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THE MANUAL EXERCISE AS ORDERED BY HIS MAJESTY IN 1764.

TOGETHER WITH PLANS and EXPLANATIONS Of the Method generally practis'd AT REVIEWS and FIELD-DAYS.

BOSTON, NEW-ENGLAND: Printed by T. and J. FLEET, at the Heart and Crown in Cornhill.

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In Provincial Congress at Cambridge, October 29, 1774.

RESOLVED, that it be recommended to the Inhabitants of this Province, that in Order to their prefecting themselves in the Military Art, they proceed in the Method ordered by His Majesty in the Year 1764; it being in the Opinion of this Congress, the best calculated for Appearance and Defence.

A true Extract from the Minutes,
BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Sec'ry.
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THE Manual Exercise AS ORDERED By His MAJESTY in 1764.

Words of Command.Num. of Motions.Explanations.
1 Poise your Firelocks!2

1st. SEIZE the Firelock with your Right-Hand and turn the Lock outwards, keeping the Firelock perpendicular.

2d. Bring up the Firelock with a quick Motion from the Shoulder, and seize it with the Left-Hand just above the Lock, so that the little Finger may rest upon the Spring, and the Thumb lie upon the Stock: The Firelock must not be held too far from the Body, and the Left-Hand must be of an equal Height with the Eyes.

2 Cock your Firelocks!2

1st. Turn the Barrel opposite to your Face, and place your Thumb upon the Cock, raising the Elbow square at this Motion.

2d. Cock your Firelock, by drawing your Elbow down, placing your Thumb upon the Breech-Pin, and the Fingers under the Guard.

3 Present!1Step back about six Inches to the Rear with the Right Foot, bringing the Left Toe to the Front; at the same Time the Butt-End of the Firelock must be brought to an equal Height with your Shoulder, placing the Left-Hand on the Swell, and the Fore-Finger of the Right-Hand before the Tricker, sinking the Muzzle a little.

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Words of Command.No. of Motions.Explanations.
4 Fire!1Pull the Tricker briskly, and immediately after bringing up the Right-Foot, come to the Priming Posi­tion, with the Lock opposite to the Right Breast, the Muzzle the Height of the Hat▪ keeping it firm and steady, and at the same Time seize the Cock with the Fore-Finger and Thumb of the Right-Hand, the Back of the Hand turn'd up,
5 Half-Cock your Firelocks!1Half-bend the Cock briskly with a Draw-back of the Right Elbow, bringing it close to the Butt of the Firelock.
6 Handle your Cartridge!1Bring your Right-Hand with a short Round to your Pouch, slapping it hard; seize the Cartridge, and bring it with a quick Motion to your Mouth, bite the Top well off and bring the Hand as low as the Chin, with the Elbow down.
7 Prime!1Shake the Powder into the Pan, placing the three last Fingers behind the Hammer, with the Elbow up.
8 Shut your Pans!2

1st. Shut your Pan briskly, drawing your Right-Arm at this Motion towards your Body, holding the Cartridge fast in your Hand, as in the former Position.

2d. Turn the Piece nimbly round to the Loading Position, with the Lock to the Front and the Muzzle the Height of the Chin, bringing the Right-Hand behind the Muzzle; both Feet kept fast in this Motion.

9 Charge with Cartridge!2

1st. Turn up your Hand and put the Cartridge into the Muzzle, shaking the Powder into the Barrel.

2d. Place your Hand, closed, with a quick and strong Motion, upon the Rammer.

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Words of Command.No. of Motions.Explanations.
10 Draw your Rammers!2

1st. Draw the Rammer with a quick Motion, half out, seizing it at the Muzzle back-handed.

2d. Draw it quite out, turn it, and enter it into the Muzzle.

11 Ram down your Cartridge!1Ram the Cartridge well down the Barrel, instantly recovering and seizing the Rammer back-handed at the Center, turning it and entering it as far as the lower Pipe, placing at the same Time the Edge of the Hand on the Butt-End of the Rammer, with Fingers extended.
12 Return your Rammers!1Return the Rammer, bringing up the Piece with the Left-Hand to the Shoulder, seizing it with the Right-Hand under the Cock, keeping the Left-Hand fast a the Swell, turning the Body square to the Front.
13 Shoulder your Firelocks!2

1st. Quit the Left-Hand and place it strong upon the Butt.

2d. Quit the Right-Hand and throw it down the Right Side.

14 Rest your Firelocks!3

1st. Seize the Firelock with the Right-Hand, turn­ing the Lock outwards.

2d. Raise the Firelock from your Shoulder and place your Left-Hand with a quick Motion above the Lock, holding the Piece right up and down in both Hands before you, and your Left-Hand even with your Eyes.

3d. Step briskly back with your Right Foot, placing it a Hand's-breadth distant from your Left Heel, at the same Time bring down the Firelock, as quick as possible to your Rest, sinking it as far down before your Left Knee as your Right-Hand will permit without Constraint; your Left-Hand at the Feather Spring, and your Right with Fingers extended held under the Guard▪ taking care to draw in the Muzzle well towards your Body, and to dress in a Line with the Butt-End.

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Words of CommandNo. of Motions.Explanations.
15 Order your Firelocks!3

1st. Place your Firelock nimbly with your Left-Hand against your Right Shoulder.

2d. Quit the Firelock with the Right-Hand, and sinking it at the same Time with your Left, seize it at the Muzzle, which must be of an equal Height with your Chin, and hold it close against your Right Side.

3d. Lift up your Right Foot and place it by your Left; at the same Time throw back your Left Hand by your Left Side, and with your Right bring down the Butt End strong upon the Ground, placing it even with the Toe of your Right Foot; the Thumb of your Right Hand lying along the Barrel, and the Muzzle kept at a little Distance from your Body.

16 Ground your Firelocks!4

1st. Face to the Right upon your Heels, and at the same Time turn the Firelock so that the Lock may point to the Rear, and the Flat of the Butt-End lie against the Inside of your Foot, at the same Time slip­ping the Right Foot behind the Butt of the Firelock, the Right Toe pointing to the Right and the Left to the Front.

2d. Step directly forward with your Left Foot, about as far as the Swell of the Firelock, and lay it upon the Ground, your Left Hand hanging down by your Left Foot, and your Right kept fast with the Butt-End against it.

3d. Raise yourself up again nimbly, bringing back your Left Foot to it's former Position, keeping your Body faced to the Right.

4th. Face again to the Left upon your Heels, and come to your proper Front, letting your Hands hang down without Motion.

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Words of Command.No. of Motions.Explanations.
17 Take up your Firelocks!4

1st. Face to the Right upon both Heels.

2d. Sink your Body down and come to the Position described in the second Motion of Grounding.

3d. Raise yourself and Firelock, bringing it close to your Right Side.

4th. Come to your proper Front, seizing the Firelock at the Muzzle, as in Explanation Fifteen.

18 Rest your Firelocks!3

1st. Slip your Right Hand down the Barrel as far as the Swell.

2d. Raise the Firelock high up in a perpendicular Line from the Ground with your Right-Hand, and seize it with the Left above the Spring, the Cock the Height of the Waist-Belt.

3d. Step back with your Right Foot, placing it behind your Left Heel, and come to the Rest.

19 Shoulder your Firelocks!2

1st. Lift up your Right Foot and place it by your Left; bring the Firelock at the same Time to your Left Shoulder▪ and seize the Butt-End with the Left Hand, keeping it in the same Position as above described.

2d. Throw your Right Hand briskly back.

20 Secure your Firelocks!3

1st. Bring the Right Hand briskly up, and place it under the Cock, keeping the Firelock steady in the same Position.

2d. Quit the Butt with the Left Hand, and seize the Firelock with it at the Swell, bringing the Elbow close down upon the Lock: The Right Hand kept fast in this Motion▪ and the Piece still upright.

3d Quit the Right Hand and bring it down your [...] bringing the Firelock nimbly down to the Secure; the Left Hand in a Line with the Waist-Belt.

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Words of Command.No. of Motions.Explanations.
21 Shoulder your Firelocks!3

1st. Bring the Firelock up to a perpendicular Line, seizing it with the Right-Hand under the Cock.

2d. Quit the Left Hand and place it strong upon the Butt.

3d. Quit the Right Hand and bring it smartly down the Right Side.

22 Fix your Bayonets!3

1st and 2d Motions, as in the two first of the Secure.

3d. Quit the Right Hand, and bring the Firelock smartly down to the Left Side with the Left Hand, as far as it will admit without Constraint, seizing the Bayo­net at the same Time with the Right Hand, and fixing it, placing that Hand just below the Brass, with the Piece kept close to the Hollow of the Shoulder.

23 Shoulder your Firelocks!3

1st. Quit the Right Hand and bring up the Firelock with the Left, seize it again under the Cock with your Right, as in the second Motion of the Secure.

2d. Quit the Left Hand, and place it strong upon the Butt.

3d. Quit the Right Hand, and bring it down the Right Side.

24 Present your Arms!3As explained in the 3 Motions of the Fourteenth Word of Command.
25 To the Right Face!3

1st. Bring up the Firelock, with a quick Motion, high before you, till your Left Hand comes even with your Eyes, with the Fingers of that Hand extended along the Stock, just above the Feather Spring. The Right Foot to be brought close up to the Left Heel in this Motion.

2d. Face to the Right, taking care in Facing to hold the Firelock right up & down, and steady in your Hands.

3d. Step back with your Right Foot and come down to your Present.

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Words of Command.No. of Motions.Explanations.
26 To the Right Face!3As in the foregoing Explanation.
27 To the Right about, Face!3As in the foregoing Explanation, coming to the Right-about, instead of to the Right.
28 To the Left, Face!3

1st. Bring the Right Foot briskly to the Hollow of your Left, with the Firelock in the same Position as in the first Motion of facing to the Right.

2d. Face to the Left.

3d. Come down to your Present.

29 To the Left, Face!3As before.
30 To the Left-about, Face!2As before, coming to the Left-about, instead of to the Left.
31 Shoulder your Firelocks!2As in the two Motions of Explanation Nineteen.
32 Charge your Bayonets!2

1st. As in Explanation One.

2d. Bring the Swell of the Firelock down strong upon the Palm of the Hand, turning upon both Heels to the Right, the Right Hand grasping the Piece at the Small behind the Lock, and as high as the Waist-Belt: The Firelock upon a Level, with the Barrel upwards.

33 Shoulder your Firelocks!2

1st. Bring up the Firelock to the Shoulder, place the Left Hand upon the Butt, bringing the Feet square to the Front.

2d. Quit the Right Hand, and throw it down the Right Side.

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Words of Command.No. of Motions.Explanations.
34 Advance your Arms!4

1st and 2d, as in Explanation One.

3d. Bring the Firelock down the Right Side, with the Right-Hand, as low as it will admit without Con­straint, slipping up the Left-Hand at the same Time to the Swell, the Guard between the Thumb and Fore-Finger of the Right-Hand, the three last Fingers under the Cock, with the Barrel to the Rear.

4th. Quit the Left-Hand.

35 Shoulder your Firelocks!4

1st. Bring up the Left-Hand and seize it at the Swell.

2d. Come smartly up to a Poise.

3d and 4th. Shoulder.

Position of a Soldier under Arms.

TO stand straight and firm upon his Legs; Head turned to the Right; Heels close; Toes a little turned out; Belly drawn in a little, but without Constraint; the Breast a little projected; Shoulders square to the Front, and kept back; the Right-Hand hanging strait down the Side, with the Palm close to the Thigh; the Left Elbow not to be turned out from the Body; the Firelock to be carried on the Left Shoulder, as low down as can be admitted without Constraint; the three last Fingers under the Butt; the Fore-Finger and Thumb before the Swell; the Flat of the Butt to be supported against the Hip-Bone, and to be pressed so that the Firelock may be felt against the Left Side, and that it may stand before the Hollow of the Shoulder, not leaning towards the Head nor from it; the Barrel almost perpendicular.—To be very exact in counting a Second of Time, or One, Two, between each Motion.

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Explanation of Priming and Loading.
 No. of Motions. 
Prime & Load!15

1st. COME smartly to the Recover, by springing the Firelock strait up with the Left Hand, turning the Barrel inwards, to the proper Height of the Recover; at the same Time that the Left-Hand springs the Firelock, the Right Hand is raised briskly from the Right Side, and seizes the Firelock a-cross the Breast, as it rises below the Cock, the Left Hand comes with a quick Motion from the Butt, and seizes the Firelock strong above the Lock, the little Finger of the Left Hand at the Spring of the Lock, the Left Hand at an equal Height with the Eyes, the Butt close to the Left Breast▪ but not pressed, the Firelock perpendicular opposite the Left Side of the Face.

2d. Bring the Firelock down with a brisk Motion to the Priming Position, the Left Hand holding the Firelock, as in priming, the Thumb of the Right Hand placed against the Face of the Steel, the Fingers clenched, and the Elbow a little turned out, that the Wrist may be clear of the Cock.

3d. Open the Pan, by throwing up the Steel with a strong Motion of the Right Arm, turning the Elbow in, and keeping the Firelock steady in the Left Hand.

4th. Handle the Cartridge!

5th. Prime!

6th. Shut Pans!

7th. Cast about!

8th and 9th. Load!

10th and 11th. Draw Rammers!

12th. Ram down the Cartridge!

13th. Return the Rammers!

14th and 15th. Shoulder!

N. B. The Motions of Recover and coming down to the Priming Position, and opening Pans, to be done in the usual Time.

The Motions of handling Cartridge, to shutting the Pans, to be done as quick as possible; when the Pans are shut, a small Pause is to be made, and cast about together; then the Loading Motions are to be done as quick as possible; but before the Ram­mer is return'd, another small Pause is to be made, counting One, Two, between each Motion, till the Firelock is Shouldered.

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Explanations of the Position of each Rank in the Firings.
Words of CommandNo. of Motions.Front Rank.
Make ready!1

SPRING the Firelock briskly to the Recover, keeping the Left Foot fast in this Motion; as soon as the Firelock is at the Recover, without any Stop sink the Body briskly without stooping forward, with a quick Motion down upon the Right Knee, the Butt-End of the Firelock at the same Time falls upon the Ground; the front Part of the Butt to be in a Line with the Heel of the Left Foot; as soon as the Butt comes to the Ground, the Fire­lock is to be cock'd, immediately seizing the Cock and Steel in the Right-Hand, the Firelock to be held firm in the Left Hand, about the Middle of that Part of the Firelock be­tween the Lock and the Swell of the Stock; the Point of the Left Thumb to be close to the Swell pointing upwards.

As the Body is sinking, the Right Knee is to be thrown so far back as the Left Leg may be right up and down, the Right Foot to be thrown a little to the Right, the Body to be kept straight, the Head up, looking to the Right along the Rank, the same as if Shouldered; the Firelock to be upright, and Butt about four Inches to the Right of the Inside of the Left Foot.

Present!1Bring the Firelock briskly down to the Present, by extend­ing the Left Arm to the full Length, with a strong Motion; at the same Time spring up the Butt by the Cock with the Right Hand, and raise up the Butt so high upon the Right Shoulder, that you may not be obliged to stoop too much with the Head, the Right Cheek to be close to the Butt, and the left Eye shut▪ and look along the Barrel, with the Right Eye from the Breech Pin to the Muzzle; keep the Left Elbow down in an easy Position, and stand as steady as possible, the Thumb of the Right Hand to remain in the Position as described in the third Explanation of the Manual.

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Words of Command.No. of Motions.Explanations.
Fire!1Pull the Tricker as directed in the Manual, and as soon as the Piece is fired, give yourself a strong Spring upon your Left Leg, raising your Body briskly and straight up, keeping your Left Foot fast, and bringing the Right Heel close to the Left; at the same Time the Firelock is to be brought up to the priming Position, and half cocked im­mediately; a short Pause is to be made, then handle Car­tridges and go on with the Loading Motions described in the Explanation of Prime and Load.
  Center Rank.
Make ready!1SPRING the Firelock briskly to the Recover; as soon as the Left Hand seizes the Firelock above the Lock, the Right Elbow is to be nimbly raised a little placing the Thumb of that Hand upon the Cock, the Fingers open by the Plate of the Lock, and as quick as possible force the Piece to the Cock, by dropping the El­bow, and forcing down the Cock with the Thumb, stepping at the same Time a moderate Pace, or two Feet, to the Right, keeping the Left Foot fast; as the Firelcok is cocked, the Thumb is to fall below the Cock, the Right Hand seizing the Firelock close under the Cock firmly; the fore-Finger not to be before the Tricker: The Piece to be held in this Position perpendicular, opposite the Left Side of the Face, the Butt close to the Left Breast, but not pressed; the Body to be straight, and as full to the Front as possible; the Head kept up, looking to the Right of the Rank▪ that the Body and Firelock may not stoop forward, nor lean much out of the Rank.

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Words of Command.No. of Motions.Explanations.
Present!1Spring the Firelock from the Body to Arms-length with a quick Motion, pressing down the Muzzle with the Left-Hand and spring up the Butt with the Right Hand, as in the foregoing Explanation of the Front Rank.
Fire!1

As in Explanation Four in the Manual, with this Difference, that the Left Foot is to be brought up to the Right at the same Time that the Firelock is brought down to the priming Position.

The Loading Motions as in the Explanations of Priming and Loading, and at the last Motion of Shouldering, to spring to the Left again and cover the File Leaders.

  Rear Rank.
Make ready!1RECOVER the Firelock and Cock as before directed for the Center Rank. As the Firelock is recovered and cocked, step briskly straight to the Right with the Right Foot a full Pace, bring the Left Heel about six Inches before the Right Foot, the Body straight, and as square to the Front as possible.
Present!1As in Explanation of the Center Rank.
Fire!1As in Explanation of the Center Rank, and as the Firelock is coming down to the priming Position, the Left Foot is to be brought back to the Right, and at the last Motion of Shouldering, to spring to the Left again, and cover the File Leaders.
By Order of His Majesty, EDW. HARVEY, Adj. Gen.
August, 1764.
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The following is the Method generally practis'd by the Regiments at Reviews and Field-Days, in performing the Firings, Evolutions, &c. &c.
A Regiment to be drawn up as in Fig. 1st. Plate 1st. Viz.

IN three Ranks, at six Paces, or twelve Feet, Distance from one another·

The Files at four Inches Distance.

An Interval of one Pace or three Feet between each Company.

The Officers four Paces Distance from the Front of their respective Companies; the Captain on the Right, the Ensign in the Center, the Lieutenant on the Left.

The Serjeants in the Rear of their respective Companies, at four Paces Distance.

The Drummers equally divided on the Right and Left of the Battalion, dressing with the Front Rank

The Grenadier Company at Ten Paces Distance from the Right of the Battalion.

The Grenadier Drummers and Fifers on the Right of that Company.

The Pioneers in one Rank on the Right of the Grenadiers, and at ten Paces Distance.

The Colonel six Paces in the Front of the Colours.

The Lieutenant-Colonel on the Left of the Colonel, and two Paces before the Officers.

The Major on the Right of the Whole.

The Adjutant on the Left.

The Chaplain, Quarter-Master, Surgeon and Mate, on the Right between the Grenadiers and the Battalion, and in a Line with the Officers.

Each Company forms a Sub-Division.

Two Companies form a Grand-Division.

The six Files of Reserve to be taken from the several Companies as follows. Three Men from each of the Two Center Companies, and two Men from each of the other Companies.

If the Files are not equal in the several Companies, they must be level'd at the Regimental Parade.

The Reviewing General to be received with the Compliment due to his Rank, according to the King's Regulation of Honours.

Before the General Officer appears (if above the Rank of a Major-General) the Bayonets to be fixed.

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The General Officer being within twenty Yards of the Right of the Battalion, the Major gives the Word:
Words of Command.‘Present your Arms!’

And as soon as he has saluted, he posts himself in the Front and gives the Words of Command for the usual Facings.

After the General has taken his Post in the Front, the Major Orders,

Shoulder your Firelocks!
Unfix your Bayonets!
Shoulder your Firelocks!

The Regiment is then to march past the General by Grand Divisions, as in Plate 1st▪ Fig. 2d.

Rear Ranks close to the Front!

The Officers recover their Arms, and face to the Divisions to which they belong, according to the following Order of March.

The Serjeants advance their Halbards,

March!

The Rear Ranks step off together with their Left Feet; the Center marching five Paces and the Rear ten.

The Officers move to their Posts and halt, facing out­wards from the Center.

To the Front Face!The Officers face to the Front, and Order their Arms.
By Grand Divisions, to the Right, Wheel!The Divisions turn their Heads to the Left.
March!The Grenadiers and the four Grand Divisions wheel.

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Words of Command.Explanations.
Halt!The Divisions turn their Heads to the Right, the Officers Order their Arms.
March!The whole step off together.
 The Regiment marches in the following Order.
 

The Major.

The Pioneers in three Ranks, with a Non-commissioned Officer in Front.

The Grenadier Company, the Captain advanced two Paces before the Lieutenants.

Chaplain, Quartermaster, Surgeon & Mate, in one Rank.

Colonel advanced 4 Paces before the first Rank of Officers.

The Captains on the Right of the Colours, in one Rank in Front of the first Grand Division.

The Lieutenants on the Right of the Colours, in Front of the second Grand Division.

The Ensigns in Front of the third Grand Division.

The Lieutenants on the Left of the Colours, in Front of the fourth Grand Division. And

The Captains on the Left of the Colours in the Rear of it.

The Lieutenant Colonel in the Rear of the Captains.

The Adjutant in the Rear of the Whole.

The Drummers equally divided with the four Divisions, and to march in the Rear of each Division.

The Serjeants on the Right and Left of the several Ranks, with Halbards advanced.

The Ranks march in close Order till they have made the second Wheel; they are then to take their Distance at six Paces.

After they have march'd past the General, the Ranks are to close before they wheel, and to continue in close Order till the Battalion is formed.

On which the Major orders:

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Words of Command.Explanations.
Rear Ranks take your Distance!The Rear Ranks face to the Right-about; the Officers recover their Arms and face to their respective Companies
March!

The Rear Ranks step off together with their Left Feet; the Center Rank marching five, and the Rear Rank ten Paces, halting with their Heels closed.

The Officers take Post as at first and halt, facing out­wards from the Center.

To the Front Face!

The Rear Ranks come to the Right-about; the Officers face to the Front, and Order their Arms, and the Serjeants their Halbards.

N. B. The Regiments sometimes march past the reviewing Officer, in companies by Fours.—This is so generally known and practised, that particular Directions are here unnecessary. When the Battalion is again form'd, the Major is to direct the General Salute as follows:

Fix your Bayonets!
Shoulder your Firelocks!
Present your Arms!

As soon as the Men come the Rest, the Drummers beat a March.

The Major then raising his Sword, and dropping the Point, gives the Signal for all the Officers to Salute together, and the Ensigns to drop the Colours.

When the Major raises the Point of his Sword again, the Officers put their Hats on.

Shoulder your Firelocks!
Unfix your Bayonets!
Shoulder your Firelocks!

N. B. The Battalion is [...] for Exercise as in Plate 1st. Fig. 3. in the following Manner:

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Words of Command.Explanations.
 Orderly Drummer beats a Ruffle and Caution.
Flam!Officers and Serjeants recover their Arms at 3 Motions.
Flam!

Officers face to the Right-about; Serjeants face to the Right and Left from the Center.

Drummers face outwards.

Flam and Troop!

Officers march through the Intervals on the Right of their respective Companies, nine Paces in the Rear.

The Colonel advances to the General.

The Serjeants march at the same Time with the Officers, those on the Flanks of the Battalion directly forward, fol­lowed by those in the Rear, till they have passed the Line where the General stands; they then face to the Right and Left inwards, and marching towards each other, divide the Length of the Front equally between them. The youngest Serjeant of Grenadiers having faced to the Right, marches to the Front, and dressing in a Line with the other Serjeants, keeps opposite the Center of his own Company; the other two Serjeants of Grenadiers post themselves one on the Right of the Front, and the other on the Right of the Rear Rank of their own Company.

The Drummers march straight out; when they have passed the Line where the Major stands, they face inwards and take Post behind him, keeping faced to the Center till the next Flam.

Flam!The Officers come to the Right-about; Serjeants and Drummers face, and front the Battalion.
Flam!

The Officers and Serjeants order their Arms at two Motions.

The Regiment is then to go through the Manual and Platoon Exercises, as before directed and explained: After which the Officers and Non-commissioned Officers re­turn to their Posts, by Signals from the orderly Drum, and the Battalion is then to prepare for the Firings in the following Manner:

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Words of Command.Explanations.
Grenadiers, cover the Flanks of the Battalion!The Grenadiers and Pioneers face to the Left.
March!

The Grenadiers and Pioneers march; the Pioneers fol­low the Rear Rank of Grenadiers till they come to the Rear of the Colours, when they stand fast.

The Left Platoon of Grenadiers marches to the Left of the Battalion; the Officers between the Rank of Officers and Front Rank; the Front Rank between the Front and Center Ranks of the Battalion; the Center Rank between the Center and Fear; and the Rear Rank between the Rear Rank and Serjeants.

The Right Platoon of Grenadiers marches to within eight Paces of the Right of the Battalion; as soon as they come to their Ground, the Officers commanding the Platoons order them to Halt!

And the Major gives the Word,

To the Front Face!

The Platoons of Grenadiers face to the Front.

The Pioneers to be four Paces in the Rear of the Reserve.

Prime and Load! 
Rear Ranks close to the Front!Officers and Serjeants advance their Arms, and the Officers face to the Right-about.
March!

The Rear Ranks close to the Front; the Officers at the same Time march into the Intervals, those commanding Companies coming to the Right-about, and dressing in the Front Rank, and the Supernumeraries going through the Intervals of their respective Companies to the Rear.

The Serjeants at the same Time fall into the Intervals, to compleat the Files of Officers.

The Grenadier Officers, with advanced Arms, go to the Right-about at the same Time with the Officers of the Battalion.

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[figure]

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Words of Command.

N. B. The Battalion is drawn up for the Firings, and the Officers posted as in Plate 2d. Fig. 1.

The Officers which are in the Rear to be divided, and nearest the Companies they belong to.

When the Companies are subdivided, and the Battalion formed into 16 Platoons, the Subalterns in the Rear are to take the Command of a Platoon of their respective Com­panies. As Captains should have the Command of Grand Divisions, the Companies are therefore placed in this Man­ner, that the Officers may remain with their own Companies.

If any of the Captains are absent (who according to the annexed Plan are appointed to the Grand Divisions) the next oldest Officers are to command, and the Companies to be changed accordingly.

The Colonel is advanced before the Reserve.

The Lieutenant Colonel in the Front Rank of the Reserve.

The Reserve for the Colours to be six Files.

The Ensigns with the Colours in the Center Rank, two Serjeants in their Front, and two in their Rear.

As many Serjeants as necessary are to be in the Rear Ranks to compleat the Files of Officers.

The Drummers divided into four Divisions, and to take Post four Paces in the Rear of the Center of each Grand Division; the two which are Orderly, remain with the Commanding Officer.

When the Colonel is not present, the Lieutenant-Colonel takes Post in the Front of the Battalion, the eldest Captain in the Front Rank of the Reserve, and the next senior Captain in the Rear of the Reserve.

N. B. When the Ranks are closed, the Major is to inform the Commanding Officer, that the Battalion is ready to go through the Firings: and then he goes to his Post in the Rear of the Right-Hand Grand Division.

The Pioneers close at the same Time with the Rear Ranks, keeping the Distance of four Paces from the Rear.

The Adjutant takes his Post in the Rear of the Left.

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Words of Command.Explanations.
 FIRINGS by Subdivisions, Standing.
Caution.By the Commanding Officer.
Preparative.

The Officers commanding the 1st and 8th Subdivisions step forward one Pace.

The Officer of the first Subdivision gives the Word:

Subdivision! 
Make ready! 
Present! 
Fire! 
 When the Officer commanding the 8th Subdivision sees the first Subdivision make ready, he immediately gives the Word:
Subdivision!

When the first Subdivision Presents, the 8th makes ready; when the first Fires, the eighth Presents, and Fires; and so on by every Officer commanding Subdivisions, till the Battalion has fired two Rounds, always preserving proper Intervals of Time between each Word of Command, so as not to hurry the Men; and to be two Words of Command later than the Officer who immediately fires before him.

N. B. The Grenadiers make the 9th and 10th Fire.

On the Left Platoon of Grenadiers firing the second Round, the first Part of the English General beats, and the Firing ceases.

N. B. The first Part of the General is the Signal for all Firings to cease.

Caution.By Grand Divisions, Standing.
Preparative.The Officers commanding the 1st and 4th Grand Di­visions step forward one Pace; the Officer of the 1st gives the Word:
Grand Division Make ready! 
Present! 
Fire! 

[Page 23]

Words of Command.Explanations.
Grand Divi­vision, &c.

On the Fire of the 1st, the Officer of the 4th gives the Word:

So on by every Officer, till the two Rounds are fired.

N. B. The Officers commanding the two Platoons of Grenadiers, are to give the Caution, Platoon! when the 4th Grand Division makes ready, the second Fire.

And when the 4th Grand Division fires, the two Platoons of Grenadiers receive the Word of Command from their own Officers.

Make ready! 
 The Commanding Officer then gives the Words:
Grenadiers! 
Present! 
Fire! 
 FIRINGS to the Rear by Subdivisions.
Caution. 
Battalion!The Battalion Faces.
to the Right
about, Face!
 

Supernumerary Officers, Serjeants, and Pioneers, go through the Intervals nearest them; the Drummers round the Flanks of the Grand Divisions.

They post themselves in the Rear of what was the Front Rank, and the Officers commanding Divisions, change Places with the Serjeants which covered their Files.

The 8th Subdivision is the 1st to fire; the 1st now becomes the 8th, and so on.

The Battalion fires two Rounds as before.

[Page 24]

Words of Command.Explanations.
 By Grand Divisions.
 The Battalion fires two Rounds as before ordered, be­ginning with the 4th Grand Division, which is now the 1st, to fire.
Battalion!The Battalion faces, Supernumerary Officers, &c. take their former Posts.
to the Right
about Face!
 By Subdivisions, advancing.
Caution. 
Battalion! 
March!The Battalion dresses by the Center.
Halt!The Battalion dresses by the Right.
Preparative.The Battalion fires from the Center to the Flanks, begin­ning with the Subdivision on the Right of the Colours.
 By Grand Divisions, advancing.
Caution. 
Battalion! 
March! 
Halt! 
Preparative.The Battalion fires, beginning with the Grand Division on the Right of the Colours.

[Page 25]

Words of Command.Explanations.
Caution.By Subdivisions, retreating.
Battalion! 
To the Right-about, Face! 
March!The Battalion retreats dressing by the Center.
Halt!The Battalion dresses by the Right.
To the Front, Face!The Battalion faces to the Right-about.
Preparative.The Battalion fires, as in Explanation of firing by Sub­divisions, advancing.
Caution.By Grand Divisions, retreating.
Battalion! 
To the Right-about, Face! 
March! 
Halt! 
To the Front, Face! 
Preparative.

The Battalion fires, as in Explanation of firing by Grand Divisions, advancing.

N. B. Besides the foregoing, the Battalion is sometimes ordered to fire two Rounds; beginning with the four Right-Hand Subdivisions at once; and then the four Left-Hands ones: Also two Rounds by Wings, or Half Battalions, beginning with the Right.

[Page 26]

Instructions for young OFFICERS.

WHEN a young Gentleman betakes himself to the profession of Arms, he should seriously reflect upon the nature and duties of the way of life he has entered into, and consider, that it is not as the generality of people vainly imagine, learning a little of the exercise, saluting gracefully, firing his pla­toon in his turn, mounting a few guards (carelessly enough) and finally, exposing his person bravely in the day of battle; which will deservedly, and in the opinion of judges, acquire him the character of a good officer: no, he must learn chearfully to obey his superiors, and that their orders and his own be punctually executed.

As there must of necessity be in a new battalion many young and uninformed officers, I shall, as briefly as I am capable, inform them what I think their duty, and what consequently is expected from them.

They are, without loss of time, to make themselves perfect masters of the ex­ercise of the firelock, that they may be able to assist in training the young soldiers in arms.

They are constantly to be present at roll-calling; and, as soon as they can, make themselves acquainted with the names and persons of the men of the com­panies they belong to; and as soon as possible with their characters, that they may know the proper subjects to encourage, and point out as examples, as well those also whom it will be necessary to keep a strict hold over.

They are to observe that the men are dressed in a soldier-like manner, and conformable to the orders of the regiment.

They are to get exact lists of the mens necessaries, and as well as the captains, of the arms, accoutrements, and stores.

They under the captains are to be answerable that the proportion of the soldiers pay, ordered by the commanding officer, be laid out in good & wholsome provisions.

They are to visit their companies quarters at least thrice a week, see that they are kept clean, well aired, and beds made; and that if the landlords have any just cause of complaint against the soldiers, or the soldiers against the landlords, the aggrieved may, by application through the proper channel, find redress.

They should frequently chuse the hour of the soldiers dining for their visitation, that they may judge whether their victuals are comfortably cooked; they should particularly at that hour inspect the quarters of those men who are billetted upon house of the lowest class, as they are most likely to be prevailed upon, by the disobedient soldier, to give him liquor for his meat.

They must now-and-then occasionally go round the quarters between nine and eleven at night to see that the men keep regular hours conformable to orders, not always trusting to the reports of serjeants.

A young officer should never think he does too much; they are to attend to the looks of the men, and if any are thinner or paler than usual, the reasons of their falling off may be enquired into, and proper means used to restore them to their former vigour.

[Page 27]

MANOEUVRES USUALLY PRACTISED.

Wheeling by Companies at close Ranks.
Words of Command.Explanations.
By Companies to the Right, Wheel!THE Battalion is in Columns of Com­panies, fronting to the Right.
March!
Halt!
By Companies to the Right, Wheel!The Battalion again form'd, facing to the Rear.
March!
Halt!
By Companies to the Right-about, Wheel!The Battalion form'd to its proper Front.
March!
Halt!
By Companies to the Left-Wheel!The Battalion is in Columns of Com­panies, facing to the Left.
March!
Halt!
By Companies to the Left, Wheel!The Battalion form'd, and facing to the Rear.
March!
Halt!
By Companies to the Left-about, Wheel!The Battalion return'd to its proper Front.
March!
Halt!

[Page 28]

Advancing and Retreating by Files, from the Right of Grand Divisions, as in Plate 2d. Fig. II.
Words of Command.Explanations.
Grand Divisions!

The Battalion is supposed to be marching, and receives the Word of Command:

The three Right Files of each Grand Division march three long Paces forward; the Rest of the Battalion turn to the Right. Each Grand Di­vision wheel by Files to the Left, and follow those which moved forward.

The Battalion is then advancing in 4 Columns, each of three Men in Front.

By the Right advance by Files!
March!
Form the Battalion!The three leading Files of each Grand Divi­sion stand fast; the others turn to the Left, and then wheel to the Right; which forms the Battalion to it's proper Front.
March!
 If ordered to retreat.
Grand Divisions!

The three Right Files of each Grand Division face to the Right-about and retreat; the others face to the Right, and the Files of each Grand Division follow the three which lead.

The Battalion retreats in four Columns.

Retreat by Files by the Right!
March!
Form the Battalion!The three leading Files of each Grand Division stand fast; the others turn to the Right, and wheel to the Left; when the Divisions have com­pleated their Wheelings, the whole Battalion comes to it's proper Front, by the Word of Command:
March!
To the Right-about, Face! 
N. B. When this Manoeuvre is done from the Left, the Facings and Wheelings are to be varied accordingly.

[Page 29]

Advancing by Files from the Center of Grand-Divisions, Plate 2d. Fig. III.
Words of Command.Explanations.
 The Battalion moving on, receives the Word of Command:
Grand Divisions!The six Center or leading Files of each Grand Division move three long Paces forward, the others turn to the Center of their respective Divisions, and wheeling out successively, follow the leading Files in four Columns, each of six Men in Front.
From the Center Advance by Files!
March!
Form the Battalion!

The six Center or leading Files stand fast; the Right Companies of each Grand Division turn to the Right and wheel to the Left; the Left Companies turn to the Left, and wheel to the Right, which forms the Battalion.

If ordered to retreat, the Word of Command is given:

March!
Grand Divisions!

The six Center Files of each Grand Division face to the Right-about and retreat; the other Files face inwards, and wheeling to the Right and Left, follow those which lead.

The Battalion retreats in four Columns, six Men in Front.

From the Center Retreat by Files!
March!
Form the Battalion!The leading Files halt; the right Companies of each Grand Division turn to the Left and wheel to the Right; the left Companies turn to the Right and wheel to the Left.
March!
To the Right-about, Face!When the Wheeling is compleated, the Word is given:

[Page 30]

Advancing by Files from the Center of each Wing. Plate 2d. Fig. IV.
Words of Command.Explanations.
 The Battalion moving forward, receives the Word of Command:
From the Center of each Wing, advance by Files!

The six Center, or leading Files, viz. Three of the Left of one Grand Division, and three of the Right of the next adjoining to it, move forward three Paces; the others of each Wing turn to their Center; then wheel out successively, and follow those which moved forward.

The Battalion advances in two Columns, each of six Men in Front.

March!
Form the Battalion!

The six leading Files of each Wing stand fast; the Right Grand Divisions turn to the Right and wheel to the Left; the Left Grand Divisions turn to the Left and wheel to the Right, which forms the Battalion.

N. B. If ordered to retreat, it is done as in the foregoing Explanation, by the following Words of Command:

March!
From the Center of Wings, retreat by Files! 
March! 
Form the Battalion! 
March! 
To the Right-about, Face! 

[Page 31]

Advancing by Files from the Center of the Battalion. Plate 2d. Fig. V.
Words of Command.Explanations.
 The Battalion moving forward, receives the Word of Command:
From the Centre of the Battalion, Advance by Files!

The six Center of leading Files, viz. the three Left of the Right Wing, and the three Right of the Left Wing, move three Paces forward; the others turn to the Center, and wheeling out, follow those which moved forward.

The Battalion is then advancing in one Column of six Men in Front.

March!
Form the Battallon!

The six Center Files stand fast; the Right Wing turns to the Right, and wheels to the Left; the Left Wing turns to the Left, and wheels to the Right; which forms the Battalion.

N. B. If ordered to retreat, it is done as in Fig. III. by the following Words of Command:

March!
From the Centre of the Battalion, Retreat by Files! 
March! 
Form the Battalion!N. B. In all Evolutions where the Wheelings are long, and cannot be easily and expeditiously effected, by Reason of the Situation in broken Ground (in a Wood, or otherwise) not admitting of it; forming the Battalion, and all similar Evolutions, may be perform'd by wheeling and facing briskly by Files.
March!
To the Right-about, Face!

[Page 32]

From the Right of the Left Wing, forming the Oblong Square by Companies. Plate 2d. Fig. VI.
Words of Command.Explanations.
 The Battalion moving to the Front, receives the Word of Command:
By Companies, from the Right of the Left Wing, form the Oblong Square!

The 5th, or Right Company of the Left Wing moves forward, and forms the Head of the Square; the rest of the Battalion turns to the Center, and marches by Files in the Rear of the leading Company.

The three Left Companies face to the Left, and form the Left Flank, or Face of the Square.

March! 
Halt!

The three Companies of the Right Wing next the Center, face to the Right, and form the Right Flank.

The Right Company of the Battalion turns to the Right, closes up, and forms the Rear Face.

N.B. If the Square is to move forward, this Com­pany keeps its proper Front; but if it is to Halt, the Company is ordered to face to the Right-about.

Front!
Reduce the Square!The Company forming the Head of the Square stands fast; the six Companies which form the two Flanks, wheel to the Right and Left by Companies, close up, face to the Right and Left outwards, and march by Files opposite to their Places in the Battalion When their own Officers give the Word, To the Front, Turn! they march up successively to their proper Ground.
March!

[Page 33]

Words of Command.Explanations.
 The Company that form'd the Rear Face of the Square faces to the Right, while the others are wheeling, and marches by Files till it covers the Companies on the Right, turns to the Front, closes up, and forms as the other Companies are directed.
Forming the Oblong Square, from a Battalion marching in Columns by Companies at Half Distance. Plate 2d. Fig. VII.
 The Battalion marching in Columns by Com­panies from the Right at half Distance, receives the Word of Command:
By Half Companies, form the Oblong Square!

The leading Company stands fast, the next six Companies being at half Distance, wheel each from the Center to the Right and Left outwards, and by half Companies form the two Faces or Flanks of the Square; the Rear Company closes up and forms the Rear Face.

N.B. If the Square is to advance, this Company continues in this Position; if to Halt, it is to face to the Right about.

March!
Reduce the Square!The leading Company moves half Distance forwards, the Files of the Flank Faces face to the Front of the Square, then wheel inwards by Files, till the respective half Companies join, and Front by Word from their own Officers; forming again a Column of Companies at half Distance.
March!
Form the Battalion!The first Company on the Right stands fast, the other seven close up, face to the Left, and march by Files till they come successively oppo­site their Places in the Battalion, receive the Word from their respective Officers, To the front, Turn! and march up to their proper Ground.
March!
N. B. In this it is supposed that the Battalion marched from the Right; if it had marched from the Left, the 8th Company would have formed the Head of the Square.

[Page 34]

Forming Columns by Companies from the Center of the Battalion. Plate 2d. Fig. VIII.
Words of Command.Explanations.
 The Battalion marching receives the Word of Command:
From the Center form Columns by Companies March!The two Center Companies move on slowly, those on the Right and Left face inwards, and march by Files, when the Officers see their Com­panies join'd, they give the Word of Command (tho' not loud) To the Front, Turn! and so on till the Column is form'd: The Column being form'd, the Commanding or Exercising Officer gives the Word of Command:
March!The Battalion steps off with a quick Pace.
Form the Battalion!The Center Companies keep moving without gaining any Ground; the other six face outwards, and march by Files to the Right and Left: As soon as they have got Ground enough to march in Front, the Officers give the Word, To the Front. Turn! and so on till the Battalion is form'd; a Signal is then given from the Center for the Battalion to move on.

[Page 35]

Forming Columns by Grand Divisions from the Right. Plate 2d. Fig. IX.
Words of Command.Explanations.
 The Battalion marches and receives the Word of Command:
By Grand Divisions form Columns from the Right! 
 The first Grand Division continues marching; the other three Divisions face to the Right, march by Files till they successively cover the first Grand Division; then ordered by their respective Officers, To the Front, Turn!
Form the Battalion!The first Grand Division stands fast; the other three march to close Order, then face to the Left, and march by Files: When the Commanding Officer of the second Grand Division sees he has gained Ground enough to form on the Left of the first, he gives the Word, To the Front, Turn! marches forward in a Line with the first Division, and orders, Halt! Dress! the other two Divisions form in like Manner.

[Page 36]

Passing a Defilé or Bridge by Half Companies from the Center. N. B. There are various Methods practis'd in performing this Manoeuvre, among others the following, viz. Plate 2d. Fig. X.
Words of Command.Explanations.
By Half Companies from the Center, pass the Defilé or Bridge!

The Battalion receives the Word of Command:

The two Center Half Companies, or Platoons, march three long Paces to the Front; the other Files of the Battalion face to the Center, and march till they are near meeting; then the Half Companies, two and two, successively front and follow those which lead, moving up as they advance to close Order.

As soon as the Center Platoons are got far enough over, they are ordered by their own Offi­cers to Halt! and the other Platoons as they come into their Rear, respectively face to the Right and Left outwards, marching by Files till they come to their proper Places in Battalion, then Front.

March!
 When ordered to Retreat.
From the Wings, by Half Companies, repass the Defilé!

The Flank Platoons face outwards, and march by Files in the Rear, wheeling on the Ground they stand on; or if pressed for Time, they may face inwards, march by Files along the Rear, till the two Platoons meet; turn to the Rear, and repass the Bridge; turn outward, march to their former Ground, and Front.

N. B. It is here understood, that in passing or repassing the Bridge or Defilé a constant Fire is kept up by every Platoon (from it's forming in Battalion) while it con­tinues to front the Enemy.

March!

[Page]

[figure]

[Page 37]

A Charge and Volley by Battalion.
Words of Command.Explanations.
Prepare to Charge!The Battalion comes to a Recover at one Motion, without Cocking.
Charge your Bayonets!The Front Rank charges only, the other two remain recovered.
March!The Battalion steps off with a quick Pace, and when it has advanced as far as the Commanding Officer thinks proper, he orders,
Halt!At which Time the Front Rank Recovers.
Shoulder!The whole Shoulders.
Battalion! 
Make ready! 
Present!At which Time the whole comes to a Recover.
Fire!
Rear Ranks! 
Take your proper Distance! 
March!The Center and Rear Ranks move backwards, without facing to the Right-about; the Officers move out to the Front.
Halfcock your Firelocks!The Officers and Serjeants order their Arms.
Shoulder! 
Shut your Pans! 
Return your Bayonets! 
Shoulder! 

[Page 38]

Words of Command.Explanations.
Grenadier!The Grenadiers face to the Right; the Ba­talion stands fast.
To the Right, Face!
March!

The Left Platoon of Grenadiers marches to the Right of the Battalion, and the Right Pla­toon to it's former Ground.

Both Platoons are ordered to Halt by their own Officers.

To the Front, Face!

The Grenadiers face to the Front.

The Colours to be sent away with the usual Form, and the Battalion then to be dismiss'd.

N. B. There are several other Manoeuvres, sometimes practis'd by the British Regiments in Europe. The Nature of the Service in America is such, that they are almost, if not entirely useless to the Troops serving in this Country, they are not therefore here inserted.

[Page 39]In dressing Ranks, the Soldiers are to observe, to stand upright, and without stooping to cast their Eyes smartly to the Right and Left, and see the third Man's Breast, taking Care to keep Six Inches distance between the Files.

In covering their File Leaders, they must look between their Heads and the Firelocks.

In Marching and Wheeling, they must observe the same Rule as in dressing the Ranks, lift up their Feet with stiff Knees, and set them down firm without stamping, and not to drag the Feet back, but to move the Body, without shaking from one Side to the other.

In order the Divisions may wheel with Celerity, when they receive the Word March! the Flanks are to step off with a quick, but strong Pace. As soon as the Wheel is performed, a Signal is given from the Flank, on which they catch the slow Pace again.

In all Wheelings to the Right, the Men must cast their Eyes to the Left, except the Left-Hand Man: And in all Wheelings to the Left, they cast their Eyes to the Right, except the Right-Hand Man, observing to feel the Hand they wheel to, without crouding upon it.

The Performance of all Manoeuvres may be done either with a slow or a quick Pace, as the Commanding Officer shall think proper to direct.

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