THE SECOND PART OF THE SOLDIER'S GRAMMAR: OR A SCHOOL FOR Young Soldiers. Especially for all such as are called to any place, or office, (how high or low soever) either in the City, or Country, for the Training, and exercising of the Trained Band, whether they be Foot or Horse. Together with perfect Figures and Demonstrations for attaining the knowledge of all manner of Imbattailing, and other Exercises. By. G. M. LONDON, Printed for Hugh Perry, and are to be sold in Britain's Burse, at the sign of the Harrow. 1627. A Table of all the principal things handled in this Book. CHAP. I OF the Ranges of Officers from the lowest to the highest. Page 1 Of the Launspesado, Ibidem Of the Corporal, Pag. 2 Of the Sergeant of the Band, Ibid. Of the Drum, 3 Of the Clerk of the Band, Ibid. Of the Chirurgeon, 4 Of the Ensign Ibid. Of the Lieutenant 5 Of the Quartermaster, Ibid. Of the Provost-marshall, 6 Of the Captain Ibid. Of the Sergeant Majors of Regiments, Ibid. Of Lieutenant Colonel of Regiments, 7 Of Colonels of Regiments. Ibid. Of the Sergeant Maior general. Ibid. Of the Colonel general. 8 Of Lieutenant general of the Horse. Ibid. Of the Treasurer of the Army. Ibid. Of the Master of the Ordnance. Ibid. Of the Lord Martial. 9 Of Lieutenant General of the Army, Ibid. Of the General, Ibid. A Second Range, 10 Of the Master Gunner. Ibid. Of the Trenchmaster, Ibid. Of the Wagon Master, 11 Of the Forrage-Master, Ibid. Of the Victuall-Master, Ibid. Of the judge-marshall, 12 Of the Scout-Master, Ibid. Of the Lieutenant of the Ordnance Ibid. Of the Muster-Master General. Ibid. Chap. 2. OF the several Imbattellings of a private Company of two hundred, or otherwise. 17 Differences in opinions touching a private Company, Ib. The Roman rule for Companies, 14 The true composition of a Company, Ibid. The first Imbattelling of 200 men, 15 The second form of Imbattelling, being against Horse. 17 The manner of Sally or giving of volleys against the Horse. 19 The manner of Volleys, when the Foot battle is charged every way. 22 The Imbattailing of many squares in one square. 23 The politic or deceiving Battle. 25 The Battle to withstand the Wedge of Horse. 27 The square Battle whereof to frame a Diamond. 29 The Diamond Battle itself. 30 The Diamond Battaile brought into a Triangle, or two Triangles. 31 The form of Imbattelling for Speech, or Parley. 41 Another form of Imbattailing for Speech or Parley. 42 Of the Ring, the half Moon, the Spur, and the like Imbattellings. 43 Chap: 3. The several Imbattailing of a Regiment of 1000 men or more. 44 Disputation grown about Imbattailing. Ibid. The Author's discussion of the difference, between whom the diffierence is. Ibid. The opinion of the new Soldier. Ibid. The new form of imbattailing a Regiment. 45 The Numbers commanded, 46 The opinion of the old Soldiers Ibid. The old and ancient form of Imbattailing a Regimnt. Ibid. The young Soldier's reasons for their opinions. Ibid. The old Soldier's reason for their opinions. 47 Other reasons. 49 The danger of the first form of Imbattailing. 51 The Author's censure of both the opiniones. 52 The former difference reconciled. Ibid: Chap. 4. OF the joining of sundry Regiments together. 53 What is the great substance of the Art Military Ibid. Of what Armies consist. bid. How to observe dignity of place. 54 Regiments joined together in plain battle. 55 Who are to form battles. 56 Observation of grounds. Ibid. Regiments divided yet brought into uniformity. 57 Chap: 5. THe forming of main batailes of any extent or Number how great soever. 56 Observations in the Shaping of battles. Ibid. The composition of battles and the members 60 How to find a square root and the use thereof Ibid. The dividing of a battle Ibid. Alteration of Squares, or squares in squares. 61 Of Forlornes. Ibid. Of the Vanguard. 62 Of the battle. Ibid. Of the Rear. Ibid. Of the Horse battle and the great Ordnance with the guard thereof. 63 The portraiture of a plain ordinary battle. 64 The Windmill battle of 50000 men, Foot and Horse. 65 The end of the Table. THE SECOND PART OF the Soldier's Grammar. CHAP. 1. Of the Range of Officers, from the lowest to the Highest. ALl the low inferior Ranges I have a little touched before, both in the Accidence, and in the first part of this Grammar, but not so Methodically and orderly as now I intend to proceed, and of the great and superior Officers, I have not made any mention at all; and therefore in this place I may not omit them. Launcepesado. The lowest Range and meanest officer in an Army is called the Launcepesado, or Launspresado, who is the leader or governor of half a File, and therefore is commonly called a Middle man, or Captain over four. He is the Corporals deputy, and in his absence, dischargeth his duties: the nature of whose place, his Office and dignity, I have at large set down in the Soldier's Accidence: This is the most inferior Officer or effectual Commander, and therefore hath the lowest and last Range in Battles, yet he holdeth his dignity by the antiquity of his Place, and the greatness of him under whom he is commanded: As the Launspesado under the General, is before the Launspesado under the lieutenant-general; that of the Sergeant Maior General, before the Colonel General; that of the Colonel of a Regiment, before his Lieutenant Colonel; the Lieutenant Colonel, before the Sergeant Mayor of a Regiment; the Sergeant Maior, before the Captain; and the Captains successively according to their antiquities. Corporal Next above the Launspesado is ranged the Corporal, of whose particular Office I have written sufficiently in the Soldier's Accidence. He is the Leader or Captain of a File, and the Commander of a Squadron, which commonly is twenty five Men; these take their ranges or places of dignity as the former, that is, according to their antiquity, and the greatness of the Person under whom they are commanded. Sergeant of the Band. The next in range above the Corporal is the Sergeant of the Band, whose particular Office I have also at large set down in the Soldier's Accidence; and howsoever his Name and Place be neglected and forgotten in the Roman discipline, yet is he an Officer with us of great use and eminence; he hath no certain place or range within the Battalia, but is extravegant and wandering up & down every where, to see the Ranks and Files be kept, and that the Body run not into any disorder; they also take their places of dignity and are ranged as the former, that is, according to their antiquity, and the greatness of the Person under whom they command. Next to the Sergeant of the Band is ranged the Drum, The Drum whose place is Gentile and of great respect, for he ought to be a Soldier of much experience and judgement, and (if possible) a good Linguist, that being sent to the Enemy upon any occasion, he may be able to deliver his Message without any Interpreter or assistant, and also, to take notice of such things of importance as shall encounter with his eyes or ears, whereby his own party may be bettered or secured; this Officer is ranged according to his antiquity and greatness of place; that is to say, the Drum Mayor of the Army hath the first and principal range, than the Drum Majors of Regiments successively, according to the antiquities of their Colonels; and so all other Drums, according to the places of their Officers in chief & other Captains. The Clerk of the Band Next the Drum I range the Clerk of the Band who although he be no Soldier, nor have any Martial command in the Field, or before the face of the Enemy, yet ought he to be a Gentleman of good respect and well qualified, that is to say, he ought to be learned in all Martial Laws, whereby he may instruct the Soldiers, and prevent Trespasses; he ought to be skilful in accounts, because he is the Auditor which keepeth all sorts of accounts between the Captain and the Soldier; as for his range, it is incertain, for he hath no particular Place of pre-eminence, but so far forth as his honest virtue and fair demeanour carrieth him, so he is to be respected and preferred, and this range will fall fit both with his quality and place, as is seen in the general experience both of our own and other Armies; and this Officer holdeth the dignity of his place, not according to antiquity, but according to the greatness and great office of the Person under whom he serveth. Next to this Officer I range the Chirurgeon, The Chirurgeon. who likewise is no Soldier, but holdeth the dignity of his place from courtesy and good manners; he ought to be learned and skilful in his profession, & thereby having won the heart of the Soldier, he need not doubt of reverence; as for his range in general, it is according to his desert and fair demeanour; but in particular (and amongst his fellow Surgeons) the Chirurgeon Maior hath the first range, and then the rest according to antiquity, and the greatness of the Person under whom he serveth. Now to return again to the Soldier: The next Officer which is ranged in the wars is the Ensign of the Band, The Ensign. or bearer of the Captain's Colours; this Officer ought to be a Gentleman of great respect and trust, for his Captain's honour is delivered into his care and keeping: Whence it came to pass that the ancient Romans when they delivered their Colours to any man's trust, they did it with great ceremony and solemnity, the party trusted, receiving them by oath, in the face of the Soldiers; and the Soldiers likewise taking an oath for faithfulness to their Colours, and this oath was called Militia Sacrata: This Officer was called amongst the Romans, Signifer, or Bandopharus, whom they ever ranged next unto the Captain, as at this day the Spaniard doth, who will not allow any Lieutenant, because there shall not be any interposition between the Ensign bearer and the Captain; but our discipline altereth in this nature, and therefore the Ensign taketh his range after his Lieutenant, and according to his antiquity, or the greatness of the person under whom he commandeth, having superior Office or place of command in the Army. Next to the Ensign, is ranged the Lieutenant of a Band, The Lieutenant. whom (howsoever the Romans and Spaniards do skip and leap over, as a place neglected or forgotten) yet is he a Gentleman of singular trust and reputation, for he is his Captains principal Councelor, and one that taketh all burdens from the Captain's shoulders: In the Captain's absence he performeth all the Captain's duties, commandeth as Captain, and in his presence is assistant to all the Captain's commandments, and an indifferent moderator in all questions between the Captain and the Soldier: These Lieutenants take their ranges or places of dignity according to the antiquity of their Captains, and the greatness of place in which they command; as the Lieutenant to the General, or the Lieutenant General are Captains absolute: The Lieutenants of other great and superior Officers, and the Lieutenants of Colonels are Captains in courtesy, and may in a Court of War fit as the puny Captain of that Regiment in which he commandeth: The Lieutenants of Lieutenant Colonels are ranged next unto them, than the Lieutenants of Sergeant Mayor, and lastly the Lieutenants of Captains, according to command and antiquity. Quarter Master Next to the Lieutenants are ranged the Quarter Masters of Regiments, who besides the division of Quarters, aught to discharge the office of Harbingers, for to make them two distinkt places is a surcharge to the Army, and these take their ranges according to the dignity of the Regiment in which they command. Provest Marshal Next to the Quarter Masters are ranged the Provost Marshals of the best degree, and these take their places according to their election and antiquity. Above all these are ranged the Captains, of which amongst the Romans were two several kinds, the one called Centurion, or a commander of one hundred, the other Cohortis Praefectus, and commanded an whole Battalia, in which were diverse Centurions, and yet but one Ensign; and these at this day are those which we call Colonels: But for the private Captain (of whom we speak) he is (or aught to be) a Gentleman of great wisdom, courage and judgement, wise in the election of his Officers and the manage of his affairs, valyent in the executing of all manner of commands and the contempt of dangers, and excellent in judging of all occurrences and occasions, by which great perils may be prevented, and the lesser so qualified, that they may wear no vizard of amazement: These Captains take their ranges according to their antiquities, or the places of great Office whereunto they are advanced. 〈◊〉 Mayor of Regiments Next to the Captains are ranged the Sergeant Majors of Regiments, being principal Captains in the Regiment wherein they serve, and having power upon all commandments, to imbattaile and form the Regiment according to the form and demonstration appointed by the Sergeant Maior general: These Officers take their range according to antiquity, and the dignity of the place whereunto they are called, (that is to say) before every private Capiaine. Next to these are ranged the Lieutenant Colonels of Regiments, Lieutenant Colonels of regiments who are a degree above the Sergeant Maior, and are Gentlemen of noble and brave quality, every one in the absence of the Colonel governing as the absolute Colonel; their range holdeth according to antiquity and no otherwise. Next above these are ranged the Colonels, who in in dignity of place are as far above the Captains, Colonels of regiments as the Captains above the private Soldier; they command in their Regiments sometimes five hundred, sometimes a thousand, sometimes fiveteene hundred, and sometimes two thousand, according to the trust reposed, and the virtues of him trusted: These Colonels are ranged according to their antiquity, or the greatness of the place they hold, the eldest Colonel (being ever Magister de Campo, or, Camp Master) holding the first or primer place, and all the rest successively according to antiquity: This Officer was of great account amongst the Romans, and had diverse attributes given to their virtues, being sometimes called Drungarius sometimes Tribunus or Militum, Chiliarchus, and the like; and when their commands came to be advanced as to be made Camp Master or Colonel General, than they were called Turmarca, Merarca or Turmarum Praefectus, so great was the estimation of this high command. Next these is ranged the Sergeant Maior General, Sergeant maior general whom the Romans called Tessararius, he ought to be a man of noble quality and high valour, in as much as all his actions (for the most part) are executed in the face of the Enemy, and he is evermore of the Council of War. Colonel General. Next him is ranged the Colonel General, a man of equal virtue and gifts with the former, especially he ought to be exceeding temperate and just, for upon him resteth the according of all differences of great nature which shall happen in the Army; and he is also evermore one of the Council of War. Lieutenant General of the Horse. Next him is ranged the Lieutenant General of the Horse, who hath the same command, and dischargeth the same duty amongst the Horsemen that the Colonel General doth amongst the Foot, and he is evermore also one of the Council of War: This Officer was called among the Romans, Magister Equitum, or Praefectus Equitum; he hath a general command over all Horsemen whatsoever, whether they be Men at Arms which were called Cataphractos; or Light Horsemen, which were called Expeditos Incursores; he is also ever of the Council of War. Treasurer of the Army Next this Officer, is ranged the High Treasurer of the Army, who amongst the ancient Romans was called Quaestor; this man is under no command but the General only, yet is to draw his eye and respect through the whole Army, especially he is to have regard to the Auditor, Muster Master, and commissary of the Army, and is of the Council. Master of the Ordnance. Next to this Officer, is ranged the Master of the Ordnance, who is a principal Officer of the Field, having command of all manner of Artillery, Munition, and Engines whatsoever, and is also one of the Council of War. The next great Officer is the Lord Martial of the Field, Lord Martial whose command stretcheth every way, both to the Horse and Foot; how excellent he ought to be, is not to be disputed, because he ought to be one of the best of Soldiers, having a prerogative to disannul foreign laws, and to make good whatsoever shall be thought fit in his own Army. Next this great Officer, Lieuteant general of the Army is ranged the Lieutenant General of the Army, who indeed is but the younger brother to the General, and in his absence hath his sovereign authority, and the absolute Rule of the Army, being (as it were) a Superintendant over all the rest of the great ones. Lastly, (as having no parallel, The General but carrying a supreme and sovereign authority over all the whole Army) is ranged the General, whom the ancient Soldiers would allow to be no less than a King, valuing this high Place at so great a rate, that they thought the best Subject too mean to undergo it; But we find it otherwise, and reason leads us to better argument; for although Kings are the best Generals, yet (God forbid) but they should have that power and privilege to elect out of their Noblest and best deserning Subjects, such able and sufficient Generals as may take upon them the government of an army, and not be tied at all times and upon all occasions to embark themselves into the danger of the Wars. Thus you see that Subjects may be Generals, yet indeed none worthily but the best of Subjects, who for their excellent virtues draw the nearest in quality unto Kings. A second Range Thus have I run through the whole Range of great and small Offices, which support and govern an Army, and must of necessity be (for their Martial employment) in the range and march thereof; yet notwithstanding I must confess, I have skipped or leapt over a range of Officers, which out of certain privileges which they have, are more remote and abandoned from the Army, or else have such places of particularity and certainty, that they do not entirely mix and join with the gross Body; beside, they have another dependence, and indeed are called the particular Officers belonging unto the Cavalarie or Horse Army, and howsoever they have Foot commands, yet they depend and wait upon the Horse, and from the Lord Martial take all their directions. The Master Gunner, The first and the lowest of these is the Master Gunner, who is indeed but an inferior Officer under the Master of the Ordnance; he hath authority over all the rest of the Gunners, and aught to see that every man perform his duty: This Officer, though he had no place amongst the Romans, because the invention of Powder was not then found out, yet they had amongst them a kind of Artillery, which they called Arietes, Scorpions, Balistas, Arcubalistas, Testudines, Turres, and a world of other Engines, the Governor whereof was the same in nature that our Master Gunner is. The Trench Master, Next above this Officer, is ranged the Trench Master, who hath command over all the P●●●ers in all their works, and by his directions seeth all manner of Trenches cast up, whether it be for guard and enclosing of the Camp, or for other particular annoyance to the Enemy, or for the building of Sconces or other defence or offence, as directions shall be given. Next this Officer is ranged the Wagon Master or Carriage Master General, The Wagon Master, who amongst the Romans was called Impedimentorun Magistrun, the Master of Impediments or hindrances in the Wars; for it is true, that from niceness & curiosity, first grew the foundation of this Office; he hath supreme authority over all Wagons, Carriages, Sledds, and the like, and forseeth that they march orderly, without cloying up the high ways, or doing foul annoyances one to the other in their marches, with a world of other observations, which are too long to recite in this place. Next this Officer, The Forage Master is ranged the Forage Master General, who is a principal dependant upon the Lord Martial: To this Officers charge is delivered the disposing of all manner of Horse provisions, as Hay, Corn, Strawe, Grasse, Forage, & the like, and he forseeth that all inferior Officers which have charge herein do their duties truly, and that equal distribution be made, and no Soldier hindered of his true allowance, and where fault is, to see due punishment executed on the offenders. Next this Officer, The Victual Master is ranged the Victual Master General, to whose charge is delivered all kind of Food and sustenance belonging to the Soldier, as Bread, Biscuit, Butter, Cheese, Beef, Poore-Iohn, Gaberdine, Peafe, Wheat, Ryce, and the like, and by his inferior Officers (which are called Provant-masters) he is to see that due distribution be made thereof amongst the Soldiers, according to allowance from the superior Officers. The judge Martial Next this, is ranged the judge-marshall, or commissary general, who ought to be a learned Gentleman and skilful in the civil and Marshal Laws, For he expoundeth them to the Soldier and giveth sentence upon all Offenders and Offences; as they are decreed by a Marshal Court. The Scout-Master Next this Officer is Randged the Scout-Master General, who amongst the Romans was an Officer unknown, because they never lodged their Horse without the verge of the Camp, or the walls of the Town as in our modern wars now we do, yet had the Romans their discoverers, which they called Scultators, or Speculators, or indeed Campiductores, who differed little or nothing in their charge and Office from these which we call Scouts, or Scoute-Master; this Officer hath command over all Scouts, maketh election of places of danger where to place them, and giveth them all directions which they are to observe; his dependence is upon the Lord Martial, and he is a principal Councillor in disposing of the Camp, and informeth the manner of the Horse Parado when the watch is to be set. The Lieutenant of the Ordnance Next this officer is Ranged the Lieutenant of the Ordnance, who hath his general dependence on the Master of the Ordnance, having under his charge the command of all the small Ordnance and Munition; and in the absence of the Master commandeth as the Master, both over the great and lesser Artillery and over all sorts of Officers depending upon the Master's commandment, The Muster Master general The last and greatest of this second range is the Muster master General, or Controller of the Musters being an high and most necessary Officer in all royal Armies; his Office extendeth to the numbering of men, to the well Arming, ordering and disposing of bodies; to the preventing of all manner of frauds and deceits in the Captains, and their inferior Officers: he hath the list of every man's band, prevents alterations, hath the Control of all inferior Comisaries under him, he appeaseth differences between Captains and his Ministers, giveth out all the warrants for full pay, Checketh all gross defaults and is evermore one of the Counsel of war. Thus I have showed you a true range of all Officers in the wars, from the lowest to the highest, as also those which have a Colatterall dependence, by which it is easily for any man to understand how they be joined and linked together; I will now descend to matters of other Importance. CHAP. II. Of the several Imbattaling of a private Company of 200. or otherwise. THere hath been, Differences in opinions, touching a private company, and is at this day, much disputation and Arguments amongst old and new Soldiers touching the composition or Number of a private Captain's company, some allowing more as 200, or 250, & 300, nay at this day 500, in a private Captains Command; others allow less, as but 50. or 100 or 150 at the most, But in both these there are extremities; & as 250, 300 and 500 are more than any private man can well govern, for neither can his eye or voice extend either to instruction or correction, the front will be so dilated and spread, for 500: men must ever carry 50: in breast; so likewise the number of 50: in the whole body is too few and neither sorteth with discipline, nor is an equal advancement for a well deserving Captain; for if the Captain of 100: men have but 4 per diem entertainment, than the Ceptaine of 50: can expect but 2 per diem which is to little either to support his place, or maintain the Rank where unto he is called. It is true that the ancient Romans allowed their Captains but 100: The Romans rule for companies. and there upon called them Centurions, and it is true also that this is an wholesome proportion both in respect of the entertainment, and easiness of government, and the form of the Body, which being a true square they are ever most ready and proper for the forming and fashioning of any gross body or Battle what soever; but notwithstanding the aptness and readiness of this body; yet the necessity of affairs; the diligence and desert of well deserving Spirits compels our Generals to allow other numbers, and as 100 men is thought sufficient for a Captain at his first beginning, so an 150, or 200 men to him that hath excellently deserved is but a competent advancement and by the aid of sufficient Officers may be governed and instructed in all perfecton, but to exceed this number of 200: there will be ever error found and advancement will prove an hurt and Burden. The true composition of a Company Sure then it must fall out in the Conclusion that 200 men is the only perfect number whereon to compound a private company: I will therefore take that number in hand and show you the several Imbattaling or forms of Battle whereunto they can be reducted: wherein you are first to conceive that (according to our present discipline, this number of 200: men is divided into two bodies equal, or two distinct and several weapons, that is to say, 100: Pyks, and 100 Shott or Muskets: the Pyks I do express under this character (p) and the Shott or Musquetts under this character: (s) The First imbattalling then of a Company of 200: The First Imbattaling of 200. men is to draw them into a form or kind of Square Body, according to the form of this figure following. The First Form of Imbattalling of two hundred men. This Battayll you see almost drawn to a Square by reason of the distance, for it is to be supposed, that now this body standeth at order in Files, which is three foot; and at open order in Ranks, which is Six foot: and so by extending the length the file is made as large as the front; and of all Battles this is the strongest and the best, being ablest to bring most hands to fight without disorder and the soon repaired and amended whensoever it shall come to any ruin, for now it standeth ready for all motions what soever. There is an other manner of Imbattailing of this number, when they shall encounter with a Troop of Horse, the order and proportion whereof is Contained in this figure following: The second form of Imbattailing being against Horse. Here in this battle you see how the ranks of Shott are drawn within the Ranks of Pikes and so covered and safeguarded that the Horsemen cannot charge or break upon, or through them, but with most eminent and certain danger, for the volleys lie rrady prepared, and the Pikes stand so that they cannot be enforced to any rout or disorder; And here you shall take a principal observation; that if the horse which shall charge this Battle of foot be Gentlemen at Arms, Armed Cap a pe: from head to foot; with strong Lances in their hands and Pistols at the Saddle bow; and the Horse Armed also both with defensive & offensive Armour, then shall all the Pikes charge at the right foot and draw their swords over arm, every man with his former foot linking in his leaders hinder foot; But if the Horse be but Curashieirs Armed from the head to knee, with long Pystols and unarmed Horses, then shall all the Pikes charge above hand, and not at the right foot, and shall also advance forward in their charge and offer to encounter with the Horse, for their strength is such that it cannot be broken by unarmed Horses, nor can they be ruined but by the utter loss of the Horse Troop, Now for the manner of the Salley of this enclosed Shot, and how they shall give their volley, to the most anoiance of the enemy, you shall perceive it in the form of this next figure following. The manuer of gining Volleyss against the Horse. here you see that in this Salley or giving of the volley against the horse, one half of the Muskets (upon the first appearance or approach of the Troop and before they come within distance to deliver their pistols) Issueth fourth by the flank, which by wheel or otherwise, by turning of faces you shall ever make the front, and being advanced some small distance they presently spread forth themselves into one single file, and so deliver their volley alltogeather, whilst the other half of the Shot ascend into their places, and make ready, than that part of the Shot which did Issue forth, and have given their volley, shall with all convenient speed retire themselves again between the ranks, and Pass behind the Shot which filleth their rooms and there lad thire Muskets again; whilst the Pikes charge either to the right foot, or alloft according to the nature of the Horse Troop which chargeth them; then the Horse wheeling about to recover the second Pistol the other half of the Shot shall Issue out and deliver their volley as the former. Now if the Horse Troop shall happen to divide itself and so charge the foot Battle on both sides, or if they shall range themselves and charge every way, both before, behind, and on both sides, then shall the Shot Issue out both ways and girdle the battle round about, according to the form and fashion of this figure following. Volleys when the foot Battaile is charged every way. Thus you see the Shot issueth fourth equally on on both sides, and girdleth the foot Battalia round about, so that the volley is given entirely and without impeachment or trouble one of another, whereas to shoot over one another's Shoulder or by making the First man kneel, the Second stoop, the Third bend his body, the Fourth lean forward, and the fifth to stand upright, and so to deliver their volley were both rude and disorderly, bringing great danger to the Soldier, and placing them in such a lame and uncomely Posture, that all Agility and aptness to do service would be taken away and the enemy taking advantage thereof would be much more ready and apt to break in upon them and drive them to rout and confusion. There is an other form of Imbattaling this company of 200 men, and it is excellent either against foot or Horse, & hath so many several ways to fight, and that with such strength and safety, that on which hand soever the Battle shall be assailed, yet it will stand impregnable, the Shot so seconding the Pikes, and the Pikes so guarding the Shot that every way it will give a certain and Infallibe repulse unto the enemy. This Battle is a square Battle as the rest before showed; yet it is compounded of diverse squares or Maniples, which amongst the best experienced Soldiers is held the best and safest way of fight, the form of which Battle is contained in this figure following. The Imbattelling of many Squares in one Square. here you see eight several squares brought into one square, and the ninth reserved void for the entertainment of the Ensign, & such short weapons as shall attend it, which howsoever they be out of use, in the Low-Countries, where groose Bodies, seldom or never join, yet with us, where hand Battaile must continually be expected, they are not unnecessary, nor to be neglected. This form of Battle carrieth the front every way, and upon the allteration of the face, is ready to receive the charge four several ways at once, with equal strength and oppositions; for every square is a several Manuple, and one so answering to another that nothing but multitudes can subdue it. There is again another form of Imbattailling these 200: men, which howsoever it carry an imaginary face of weakness, yet it is strong and substantial, and was indeed invented through the false show, to draw and bring the enemy on, who being once engaged, in the open and weak places, the Maniples or small squares, at an instant retire, and join themselves together so strongly, that it is impossible for the enemy to come off without great loss or utter subversion. This Battle (as the former) is compounded of nine squares fulfiled and supplied, and of six empty and unsupplied, which may draw on, and entice the enemy to charge; but afterward by closing and joining together, frustrateth that hope, and leaves the event to the hazard of fortune. The form of this politic and deceiving Battle is expressed in this figure following. The Politic, or deceiving Battle. here you see that though these empty places in the Battle are reserved, whereby to entice the enemy; yet they are so slanked on either hand and before, both with Pikes and Shot, that no approach can be made without danger: no if the Horse should attempt to charge and break in, thinking to cut the Shot from the Pikes as in outward show it seemeth likely; yet have the Shot such safe and several places to retire into, and the Pikes standing so apt and ready to cover and entertain them, that the assault is to no purpose, and the Battle standeth still stronger and stronger. The difference betwixt this Battle and the former is only the breach and separation of Manuples, which being advanced one from another (yet within the distance of guard) have more liberty to fight, and may alter their proportions, or distances, as they please. There is another form of imbattailing these 200 men, and it is principally used against the Horse, especially, when they charge in the form of a wedge, or Triangular, of which wedge I have spoken more largely in the former part of this Grammar, and this Battle also is drawn from a main square, only the weapons are altered, and the opposition of the Pikes are made strongest in the bottom of the Battle; This Battle was of great use amongst the Grecians before fire or powder was known, and many famous votaries, and Triumphs gotten by the use thereof, and therefore having now fire and Shot to assist the natural strength thereof, it must needs be more acceptable and worthier of imitation. This Battle is drawn by division between the Middle men to the front, and the Middlemen to the rear, and between the Middle men to the right flank, and the Middle men to the left, leaving the Shot within the Pikes, in such manner, that upon all assaults they may have free use of their Arms; and yet notwithstanding abide in safety in despite of the enemy. The form of this Battle is expressed in the next figure following. The Battle to withstand the wedge of Horse. Thus you see how this battle is interlined with the Shot, & guarded with the Pikes, so that although there be a field of entrance, yet it is a strait place of much danger; and howsoever the enemy may come on boldly, yet he cannot but return heavily. Many other sorts of imbatialing there are, though none more necessary, as the battle called Diamond, the Battle Triangular, and such like; which Novelty (I know) is desirous to search into; and the proportions I know at the first, carry a great show of much skill, and counning, especially to the ignorant, but being once waded into with judgement, there is nothing more facile or easy: therefore to draw a Diamond Battle, first draw your battle into a square, according to the first figure in this book; or for your better remembrance, according to this figure following which being but compounded of 144 men; may serve to express the manner and fashioning of 4000 The Square Battle, whereof to frame a Diamond. here you behold the square or form of a Battalia, now to reduce this to a Diamond, or imperfect square, the Captain shall come to the leader of the right hand file, (which is the first and principal man of the company) and advancing before him, shall wheel the whole company into a direct line, with the right point forward, and the left point descending, as in this figure following. The Diamond Battle: here you see that by drawing forth of the Battle, howsoever square at the first, yet by alteration of distance, it is brought into a perfect Diamond form; and although the Pikes and Shot keep their places, as in the square, yet at your pleasure you may change them, and draw the weapons to what part of the Battle, and into what files yourself pleaseth. Now to bring this Diamond or any other Diamond into a perfect Triangular: you shall cut off the Diamond Battle in the Midst, through the two middle extreme parts, and then will remain unto you two Triangulars, a greater and a less, which you may double or increase, as you shall find occasion; so that albeit by this division you find how to make this proportion, yet perceiveing how you may double and increase both the files and ranks, (whose number is ever constant and certain, according to the proportion of the Triangle) you may at pleasure without any division or separation of body, form this Triangle, out of the files and ranks only. But because you shall not stand amazed at this business, I will in a few Characters, contain but a few men (which is the easiest for capasity) show you how to bring a Diamond to a Triangle, as in this figure following appeareth. A Diamond Battle brought into a Triangle. Thus you see the Diamond is cut into two Triangles which being led several ways may serve as two Bodies, and that to exceeding good, and honourable purpose, for this Diamond, or sharp piercing body, is of great force to enter and break any square body, and being but entered in with the point, the rest of the body followeth with such order and strength, and so increaseth and maketh the Breach greater, and greater, that the square body can hardly join together again, but falleth into rout, or into a retreat that is full as dishonourable, and to this purpose was this Diamond foot battle first of all invented. There is again another manner of imbattailing this private company of 200, which howsoever it be seldom or never used in fight, yet it is of excellent use in the field, both before the framing of the battle, & after the battle is framed, this manner of imbatailing, is when either any of the Captain's officers would deliver a private message to the company, which none but themselves should hear, or when the Captain himself, would either give secret directions, or impart matter of instruction, or matter of reprehension, or when any other supreme officer of the field, would deliver to the company either encouragement or caution. The manner of this imbattailing is in this wise, the Captain shall first cause both the wings of Shot to stand still, having drawn them up into their close order, than he shall advance the first division of Pikes upward, till the middle men of the Pikes to the rear be equal with the two first ranks of Shot, and every man in his close order, then shall the Subdivision turn their faces about and descend downward, till the middle men of the front be equal with the two last ranks of Shot, then having closed all strongly together, and turned every face upon the Centre: The Captain, Lieutenant, Ensigne, and such other Officers, as he will have partakers of his speech, shall come into the square void place of the Battle, and there deliver what seemeth good to himself; which finished, he shall reduce his Battle back into its first form, as for the shape of Imbattelling for Parley, it will carry the proportion of this Figure following. The form of Imbattailing for Speech or Parley. There be others which Imbattaile for speech or Parley much after this manner aforesaid, only they straighten or make less the empty or void place in the midst, by making the Shot first to double their ranks, than the first division of Pikes to advance upward, and the subdivision of Pikes to desscend downward, and afterward to do in all things as before, and then the form of battle will be like this figure following. Another form of Imbattailing for Speech or Parley. In this form of imbattailing though the centre be straightened, yet the outward verge of the battle is enlarged, so that though some do hear and understand better, yet many shall not hear nor understand at all, but must receive the speech by relation; so that I conclude the first form of Imbattailing for speech or parley is the best, easiest and safest, yet I stand not upon mine own judgement, but submit to the censure of the old and experienced Soldiers. divers other forms of imbattailing there be for a private company of 200 men, as the Ring, the Halfmoon; the Spur, and the like, but because I have heard them mightily condemned by the noblest Soldiers of our age, and men of high respect and reverence, affirming them rather to lead into rout and disorder then any way to strentghen and better the Battalia, therefore I dare not give rules or prescriptions for them, but refer such as are desirous to learn and behold them, to any Ignorant and unskilful teacher, and he shall spend hours and days only in these Motions, not knowing otherwise how to waste time, or make the vulgar people to wonder. And thus much touching the imbattailing of a private company of 200 men, or any other inferior number. Chap. 3. The several Imbattailing of a Regiment of one thousand men or more. Disputation grown about Imbatailing TOuching the imbattailing of a Regiment of 1000 men or more, there is now at this instant time great argument and disputation among Soldiers; Some being of great experience and knowledge, Some of greater reputation than knowledge, Some seeming to know more than they do know, and Some out of affection to other men's singularity, or to hold an opposite contention, whereby to get a note or name of much judgement. The New and latter form of Imbattailing a Regiment. You must first understand that this difference groweth between the old Soldier and the new Soldier, Between whom the difference is, that is between those of old and solid experience, and those of late and more quaint practice; The first having nothing but what the war itself informeth, the other the help of Garden, Yarde, City, Home, and Country trials. To come then to the difference itself, The opinion of the new Soldiers the new and latter Soldiers would have a regiment when it is drawn into the field to be compounded of the several companies distinctly one by another, without any alteration, every Captain and officer governing his own company and not to make any mixture of them at all, only to join and fix them together into one body according to the form of this figure following. here the Figure. here you see how the Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergeant-Maior and the rest of the Inferior Captains join their companies together without mixture according to the dignity of their places making one entire and solid body, of Shot and Pikes, Shot and pikes quite through the regiment, which regiment contain: 1000 men is divided thus. The numbers commanded. The Colonel according to greatness of his command, commandeth ●00 men, the Lieutenant Colonel 150, and the Sergeant Maior. 150, and the five other inferior Captains command either of them 100 men, and thus the 1000 men, are Marshaled and governed. The opinion of the old Soldiers Now the older experienced Soldiers differ from this manner of discipline, and though they vary not in the number or command, yet they stand far aloof from the whole matter of composition, for they will not allow to draw up regiments by entire and whole companies without alteration, but first draw up all the Pikes into one body, than the Shot into another, and after dividing the Shot into two equal parts, wing or flank, the pikes on either hand, and so make one whole and entire battle of Shot and Pikes, and not a mixed body of Shot and Pikes in small manuples, but rather keep the regiment in one great and uniform body according to the proportion of this figure following. here the Figure. here you see the battle of Pikes is drawn all into one body, and the Shot on either hand, yet every officer hath pre-eminence of place according to his dignity, and many inferior officers advanced and Employed, which are extravegant in the former battle: The old ancient form of Imbattailing a Regiment. They are the soon reduced to their first form when they are put into rout, and the Shot and Piks being thus intermixed one with another, the one offending, the other defending, the battle is of great force, and more terrible to the enemy. Lastely, in a battle thus compounded, every man hath the order or government of his own Soldiers, who are trained to his discipline, and understand his commands, by which they are made more willing to go on, and do obey with greater Courage and alacrity, then when they are lead by a stranger, as in the other battle perforce they must be; these and many other like reasons, the younger Soldiers yield to make good this new opinion, and I must confess they carry a greet show of substantial truth, did not some impediment cross in the way, which take from them a great part of belief and credit, for to these Reasons, thus the old Soldier's reply. That true it is, The old Soldiers reasons for their opinions. this form of imbattailing is good and may pass for courant, as long as companies are in their full strength, and hold their perfect and true number, but to that the war is a known enemy, and who knows not that sickness, mortality, slaughter, ill diet and lodging, hunger, cold and surfeites do so attend upon Armies, that by them commpanies are exceedingly weakened and made less, so that he which mustereth one hundred men if he bring three score and ten able men into the field to fight, is oft held for a strong company, and so in like case of other numbers, so that to imbattaile these by themselves, being of so small contents, neither can the volley be great, nor the harm dangerous which shall ensue to the enemy, whereas the several weapons of these small bodies, being drawn out and knit into several great bodies, the numbees will swell and increase, and as of units are made infinits, so forty of my Shot joined to forty of an other man's, and to us sixscore of two or three other Captains, will make 200 Shot, this will bring forth a great volley, and this will prove of great danger to the enemy. Again for the easiness of government, or speedy reducing them to their first form, being routed, they have no advantage of this other great body, for howsoever the Shot is in two bodies, as the other former mixed battle is in sixteen, & the Piks in one body as the other is in eight, yet are these great bodies divided into so small divisions, and led by such sufficient officers, that no disorder can happen, but it is as soon brought again into form, as if they had their own Commanders, and one of the great volleys will do more hurt and spoil, than four of the smaller. Lastly for the Imagination of more ready obedience, better understanding of command, and a greater willingness to discharge duty, the old Soldiers suppose they are no necessary obstacles to be thrust in into this place, because the discipline of war being (as it ought to be) all of one form and manner, without intrusion of new words of command, or addition of curious novelties, so that every officer speaking a known and a certain language, it matters not who gives the word, for being understood it must be performed, and that they will fight more willingly with their own Captains then with other men, the natural allegiance they bear to their king and Country, whose quarrel they fight, puts all such doubts out of question, because every honest and valiant man's conscience is ruled by the justness of his cause, and his King's commandment, and all other heats are supernatural, and but the proofs of false vallonre. Thus the old Soldier answereth to what the young Soldier doth object, Other Reasons. and for a conclusion addeth this more, to withstand this new manner of imbattailing. They say that this mixing of Shot and Pikes together in several distinct Companies, weakeneth and disableth the gross body; for here if you cast off your shot, than you leave such empty and wide streets, that the enemy's Horse are apt to break in and disorder them, or if you do not cast off the Shott, but keep them close, and make them discharge in Countermarch (which is the best and safest way) yet than they are apt to be thronged up together by the Pikes, and the distance of place being taken from them, the use of their Weapons must fall, and so consequently all things fall to ruin. But suppose order be kept and these defects not found in the Battle, yet say the old Soldiers, that there is great impediment in this kind of Imbattelling; for in what manner soever the Short serve, yet they will ever leave a weakness in the and such open gaps and streets that the Horse may break in at pleasure, or any other new foot division may sally forth and over throw the whole regiment, as by the example of the figure following may easily be perceived in a few companies, as in this ensuing figure more plainly is shown. The danger of this form of Imbatelling. Thus you see if the Battle of Pikes stand, and the Shot give Fire, into what damage they bring the whole Regiment, whether they serve in countermarch, or otherwise; leaving so many open entrances, that if one, yet all can hardly be prevented. The Author's censure of both opinions. Thus I have showed you the several ways of Imbattailing of a Regiment, with the different opinions of Soldiers, together with their arguments and strength of reason thereupon. It resteth now that I deliver my particular opinion touching the best election; wherein, although I know, many oposites will rise up against me, yet freely and ingeniously thus I am persuaded. That the first manner of Imbattelling by several Companies, The former difference reconciled and every Captain leading of his own men, is excellent for show at general Musters, or at any peaceful Triumph, where the exercise of Arms is required, because it is comely and beautiful to behold, giveth great contentment to the spectators, and continueth the Volley long, though not in the best order. But if it be to express true Marshal Discipline, to bring hands to fight in good sadness, or to give affright to a certain enemy at all times both in strength and weakness, then with out all doubt the latter form of imbattailing where the Pikes are drawn into one body, and winged on each hand with the Shot, is without all contradiction, the only best way for the Imbattailing of a regiment of one thousand men or more. And thus much for the argument of Imbattailing a regiment, wherein if any man rest unsatisfied, let him repair to other Authors which are allowed for authority, and comparing their Reasons together, no doubt but he shall soon find satisfaction. Chap. 4, Of the joining of sundry Regiments together. OF ranks and files are compounded small Squadrons, of small Squadrons are compounded private Companies, of private Companies are compounded Regiments, and of Regiments are compounded main Battles of any extent whatsoever. Now for the composition of a regiment, together with the defects, and perfections of the same, I have showed sufficiently in the last Chapter. It now therefore resteth that I speak some thing of the joining or knitting together of many and sundry Regiments, in one gross body, which is the great substance of the Arte-Military; What is the great substance of the art Military. for of these great bodies do Armies consist, and according to the form and proportion thereof, being agreeable with the ground and strength of Situation whereon it is placed, is the Army made ever stronger or weaker. Now Armies do never consist of one only entire and main body alone, Of what Armies consist. without separation or distinction, but of diverse great bodies, as of Forlornes, Vanguard, Battle and Rear of diverse great bodies of Horse, as of Gentlemen at Arms, Curashiers, Dragoones, or else Carbines, and every one of these great bodies are compounded of sundry Regiments in the drawing of which together is principally to be regarded the dignity and pre-eminence of the place, How to observe dignity of place. according to the value of the commanders, or the lot when it is either cast or appointed, wherein the principal observation is the hand; so that whensoever Regiments are to be joined together, whether it be by the Lord Martial, or the Seriant-Maior of the field, yet they must not neglect to give to the best man the best place, by drawing up his Regiment first, and placing it in the principal place, and then the rest successively one after another, bringing them up on the left hand, and not on the right, till the body be form according to commandment and answerable to this figure following. Regiments joined together in plain Battle. here you see 5000 men divided into five regiments, how they are drawn up into one body, and may make either Vanguard Battle, or Rear as it shall please the supreme Officer to dispose of them. And as thus they are drawn into plain Battle, so may they also be drawn into any other form of battle which the Lord Martial or Sergeant-Maior shall devose, for their wisdoms and judgements (which they ever accommodate to the advantage of the ground, Who are to form Battles. & to the preventing of the enemy's designs) is ever referred the form and shape of all forts of battles; whence it comes that a man shall hardly in an age, see two Battles in two several places, of one and the self same form and fashion; Observation of grounds. because as grounds vary in their Situations, so proportions change in their composures, and that battle which is strong and comely for the Plain, will prove but weak and ill-favoured for the Hill, and that which is guarded with water, will not agree with the guard of wood; nor that which is fenced with a stone wall, suit with the fence of a dry ditch; for every thing must be accommodated to the property of its own proper Nature; and therefore I will show you another form of Imbattailing or joining of Regiments together, wherein although some Regiments are broken and divided into parts, yet they agree in one uniformity of body, and may be reduced to their first natural proportion at pleasure: as by this figure following you may easily perceive. Regiments divided, yet brought unto Uniform. Here you may behold two Regiments divided into six triangles, the Pikes in the midst, and the Shot on each flank, but being drawn up together in one body, than the Pikes of themselves make a perfect Diamond, and the four Triangles of Shot guarding every corner, Front, Wing and Rear, bring the whole mixed body into a quadrangle or perfeit square, this is a strong manner of imbattailing, and hardly to be broke or entered; and whosoever is ready in drawing up, and joining of these bodies together in such form as hath been already specified, may without difficulty or staggering draw up any other body of what shape or form soever it shall be commanded. And thus much for the joining of sundry Regiments together into one body. Chap: 5. The forming of main Battles of any extent or Number how great soever. AFter the joining of Regiments together, must necessarily follow the composition of main Battles, beyond which Sphere Soldiers do never look, because it is the end and determination of war, These battles (as I have formerly showed) are ever shaped according to the ground whereon they are planted, Observation in shaping of battles. and according to the natural deffences, or natural offences which arise from the same places: yet because particulars often grow from generalities, and that from plain and homely grounds curious and rare things are derived. I think it not amiss here in this place to deliver you some general and plain models of battles, which taken into a Soldierlike consideration, may give you an aid, though not an instruction, how to accommodate battles and to form and proporrion them in such manner as may be most commodious for yourself, and friends, and most hurtful and noisome for the enemy. The composition of Battles and the members First than you must understand that the body of every main Battle is compounded of six principiall Members, that is to say, of the Forlorn or loose bodies, of the Vanguard, Battle, Rear, Horse, and the great Artillery; and of these, if any be imperfect, or out of frame, either in order, number, shape or Government, the whole Army is sick, and howsoever like Xerxes' host they may make the sky dark with their Arrows, yet will an handful of Cirus men, well disciplined, put them to rout, and write Captivity on their backs as a perpetual emblem. How to find a square Root. When therefore you will draw up any main battle, you must look into the square Root of great Numbers, as the square Root of one hundred is ten, because the body carrieth ten in square every way, for ten times ten is one hundred, so likewise the square Root of 400 is 200, because it carrieth the square of 200 every way, for twenty times twenty is four hundred, and thus of any number which will carry a square proportion be it great or little whatsoever; dividing of a Battle. then knowing the entire Number of the whole Army, and dividing it into several parts, allowing so many for the Forlorns, so many for the Vanguard, so many for the Battle, so many for the Rear, and so many for the guard of the Ordnance, or great Artillery; you by the drawing up of these lesser squares, and inlargening them as occasion shall serve, form and shape every several division after what proportion yourself pleaseth, for of squares, you may make Rounds; of Rounds, Triangles; of Triangles, Diamonds; and of Diamonds many other curious or intricate figures that shall come into your imagination, for proof behold this figure following. Alteration of squares, or squares in squares. Thus you see by dividing and mixing of squares, Of Forlornes. you may frame other proportions, it resteth then that after you have cast out, and allotted your Forlorns which is intended ever to be the least of all the four Battles, that you distribute them in this manner: the first point of the Forlorn aught to consist of certain loose files of Shot extravagantly dispersed without order, then to second them with certain small squares of Shot as an 100 or 200 in a square well ordered and governed which as the Battles shall approach nearer and nearer, may upon any occasion of danger retire into the Vanguard. Of the vanguard. Then shall the Vanguard be compounded of one main and entire body, or of two at the most; containing almost, but not fully three parts of the Battle, and being equally mixed of Shot and Pikes. Of the battle After the Vanguard, the main Battle taketh place, being compounded of one body or two at most, and containing a full third part, or sometimes more than half as much again as the Vanguard. In this battle ought to be the choicest men and best experienced of the Army, it is the seat and place of the General, and as an Ocean sendeth forth his streams of Soldiers to relieve and refresh every weak and distressed part that is about it. Of the Rear Next after the Battle is the place of the Rear which likewise is contained in one body or two at the most. This body ought to be of equal number and extent with the Vanguard, and in all Forms, Marches, and Executions it is one and the same in Nature with the Vanguard, for at any time when faces are turned about then is the Rear the Vantgurad, & the Vanguard the Rear; at the two points of the Vantgurad, that is to say, the utmost right point and the utmost left point, as two long extended wings, troopeth the Horse Army, The Horse battle and the great Ordnance with the guard thereof. and at the end of them is the great Ordnance on both sides; behind which marcheth two Regiments of foot for a guard and defence of the Artillery and Munition; for the cutting off of the great Ordnance is the renownedst work the enemy can aim at, or accomplish. Thus I have in words delivered you the true form of a plain and ordinary battle, with every several member belonging there unto, but for as much as the protraicture maketh a deeper impression in the mind, and is a greater help and friend to the memory than the mere relation of words only; I will therefore in this next figure following, show you the true portraiture of the battle already described. The Windmill Battaile. Thus here you see the strongest of Battles, and as curious as any what soever, so that to make a conclusion of this work, who will diligently look into these models already demonstrated, and apply himself to the imitation thereof, shall not need to lodge any scruples in his breast, but by the help of these examples may be able to range any battle with judgement and sufficiency. And thus much for the forming of main Battles of any extent or Number how great soever. FINIS.