THE Old English Officer. BEING A necessary Looking-glass For a Christian ARMY. OR A fit Companion for Young SOLDIERS. Wherein you may behold a Perfect, Easy, and speedy path to obtain the Exercise and Discipline of Foot, and make Soldiers fit for present Service; either in Field or Garrison, the Old English Military way. With plain Directions and good Instructions out of Sacred and Moral Histories of Worthy Commanders, how they should behave themselves in time of Peace and War; Delightful to hear, and profitable to practise these Times. Written by Charles Hammond Captain of Foot, by Commission under K. Charles the First, of ever Blessed Memory, and one of the Sons of the Clergy. It was the saying of Jesus the Son of Sirach, Eccl. 26.28. ver. there was two things grieved his heart, To see a Man of War suffer Poverty, and men of understanding not set by. The Epistle. To the Young Heroick spirited Reader, whose Resolutions are generally Affected to Military profession, and well deserving that Honourable Name of a Soldier. Wisdom, Valour and Victory, attend ever their Service for God, for Religion, for his Church & for their King and Country, Amen. GENTLEMEN, FInding there is little likelihood of my being employed abroad in these times, I thought not to be idle at home; but would advance and encourage as much as lay in me, that Honourable Calling of a Soldier, which I have been a wellwisher to this Forty years, in the Service of our Gracious Sovereign that now is, and all along in his Royal Fathers of ever blessed Memory: and now in these times of Action, to take off the ill thoughts of many men, and convince them as much as lies in my power of their opinions, which many will busy themselves and discourse on. Frst those that look upon Soldiers with a scornful eye, as men not worthy of Respect and Honour. 2. Them that think Old Soldiers not fit for Employments or Commands. 3. Such as cast an aspersion on those that served his 〈◊〉 Majesty, in the Wars. 4. All that think the old Discipline of England cannot be taught as short and serviceable as the new way. 5. They which will hold that opinion that wars is not lawful. And Lastly, to convince that rebellious principal of too many that will argue and hold it lawful that Subjects may take up Arms against their lawful Sovereign in points of Religion: Gentlemen I must confess I am no Scholar, though I sprung from the Loins of the Clergy, my Father and Grandfather being both of that Function, but they dying in my minority, I was brought up and Educated otherwise with that Learning they left me, which was enough to instruct me in the points of Loyalty, and to defend my Religion in the English Tongue: and as I ever took delight from my Youth, to learn and study the practic part of the Discipline of Foot, to enable me as much as could to be a Soldier, answerable to that Command I obtained; so I made it my study in spare time, to Read and Learn out of Sacred and Moral Histories and Authors, and worthy Commanders, how Soldiers might live and behave themselves to their credit, and for the Honour of God, their King and Country. For want of Memory and practice I have forgot much of both; yet this small Treatise, if practised, I hope may serve you as an A. B. C. to begin withal, till your experin●e and abler Schoolmasters in Discipline can teach you more: which I hope will not be despised by any that are wellwishers to an old Soldier. Now I desire you if you find any Errors of the Press to pass it by, if in me, judge it my forgetfulness for want of employment and Exercise, which I wish all young Officers that are now honoured with the first (employment or Command may not forget the last) Exercise, when Time and Opportunity serves; which will redowned to their Honour, the encouragement of their Soldiers, the daunting of their Enemies when they come upon Service, and the glory of our King and Nation, which I shall hearty pray for, and wish to hear, and as willingly serve to the utmost of my Power and Ability. Charles Hammond. From my House in Cloth Fair next door to the Sign of the Heart's Horns. The Contents of the Chapters. CHAP. I. Of the Honourable Calling and Employment of a Right Soldier. CHAP. II. Of Pressed men and Volunteers. CHAP. III. Of the just causes of making war. CHAP. IU. For the choice of Soldiers and Officers. CHAP. V Of Discipline, Government, and the Evils to be avoided in a Camp, and Punished. CHAP. VI Directions and Instructions for the Discipline of Foot Soldiers. Judge not the Author Till you have Read his Book Spare time, have Patience too Observe and look O'er every Leaf, and then I hope you'll find Truth guide his Pen A Loyal Heart hi● Mind. Of the Honourable Calling and Employment of a Right Soldier. A Right Soldier in his Vocation, well qualified and behaving himself worthily indeed, liveth in a Course of life worthy Honour; and his employment in Warlike affairs is very honourable. First God himself is pleased to carry the name of a Soldier, God is a man of Way (saith Moses) Exod, 15.3. and the Son of God professed himself to be, a Captain of the Lords Host. Joshua 3.14.15. 2. The most Renowned in Holy Writ, and in Human Stories, have attained to great Fame and glory by their valiant acts and Feats of Arms, as we may see in Joshua, in Gidian, Ebud, Buruc, Samson, David and his Warriors. What speeches are there of the Nine Worthies? whereof Joshua, David and Judas Machabeus are three, it is all for their Valour and victory in Battle; by War the Fame and Memory of Julius Caesar, Great Alexander, Pyrrhus, Themistocles, Scipio, Hannibal, Scanderberg, and Charles the 5th. remain immortal, and innumerable others both in Profane and Divine story. 3. Whence came all those greatly affected Titles now in the world, risen they not from Valour, Prowess, Military employments and Exercise of Arms? whence came Esquire, but by being Armiger, an Armour Bearer, whence came a Knight of old, not by scraping of Wealth and buying the Title, but by being Miles a Soldier, a Noble man; an Earl, a Duke, nay the highest name of Dignity, an Emperor, but from Honour in the field bestowed upon him that knew how to Rule and Command an Host of men. 4. Solomon the wisest of Kings that ever was, held such as were men of War to be more honourable than to be employed in servile work, such as he employed strangers in, 2 Chron. 8.9. And the people of Canaan the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites base people, were not worthy to be men of War, the function was too honourable for them, as it is for too many that are admitted sometimes, more fit for Stocks, Bridewell, Goals, Galleys, or the very Gallows, than to be Enrolled among the honourable and men truly worthy the name of Soldiers, if the worth of a true Soldier were well weighed. 5. By the profession of Arms many have attained from a mean condition to great honour, David from a shepherd to be a King of Israel, Jepttha of base birth, yet by valour became a Judge in Israel, Isicrates the Athenian who was Lieutenant to Artaxerxes was he not a Cobbler's son, Eumenes one of Alexander's Captains, was a Carters son, Servius Tullius who triumphed 3 times, was the son of a poor servant, Dioclesian though a bloody persecutor of the Christians, yet a valiant man, obtained the Empire by his Prowess & valour and yet but a Scrivener's son. Nicholas Pichinnino the great Captain and Commander of the Armies of the Potentates in Italy was but a Butcher's son: The famousest Nations of the World the Romans who subdued Kingdoms, never held any profession worthy so great honour, nor ever rewarded any so much as they did Valiant men, generous spirits, adventuring their lives and obtaining thereby praises to themselves and glory to their Nation, as their Histories do show. 6. That Calling must needs be honourable which requireth so many honourable parts and praiseworthy Endowments, requisite to make a man deserving to be admitted into Military profession, As to be a man of understanding, of a stout and undaunted courage, not fooll-hardy, but prudent and patiented of an able body yet no Lubber or Luskish and sluggish disposition, but nimble and lively to execute designments, and crowning all this with true Religion, and zeal towards God, with a Loyal and faithful heart to his King and Country. For the honour of this profession how great Volumes are written of men of War, their valiant deeds and Memorable acts have caused them to be Registered to all Posterity, by the Pen of the Learned, which cannot be read but with great delight and great profit even to make valiant and courageous spirits emulous of their Fame and Glory: what profession procured more honour to People a Nation than men of War hath done, Greece for her Achilles, and others: what praises everlasting did Epirus that little country obtain by her Peerless Pyrrhus, and that terror to the Turk Scanderberg, Macedonia by her great Alexander; Troy, by her valiant Hector, Rome by Caesar, Pompey, Scipio, and the rest; Lacedeman by Simon and Leonidas; Carthage by her Hannibal, and so other places by their valiant Worthies: in a word who is more worthy honour in the hearts of all virtuous men than a man of Courage, so he be well qualified, that by some base condition he wrong not himself, which true generosity of spirit will utterly disdain to do. CHAP. II. Of Pressed Men, and Volunteers. OF such as go to war, there are two sorts, such as be commanded, and such as offer themselves; the former we call Pressed, who without enforcement would not go, Moses was as King in Israel, and he waited not for Volunteers, but commanded to choose out of every Tribe 1000 to make an Host of twelve thousand to go against Midian, so did Saul and David, 1 Sam. 21. 2 Sam. 20. without which Command Princes could not have waged Battles as they then did. The other sort are termed Volunteers, which are Natives or Foreigners, these men may offer themselves to the wars, and enter into the Profession of a Soldier; it's not to be doubted ehud's Soldiers were all Volunteers at the found of a Trumpet, Judg. 3.27. So were the three sons of Jesse, and such were David's worthies, 1 Sam. 17. Again Deborah the Prophetess praiseth the Volunteers which came to help Barak, besides she complaineth of such as following their own private business, neglected the wars, and withal cursed Meroz for not coming to help the Lord Judg. 5.12.15.23. Moreover, that which may be lawful by Pressing and compulsion may as well be lawful for Volunteers if there be not very just cause or impediment to hinder this: A lawful calling may be as well undergone freely as by compulsion, else how should Princes and States do that have not power to Press, if Volunteers might not in good conscience offer themselves; but here Volunteers must know and be resolved of some things. 1. Of the Calling of a Soldier, where it is lawful and that a man may therein live, and as well receive wages as men do for discharge of other duties in any other lawful vocation: be content (saith John Baptist) with your wages, speaking to Soldiers, therefore they may serve for wages. 2. Of the justice and lawfulness of the war into which he thrusts himself, seeing he goeth not by Command of supreme Authority: if the war be just, a man may serve with a good conscience of his own accord, but if it be apparently unjust, let men beware that they imbrue not their hands in blood going Volantiers if Prince's command: that case is altered for private persons may not sit and judge of Prince's actions; I have Read that St. Austin saith, That a good man may serve under a sacrelegious Prince, for the unjust Command shall bind the Prince, when the duty of Obedience shall make the Soldier free. 3. They must have the leave of such as have Sovereign Authority over them, for a Subject to one, cannot dispose of his own person to the service of another Prince without leave; but he may put himself voluntarily into the Service of his own Sovereign whose Subject he is. 4. Volunteers are to weigh with themselves what special impediments they have to withhold from going, in respect of some particular calling, requiring their own person for discharge of the duties thereof, or some charge of a Family, Wife, and Children depending upon their personal being necessarily amongst them, or whether their being at home may do more good to the Country than the service in War. 5. There end must be good for defence of Religion, their King and Country, for Relieving the unjustly Oppressed for maintenance of Right and such like, and withal to learn Experience for the good of their Country, but not to run in unadvisedly, as some do out of a Malecontentedness, nor of an idle humour, nor of a foolish vain glory, or a bloody dsposition, of a base mind for Prey and Plundering, but as a man of valour, for more praise worthy and better ends. 6. Lastly that Volunteers put themselves under the Command of Authority to do Service, and to be subject to Rule and Discipline, observing Order, keeping their places where they are commanded, from which they may not departed without leave of such Commanders as they have committed themselves unto: for though they enter voluntarily, yet being under Authority, they may not think themselves then free at all times to part at their pleasure, for if they should, upon necessary service, such wand'ring Stars and such stragglers would utterly fail the Expectation of their Commanders. Thus with these considerations, men may be Volunteers and put themselves into Military Service and Authority may admit of them, as both the Scriptures and Histories show, but yet the General and others with him must be cautious what Volunteers they entertain; beware of such as fly from the Enemy, let them be tried before they be trusted, for we may read in stories that such sometimes hath been sent of the Enemy to do mischief. Two Spaniards feighned themselves Fugitives to the Venetians, with a purpose to kill Alvian their General, so did certain Turks with an intention to kill Scanderberg, the Munidians which seemed to forsake Hannibal and to fall to the Romans in the battle of Canna, were a great help to Hannibal to get the victory, in turning against the Romans upon a sudden, this wisdom was among the Philistians going to battle against Saul, they would not admit of David and his company, many other Examples hath been abroad, and here at home in our late unhappy wars, but I hope our Commanders will be more careful abroad (if there be occasion) in entertaining Volunteers in other Countries. CHAP. III. Of the just Causes of making war. Wars upon just causes undertaken is undoubtedly lawful, though contrary to the opinion of some, but there is nothing more for encouragement in any action than to have Conscience satisfied in the lawfulness thereof. 1. God is pleased to be called a man of War, now he never admitted of a title of a thing unlawful, Exod. 15. 2. He has given command to his people to ●ight, he made Laws for directions to them, when they went to war God sent his spirit upon them to encourage them, as in Gidion and Samson, as you may read in the Book of Judges, and in 1 Sam. 15.2 24. Num. 31.3. God raised up some Prophets to comfort and set forward his people to war, thus he moved Deborah to call Barak into the wars, Judg. 4. and Jahazi●l to encourage Judah to go against their Enemies, 2 Chron. 20.14, 15. God taught David to play the part of a valiant Captain and Soldier, he made his hands to war and his fingers to fight, and made his arm strong, for which David tendered thanks to him, Psal. 18.39. Thus you may see what warrant war hath in the Old Testament, but in the New you will say 'tis otherwise, for he but once or twice at most is called the Lord of Hosts, James 5.4. more often the God of Peace, and we do profess the gospel the word of Peace; it is true, that all men should seek peace, and ensue after it as a blessing of God, yet just and necessary war is not to be condemned, St. Ambrose saith, it is part of Justice by war to defend our Country and confederates and such as need aid from spoilers and oppressors: neither doth the New Testament Matt. 24. disallow of war, so it be just; our Prince of peace tells us of war Rev. 19.17. and is pleased to be set out as the Captain of an Host riding on horseback, and subduing his Enemies; hereby showing that his Church shall have wars and he will take their part: A Centurion, and Cornelius a Captain, and a Soldier that feared God waited on him Acts 10.1. the Lord in calling the Gentiles to the Gospel, made choice to begin with this calling; with a good conscience we may take up Arms when there is no safety but in Arms; we must know that God taketh not away the Law of Nature to defend ourselves by forcible means against violent Enemies, God hath now appointed Kings to use the Sword, not only to punish Offenders under them, but also to defend their Subjects from violence and wrong at home and abroad, and what hindereth Princes and States to recover what is justly their own, if otherwise not to be gotten but by force of Arms. As we see the undertaking of war to be lawful and honourable, so it must be understood whether it be just; for the cause as it is, either Good or Evil, so may the issue be thereafter expected; true it is that unjust wars may have good success, for the iniquity of the people against whom they are undertaken; a just war is in defence of our King, our Country, our Religion and Liberty, God alloweth to go to war against an Enemy coming upon us, Exod. 17. Jud. 6. Upon this ground was the wars of Joshua against the Amalekites, 1 Sam. 15. of Gidion against the Midianites, of Saul against the Philistines, of Ahab against Benhadad, the Romans against Hannibal, and of our ancient Britain's here against the Romans, Saxons and Danes: Kings may justly war against native Rebels, it is a just war to help friends Allies & Associates unjustly oppressed and wronged, upon this ground Abraham armed himself against the four kings to recover Lot, whom they had carried away, Gen. 14.14. David rescued Keilah from the Philistines, 1 Sam. 23.1. Saul, Jabosh Giliah from the Amonites, Judas and Simon his brother helped the other distressed Jews, 1 Mac. 5.10. It is a reproach to a Nation to forsake Friends, Confederates, and such as should be helped in their distress, God willeth, alloweth us and commandeth us in such a case: it is a just war to bring under such as Rebel, or to get peaceable possession of a Crown, justly claimed as David did the Kingdom of Israel against Jeboshah, and the house of Saul: Now lest men embroil themselves in needless use of the Sword, to their own ruin, in the next place it is to be considered by what Authority this war is to be undertaken, for a necessary and just war doth not warrant every one upon their own heads to make war, though they be able to gather a people together; but the first mover thereof must be the Supreme Authority of that Nation, the wars that God allowed, and so just which he always commanded, were made ever under and by the Authority that he set over h●s people, Exod. 17.8. Tthe war against Amaleck, Num. 31. was commanded by Moses, so was that against Midian; in like manner, Israel warred under the Command of Joshua, and after under the Judges, and then under Kings, as Saul, David and the rest, therefore it is not for Christian Subjects to be of that Rebellious principle, as to wage war or to take up Arms against their lawful Sovereign, under pretence of Religion, much more to destroy their Subjects, and murder one of the best of Kings, whose blood I am afraid cries for Judgement still on the heads of them and theirs that had a hand in it, and not truly repent for. CHAP. IU. For the choice of Soldiers and Officers, NOw in sending forth an Army, great care must be had what sorts of persons are to be sent forth. Let them be Natives and Subjects living under that Sovereign Authority that sends them out, though they be of several Countries; then their years such as the Lord held fit for war were in Israel, 20 years old and upward, Num. 26.2. and such did Amaziah take for younger or hardly grown up to strength, and above 46 (except old and expert Soldiers for skill) are not to be admitted, because strength decays 2 Chron. 25.5, as I have heard Learned Experienced Soldiers say, touching their bodies, in Israel were chosen strong men, able to go to war, men of valour and courage, stout and strong, of a vigorous and courageous mind, not fearful, 1 Sam. 14.51. for such were put out of the Host by God's appointment, and this did also that valiant Judas Maccabeus, 1 Macc. 3.56. what good will they do but fail in performance, make others to be faint hearted, and so give the Victory to the Enemy: likewise for their skill in Arms, raw and ignorant men are not to be put suddenly upon service, for not a multitude, but Art and Exercise getteth the victory, for the ignorant Soldier may not only endanger himself but his followers too, therefore the Soldiers in Israel were very expert men, Judg. 20.16. Besides all this, it is fit Soldiers should be Religious, ye very requesite, because they expose themselves so to the danger of death, which none but such as are Religious can be prepared, for he that is not truly Religious can never be truly valorous, for they then may expect God's aid, they may fight with their hands and pray with their hearts, by which means that renowned Machabeus, 2 Mac. 15.26.27. conquered Micacanor, and slew of his Enemies 35 thousand: Religion will make men Valiant, never any in Holy Writ Recorded for Religious, but were indeed Valiant, for God requireth all should fear him, there was Abraham, David, Asa, Jehoidah the High Priest, Josias the Religious King, all valiant men, and how can they otherwise choose but be valiant when they know that God is reconciled to them, death if it come will be to them advantage, these only have Faith in God, See Dr. Sutton Dean of Exeter, his book of War, moving the Army to be religious. and so will be courageous, the Religious, of conscience will be obedient, as Israel professed to be to Joshua, and are like the Centurians servant going and coming at command, Matt. 8.9. and not mutanous, they are of a quiet behaviour and temperate, not babblers, drunkards, nor quarrelsome, they will esteem of and love a worthy Captain according to his worth, who must be to them as a father, and they to him as sons; for in Israel's language they were called the sons of the band, their Prayers are of more force to prevail with God to take their parts and to vanquish an Enemy than all other means besides: Israel fought but Moses did procure the Victory by Prayer; now I know some of your young roaring, Atheistical, Profane swearing damn-me boys will laugh at this, and feoff and deride this choice of Religious men, as having no pattern of warlike Chieftains to follow; let them look to the mighty man of war, the Lord of Hosts, the King of Kings, and consider what manner of Soldiers he did choose to fight his battles, the Commanders were Religious, as Joshua, the Judges, Ehud, Gidion, Jepthah, David and others, his Armies mustered by the Lord, were called His sanctified ones, Isa. 23.3. set a part by him to Military employment, they were all mighty ones, and strong, skilful to march and did not break rank, they cared not for wounds though the sword pierced them, Joel 2.2, 5, 7, 8. verses. I can bring you Examples here in our own Kingdom, in our late war, in the Army that was raised for the King in that small County, when Sir Ralph Hopton came down, who was counted a Puritan, he was religious and a brave Soldier likewise, pray inquire of the worst of our Enemies how it was governed, when they were first raised, and how God prospered them, being but 5 Regiments of Foot and very few Horse; The chief Commanders the Lord Mohun Sr. Bevil Greenfield, Sr. Nicholas Slaning, Coll. Godolphin, Coll. Trevanion, and others which ventured their Estates, and most of them lost their lives in the Service, their Officers and Soldiers under them were as well instructed to fear God as as to honour and serve the King; Oaths was held so abominable amongst most of the Officers, that the Soldiers durst not swear an Oath before them. Likewise went to Prayers before we went to fight, if possible we had time, the Soldiers durst not Command for a cup of beer, much less than to Robb, Plunder and Spoil their Quarters where they marched or lay, and for their undaunted valour and Resolutions upon Service, it was very well tried several times before they ever had Relief or could March out of their own Country to join with other Forces as that Remarkable Fight at Stratten; in Cornwall, where our Army was but 5000 foot at most, and about 17 Troops of Horse, the Enemy 12000 Foot and 1500 Horse, and a brave Artillery, 12 Brass Guns, and we but 3 Iron guns, we fought them and totally routed them, the Earl of Stamford Commanding them, and Chidly his Lieutenant General, whom we took Prisoner, and all their Artillery; the Fight beginning about three in the Morning, and continued till three in the Afternoon, they having another great body of Horse at Bodnam, which likewise the next day we routed and dispersed, and having at last neither Powder nor Shot left, but Resolution and clubs of Muskets to fight them, we went to Prayers that Morning before we fought them, and that strengthened our Forces, and Armed our Soldiers with undaunted Resolution, in a word, no courage like a Christian courage. But it will be objected, that Jeptha had in his Camp vain men, there gathered to David men in distress, in debt, discontented, ye and wicked men sons of Belial, who fought with courage, recovered their losses and slew the Amalekites. It is very true, but these were some only amongst the rest, the Commanders themselves and others among them were well given, again, they had such persons as pleased to come to them in their distresses, bu● they did not hire such as Abimel●●k 〈◊〉, vain men and light men, Jud. 9, 4. A Company fit for such a Captain. Authority that may Press, may find fit men for their Service in a good cause if they look to prosper, than Rogues, Loiterers, Swearers, debauched persons, Goal-birds, Scuif and scumm of a people, held unworthy to live amongst honest men, very Ou● casts of Parishes, not to be admitted indeed unto the honour of being a Soldier; but some will perhaps say that out of these Routs of Outcasts, some have proved very serviceable, also so may unclean Livers, profane Swearers, and Cup Captains have showed great courage in wars, and it's known that Heathen men, Julius Caesar, Alexander, Hector, Achilles, Themistocles, Epaminondas, Pyrrhus, and infinite others have been va●●ant Soldiers, for these latter though Heathens, yet moral vertiles have been commended in them, and according to their Pagan Pro●e●●ion they were Religious; ask counsel of their gods, without which they would not go to war, and they harkened to their Priests, Divines Soothsayers, Astrologers, Chaldeans, and such as was Revealers (as they thought) of the will of their gods: but for the Rout of Outcasts it may 〈◊〉 some, very ●ew have been serviceable, but wha● have all the rest been, an heathen could say, tha● of a Company Riotous and disorderly, there is 〈◊〉 use, for the other that are held so valorous: tru● it is, that humane fortitude may be in an Abi●aleck that murderer of his brethren, in an Abner Joab, as it was in these fornamed Renowned Heathen, yea in other most lewd and vicious, and most profane in religion, there may be out of Pride and ambition, out of a furious heat of heart out of a resolved foolhardy desperateness, out of hope of spoil; out of some such grounds perhaps shown a kind of valour: but this is not Christian fortitude such as was in David and others accompanied with other laudable virtues, what desperate companions were the three Seditrous Captains in Jerusalem and their followers, they prodigally shed the blood of one another, and like Lions fought with the Romans, but at length to their utter confusion: what becomes of such seeming valorous men let experience speak? happy were it that Christian Armies were gathered, of Religious, or at least of civel and moral honest men, that the commendations of them might be like Scipio Africanus his Army, the meanest of whose Soldiers seemed to be grave Senators, but it is the Deportment, Discipline, and Conduct of Officers that must make experienced an well governed Soldiers, when David had numbered the people, as likewise Amaziah, they placed Commanders over them, of which somewere over thousands, some over hundreds, some over fifties, 2. Sam. 18. and some but over ten, they were called the Officers of the Host, the chief had command over many thousands, all of them were choice persons, valiant men skilful in the use of Arms, ryed Soldiers in the field worthy their places, they wer● wise and valiant and such as 〈◊〉 God before them and in the service of war offered themselves to the Lord, and though all were worthy praise● some exceeded others, and were more Renowned as were the special Worthies of David, and tha● without Pride in themselves, not contemning o●thers and without envy of the less famous, for any thing the Scripture speaks of; the Leaders Captains and Officers were none of them young striplings, raw and unskilful soldiers, but a● known ●en, if a David, a young man, a youth be advaned to be Captain over a thousand by Saul it was extraordinary indeed, because he was known and had often showed himself to be va●●ant, a man of War, prudent in speech, and wise in his actions and behaviour, for he had ●lain a Lion and a Bear, and overcame Goliath, before this his advancement, such a youth as he may well be admitted to Command, but Adrian the Emperor expressly forbade beardless youths to aspire to such a charge; Alexander in his Expedition against Darius chose such for his Commanders as was Experienced in his Father's service, and of rip● judgement, such as have not attained to the grace of a manly countenance in such manlike services cannot procure authority sufficient to command brave spirits; and such as procured their places without desert was removed. Caesar being in Africa dismissed some Colonels & Captains with disgrace because they had got such places by favour 〈◊〉 no● by just deservings; deserts should only advance every officer such as are Valiant, Loyal, Di●igent, men of Skill and aiming at public good, not profit, or other ●ourses not befitting a ●ight Soldier, much less a sound Christian; worth in men advanceth the work intended; wars by God's blessing will prosper, soldiers will be more obedient, and the whole Army better governed. Now I would not have no young Gentlemen and Noble persons mistake me, that I should any ways yonder value such as hath taken Command and raised men ●or the speedy advancing an Army; 〈◊〉 know that some hath taken delight to experience themselves in Discipline from their youth ●●d bend themselves to learn to Command though they were never commanded: but I speak of such as despise, and scornfully look upon old Officers, a● not worthy to bear the Titles they have honourably got, much less to have Commands answerable to what they are able to undertake, and with knowledge and 〈◊〉 perform if tried, which I believe if His Majesty knew their constant Loyalty, their former ability, and their now indigency, they should be some ways provided for, as well as others, though they are old, else it is a bad encouragement for the young: that virtuous and valiant King, Pyrrhus who was the greatest Commander that was in his time, when word was brought him, that one that was an old Soldier who had faithfully served him was dead, the King was very sorry, some told the King he was old, and ripe for death, Yes (saith the King) I am not sorry for his death, but that death hath cut him off from the good that he deserved, and I intended him: it is written of the Lacedæmonians, that they did not only provide for men which served them in the wars with good salaries, but also the very horses when they were grown old, they bought a piece of ground to keep them in. I found an old Treatise that was translated out of a Spanish copy, was Printed at Saragoza 100LS but remained in Oxford, dedicated to our late Sovereign, of ever blessed Memory, King Charles the first, the Life and Death of Jacobo Almansor an Arabian, Mahometan King, for Example, it is written of his Virtues and Victories, when he saw his Officers were grown old, having spent their best time in his service licen●ed then to take rest, and honoured them with places in Cities, Castles and Fortresses, giving them good Saleries, receiving still their Pay what they had in the wars, which was the cause he never wanted men of Service, and he won eighty and six battles by Sea and Land, Conquered Spain, and took five Kings, subdued Asia, Africa and Europe, it is said of him in his Epitaph, That he observed Justice with benignity and mercy, and ki●d the nakedness, hunger and thirst of his Subjects with his large and liberal hands. He began his Reign in Anno Dom. 654 and died in 723. CHAP. V. Of Discipline, Government, and the Evils to be avoided, in a Ca●p and punished. AN Army gathered, General, and Officers chosen, and by good counsel the war established, yet all is nothing without Military Discipline; which is the main foundation and strength of an Army, the Lord therefore when he brought forth his Host of the Israelites under the General Moses, he appointed a strict Discipline, which is the strongest guard to preserve an Army from destruction. Alexander Severus, so called, for his strict observing of Discipline, he held Discipline the preservation of the Commonwealth, as the letting of it slip should be the loss both to his Name and Empire. Scipio Africanus so observed Discipline, as his Soldiers seemed Senators, as Plutarch witnesseth: the cruel Turks observe Discipline to our admiration, by which they have mightily prevailed against us Christians, who may be ashamed of our over much looseness therein. The well ordering of the Host of Israel by the Lord, stood in these things. First, in making excellent Laws for googo-N●●ment, for his Laws were so righteous as no●ation could come near them, nor had the like; as Mos●● old them, Good Laws are the foundation of Order and Discipline, the guide of men's actions and preservation of an Army, without which there would be nothing but disorder and so confusion. Secondly, in the Execution of those Laws, from which none might turn either to the right hand or to the left, the life of all Laws is to see them observed and strictly obeyed, for else Laws be made in vain. Thirdly, in not allowing any privilege to any person to transgress the Laws; Moses the General was a strict observer thereof, and so was his Deputy Lieutenant Joshua, and if Moses himself transgressed, he tasted of the Kings the Lord of Hosts displeasure, Num. 20.12, 14. Moses was so just and strict a justicer, that in just proceed he would have none spared, not the heads of the people, nor any to spare his brother, nor his companion, nor his Son, Saul would have put Jonathan to death for not keeping the charge put upon the whole Ho●t; Num. 25.4. Exod. 32.27.29. And the Romans without respect of persons, punished offenders: the Consul Titus Manlius caused his own son (for breaking the Law of Discipline, though otherwise his act in slaving an upbraiding Enemy was honourable, and to the Romans beneficial) to be Beheaded, none in a Camp may think themselves free from observing Order, no not the General, for he that commandeth others, must order well himself, or his command will grow in to contempt; this made Papirus to purpose the death of the General of his Horse, because he fought without command, though he returned Victorer; Alexander the great, would desi●e of his Soldiers the observation of no stricter Laws than himself would undergo: Adrian the Emperor was singular praise worthy for this, so was Scipio, Severus and others. Fourthly, in promising rewards to the obedient, grace and favour to such as keep themselves within bounds and good government; the promises are set down at large in many places by Moses, and was faithfully performed as to Caleb, Joshua, Phineas, and others; this will procure love to the Laws, make them more remarkable, and take up the minds of the well disposed with a watchful care to obey them; for as impartial Execution of Laws terrifies some, so the reward performed putteth life and courage into the hearts of other some to do worthily. Now the evils to be avoided and punished are several; there is nothing displeasing to God but sin, and sin it is that prevents God's blessings, Deut. 23.9. and causeth all success, as Moses exhorted Israel, and as Aurelianus the Emperor said to his General in a Military Epistle of his, if thou be a tribune, yea if ●hou wilt live, keep back the Soldiers hands from ●ing evil. 1. Evil to be taken heed of is Atheism, deriding of God and Religion, cursing and blaspheming his name, this God punisheth with death, Leu. 24.16. for where God and Religion is contemned, what can prosper? Q. Fabius a Heathen imputed the calamity that befell the Romans in the overthrow of Flanimus, to be the neglect of Religion; and the only means said he to recover God's ●avour, was to reverence it, and to have a care to please God; should then a Christian deride God and Religion: what came of Rabsakah and other Blasphemers? God did slay in his Host 85000. Julian the Emperor after he apostated and became Christ's Enemy, he soon came to destruction▪ and Julian his Uncle, who in contempt of Christ and the Sacrament, pissed against the Table; before he died he fell into such a Disease as made his entrails rot, and he to void filth at his mouth: and the abuse of his name by swearing and cursing and damned Oaths, the Lord telleth us that a curse remaineth upon them, and he threatneth to cut them off: yet some hold themselves no Soldiers, till they can gracelesly, as a grace to them, thunder out bloody Oaths, ay and of late days, what terrible oaths have been invented, that it would make one that hath any fear of God in him, tremble to hear them: let me be bold to tell you, that if you were not Atheists and believed there was no God, you would never so often call upon him to damn you for every idle false thing that you do: but how can the Soldiers be controlled for it when they learn it of their Officers; let your Valour, Discipline, and conduct be never so good, you may find those Oaths be the cause of conquering of you, and if God be not the more merciful to you, your damnation may fall upon you as suddenly as you have often wished it. 2. Profanation of the Sabbath, the Lord's day, God punished this in the Camp of Israel, Judas Maccabeus took special care to keep the Sabbath with his Host, when Nicanor King Demetriu's General would in contempt of God fight with Judas on the Sabbath day, there was slain of his men 35000 and he killed, his head struck off, his tongue cut out for blasphemy, and his head sent to Jerusalem to be hanged upon the Tower, 2 Macc. 8.27. One of the Kings of Denmark, contrary to the persuasions of the Divines, would join battle with an Enemy upon the day of Pentecost, but he lost the Field and his life withal, vain sports are to be abandoned on the Lord's day in a Christian Host. 3. Rebellion treasonable practices, Mutanies, Rebellion against lawful Authority God punisheth extraordinarily, making the Earth to open and swallow up some, and fire to devour others; see it in Absolom though he had most of Israel to take his part, let the end of them, Bichry and Zimery make men take heed of Rebellion Treasonable practices and conspiracies and secret working with the Enemy are to be carefully looked into, and to be prevented; and the parties found out, severely punished; for good Gedeliah being warned, and not making timely enquiery, was by traitorous Ishmael cruelly murdered; so one Quintilius Varus for being too slack to find out the treachery of one Narminius of which he had intelligence, was slain with all his company: of such was Nehemiah in danger, but his wisdom prevented, and Judas Maccabeus had a Rodorus among them a discloser of secrets to the Enemy, but he was found out: Cyrus the younger Executed one O●untes which went about to betray him to the Enemy. Mutiny, God punisheth murmuring, and such as cause Sedition; and stir up others to grow Rebellious; Scipio upon a Mutiny of his Soldiers in Spain, put to death the chief movers, and so pacified the rest; so did Tiberius, when his did Mutiny in Pannania; but it is hard measure to poor starving Soldiers, for coming and demanding their pay in extreme need to be held Mutanous; for only this Captains should hang some to make others willing to die rather for hunger then any more to complain, which is unchristian cruelty, and merciless inhumanity. 4. The ill use of much Gaming, a thing that was not in use in God's Host, and good it we● that it were less in use in our Camp, for God is dishonoured by Swearing, moneys wasted and many evils happen thereupon; I have heard that the Spaniard in time of Service doth banish unlawful games; in the Siege of Poytiers, the Admiral caused a certain Ensign to be hanged, for playing at cards while his company did watch in some peril; many Exercises should be appointed them, and such as can Read to get Histories of War, and other good books to read and discourse thereof: Thus the mind and body will be well employed, it may be some Soldiers would be so well Exercised, if there were Commanders like Caesar, who read much, and did write his own wars; or like Pyrrhus the famous Martialist in his time, who wrote many books; and as Hannibal in whose Tents were found many books which he studied; brave generous spirits should be delighted in either to read or hear read the Acts of valiant Warriors, and scorn base Play and childish games. 5. Is Cowardliness, and flying out of the Host to the Enemy: Cowardliness when a Soldier dare not for fear perform his charge: Cowards God sent out of his Camp, when he sent his to war, and so did Maccabeus; Appius Claudius did behead those Soldiers, that throwing down their Arms fled from their Enemies: Lycurgus made a Law amongst the Spartans', That no man should return home that turned his back upon his Enemy: Caesar put certain Ensigns from their places, because they lost their ground in an Encounter with Pompey at Dirrbachium: The Coward doth not only help the Enemy, but dishartens his friends; The Lacedaemonian women would deliver Shields to their Sons, exhorting them to war, either to bring them again, or to die valiantly; there was among them Damatria who hearing that her son had not fought like a Lacedaemonian, when he came slew him; so much did women there detest a cowardly spirit: flying away out of the Host to the Enemy, is worthy severe punishment, such base and treacherous spirits amongst all the Soldiers in Israel I never read of, the Romans punished such with death, Caius Matienus coming but home from the Army in Spain without leave, was beaten under a Gibbe●, and sold for one piece of money, to signify the base esteem of such a Fugitive. 6. And last is Murder, Theft. Filching, Rapine, Robery, and Sacrilege, the kill of one another; God gave a very strict charge against it, Joab the General being guilty must die for it even at the Al●ar; 1 Kings, 2.30.31. Captain's may not like rash-braind and bloody men, disorderly kill Soldiers: he that shall do so among the Spaniards, I have read, dieth for it; Quarrels and Challenges thereupon with acceptances have been the loss of many lives unworthily, hereby Princes lose their Subjects, the Army weakened, and the Enemy thereby advantaged; Soldiers lives should be precious one to another, their blood should be spilt in the Public● cause against the Enemy, not in private quarrels, no if a man put the lie upon another: Jehu a right valiant Captain marching ●uriously, did not quarrel with the Captains in his Company, when they said it was false which he spoke, so putting the lie upon him, Jeremiah said it was false, which was a lie to a Captain of the Ward; Gedeliah put the lie upon Johanan a Captain, a high and proud spirited man, and valiant too, yet none of these offered to any the stab, nor did beastlike, more than manlike, rush upon one another and kill-one the other: these quarrelsome fellows are not ever the best men, drunkenness, who●eing, swearing and not doubt forswearing, are no marks of disgrace o them, but the term Lie, I must confess is a provoking word, and cowards will use it to provoke a patiented yet a good spirited man, and found so when they try him, or before the face of an Enemy; away wi●h these delusions of Satan, you that are truly valiant and right Christian Soldiers, suffer not yourselves to be transported with this conceited disgrace to seek Revenge, and so be guilty of blood, a crying sin before God. Now for Theft also, God punisheth Acans theft, yet these are too common with Soldiers, for many base fellows fit for the Jail, ye the Gallows than the wars, are no sooner entered into Service, but are bold to lay hands upon other men's goods, which they carry away with many a bitter curse, the curse is upon the thief and the swearer, who also bringeth a curse upon others, as Achan did, that one thief caused the overthrow of the Army, what evil then will a multitude of thiefs do in an Host, Aurelianus the Emperor would not suffer his Soldiers to take a Pullet or chicken from country people his friends: Tiberius made one of his guard to be put to death for taking a Peacock out of a man's yard, Tamburlaine caused a Soldier to be slain for taking a poor woman's milk and some cheese and not paying for it; Pescenius Niger would have put to death divers Soldiers met together ●easting themselves with that they had stolen, but through entreaty their lives was saved, yet they were punished, and their punishment was to lie in Tents during the war without fire, to live only with bread and water, and to make restitution to the Husbandmen; and the reason given to this severity, because such acts did tend to Rebellion. Aurelius writes an Epistle to Soldiers, to keep their hands from other men's goods, but theft is not only to be restrained in Soldiers, but also in Captains and Officers, which they may many wa●es commit, by robbing poor Soldiers of their pay; Caesar was severe against this villainy, so as two of his Captains of horse Roscillus and Aegus having defrauded Soldiers of their Pay, fled to the Enemy as soon as they heard that Caesar had notice of it, it's an indelible base character of infamy, saith one, to defraud a poor Soldier of his due. Likewise in taking from a Soldier his weapon or horse: Theophilus the Emperor of the East, banished a Commander out of in's Dominion, for taking a Soldiers horse per force from him, for want whereof he was afterwards slain in battle, and withal bestowed the Commanders possession upon the Soldiers widow, albeit that Captain had bestowed the horse upon the Emperor himself, unwitting to him till the widow claimed him as the Emperor road on him, Of Captains abusing poor soldiers, read Sr. Tobi●s smith's Epistle to the Nobility of England, as Captains and Officers may not wrong soldiers, so soldiers may not rob one another: Modestina judged him worthy of death that stole his fellows 〈◊〉, besides great care must be had that soldiers do no spoil, nor rob such by whom they are permitted to pass by peaceably, nor such as be Victuallers of the Camp, such must be suffered to go and come very securely; the Army of the Prince of Aurange besieging Florence; had like to have been famished through the disorder only of three or four soldiers which robbed the Merchants and Victuallers which came and went from the Camp, but those were hanged and then plenty was brought in, the punishing of this sin in Tamberlains Camp; made his mighty Army of many hundred thousands for to be plentifully served. These are those sinful evils which principally in an Army are to be suppressed and punished, for by suppressing disorders, God is honoured, the Army strengthened, the Enemy disheartened, neighbours and friends secure and encouraged to abide constant; but where sin doth reign, and disorders suffered, there all things fall out clean contrary, misery and want will follow to their ruin and overthrow, God will be against them and friends will abandon them as unworthy of aid. CHAP. VI Directions and Instructions for the Discipline of Foot Soldiers. Six chief things a Soldier ought to be instructed in when he first enters himself to be under Command. FIrst to make choice of a civil comrade, and an able Soldier if he can, that he may instruct him to handle his Arms. 2. to keep his Arms clean and fixed. 3. To keep his Arms by him in a reddiness, if sudden occasion should happen to be called to them. 4. To behave himself civilly in his Quarters, and to be in them in due time; and not to be out after the Taptow is beat. 5. To keep himself clean in his linen and clothes. 6. And Lastly, to give respect to his superior and inferior Officers and not to dispute their commands, and to be civil to the Corporal of your Squadron that he may teach you at leisure times to handle your Arms completely. Now there is six necessary motions and postures belongs to the Exercise of a foot Company, 1. Orders, 2. Faceing, 3. Doubling, 4. Countermarching, 5. Wheelings 6. Firings. There is six Orders. 1. The Closest Order, which is not a Foot between Files, it is only necessary for a Stand of Pikes to keep off the Horse from entering a Port or Auenew, Piles at this closest and the Ranks at Order, or closest Order, which is 3 Foot or a Foot and half, in this posture they may keep off a party of Horse. 2. Is Close Order, which is a foot and half, this is necessary when Pikes and shot are interlined to charge horse, when they have fired to fall off to the Right and Left from their Centre, the Pikes Ported while they fall off, a close Order is fit for Firings and Wheeling. 3. Is Order, that is three foot, which is a fit distance between File and File, either Marching or in the Field. 4. Open Order, which is six foot, that is commonly between Rank and Rank, either marching or in the Field, but in a March between Open Order and Distance, which may be about nine foot, is very convenient for Pikes when they march in a Body by themselves, if the Officer thinks fit. 5. Is Distance, which is twelve Foot; which is a very fit space in time of Service, to run up Field pieces, opening from the centre to the Right and Left, either in the Flanks of Musqueteers or in the Body of Pikes, and when they have fired to run them back in the Rear, and the Files to close again as they were. 6. Is Double Distance, which is twenty four foot, this may be used when any great person is coming to view the Company, to make a guard for Ranks to open backwards, to double Distance or what distance the Officer sees fit, according to the fullness of his Company; then for half Ranks, double your Right and Left hand Files from your centre, every man upon the Right from the centre, fall behind his right hand man, and so doubles the Right I and File, so every man upon the Left from the centre doth the like, so you make but two files, but when you make your guard, you face to the Right and Left inwards and make two Ranks, no other word for Reducing but, Files Rank off as you were. Now take notice these Orders or Distances are to be observed as your Officers gives the Word of Command, either for Ranks or Files, for Ranks o open backwards, or advance forward, or Files to open from the Right or from the Left, or from the Right and Left, as your Officer pleases to Exercise, only observe your word of Command when your Officer gives it, and not mistake Ranks for Files: Now your File-leaders, your Bringers up, and your Right and Left hand Files, must be sure to know their Distances, for the File-leaders and the Right hand File guides the whole body, so doth the Bringers up and Lefthand File, when they, face about, the Rear is made the Front, for a Soldier hath but two men to observe in Marching (Opening, Closing, and Countermarching) that is, his Right hand man and his File-leader, File-leaders are to take their distance from the Right hand man, or from the Left if Commanded; now to keep an even Rank let every man be sure to keep his right he'll even with his Right-hand man's left he'll and Files every man to keep right behind his Leader, upon Service he will find it a good security, one man standing amiss spoils either Rank or File, (which is the credit of a Company) either Marching or in the Field, so much for the first fow Orders. 2. Now your second is Face which I have brought into six, which are necessary and serviceable. 1. FAcing either Right or Left as occasion serves. 2. Facing to the Rear. 3. Facing to Front and Rear. 4. Facing to the Right and Left from your centre. 5. Facing to the Right and Left inward to your centre. 6. Facing to either Angles, or to all your Angles. Now let Soldiers observe in all their Face, to turn upon the right he'll, and then they shall keep their Ranks and Files even. Five of these Face are necessary for felings, but facing to the right and left inward to your centre. The word of Command is March and intercharge ground, then, your Body of Pikes are Hanks, and your Musqueteers are in the body, which may charge the Horse if the Horse should Flank them, and if you have a good stand of Pikes, you may interline Musqueteers and Pikes; The word of Command is, Pikes face to your Right and Left inwards, Musqueteers face to your Right and Left outwards from your centre, then March when your Pikes and Musqueteers are joined, face to your Leader, than you you have a Rank of Musqueteers and a Rank of Pikes; then Ranks to the Right or left hand double, take notice this must be it your stand of Pikes be equal with your Musqueteers, if not let the odd Files of Musqueteers that are over above be in the Flanks. 3. Is Doubling. 1. DOubling Ranks either to the Right or Left. 2. Doubling Files either Right or Left. 3. Half Files double your Front. 4. Bringers up double your Front. 5. Half Ranks of the Left, face to the Right, March and double your right half Ranks, face to your Leader, than face to the Left, Reduce them. So likewise half Ranks of the Right, face to the Left, March and double your Left half Ranks, face to your Leader, face to the Right and reduce them. Directions. RAnks Doubling, every even Rank 1 doubles the 2 the 4 and the 6 movers, if you be never so deep, if you face about them that mo●ed before stands, and they that stood double if you double to the Right, then move with your right foot first, to the right hand of your Leader, at 3 steps or motions, as you were: fall off with your left foot first, and at three motions it brings you in your right ground again: Likewise if you double to the Left, you step with the left foot first and fall back with your right. Now for Files you that are File-Leaders, tell from your right hand File whether you are even or odd, if even you must double to the Right, if commanded move we with your right foot and at three motions, fall behind your right hand man, as you were, advance up with your left foot first in your place again. Now if you be an odd File from the right hand, you must double to the lef●, with your left foot fall beind your left hand man, and with your right foot advance in your place again when commanded: take notice that the File-leaders and tied hand File guides Ranks and Files, for the Ranks move not till their right hand man moves, nor the Files till the File-Leader moves, when you double rank or file move altogether, not before your right hand men and File-Leaders. Now for your half Files, doubling your Front the half Files is the 4. Ranks if you be six deep, if you double to the Right you March up of the right hand of your Leaders keeping your distance, then facing about to the left, you March and fall into your places: so if to the left, you March on the left hand of your Leaders, you face about to the right and fall into your places. Now Bringers up to the Right or Left hand, double your Front, you move with that foot first as the word of Command is; the Bringers up Marches, passeth the 5th Rank, than they March, falls into the second Rank next the Front, and the half files in the third Rank reducing; face about on the contrary hand, march and fall into your places. Now the six doubling is: Half Files face to your right and left from your centre, the centre is the midst of your files, if you be even files; if not you cannot Exercise handsomely: if you be twelve files, you face six to the right and six to the left; the word of Command is (as I take it) March clear your Body and double your Front to the right and left entire; this posture drawing up at the brink of a hill, you may seem three Bodies, being three stands of Pikes; now you may be reduced two ways; face about clear your Body, face to the right and left inwards, March, join, and face to your Leader. 2. Reducement. Half Files face to your right and left inwards, March and double your Front half files, than face to your Leader, than face about, March and take your places. 4. Is Countermarches. There is but three Countermarches, Gaining, Maintaining and Losing ground: in your Coun-Marches your Files to be at your Open Order, your Muskets Poised and your Pikes advanced. 1. Gaining ground; to your right hand advance three steps, face about to your right, March easily, observing your right hand men which was your left hand men before, let your Sergeant be in the Rear, and show them their ground where they shall stand, face to your Leader, than the Front is the Rear and the Rear the Front, than countermarch them to the left, than they have gained six steps of ground in the Front. 2. Maintaining ground; they step one step and fall off, either to the Right or Left. 3. Losing ground; every man falls off the ground he stands on and follows his Leader, so you lose your whole ground. Countermarches, Maintaining and Losing are very necessary for quick firing, they all make ready, than they fire and countermarch off very quick; countermarch losing upon a Retreat is good Service; they Fire, and every man falls of upon the ground he stands on, upon a countermarch you may make your half files your Rear and your Front half File the Front; thus, Hal● Files to your Right hand about, then to the righ● and left hand countermarch, your Front Half Files countermarch to the Right, and your Rea● to the Left, then to your Leader; Reduce Fro● and Rear half Files to your Right and Left countermarch, than your Front half Files to yo● Left, and your Rear to the Right, they have 〈◊〉 same ground and the same places facing to 〈◊〉 Leader: then Half Ranks countermarching, fa● to your Right and Left from your centre, th● countermarch to the Right and Left outward then your Pikes are Flanks and your flanks the Body; to your Leader; Reduced; Face to your Right and left from your centre, than countermarch to your Right and Left inwards; to your Leader. 5. Is Wheelings. 1. Wheeling to the Right. 2. Wheeling to the Lef●. 3. Wheel to the Right hand about, 4. To the Left hand about. 5. Wheel to the Right and Left inwards to your centre. 6. wheel is face about. Then wheel to the right and left inwards to the centre. Directions. YOu must close your Files to your close Order; and Ranks to their Order; slope your Muskets and advance your Pikes; if you wheel to the Right, your Right hand man stands still, only ●s a hinge moves as the Body comes about upon is right he'll, and the Left hand man moves the Body, and must observe a distance in the ground ●hat he may neither close nor open his Files in ●heelings: now the F●e-leaders must observe ●eir Left hand men in wheeling to the Right, and ●e Right in wheeling to the Left; and if File●eaders observe their distance in their Files, the Left hand men must move fastest; it will ask Officers great care to teach them to wheell handsomely, which is a very necessary and commendable motion if well done, either to the Right or Left, or Right hand about, or Left hand about; the Right hand men and Left hand men in the Front being the chief guides in their wheelings; it is necessary in gaining the wind of an Enemy, or in altering your Pikes and Musqueteers either to the Front or Rear, or to your Flanks. As for Example, wheel to your Right and left inwards to your centre, than your Musqueteers are in the Front and your Pikes in the Rear; when you have wheeled facing to your Leader Reducing, wheel to your Right and Left outwards from your centre, so to the Rear; face about and wheel to the Right and Left inwards to the centre than your Pikes are in the Front, and your Musqueteers are in the Rear; Reduce them as before. Then Half Files face about, wheel Front and Rear half Files to the Right and left inwards to your centre, than your Musqueteers are in Front and Rear, and your Pikes in the midst of the Body; much more may be done with Wheeling, but I shall leave it to those whose often Exercising hath learned what I have forgot for want of employment. 6. Is Firings. 1. Front. 2. Rear. 3. Right Flank. 4. Left Flank. 5. Front and Rear. 6. Both Flanks. According as the Enemy chargeth them Firing to the Front. FIrst two Ranks make ready, First Rank advanceth six paces when he Presents; the second Rank Marches up ready to Present against the first hath fired; when they have fired they fall off to the Right and Left in the Rear, loading again as fast as they can: this Firing is proper, Marching towards the Enemy; but when they approach nearer the Enemy, then All make ready, the two first Ranks advanceth 3 paces, Presents, Fires, falls off the first Rank stooping, the next standing. The third firing is three Ranks advanceth, first kneeling, 2 stooping, the 3 standing. The first and second fires, the third presents, if commanded fires. This posture of firing is most commonly fired by Divisions; the Divisions that fires stands still and make ready again while others advanceth and Fires. There is another firing advancing upon the Enemy, and very necessary, interlined with Pikes, charging they all make ready the first Rank, Fires, Stands, makes ready again, the second Rank advanceth before them, the third be fore them so advanceth still as long as your Officers sees advantage, the Pikes still advancing with them; I need not give any Directions for the Rear or Flanks firing, the Rear firing is for a Retreat, and the Flanks is either for advancing or Retreating. Now I shall only give you my opinion concerning the Postures of Pike and Musket, which is the shortest and speediest way to make young Soldiers fit for present Service. For the Pikes, I have reduced into six. 1. Is Order your Pike. 2. Advance. 3. Shoulder. 4. Port. 5. Comport. 6. Cheek & Trail, which is very little difference only removing the hand. For your Order it is a fit posture for a Sentry in the day time to be set at any Carriages belonging to the Magazeen or Artillery; and when you stand to your Arms in the Field: for your advance it is a fit Posture to Troop home your Colours; to fetch your Colours; when you wheel or countermarch, or when you are interlined with Musqueteers, to be ready to Port or Charge. Shoulder is for a March. Port is only when you enter a gate, or Por● that you may be ready to Charge if you were opposed by Horse. Comport is necessary when you March up Hill. Cheek is a fit Sentry posture in the night. trail is only fit for your Marching throw a a cops or wood in the night, every man to take hold of his Leaders butt end of his Pike and join it with his Spear end, March easily, your Files Marcheth out completely as they enter in, Now you may charge from all these postures, but never used upon Service, nor necessary only 3 which is, from your shoulder, Advance and port, there is two Postures more, Charging to the Horse, and your Funeral posture. The First, from your Order to your inside Order; that is, your Butt end of your Pike, in the inside your right foot, your left hand holding your Pike; with your right hand draw your Sword over your left arm, bending with your right knee, keeping firm your Pike with your ●oot, charging to the breast of the Horse, you may face and charge any way, turning on your right he'll; when you have done charging, Order your Pikes; lock your Pike with your right leg and ●…eath your Sword. 2. Your Funeral Posture, you only ground our Pikes to the left hand of your Leaders, and ●…ce to the Left hand about, so Trail; take notice 〈◊〉 your Funeral posture the Rear and youngest Officer Leads, the less you are Exercised with it ●he better it is for your Company. Six chief and necessary Postures of the Musket. 1. ORder, which is answerable to Pikes, Order the Butt end close to your right foot with your Lock outwards, your right hand up to your Muzzel end, but not over your Muzzel, and your left hand akembow by your side, (having no Rest) which is a graceful posture. 2. Poise, which is answerable to your advance of Pike; your right hand close under the Pan, and your thumb up the side of your Pan. 3. Shoulder, which is answerable to Pikes being ready for a March. 4. Join your left hand holding your Musket by the stock, the Barrel upwards, under your Lo●k at a Balance, yet your Muzzel mounted, your right hand employed either to your centre posture or guarding your Pan, when you stand made ready or Marching under a Gate or Port. Present, a complete posture if you stand well, with a full body, your Musket breech close to your right shoulder holding your elbow up, your left foot standing a little further than the right, your heels bending something inwards, and your toes a little outward, leaning your shoulder a little forwards close to your Musket, your face upright, not bending to the Lock of your Musket as if you were aiming at a mark. 6. Firing. breast high or something lower. Now when you are commanded to load your Muskets either from your Order or shoulder. 1. Join or balance your Musket. 2. Open your Pan and clear it with your Thumb, or a little scut or Fur, which your nea● Soldiers will have hang at their Bandeleers, which will clear better than your thumb. 3. Prime your Pan, handle your Primer with your two forefingers and your thumb, so Prime over the breech of your Pan 4. Shut your Pan, east about, in your casting about, shake off your lose corns of Powder that is on the ●i●er of your Pan, for in trying your match it may do a mischief; in casting about, step forwards with your right leg, holding your Musket in your l●ft hand, with your barrel downwards. 5. Charge and load wi●h bullet: open your Bandeleers with your teeth, charge with Powder, draw forth your succourer, shorten it to an inch, take the bullet out of your mouth; ram down your bullet, recover your succourer, shortening him upon your breast to a handful or more, and hold so with your fingers that you endanger not your hand over the Muzzle, if he should fire by chance being hot in Service, some sparks may lie in the breech of him, when you have Loaded. 6. Recover and Boys, casting back your right foot, than you are ready e●her to Order or shoulder, as your Officer thinks fit. When you are commanded to make ready. First is, Join or balance again. 2. Draw forth your Match, blow your Coal. 3. Cock and fit your Match. 4. Guard your Pan with your two fingers over your Pan. 5. Present, when you present blow your Coal again. 6. Fire. There is Six good Instructions for Soldiers to Observe for Firing well. 1. To keep good Priming Powder 2. To keep a good Coal in your Match 3. To try and make fit your Match, that you● Coal may rather bruise at the breech of your Pa● than Cock too short. 4. Carry your Arms fair, when you stand made ready, for fear your Peice going off yo● may offend your Leader. 5. When you Present blow your Match, an● Present breast high, rather lower, bend your presenting a little towards the left; if you be on th● right Division, if the left, bend a little toward the Right, for firing foreright, your shot ma● go thorough the Files, which thus levelling a little a cross your shot must do execution in the body, and specially if you be near your Enemy. 6. When you Fire, draw your Tricker but once, if he fires not, fall off and mount your Piece going off, if he should fire he might do no harm to your Leader. I shall not presume to give instructions to any Officers what their duties is, only these six properties they ought to be endowed with. 1. Courage. 2. Policy. 3. Patience. 4. Humility. 5. Mercy. 6. Charity. Courage and Policy are good Companions in the Field before the face of an Enemy, Patience and Humility will gain the love of Soldiers and all others. Patience will Teach and Discipline a Company sooner than any hasty or passionate words or blows can do. When you give the word of Command, give them time, and show them how it should be done, if they be young Soldiers, if old Soldiers and neglectful, then ought some severity to be used. Mercifulness, in not too severely punishing, if they be not common offenders. Charitableness, In taking care of them in their sickness, or lying wounded when their Pay cannot maintain them: or if they are taken Prisoners to get them Exchanged or send them Relief if you can. These things will make your Soldiers stick to you in time of Service, and venture their lives if they see you engaged, to fetch you off. Gentlemen, or Fellow Soldiers, I have sent this Old English Officer amongst you, how he will be entertained I know not, I hope some will respect him for his Loyalty, though by some others slighted for his Indigency; he looks for no entertainment of Self-conceited Time-servers and self-ended men, for they disdain Loyalty if clothed with Poverty. God and a Soldier they alike adore, Just at the brink of danger, not before, The danger passed they are both alike required, God is forgot, and the Soldier slighted. Learning and Arts by most these days we see Are Honoured and Respected, when they Age● be. Why should Old Soldiers than be slighted when they have gained Experience in the Field, and Honour have obtained. Encouragement will make us young, being tried it might appear, For in midst of dangers, we are too Old to fear. Lisenced Octo. 22. R. L'Estrange. FINIS.