Chapter 4

In this, turn your Left-toe to the Left about, advancing your Right-foot a moderate Step, that the middle of it may stand against your Left-heel; then with your Left-hand bring the Butt-end by your Left-side, taking notice the Spear be exactly with the Rear a Shouldering height; then lay on your Right-hand as high as you can easily reach, and stand with it in Form; after which, bring up your Right-leg, and Shoulder.

18. =Charge to the Left.=

Here fall back with your Left-arm and Leg, as in the former Chargings: Turn the Left-toe and the Butt-end of your _Pike_ with your Left-hand to the Right, after which, bring up your Left-leg, and Charge.

19. =As you were.=

Raise the Spear with both your Hands, turn the Left-toe to the Right, and so fall back with your Left-leg and Arm, keeping your _Pike_ from your Side, the Spear to the Rear; then bring up your Left-leg, and Shoulder.

20. =Charge to the Left about.=

Here fall with your Arm and Leg back, bringing the _Pike_ over your Head with both your Hands, the Spear directly to the Rear at a Shouldering height: Turn your Left-toe to the Left about, then bring up your Right-toe, that the middle may come with your Left-heel, and Charge.

21. =Port.=

Observe here, as in Charging in the Front; being wary that you sink not the Spear of your _Pike_, rest it between the Thumb and Fore-finger, keeping your Elbow close to your side.

22. =Comport.=

As far as may be bring your Left-hand backward, at the same time stretching out the Right, make thereupon a step forward with the Right-foot, grasping fast the _Pike_ as high as you can reach with the Right-hand, not tossing the Spear too high; then forsake it with your Left-hand, and bring back your Right-leg even with your Left; then close it to your Side, keeping the Spear the height of your Head.

23. =Charge to the front.=

Here extend your Right-arm, advancing at the same time your Right-leg, drawing back your Left-hand as far as may be; and bringing your _Pike_ forward, give a step back with your Right-leg, and take hold of the Butt with your Right-hand; then Charge; and in all Chargings observe it be done Breast high.

24. =Fire.=

Herein face to the Right about, suffering the Spear of your _Pike_ to fall behind, you; after which, quit your Right-hand from the Butt-end, without any motion of the Left, and be cautious not to strike upon the Spear.

25. =Charge as you were.=

Here turn to the Left about, place the Butt-end in the Palm of your Right-hand, and Charge, the Spear being kept an even height.

26. =Advance your Pike.=

In this Exercise bring your Right-heel to your Left-Instep, your _Pike_ directly before you to the Recovery; and so fall out with your Right-foot that it may come even with your Left, and so bring the _Pike_ to your Right thigh.

27. =Order your Pikes.=

Raise your Left-hand, so that it may come even with the upper part of your Shoulder, place it on your _Pike_, stretching out your Fingers; then sinking your Left-hand, raise your Right; and then raise the _Pike_, that when the Butt-end your Right-hand may be against your Eye; keep the _Pike_ near your Head by clapping the Butt-end to the Latchet of your Shoe; and here all the Butt-ends of as many as are exercised must fall to the Ground at one and the same time.

28. =Pikes to you Inside Order.=

Place the Butt-end on the Inside your Right-foot to the middle, not moving your foot, but only your _Pike_.

29. =Lay down your Pikes.=

As many as exercise in this case, must step altogether with their Right-legs; stoop together with a very Quick Motion, and Lay their _Pikes_ down very strait with their Right-hands.

30. =Quit your Pikes.=

Fall back with your Left-leg, bringing it even with your Right: Then quit your _Pike_ absolutely, and rise up with a quick Motion.

31. =Handle your Pikes.=

Here you must step forward in a quick Motion with your Left-leg, and then as many as exercise must stoop together, and extend their Right-hands as far as they can reach, and then grasp the _Pike_.

32. =Order you Pikes.=

With your Right-hand raise the Pike, and step back with your Left Leg, with a swift Motion, clapping the Butt-end of the _Pike_ to facilitate the raising of it on the Inside of your Right-foot about the middle.

33. =Pikes to your outside Order.=

In this Exercise place the Butt-end of your _Pike_ on the out-side of your foot, not moving your Foot, but the _Pike_.

34. =Advance your Pike.=

This must be done, as the fore-going; and thus much for the Exercise of the _Pike_ in particular by it self, till I come to speak of its Exercise conjunctly with the _Musquet_, in the general Exercising a Company or Battalion.

_The words of Command in the Exercise of the_ Musquet, _and how they are to be Observed and Performed_.

When you enter on this Exercise, be sure to keep your Footing firm, your Feet at a moderate distance; that at all Times, and on all Occasions, you may retain your full Strength. Observe moreover to keep the Right heel firm, and set the Right foot steady, and then attend to the Words of Command, which you are summoned to do by this Expression of the Commander, viz. _Musketiers, have a Care of the Exercise, and carry your Arms well._ After which, the proper Words of Command follow in their Order.

1. =Lay your Right-hand on your Musket.=

Here the Lock being uppermost, turn the Barrel towards you, and extending your Fingers, lay your Right-hand directly behind the Lock; so close the Butt end to your Shoulder, suffering the _Musket_ to be in all parts of an equal height.

2. =Poise your Musket.=

In doing this, you must hold it with a hard Grasp, facing to the Right, and turning with a quick Motion on your Left-heel, your _Musket_ kept directly before you the height of it, between your Shoulders; your Right elbow on your Side, keeping your feet at a moderate distance, that when you turn about, your Left-toe may stand to the Front, and your Right-toe as you Face to the Left; let your Left-heel be against the middle of your Right-foot; and by such means you will be in a resting posture.

3. =Rest your Musket.=

Here slide your _Musket_ down to your Left-hand bearing your Arm as low as possible without stooping, and so receive your _Musket_ where the Scowrer enters into the Stock, touching with your hand no part of the Barrel, keeping it about half a Foot from your side sloping, your Right-hand, with your Fingers, extended being behind the Lock.

4. =Cock your Musket.=

Place the Right-Thumb and your Finger behind the Trigger, so clap your _Musket_ against your Thigh, and Cock; keeping it that it slip not your Thumb, now removed steady on the Head of the Cock.

5. =Guard your Musket.=

Bring it with a very swift Motion strait before you, to recover your Left-hand even with your mouth, about half a foot distance from it, not suffering your _Musket_ to sink, nor stooping your Body, observing in bringing up the _Musket_ before, which is a recovering, that the Right-heel be brought to the Left-Instep, your _Musket_ being perpendicular.

6. =Present.=

Here fall back with your Right-leg, that the middle of the Right foot may be against the Left-heel; cause the Butt-end to rise to your Shoulder, fixing it firm, and keep your Right elbow even with the height of the Piece, being in a readiness with the fourth Finger of your Right-hand to pull the Trigger, bowing the Left-knee keeping the Right firm and steady, and so level your _Musket_ Breast high.

7. =Fire.=

Keep here an exact Motion in drawing the Trigger, every one drawing at once, so that the whole Fire of a Company or Battalion may be as of one report: Keep your Body steady, and your _Musket_ hard against your Shoulder after you have fired, till the next Word of Command is given, _viz_.

8. =Recover your Arms.=

Here let the Butt-end sink in both your Hands, and bringing it strait before you, keep your right Hand under the Cock and the Left even with your Mouth.

9. =Half bend your Musket.=

Fall back with your Right-leg, and let the _Musket_ at once rest, placing the Right-thumb upon the Cock, and the Fingers of that hand behind the Trigger; then closing it to your Thigh, half bend the Cock, and keep it rested with your Fingers extended.

10. =Clean the Pan.=

Do this with the ball of your Thumb, pressed into the Pan, keeping your Fingers of the Right-hand behind the Lock.

11. =Handle your Primer.=

Take the little end between your Finger and Thumb, turning the other end to the back of your Hand, your Arm bearing backwards.

12. =Prime.=

Level your Piece, and strike your bruised Powder into the Pan half full, or some what more, keeping your Left-toe to the Front.

13. =Shut your Pan.=

This do by using your two first Fingers, casting back your Primer and bringing up your Right-heel to your Left-instep, your _Musket_ strait up before you, as in the recovery, with the Barrel towards you; do it with a quick Motion with the Thumb of your Right-hand on the top of the Steel, Levelling your Left with your Mouth.

14. =Blow off the loose Corns.=

Bring your Mouth within four Inches of the Pan, give a strong Blast without declining your Head, casting out your Arm, and suffering the _Musket_ to sink from its former Posture.

15. =Cast about and Charge.=

Advance your right Leg, turn the Barrel of your _Musket_ downwards, bring it to your Left-side a little backward, with your Left-hand, not touching the Barrel with your Fingers; place the Toes of your Right foot to the Front and the Right-heel against the middle of the Left-foot, ballancing your _Musket_ in the Left hand, the Muzzle to the proper Front, in an equal height, half a Foot from you, joining your Right-hand to the Muzzle, your Thumb extended to the side of the Barrel.

16. =Handle your Charger.=

Gripe fast your Bandilier or Charger, hold it even with the Muzzle of the _Musket_ underneath, about an Inch distant.

17. =Open your Charger with your Teeth.=

In this Case, bring it up to your Mouth without declining your Head, then bring your Charger within an Inch of your Muzzle, about an Inch from it, covering your Chargers Mouth with the ball of your Thumb.

18. =Charge with Powder.=

Pat the Powder into the Barrel with a quick Motion, and put the Charger underneath as before.

19. =Draw forth your Scowrer.=

In this let fall your Charger, and upon turning your Hand, draw forth your Scowrer at three Motions, holding it Level the height of your Forehead, with an extended Arm, as if you designed to dart it.

20. =Shorten it to an Inch.=

Turn the great end of your Scowrer towards you, sinking it till within an Inch of your Hand, rest it some what below your Right-breast, bearing forward a little.

21. =Charge with Bullet.=

Take the Bullet out of your Mouth with your Right-hand, put it into the Barrel with a swift Motion, holding the big end of your Scowrer near the Muzzle of your Musket.

22. =Ram down Powder and Ball.=

Grasp full with your Thumb and Fore-finger from the Muzzle, your Thumb on the Top of the Scowrer reserving a handful in your Hand.

23. =Withdraw your Scowrer.=

Your Hand, Thumb and Fore-finger turned towards the Muzzle, clear your Scowrer at three Motions, and hold it up even with your Forehead, extending your Arm as if you were about to dart it.

24. =Shorten it to an Handful.=

Turn the Butt-end of your Scowrer towards you; sink it till within an Inch of the End, letting it rest against your Body a little below your Right-breast, the Scowrer sloping.

25. =Return your Scowrer.=

Put it up in its proper place; grasp the Muzzle of your _Musket_ with your Right-hand, extending your Thumb upon the Scowrer, keep it half a foot distant from your Side.

26. =Poise your Musket.=

Here before you bring up your _Musket_ with your Left-hand, Grasp it under the Cock with your Right, falling with your Right-leg to your Left: Keep it Poised against your Nose, and when faced to the Front, let your Right-elbow rest upon your Body.

27. =Shoulder your Musket.=

In this do as has been taught in the like case before.

28. =Order your Musket.=

Sink a little your Right-hand, and take hold on the Stock on the top of the Scowrer with your Left-hand, then suffer that Hand to sink, and take hold on the Muzzle with the Right-hand, letting the Butt-end easily sink near the Ground; then let it after a little Pause come down: As many as Exercise grounding them together, then close to the Right-foot, and place the Butt-end about the middle of it, your Right-hand an Inch below the Muzzle, the Lock being outward.

29. =Lay down your Musket.=

Turning it with the Back upwards, step forwards with your Left-leg, so with your Right-hand place it on the Ground, that it may lye with the rest in a strait Line; This some call grounding a _Musket_.

30. =Quit your Musket.=

Here stand upright with a quick Motion, rising with a falling back of your Left-leg to your Right.

31. =Handle your Musket.=

With your Left-leg step forward, and lay your Right hand on the Muzzle.

32. =Order your Musket.=

Raise the Muzzle, and fall back with your Left-leg to your Right, turning the Lock outwards by the middle of your Foot.

And thus much for the Exercise of the _Musket_ by it self, which may be much advantageous to young Trainers, who have occasion to be called or sent out upon Duty in the City or Country and Country Militia of the _Trained Bands_, or for any other who is desirous to be knowing in, and entering upon Military Affairs, from whence I shall proceed to the brief Exercise of the _Pike_ and _Musket_, jointly, as they are Exercised in Companies, Battalions, _&c._

_The Exercise of_ Pike _and_ Musket _jointly._

We now supposing the _Muskets_ shouldered, and the _Pikes_ advanced; the Word next is,

1. =Musketiers, make ready.=

Hereupon you must perform all the Postures and Motions together, till you stand Cock'd and guarded with your _Musket_ before you; and for the better Security your Thumb on the Cock; whereupon the _Pikes_ are to be recovered before the _Pike-men_: The Butt-ends in the Palms of their Hands, and the Spear upright on their Left hands to the height of their Mouths, when the Commander gives the Word

=Charge.=

Then the _Muskets_ and _Pikes_ must be brought at once, by turning the Left-toe that way the Charge is made, and the Left-heel against the middle of the Right-foot in every Charge, charging directly forward; not at the first Charging, closing the _Pikes_ to your Breasts; but in bringing down the _Pike_, charge a little way distant, and when they are brought down, then close them.

The _Charge_ is, _To the Right_ four times; then to the _Right about_, and so, _As you were_.

Then to the _Left Charge_ four times; then to the _Left about_, and so, _As you were_.

Furthermore the _Pike-men_ must turn as the _Musketiers_, bearing up their Right-heels to their Left-insteps, their Arms being extended as they turn; so that they bring their _Muskets_ straight before them, carrying their Left-hands as high as their Mouths, bearing back their Arms; and when they Face, fall back with their Right-legs, not bringing down their Arms till the word _Charge_ is given; and then it must be done with a decent quick Motion, not suffering the _Pikes_ to clatter.

After this, the Words of Command are, _viz._

=Recover your Arms.= =Half bend your Muskets.= =Poise your Muskets.= =Shoulder your Muskets.=

This Exercise is to be observ'd, as is before laid down in the Exercise of the _Musket_. The _Musketiers_ upon this, being at Shoulder; and the _Pikes_ that stood recovered falling out with their Right-legs, whereupon the _Pikes_ are brought to their Thighs in their Advance. Then the next is.

=Poise your Muskets.=

Upon this, the _Pike-men_ with their Left hands must grasp their _Pikes_ over against their Shoulders, after which the Words are,

=Order your Arms.= =Pikes, to your inside Order.= =Lay down your Arms.= =Quit your Arms.= =To the Right about.= =March.=

You must observe these, as directed in the Exercise, only over and above, when you are clear of your Arms; you must disperse, and upon the beat of _Drum_, close hastily together with a Huzza, your Swords unsheathed, with their Points upwards. Then further observe the Words of Command, _viz._

=Return your Swords.= =Handle your Arms.= =Order your Arms.= =Pikes, to your out-side Order.= =Advance.=

In ordering your Arms, observe you make a little stop before you let the Butt-ends come to the Ground; so that each one may bear you company, and they may fall together at once; and after they are laid down, and quitted, you must stand up together so suddenly, as all your Risings may appear as it were but one Motion.

When you March from your Arms, step Front and Rear at once, with the Left-feet Marching but a little distance.

Then lay your Right-hand on your Sword, taking hold of your Scabbard with your Left; and then drawing, hold your Swords upright before you; after you have held them there a while, bring them down at one Motion, and when by Command your Swords are returned, stand upright to your Arms, facing to your proper Front; and if any thing is to be further known, consider the Exercise of the _Pike_ and _Musket_ distinctly, and you will be informed to your Satisfaction.

_Of the Match-Lock._

These Locks were formerly in more use than _Fire-Locks_, and at this day they are sometimes mixed among them; wherefore I shall speak somewhat relating to the Words of Command, that seem to differ from the _Fire-lock_, _viz._

=1. Lay down your Match,= =2. Handle your Match,= =3. Blow your Match,= =4. Cock and try your Match,= =5. Return your Match.=

All these chiefly consist in keeping your Match in order, with a good hard and well lighted Coal, fastning it on Command, advantageous in your Skrew, blowing the Coal, and so by pulling the Trigger, trying your Pan with false Flashes, laying it down at Command, and by the same order taking it up again; shortning it to the Pan, that it may give true Fire, and upon firing, to return it, and recover the Coal, if it be shattered by the force of the Powder. You must observe also to keep your Match dry, that on occasion you may not be disappointed.

And this in brief is all materially relating to the _Match-Lock_; the other Postures of the _Musket_ are all ready described, being sufficient to direct the Exercise; yet seeing many lay much stress on the Beat of _Drum_, Take that a long with you, as it relates to Exercise, and so I shall take Leave of the foot, and make a visit to the Horse.

_Exercise by Beat of Drum, relating to the Foot._

There are usually observed in this, six Points, which are called Points of War, and are said to be semi-vocal; because by them the Soldiers understand what is to be done; and can distinguish their Duty and Exercise; and of these in their order.

1. _The Call._ This is to Summon the Soldiers together to their Arms, or upon any other occasion, as to hear Proclamation, or receive Directions, _&c._ from the Officers, and are not without leave to Ramble, especially in time of War, beyond the hearing of it, under great Penalties.

2. _The Troop._ When the Soldiers hear this, they must Advance their _Pikes_, Shoulder their _Muskets_, and close their Ranks and Files to order, following their Leaders or Commanders to the place of Rendezvous, Quarters, or elsewhere.

3. _The March._ When you hear this, you must betake you to your open Orders in Ranks, Shoulder both _Musket_ and _Pike_; and so as the _Drum_ beats, you March slower or quicker.

4. _The Preparative._ Is to warn you to close your proportionable or due distance, when you are to prepare for Battle or Skirmish; and to see every thing be in order that may turn to advantage.

5. _The Battle._ This is by some called the Charge, or Signal to Charge the Enemy, and is beat in the beginning of the Fight to animate the Soldiers Courage.

6. _The Retreat._ This is beat when being over-powered, it is thought convenient to draw off and save a total Rout, or sometimes when an Enemy you suppose stronger than your self advances towards you to engage, but by Retreating you avoid him.

There are two more things on the _Drum_, somewhat to our purpose, _viz._

1. _The Tatto or Tapto._ This is used in a Rounds and Garisons, to give notice to the Soldiers and Inhabitants when they ought to repair to their Quarters and Houses.

2. _Revalley._ Is to let them know when it is time to rise in the Morning, and attend on their Duty also. In Garisons, to let the People know when its safe to go abroad, the out Scouts being Relieved.

_The Exercise of Horse in Troops or Squadrons_, &c.

The Exercise of the Horse is various from that of the Foot, and therefore that I may not be wanting in what is necessary to the young Soldier in their Exercising in the County Troops, or those that may enter the present Service Abroad, I shall endeavour to give the Words of Command proper with their Explanation.

And first, when Troop or Squadron is drawn out to Exercise, I suppose their _Carbines_ and _Pistols_ loaden, and the Corporals passing through the Ranks to see they are all ready, upon which, observe the chief Officer Commands Silence, and gives the following Words of Command, _viz._

1. =Lay your Right Hands on your Swords.= 2. =Draw your Swords.= 3. =Put your Swords in your Bridle-hand.= 4. =Lay your Hands on your Pistols.= 5. =Hold up your Hands. Give Fire.=

When you have fired, let not your Pistol-hand sink till the next Word of Command, _viz._

6. =Return your Pistols.=

And this you must observe in Firing to the Left and Right; Then,

7. =Lay your Hands on your Carbines.= 8. =Advance your Carbines.= 9. =Cock your Carbines. Fire.= 10. =Let fall your Carbines.= 11. =Take your Swords from your Bridle-hands.=

These must be done with a swift and exact Motion, all as near as may be doing it at one and the same time.

If a Squadron of Horse is to Wheel to the Right, the Right-hand-man must not close to the Left, as has in ancient times been; for that many times disorders the Rank; but you must keep your Ground, suffering the Left to come about whilst you only turn your Horses Heads, observing your Left-hand-man.

_To close the File._

_The Right Wing file stand._

1. =Close your files.= 2. =To The Right.= 3. =To the Left as you were.= 4. =To the Left wing, and stand.= 5. =To the Left by files close the Squadron.= 6. =To the Right as you were.= 7. =The Right and Left Wing Files stand.= 8. =By half Ranks, close Files to the Right and Left.=

And by closing Files you may cleave or divide the Squadron.

_The Order of closing Ranks._

1. =File-leader stand.= } { Or open on the Front, 2. =By ranks close the= } { Or the first distances. =Squadron to the Front.= } { 3. =On the Front as= } { And so be cautious in =you were.= } { observing each Motion.

_How doubling Ranks must be Ordered._

1. =By half Files to the Right, double your Ranks to the Front.= 2. =File-leaders, advance your Ranks, File-leaders, take your Ground.=

And in this manner Command likewise to the Left, the Order being one and the same in the Words of Command. [Again,]

3. =The first half Files stand.= 4. =By half file-leaders on the Left-wing, double your Rank to the Front.=

Now to reduce this, take the following Method;

1. =Right-wing half Ranks, advance your Ranks.= 2. =Half File-leader take your Ground.= 3. =The first half File stand.= 4. =By half File-leaders on the Right and Left-wings, double your Ranks to the Front, Carocoling to the Right and Left. Then the last half File stand, and the first half file by Carocol in the Right and Left on the wings; then double our Ranks to the Rear.=

Here observe the first File must open the half Rank to the Right and Left, the first half File by Carocol. Then

=To the Right and Left double your Ranks to the Rear.=

Here observe the last half File must open the half Rank to the Right and Left.