12
WILLIAM L.CLEMENTS
LIBRARY OF
AMERICAN HISTORY
UNIVERSITY/MICHIGAN


#


Winahan

PLAN of ExERCISE,
FOR THE
MILITIA
of the Province of the
MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.
EXTRACTED
From the Plan of DISCIPLINE,
FOR
THE
NORFOLK Militia.
BOSTON NEW-ENGLAND:
Printed and Sold at the Printing-Office in Newbury-Streets
MDCCLXXIV.

2
SISOIT
R
MON
DIEVIET
DROIT
Province of Wallachuſetts-Bay.
By the CAPTAIN-GENERAL.
TH
HE following Exerciſe, origi-
nally deſigned for the NORFOLK
Militia, having been found to be more
conciſe and eaſy, and thereby better
adapted to Militia than any other, and
having been uſed in this Province for
ſeveral years paſt: I do hereby direct
and order that it be continued by the
Officers of all the Regiments of foot,
in training the Soldiers under their
feveral Commands.
T. Hutchinſon.
Boston, April 20. 1771.

PARTI,
CONTAINING
Τ Η Ε
Manual Exerciſe, with Explanations.
T H E
Officers Exerciſe, & Manner of Saluting.
Τ Η Ε
Halberd Exerciſe.
AND THE
Funeral Exerciſe.
A 3

( 2 )
Words of Command
FOR THE
MANUAL EXERCISE.
Take Care.
Motion,
No.
I Reſt
2 Order
3 Ground
4. Take up
2
2
2
5 Reſt
2
2
your Firelock.
n!
3
3
na sera on money on
I
3
3
3
3
3
6 Shoulder
7 Club
8 Shoulder
9 Secure
10 Shoulder
11 Fix your Bayonets.
12 Shoulder.
13 Carry your Firelocks on your right Arms.
14 Shoulder
15
Preſent your Arms.
16 Face to the Right.
17 To the Right.
18 To the Right about.
39
Face to the Lefc.
20
To the Left.
To the Left about.
22 Charge your Bayonets
23 Recover your Arms
mond
3
21
2
3
I
24 Prime,

Words of Command for the Manual Exerciſe. 3
No.
Motions.
||
9
3
111
9
2
3
9
3
24 Prime and Load.
25 Shoulder
26 As Front Rank make ready.
27 Preſent.
28 Fire.
29 Shoulder.
30 As Centre Rank, make ready.
31 Prefeat.
32 Fire.
33 Shoulder
34 As Rear rank, make ready.
35 Preſent.
36 Fire.
37 Shoulder
38 Rear Ranks, cloſe to the Front, March.
39 Make ready
40 Preſent.
Fire.
42 Chaige your Bayonets.
43
Recover your Arms.
44 Rear Ranks, take your former Diſtance.
45
March.
46 Halt, Front.
47 Shut your Pans.
48 Shoulder
49 Return your Bayonets.
50 Shoulder
a head on hall on my om oa Online beach hand om Ota
9
2
10
3
3
IQ
3
4
III
3
3
A4
THE

( 4 )
I.
The MANUAL EXERCISE.
E
VERY foldier muſt give the greateſt attention
to the words of command, remaining perfectly
file [ and ſteady, not making the leaſt motion
with bead, body-fect,, or hands, but ſuch as ſhall
be ordered. The heels at this time are to be in a
line not more than four inches afunder, the toes
moderately turned out, ſhoulders ſquare to the
front, and kept back ; the body 'upright, the
breaſt preffed forwards, the belly drawn in, but
without bending ; the right hand hanging down on
the right fide, the back of the hand to the front;
the firelock carried on the left ſhoulder, the barrel
outwards, the butt in the left hand, two fingers
being under it, the middle finger juft upon the turn
or ſwell of the butt, and the fore-finger and thumb
above it ; the piece almoft upright, the butt flat
againſt the outſide of the hip-bone, the lock a little
turned up, the guard being juft below the left breaſt
and the piece preſſed to the body ; the head held
up
and turned a little to the right, except the right-
hand man, who looks foll to the major or exerciſing
officer. Great care muſt be taken not to begin a
motion till the word of command or fignal on the
drum be ended ; and then to perform it as quick,
and with as much life as poſſible ; and to be very
exact in councing a ſecond of time, or one, two,
ſlowly, between each motion ; and the major or
exerciſing officer is to take the ſpace of two ſeconds,
between the end of each motion and his giving the
word of command or fignal for another; and this
the men are likewiſe to obſerve, when they exerciſe
by one word of command only,
I Reß

The MANUAL EXERCISE.
5
I. Rell your Firelock ! 2 Motions.
Iſt mo. Join your right hand, by ſeizing the
firelock juſt below the lock, at the fame time turn-
ing it with your left hand, ſo that the lock may be
outwards, or towards the front; the piece being al-
moſt right up and down, not firing it from your
ſhoulder, only chrowning out the left elbow a little.
2d. mo. Bring the firelock over againſt your
right breaſt, turning the barrel in wards; the cock
about a hand's bread h above the waiff-belt; the butt
oppoſite the right thigh, your left hand juſt above
the feather-ſpring, the right hand below the lock,
holding the piece ſlightly, the fi gers outwards be-
hind the guard, che thumb inwards, the firelock
cloſe to the body, and nearly upright; he right
elbow thrown a liecle out ; the knees (traight, and
body preſented well to the front.
a
II. Order your Firelock ! 2 Motions.
a
Ift mo. Incline the muzzle of our firelock a little
to the right, fiaking it with your left hand as low
as you can without conſtraint, and ſeize it at the
fame time with your right hand, cloſe to the muzzle,
keeping the right thumb up.
2d mo. Drop the butt of the firelock on the
.
ground, juft on the outſide of your right toe, the
barrel behind, and the lock to the right ; holding
it as before by the muzzle with the right hand, and
quirting the left hand ; the right arm hanging from
the hand to the elbow cloſe by the ſide of the fire-
lock, the left hand hanging by the left ſide, both
ihoulders ſquare to the front,
III. Ground

%
The MANUAL EXERCISE.
III. Ground your Firelock ! 2 Motions.
a
ift. mo. Turn the firelock on the butt, ſo that
the lock may be behind, and the barrel towards
you, and ſtep immediately with the left foot direct-
Jy forward a moderate pace, flipping your right
hand down almoſt to the ſwell at the tail-pipe, and
bending your right knee even with the l ck, lay
che piece down on the ground in a ſtraight line to
the front, che lock upwards, your left hand upon
you knee, and looking up.
2d. mot. Raiſe up your body, quitting the fire
lock, and bring back your left foot to the former
poſition, letting your hands hang by your r ſides.
IV. Take up your Firelock! 2 Motions,
iſt. mo. Step forward, bending the knee, and
feizing the firelock above the fwell, in the poſition
of the firſt motion of the former explanation.
2d. mo. Raiſe up yourſelf and firelock, nipping
your right hand up to the muzzle, and turning the
barrel behind; you will then be in the poſition of
ordering, as in explanation the 2d.
V. Reſt your Firelock ! 2 Motions.
ift. mo. Raiſe the firelock wich your right hand,
bringing it up as high as your eyes, and ſeize it
with the left juſt above the feather-ſpring. You
will then be in the poſition of explanation 2d, mo-
tion the ift.
Come to a reſt, as in explanation iſt,
motion 2d.
YI, Shoulder
2d. mo.

The MANUAL EXERCISE.
VI. Shoulder your Firelock ! 2 Motions.
2
ift. mo. Quit your left hand, and with your
right hand bring the firelock directly oppoſite to
your left ſhoulder, turning the barrel outwards, and
meet it with your left hand under the butt, placing
the two laſt fingers under it, the middle finger juſt
upon the ſwell of the butt, and the thumb and fore-
finger above it, holding it upright at about a hand's
breadth from the ſhoulder, your righe thumb up,
che left hand about two inches from the hip bone.
2d. m. Give the firelock a throw againſt your
left fhoulder with your left hand, bringing the
hand againſt the hip briſkly, and throw your right
hand down by your right ſide, curning the back of
it to the front.
VII. Club your Firelock ! 3 Motions.
.
a
1. mo. Seize the piece with your right hand on
the inſide, at the height of your chin, turning the
thumb downwards, and the back of the hand to-
wards you, raiſing it perpendicular from your
ſhoulder.
2d. mo. Turn the piece briſkly with your right
hand bringing the butt uppermoft, and the lock
ourwards to the front, keeping your right hand af
the ſame heighth of your chin, and ſeize with your
left hand about an inch from the end of the ſtock,
holding it perpendicular, over-againſt your left
ſhoulder, and about fix inches from it.
3d mo Wih your left hand bring the piece
briſkly againſt your ſhoulder, and throw your right
hand down by your right ſide, turning the back of
it to the front,
VIII Shoulder

8 The MANUAL EXERCISE.
VIII. Shoulder !
3
Motions.
ift mo. Seize the piece at the ſwell of the tail.
pipe with your right hand, the thumb turned down-
wards, as in the iſt motion of explanation 7th,
bringing it off from your ſhoulder perpendicular.
2d mo.
Turn the muzzle upwards, and place
your left hand under the butt, as in explanation the
6th, motion ift, taking care to bring the barrel out-
wards towards the front, and holding it perpendi-
cular o er-againit your ſhoulder, and about fix in-
ches from it.
3d mo. Bring it on your ſhoulder, as in ex-
planation the 6 h, motion 2d.
Ift mo.
IX. Secure your firelock ! 3 Motions, .
Seize your firelock, with your right
hand below the lock, raiſing it about a hand's-
breadth from the ſhoulder, not turning it, but keep-
ing the barrel outwards.
Throw up your left hand, and ſeize
the firelock at the ſwell below the cail-pipe, keeping
your left thumb up, and your arm cloſe along the
outſide of the firelock.
2d mo.
3d mo. Throw down your left hand briſkly
along with the firelock, bringing the lock under
your left arm, the barrel downwards, your left
wrift at the heighth of your waiſt belt, the muzze
in a ſtraight line to the front within a foot of the
ground, and throw your right hand down by your
fide, turning the back of it to the front.
X Shoulder
The MANUAL EXERCISE.

Shoulder ! 3 Motions.
3
ift. mo. Raiſe your firelock with your left hand,
ſeizing it with your right hand behind the luck,
as in the ſecond motion of the former explanation.
2. mo.
Quite the firelock with your left hand,
bringing ic under the butt, as in the aft motion of
explanation 6th.
3d, mo. As in the 2d motion of explanation
6th.
XI. Fix your Bayonet ! 3 Motions.
ift. and ad As in the ift and ad motions of
explanation gth.
3d. mo. Sink the piece in your left hand on the
left ſide, with the butt behind, and ſeizing the bay-
onet with your right hand, with the thumb over
the bend of the ſhank, draw it, and bringing the
notch over the fight on the muzzle, turn it from
you and fix it.
XII. Shoulder! 3 Motions.
!
I ſt. mo.
Bring up the piece again with your
left hand, and ſeize it with your right, ſo as to be
in the poſition of explanation noth, motion ift.
2d. mo. As in explanation 10th, motion 2d.
3d. mo. As in explanation roth, motion 3d.
XIII. Carry

10
The MANUAL EXERCISE.
XIII. Carry your Firelock on your right Arms! 3 Mo.
iſt & 2d. mo. Bring your firelock to a reſ, as
in explanation ist.
zd. mo Turn your right hand, ſo that the palm
may be towards the front, the fingers behind and
the thumb before, and graſp the ſmall of the ſtock,
below the guard in that manner ; at the ſame time
drop your right arm down by your right ſide; and
throw the left hand down by the lef fide; the piece
will then be carried upright, the barrel againſt the
hollow of your right ſhoulder, the right arm a little
bent, ſupporting the firelock.
XIV. Shoulder !
3
Motions.
ift. mo. Shift your right hand, bringing the back
of the hand outwards, and ſeizing it above the fea-
ther ſpring with your left hand, come to a reft.
2d. & 3d. mo.
As in explanation 6th, motion
iſt and 2d.
XV. Preſent your Arms ! 2 Motions.
ift. & 2d. mo. As in explanation ift. *
XVI. Face to the Right ! 2 Motions.
ift. mo. Bring your right heel about 4 inches
behind your left heel, making a ſquare with
your
{wo feet.
2d. mo. Turn your heels a quarter of a turn to the
right, without ſtiring your heels from their places.
XVII. TO
* Preſenting the arms, being the fame poſition with that of
the reft, needs do farther explanagion; it is ſo termed when uſed
as a compliment.
The MANUAL EXERCISE.
lang

XVII. To the Right ! 2 Motions.
ift-& 2d. mo. The ſame as in explanation 16th.
XVIII. To the Right about! 3 Motions.
aft. mo. The ſame as in explanation 16th, motion ift.
2d mo. Turn ar once on your heels co the right
quite about, without fi ring your heels from their
places ; lo that you will then face direaly oppoſite to
where you did, and your right foot will be foremoſt.
3d mo. Bring your right foot back even with
your left, ſetting it down firm.
XIX. Face to the Left! 2 Motions.
iſt mo. Bring your right heel cloſe up to the
ball of your left foot, ſetting it ſquare.
2d. mo Turn on your heels a quarter of a turn
to the left, without ſtirring your heels from their
places.
XX. To the Left! 2 Motions.
ift. & 2d. mo. The ſame as in explanation 19th.
XXI. To the Left about ! 3 Motions.
The ſame as in explantion 19th, mom
tion ift.
Turn at once on your heels to the left
quite about, without ſtirring your heels from their
places ; ſo that you will then face directly oppoſite
to where you did, & your left foot will be foremoſt,
ift. mo.
2d mo.
3d. mo. Bring your right foot up even with the
left, ſetting it down firm
XXII. Charge

I2 The MANUAL EXERCISE.
a
XXII. Charge your Bayont ! 1 Motion.
iſt mo. Step backwards a moderate pace with
your right foot, bending your left knee a little, and
keeping the right knee ſtraight, and bring down
your firelock to your right ſide above the waiſt-belt,
graſping ſtrongly with your right hand the ſmall of
the ſtock behind the lock, and preſſing the piece
againſt the cop of your hip; the bayonet being pre-
ſented to the front in a flose upwards, the point as
high as your breaſt, and ſupported firmly with the
left hand between the feather ſpring and the tail-pipe,
the hand underneath, and the thumb on the inſide
along the ſtock, the left arm and elbow preſſed to
the body.
;
XXIII. Recover your Arms ! 1 Motion.
iſt mo. Bring up the right foot and come to a
reft, as in explanation iſt.
XXIV. Prime and Load ! 9 Motions.
iſt mo. Step back with your right foot a mo-
derate pace, placing it ſquare behind the left heel,
facing full to the right, and bring the piece down
under the right breaft ; raiſing the muzzle as high
as the man's head in the rank before you, the lefc
hand half way between the ſwell and feather ſpring,
and preſſing your left arm againſt your body to fup-
port the firelock in that poſition ; placing at the
ſame time, the ball of your right thumb againſt the
hammer.
2d mo. Open the pan, throwing back the ham-
mer with your thumb, the right elbow down.
3d mo,

The MANUAL EXERCISE.
13
3d. mo. Handle your cartridge, bringing down
your right hand briſkly to your pouch, and taking
out a cartridge with your two fore fingers and
thumb, bring it up to your mouth, the elbow a
little turned up, and open it, by biting off the top
of the paper ſo as to feel the powder in your mouth;
;
then, placing your thumb upon the top of the car-
tridge, bring it down cloſe to and even with the
pan, the thumb uppermoft, and, turning up your
hand, prime by ſhaking ſome of the powder into
the pan, place your thumb again upon the cartridge,
and bring your two laſt fingers behind the hammer.
4th. mo. Shut the pan with a ſhort and quick
motion, drawing down your elbow,
5th. mo. Calt back the muzzle of your firelock,
puſhing down the butt, and finking it with your
left hand as low as you can without conſtraint ;
catch the muzzle on the hollow of your right hand,
keeping the firelock cloſe to your body, and preſſing
the left hand againſt the waiſt-band, the butt op-
poſite to and over your left toe, the left knee a lit-
tle bent, fupporting the firelock, the cartridge co-
vered with the thumb, held up cloſe to the muz.
zle in a line with the barrel, the right elbow down.
6th. mo. Load, putting the cartridge into the
barrel, the open end downwards, and puſh it down
into the barrel with your fore finger, and place
your fore finger and thumb on the thick end of
the rammer
7th, mo. Draw your rammer as far as you can,
catching it inftantly with your right hand, the thumb
turned downwards and back of the hand towards you;
clear it of the pipes, and turn it immediately, bring-
ing the butt of the rammer againſt your waiſt-belt ;
ſhorten it, by flipping your hand down to about three
C
inches

14
The MANUAL EXERCISE.
inches from the end, and bring the butt of the ram-
mer into the muzzle upon the cartridge.
8th me. Slip up your hand to the middle of
the rammer, and drive it down with a good force, *
catch it at the muzzle, and draw it out as quick and
as far as you can ; feize it again with your thumb
downwards and back of the hand towards you, and
clearing it of the barrel turn you hand, and, bring-
ing the ſmall end againſt your waiſt-belt, ſhorten
it, flipping your hand down within 12 inches of
the end, the fore finger up along the rammer, and
enter the ſmall end of the rammer into the pipes,
conducting it with your finger and thumb through
the ſecond pipe.
gth. mo. Bring your fingers quick on the butt
of the rammer, puſhing it quite down ; and imme-
diately raiſe the firelock in your left hand, and bring
your right hand under the lock, your right hand a
little below your waiſt-belt, flipping your left hand
down to the feather-ſpring, the piece right up and
down, and the lock qutwards, your thumb on the
inſide turned upwards, keeping faced to the right.
XXV. Shoulder ! 2 Motions.
ift. & 2d. mo. As in explanation 6th, motion
ift. and 2d.
XXVI. As Front Rank, make Ready! 3 Motions, .
ift. & 2d. mo. Join your right hand, and come
to a reft, as in explanation ift, placing your right
thumb upon the cock.
3d. mo. Step back with your right foot three
feet to the rear, in a direct line, and kneel upon the
right
* With wooden rammers a ftroke or two muſt be given.
a

The MANUAL EXERCISE.
15
a
right knee, the toe turned in wards, and heel upright,
the perpendicular line of the body falling about 12
inches behind the left heel, the body upright, the
bute of the firelock placed at the ſame time upon the
ground, in a line with the left heel ; upon coming
down to the kneel, you cock the firelock.
XXVII. Preſent ! Motion.
iſt. mo. Bring down the muzzle of your piece
with both hands, Nipping your left hand forward, as
far as the fwell of the ſtock by the tail-pipe, and
place the butt-end in the hollow betwixt your right
breaſt and ſhoulder, preſſing it cloſe to you ; at the
ſame time take your right thumb from the cock,
placing your fore finger on the trigger, both arms
cloſe to your body, taking good aim by leaning the
head to the right, and looking along the barrel.
XXVIII. Fire ! 9 Motions,
ift. mo. Draw your trigger ſtrongly and at once,
with the fore finger ; and, immediately upon having
fired, riſe from the kneel, bringing the right foot
behind the left heel, as in the ift motion of the 24th
explanation, and the right thumb upon the cock.
2d. mo.
Half-cock your firelock, ftraining the
tumbler to the half bent with your right thumb,
bringing down your right elbow at the fame time to
add force to it.
3d. mo. Handle your cartridge. ?
4th. mo. Shut your pans.
As in expla-
5th. mo. Caft back.
nation 24th,
6th. mo. Load.
motions 3d,
gth. mo. Draw your rammer. 4th, 5th, 6th,
8th, mo. Ram down your charge. ! 7th, 8th&gth
gth, mo, Return your rammer. )
C2
XXIX, Shoulder !

16 The MANUAL EXERCISE.
XXIX. Shoulder ! 2 Motions.
ift. & ad. mo.
aft and 2d.
As in explanation 6th, motion
XXX. As Centre Rank, make Ready! 3 Motions.
ift, 2d, & 3d. mo. As in explanation 26th, only
this rank inſtead of ſtepping back three feet and
kneeling, fteps back with the right foot 18 inches in
a direct line to the rear, by that means bringing their
feet juft behind the right feet of the front rank; cock-
ing the firelock, and keeping it upright at a recover.
XXXI. Preſent ! 1 Motion.
As in explanation 27th, keeping the
firelock a little to the right of the front rank.
XXXII. Fire ! 9 Motions:
.
9
ift. to the gth. mo. As in explanation 28th.
XXXIII. Shoulder ! 2 Motions.
ift. mo.
ift. & 2d. mo.
Ift. and 2d.
As in explanation 6th, motion
XXXIV. As Rear Rank, make Ready! 3 Motions.
ift. 2d. and 3d. mo. As in explanation 30th, only
this rank, inſtead of falling back, ſteps to the right
with their right feet, till their toes touch the hinder
part of the left heels of the right hand men; at the
ſame time bending their right knees a little, ſo that
their bodies may be oppoſite to the intervals of the
file-leaders and files upon the right; the firelock
held in the ſame poſition as in explanation 30th.
XXXV. Preſent !

The MANUAL EXERCISE.
17
XXXV. Preſent ! 1 Motion.
.
ift. mo. As in explanation 27th.
XXXVI. Fire ! 9 Motions.
xít. to the gth. mo. As in explanation 28th.
XXXVII. Shoulder ! 2 Motions.
!
ift. and 2d. mo. As in explanation 6th, motion
ift. and 2d.
XXXVIII. Rear Ranks close to the Front !
March ! 10 Motions.
The centre and rear ranks ſtep off together with
the left feet, the centre rank makes five paces, and
,
bring up their right feet, the rear rank makes ten
paces, and bring up their left feet, the ranks are
then at one pace or two feet aſunder.
XXXIX. Make ready! 3 Motions.
ift. 2d. & 3 mo.
The three ranks make ready
together, the front rank as in explanation 26th, the
centre rank as in explanation 30th, the rear rank as
in explanation 34th,
XL. Preſent ! Motion,
Iſt. mo. As in explanation 27th.
XLI. Fire ! I Motion,
ift, mo. Having fired, the front rank riſes up,
,
all three coming to a recover, as in explanation 23d.
XLII.
C3

18 The MANUAL EXERCISE.
XLII. Charge your Bayonets ! Motion.
ift. mo. As in explanation 22d,
N.B. The front rank only charges, the rear ranks
remain recovered. The officers who are in the front
rank charge their bayonets and the ſergeants their
balber ds.
XLIII. Recover your Arms ! 1 Motion.
ift mo. Bring your feet ſquare, and come to a-
recover, as in explanation 23d.
XLIV. Rear Ranks take your former diſtance! 3 Mo.
3
The centre and rear ranks go to the right abouts
as in explanation 18th.
XLV. March ! 10 Motions.
The centre and rear ranks ſtep off together,
beginning with their left feet; the centre rank
count five paces and halts, the rear rank count
ten paces and halts, bringing their feet ſquare.
XLVI. Halt! Front ! 3 Motions.
.
.
The centre and rear ranks come to the right
about, as in explanation 18th.
XLVII. Shut your Pans ! 4 Motions.
!
4
ift. mo. Come to your priming poſition, as in
explanation 28th, motion the ift, with your righe
thumb upon the cock.
2d. mo. Half-cock, as in explanation 28th, mo-
tion 2d, and bring your fingers behind the hammer.
3d, mo

The MANUAL EXERCISE.
19
3d. mo. Shut your pans, as in explanation 28th,
motion 6th.
4th mo. Come to a recover, as in explanation 23d.
XLVIII. Shoulder ! 2 Motions.
ift. and 2d, mo.
As in explanation the 6th,
motion ift. and 2d.
XLIX. Return your Bayonets ! 3 Motions
ift. and ad. mo. As in explanation 11th.
3d. mo. Sink the piece in your left hand on the
left fide, with the butt behind, at the ſame time
catching the muzzle in the hollow of your right
hand, let the bend of the ſhank come between
your thumb and fingers, and ſtrike it up ftrongly ;
turn it to you, unfix and return it into the ſcabbard,
bringing up your right hand immediately to the
muzzle.
L Shoulder !
3
Motions.
ift. 2d. & 3d. mo. As in explanation 12th.
If the men have ſtood long shouldered, and the
commanding officer is willing to eaſe them, he will
give the word of command:
Support your Arms ! 2 Motions,
iſt, mo. Join your right hand, ſeizing the fire-
lock juſt below the lock, not turning it, nor ſtirring
it from your ſhoulder.
Quit the butt with the left hand, and
bring it over your right arm acroſs your breaft,
reſting your left hand at the bend of the right elbow,
and let the cock of your firelock reft upon your left
arm.
2d, mo.
C4
Te

20
"The MANUAL EXERCISE.
ift. mo.
To make them flooulder again, he will give the
word of command :
Carry your Arms ! 2 Motions,
Place your heft hand under the butt,
as before explained.
2. mo. Throw your right hand down by your
fide, as in explanation the 6th, motion the 2d.
If the firings have been performed with powder,
fo that it be neceſary to wipe ibe pans and bayonets,
(inſtead of the 47th) be will give the word of com-
mand :
Wipe your Arms ! 6 Motions,
ift. mo. Come to your priming poſition, as in
explanation 28th, motion ift, with your thumb
vpon the cock.
2d. mo.
Half-cock, as in explanation 28th,
motion 2d.
3d. mo: Bring your hand to your pouch, and
take out your wiping rag, wipe your pan, and
bring your fingers behind the hammer.
4th. mo. Shut your pans, as in explanation 28th,
motion 6th.
5th. mo. Caft back, as in explanation 24th,
motion 5th.
6th. mo. Wipe your bayonet, and, immediately
returning the rag into your pouch, bring your
right hand under the lock, as in explanation 24th,
motion gth.
Sboulder ! 2 Motions.
ift. & 2d. mo. As in explanation 6th, motion
iſt and 2d.
N. B.

The MANUAL EXERCISE.
21
N. B. It will be neceſſary on ſome occafions, to fix
and return the bayone's from the poſition of a reſta
this is to be done in one motion, bringing the piece
at once from the right ſide, into the poſition of expla-
nation 11, motion 3d, or of explanation 49, motion
3d; when the bayonet is fixed, or returned, you
come back to your reſt in one motion likewiſe.
( 22

II.
EXERCISE
OF THE
OFFICERS,
AND THE
MANNER OF SALUTING.
THE
HE officers are at all times to carry their fu-
ſees on their right arms, in the manner de-
ſcribed in the explanation 13th of the Manual Ex-
erciſe ; except when they are allowed to order their
fufees, which is when they take their pofts in the
front of their companies, or battalion, or when they
are to march to a conſiderable diftance ; at which
time they are to carry their fufees in their right hands,
The officers muſt likewiſe always obſerve to
ſtand quite ſteady and upright, caſt their eyes to
the right, and dreſs with their bodies and fufees in
a line to the right : let their left hands hang down
behind their ſwords ; keep their feet in a line, their
knees ſtiff, and ſtand ſquare to the front ; divide
the ground equally, and perform all the motions
quick and ſhort, and with great life.
I. Order your Fuſee! 3
! Motions.
Seize the fufee with your left hand at
the ſwell of the tail-pipe, bring it a hand's-breadth
a
from the ſhoulder, and keeping it upright.
Iſt. mo.
2d. mo.
EXERCISE of the OFFICERS, &c. 23

2d. mo. Sink the fuſee with the left hand, keep-
ing ic perpendicular, and ſeize it with the right hand
near the muzzle, at the height of your eyes.
3d. mo. Drop the butt of the fuſee on the ground
by your right toe, throwing your left hand down
by your left fide, as in explanation 2d, motion 2d,
of the Manual Exerciſe.
II. Carry your Fuſee on your right Arm ! 3 Motions,
ift. mo. Raiſe the fuſee with your right hand,
bringing it up as high as your eyes, and ſeize it with
your left, juſt at the ſwell of the tail-pipe, keeping
che piece upright.
2d. mo. Raiſe up the piece, ſo as to bring the left
hand even with the hollow of your left ſhoulder,
and ſeize it with the right hand behind the ſmall of
the ftock, as in explanation 13th of the Manual;
you will then be in the poſition deſcribed in the ift
motion of the former explanation
3d mo.
left hand down by your
left fide, and come to the poſition of explanation
13th, motion 3d, of the Manual.
III. Carry your Fuſee in your Right Hand ! 3 Mo.
ift. mo. As in explanation iſt, motion iſt.
2d. mo. Seize the fuſee with the right hand, juſt
above the feather-ſpring, keeping the piece upright.
3d. mo. Drop the fuſee down by your right
fide in your right hand, carrying it with the poing
of the bayonet to the front, ſloping upwards, and
the butt to the rear, a little funk.
Throw your
IV. Corry

24 The Exercise of the OFFICERS, and
Iy. Carry your Fuſee on your Right Arm ! 3
Mo,
ift. mo. Raiſe up the fuſee with your right-hand,
and ſeize ic with the left at the ſwell of the tạil-pipe,
keeping the piece upright.
2d. mo.
As in explanation 2d. motion 2d.
3d, mo. As in explanation 2d. motion 3d.
N. B. When any of thoſe words of command are
to be performed marching, you muſt obſerve to begin
your firſt motion when you ſtep with your right foot,
the ſecond when you ſtep with your left, and the
third when you ſtep again with your right foot.
When the men are commanded to charge their
bayonets, as in explanation 42d of the Manual, or
at any other time during the performance of the fire-
ings, the officers muſt likewiſe charge theirs, bring-
ing the fufee in one motion from the right arm to the
poſition of explanation 22d in the Manual. When
Ibe men recover their arms, the officers likewiſe come
back to their former poſition of carrying their fufee
on the right arm, in cne motion, throwing their left
band down by their ſide.
The Salute Standing is performed in 5 Motions.
Seize the fuſee with your left hand at
the ſwell of the tail-pipe, bringing it a hand's-
breadth from the shoulder and keeping it upright.
2d. mo. Step back with the right foot a mode-
rate pace, or 18 inches, in a line with your left heel,
your right toe pointing to the right, and the left to
the front, keeping your body very upright ; and
drop the point of the bayonet directly to the front,
within eight inches of the ground ; ſupporting the
piece on the back of the left hand, holding it Nightly
between
ift. mo.

The MANNER of SALUTING.
25
between the thumb and fore finger, the fingers ex-
tended, and back of the hand upwards ; graſping
the ſmall of the ſtock with your right hand, the
right elbow ſquare, at the height of the ſhoulder.
3d, mo. Bring your right foot up ſquare, and
.
raiſe up the fuſee perpendicular, as in the firſt motion
of this explanation.
4th. mo. Bring your fuſee on your right arm,
as in explanation 2d, motion ad ; and put your
left hand up to your hat, the left elbow ſquare.
5th. mo. Pull off your hat with your left hand,
and let it hang down behind your ſword, taking
care not to bow your head in the leaſt.
The Salute Marching is performed in 5 Motions.
5
ift. mo. The poſitions are the ſame as in the
ſalute ſtanding; it is to begin when you are at about
fix paces from the perfon whom you are to falute;
obſerving to begin the firſt motion, when you ftep
with your right foot.
2d. mo. The ſecond with the left, which brings
you to the ſecond poſition.
3d. mo. The third with your right, ſtepping for-
ward with it, which anſwers to the third poſition.
4th. mo. The fourth with the left.
5th. mo. The fifth with the right.
After you are paſt the perſon whom you have
ſaluted, about ſix paces, put on your hat again, in
two motions.
Put on your hat.
Throw your left hand down by your
fide.
iſt. mo.
2d. mo.
THE

( 26 )
III.
THE
HALBERD EXERCISE.
1
THI
(HE firſt pofition is that of being ordered ; in
this poſition the halberd is held perpendicular
on your right ſide, near the body, the butt on the
ground, even with the hollow of the right foot,
and about four inches from it ; the flat of the iron
:
towards the front, and the hatchet part turned from
you to the right, holding it with the right hand, at
the height of your ſhoulder ; the knuckles turned
to the front, and the right arm hanging from the
hand to the elbow, cloſe by the ſtaff of the halberd,
the left hand hanging by the left ſide, both fhoul-
ders ſquare to the front.
II. Recover your Halberd ! 2 Motions.
uft. mo. Bring your halberd up before you, hold-
,
ing it perpendicular, and turning the edge of the
hatchet to the front ; your right hand at the height
of your eyes ; and ſeize it with the left hand, as
low as you can without conſtraint, keeping it near
the body.
2d. mo. Raiſe your halberd in your left hand,
till your hand is at the height of your chin, raiſing
the left elbow a little ; and ſeize it at the butt with
your right hand, the back of it to the front, keep-
ing the hatchet towards the front.
HII. Order

The HALBERD EXERCISE,
27
III. Order your Halberd ! 2 Motions,
3 Motions.
ift. mo. Sink the halberd in your left hand, and
ſeize it with the right at the height of your eyes,
keeping it perpendicular, and come to the poſition
of explanation 2d, motion iſt.
2d. mo. Bring the halberd to your right ſide,
turning the hatchet to the right, and drop the butt
by your right toe, in the poſition of explanation iſt.
IV. Advance your Halberd !
ift, and 2d. mo. As in explanation 2d, motion
ift and 2d
3d. mo. Drop your right arm down by your
right ſide, turning the hand ſo as to bring the hat-
cher to the right, and the flat to the front ; the
halberd will then be carried upright, the ſtaff againft
the hollow of your right ſhoulder, the right arm a
little bent, fupporting the halberd, throwing your
left hand down by your left ſide.
V. Order your Halberd !
3
Motiongs
ift. mo. Bring your halberd before you, tuming
the hatchet to the front, and, ſeizing it with your
left hand, come to the poſition of explanation 20,
motion 2d.
2d. and 3d. mo. The fame as in explanation 3d.
motion iſt and 2d.
VI. Club your Halberd ! 2 Motions,
ift. mo. Turn your halberd with your right
hand, keeping it faſt, fo that the ſpear be down-
wards, and the butt uppermoſt ; and bring it op-
poſite to your left ſhoulder, ſeizing it, at the ſame
time

28
The HALBERD EXERCISE.
time, with the left hand, half a foot above the hat-
chet, and holding it perpendicularly at two good
hands.breadths from the body; the right hand to be
on a level with the elbow, which is to be ſquare ; the
flat of the iron to the front, and the hatchet to the left.
2d mo. Let the ſtaff of the halberd fall on the left
ſhoulder, and throw your right hand down by your
fide.
VII. Order your Halberd ! 2 Motions.
ift. mo. Raiſe the halberd from the ſhoulder two
hands.breadths, and ſeize it back-handed with the
right hand, at the height of your chin, turning the
thumb downwards, the knuckles towards you, and
come to the poſition of explanation 6th, motion ift.
2d. mo. Turn your halberd with your right
hand, bringing the ſpear uppermoſt, and the hatchet
to the right,and come to an order as in explanation iſt.
.
When the men charge their bayonets, as in ex-
planation 42d of the Manual, or at any other time
during the performance of the firings, the ſergeants
in the front rank moſt likewiſe charge their hal-
berds: which is done from an advanced halberd in
one motion, by ſtepping back with the right foot a
moderate pace, bending the left knee a little, and
keeping the right hand faft at the butt; at the ſame
time ſeizing it with your left hand at the height of
the ſhoulder, bring down your halberd to your
right ſide, above the waiſt-belt, preſſing the ſtaff
againſt the body ; the halberd being preſented to
the front, in a flope upwards, the point as high as
your breaft, ſupporting it firmly with your left
hand, and graſping it ſtrongly, the left arm and
elbow cloſe to the body.
When

The HALBERD EXERCISE,
29
When the officers ſtand with their fuſees ordered,
the ſergeants are to order their halberds. When
the officers carry their fuſees on the right arm, the
ſergeants are to carry their halberds advanced.
When the officers carry their fufees in the right hand,
the fergeants are to carry their halberds clubbed.
When there is occaſion to ground the halberds, it
is done from the poſition of being ordered ; in the
ſame manner, as the grounding the firelock, in ex-
planation 3d of the Manual Exerciſe ; to take it up
again, is the ſame as in explanation 4th of the
Manual Exerciſe.
梁​器
​D

(30)
IV.
The FUNERAL EXERCISE.
Reverſe your Arms ! 3 Motions.
iſt. Seize your firelock with the right hand, back-
handed ; in the fame manner as in clubing. Ex-
3
planation 8th, motion ift, of the manual.
2d. Turn the firelock the butt uppermoſt, as in
clubbing ; only obſerve to bring the barrel to the
front, finking it at the ſame time, till the guard be
at the height of your ſhoulder ; and ſeize it at once
at the fmall of the ſtock, above the cock, with the
left hand, the back of it to the front, the four
fingers refting upon the cock, and the thumb on
the guard.
3d. Bring the piece under your left arm, the bar-
rel downwards ; the butt to the front, at the height
of your forehead, the muzzle to the rear, pointing
to the ground ; keeping your left hand in the ſame
pofition as before ; and the left elbow cloſe down
to the body; and at the ſame time throw your right
hand behind your back, taking hold of the firelock
near the fwell of the tail pipe, the palm of the hand
vpwards, the thumb along the fide of the barrel.
Shoulder ! 3 Motions, .
T. Bring the firelock from under your arm, with
the left hand ; ſeizing it back-handed with the right,
in the fame poſition as in motion 2d, of che former
explanation.
2d. Turn the piece, bringing your left hand un-
der the bart; as in explan. 8th, mor, 2d. of the
manual.
3d. Asin explan. 8th mot. 3d. of the manual.
The

The FUNERAL EXERCISE.
31
The officers carrying their fuſees on the right arm,
reverſe them likewiſe in three motions,
Reverſe your Fufees ! 3 Motions.
ift. Bring the piece upright, ſeizing it with the
left hand, as in explanation ift: mct. ift. of the
officers exerciſe.
2d. Turn the fufee with your left hand, on the
outſide of your right arm, reverſing it with the butt
uppermoft, to the front, and the muzzle downwards
to the rear ; and bring it under your right arm ;
ſeizing it at the ſame time with the right hand, at
the ſmall of the ſtock, above the cock, the four
fingers reſting upon the cock, the knuckles upper-
moft, and the thumb on the guard.
3d. Quit the left hand, and throw your left arm
behind your back, ſeizing the fuſee near the ſwell
of the tail pipe ; the palm of the hand uppermoft,
and the thumb along ſide of the barrel.
Carry your Fufees on your right arms ! 3 Motions.
3
iſt. Bring the fufee with the right hand, to the
poſition of motion 2d of the former explanation 3
ſeizing it back-handed with your left hand.
2d. Turn the fufee with the left hand, on the
out ſide of the right arm, till it is upright, and as
the ſame time ſeize it with the right, at the ſmall of
the ſtock, as in explan, 2d. mot. ad. of the officers
exerciſe.
3d. Drop the fu ee on your right arm, as in ex:
plan. 2d. mot. 3d. of the officers exerciſe.
D2
We

32
The FUNERAL EXERCISE.
We know of no fixed rules for the mapner of the
funeral proceſſion, &c. the Pruſſians, indeed, have
every particular relating to the burial of officers, and
private men, eftabliſhed by authority, and inſerted
in the regulations, but with us, every corps, we
believe, follows its own methods, and is regulated
by the greater or leſs expence and coff, that is in-
tended to be laid out in the funeral : however, in
general, a detachment attends with arms, according
to the rank of the deceaſed ; with proper officers,
&c. drums, fifes, and halberds, in mourning : and
preceeds the corps with their arms reverſed. The
ſword drawn is faſtened upon the coffin, with the
ſcabbard acroſs it, faltierwiſe. Then follow a certain
number of foldiers without arms, ſergeants, officers,
and friends ; obſerving that all is reverfed, and the
higheft in rank comes laſt : during the burial, the
detachment is drawn up in the church-yard ; and
after the corps is buried, it fires three vollies over
the grave, or in the church-yard, then ſhoulders,
clubs, and is diſmiſſed. The Pruffians wear no
marks of mourning, but black crapes round the
left arms, and black ſword-knots; the officers
being otherwiſe in full regimentals : and this we
imitated, on a melancholly occafion or two of thiş
fort, which happened among us,
PART

( 33 )
PART II.
С НА Р. І.
DIRECTIONS to the OFFICERS about the
METHOD of teaching the EXERCISE.
WE
E ſhall now proceed to give a few rules
and directions, with reſpect to the me-
thord of teaching the militia-men the ſeveral parts
of the exerciſe, in the beſt and eaſieſt manner : in
doing this, we ſhall endeavour to point out thoſe
parts, which, in our practice of teaching, we have
obſerved to be the moſt difficult and embarraſſing
to raw men, who for the firſt time have arnis put
into their hands; and in which they are moſt apt
to fail, and commit miſtakes : and likewiſe indicate
thoſe methods, which we have obſerved to ſucceed
the beſt for their inſtruction.
Il We muſt, in the firſt place, recommend to
all gentlemen, who intend to act as militia officers,
to arm themſelves with a great deal of patience; as
they muſt expect to find many of the countrymen
infinitely aukward and ſtiff : eſpecially thoſe who
are turned of thirty years of age, and have been
uſed to very hard labour. Theſe (though willing
and attentive,) cannot eaſily bring their limbs to
execute what they are taught, although they
perfectly comprehend it. In others they will find
a great want of apprehenſion and memory, and an
amazing difficulty of underſtanding and retaining
D 3
things

34 Directions to the Officers obout the
و
things and ideas that are new to them, and diffe-
rent from what they have been uſed to from their
cradle. Others again are lazy, careleſs and want
attention. Theſe are certainly very diſagreeable
circumſtances, and muſt often put an officer's tem-
per to hard trials ; but the beſt, and we may fay
the only way to overcome theſe difficulties, is to
be cool and fedate, and to teach the men with great
good-nature and gentleneſs ; at the ſame time, how-
ever, keeping up ſuch a kind of deportment and
behaviour, as will ſhew them that they are under the
command of a ſuperior, and inſpire them with reſpect.
For ( whatever indulgence an officer ought to have
for involuntary or accidental faults and defects, ) we
muſt recommend to all, the carefully ſupporting
their dignity and authority; and when any of the
men are wilfully careleſs, negligent, or inſolent, al-
ways to have them puniſhed according to the direc-
tions of the acts ; and to keep up to the ſtrictneſs
of diſcipline, as eſtabliſhed by law; at leaſt never to
excuſe, but on proper ſubmiſſion and interceſſion.-
This though it may be attended in ſome caſes with
a little preſent trouble to the officers, will certainly
prevent a great deal more in the end ; for, by an
ill-judged indolent lenity, they will ſoon loſe all
command over the men, and find it impoſſible to
make them attend or learn as they ſhould do: nor
ought they to imagine, chac the ſupporting their
authority in a proper manner, by ſometimes mak-
ing an example of ſuch as really deſerve it, will at
all leffen the eſteem and attachment of the men for
them, but rather the contrary; as they will then ſee,
that, when they are treated with mildneſs and good-
nature, it does not proceed from weakneſs, or want
of ſpirit in their officers, but from generoſity and
humanity. But then all this is to be done, without
ſhewing
a
Method of teaching the Exerciſe. 35

thewing any paſſion, or uſing any harſh language
to the men, much leſs ſtriking them ; which will
not only inſpire them with a difike and an averſon to
the ſervice; but ſome of them, by being created
with roughneſs and violence, will be quite confound-
ed, and rendered incapable of learning any thing
at all, and even forget what they already know :
whereas, by a calm quiet way of proceeding, and
by ſhowing them, ſeparately and diſtinctly, what
is expected from them, and what they are to do,
never leaving them till they have got a clear idea of
it ; by degrees the aukward will improve, the dull
comprehend, and the inattentive be taught to ob.
ſerve, and wind their buſineſs.
III. And here we cannot forbear earneſtly recom-
mending a shing, which though it may noi at firſt
appear to be a matter of importance, is nevertheleſs
very much ſo. That is, for the mili ia officers al-
ways to appear themſelves, at the places and times
of exerciſe, in as compleat order, and as exactly
dreſſed in their regimentals, wish their fwords,
ſaſhes, and gorgets, as if they were to mount guard
at a royal palace ; and at the ſame time uſe their
utmoſt endeavours to inſpire the militia-men, wich
a love of neatneſs and decency ; and inlift on their
ſergeants, and private men, always coming to exer-
ciſe, as clean and well dreſſed as their circumſtances
will permit. The officers of the regular troops
well know the ſtreſs that is to be laid on this, how-
ever trifing it may ſeem ; and it is a known maxim,
that a man who does not take delight in his own
perſon, and is not neat in his dreſs, arms, and ac-
courtrements, never makes a good ſoldier. Perhaps,
it may not be exaggerated, to ſay that one of the
moſt important parts of the Pruſſian diſcipline is, the
Lorict attention they give to the dreſs and cleanlineſs
а
D4
of

36 Directions to the Oficers about the
of the men : this they indeed carry to what weg
perhaps, may call an exceſs, but it certainly contri-
butes not a little to the making them luch excellent
troops. However that be, ſome degree of attention
to it is certainly requiſite, even in a militia, as it
a
tends to inſpire the men with ſentiments of reſpect
for the ſervice and their officers; and this can be no
better brought about, than by the officers ſetting the
example in their own perſons. Mankind in general,
and the vulgar eſpecially, are greatly, captivated
and taken with ſhow and parade ; and when the
common men ſee that their officers treat the affair
of exerciſing, and the reſt of their duty, with a
certain ceremony and decorum, they will do the
ſame, and be attentive and diligent; but if they
find that their officers are careleſs and indolenc, and
do their duty in a negligent flovenly manner, they
will infallibly imitate them.
IV. We hope, that our brother officers of the
militia, will not take amiſs theſe few hints, which
we have given them by way of caution; or attribute
it to our affecting a magifterial and didactic way of
expreſſing yourſelves : any thing of that nature is far
from our intention or thoughts as we are very
ſepſible of the many in perfections of our work, and
how many points there are, in which we ourſelves
Gill want to be inftructed: but we could not forbear
mentioning ſuch things as experience has proved to
be very material, and of whoſe importance, gentle-
men, who are unuſed to military affairs, may not
be ſo thoroughly ſenſible. We will now proceed to
fuch general rules, as are neceſſary to be obſerved in
the teaching of all exerciſe whatſoever ; and after-
wards give ſome particular directions, as to thoſe
peculiarities in our militia exerciſe, which principally
require the attention of the officers, to make the
men perform them with accuracy,
Y.

Method of teaching the Exerciſe. 37
V. The firſt thing the officers are to attend to, as
a matter of the utmoſt importance, and abſolutely
effential to the teaching the men well, is to accuftom
them to obſerve a profound ſilence when under
arms: never ſuffering them to talk, or even ſpeak
a word on any account; but obliging them to give
an entire attention to the officer who exerciſes them.
The officers muſt never relax in their care and at-
tention to this point, ic being impoſſible to teach
the men properly without it. Perhaps, no nacion is
more faulty in that reſpect than our own ; even our
regulars are very feldom ſo filent and attentive as
they ought to be ; and yet, though the difficulty of
making a militia obſerve a proper filence, appears
to be much greater ; we can afſent from experience,
that by a conſtant attention in the officers to ſtop
the very firſt beginning of noiſe or talking among
the men, it may in a great meaſure be accompliſh-
ed, and that by mild and gentle reproofs only.
VI. The performing the exerciſe well or ill, de-
pends a good deal on the manner in which the
words of command are given : for which reaſon it
will be proper, that every officer, in exerciſing
fhould attend the following rules,
ift. To ftudy well the compaſs of his voice, and
take care not to overſtrain is, which will render him
foon hoarſe ; not to get above its pitch, which will
give it a very diſagreeable tone.
2d. To deliver the words of command clear and
ſtrong: pronouncing every word diſtinctly, that the
men may undertand them, and not miſtake one
for another; the words Preſent ! and Fire ! eſpe-
cially, ſhould always be delivered as loud and as
thort as poſſible.
3d. To make his ſtops and pauſes (when the word
ef command is too long to be pronounced in one
(breath

38
Direftions to the Officers about the
breath,) in a proper manner, laying the emphafis,
on the words which expreſs the nature of what is
to be done. Such pauſes will greatly affiſt the men
when judiciouſly made, by giving them time to think
what they are to do, before the word of command is
fully delivered : we have endeavored by the punctu-
ation, to mark when theſe ſtops ſhould be made.
4th. To make proper pauſes between the different
words of command, that the men may have time
to mind what they are about, and conſider what is
to be performed next.
5th. Carefully to avoid getting any particular
drawl or affected tone ; which is a fault that a great
many have, who ſeem rather to imitate a chant,
then endeavor to ſpeak articulately or intelligibly.
VII. The men are always to turn their heads,
and look to the right *, taking their motions
from the right hand many holding their heads up :
and are not to be ſuffered to caſt dowo their eyes,
nor look on the ground. This is a thing which
muſt be yery much attended to, as without il, they
never can be brought tº preform their motions in
time and together.
VIII. The men muſt be taught their exerciſe by
degrees; to how them the whole at once, will only
confound them, it being impoſſible for them either
to comprehend or retain it. The officers likewiſe
muſt not be deſirous of putting the men too for-
ward, by making them do more of the exerciſe than
they can go through perfectly and accurately.
IX. The
* By boking to the right or left, we underſtand always turning
the head. The old way was only to caſt the eyes, and not turn
the head; but that is found not to be ſo well, either for uſe or
appearance. Indeed, ever man, in looking to the right, or left
Atould turn his head enough to ſee the face of the man that is
next to him. The doing this, will occaſion them to bold up theid
peda,
Method of teaching the Exerciſe. 39

IX. The motions muſt at firſt be ſhewn them,
ſeparately and diſtinctly; giving them the word Two,
or Three (according to the number of the motions,)
as a figoal when it ſhould be begun ; not ſuffering
them to do it, till that is given ; and making them
ſtop between each motion, till every falle attitude
and poſition is remarked and corrected. By this
method, through it may at firſt light appear a little
tedious, the officers will find, that their men will
be taught with a great deal more eaſe, and in leſs
time than by any osher; as they will then be perfect
in every thing that they do, and not forget what
they have learned on one day of exerciſe, before the
next comes again ; which will be the caſe, if they
are not choroughly grounded, and made perfect in
every particular motion.
X. At firſt they muſt be divided into ſquads of
four of fix men each, putting as much as poſſible
fuch together in a ſquad as are of an equal degree
of proficiency; when many of them can perform
tolerable, it will be proper to exerciſe them together
in a fingle rank ; leaving off the words Two, Three,
and making them take their motions from a man
advanced in the front; who muſt likewiſe make good
pauſes between each motion, that the officer may
have time to remark and correct whatever is amifs.
After they can do well in this manner, it will be pro-
per (and not till then,) to exerciſe them in three ranks.
XI. The firſt thing neceſſary to be taught the
men is the diſtinction between ranks and files ; ex-
plaining to them, that by the word Rank, is meant
a number of men ranged ſide by ſide in a ſtraight
and even line from right to left : and by the word
File, a number of men ranged in an exact line be-
hind one another, or (in the military phraſe) from
front to rear, + See More in page 40.
XII. The
.
و

Dire&tions to the Officers about the
XII. The rank is diſtinguiſhed into right fank,
left flank, and centre. The foremoſt or front man
in the file is called the file leader.
XIII. To have the exerciſe well performed, it is
in a particular manner requiſite, that the ranks and
files ſhould be as ſtraight and even as poſſible ; che
men therefore muſt be taught, always to dreſs *
their ranks from the right, and the files to cover
well their file-leaders. The greateſt attention is to
be given to this, and to accuſtom the men to do it
of themſelves at all times, both in exerciſing, and
in the performing of the firings and evolutions.
XIV. Great care muſt be taken, that the men
carry their arms well ; they muſt therefore be firſt
of all carefully taught to keep them even and ſteady
upon their ſhoulders, as directed in the firſt part
of the explanation of the manual exerciſe.
XV. That
+ A rank therefore, by being faced to the right or left, muy
become a file, and in the ſame manner a file may become a rank,
in the true and proper acception and meaning of the words ;
though fome of our Engliſh military writers have not always
uſed them with exaet preciſion, and call the marching of a body
of men by the flank, marching by files ; which is not ſtrictly
proper, were files; being then become ranks.-However,
as it is a method of ſpeaking ſo generally uſed, we fliall conform
to it, in our directions and explanations ; that our readers may
not be confounded in reading other books on the ſubject.
By a file is likewiſe generally meant fix men ; and by half a
file three; this was when the battalions were drawn up fix deep,
but now a file is properly only three men, and we ſhall uſe the
word in that ſenſe.
what"
3
* Dreſing the rank is a military term, taking from the French
Redreſſer, which fignifies to ſtraighten any thing that is crooka
ed; and means bringing the ranks ſtraight, and to an even
front. The term of Covering, is applied to files, and means the
placing the men in a fi'o, ſo as to be exactly behind one another,
in a line from the front to the rear : rothat they may cover one
another, when looked at from either,
Method of teaching the Exerciſe. 41

XV. That the firelocks, when ſhouldered, may
be exactly dreſſed in rank and file, the men muſt
keep their bodies upright, and in full front ; and
not have one ſhoulder forwarder than the other.
XVI. It is one of the greateſt perfections in exer-
ciling, to have all the firelocks carried ſo exactly
even, and the motions performed fo true, that in
the looking from the right or left of a rank, you
a
can fee, as it were, but one firelock : and the fame
ſtanding in front to a file, each piece covering the
others exactly
XVII. The diſtances between the files muſt be
equal, and not greater than from arm to arm, that
the men may juſt have room to perform their motin
ons : the diſtance allowed in exerciſing, is nearly
two feet for each man , in marching and wheeliog
about twenty-one inches.
XVIII. The men muſt be taught to perforfn
every thing that they do, with great life, and the
ſhorteſt way ; keeping their pieces always near to
the body, without making any wide motions; and,
at the end of every motion to ſtand perfectly ſtill
and ſteady, without ftirring in the leaſt.
XIX. In the performance of the manual exerciſes
the men muſt wait well between the motions, and
do them together; counting one, two, very ſlowly
between every one.
XX. No motion muſt be begun, till the word
of command is fully pronounced,
XXI, As in our exerciſe there are ſome actions,
which are as it were the counterpart of one another,
and the poſitions the very ſame, only in a different
order it will greatly facilitate the teaching of nien,
to make them learn thoſe which are moſt ſimilar to
one another, at the ſame time. They ſhould there.
fore be taught firſt to reft, then to ſhoulder, 'till they
can

42 Directions to the Officers about the
can do thoſe two actions perfectly true and well :
then to order, and reſt again, which are counter-
parts of one another ; then to ground and take up;
then to carry the firelock on the right arm, and
fhoulder ; next to ſecure, and fix, and return their
bayonets ; the fe three actions having two motions
out of three exactly the ſame; and laſtly to club,
and ſhoulder again.
* XXII. When they can do all the a tions tolera-
bly well, it will be right to vary the words of com-
mand ; and not always give them in the fame order
as they ſtand in the manuel exerciſe, (that being on-
ly intended to comprehend all the different actions
in a regular ſuite, ) but irregularly : to accuſtom
them to be attentive to the words of command only ;
and not do things mechanically, and merely by me-
mory.
XXIII. The officers muſt be very attentive, to
ſee that the men perform all their motions perfectly
true ; making the ſtops exactly at the time and in
the manner directed in the explanation of the ma-
nual exerciſe ; in doing of which, it will be neceſſa-
ry to give attention to the following points, which
are thoſe che men are moſt apt to fail in.
11. In grounding, * to teach them to turn the piece
on the thick, or upper part of the butt only, and not
on the under ; and caution them not to flip their
right hand down too low in grounding, || but only
near the third loop; otherwiſe the weight of the bare
rel will overpoiſe the butt, and raiſe it from the
ground : the ſame precaution is to be obſerved in ta-
king up the firelock : the turning the barrel behind,
and the bringing it up exacly in a line with the right
toe, will be difficult, if they turn it on the lower part
of the butt.
Take
Expl. III. mot. ift. Åmotad.
a

Method of teaching the Exerciſé. 43
2.
* To take care that they ground their firelocks
exactly ſquare to the front, and lay the pieces pa-
rallel with one another ; the mien are apt to incline
them to the right, if not cautioned againſt it.
3. In ſhouldering, † to take care that the men
do not make any wide motions, nor advance their
left hand too far from the left fide, when they
bring it under the butt, which is a fault they are
very apt to commit.
4. In clubbing, 1 to cauſe the men to bring the
barrel of the firelock forward, drawing the butt
under their left arm, ſo as to bring it between
them and their left-hand man.
The fame precau-
tion to be uſed in ſhouldering from a club; without
it they will be apt to hit and hurt one another,
which they never will by obſerving this rule.
5. In ſecuring, I to obferve, that the men threw
down their firelocks exactly in a line, and the muz-
zels at an equal diſtance from the ground : and not
bend their heads and bodies forward, but keep their
elbow firm on the lock, and the arm a little bent.
6. In teaching the men to fix their bayonets, $ firſt
of all to ſhow each of them ſeparately, how a bay-
onet is fixed, and how the notches correſpond with
che ſight of the barrel : taking care that he feizes
the bayonets at firſt with the thumb over the bend of
the ſhank, as directed in explanation 14; and make
him fix and unfix it ſeveral times, till he perfectly
comprehends the manner of it. He will, then eafi-
ly do ic in the time of one motion ; it being done
only by bringing the notch over the fight, and turn-
ing it to the left, or from him, preſſing it down at
the ſame time. To unfix, they muſt be taught to
ſtrike the bayonet up ſtrongly, and turn it to the
right, or to them, lifting it up at the fame time.
7. To
Expl. III. mor. ift. + Expl. VI. mot. ift. # Expl.
VII. mot. 2d. Expl. IX, mot. 3d. $ Expl. XI. mot, 3de
44 Directions to the Oficers about the

7. To take particular care, * that the men per-
form their facings with great exactneſs, and in each
motion place their feet in a right poſition ; which
they will be ape to neglect ; and to caution them
continually, never to move their left heels off from
the ground, as the doing that, varies their fituation,
and breaks the order of the ranks and files.
8. In charging bayonets, t to take care that the
men do not ſtep too far back, but ſtand eaſy and
firm on their legs; and that the bayonets be dreſſed
very exactly, both as to height, and degree of in-
clination or alope upwards; to do which, they muſt
preſs the right hand firm againſt the fide, the
knuckles reſting on the top of the hip-bone.
9. The priming and loading || being fo enſſential
a part of the exerciſe the moſt particular attention
muſt be given, that the men be very exact in it ;
making the ſtops at the end of each motion, pre-
ciſely in the manner directed in the explanations ;
and that they perform every one of the motions
with the greateſt accuracy : neither omitting or
adding any, but doing them exactly according to
the directions chere given.
10. In the firſt motion, $ to ſee that they come
to a proper poſition ; bringing the piece cloſe under
the right breaft, and the butt juſt under the righệ
arm-pit ; keeping the left elbow down and preſſed
againſt the body, which helps them greatly in ſup-
porting the piece ; the muzzle muſt be raiſed
enough to be no inconvenience to the men in the
ranks before them, but not fo high as to endanger
the falling out of the priming.
* Expl. XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXI,
+ Expl. XXII.
| Expl. XXIV.
$ Expl. XXIV. Mot, iſt,

Method of teaching the Exerciſe.
45
11. To make them to be very exact in the motion
of eaking out the cartridge, * biting, it and keeping
the end open upwards, ſo that the powder may not
fall out, and take care that they prime well.
12. To make them take care in ſhutting the pan,t
that they do it effectual, and not offer to caſt
about; 'till they are ſure that it is fhut, otherwiſe
when the pan goes a little hard, they will continually
а
fail of fhutting it, and loſe their priming.
13. To make them ftop when they have caſt a-
bout; || and be very exact in performing the follow-
ing motions of loading obſerving, that they turn
the hand, to put the open part of the cartridge
downwards. I
14. To be very exa&t and minute, in teaching
them this motion $; and particularly the ſeizing the
rammer back-handed, and drawing it out at once
and not let them (as they would be apt to do,)
omit the ſhortning the rammer againſt the waiſt belt,
and take care that they bring the butc of the ram-
mer well into the barrel.
18. The rammer down, 4 is very effential to
be well done ; with iron rammers, the driving the
rammers down once ſtrongly, will be fufficient;
but, with wooden ramrods, there muſt be a ſtroke
or two, to ram down the cartridge, but done very
quick ; care muſt be taken that the men, in re-
turning the rammers, enter them far enough into the
pipes, ** ſo as to be within the point of the bayo-
her, and not endanger their hands in returning them
home in the next motion.
16. To make them in ſhouldering, $$ come briſk-
ly up to the proper front; and obſerve, chat in doing
it
a
Expl. XXIV. mot. 30. † mot. 4th. || mot. sth. I mot. 6th.
Smot. 7th. I mof. 8th. ** mot. 9 h. $$ Expl. XXV. met. iſt,

46
Directions to the Officers about the
it they do not ſtir the left heel, which is to be kept
faſt; otherwiſe they will loſe their proper ſituation
in the rank.
17.
* To make them kneel far enough back with
their right knee, in coming down as front rank ; the
men being very apt to keep their right knee too
cloſe to the left heel, which throws them into a
conſtrained pofture, and prevents their keeping the
body upright; the butts are all to be dreſſed in a
line, even with the left heels, and the pieces kept
perfectly perpendicular.
18. To take care that they level well in preſent-
ing; the muzzle rather low, and the pieces all dreſ-
ſed even and at the ſame height; and to ſee that they
bring the butt well againſt the hollow of the ſhoul-
der, neither above nor below it.
19. Frequently to make them recover their arms,
when they have preſented, and expect the word Fire ;
and obſerve and reprimand fuch, as pull the trigger
without the word of command being given. This
is abſolutely neceſſary, in order to accuftom them
to keep their fire 'till commanded, and is what muſt
be conſtantly practiſed. When you give the word,
Fire! give it with a loud voice, and pronounce it
as ſhort as poſſible: when it is given in another
manner, the men ſeldom or ever fire tolerably ; and
very often a diviſion or placton is found fault with
for firing ill, when the blame ſhould be laid on the
officer that gives the word of command.
20. Take care likewiſe, to make the men pull
their triggers ſtrongly and ac once ; and as ſoon as
they have fired, come briſkly up to their priming po-
ficion ; obſerving that they come to a true attitude,
and place their feet in a right ſituation : and chat
in half-cocking they ſtrain the tumbler to the half-
bent
* Expl. XXVI. mot. 3d.
a

Method of teaching the Exerciſe. 47
21.
bent only; raw men being apt to cock, which is a fault
that may be attended with dangerous conſequences.
* In making ready as centre and rear ranks
the chief thing to be attended to, is the making the
men ſtep back, or to the right, exactly in the manner
directed in the explanations ; which they will be ape
to neglect: and to make them keep their pieces up-
right, to a good recover ; and not preſent, till the
word for it is given. Theſe points are to be likewiſe
carefully attended to, when the three ranks make
ready together in cloſe order.
XXIV. As this is the moſt important part of the
manual exerciſe, being that which is not only highly
uſeful, but indiſpenſably neceſſary for troops to be
well ſkilled and thoroughly practiſed in, for to en-
able them to enter into actual ſervice, the officers
ought to ſpare no pains nor affiduity in teaching the
men, and exerciſing them in it. Falſe motions, or
irregularities in the other parts of the manual exer-
ciſe are faults rather from their being deformities,
and taking off from the uniform and elegant appear-
ance of troops, than from any great inconvenis
ence that can immediately ariſe from them; but, in
that part which relates to the fireing and loading, no
fault can be committed, or falſe motion made with-
out a manifeſt inconvenience or danger. For this
reaſon, when the men have gone through the other
parts of the exerciſe, and can do them to a certain
degree of perfection; it will be proper to make them
chiefly apply to the firing and loading motions, and
practice them almoſt folely: doing juſt enough of the
other parts of the exerciſe, to keep them from forget-
ting and loſing what they have already learned ; bur
employing much the greateſt part of the times of ex-
erciſing, in the firings, and in marching and wheeling
They
* Expl. XXX, XXXIV.
E 2

48
Directions to the Oficers about the
They mult at firſt be taught this part of the exerciſe;
in the ſame manner as the others; for which we
have given full directions, but then they are ſo far
proficients, as to be able to do their motions with
exactneſs, taking their time from the man that is
advanced in the front ; the rear ranks muſt then
be cloſed up, and they muſt be made to go through
the firing and loading, ſeveral times in clofe order ;
but ftill giving the fame time between the motions
as before, and taking it from the man in che front,
and the officers muſt obſerve, that the men perform
every motion regularly and accurately ; particularly
che men in the centre and rear ranks, who will be
moſt apt to neglect; and commit faults, eſpecially
as they are a little crouded. When they are become
expert in this, which they will foon be, they muſt
be inftructed in the manner of platoon firing ; and
firſt of all taught to make ready at once, joining all
the three motions together ; that is to ſay, making
ſcarce any ſenſible pauſe between thetri, but, nevet-
theleſs, performing every one of them diſtinctlys
They then muſt be caught to go through all the reſt
of the motions of the twenty-fourth explanation in
the ſame manner ; carefully obſerved, that they do
not omic nor alter any part of them ; it will, therefore;
at firſt be proper, co make them do it by a few at a
time, fo as to be able more eaſily to detect any falſe
motion ; and then let them do it with the ranks at
open order, that the centre and tear farks
may
be
berter obſerved and attended to. Strict caotions
muit be given them about this, and they muſt be told,
that though they are to make no ftops, or give
any ſenſible time between the motions ; yet, that
they are by no means to hurry themſelves, ror
ſtrive which ſhall have done fooneft ; but performi
every motion exactly as taught them at firft; only
not

Method of teaching the Exerciſe. 49
not wait for one another, till after the ninth motion,
when they muſt ſtop, till the word be given to
ſhoulder ; which they muſt do altogether. When
chey can go through all the motions with quickneſs
and regularity, then cloſe the rear ranks to the
front, and make them make ready and fire ; firſt
one file, or two at a time, taking care that each
rank comes to its proper poſition in making ready ;
then by five or fix files; and after that, by diviſions,
XXV. When, in order to eaſe the men, the
word of command to ſupport their arms is given;
which it will be very proper to do, whenever they
are marching or practiſing any of the wheelings or
evolutions; the officers muſt take care to make
them bring their right hands enough acroſs their
bodies, towards the left ſide, and hug their pieces
well to them with their left arm; by doing this,
they may carry the firelocks as upright and even,
as when ſhouldered.
XXVI. After performing any firings with pow-
der, it will be abſolutely neceſſary to take particular
care, that the bayonets be wiped very clean ; and
not ſuffer them to be returned, whilſt any dirt or
foil of the powder remains upon them : which will
not only cauſe them to ruſt, but alſo ſpoil the ſcab-
bard, ſo as to render it impoſſible to keep the
bayonets clean ever after.
XXVII. It will be frequently proper, in exerci-
ſing the men in the firings in cloſe order, to make
them fire a general diſcharge, coming up after it to
a recover, as in explanation 41 of the Manual; and
immediately to give them the words, March! March!
making them advance in that manner ſeveral paces
briſkly by the double ſtep, the drum beating the
grenadiers march: then give them the word, Charge
your bayonefs ! upon which, the front rank muſt
immediately
E 3

50
Directions to the Officers &c.
immediately charge their bayonets, as they ſtep with
their left feet, and keep moving on briſkly in that
poſition ; paſſing their right feet before the left, and
keeping the body half-faced to the right; the rear
ranks remaining recovered, and clofing well up to
the front rank. At the word, Halt ! they halt,
the front rank at once coming to a recover ; and
immediately the whole primes and loads.
XXVIII. You may then face them to she right
about, and make them retire back again flowly, the
drum beating the retreat ; and then face thein
again as before ; but this may be repeated, or
varied, at the diſcretion of the commanding officer,
***
CHAP
(51)

C Η Α Ρ. ΙΙ.
Rules and DIRECTIONS for MARCHING,
Art. 1. Of Marching ſtraight forward, and a
Deſcription of the PRUSSIAN STEP.
I.
THE marching well, is an affair of ſo much
in
muſt take the moſt particular care, to render the
men as perfect in it as poſſible, and ſpare no atten-
ţion nor pains for that purpoſe ; the regularity and
beauty of all manœuvres and evolucions, and efpe-
cially that moſt eſſencial point, the keeping in good
order, in advancing towards, or retreating from an
enemy, intirely depending on it. Marſhal saxe,
(who was undoubtedly an excellent writer on milita-
ry affairs, as well as a great general ;) ſays expreſsly,
that the principal and moſt material part of all exer-
cife is the teaching foldiers to uſe their legs properly,
and not their arms : that is to ſay, the accuſtom-
ing them to march in exact order and regularity,
keeping a true time, and as it were a muſial cadence
in their ſteps. He adds, that whoever does not
follow this method, is ignorant of even the firſt ele-
ments of the art of war: We have before obſerved,
that he takes this to have been the great ſecret of the
diſcipline of the antients; and it ſeems to be like-
wile a principal part of that of the Pruffians.
The
E 4

52 Rules and Diretiens for Marching.
The old method for marching was to lift up the legs
and feet high, and make ſhort ſteps, ſetting the feet
hard down to the ground. Of late our troops, as
well as thoſe of other nations, have begun to prac-
tice the Pruffian ſtep, and manner of marching ; we
ſhall give, therefore, a few general rules for the
doing of it.
II. The manner of performing this ſtep is by
carrying the foot directly forward with a ſtraight
knee, near and almost parallel to the ground ; the
balance of the body is to be kept back on the leg
that is behind, making as it were a momentary
pauſe, when the knee is at its full extenſion ;
during which time the foot is advanced in the air,
the toe turned out, and rather pointed downwards :
when you ſhift the balance on to the other leg, you
muſt ſpring forward from the ball of the foot which
you ſtood on, fill advancing the foot that is fore-
moſt, and ſet it down fat and at once on the
ground.
III. It will require indeed, ſome time and trouble
to teach the men to march well in this manner;
but it is not near ſo hard to attain to, as ar firſt
ic appeaas to be. The chief difficulty is to make
them
* We would by no means be underſtood here, as intending to
divide the ſtep into iwo motions ; the pauſe muſt be ſo ſhort as
to be barely preceptible, and mark the forteſt time poffible :
and, perhaps we thall explain ourſelves better, by ſaying, that
the eſſential point in the performance of this ſtep, is the carrying
the foot conſtantly forward, with an eaſy motion, and near the
ground, ſo as always to advance ; which indeed, is juft what
every man does in his natural way of walking; only in march-
ing, the time is a little more marked : whereas in the old me-
thod of marching, the foot is lifted up high and advanced foru
ward, but is brought back again, and fet down on the ground
very near the other, which is not only ſtiff and unnatural to the
higheſt degree, but a loſs of time and motion.
Rules and Direct10125 for Marching. 53

them underſtand the nature of the ſtep ; moſt awk-
ward men, eſpecially thoſe who are uſed to follow
the plough, throw the balance of their body for
ward, which occaſions them to have a ſlouch in their
gait; and they are apt likewiſe to lift their legs too
high, and turn up the points of their toes. It is
therefore neceſſary to take ſome pains at firſt, to
teach them the ftep ſingly, or by two or three only
at a time without arms; taking great care to
make them keep the balance of the body as far back
as poſſible, (which is done by throwing back the
ſhoulders, and holding the head up,) ſo as to reſt
their whole weight on the leg which is hindmoſt
and not bring the balance forward, 'till afrer the
leg that is advanced be fully extended, and the knee
ſtraight. When once you have brought them to
comprehend the Mature of the fep, and to do it
ſingly, the making them perform it by ranks will
be found very eaſy : and they will attain to an
exactneſs and regularity in doing it, much fooner
than in the old manner of marching , as the little
momentary pauſe (which is made juſt at the inſtant
che leg is extended, and the balance of the body
ready to be ſhifted,) gives them a ſort of time,
which greatly facilitares their doing it all together.
And this is one of the advantages, which this man-
ner of marching has over that which was formerly
practiſed. The others are, that it is incomparably
more graceful and genteel, and that a body moves
faſter, and gains more ground by it ; the progreſ-
five motion being continued, during the whole
time of the ſtep.
IV. The men muſt be taught, chat at the word
of command, March ! they are always to begin and
ftep off with the left foot; and, for that reafen,
hould be told not to bear the chief weight of their
body

54 Rules and Directions for Marching.
body on that foot ; which ſome are apt to do, and
fo lole the time at the very firſt frep, before they
can ſhift the balance; but to keep the balance
even between both teer, and, at the word, March !
ſtep off at once. They muſt, on the other hand,
be ftrictly cautioned againſt raiſing up their feet
before the word of command to march be thorough-
ly pronounced.
V. At the word Halt! they are to ſtop at once,
bringing their feet up even on a line with one ano-
ther, the heels about four inches afunder, in the
poſition before deſcribed in the manual exerciſe,
and ſtand perfectly fteady ; looking to the right,
;
and dreſſing their ranks.
VI. In marching ſtraight forward, the men are
to look to the right, and take care to regula e their
ſteps by their right hand man; they muſt juft feel
one another, and their feet muſt all be lified up,
and ſet down on the ground at the fame inſtant of
time, and the fteps ſhould be exactly of the ſame
length : in marching on a large front, the men muſt
look inwards towards the centre, and regulate their
motions by that.
VII. We ſhall follow the method of the French,
in diftinguiſhing three ſorts of ſteps in marching :
the ſhort, the long, and the double ſtep. The
length of the ſhort ſtep is one foot and a half, and
it is performed in the time of one ſecond : that of
the long or common ſtep two feet, and is performed
in the ſame time, the double ſtep is (wo feet like-
wiſe, but performed in half the time, or two of
them in a ſecond. When the men are to advance
by this ſtep, the word of command is to be doubled,
March ! march !
VIII, The ranks muſt take great care, in march-
ing, to keep exactly parallel with one another, and
that neither flank be more adyanced than the other.
They
a

55 Rules and Directions for Marching:
They muſt likewiſe cover one another well, and
take care to preſerve their diſtances ; neither gain-
ing nor loſing ground, but each rank keeping at
the ſame diſtance from the others as at firſt.
The fame rules are likewiſe to be obſerved, iai
marching by companies or diviſions, which muſt
likewiſe keep exactly parallel to one another, and
cover, and preſerve their diſtances, with all poſſible
exactneſs.
IX. It is not near ſo difficult to bring the men to
march with great regularity and harmony by ranks,
as it is to make them do it by files. If you take
a rank that marches very exactlý, and face them to
the right or left, giving them the word to march ;
you will find that they will neither ftep off together,
nor keep their diſtances ; but will open from one
another conſiderably, in marching a ſhort ſpace.
The reaſon for this, is, that they cannot eaſily
bring themſelves in that ſituation, to ſtep off all at
once with the left feet ; but each man looks down,
to ſee when the man before him lifts up his leg,
being afraid of hitting him ; by which means, they
loſe the time at firſt, and the error encreaſes the
farther they go, and the more men there are in the
file. The beſt way, therefore, is to begin, with
placing four or five men in a file or one behind the
other; and ſtrictly caution them to look up, ob-
ſerving only one another's heads and ſhoulders
taking great care to make them all at the word,
March ! lift up their left legs, and ſtep off together.
It will be difficult to make them do this perfectly ;
however, if they have been, at firſt, well inſtructed
according to the rules before laid down, you may
with ſome pains, bring them to it very tolerably
in a ſhort time , though one may venture to ſay,
that a body that can march off by the flank, to any
conſiderable
i
a

56 Rules and Direftions for Marching.
confiderable diſtance, without lofing the ſtep, or
opening its files, has nearly attained to the greateſt
poſſible perfection in marching.
X. To open the diſtances of the ranks in march-
ing: if two paces, the centre rank muft obſerve
the front rank, and when that makes the third pace,
을
​(or the ſecond with the left leg,) ftept off with the
fame leg, along with it: the rear rank is to obſerve
the center rank in the ſame manner, and do the ſame.
It may not be amiſs, at firſt, in order to accuſtom
the men to obſerve, to make them count the ſteps
of che rank before them; beginning when they
raiſe the left legs,) che ; when they raiſe the right,
two ; when the left again, three ; at the fame time,
ſtepping off chemſelves with their left legs.
If to open to lix paces, the centre rank begins
at the ſeventh pace of the front rank, or the fourth
time of raiſing the left leg ; the rear rank likewiſe
begins, when the centre rank makes its ſeventh pace.
ART. II.
+ THE
of the ablique STEP.
THE oblique ftep is to be performed in the
fame time and manner, as to the motion of
the feet and legs, as that ſtraight forward ; * only
that it was made by carrying them obliquely to che
right or left, the body being kept ſquare to the
proper front,
II. If
* The oblique ſtep is likewiſe diſtinguiſhed into the ſhort, the
leng, and the double ſtep. The ſteps, however, muſt be rather
fhorter, on account of the obliquity; and the long ſtep, muft not
be above eighteen inches.

Rules and Directions for Marching. 57
II. If you are to incline to the right, when you
Hep with the left foot, you carry it acroſs, ſeccing it
down even with, and before the point of the right
foot, the left toe pointing to the frone ; and then
ſtep obliquely to the right with the right fürt, ad-
vancing it towards the front, and ſetting it down
before, and about fix inches to the right of the point
of the left foot, the toe pointing obliquely to the
right: and ſo alternately, moving towards the front
in a diagonal line, inclining to the right ; obſerving
to keep the body and fhoulders ſquare to your
proper front.
If you are to incline to the left, when you ſtep
with the right foot, you carry it acrofs, ſetting it
down even with, and before the point of the left
foot, the right toe pointing to the front ; and then
ftep obliquely to the left with the left foot, advanc-
ing it towards the front, and ſerting it down before,
and about fix inches to the left of the point of the
right foot, the toe pointing obliquely to the left ;
and ſo alternately, moving towards the front in a
diagonal line, ir clining to the left ; obſerving to
keep the body and ſhoulders ſquare to your proper
front.
III. In marching by the oblique ſtep, in ranks or
diviſions, particular attention is to be given, that
they keep parallel to their proper front ; and not
advance on the right flank, when they incline to the
left ; nor on the left, when inclining to the right;
as they are exceeding apt to do, and to made as
it were a half wheel: to prevent this, the men muſt
be taught to look to the right, when they incline
to the left ; and to the left when they incling to the
right; and regulate themſelves by the outſide flank:
cbferving by all means to advance equally, and
keep even with it.
IV. The
;

58 Rules and Directions for Marching
IV. The oblique ftep is of great uſe on many oc-
caſions, and renders ſeveral of the evolutions much
more fimple and eaſy ; by it you always preſerve
your front, and avoid wheelings and other motions,
that are very dangerous to be attempted, when near
an enemy; beſides the not loſing any time, as the
whole body keep ſtill marching, and advancing
forwards.
V. The ſide-ſtep, as now practiſed by our troops,
is much the ſame as the oblique ; only croſſing the
feet niore, and going directly to the right or left
ty
it ſeems to be a conſtrained motion, the body being
in a forced twiſt, which is neither eaſy nor graceful.
We cannot find that the Pruſſians uſe it, nor he
French though they uſe the oblique ſtep, of which
the Pruſſians were the inventors : neither do we
perceive that it is of any great ſervice ; any evolu-
tions that require the ſide-ſtep, being much more
eaſy performed, by facing the men, and marching
them by the flank, as the men muſt be halted to
perform either ; for which reaſon we have omitted
giving any particular directions about it.
VI. But for the performance of all doublings,
there is a moſt excellent method ; faid to be the in-
vention of major general Wolfe, who firſt practiſed
it with the 20th regiment : which has an admirable
effect, both for uſe and appearance : and that is,
che accuſtoming the men to turn to the right or left,
or to the right and left about, in marching ; without
halting, or loſing the frep. This is done by each
ſtep
man turning fingly : in two fteps, if only to the
right or left, ſtepping off forward at the third : and
in four, if to the right or left about, ſtepping off at
the fifth. They muſt obſerve not to advance in
the leaſt in turning; but to turn, each man preciſe-
ly upon his own ground, and to keep the time of
the

Rules and Directions for Wheeling. 59
the ſtep exactly. This method greatly facilitares
and abridges the performance of many of the evo-
lutions, which by this means are executed, without
halcing the men in order to face them; and conſe-
quently, cauſes the evolutions to be performed much
quicker, and with more accuracy; as the men con-
ſtantly keep a uniform and regular ſtep. This alſo
we have endeavoured to t ach our militia men, and
find, that we ſucceed in it beyond our expectata ions,
and that they learn it wi hout much difficulty.
CHA P. III.
RULES and DIRECTIONS for WHEELING..
A
I. Rank that wheels is to be conſidered as ani
inflexible ſtraight line, moving round upon
one of its extremities as a center, and deſcribing a
portion of a circle.
It is evident, that the farther any point in the line
is from the centre, the greater ſpace it has to run
over in the ſame time, and conſequently muſt move
fafter in a certain proportion, than thoſe points
which are near the cen re.
This is the general principle, of all wheeling by
fingle ranks ; on which the following rules for
performing it are founded.
II. Firſt, the whole rank is to ſtep off at the
ſame time, and with the ſame feet, on the word of
command, March ! being given : and every man
is to make an equal number of paces, only his paces
muſt be longer or ſhorter, in proportion to his dif-
tance from the flanks which ſerves as a centre. In
wheeling to the right, therefore, each man's paces
muſt

60
Rules and Directions for Wheeling,
muſt be longer than thoſe of his right hand man
in wheeling to the left, they muſt be longer than
thoſe of his left hand tuan.
2. The man on the flank, which ferves as a
cenire, is not to ftir that heel, which is the centre,
upon which the rank is to turn, from the ground.
That is to ſay, the right heel in wheeling to the
right; and the left, in wheeling to the left.
For this reafen in wheeling to the right; when
the men ſtep with the left feet; his left foot is to be
lifted up at the ſame time, and ſet down again even
with the right ; when they ſtep with their right
feet, his right toe only is to be raiſed, and the heel
kept faſt on the ground; turning the body a little,
fo as come about even with the rank.
In wheeling to the left, the fame rule is to be
obſerved ; only that the left heel is then kept faſt ;
and, when the rank lifts the left féet, the left toe is
to be raiſed.
3. The whole rank is governed by the Hank chat
wheels. In wheeling, therefore, to the right, every
man ſhould look to che left, and regulate his fteps
by thoſe of his left hand man, in order not to ad-
vance before, or fall back behind him, but bring
che
* It will be proper to teach tltis motion firſt of all to each
man ſeperately; and then make them practiſe it a little, by lis
or eight, or a whole rank at a time : each man keeping his right
or left Irel faſt, (according as they are to wheel to the right or
left,) and all raiſing their toes, and lifting their legs at the ſame
time, coming about all evenly together, without ffiring from
their places; this will make every one of then be ready at it,
and know what they are to do, whenfoever they happen to be on
the flank that is wheeled upon. The word of command is the
Samd as for the wheelings,
To be rigbt, com left) Wbeel! March !
their
Except that at the word, March ! they are only to raiſe their
legs, but not ſtir from their place.

Rules and Directions for Wheeling, 61
the rank about even. In the ſame manner, in
wheeling to the left, every man is to look to the
right, and regulate his ſteps by thoſe of his right
hand man.
4. Every man muſt cloſe towards the centre, ſo
as juſt to touch and feel the man next within him,
but by no means to croud or preſs him : For par-
ticular care is to be taken, that the men neither
open the rank, by edging away to the outſide from
one another, nor break it, by crouding in too cloſe
to the centre. In wheeling, therefore, to the right,
you are to feel the right hand man; and, in wheels
ing to the left, the left hand man.
Wheeling to the right or left is deſcribing a quara
ter of a circle. Wheeling to the right or left about
is deſcribing a half circle.
Theſe are the general rules for all wheeling by
ſingle ranks, thoſe for doing it in cloſe order, ſhall
be given afterwards.
III. In teaching the men to wheel, it will be
fight to begin with but a few in a rank; as it will
be eaſier for them to perform it, and any faulcs
may be better temarked and corrected; when they
are colerably perfected, then add more,
TY. According as you intend to wheel to the
fight or left, you muſt caution the right and left
hand men, to ſtand or wheels and then give the
Words of command : +
F
TO
+ Befides the general rules here given for wheeling, the men
muft obſerve ſtrictly thoſe before laid down in Chap. 2. Art. i.
Sec. 4 and § for marching. Particularly ift, never to begin
the motion, till the word Command, March ! is fully pro-
nounced, adly. Always to ſtep off at firſt with the left feet
and, zdly., at the word of command, Halt! to bring the feet
square and even with one another

62 Rules and Directions for Wheeling,
To the right, (or left,) Wheel! March !
at which the whole rank ſteps off together, with
their left feet, and wheels to the right, (or left) a
quarter or a circle ; obſerving exactly the directions
before given, and taking care to move uniformly,
and bring the rank about even. When they have
deſcribed the quarter of the circle, you give the
word:
Halt!
At which they at once bring their feet ſquare, and
dreſs their rank ; ſtanding quite firm and ſteady.
V.
When the men are tolerably perfect in this,
and do it regularly; you will give the words :
To the right (or left,) about Wheel! March Halt!
at the word, March ! they wheel the half circle to
the right or left) about ; obſerving the fame rules
as before : and at the word, Hali! ftand faſt as
before directed. *
VI. The rank may then be told cff into diviſions,
of four, fix, or more men in each, according to
the number of the whole rank. The right and left-
hand men of each diviſion, muſt be told, you are
the right, you are the left, of the diviſion: Then,
if they are to wheel to the right, the right hand
men, are to be told that they ſtand ; the left hand
men, that they wheel, If to wheel to the left, then
,
the left hand men are to ſtand, and the right hand
men to wheel ; you then give the words :
TO
* Ry wheeling the half circle, the rank charges its front, and
is removed either to the right or left of its former ground, by
the whole extent of its front.
To bring it back to its former front and ground, it muſt be
again wheeled about the ſame way, which compleats the circle

Rules and Directions for Wheeling, 63
To the right, Wheel by diviſion's ! (or by four's,
fix's, &c. according to the number of men in
each diviſion,) March !
at which, all the diviſions ſtep off together with
their left feet, and wheel a quarter of a circle, and
then hale.
They will then be formed into as many ranks as
there are divifions, each diſtant from the other, the
extent of its front. *
They may then wheel once more to the right which
will again form them into a rank entire, fronting op
poſite to what they did before. +
VII. After this they ſhould be made to wheel by
diviſions (or ranks of four's, fix's, &c.) to the
right and left about ; always forming a rank entire,
at the finiſhing of the wheel. For to do this, you
give the words
To the right (or left) about, Wheel by diviſions ?
(or by four's, fix's C.) March !
a
at which all the diviſions ſtep off as before, and
wheel to the right or left a half circle ; taking care
to move evenly, and to come about, all together in
the ſame time; keeping exactly on their proper
ground,
*it is always cuſtomary to form into ranks, by wheeling to the
right: Though in teaching, it will be proper to accuſtom the
men to do it to the left, as well as to the right.
+ This changes not only the front, but the ſituation of the
divifions; that which was on the right, being now on the left :
and removes the rank to the right, the extent of the front of
one divifion. To bring them back to their former fituation and
front, they muſt be wheeled, either twice to the right, or once
to the right about. If, after having wheeled by diviſions to the
right, you wheel them again to the left, and form a rank entire ;
by this you preferve the ſame front, but change your ground;
being advanced to the front, by the extent of one divifion, and
as much to the right.

64 Rules and Directions for Wheeling.
ground, without loſing their ċentre ; and falling in
all at once, into their places in the rank entire :
when they are all come about, they ſtill keep mova
ing their feet without advancing, and look to the
right ; dreſſing the rank at the ſame time; where
they are dreſſed, you give the word,
Halt!
at which they all ſtaad as before directed.
VIII. Wheeling thus by ranks, and then form-
ing a rank entire, is an excellent method of bring-
ing the men to wheel with exact neſs ; for, if the
fank men of each rank, who ſerve as centres, ftir
at all out of their proper ground, by not keeping faſt
the heel they turn upon; the ranks cannot wheel
clear of one another, nor fall into their places in the
rank entire, And if the ranks do not come about
all even, and together, it is immediately perceived s
fo that, when the men are tolerably perfect in doing
this they will find every ching elfe in wheeling,
very eaſy to them.
IX. The next thing to be taught the men is
wheeling on the centre. To do this, you tell the
rank into two diviſions ; and, after having inform-
ed the men which divifion they belong to, you give
the words,
Upon the centre, Wheel to the rigot! March !
at the firſt word of command, the diviſion upon
the right goes to the right about.
Ar the word of command, March ! both divif-
ons wheel to the right, obſerving to move exactly
even and together, and keep the whole rank per-
fectly (traight and drefied; when they have wheel-
ed the quarter of the circle, you give the words,
Helt!

Rues and Directions for Wheeling. 65
Halt ! Front !
at which the diviſions halt, dreſſing their ranks; and
at the word, Front ! the right-hand diviſion comes
to the right about.
Upon the centre, Wheel to the right about ! March !
Halt ! Front !
The ſame as the former, only deſcribing the half
circle.
Upon the centre, Wheel to the left ! March !
As before , only the diviſion on the left goes to the
right about.
Halt! Front !
The left-hand diviſion comes to the right about again.
3
Upon the centre, Wheel to the left about ! March !
Halt ! Front !
As before ; only deſcribing the half circle.
X. When the men are brought to wheel with
tolerable regularity, which, by practiſing theſe me.
thods, will be in a ſhort time ; it will be proper to
make the ranks march, and wheel fingly, one after
another, at open order or ſix paces afunder ; ob-
ſerving the directions before given. Chap. ii. Art. i.
Sec. 8. to keep the ranks parallel to one another in
marching; and taking particular care to make each
rank wheel, exa&ly on the ſame ground as the rank
preceding it did ; coming up ſquare to it, and not
beginning the wheel, till the Aank chat is to ſtand, be
preciſely on the ſame ground that the flank of the
other was. To make the men do this well, will re-
quire a good deal of care and attention ; for they
are exceſſively apt to incline to the outſide, when they
ſee the ranks before them wheel; and begin to wheel
long before they come to the proper place ; which
has a very bad effect; and deſtroys all beauty and
F 3
regularity

66 Rules and Directions for Wheeling.
regularity in marching. * The beſt way of teaching
the men at firſt, is to make all the ranks halt, as
foon as each rank has finiſhed wheeling ; and ſet
them right, placing them in the ſituation chèy ought
to be in. Then again give the word, March! upon
which the rank that is to wheel, wheels, and the
the others advance, and march forward fix paces;
then halt again, and do this every time that a rank
wheels. By this method, the men will ſoon compre-
.
hend what it is they are to do ; and, in a few times
practiſing, will come up ſquare to their ground, and
wheel regularly after one another, without halting.
XI. As on certain occaſions, particularly at a
review, it is ſometimes neceſſary to march che com-
panies off by ranks of fours' ; it will be proper to
teach the men this way of marching, & wheeling by
ſingle ranks, at open order. It being alſo the foun-
dation for marching & wheeling by diviſions in cloſe
order : becauſe the wheelings in cloſe order, with the
rear ranks cloſed to the front, are governed by the
ſame principles, and are done intirely by the ſame
methods, as thoſe in open order : the front rank,
(which regulates the two others, obſerving exactly
all the rules that have been given for a ſingle rank.
In wheeling to the righc the rear ranks muflin-
cline a little to the left, in order to cover and keep
in a line with their file-leaders, and when they
wheel to the left, incline a little to the right, for
the ſame reaſon. The men in che rear ranks, are
to cloſe ſo as juſt to feel one another; and to take
care to ſtep off at the ſame cime, and in the ſame
manner, as the front rank: but, the exactneſs of
the whole depending chiefly upon the front rank,
the
* The officers and ſergeants on the flanks, muſt take particular
care, to make them keep their ranks parallel, and come up
ſquare to their ground.
All marching is ſuppoſed to be done in a ſtraight line, and all
turnings by wheeling, as right angles.

Rules and Directiens fer Wheeling. 67
the principal attention of the rear ranks muſt be to
cover well, and to keep exactly behind their file-
leader in the front rank; cloſing up well ro it, and
not opening their order ; as they will be apt to do,
eſpecially on the fank that wheels, if particular care
be not taken to prevent it.
XII. In marching with the ranks at open order,
if the diviſions be large, and the front conſequently
extended, it is very difficult to wheel with regularity
by fingle ranks : for as the ſpace to be gone over
by the flank that wheels, is one quarter of the cir-
cumference of a circle, of which the whole rank is
radius ; it is evident, that the rank which follows,
;
will have made fix paces, (the diſtance allowed be-
tween the ranks.) long before the other that pre-
cedes it has finiſhed its wheel ; and will be obliged
to halt, till it has done : and likewiſe, that the rank
which precedes, will make more than lix paces,
before the rack following it can wheel ; ſo that the
proper diſtances between the ranks will be loft : for
that reaſon, when the diviſions are large, the beſt
way, and that which is almoſt always practiſed, is
to wheel in cloſe order.
XIII. To teach the men to wheel with the ranks
in cloſe order, the fame methods are to be purſued,
as before directed for wheeling by ſingle ranks.
Firſt, to practiſe them in wheeling to the righe
and left, and to the right and left abour.
Then to form them into two or more diviſions ;
and wheel them by diviſions to the right and lefc
about ; forming the company at the finiſhing of each
wheel, as directed in Sec. vi. & vii of this chapter.
XIV. In wheeling upon the centre in cloſe or-
der, it muſt be obſerved, that each diviſion is to
turn, upon the man on the flank of the centre
rank; and that man is to be cautioned, not to
F
4
ftir
68 Rules and Directions for Wheeling:

1.1
2
ftir his heel off of the ground, but move round on
it; as has been before directed for the front rank
10
Sec. ii. of this chapter. The two men in the centre,
are to take care to come round together, and keep
ſhoulder to ſhoulder ; the men in the centre of the
front and rear ranks, are likewiſe by no means to
ſeparate : therefore, in wheeling on the centre to the
right, the front ranks ſhould incline a little to the
right, and the rear ranks to the left ; and contrari-
wiſe in wheeling to the left.
The words of command are the fame as before ;
Upon the centrs, wheel to the right, March !
upon the firſt of which, the right hand diviſion goes
to the right about ; and at the ſecond, March ! boch
diviſions ftep off together, and wheel in the manner
as before directed ; only that the rear rank of the
right hand diviſion is now become the front rank,
and leads. At the words,
Halt ! Front !
the diviſion which faced, comes again to the right
about ; and both diviſions dreſs with one another.
In the ſame manner they wheel to the right about,
In wheeling to the left, or left about, exactly the
ſame rules are to be obſerved ; only that the left hand
diviſion goes to the right about, and its rear rank
becomes the front.
The ſame rules that are given in Sec. x. of this
chapter, for marching and wheeling by ſingle ranks,
hold good with regard to doing it by diviſions or
companies; and the ſame care is to be taken to make
them keep exactly parallel one with the other ; and
come ſquare up to their ground on which they are
to wheel, and neither incline outwards, nor begin
to wheel too ſoon.
СНАР.

69
CHAP. IV.
DIRECTIONS for MARCHING and WHEELING by
PLATOONS or DivisiONS.
IN
; to
I. IN marching, the men muſt be taught, to al-
ſume a ſoldier-like air, to hold their heads
up, look to the right, and, when they paſs by an
officer, look him boldly in the face : to keep their
breaſts forward, and their ſhoulders back ; to lift
up their feet, and extend their knees all together at
the ſame time, their toes being turned out, and
pointed rather downwards ; and ſet their feet down
firm at once, but without ſtamping : to preſerve
their ranks even and not to open their files
carry their arms well, preſſing their piece well againſt
their body, that it may be fteady, and not waver ;
letting their right hand hang down by their right
ſide, without any motion.
II. The platoons or diviſions * muſt march a
moderate pace, by the common ſtep, rather flow
than otherwiſe, and the Captain that leads the firſt
platoon or diviſion, ought to be very careful not to
advance too faft; which will oblige thoſe in the rear
to quicken their pace, and even to run in order to
preſerve their diſtances : which, beldes its having a
bad effect would hazard putting them in diſorder,
and prevent their ſtanding ſteady and dreſſing well,
immediately upon the word being given to halt.
III. The ranks of a platoon, in marching, muſt
be ac equal diſtances from one another ; that is to
ſay, two paces; the officers alſo, are to keep equal
diſtances between their platoons or diviſions, which
are
* To avoid uſeleſs repetitions of words, we fall, in general
ooly uſe the word Platoon, though the fame directions muſt be
underſtood, as ſerving, likewiſe, for ſub-divisions and diviſions.
روایی

70 Dire&tions for Marching and Wheeling.
are not to exceed the extent of their front ; reckon-
ing from their front rank, to the front rank of the
other divifion.
IV. The officers at the head of platoons muſt ob-
ſerve to keep at equal diſtances before them, and
from one another, carry their fufees ſteady upon
their right arms, and frequently look back to the
right, to ſee how they march.
V. The officers who lead platoons, or divi-
Gons, muft march before the centre of them ;
if there be three or more officers at the head,
the ſubalteros on the right and left muft divide
the ground equally between the right and left
flank, the captain being in the centre. If there be
only two officers, they divide the front equally be-
tween them. The drummers muſt keep oppoſite
the centre of the platoon ; taking care ſtrictly to
obferve their proper diſtances from their officers,
and the men.
VI. The officers are to take care, that the right
A anks of the platoons cover one another exactly,
obſerving however, in wheeling to the left, that they
are then to cover the left flank of the platoon pre-
ceeding them.
VII. The officers muſt take particular care, when
their platoons are to wheel, to make them come up
ſquare to the ground that they are to wheel upon,
as directed in Chap. iii. Sec. 10.
VIII. When a diviſion comes to the ground upon
which it is to wheel, the officer commanding it
gives the word of command, Cloſe up! upon which
the front rank men keep moving their feet only, but
the rear ranks cloſe briſkly up to the front; the officer
then gives the word, To the right (ou left) Wheel!
Upon
* The diſtance between the officers and the front rank of the
men is four paces ; between the drummers and the front rank
of the men two paces.
*
a

Dire&tions for Marching and Wheeting, 71
Upon which, the diviſion wheels, taking care to
ſtep cogether, and wheel even ; as ſoon as it comes
about, the officer gives the words, Halt! Dreſs!
upon which, the diviſion ſtands faſt and dreſſes at
The officer then gives the word, March !
upon which, the front rank ſtep off with the left
feet together, afterwards the centre and rear ranks,
taking care to open to the diſtance of two paces, as
directed in Chap. ii. Art. ift. Sec. 10.
once.
IX. When the officer gives the word to the pla-
toons to wheel, if it is to the right, the three ranks
muft immediately look to the left ; and when they
have wheeled, and the word Halt! is given, they
muft at once look to the right again.
.
X. In all wheelings, the ſergeants muſt look to
the Aanks to ſee that the rear ranks keep cloſe up to
the front; they muſt halt at once with their platoon,
and ſtep off with their left feet together with them.
The front rank fteps off with the officer, and the
rear ranks after the front in the manner already di-
rected ; and take care always that the men march
even and ſteady, carry their arms well, and open to
their proper diſtance in marching.
The officers in the rear of the platoons, muſt wheel
along with their platoon; taking care ſtill to cover
the lame files, and halt at the ſame time; ſtepping
off together, as ſoon as the rear rank is got to its
proper diſtance
.
XI. When
*The halt here muſt be only momentry; juſt that the men
may recover the ſteps and the word, March ! ſhould be given
almoſt in the ſame breath with thoſe of Halt! Dreſs! the in:
Itant the officer fees that the men are dreiled, and ready to ſtep
off with the left feet. When they march fo well as not to loſe
the ſtep in wheeling, thoſe words of command may be omitted ;
and ſhould always be given in rather a low voice : ſo as to be
hcard only by the diviſion that they are addrsfled to.
2313

72 Directions for Marching and Wheeling.
ner.
XI. When a battalion is marching by platoons,
and has a defile or gate to paſs through, the whole
muſt cloſe up ; and the firſt platoon facing to the
right, and marching by files, paſſes through as quick
as poſſible, keeping up cloſe ; as ſoon as they have
got a little diſtance from the defile, the officer gives
them the words, Front ! Wheel to the right ! and
then they continue their march with an even but
Now pace , all the other platoons obſerving the ſame
direction : but if the defile be wide enough for half
the plattoon to paſs, it will be better to break them
into two diviſions, and march through in that man-
The firſt diviſion, after it is through, muſt
march very flowly the ſhort ſtep, to give the other
diviſion time to join it by the oblique long ſtep, and
then both dreſs and advance very ſlowly.
XII. When a batalion marching by platoons; is
to form ſub-diviſions, the adjutant will caution the
officers leading the platoons, which way they are to
incline, whether to the right or left ; at the word,
Form ſub-diviſions ! they will march by the oblique
ftep, forming the ſub-diviſions in the manner directe
ed in Chap. v. Art. iii. Sec. 4. and 5.
XIII. When the men are to club their firelocks in
marching ; upon the word of command or ſignal
for it being given, the men are to perform the firſt
motion, when they ftep with the right foot ; the
ſecond, when they ſtep with their left ; and the third,
when they ſtep again with their right foot ; after
which they muſt halt a moment, dreſs, and then all
ſtep off together with their left feet. The fame
directions muſt be obſerved, in coming again to the
fhoulder. When the men club, the ferjeants are to
club their halberds.
a
CHAP

( 73 )
CHA P. V.
DIRECTIONS for the Days of EXERCISE,
by ſingle COMPANIES.
ART. I.
Of Sizing and Viewing the Company, and Forming
it into Ranks at the Place of Aſembly.
S ſoon as the ſergeants have ſeen, that the
men are properly dreſſed and accourted,
they are to draw them up in a ſingle rank, divided
into three equal parts or diviſions. *
The
1. Am
* The fizing of a company well, contributes greatly to its
good appearance ; for which
realán it is proper, that it ſhould
be not a little attended to. Though the general rule is, that the
talleſt man ſhould be in the front rank ; yet, if a man has a fine
perfon, and is well made, he ought to be put into the front, in
preferance to one who is fomewhat taller, but not of ſo good a
figure. Each rank ſhould alſo be fized ſeparately, placing the
talleſt men on the fianks, and the loweſt in the centre : this the
fergeants may do with great eaſe, by having a fize-roll of the
company, and in a very ſhort time the men will exactly know
their reſpective places in the company, and what rank and file
they are to be in ; which is an affuir of no ſmall importance, in
cafe of being broken and put in diſorder, in order to rally and
form again. For this reaſon they ought to be cautioned, al-
ways, when drawn up, to take particular notice, and remember,
not only the rank and file they are in, but likewiſe their file-
leader, and right and left hand men in the rank,
There has lately been communicated to us, a method of fizing
and torming a company, which appears fo eaſy, and at the ſame
time lo regular and elegant, that we cannot forbear giving it
here, and recommending the practice of it. Having an exact
fize-roll of your company, you begin with the loweſt man place-
ing him in the centre, the next taller on the left, the next
above him on the right, and fo on alternately, forming a rank
entire, till the talleſt of all are on the flanks; you then tell off
the rank into fix divifions, telling the diviſion on the right, and
that on the left, that they are the front rank; the two diviſions
from the right and left nearer the centre, that they are the rear
tark; and the two divifions in the centre, that they are the
censtie rank. You then give the works,
Form your ranks ! March! Halt!

74 Diretions for the Days of Exerciſe.
The talleft man muſt be placed on the right, the
next fize on the left, and the loweſt in the centre
diviſion.
II. When the men are thus fized, they are to be
told off into three equal diviſions, telling the right
hand man of the right hand diviſion, that he is the
right of the front rank ; the left hand man of the
fame diviſion, that he is the left of the front rank ;
the right and left hand men of the centre diviſion,
that they are the right and left of the centre rank
and the right and left hand men of the diviſion on
the left, that they are the right and left hand men
of the rear rank.
Each rank, likewiſe, is to be told off into two
equal diviſions, if the number of files be even ; if
not, the advantage muſt be given to the right hand
diviſion, which is the firſt, and the men in each
rank that are right and left hand men of the firſt and
ſecond
At the word, Marcb! the two diviſions on the flanks, and the
two centre divifions, all ſtep off together with their left feet, the
flank diviſions making twelve paces, and the centre diviſions
fix; and halt when they have made their number of paces,
bringing their feet up ſquare. You then give the words,
To the right and left, March !
upon which, the two diviſions of the front rank, and thoſe of
the rear rank, face ; thoſe on the light, to the left, and thofe
on the left, to the right ; and at the word March ! ſtep off to-
gether, and march till they join in the centre; as foon as they
have done this, you give the words,
Halt ! Front /
upon which they all face to the right and lefts to their proper
front.
The company is by this means at once formed into three
ranks ; the firſt rank being compofed of the talleſt men, the
rear rank of thoſe next in fize, and the centre of the loweft ;
and each of thofe ranks fized from the right and left.
г

by Single Companies. 75
ſecond diviſions are to be told ſo, and cautioned to
remember exactly their poſts in each diviſion. +
III. The officers will then inſpect and examine
che men, to fee that the fergeants have done their
duty; and that the men are exactly fized, well
dreſſed, and their cloaths, hats, and accutrements
clean, and put on in a ſoldier-like manner; that their
arms are clean and unloaded, and the locks in
good order ; that the bayonets are bright and fix'd
well, and that their fints, or pieces of wood, (which
they ought to have on common days of exerciſe,
inſtead of flints ;) are well ſcrewed and faſtened in
the cock. When they have ſeen that very thing
is as it ſhould be, and have corrected all faults, they
will then take poſt with ordered fuſees, at the dif-
tance of four paces, or eight feet, before the front
of the men ; the captain facing and oppoſite to the
centre of the front rank, the lieutenant to that of the
rear rank, and the enlign to that of the centre rank.
The ſergeants are to poſt themſelves on the right
of the front rank, in a line with he men ; the drum-
mers on the right of them, and the hatchet men
(if any) to the right of the drummers : the corpo-
rals are to be poſted on the right of the front and
rear ranks, and the fix grenadiers are to be poſted,
two on the right of each rank, compoſing the two
right hand files.
IV. This inſpection being over, the company is
to be formed into raoks; the right hand divifion, as
we obſerved before, making the front rank, the cen-
the diviſion of the centre rank, and the left hand divi-
fion
+ The general rule is, that the chief, or commanding officer,
leads the whole, the ſecond in command brings up the rear, and
the others lead the intermediate diviſions.
The different mothods here laid down, for the marching off
in two diviſions will ſerve equally for four or any other number,

26 Directions for the Days of Exerciſe.
fion the rear rank; in order to do this, the com:
manding officer gives the words,
To the right, Wheel and form your ranks! March !
at the word Märch ! the three ranks ſtep off together
with their left feet, and wheel to the right ; the front
tank halts, as ſoon as it is finilhed the wheel; but
the centre and rear ranks move, forward and cloſe
up to the diſtance of fix paces from one another.
The officers are now to take their pofts in the front;
theCaptain in the centre, the Lieutenant on the right,
and Enſign on the left ; one ſergeant on each flank
of the front rank; the drummers and hatchec-men
to the right of the front rank, *
V. It will be proper, in forming the ſingle rank
at firſt, to take care and place it as much as poſſible
in fuch a manner as to have room to wheel and
form the ranks, and to march off by the righe, to
the place where the company is to be exerciſed,
that being the eaſieſt and moſt regular manner of
doing it ; however, as oftentimes the ſituation of
the place of aſſembly may not allow of it, and
there may not be toom to form the ranks by wheel-
ing; the company may be formed into ranks, by
the commanding officer, giving the words of com-
mand,
Centre and rear Ranks, Face to the right ! March !
upon the firſt of which, the centre and rear ranks
face to the right ; and, at the word March ! they
double behind the front rank, and halt when the
sight hand men of each rank are even with the right
hand
At open order, the ranks are to be at fix paces afunder,
if at a cloſe order, at one pace only, & in marching, at two paces,
by Jingle Companies.
177

hand men of the front rank; then the officer gives
the words,
Halt! Front !
on which both ranks face to the left dreſſing their
ranks, and covering the file leaders exactly. The
lieutenant and enſign face with the centre and rear-
ranks, and, as they double behind the front, march
to their poſts as before directed in Sec. ihe 4th: the
lieutenant to the right, and the enſign to the left
of the front rank. The captain remains in the
centre.
G
ART.
* The ranks will be then in cloſe order, and, if there is occafion,
may be then opened forwards or backwards, as ſuits the ground beltz
to open forwards, the words are to be given,
Front ranks, Advance to open order! March !
at which the front and centre ranks ftep off together with their left
feet; the centre rank moves five paces and halts, bringing their feet
fquare; the front makes ten and does the fame, both ranks taking
care to dreſs immediately,
To cloſe them backward, the words of command are;
Front ranks, to the right about ! March!
on which the front and centre ranks go to the right about ; at the word,
March! they ſtep off with their left feet, and cloſe back to the rear ;
the centre rank making five, and the front rank making ten paces,
and halt, bringing their feet ſquare, at the words,
Halt! Front !
at which the two ranks which cloſed, come to the right-about
To op n backward, is performed as deſcribed in explanation 44, 45, and
46, of the Manual Exerciſe ; the words of command being,
Rear ranks, to open order !
March! Halt! Front !

78 Directions for the Days of Exerciſe,
AR T. II.
W marching a comment
Of marching off the Coonpany to the Place of Exerciſe.
1.
E ſhall now give ſeveral methods of
marching a company off from the place
of affembly, and of forming it again,
when it comes to its ground at the place of exerciſe ;
we do not pretend to ſay, that they are all equally
caly or uſeful ; but as the militia officers and med
will but very ſeldom have an opportunity, of ſeeing
any thing of a battalion and its evolutions; and theo
only for a very ſhort ſpace of time ; we are willing
to give them as many different methods of march-
ing and forming, that may be pra&tiſed by a ſingle
company, as we can.
For, when the men are once well grounded, in
facing, wheeling, and marching in ſmall bodies; and
are become attentive to the word of command, fo
29 to execute it readily and without heſitation, as
foon as given ; whatever is to be done in battalion,
will be vaſtly eaſy to them; and the officers, (by
practicing with their ſingle companies occaſionally,
the various manners which we have here given, of
marching off, and forming again,) will acquire an
infight into the nature of the evolutions; ſo as to be
able, with a very little inſtruction, to comprehend
and perform all that will be required when the barda-
lion is aſſembled : as it will be very little different
from what they have already practiſed with their
particular companies. The gentlemen of the regular
forces muſt not laugh at us for this ; their being ſo
often exerciſed in battalion, and having ſo many ge-
neral field days, gives them frequent opportunities
of learning their duty with great facility; and they
may
by fingle Companies.
79

may take their ideas at once (if I may uſe the ex
preſſion,) from the life and nature: whereas we are
obliged to do it in miniature, and from ſmall models.
11. One of the eaſieſt and beſt manners of march-
ing a company off to the place of exerciſe, on com-
mon occalions where you do not want to parade,
(eſpecially if there be gates or other narrow paſſages
to go through) is to cloſe the rear ranks to the
frent chen face the whole to the right, and march
off by the flank. The captain is to march at the
head of the centre of the firſt file, the enſigo on the
flank of the front rank, and the lieutenant in the
rear, oppoſite to the centre of the laſt file; the
drummers juſt behind the captain, and the ſergeants
before the right and left of the firſt file.
III. But in general, a company ſhould be marche
ed off in two diviſions; the right hand diviſion being
the firſt, led by the captain, the ſecond by the en-
fign, and the lieutenant bringing up the rear. The
ſergeants are to be, the firſt, on the right of the
front rank of the firſt diviſion, the other, on the
left of the front rank of the ſecond diviſion, the
drummers are to fall in between the front rank of
the firſt divifion, and the captain that leads it; who
is to be advanced four paces before the front of his
diviſion; and the hatchet-man twelve paces before
him with his firelock on his right arm. The officers
may either carry their fufees on the right arm, or
in the right hand, as they chufe it, till they come
to the ground on which they are to form; and then
they muſt carry their fufees on the tight arm.
G 2
IV. If
In doing this, care muſt be taken to make the men ſtep off with their
left fect altogether, at once, and not open their files to above one pace diſ..
tance, cbſerving the rules given in Chan, ii. Sec. 9. If chere be any turning,
they wkeel by files following one another as cloſe as poſſible.
80 Directions for the Days of Exerciſe,

IV. If the company is to march off to the righe:
after having cloſed the rear ranks to the front, the
commanding officer gives the words.
To the Right, Wheel by Diviſions ! March!
At which both diviſions wheel at the ſame time to
the right, and march off; opening their ranks in
marching, as directed in Chap. ii. Sec. 10.
V. If it is to march to the left; the firſt diviſion
marches forward a few paces, and wheels to the
left; the ſecond, as foon as the firſt has finiſhed its
wheel, and its oppoſite to its right flank, begins to
march forward ; and, when the firſt is paſt its left
flank, wheels after and follows it. *
VI. If the company is to march ſtraight forward
to the front; one method is, when the officer that
leads the firſt, or right-hand diviſion, gives the
word March! for the officer commanding the fe-
cond diviſion to give the word,
Wheel to the right!
At which the ſecond diviſion wheels to the right; as
foon as it has finiſhed the wheel, the officer again
gives the word, Wheel to the left! and wheels to the
left, which brings it directly on the ground of the
firſt diviſion.
VII. When there are many divifions, this laſt is
the propereſt, and moſt regular method ; where
there are only two, when the officer that leads the
firft diviſion, gives the word, March! the officer
com-
* Each particular officer commanding a diviſion is to obſerve, and give
the proper words of command to it, to mareh, halt, and wheel at the
proper zimes, as directed by theſe explanations..

by ſingle Companies.
80
commanding the ſecond, may order it to face to the
right; and, as ſoon as the rear rank of the firſt
diviſion is got paft the front rank of the ſecond, he
gives the word March ! upon which the ſecond
diviſion marches by the flank, till it comes exactly
upon the ground on which the other ſtood ; then
he gives the word,
Turn to the left!
At which the diviſion turns to the left, as directed
in Chap. ii. Art. ii. Sec. 6, and follows the firſt
diviſion.
N
VIII. The ſecond diviſion may follow the firſt by
the oblique ftep; when the firſt diviſion has made
three paces, the officer commanding the ſecond
gives the words,
Incline to the right ! March !
Upon which it follows, marching by the oblique
ſtep to the right, till it covers the firſt diviſion; and
then marches forward after it. *
ART.
G 3
* The directions, here given for marching in two divifions, will
ſerve equally for any number, and corſequently ſhow the manner of
marching off a whole battalion by diviſions or companies. If there
are more than two diviſions, and they are to march to the right;
all the diviſions wheel at the ſame time to the right; if to the left, each
divifion marches forward, when that diviſion which was on its righc.
has finished its wheel ; and wheels after it to the left, as foon as it has
paffed its front.
If they are to march ſtraight forward, and there are more than two
diviſions ; all muſt wheel to the right, except the right hand one, which
marches ſtraight forward ; and, as each diviſion wheels to the left, the
others follow up in fucceffion to its ground; and wheel likewiſe to the
left after it, covering the diviſion before them.
As the marching off the companies by ranks of fours, is ſometimes
prastiſed at a seview, we ſhall juſt mention the method of doing it.
The
5

82 Directions for the Days of Exerciſe,
A RT. 111
Of forming the Company, and Drawing it up on the
Place of Exerciſe.
W
1.
HEN a company wheels in order to
forin, as ſoon as the captain comes
upon the ground where he intends to
halt, he faces to his diviſion, and gives the word
Halt! At which the drummers advance to the front
ten paces, beating the troop, and take poſt oppoſite
to the centre of the company. The hatchet-man
does the fame, only two paces more advanced than
the drummers; and they come to the right-about
together, facing the men. Thé lieutenant and enſign,
when they come up, take poſt, the lieutenant
the right, the enſign to the left, four paces advanced
before the front, and face the men; the captain
poſts
3
The ranks being at open order, all the three ranics wheel together to
the right by fours; then the right-hand four of the front rank of the
company on the right, wheel to the left, and march forward ; the whole
front rank following up by ranks of four ; wheeling to the left upon the
fame ground, and marching forward likewiſe after the first. When the
Jait four of the front rank wheel to the left, the right-hand fout of the
centre rank do the ſame, and that rank marches off in the fame mannez
the front rank did. "The right-hand four of the rear rank wheel with the
Jaft of the centre rank, and that rank marches off as the centre rank did,
After that the right-hand company advances to the ground of the firſt,
and marches off exactly in the ſame manner as that did ; the front rank
firſt, then the centre rank, and then the rear rank. The other companies
follow fucceffively, till they are all marched off. When they come round
to the left of the ground that they were upon at firſt, the front rank of
each company wheels to the left, and marches along the ground where the
front rank ftood; the centre and rear ranks paſs the front rank, and do
tiie fame, on that where the centre and rear ranks ftood; when the right
Hand company comes to the ground where it ſtood before, it halts, and
each company does the fame upon its own ground, then they wheel to the
Icft by fours, which fronts them exactly as they were at first,

by ſingle Companies.
83
poſts himſelf before the centre. When the caprain
has feen that the men dreſs well, and the files cover
as they ſhould do; he gives a fignal to the other
officers, and they all go to the right about together;
the drummers then ceaſe beating.
Il. To form a company upon its ground, either
for review or exerciſe, it muft be confidered, whe
ther it comes on to it from the right, left or rear;
if it comes from the left, as ſoon as the firſt divifis
on comes within the breadth of its front of the right
of the ground that they are to form upon, both
diviſions wheel to the left, at the ſame time; and,
having finiſhed their wheel, halt together, dreſſing
their front even with one another,
III. When a company comes to its ground from
the right, the firſt diviſion wheels to the right, and,
advancing fix or eight paces to the front, halis on
its ground; the fecord diviſion, as foon as it has
paffed behind the rear of the firſt, and is even with
its left hand fiłe, wheels to the right alſo, and joins
the left flank of the firſt, dreſſing its ranks with it.
The officers, drummers, &c. poſt themſelves as in
the former explanation.
IV. A company that comes directly up from the
year may be formed by the oblique ftep; the ſecond
diviſion inclining to the left, after the firſt has halted
till the right fank of the ſecond is even with the left
of the firſt; and then marching ſtraight forward.
V. The firſt diviſion may likewiſe, in marching,
incline to the right by the oblique ſiep; while the
ſecond inclines to the left, till the left Alank of the
firſt is clear of the right flank of the ſecond diviſion ;
and then they both march ſtraight forward : the firſt
G4
diiviſion
The ſecond divifion muft Nacken its motion in wheeling ſo as not, fed
interfere with the seas rank of the fisht,

84 Directions for the Days of Exerciſe,
diviſion making ſhort ſteps, and the ſecond making
ſhort ſteps, in order to come up and dreſs with the firſt.
VI It may likewiſe be done with the ſecond di-
viſion wheeling to the left, and again to the right,
and then marching up to dreſs even with the front
of the firſt diviſion.*
VII. When a company is thus formed, the rear
ranks are to take their diſtance of fix paces, as die
rected in explanation xliv. of the Manual; the fer,
geanrs fall back into the rear, at four paces diſtance
behind the men ; the drummers advance ten paces
to the front, and face to the right about to the com-
paoy.
The hatchet-man poſts himſelf two paces
beyond the drummers, and likewiſe comes to the
right about, facing the company.
VIII. The captain then faces to the right about,
and advances twelve paces to the front, and comes
again to the right about. The drummers are then
poſted on his right. The lieutenant and enſign,
when the captain advances, fall in on the flanks of
the front rank; the lieutenant to the right and the
enſign to the left, the ſergeants come up to the right
and left flanks of the rear rank.
IX. In this ſituation, the captain, or command-
ing officer, will make them go through the Manual
Exerciſe, and ſuch parts of the firings as he ſhall
xhink proper; t after which, he will practiſe them
in
* The very fame directions will ſerve for forming any number of
diviſions into companies or battalions: If they come from the left, they
all wheel at once to the left, as ſoon as they are all come upon their proper
ground : which is, wben the firſt diviſion is within the breadth of its frone
from the right of the grourd it is to form upon. If they come from the
right, the firſt divifion wheels to the right and advances: the reſt followa
ing ſucceſſively, and doing the ſame, as in Art. ii. See. 3. of this Chapter.
If from the rear, they may form by the methods directed in Sec. 4, 5, 6.
as fhall be found moſt convenient.
+ When the rear ranks cloſe to the front, in order to perform the
Sirings, the officers and ſergeants are to keep their poſts as before ; and
the Sergeants close up with the rear rank,

by ſingle Companies.
85
in marching, both ſtraight forward, and by the ob-
Jique ſtep; in turning, and wheeling likewiſe; and
in the various methods of marching off
, and form-
ing by diviſions as before directed. When they have
done as much of theſe things as fhall be ſufficient;
he will march them back to the place of afſembly,
in the ſame manner as they marched from thence,
and draw them up there. He then will give the
words of command to open the ranks, and order
their firelocks; and the officers will again inſpect
the arms and accoutrenients, to ſee if they are clean
and in order; and cauſe the fergeants to take an
account of what is broken or amiſs; giving ſuch
other orders as ſhall be neceffary: after which he
will command them to reft, fhoulder, and club
their firelocks ; then give the word, To the right-
about ! and diſmiſs them with the ruffle of a drum.*
* If the men are to lodge their arms in a houſe, church, or
other place, that they can conveniently march into the officers
may make them reft their firelocks, and then give the word,
Face to the right!
and fo make each rank file off, with recovered arms, fingly
from the right, the centre rank following as ſoon as the front
rank has marched off, and then the rear rank, the drum beating
the troop
PART.

( 86 )
IRIZZZZZZZZZS
NANANANANANANANANANANA
PART III.
DIRECTIONS
To be obſerved in the
Yearly Review by Battalion.
C Η Α Ρ. Ι.
DIRECTIONS for the aſſembling and forming the
BAT TALION by COMPANIES at the PLACE
if EXERCISE.
I. WAT HEN the battalion is aftenbled, and is
ordered under arms, the companies are
to repair immediately after the affembly
has done beating, to their reſpective captains quar-
ters; where the officers will, with all expedition,
fize, infpect, and form them ; and then march
them off to the general rendezvous, according to
the directions in Part II. Chap. 6,
11. When they come to the general parade, or
place where they are to form in battalion, they are
to draw up in the following mapper; the eldeſt on:
colonel's company, is to be on the right of the cen-
tre of the battalion; the ſecond (or lieutenant colo-
nel's) company, on the left of the centre; the third
(ar majorºs,) on the right of the firſt; the fourth
(or firſt captain's) on the left of the ſecond; the fifth
(ar

Directions for the aſſembling the Battalion. Sy
(or ſecond captain's) on the right of the third ; the
fixth (or third captain's) on the left of the fourth ;
the eleventh (or eighth captain's) on the right of the
fifth; the twelfth (or ninth captain's) on the left of
the fixth; the ninth (or fixth captain's.) on the right
of the eleventh; the tepth (or ſeveoth captain's) on
the left of the twelfth ; the ſeventh (or fourth cap-
tain's,) on the right of the ninth; and the eighth (or
fifth captain's) on the left of the tenth, leaving one
pace interval between each ; except the firſt and
ſecond company, which are to leave five paces
between them."
HI. So
* By this means, the fix eldeſt companies will be in the centre, and.
the eldeſt of the other fix on the fianks, the youngeſt of all being in the
centre of each flank, in order as follows,
18 | 10 | 12 T 614 1 21.17315 111 9177
We muſt obſerve once for all: that when we mention iſt, zd, or 3d
companies, we reckon by feniority as we do here : when we ſpeak of the
sf, 2d, or 3d platoon, ſub-diviſion, or diviſion; if we are treating of
marching, or the evolutions, we then reckon from the right of the batta-
lion to the left; but if it is any manner relating to the firings, we thens
count them according to the order in which they are to fire; that a platoon
and a company, according to our diſpoſition of the battalion, are the ſame;
--that by ſub-divifions, we underſtand two companies joined ; and by
grand-diviſions, three companies.
N. B. As the Regiments in the Province of the
Maſſachuſetts-Bay do not conſiſt of any certain
Number of Companies, nor the Companies of an
equal Number of Files, as the Norfolk Militia
does ; the Companies may be drawn up, and the
Officers poſted as uſual ; and the Battalion.
formed into two Wings, four Grand Diviſions,
eight Sub-Diviſions, and Sixteen Platoons, 2-
greeable to the Practice of the Army.

88 Directions for the aſſembling the Battalion,
III. So foon as each company wheels, in order to
come up to its ground, the drummers march for-
ward, beating the troop, ten paces beyond where
the front rank is to draw up; oppoſite to the centre
of the company : then face to the right about, con-
tinuing to beat till the officers are at their poſts,
when they are to ceaſe; the hatchet-man or pioneer,
advances two paces beyond the drummers, and faces
to the right-about likewiſe.
One fergeant comes up to the right of the front
rank of each of the ſix companies on the right;
and one to the left of the front rank of each of the
fix companies on the left; the remaining ſergeants
divide their ground equally in the rear, or take poſt
oppoſite the centre of the rear rank of their reſpec-
tive companies ; ordering their arms at the ſame
time the officers do.
IV. So ſoon as the officers come up to the front,
they are to face to the right-about; the captain tak-
ing poft oppoſite to the centre of his company, the
lieutenant upon the right, and the enſign upon the
left of the companies, at eighe feet or four paces
diſtance from the front rank.
After the officers have ſeen that the files cover
well, and that the ranks are ſtraight ; the captain
gives a ſign to the ſubalterns, and they all come
again to the right about to their proper front)
together, ordering their fuſèes. *
СНАР.
* When the Officers are either to order their fufees, or carry them on
their right arm in facing to the right about, they are to do it in three mo-
tions ; as directed in explanation ift, and 2d, in the Officers exerciſe ; per-
forming the firſt motion, when they bring their feet into the poſition of the
firſt motion of explanation 18, the ſecond when they face about, and the
third when they plant their right foot. they are to face only to the
right or left, they then perform the 1ſt and 2d motion of facing, and do the
3d, (of bringing the butt of the fuſee on the ground, and dropping it on the
right arm) after they have faced,

The Manner of forming the Battalion. 89
CHA P. II.
The Manner of forming the Battalion in order to be
REVIEWED.
1. THE companies being thus drawn up, the
major will give the word,
Form Battalion !
THE
Upon which the fix companies on the right face to
the left, and the fix on the left to the right ; at the
fame time the fix grenadiers of each company face,
thoſe of the fix companies on the right, to the
right; and thofe of the fix companies on the left, to
the left; the hatchet-men face inwards to the centre,
the drummers face to the right and left outwards ;
except the drum-major and orderly drummer, who
are to remain in the front with the commanding
officer : the officers face to their proper poſts,
carrying their fuſees on their right arms.* The firſt
captain's poſt is to be in the centre between the co-
lours; the ſecond to the platoon of grenadiers on the
right; and the third to the platoon on the left; the
9th and 7th companies to give a lieutenant each to
the platoon of grenadiers on the right; and the 8th
and 1 oth to give one each to the platoon on the
left; the uth and 12th companies to give each
one enſign to carry the colours, or ſupply the places
of thoſe enfigns that do, I at the word,
March
# As directed in Note 2d, of the preceeding Chapter,
I By this difpofition of Officers, each platoon of grenadiers, will be
commanded by a Captain and two Lieutenants: the fix youngeſt compa-
nies, will be commanded by their own Captains and a ſubaltern each ;
and the fix eldeſt companies, by a Lieutenant and Enſign each ; except
the Colonel's company, which will be commanded by the Captain
Lieutenant,

90 The Manner of forming the Battalion,
March !
the whole ſtep off together; the companies cloſing
up to their proper, or one pace, diſtance, and the
grenadiers marching in the rear of the ranks to which
they belong, to the flanks of the battalion. The
officers take their poſts oppofite to the outſide files
of each company, the firſt capcain and the two en-
figns with the colours, oppoſite the centre of the
bartalion : the drummers march forwards till they
are oppoſite to the intervals left between the baca
talion and the grenadiers; then turn to the right
and left, and march into them, forming in two ranks
on the flanks of the battalion : and there muſt be
five paces allowed between the grenadiers and bat-
talion for that purpoſe; the grenadier drummers
;
draw up on the outſide flank of their companies ; at
the ſame time the hatchet-men are to form in three
ranks oppoſite the centre, and march into the {pace
left for the colours; the major then gives the words
Hilt! Front /
at which they all come at once to their proper front;
dreſſing exactly with the ranks of the battalion.
II. The fergeants fall back to the rear, and cover
the outſide of each company, ordering their hal-
berds. The colours are now to be fent for, if not
already in the field ; and when they have taken
their poſts in the centre, the battalion will be in the
proper order to be reviewed ſtanding,
CHAP. III. and IV. Of the Manner of receiving
the Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Norfolk,
are omitted in this Abſtract.
CHAP

The Manner of forming thë Battalion. 91
CHAP. V.
The Method of forming the BATTALION for
EXERCISE, and the Performance of the FIRINGS,
ITF the battalion begins with the inanual exerciſe,
the major will give the words of command, -
Officers, take your poſts in Battalion ! March !
Upon which all the officers and drummers go to
the right about; the officers carrying their fufees
on their right arm; and the ſergeants their halberds
advanced; at the word,
March 1
the officers which are not fô command the platoons,
are to march firſt through the intervals to the rear,
and draw up oppoſite the centre of their reſpective
companies; the enſigns with the colours march into
the centre rank of hatchet-men; one of the hatchet-
men going back to the rear rank, which will make
room for the colours. The firſt captain will march
into the centre of the front rank of the hatchet-men;
the officers that are to command the platoons, march
into the intervals of the front rank; the ſergeants, as
foon as the officers which go to the rear, are paſt
them, march forward into the centre, and rear ranks,
and cover the officers in the front: the drummers
march to the rear, and divide into four divifions ;
except the grenadier drummers, who are to be in
the rear of their own company. At the word
Front !
the officers and drummers come to the right about
to their
proper
front,
la

92
of the Firings.
In this poſition the battalion is to go through the
manual exerciſe ; after which they will prime and
load, cloſe the rear ranks to the front and go
through the firings; firſt by companies, which will
be 12 platoons, excluſive of the two grenadier
companies, making in all 14 ; then by double
companies, or ſubdiviſions, which, with the two
grenadier platoons, will make eight.
***********************
CHAP. VI.
D ,
of the FIRINGS.
ART. I. General Directions for the Firings.
1. URING all the firings, ſilence muſt be
kept in the ranks, and no talking, ſpitting,
or moving about, to be permitted; and the men,
as ſoon as their platoon or diviſion has loaded and
ſhouldered, muſt inſtantly look to the right, carry
their arms well, drefs their ranks and files, and ſtand
perfectly quiet and ſteady, without the leaſt motion;
as in the performance of the manual exerciſe.
II. In making ready in the firings, the motions
muſt be performed in the ſame manner as directed
in the manual exerciſe; except that the men are not
to make any fenfible pauſe between them; but yet
take care to perform every motion exactly.
Ill. In making ready, the firelocks muſt be kept
dreſſed in a line, and at a ſteady recover, rather
higher than in the common poſition of the reſt : and
the front rank muſt take care to come down exactly
together, in performing of which motion, they muſt
plant the butt-end ſtrong upon the ground, keep their
head and body upright, and their left feet faſt; the
butts of the whole rank being dreſſed in an exact line.
ly. The

General Directions for the Firings. 93
IV. The platoons or diviſions in preſenting, muſt
dreſs their pieces exactly; the front rank taking
care to level horizontally, and the rear ranks to ſink
their muzzles a little, the butt reſting even with the
ſhoulder; and the men muſt fink their heads a little,
in order to take a better aim, and look boldly into
their fire. The officers are to give great attention
to make them level well.
V. At the Word Fire! the men muſt draw their
triggers briſkly, that their pieces may be ſure to
go off; the front rank muſt riſe up nimbly, and all
three ranks come at once to the priming poſition.
Every man muſt load quick, doing all the firing
motions properly, and particular care muſt be taken,
that none be omitted; or any performed, but ſuch
as are neceffary, and as follows.
VI. The men muſt half-cock their firefocks briſk.
ly, in coming to the priming poſition ; and take
hold of their cartridges as quick as poſſible, biting
the tops off ſo far, that the powder may fall into
fo
their mouths; then prime, * fhut their pans, and
caſt about to charge, very quick; taking care in
caſting about, not to ſpill any powder out of the
cartridge; they muſt then bring up their cartridges
Dimbly to the muzzle, ſhake the powder down the
barrels, draw their rammers as quick as poſſible,
turn and ſhorten them, put them in the barrels, and
ram the charge well down : which laſt particular,
all the officers muſt be very attentive to ſee done.
The rammers muſt then be nimbly recovered and
returned, and the right hand brought under the
lock, without waiting one for another : afterwards,
when the whole is in that poſition, they muſt wait
till the word of command to ſhoulder be given, and
H
then
* Taking care not to pnt in too much powder; which only
dirties the piece, and clogs the pan,
:
94 Venerul Directions on WC Pirings.

then ſhoulder together; to perform which motion
with exactneſs, the whole platoon or diviſion, muſt
obſerve well the man on the right flank.
VII. The platoons or diviſions muſt make ready,
and come down inſtantly, after the officers give the
word; who are to face to their platoons, and muſt
give the words loud and ſhort, and be very atten-
tive to each others firings, that they may be
per-
formed in ſucceſſive and regular order.
VIII. The officers muſt take care that the men
ſtand firm on their ground, before they give them
the word Preſent; and that they level well, and
take good aim without any hurry?
They muſt ſee likewiſe, that the men have level-
led well, before they give them the word to fire;
and as ſoon as the men have loaded, and they ſee
that the whole platoon is come to the poſition of
the right hand under the lock ; they muſt then
immediately give the word to ſhoulder.
IX. In caſe any man's piece ſhould miſs fire, he
muſt not put in more cartridges; but wipe the
flint and pan imperceptibly, and pour in freſh pow-
der; nevertheleſs he muſt perform the loading mo-
tions, and not leave the ranks to examine his.fire-
Jock, or put in a new flint without poſitive orders.
X. The officers and non-commiſſioned officers, as
well thoſe in the platoons, as thoſe in the rear muſt
keep filence ; obſerve well their men, and not talk
or call out to them, nor quit their poſts in the pla-
toons to dreſs the ranks : in caſe any man in the
battalion is ignorant of his buſineſs, it is then no
proper time to inftruct him; but the officer muſt
Temark all ſuch as they obſerve deficient, in order
to have them taught better, after the exerciſe is
over; or puniſh any who are careleſs.
XI. The
General Directz
for the
95

XI. The non-commiſſioned officers poſted in the
réar, during the firings ſtanding or advancing, muſt
always dreſs in a line, four paces diſtant from the
rear of their diviſions ; but in retreating, they muſt
come to the right about with their divifions, and
ſtand faſt, till they have fired ; after which, when
i
the diviſion goes to the right about, they do the
ſame; taking care that the men retreat in good
order ; and that they turn to the right about again,
when they have retreated to a proper diſtance; and
dreſs with the other diviſions.
XII. The officers and non-commiſſioned officers,
muſt be careful in all firings, to carry well their
fufees and halberds, and to march in a ſtraight linea
CHA P. VII.
Of the EVOLUTION S.
ART. 1.
The ſimple EVOLUTIONS wheeling and doubling by
DIVISIONS.
1 THE
I. THE Evolutions in the old exerciſes were
very numerous ; and exceſſively complica-
ted, and difficult for the troops to perform. Modern
practice ſeems univerſally to have adopted only a
few of them; and thoſe of the eaſieſt and ſimpleſt
nature: of which we ſhall indicate thoſe, which we
look upon to be the moſt effential. The firſt are the
different wheelings, and doublings of platoons, and
divifons.
Hà
II. We
96
Of the Evolutions.

II. We have faid fo much of the method of the
manner of performing all manner of wheelings, in
the chapter on that ſubject ; that it will be needleſs
to add much more, than juſt to give the words of
command.
1. To the right wheel, by ſub-diviſions ! March?
At the laſt word of command, the fix fub-diviſions,
and the two grenadier platoons ſtep off together,
and wheel to the right.
N. B. The officers, ſergeants, and drummers,
keep the ſame poſts as they had in the battalion ;
and wheel with their reſpective ſub-diviſions'; and if
two officers ſhould happen in wheeling, to fall into
the ſame interval between the ſub-diviſions, he that
comes laſt to the ground, halts in the rear, and co-
vers the firſt. The colours and hatchet-men, as
the fourth fub-diviſion (i. e. that on their left)
wheels, will wheel along with it ; inclining however
to the left, in ſuch a manner, that when the wheel
is finiſhed, they may be oppoſite to the centre of
that ſub-diviſion.
As ſoon as the ſub-diviſions have wheeled a quar-
ter of a circle, the major will give the word,
Halt!
at which they are to ſtand faſt, and immediately dreſs
their ranks and files, he will then again give the words,
2. To the right, Wheel! March ! Halt !
at which, all the diviſions wheel a quarter of the
circle again to the right: which brings the battalion
to face to the rear, The officers, ſergeants, &c.
obſerving
a

Of the Evolutions.
97
obſerving the dire&tions before given. The colours,
and hatchet-men, wheel alſo, inclining as before to
the left, till the left flank of the fourth divifion joins
them; and then fall in, between that, and the right
flank of the third fub-divifion; and at the word,
Halt ! they all ſtand, and dreſs as before.
3. To the right about, wheel! March! Halt!
at which words of command, all the ſub-diviſions
wheel to the right, one half of the circle. The co.
lours advance three paces forward, and wheel by
themſelves to the right about, in the rear of the
fourth ſub-divifion; and then incline to the left, and
dreſs on the right flank of that ſub-diviſion ; which
brings them to their proper ficuation as at firſt.
The battalion then comes to its proper front.
4. To the left wheel by ſub-diviſions ! March! Hali!
5. To the left wheel! March! Halt !
6. To the left atout, wheel! March! Halt !
Theſe are performed in the ſame manner as the
wheelings to the right: only that the colours will
now keep with, and regulate themſelves by, the third
ſub-divifion, as before by the fourth ; and incline
to the right, inſtead of the left.
III. A. Upon the centre, wheel to the right about !
March!
At the firſt of theſe words of command, the three
ſub-diviſions to the right of the colours, and the
officers, drummers, &c. in the rear of them ; to-
gether with the firſt platoon of grenadiers, the right-
hand colours, and the hatchet-men on the right, all
H3
go

98
Of the Evolutions.
go to the right about; and at the word, March !!
the whole battalion ſteps off together; and wheels a
half circle to the right; taking particular care to look
to the left, and wheel exactly even and together ;
and the centre files muſt obſerve and keep cloſe ;
ſo as not to open from one another. When they
are come about, the major will give the words,
Halt! Front !
upon which, the diviſions that faced to the right-
about, come to their proper front, dreſſing their
ranks and files.
2. Upon the centre, wheel to the left'about ! March
Halt ! Front !
The three diviſions to the left of the colours, with
the officers, drummers, &c. in the rear of them;
together with the ſecond platoon of grenadiers, with
the left-hand colours, and the hatchet-men to the
Jeft, all go to the right about ; and, at the word
March! the whole battalion ſteps off together; and
wheels a half circle to the left; obſerving the directi-
ons before given. At the words, Halt! Front ! the
diviſions that faced, come to the right about to their
proper front; dreſſing their ranks and files as before.
IV. To perform the doublings, the following
words of command are uſed,
1. Left hand Platoons of each Sub-diviſion,
Double the Right! March!
At the firſt word of command, the left-hand pla-
toons go to the right-about, and at the word March!
they ltep off together, and march three paces to
the

Of the Evolutions.
09
the rear; then turn to the left, and march till they
exactly cover the right-hand platoons; then turn
again to the left, to their proper front. .
2. Left-hand Platoons, as you were ! March !
At which, the left-hand platoons face to the left;
at the word, March ! they march, till they are
oppoſite to the intervals they quitted ; then turn
to the right, and dreſs in battalion with the right-
hand platoons.
N. B. The grenadiers ſtand faſt during this move-
ment.
3. Right-hand Platoons of each Sub-diviſion,
Double the Left! March !
4. Right-band Platoons, as you were ! Merch !
The ſame as the two former; only the platoons
that double, turn to the rigbt, when they have made
three paces to the rear; and turn again to the right,
to come to their proper front, as ſoon as they cover
the left-hand platoons. At the word of command,
As you were they face to the right; and turn to
the left, as ſoon as they come oppoſite to their re-
ſpective intervals.
5. Left-hand and centre * Platoons, of each grand
Diviſion, double the right! March !
On which the centre platoons go to the right about ;
the left-hand platoons face to the right, and the
right-hand platoons ftand faſt. At the word March!
the
H4
* If the Grand-diviſions conſiſt of more than three Platoons
the Word Centre muſt be omitted in this and the three
aext following Words of Command.

YOO
Of the Evolutions.
the centre platoons make three paces to the rear;
and turning to the left, double as before directed,
behind the right hand platoons; the left-hand pla-
tooons march by the flank, till they come upon the
ground on which the center platoons ſtood; and
then turaing to the right, make ſeven paces to the
Year; then turn to the left, cover the other two
platoons, and turn to their proper front. At the
word March ! che grenadiers march three paces to
the front; thoſe on the right turning to the left ;
and thoſe on the left turning to the right ; and
march till they cover the front of the two flank-
diviſions, then halt and front.
N. B. The officers commanding each ſub-diviſiou,
or platoon, muſt take care to give them the
proper words of command, for each particular
motion, after the firſt general one is given.
6. Left-hand and centre platoons, as you were !
March!
At the firſt of theſe words, the centre platoons
face to the left; as likewiſe the grenadiers to the
right and left; outwards. At the word March! they
march oppoſite their intervals; and dreſs with the
right-hand platoons. The left-hand platoons march
forward to the ground on which the centre platoons
ftood; and then turn to the left, march oppoſite
to their intervals, aud dreſs in battalion ; the grena-
diers, as ſoon as they are come oppoſite to their for-
mer ground, turn to the right and left, and march
three paces ; at the third ſtep, they turn to the
right-about, and dreſs with the battalion.
7. Right-

Of the Evolutions.
101
7. Right-hand and centre Platoons, of each grand
Diviſion, couble the Left! March!
8. Right-hand and centre Platoons, as you were !
March !
The fame as the former; except that on the
firſt word of command, the centre platoons go to
the right-about, and the right-hand platoons face to
the left; on the word March ! they march three
paces; and then the centre platoons turn to the
right, and cover the left platoons which ſtood faſt:
as ſoon as the right platoons have got to the ground
where the centre platoons ſtood, they turn to the
left; and when they have marched ſeven paces to
the rear, they turn to the right, and cover the other
two platoons, The grenadiers doubling in the ſame
manner as they did before ; at the words, As you
were! the centre platoons face to the right, the
grenadiers to the right and left, and at the word
March! chey march oppoſite their intervals; turn
to the left, and dreſs with the left-hand platoons,
which ſtood; when the right platoons have got to
the ground where the centre ſtood, they turn to the
right; and when they are oppoſite to their intervals,
they turn to the left, and dreſs in battalion.
9. From the Centre, double the Flank Platoons !
March !
On the word of command, the fank platoons
ſtand faſt; the two next them towards the centre,
go to the right about : all the other platoons, on
the right of the colours, face to the right; thoſe on
the left, face to the left : on the word March! they
all ſtep off together, when the two platoons that
are faced to the rear have marched three paces, they
turn;

102 Of the Evolutions.
turn; that on the right, to the left, that on the left,
to the right, and cover the flank platoons; and as
foon as each platoon has got to the ground where
the ſecond platoon ſtood, they turn to the right and
left, and march till they are three paces in the rear
of the platoon precediog them; then turn to the
right and left, march, front, and cover them : the
grenadiers doubling in the ſame manner as before.
.
10. Centre Platoons, as you were! March!
At the word, As you were the ſecond platoons
face, that on the right to the left, that on the
left to the right; at the word March! they march,
and when they are oppoſite their intervals, turn and
dreſs with the flank platoons which ſtood; as foon
as the other platoons come to the ground where the
fecond platoon ſtood, they turn to the right and
left, and when oppoſite their intervals, turn again
co the front, and dreſs in battalion. The grenadiers
likewiſe do juſt as they did before.
31. The two centre Diviſions, double the two flank
Diviſions ! March !
At the firſt word of command, the two centre
diviſions go to the right-about, and at the word
March! take three paces and turn to the right and
left, and double the two flank diviſions which ſtood,
The grenadiers double in the front as before.
12. Centre Diviſions, as you were! March!
At the word, As you were ! the two centre divi-
fions face, that on the right to the left, that on the
left to the right : at the word, March they march
till they join, then turn to the right and left, and
form battalion again.
When

Of the Evolutions.
103
When men are once brought to march well to
the front, obliquely, and by the flanks; to wheel
in a regular and ſteady manner; to turn readily to
the right or left, or to the right-about; and to be
attentive and ready to obey the word of command;
a commanding officer may invent an infinity of evo-
lutions, that are both elegant and uſeful; and will
find so manner of difficulty in making a battalion
practiſe them on the contrary, the ſoldiers will be
pleaſed with the variety, and execute them with
pleaſure: but in order to bring them to that, both
officers and private men muſt be perfe&tly grounded
in the firft rudiments already mentioned. The
old method has been, to accuſtom a battalion to
perform one regular ſuite of exerciſe, firings, and
evolutions, which at laſt, by a conſtant and tireſomne
repetition, it has been brought to do with a tolera-
ble degree of exactneſs; without either officers or
ſoldiers knowing ſcarcely any of the general prioci-
ples on which they are founded; or more than what
relates juſt to their own platoon or diviſion; but
performing every thing mechanically; in the ſame
manner as ſtage coach horſes will keep in the track
which they have been uſed to, taking the turnings
and quarters very exa&tly, though the coachman
ſhould be drunk or aſleep: and when a battalion is
brought to do this by beat of drum, without the
word of command, it is much cried up and admired;
not conſidering that this is all mere routine; and
that if they were in the leaſt to change the order of
their exerciſe, or to be commanded to do any thing
new or unuſual ; they would be all in confuſion, and
as much at a loſs as any raw undiſciplined regiment.
The drum is of uſe indeed to direct, when the voice
cannot be heard ; ſo far as the different beatings are
diftinct and vary: but in general they are ſo few,
thas

104
Of the Evolutions.
that they only ſerve to mark the time, when any
motion is to be begun, and not what is to be done ;
for, except the march, retreat, troop, and beating
to arms, all other motions are directed only by a
preparative, ruffle, or flam, which are alike applied
to a great variety of different ones: therefore it
ſeems a meer piece of charlatanerie, of no uſe but
to cover the deficiencies of the cfficers and men, and
their want of knowledge in the real grounds and
principles of exerciſe : and if the major or adjutant
can only remember the ſuite and order of the ſignals,
it is ſufficient; the reſt will perform what they have
been accuſtomed to, without ſcarcely knowing how
or why.
bas
Τ Η Ε Ε Ν D.

105
I
The following was wrote by an Officer of the Militia
of this Province.
F Officers were now obliged to ſhow their men
the tedious exerciſe originally laid down by
General Bland, I ſhould not wonder if they were to
be diſcouraged; but when I conſider how eaſy 'cis
to get acquainted with the plan of diſcipline for the
Norfolk militia, I cannot but wonder at the general
neglect with which many treat military exerciſes.
Perhaps it ariſes from an apprehenſion of great
difficulty in attaining to a competent knowledge of
them: But if they will only give themſelves the
trouble to look into the Norfolk exerciſe (which 'tis
furely their duty to do, as that is ordered by Au-
thority to be uſed in this province) they will, I am
perſuaded, be agreeably diſappointed; for the ma-
nual exerciſe is very ſhort; and that, as well as all
other parts of the diſcipline, explained in a moſt
clear and intelligible manner, on purpoſe to accom-
modate officers of the militia. However, as the Nor-
folk exerciſe is deſigned for the militia in England,
which is eſtabliſhed on a more fixed and regular plan
than our's, it is not to be expected that it fhould,
with perfeet exactneſs, fuit our circumſtances : Buc
yet a very few things in addition to it, and thoſe
not in the moſt material points, would make it
completely anſwer for us.
The authors of the Norfolk exerciſe obſerve, that
"the fizing a company well contributes greatly to
it's good appearance, for which reaſon it ſhould be
attended to." No method of doing it which I have
met with in any exerciſe, is eaſily applied to our
militia: for as the men are continually changing (ſome
who train one day being at fea, or elſewhere abfent,
on the next, and others again, who begin to train
106)

at 16 years of age, altering their height perpetually
between that and 21) the having an exact fize-roll
of a company (as is mentioned in the Norfolk exera
cife, and now uſed in the army) is impracticable.
I therefore propoſe to the conſideration of militia-
officers the following
Method of fizing a Company.
which I have ſeen practiſed; and which has beed
found very convenient as well as expeditious.
Firſt, form the company into a ſingle rank, fized
from the right to the left; by placing the talleſt man
on the right, the next talleſt next to him on his left,
and ſo on gradually, deſcending in height from the
right to the left, till you come to the ſhorteſt man,
who is to be on the left of all. Then count the men
from the right to the left, telling the firſt man on
the right he is an odd number, the ſecond he is an
even number, the third odd, the fourth even, and
fo on to the left. Then give the words, Odd nuni-
bers! March one pace! on which the odd numbers
(1. 3. 5. &c.) ſtep forward with their left feet and
halt, bringing up the right feet even with the left.
Then give the word, To the right and left, face !
upon which the odd numbers face to the right, and
the even numbers ( 2. 4. 6. &c.) face to the left,
ſtep off with the left feet and march, the odd num-
bers directly to the right towards the right hand
man, who is only to keep ftepping on his poſt with-
out advancing; tie even numbers march firſt to
the left : but their left hand man, after ſtepping odie
pace to the left, turns to the right, advances one
pace ( which brings him into the line of the odd
numbers ) then turos again to the right, and follows
the odd pumbers. The reſt of the even numbers,
when they reſpectively come to the ground where
their left-hand man ſtood, proceed exactly as he did,
turning

turning to the right, advancing one pace, turning
again to the right and follow him. But if the num.
ber of the men to be fized be even, then the laſt, or
left-hand man, of the even numbers (who in this
cafe will be alſo the laft or left-hand man of the rank
entire, as firſt fized from the right to the left) acts
as an odd number, ſtepping forward one pace, and
facing to the right with the odd numbers and then
marching to the right after them. The reſt of the
even numbers will now be in the ſame ſituation as
all the even numbers were in the firſt mentioned
cafe; and will therefore proceed as they did. As
foon as the whole are again in a rank entire and pro-
perly cloſed you make them halt ; then give the
word front! on which they face to the left to their
proper front. They will then be exactly fized, the
talleſt men being on the flanks, and the loweſt in the
centre. * You may then form them into ranks in
the way defcribed in this Abſtract of the Norfolk
exerciſe, in page 73, of the Note.
* When a company has once learned the manner of ſizing as
above deſcribed ;-after having ſized it from the right to the
left, and told it off into even and odd numbers, you need only
give the words, Size from the right and left! March! --At the
Word March, the odd numbers march forward one pace, turn to
the right, march to the right (except the talleſt, or right-hand
man, who, as before, after making one pace and turning to the
right, only keeps ſtepping upon his poſt without advancing :)
the even numbers turn to the left and march, (their left-hand
man obſerving the directions before given, either to act as an
odd number, or elſe take one ſtep to the left, then turn to the
right, &c. as the cafe ſhall be) and when they reſpectively come
to the ground where their left-hand man food, turn to the
right, advance one ſtep, turn again to the right, and follow him.
When
you ſee the whole again in a rank entire and cloſed to a
proper diſtance, ſo as that when faced to the front they will not
croud each other, give the word, Front ! on which they allturn
to the left to their proper front; and when they are dreſſed you
give the word, halt! and they ſtand faft. A company may, in
this way, ſize from the right and left in half a minute.






с
1774
Massachusetts, Militia
Ma