke; and so [Page 52] the rest, as they did to the right, till all have done it.

In the like manner what number soever is named may be performed.

Note, when the Company is at the ap­pointed place to exercise, or else to be joy­ned with other Companies, place all your Musketteers in one division, as I have set downe before, on the right hand of the Pikes

If the Company be in number one hun­dred, or fewer, halfe Pikes, halfe Musket­teers, then you ought to march with all your Musketteers in one division before the Pikes: the Files both of pikes and mus­kets being ten deep, as most Nations have in use, or in case of necessity 8 deep. When you make a stand draw up your Pikes on the left hand of the Muskets, till they be all even in front.

But if the number be greater, so that you can make six files of Musketteers or more, then you may divide them. When you march halfe before the Pikes, and halfe be­hinde, you must at all times observe to keep the depth of the File, ten or eight at the least, if you possible may, observe that you [Page 53] march not at any time two in ranke, if you can any otherwise chuse: for it is no way convenient nor comely in sight: but three, or more, when you come to a stand with the first division of Musketteers, the rest of the body marcheth untill the first division of Pikes be even in front with the Musket­teers that stand, then the second division of Pikes if there be so many, fronts with the former that stand, and last the reare divi­sion of Musketteers advanceth forward untill they be even in rank, and file with the former divisions.

Observe that all marching companies, or battaliaes great or small, when they come to a stand or holt, order their Pikes, and rest their Muskets, standing even in File and Ranke.

When the Commander gives the word March▪

Observe that all must shoulder their armes, both Pikes and Muskets, and beare them sloped, except it be otherwise comman­ded.

In trooping the Pikes must be advanced.

In charging especially to the front, be­ing ten or eight deep, the halfe Files in the reare must beare their Pikes ported o­ver [Page 54] the heads of the formost halfe Files, as may give them no offence, either in char­ging or retreating. Likewise the Pikes are not so subject to be broken by the enemies shot, as when they are advanced.

Observe likewise in going through any port or gate, the Pikes at the entrance ought to be ported: if it be a small gate or doore, the Musketteer is to joyn his Musket with his Rest, and enter porting his mus­ket.—Being through the passage to beare their Arms as they did before.

Now followeth the uniting of many companies together.

When many Companies are brought together to be joyned into one, two, or three, or more bodies, or battaliaes.

The Colonell, or eldest Captains Com­pany, taketh the first place on the right hand of all the rest. All the Musketteers of that company are to be placed on the right hand of the body of Pikes, standing at their open order; the division of Musketteers, a double distance from the Pikes. So likewise all the rest of the Companies in that man­ner, according to the degree of the Cap­taine. Every Company twenty foot one from the other.

[Page 55] Then draw backe all the Musketteers, fifty foot behinde the reare of the Pikes, di­viding them into Manaples, or divisions of foure files by themselves: the files at their order, three foot, and each manaple from other six foot: then joyne all your Pikes in one body, or two, or three, according to their number, or at the discretion of the Serjeant Major, or superiour command. The Files of Pikes likewise at their order, then flanke each body of Pikes with two wings of Musketteers, having divided them as you did your Pikes, for one, two, or three bodies.

When all the Officers have taken their places according to their antiquity, as the Serjeant Major directeth▪ then march ei­ther in hearse forme, or in square battalia, if there be three battaliaes. The first march, then the other two, even with one another in front, but divided one from the other, as farre distant as the length of the first bat­talia is, so that the left File of the second battalia which is on the right hand, must be direct after the right File of the first bat­talia: and the right File or Angle of the third and last battalia, direct after the left File of the first battalia: both these, second, and third battalions, if the ground will per­mit, [Page 56] sixty paces after the first battalia: when the first marches, all march, when the first stands, all stand: they must all move together; march, wheele, or stand, by example of the first, if not directed other­wayes by the superiour Commander.

Observe if there be but, one division of Musketteers on each hand of the body of Pikes, then the right wing after they have given fire in front, wheeles off to the right hand into the reare of their owne files.

In the like manner, the left division of Musketteers after they have given fire, wheeles off to the left hand into the reare of their owne Files.

But if the body be greater, so that there be more divisions then one of Musketteers, on each hand of the body of Pikes, then after they have given fire, must all, both those on the left hand, as well as those on the right hand, wheele off to the right, through the distances which are left open for that purpose, between the divisions in­to the reare.

Observe when the battalia advanceth towards an enemy, being yet a Musket shot off, the two first Rankes maketh rea­dy, advancing tenne paces before the bo­dy directed by a Serjeant, as the first [Page 57] Ranke presents, two Ranks more marches forward, making ready as they goe, giving fire ranke after ranke: Wheeling off to the right hand through the divisions unto the reare of their own Files, making ready a­gaine as they goe, and subsequently all the rest. But when the Battaliaes come nearer ready to the push of pike, then the rankes give fire even with the formost ranke of pikes: and being forced to give back, then all the Musketteers maketh ready together resting their Muskets, standing with their pans guarded, giving fire ranke after rank, and suddenly with all speed falling off into the Reare.

Marching from an Enemy.

Observe, when you are to give fire to the Reare, two ranks after two, makes ready, giving fire even with the last rank of pikes, as soon as the rank hath given fire, it whee­leth to the right hand marching a good round pace through the divisions into the Front, placing themselves before their own Files, and so in like manner the rest. This is to be performed when the Battalia mar­cheth from an Enemy, the Enemy pursuing them.

[Page 58] Now followeth the giving fire in Flanke.

There are three severarall wayes to give fire in Flanke, the body marching: the first is:

The body, or Batalia marching by a Ri­ver side, or Moras, or Wood, or in plaine Champaine ground, either assaulted some­times with horsemen, or with foot, if it be on both the Flanks at once. Then the out­most File on each hand, that is on both the Flanks make readie; the Commander gi­veth the word, To the right, and left pre­sent; then the outmost File on each hand turnes at 3. motions to the hand command­ed, and presents, giving fire, stands fast, onely turning their faces as they were to­wards the Front, untill such time as the se­cond File, who marched along with the Body, hath given fire, in the same forme as the first did. Then the first File marcheth up even with the second, both standing fast, till the third File hath given fire, and so sub­sequently all the rest one after another. A Serjeant must stand at the head of those files that have given fire: or if the division be great, a superior Officer takes that place, gathering up again that whole wing joyning them in equal front with the pikes

The second forme to give fire in Flanke.

If it be on both Flanks, the outmost File on each Flanke being ready, at the word of Command, presents. Having given fire, fa­ces againe towards the Front, standing fast, till the leader of that File which gave fire last, be free from the marching Body, one pace behinde the bringers up, then leadeth his File a round pace up on the other side of that division of Musketteers next unto the pikes, till he be equall in Front with the rest of the Leaders, his whole File even in ranke with the rest; in like manner all the rest of the Files must do in all points, as the first did, Remembring that as soone as the File hath given fire, presently, prepareth a­gaine, whether he be to stand or move.

The third forme of giving fire in Flanke.

The outtermost File next the Enemie being commanded to make readie, keeping still along with the Body till such time as they be ready, and then at command they turne to the hand directed, according to the sight of their enemy either on the right or left Flanke, or both together, and give fire all together. When they have dischar­ged, they stand nor still as they did the two [Page 60] former wayes, but speedily joyning their rests unto their Muskets, turning their faces towards the reare; the rear-man or bring­er-up being then a leader, turning short a­bout the reare of that division of Musket­teers, going a speedy pace, yet orderly next unto the pikes up unto the Front, placing himselfe with the rest of the leaders: so he that was the Leader before, is now the bringer up of the File.

Observe alwayes in every forme of gi­ving fire in Flank, that as the first presents, the next file maketh ready, keeping still a­long with the Body, presenting not till they be free of the File that gave fire last.

Two times giving fire in this l [...]st forme, the first leader with every man in that File commeth in his first place againe.

In this manner of giving fire two hun­dred Musketteers may deliver as many shot in as short a time, as three hundred any other way.

I could very much inlarge my selfe in this Subject, but I hope these will content my friends for this time, who have honest hearts, and judge charitably: and because I know that there have beene many very [Page 61] excellent Books of military Discipline set forth within these few years in this King­dome, namely, the Instructions for Musters and Armes by order from the Lords of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Coun­cell, and thirteen other, written by skilfull and painfull Gentlemen Souldiers, as I have set downe in my Preface.

If I had appointed me any command, with the horse-troops as I have with the foot-companies, I should likewise set downe some observations concerning the exercising and imbattailing of them. But for this, and some other reasons at this time I omit. Only remembring the Officers of the troops of Horse which are yet unskil­full, or not so skilfull as they would desire to be, to observe the forme and manner of the exercising of the Foot-Companies which will in some measure teach them their duties. For in the exercising of Horse and Foot, there is not much difference.

Before I passe any further, let me re­member the Ensigne bearer in few words, concerning his place and duty, and the dis­pl [...]ying of the Colours.

The Ensigne or Colours, is the honour [Page 62] and reputation of the Captaine and Soul­diers: therefore the Ensigne-bearer ought not onely to be a good soldier, bould and valiant, but likewise discreet and wise in counsel, and in the absence of the Captaine and Livetenant, have the same authority the Captaine hath.

Where the company is appointed to ga­ther together, he ought to be one of the first, and to be carefull of his Colours: and at all times see that they be well guarded, and be ready to do any thing to further the service.

Within these few yeares, a Supreame Commander in setting downe the duty of each Officer in his place, speaketh of the Ensigne these words following.

The Ensigne shall never turne his face out of his order, start from any danger, nor forsake his Ensigne, upon paine of death.

In a march, he may beare his Colours flying, rested upon his shoulder, before the head of the Pikes. And being in a batalia, his Colours somtimes advanced and breasted, flying, in the midst of the Pikes, between the halfe Files.

In a troope, the Colours furld, or rold up.

[Page 63] In presence of the Generall, or supreme Commander, hee must beare his Colours flying, and passing by him, vaile them, the point even with his knee, once and no more for that time, without any other ce­remonies.

But if he passe by the King or Prince, he shall likewise withall, bow somewhat one of his knees.

The Souldiers ought not to forsake or leave their Colours, before they be lodged, and then with leave of the Captaine, may depart.

The postures of the Colours.

Note, that in those parts where the wars are, especially within the Leager, or any Army in the field, the Ensigne ought not to display his Colours, but onely to beare them flying, marching, skirmishing, or at a stand, or to vaile them as I have shewed before.

But with the trayned bands in those parts, and likewise within this kingdome, the Ensigne doth use at their meetings or Musters, some more postures in displaying his Colours.

The Ensigne may performe most parr of the postures and motions with the Pikes, [Page 64] except laying downe, cheeking, and tray­ling: for which two last, he may use com­porting.

• 1 Hand your Colours.
• 2 Order your Colours.
• 3 Shoulder your Colours.
• 4 Advance your Colours.
• 5 Port your Colours.
• 6 Comport your Colours.
• 7 Charge your Colours.
• 8 Brest your Colours.
• 9 Vaile your Colours.

Display your Colours.

• 1 The first posture from hand to hand.
• 2 The second, overhead, ps. with one hand
• 3 The third, twise over-head, ps. changing hands.
• 4 The round over-head, ps.
• 5 The backe. ps.
• 6 The Crosse, ps.
• 7 The retreating, ps. losing ground.
• 8 The advancing, ps. winning ground.
• 9 Furle, or roule up your Colours.

Now followeth those small Maps which I promised in the Preface, of small and greater bodies, that such things which I have written, may be the better concei­ved, [Page 65] and fixed in the memory of all:

Observe these letters following, for each Officer, standing in their right places, and for the Front, Reare, and Flankes.

• C Captaine.
• L Lievetenant.
• E Ensigne.
• S Serjeant.
• D Drumme.
• Fr. Front.
• Re. Reare▪
• Rf. Right flanke.
• Lf. Left flanke.
• P. Pikes.
• M. Musketteeres.

The Captaine leading before the Front, into the field, or advancing towards the e­nemy.

Out of the field, or skirmishing in the reare, or marching from the enemy, at the reare, at all times neerest the enemy.

The Lievetenant his place is at the reare if the Captaine bee at the front, or in the front, if the Captaine be at the reare.

The Ensigne before the head of the Pikes, and sometimes in a battalia between the halfe Files of Pikes.

[Page 66] The Serjeants on the outside of the flanks, and in skirmish leading up the Rankes or Files of Musketteers to give fire.

The Drums in a march, hearse form, be­twixt the third and fourth Rankes. In a battalia, on the corners, flanks, and in the middest with the Colours.

Observe, that in the Maps are plaine squares, Oes and small prickes.

The plaine squares are the Pikes, the Oes and small pricks the musketteers; the Oes, leaders, bringers up, and middlemen.

Observe, when many companies are united or joyned together, making an in­tire body: the Serjeant Major directeth e­very Officer what part of the body he shall be at, to make good that place.

The Table at the end of this Book, dire­cteth unto all the speciall things contained in this Booke.

[Page 67] A Company of 100. marching, halfe Pikes, halfe Musketteers.

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[Page 68] A Company of 200. marching.

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[Page 69] The forme of a Company Exercising, with all their Officers in their places.

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[Page 70] A body standing in battaile forme, with all their Officers in their places.

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[Page 71] A Battalia of 200. approching towards the enemy, giving fire in front; the first Ranke having given fire, wheeleth off to the right and left hands into the Reare.

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[Page 72] A body marching from the Enemy gi­ving fire in the reare, falling off to the right and left, going up a round pace into the Front.

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[Page 73] A Battalia marching, giving fire in both the flankes: the first File having given fire, stan­deth fast, only turning their faces again to­wards the front, untill the second File hath given fire, then advanceth forward even with the second, in its first place: in the like manner all the rest.

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[Page 74] The second form of a body marching, gi­ving fire in both flanks, the outermost Files on both the Flanks having given fire, stand fast as they did before, till the bringers up of that division be one pace past them, then marching up a good round pace next the Pikes, till they be joyned with the rest in File and Ranke.

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[Page 75] The third and best forme of body marching giving fire in both the flankes, the outmost Files having given fire, turne their faces to the reare, the bringers up being then Lea­ders, leading their File up next unto the Pikes, joyning himselfe with the rest of the Leaders, the rest of that File standing right behinde him, even with the rest in Ranke, two times giving fire, in this manner every man commeth in his first place.

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[Page 76] A Battalia giving fire in front, with three files at once, having given fire, face to the reare; the bringer up leadeth backe the file into its owne place then facing to the front againe.

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[Page 77] A Battalia giving fire in front, with foure Files at once.

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[Page 78] A hollow body for a parle▪ or to march con­veying treasure in the middest, and for other uses.

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[Page 79] A Sconfel battalia marching ready for all assaults, if the enemy should sudden­ly assaile them.

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[Page 80] A Battalia giving fire in front and rear both at once, falling off to the right and left, into the reare of their owne halfe Files.

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[Page 81] [...]nother forme of giving fire in front and [...]are, or on both the flankes at once: having Even fire, wheele off to the right hand, be­ [...]inde their owne halfe Files, or else to flank the other halfe body of Pikes if need require.

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[Page 82] A Battalia marching, prepared to receive an enemy, in Front, Reare, Right, and Left at one time.

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[Page 83] A Battalia fronting every way with all their Officers in their places prepared for battaile.

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[Page 84] A Battalia fronting, every way giving fire under the Pikes against horse, with a square of Pikes in the midst of the body to defend the Musketteers from the horse, if they should enter at open places betweene the squares: having given fire, fall off behinde the Pikes from whence they came.

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[Page 85] A Battalia divided into foure squares, every division, of Pikes being flanked with two wings of Musketteers, and fronting every way with a Diama [...]t of Pikes in the midst to defend the open places.

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[Page 86] A Battalia of 320. one of the strongest forms of that number, that may be framed, noither for, to march, or for a stand, in the night or day, against foot, horse, prepared with Mus­ketteers in the front, reare, and flankes, to receive a desperate enemy.

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[Page 87] A Battalia of 500. with all their Officers in their places, giving fire in front. The Ranks of Musketteers after they have given fire, as you may per­ceive wheele off to the right hand, through the open distances betwixt the divisions into the Reare.

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[Page 88] A Battalia of 500. marching from the enemy, giving fire in the reare: ha­ving given fire, turning all to the right hand through the open spaces between the divisions, up into the front, placing themselves before their own Files.

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[Page 89] These squares that you see on the other leafe, are 1000. divided into foure Batta­lions: in every Battalia you may perceive their number of figures placed at such di­stance as they may best second on the other if need require, with 100. horse on both the flankes, with 100. fire-locks in two parties, scouting out before, for the approch of the enemy. The P. stands for Pikes, the M. for Musketteers.

On the other side of the leafe, as you may observe a greater Army divided into many Battalions with their number, in each square, with their horse on the flanks, and their forlorne hopes before; and the di­stance as you may perceive from one Bat­talia unto the other, standing removed one from the other, in the best and surest man­ner for the relieving of one the other, or for any other exploit when the superiour Commander shall see fit occasion, with Ordnance and Wagons.

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