Divers useful Instrustions for all young Souldiers and such who are disposed to learn and have knowledge, of the English Military Discipline.
THe first principal in Military Instructions, bindeth every one that minds to practise in Military Discipline, after the handling of his Armes, to understand the several sounds of the Drum, without the which no Souldier is able to know his Commanders pleasure, when to March, Charge, or make a Retreat, &c. For when the Commanders voice can not extend to the hearing of the Company, the Drum denounces and expresseth the same.
- 1. A Call.
- 2. A March.
- 3. A Troope.
- 4. A Charge.
- 5. A Retreat.
- 6. A Battalia.
- 7. A Battery.
- 8. A Releif.
The second principal [after the learning of his Armes] is to know how to offend and defend, the readiest and easiest way with skill.
The 3. Principal to be learned, is the distance and order of Standing and Marching, that is to be observed between Files and Ranks, which is a special point of Discipline, some make 5. Sorts, but I content my self only three most in use.
- Order is three foot.
- Open order is six foot.
- Close order is a foot and halfe.
- Order is six foot.
- Open order is twelve foot.
- Close order is three foot.
The learning of this principal is of great use, for if order and perfect form be not observed, it can be termed no other thing but a disordered Company. In the next place let the Souldier know how to distinguish betwixt every several place in the Company, as followeth.
The Front.
The Front is alwaies where the faces of the Company are directed all one way.
The Reare.
The Reare is ever where the backs of the whole Company are turned.
A File.
A File is a sequence of men standing one behind another, back to belly, and consisteth commonly, of 10, or 8. or somtimes 6. depth.
A Ranke.
A Rank is a row of men standing one by another, Shoulder to Shoulder, their faces being directed all one way.
Leaders of Foyles.
Leaders of Foyles are those that are in the first Rank; every one in the same rank, is a Leader of a File,
Bringers up.
Bringers up, are those that are in the last rank; and they are every one bringers up of a File.
Reare division, half Files, or sixth rank, all these three names may be given to this division.
The Leaders of the Reare division are the sixt rank, if there be ten depth, if but 8. the 5. rank. Also this division is called by some, middle men, but the most sure being, what depth they will, Reare division seperates best, and is soon known.
The Wing.
The Wing is the side of the Company, from the Front, to the Reare, the right side being called the right Wing, and the left side the left Wing.
Hereafter followeth certain general observations.
Let every Souldier know that in marching they are to follow their Leaders in Files, as also keep even with their right hand man, which is their Leader in Rank, the like must be done upon a stand to stand right after their Leaders in File, and rank even with their right hand man in rank, observing true distance and form according unto such order as shall be enjoyned by the Commander. Let the Pikeman know that in a march he must alwaies shoulder his Pike, either just or sinking, as the word shall be given; and coming thorow any port or gate, he is to port his Pike, upon a Troup he must carry his Pike mounted, and upon a stand let him alwaies set down or order his Pike, unless he have command to the contrary. Let the Pikeman further know and observe that in charging (being ten depth) half the ranks or front division are to charge or present their Pikes, the other half or reare division are to carry their Pikes mounted or ported over the heads of their leaders, that they be no hinderance to them, either in charging or in retiring.
Observe likewayes that when they present standing, to fall back with the right foot, and marching, to present the left foot being stooped foreward.
The Musquetier must observe upon a march to shoulder his Musquet, and carry the Rest in his right hand, except he prepare to give fire, then is he bound to carry his rest in his left hand: the like also in a troupe, but in a stand let him ever rest his Musquet, except he have command to the contrary. In exercising of the Company, first cause the body to stand in good order, and being in such order as they are enjoyned to, let them face to the right or left hand, and so look upon then round, seeing them stand right in Files, and Ranks.
Ten ranks, and five files, face them to either hand, and then there is as many files, as ranks were before, being become ranks, and the ranks being converted into files. When you double your files to any hand, by doubling of ranks to the contrary hand, they are brought to their first forme; likewayes having doubled ranks to any hand, by doubling of files to the contrary hand, they become to their first order, or as they were.
Now the next for the fift principall, shall be expressed the most usuall words of command, especially used in the exercising of a Company, with the reasons thereof, which every Souldier must be well acquainted withall, otherwayes they can never rise unto any preferment.
The words of Command following.
1. Files double to the right.
Doubling of files to the right is after this manner, the utmost moveth not, but standeth fast: the next unto the right, moveth into the right, so that of ten in deep, it is now become twenty, accordingly every second moveth into their next on their right hand.
2. Double to the left.
The left must stand fast, and every second file is to move into their next on their left hand.
The Use.
Thus you strengthen your Wings.
3. Ranks double to the right.
In doubling of ranks, you must know the formost rank stands fast, the second moveth into the first, to the right hand (for that is commonly first done in exercising) the third rank standeth fast, the fourth moveth into the third, and so of the rest, every second rank moveth into the [Page 6]rank before them, that of five in rank, they are doubled and become ten in rank.
4. Ranks double to the left.
Doubling of ranks to the left, every second rank moveth, passing up by their leaders left hand, and so stand in the rank with them, beginning at the front first, and so take it one from another. Note that in doubling to any hand, in going to your first order, that you fall out with the contrary foot.
The use.
Thus you strengthen your Front.
5. Files close.
Being in open order, the word is Files close without naming to any hand, which is thus performed, the two middle leaders close first, the one to the right, the other to the left, till they are in the distance commanded, the rest of the company to take their distance from them, on either Wing closing to the middle leaders.
6. Files close to the right.
The right hand file moveth not but standeth fast, all the rest close to the, right file, taking their distance one from another, from the right hand.
7. Files close to the left.
Files closing to the left, then the left file stands fast, the rest of the files close, and take their distance from the left hand.
There is great use in closing of Files for many causes.
8. Files close to the right and left by division.
Files closing to the right and left by division, the one half of the Files close to the right files, the other half to the left files, leaving a space between, which is done upon some special use, best known to the Commander.
9. Files open.
Being in close order, the word is, files open (not naming to whether hand) and is thus to be done, the middle leaders press upon their wingers, first taking the distance commanded, having then opened both wayes, the rest of the Company on both wings take their distance from them.
10. Files open to the right.
The left is not to move but standeth fast, the next to the left first taketh the distance, pressing upon the right, untill the distance commanded [Page 7]be obtained, the rest of the files do, the like pressing upon their right, still opening by the right, untill they have all done it.
11. Files open to the left,
The right standeth fast, the rest open to the left, still pressing upon their left, untill they are all in distance commanded.
This word of command is ever given to that hand where there is most ground, or fittest ground for conveniency.
12. Ranks close from the Front to the Reare.
After this manner, the reare (or last rank) moveth not but standeth fast, the rest of the ranks fall back to the reare.
13. Ranks close from the Reare to the Front.
To do this, the first rank moveth not, but standeth fast, all the rest of the ranks close up, taking their distance commanded, rank after rank, from the Front, (or first rank) the second rank to the Front beginning first, the rest consequently one after another, till all have done it.
14. Ranks open from the Front to the Reare.
The first rank moveth not, the rest of the ranks fall back, till they have gained the ground to the distance commanded, then stand, the second rank taketh the distance first, the rest in like manner one from another, untill they have all effected it.
15. Ranks open from the Reare to the Front.
Which is thus done, all the body advanceth foreward, the last rank only standeth fast, the second to the last taketh the distance first, then the rest advancing foreward till they have done it.
16. Files and ranks close.
The whole body being at open order, the word is files and ranks close, to do the which your middle leaders of files close first, the rest of the files close to them, the ranks close all up to the Front, or the first rank to such distance as is commanded.
17. Files and Ranks open.
The whole body being close in rank and file, the word is, files and ranks open after this mannet: the middle leaders of files open, and take the distance first, the rest of the files on either wing from them, the ranks fal back, the second to the front taketh the distance first, the rest in like manner [Page 8]from the front to the reare backwards.
18. Files countermarch and maintain ground.
To countermarch and maintain ground, the leaders of every file, having turned to the hand directed (which is specially to be observed) pass thorow the company, their followers match up to the leaders ground, making the same good, then turn and pass thorow the company after their leaders, till they have all done the same.
19. Countermarch and lose ground.
To countermarch and lose ground, the leaders of every file, turn to the hand directed, passing thorow the company, the followers move not till their leaders are passed by them, then they turn and pass after their leaders, the ranks do the same one after another, not moving till their leaders are passed by them, then they turn in the same ground.
By countermatch the reare may become the front in the same ground that the front stood in, having brought them up, and face about.
Note.
The files must be in their open order when they countermarch.
20. Ranks countermarch from the right to the left.
The right hand man passeth between the first and second rank, all the rest of the same rank follow, the right hand man of the second rank, passeth between the second and third ranks, passing to the left wing, the rest of the rank follow him, all the rest of the ranks do the like, bringing the right to the left.
21. Ranks countermarch from the left to the right.
The left hand man of every rank turneth first, passing to the right, all the rank followeth him, the rest of the ranks do the like, so bringing the left wing to the right.
This is done upon some politick respect of the Commander to change the wing, doubting the courage of the one by the other, or otherwayes best known to the Commander.
22. Files rank, 3.5.7. or 9.
The right hand first executes the same, advancing foreward, and fall in rank to such number as shall bee joyned, the next doth the like, advancing foreward fall in ranke after the former file, the rest of the files [Page 9]keep the same form and order, untill they are all ranked.
23. Files rank 3.5. or 7.
The left file first advanceth, falling in rank, the rest of the files observe the like form, till the words of command be fully executed.
24. Ranks rank 4.6. or 8.
The first rank executeth the same beginning at the right hand man, the first rank having ended, the right hand man of the second rank beginneth, the rest of the ranks do the like, till all have done it.
25. Ranks rank 2.4. or 6.
The left hand man first beginneth here, the rest of the ranks joyn with him, making so many in rank as shall be commanded, every rank passing up till they have all done it.
26. Ranks file to the right.
The right hand man of every rank stirreth not, but the next to the right hand man falleth behind his right hand man: the rest of the ranks follow: all the ranks do the same, falling behind their right hand man, making one file of the whole company.
27. Ranks file to the left.
Every left hand man stands fast, the rest fall behind one another to the left hand, and so are converted into one file.
The use.
Thus you give a strong charge upon the wing by facing to any hand: this serveth also for a narrow passage, to do this, let the ranks be in open order, and the files in close order.
28. Ranks turn to the right.
The right hand man turneth in the same ground he stands, not moving forth of the same: the rest of the same rank turneth all together and become all above him, the left hand man being uppermost, all the ranks do this.
29. Ranks turn to the left.
The left hand man turneth in the same ground he stands in, the rest become all above him, the right hand man being uppermost, all the ranks do this.
The use.
By this you may give a charge by either Wing very easily.
Note.
To perform this easily and shortly, let the Files be in their close order, and the Ranks in such open order as shall be requisit according to [Page 10]the number of men in Rank.
30 Ranks and Files turn to the right, the great turn.
This word of command is spoken to the whole body, know that the right hand man moveth not but a little, and slowly, the left wing somewhat faster, but all the whole body together, till such time as the left wing be brought about, and then halt, their faces being all one way.
31. The great turn to the left.
Then the left hand man moveth but little and slowly, all the rest of the body turn together, the right wing being brought to the left.
32 The great turn right about to the reare.
The right hand man moveth but little and slowly, as it is said before, untill his face be at the reare, then standeth.
33. The great turn left about to the reare.
The like doth the left hand man as the right did before, untill all be turned.
The use.
Thus the Front is brought to either of the Wings, or to the Reare, being strongest and best Armed.
Note.
For turning of this great turn, the whole body must be at their close order, both in ranks and files.
34. Reare division, half files, sixt rank, or middle men double the front to the right.
These four words of command, tend all to one purpose.
Therefore I say, reare division double the front to the right, the Leaders of this division are according to the deepness, the just half of the number, and they pass up every man of the rank by the right hand of his Leader, untill they have all done, and then stand in the Front or first rank, the next rank followeth and standeth in the second rank, and so the rest, till all have done it.
35. Reare division double the Front to the left.
The Leaders of this division or first rank of it, passeth up upon the left hand of their Leaders, unto the front or first rank of the front, and [Page 11]so consequently all the rest, untill all be doubled.
The Use.
There is a speciall use of this motion, for by this the same order in distance of ranks is still observed, which cannot be in doubling of ranks.
The second Use.
Again, they bring sufficient men into the Front and Reare.
The third use.
Thirdly, it maketh the Company to show fair upon a March thorow a City, or place of note, for faces to any hand being thus doubled and then March, and you shall be bravely winged.
36. Reare division double the front to the right and left by division.
The reare division divide themselves, the one half of them face to the right hand, the other half face to the left hand, then march out both to the wing of the Company, then face again to the right and left, then march up to the Front; and stand there.
The Use.
Thus the front is doubled on either wing, and the same distance between files and ranks still observed.
37. Reare division double the front to the right Enteare.
The reare division face to the right hand altogether, then march forth, then face to the left hand and march up to the Front, joyning rank by rank and there stand.
38. Reare division double the Front to the left Enteare.
The reare division face to the left and then pass out, then face to the right and march up to the Front, joyning rank by rank to the wing and stand.
The Use.
Thus the Front is enlarged by such wing as the Commander thinks fit, and shall be most usefull.
39. Bringers up double the Front to the right.
The last rank (as formerly is shown) are Bringers up, who pass thorow the body by the right hand to the front, and there stand the second to the reare, follow the Bringers up, and stand in the second rank [Page 12]to the Front, and so they rest till they have all done it.
40. Bringers up double the Front to the left.
The last rank passeth up by their leaders left hand to the first rank and there stand, the second rank to the reare follow, and stand in the second rank to the Front, all the ranks do the like untill they have all done it.
The Use.
This is another manner of doubling the Front, and not the worst: for by this, there is sufficient men brought to the Front, to the strengthening of the same.
By this word of Command, you may alter the Front, and bring the reare to the front, by causing the reare or last rank which are bringers up to pass thorow the Company, the rest of the ranks following them.
41. Ranks file by inversion.
After this manner the whole body standing in open order, especiall in ranks, one half of the ranks fall into the right file, the other half into the left hand file, becoming two files only, wherein you must note that the two uttermost files, which are called the right and left hand files, they stand fast, the rest of the files invert to them.
The Use.
This serves for the avoiding of Cannon-Shot upon the main body, or for a guard for some great Commander to pass thorow, it is used also at the lodging of the Handsign.
42. To your first order, or as you were.
These words are, words which bring the Company to their first Station or Order: after every motion foresaid we say, either to your first order, or else as you were, which tends both to one use.
But because I use this first word in my own practise, I would wish all those that useth this book to follow it, so that there be no diversity.
To your first order.
This word of Command is often used to perfect the body after doubling of ranks or files, when the reare division hath doubled the Front, or Bringers up have doubled the Front, after ranks turning the great turn, ranks fileing either by conversion or inversion, and at other times to bring them to their first form.
The Use.
The use of this is so necessary, that when the Company cannot understand [Page 13]by any other word of Command, they can more easily fall to their first order.
There be divers other words of Command generally to be observed by the whole Company in time of service, or upon any suddain assault to cause face to any hand, or charge to any hand.
| Faces to the right. | To your first order. |
| Faces to the left. | To your first order. |
| Faces right about to the Reare. | To your first order. |
| Faces left about to the Reare. | To your first order. |
| Present to the right. | To your first order. |
| Present to the left. | To your first order. |
| Present right about to the reare. | To your first order. |
| Present left about to the reare. | To your first order. |
| Faces to the right and left. by division. | To your first order. |
| Faces to the front and reare. by division. | To your first order. |
| Present to the right and left by division. | To your first order. |
| Present to the front and reare by division. | To your first order. |
There is divers sorts of Exercising of Musquetiers by themselves apart, which cannot well be set down but in action.
The first is to winn ground upon the Enemy.
The second is to lose ground, or making a Retreat, and yet offend the Enemy.
The third is in Marching by the Enemy, and dischargeing upon them by Files as they March.
The fourth sort is by dividing the front and reare by divisions, six foot distance, and marching away by the Enemy, and discharging upon them half Files, the first half File marching through the division from the right to the left: the second half File discharging upon the Enemy, and falling by the Reare or last Rank, unto the left half File.
The fift Sort is by dividing the right and left division six foot distance one from another, the first half Ranks discharging upon the Enemy, and falling off, from the right hand to the Reare, the one half rank falleth off by the right division to the Reare, the left division falleth down through between the divisions upon the right hand unto the reare.
For brevities sake, I will omit most kinds of frams and motions, and also because many of them are hindrances to the young Souldiers mind, I will only present you with some few which you shall find at the end of the Book.
We shall now discourse of the Heads, and Officers in an Army. The Generall.
The highest Office of all, is that of a General, who as he is above the rest in Authority and Power, so ought he not only to know perfectly the Duties of every Officer; but also to excell them all in Religion, Wisdom, Experience, Pollicy, Gravety, Secrecy, Councel, Modesty, Temperance, Vallor, Magnanimity, Vigelancy, rare Constance, Liberality, and Resolution, with all other good parts infident to a perfect Man of War, and how much all these good parts, and many more ought to be in this Personage elected, to this high and carefull Dignity, you may easily conceive and gather, because he is set over the rest, to the end that he being their Chieftain and Head, may not only know how to govern them both in actions, but also in his virtuous Life and cariage, be a Pattern, Light and Lanthorn, unto the whole number of the Companies, to imatate; for it is an old Proverb: Like Master, like Man, like General, like Officers and followers: for commonly a wise, valiant, and virtuous Generall, will choose wise valient and virtuous Captains and Officers: good and virtuous Captains will as neer as they can, choose good, honest, sober, and virtuous Officers under them, entertain their Souldiers with good and fair speeches to Command with, all alurements to bring them to the due form of Martial Discipline.
The Crowner.
The Crowners place and Office, is to be Commander over the Captains, and all other inferior Officers of his Regiment, having Jurisdiction and Dominion over them all, whereby may be inferred and gathered, the parts and qualities which ought to be in him, and the great skill and experience in War, as one who ought to exceed them all, for to know how to Command, Rule, and Govern them with Prudence; and Vallour; and for as much as in many occurants and occasions, growing and presented in War, he should know to perform the parts and Office of a Generall, being alone with the Companies of his own Regiment, as when his Generall Commands him to the Battery or Seige of Port or City, or to defend any Fort or Town, or to War in any open Campania, to give Battle to the Enemy, to make Incursions, to retire and withdraw Skirmishers, to frame Briges over Rivers, to fortify himself in Camp, to conduct Artillery, and many other peices of service to be performed in him, he is greatly to respect and honour his Generall, Obeying and Performing his commands and Orders, with great care and diligence, as he would be Obayed himself, and Reverenced by his Captains and other Officers of his Regiment.
The Sergeant Major.
His Office is to be the generall Minister or Officer of a whole Regiment of Sundry Companies, and super intendant of all the Serjeants of the same, by whose hand and Industry, the Crowner doth give the orders convenient to the due government of his Regiment, as in Marching, Incamping, Inbattalleing, and in such other matters concerning hereunto, whereby may be gathered the parts, the qualities, the vallour, the great skill, experience, and great diligence which ought to be in him, who is chosen to this degree of Office, being of such importance: the Serjeant Majors Office is of much higher degree then any ordinary Captain, for every Captain do receive his directions from the Serjent Major, and the Serjeant Major from the Crowner or General, if he be in place: the ordinary place where the Crowner Marcheth, is in the Van-Guard, and so the Serjant Major being his Officer, by whom he sendeth his Commands unto the Captains, Lievtenants, Handsigns, and Serjeants, and other Officers, ought alwaies to be neer unto his Person, for the Serjant Major is guide of the Battail.
A Captain.
A Captain should consider that he hath the charge of mens lives commited [Page 16]to his hands, over the which he should watch, least any of them be lost under his Conduct, either by rashness or want of knowledge, which should be more easily performed, if skilfull and sufficient men were chosen to bare Rule, and such as either had passed, or at least did understand the degrees of all the inferior Officers, whereby he may be able to discharge a place of such importance, that he may presently redress any thing amiss, and give Instructions, and Orders upon every new accident either in Marching, Encamping, or Fighting, what the said Officers have to do, for no man is able to teach that which he hath not himself before learned, for if he have not Experience [by his Ignorance] a whole Company may be overthrown, he must diligently use his Souldiers to the often using of their Arms, which shall be more profitable unto them, then the assistance of the Physitians, for dayly practise and exercise, makes them both perfect and healthfull, and at last Victorious in the Feilds, in the time of Battail.
Leivetenant.
He that is elected unto this Office, ought to be a man of great Experience, Fidelity, and Valour, who in the absence of his Captain carrieth his Place, Charge, and Command, unto whom the Souldiers and under Officers are to Obey for the time, as unto the Captain himself.
His place of March, his Captain being present, is in the reare of the Company, but in Retiting or Marching out of the Field, he is to March in the Front, and the Captain in the Reare.
The Handsign or Ensign.
The Handsign, is the foundation of the Company, wherein consisteth the Honor and Reputation of the Captain and Souldiers, he ought not only to be a good Souldier, Bold and Valient, but as neer as may be the Captaines equal, in Vallour, Discretion, and Counsel.
His place of March is upon the head of the Pikes, the same place he must observe in set Battails, but rather betwixt the 3. and 4. Ranks.
The Sergeant.
In this Officer, consisteth the principall partes of the observation of Military Discipline, and for that the execution of the superior Officers Orders and Commands, do concern his charge and duty, it Importeth that he be a skilfull and valient Souldier, and well Experienced in Military Discipline, yea of so great Importance, that more rollerable it were for all the Officers of the Company [were it the Captain himself] [Page 17]to be unskilled men and of little experience, rather then the Serjeant, who of necessity ought to be an expert Souldiers and of great Spirit and Diligence. He is to rank the Souldiers as he shall think good not suffering them to contend or fall out among themselves, for the Front or best places.
The Corporall.
As he is a degree above the private Souldier, so ought he in skill, that no man that is a Souldier, seeke to come to preferment in any Office in the Field, except he know himself fit to discharge the same, or else he shall become a laughing Stock to others, and be contemned of all men, as he justly deserves, that taketh upon him more then he is able to perform.
I might have written more at large of every Officer, but for brevities sake, I have but only touched every one a part, so wishing all to take this is good part, not set forth for the well Experimented Souldier, but for such as yet have not tasted thereof.
Good Admonitions for a Souldier.
Having said somewhat concerning the conditions and quallities which are required in every severall Officer of a private Company. Now let us see what manner of men are worthy the name of Souldiers.
First, the Souldier of all men, ought to set the fear of God before his Eyes, to have a clear Conscience, and to be of honest Conversation, lest in running upon the Pike, he fall into Hell Fire.
Secondly, he that loveth Right and Justice, is fit to be the defender of the same.
Thirdly, he that pittyeth the Poor and Afflicted, is a meet man to sucker his Countrey, and Town, against the violence of Oppressors.
Fourthly, he that tendereth the Widdow and Fatherless, he that delighteth to see Vertue flourish in his Countrey, Honor advanced, Faith and Equity to abide in every Fellowship.
Fiftly, he that hateth Covetousness, Theft, Extortion, Murther, Fornication, Idleness, and Drunkenness, these and such like men, are fit to be, and bare the name of Souldiers, or Martialists.
For the first foundation and use of Armes, was erected of necessity, to restrain and repress the disorders of Lude and Wicked men, and to settle and establish Peace and Justice upon Earth. So then as the Armed Hoast is the remedy to chastise and repress the offences of others. It is therefore convenient that the same Hoast be free from the like [Page 18]offences, and every Vice in a Souldier ought to be strongly Bridled and Punnished with extremity.
Because I am of opinion, that there be many who will be desirous to know the manner, how to draw up Companies, and placing them in Battaile rank, this being a most difficile and pleasant peice of all the Exercise, I have now for their contentment and satisfaction, set down in a Table under their view, divers sorts and fashions of this kind, out of the which they may be able easily by their own Industry, according to the occurrances to frame other formes, as the number of the Companies and the occasions that they shall find, shall permit.
Sould by Iohn Overton at the white horse withouts Newgate
Take up the Bandeliers in the right hand hold them in the hollow betweene the thumb and for finger, then clearing yor boxes from tangling with yor left hand, put yor elbow through the bandeloir and bring yor right hand ouer yor. head, takeing your hat in the left and leaue the bandeleir on yor left sholder.
Take your Rest in the Right hand at the foote and then take it in the left about the middle then with the right hand take it at the [...] and put your left hand through the string and hold the Rest with the left hand
Take up the Match at the middle with your thumb and forefinger of the left hand, then with your thumb and second finger of the Right hand place one end of the match betweene the greate and Ring finger and the other and betweene the Ring and little finger of the left hand and So let the middle hand downe.
Standing at the But end of yor Musket wth yor right foote, the left somwhat aduanced and the knee bent) wch is the generall proper stand of a Musket [...] ue a large step with yor right legge their stooping downe yet bearing up yor. head, with yor right hand gripe the Musket, and so raising up yor body fall back [...]
Being come to your first stand hold yor Musket barrellm yor hand about the height of your shoulder with the But end on the ground, In your left hand hold the Rest a little below the forke, the Pike end on the ground
Sinke downe your right hand not bowing yor bodie, then gripe your musket and lift it up the bring about the left hand with the rest and ioyne it to your musket on the out side, holding yor thumb hard against the forke of the Rest and so carry both musket and Rest in the left hand onely
In the ioying of yor. musket and Rest together, fall back with your right leg to your-proper stand, then hold the thumb of the Right hand be hand the seutchian of the Pan, and with yor. two formerr [...]
Bring up your musket with the left hand only, towards your mouth and blowe your Pan stiflie, not stooping upon anie termes, and in the meane time with yor. right hand take
Hould yor touch box betweene the thumbe and fore finger of the right hand onely and so Prime as in the figure.
Lay the right thumbe ouer the barrell neere the Pan, and with your two foremost fingers shutt the Panne.
Hould yor musket fast with the right hand at the breech, the left as before turneing the Panne downe wards yt the loose pouder may fall of.
Hould yor. musket in both hands as before, beare it vp towards your mouth, not stooping blow of the loose powder.
Hold yor musket in both hands as before beare it right vp towards yor left side and wth all step forwards ye right leg then holding the musket only in the right hand at the breech forsake the Rest.
Haueing forsaken yor rest take the Musket into the left hand about ye midle of ye barrell so as ye butt end touch not ye ground trayling yor rest betweene yor musket and yor bodie
Take your charge in your right hand: with the thumb and forefinger thereof thrust of the couer
Put backe your left hand with the musket as farre as conveniently you can, and wth yor right hand turne ye powder into the muzell of the barrell holding ye charge betweene yor thumb & forefinger only as in ye figure.
Take yor. Bullet forth of yor bag or out of yor mouth and put it into the muzell of your musket.
With yor. right hand (ye palme turnd from yor) draw forth yor scouringstick beareing yor bodie & yor left hand wth yor musket so farr back as you cann
Hauing drawne forth yor scouring sticke sett the Rammer head against yor brest and slip yor hand close to yor Rammer yt you may ye easier put it into ye muzell.
Put your scouring sticke downe into your musket and Ramme home hard twice or thrice.
With your right hand turned draw your scouring stick out of yor musket as before.
Your scouring sticke being drawn forth of ye barrell turne it and bring the scouring sticke end to yor brest & so slip yor hand wthin an hand full of the end.
Put the scouring sticke to his place from whence you had it
Bring forward yor musket wth yor left hand and beare it right vp Take it into ye right hand at ye breech and so hold it in ye right hand only.
Fall backe wth yor right leg to your first stand hold yor musket in ye right hand at ye breech and recouer your rest in yor lest hand holding it ̄ iust vnder ye forke.
Bring vp yor left hand wth ye rest towards yor right side neere yor musket and so sinke yor musket & hold it wth ye rest in ye left hand only, the rest being one ye out side of ye musket.
Take yor match from betweene yor little finger wth ye. thumb and ye second finger of yor right hand being turned wth ye Palme from you.
Bring the right hand wth ye match backward and your left hand wth ye musket and rest forward, turning your face some what backward blow yor match stiffe
Holding your match betweene yor. thumband second finger bring it to the cock, and presse it into the cocke with the thumbe
Your thumb and forefinger being upon the cocke and the second and third finger under the cocke, pull the cock to the Pan and with the finger either raiseor sinkethe match
Lay the two forefingers of the right hād upon the pan, the thumb behind the seutchion of the pan the easier to lift up the musket, and soe raising up the muskel with both hands blow [...] in the in posture.
with the two forefingers of the right hand open the Panne as in the 7 posture
Remoue yōr. right hand to the thumbe hole yor second finger to ye tricker — with yor left hand fix the forke of ye Rest to yor musket and yor thumb against the forke, and the pike end of the rest on the ground.
lift up yor right elbow and place the but end of yor musket within yor shoulder nere your breast, the small end appearing a little aboue youe shoulder standing wth ye left leg foremost and the knee bent and the right leg standing stiffe
Bring your musket and rest to your right side and carry both in the left hand onely
Take the match from the cocke wth the thumb and second finger of yor right hand holding the musket and rest in the left hand onely.
Put the match betweene the two lesser fingers of the left hand from whence you had it.
Note from henc forward you may Prime & charge as before from ye 8 postur and so forward as in ye 25 postur
Haueing yor. musket poized hold yor rest an handfull under the forke, then bring your musket before yor. bodie and yor rest crossouer it behinde the thumb hole, and so with both hands lay it gently on yor. shoulder haueing the rest cross yor body and withall bring yor right leg up to yor left, then fall back againe with yo.r right leg.
First take the match from the left hand betweene the fingers of the right hand, then take the string of the Rest from the left arme, and returne the match betweene the fingers of the [...]
First shift the match as in the former direction, then put the string of the Rest ouer the left arme and the rest in the hand and so returne the match and carry yor rest as in the figure.
Bringing up yor right leg to your left sinke your musket and carry it right up and withall turne it, that the pike end of yor. Rest be towards yor left side then take the Musket at the breech with yor right hand and slip downe yor left with ye rest
Hold the Musket right up in the right hand on yor right side raise yor left hand to ye forke of yor rest, and set yor thumbe against the forke as in the figure.
Bring up yor left hand wth the forke of the rest to the musket, and so lett Musket and rest sinke downe togather and fall backe with yor right legge to your proper stand.
Take the match beetweene the thumbe and the seacond finger of the right hand as in the XXVII posture and wth the thumbe of your left hand hould the musket fast on the rest.
Beare your Musket and rest forrvard with the left hand, and your match backwand in the ̄ right, and blow as in the 28 posture.
Cocke your macth as in the 29th Posture ̄
Try your match as in the 30th posture.
Hold the two forefingers of ye right hand upon your pan, the thumb be: hind the scutchian ready upon all occasions
Standing at the but end of yor Pike fall backward with yor left foot, and with yor right hand turned, take your Pike at the But end and bring yor right hād up to your hip.
Bring yor left foote besore yor right, and with yor left hand take yor Pike forwards bearing the butlend downward, and remoue yor right hand aboue yor left
Set the but end of yor Pike nere your right foote on the out side, holding it right up inyor right hand, about the height of yor eye, and your arme a little Bending, and yor right foote forward
with the right hand alone bring yor Pike iust before yor body, bearing it directly right up, raising the but end from the ground, then take ye Pike with yor left hand about the height your girdle
Forsake the Pike with your right hand and with the left hand alone raise up the Pike, that the But end be about the height of yor thigh, then take ye But end in yor right hand, without stooping to it.
Forsake the Pike with the left hand and with yor right hand alone carry the Pike right up. locking the Pike betweene yor shoulder and arme, yor right hand holding the but end of the Pike about the height of yor hip.
Sinke your right hand a little, and with your left hand take the Pike as high as well you can reach and bring ye Pike iust before yor Body.
Forsake the Pike with yor right hand, and bring down the pike in your left hand that the but end be nere unto the ground, then wth, yor right hand take ye pike about the height of yor head.
Forsak ye Pike with your left hand, and with the right hand only set the but end on the ground, on the outside of yor right foote as in the third Posture.
Bring ye Pike iust before yor body and raise the but end from ye ground bearing it forward, then take it with yor left hand a little beneath yor right.
Bring forward the Pike with yor left hand, and take it in your right, reaching backward as farr as well you may.
Forsake yor Pike with yor left hand, and with the right onely lay it vpon yor right shoulder, bearing the but end about a foote from the ground, holding yor thumb vnder the Pike, the better to gouern it, carrying the pike forward.
Beare yor right hand wth the pike back ward as farr as well you can, wth yor left hand take ye pike forward, & wth. the right hand beare ye pike op ward.
Forsaking ye Pike wth the right hand east ye poynt forward that ye But end may conveniently be taken in ye right hand.
Take ye But end of ye Pike in yor right hand, holding it about yor hip, and raising the pike wth, yor left hand aboute ye hight of yo breast carry ye Pike directly before you yor left foote forward.
Raise ye right hand and strech it backward, yor left hand being at yor breast, yor left elbow against yor hip ̄
Beare downe the butt end of ye Pike wth yor right hand and raise ye pike with ye left, and so advance as in ye 6 figure.
Sinke yor right hand, and wth yor left take ye pike as high as well you can reach bringing the pike iust before yor body
Forsake the butt end wth yor right hand bring forward yor Pike in the left hand, and take the pike backward in ye right hand as farr as well you may reach.
Forsake ye Pike wth the left hand, & with the right only lay it vpon your shoulder oc: as in ye 12 figure.
Beare the pike wth yor. right hand backward, take it forward in yor left hand as far as you may conveniently reach, bearing ye pike wth yor right hand vpward
Forsaking the Pike wth yor right hand. beare it ouer yor head and at the same instant turne yor body to ye left hand that you may conveniently take ye butt end of ye: Pike in yor right hand.
Hauing ye butt end of ye Pike in yor right hand stretch yor right arme back ward and sett your left hand at yor breast &c as in ye 16 figur
Slip yor left hand forward as farr as well yor may and lift ye Pike vpwards to yor head & wth the right hand beare ye But end somwhat downward.
Forsakeing the Butend of the Pike with yor right hand, beare up the Pike ouer your head with your left hand only and that instant turn yor face to ye right hand, and be ready with yor right hand to take ye Pike more Backward.
Hauing the Pike in the right hand forsake it with your left and with the right hand only, lay it on your sholder, as in the 12 and 20 figurs.
This is to be done in 3 motions as the contrary is showne in f. 9.10.11. figures Beare the Pike with the right hand backward, with yor lest take it forward bearing the but end downward, then slip down your right hand a little aboue yor lestand let ye butend on ye ground, as in ye: 9 figur.
This is to be done by seuerall palming postures, first with the right hand beare the butend of the Pike backward, as farr as yo• can and so Contiew palming till y• come to the head of your Pike.
With yor left hand hold the Pike a little be low the head, your right hand more backward, as farre as the cheekes or arming reach, set yor right hand upon yor hip, yor elbow stretcht forth and yor left hand more forward before yor breast.
Remoue your Right hand to your left, and in your right hand only carry your Pike, your hand Being upon your hip.
This to be done by seuerall Palming postures backward, Bring forward your right hand as farr as well you can, and with ye left hand gripe the pike Backward as farr as you can.
Forsake the Pike with yor: right hand, bring forward the Pike with ye left and take it backward with the right; and so continue palming vntill you haue the Butend of ye pike in your Right hand
Strech yor right arme backward wth ye butt end of ye Pike in yor hand yor. left hand at yor breast, and yor elbow vpon yor hip & as in ye 16 figure
This is to be done in 3 motions first bearing the pike right vp before ye body and so forward as from ye Aduance in ye 6.7. & 8 figures, only you must obserue to sett ye butt end of ye Pike at the in side of ye right foote wth is yor closse order.
The Butt end of yor Pike resting agauist yor right foote take it in yor left hand about ye hight of yor girdle and step forward wth yor left foote ye knee bent lay yor left arme vpon yor knee couching down low & draw yor sword ouer yor left, arme
Raise yor body right vp set yor Pike against yor right sholder wth. the left hand ye but end being still vpon ye ground then put vp yor sword: