CHAP. IV.
What number of horse are to be put into a Battalion, and what proportion is to be observed for their baggage.
YOu may think perhaps I forgot it, but do not wonder, for I shall speak of it but little for two reasons. One is, because the nerves and strength of an Army 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Infantry; the other is, because the horse are not so much debauched and degenerated as the foot; for the Cavalry is equal, if not better at this day than in ancient times. Yet I have said something before of the way how they are to be exercised, and as to the man∣ner of arming them, I would arm them according to our present fashion, both light horse, and men at arms. But the light horse (if I might prescribe) should carry cross-bows, with some few harquebusses among them, which (though in other affairs of war they are but of little use) are here very necessary, to frighten the Country people, and force them from their passes, which perhaps they have undertaken to defend: for one harquebuss will scarre them more than an hundred other arms. But to come to their number, having undertaken to imitate the Roman Militia, I would take but 300 good horse for every Battalion, of which 150 should be men at arms, and 150 light horse; and I would appoint a Captain to each of these squadrons, 15 Corporals to each, and a Trumpet and Ensign. I would allow every ten men at arms five Carriages, and every ten light horse, two; which Carriages (as with the foot) should carry the Tents, Utensils, Hatchets, and other Instruments and Harness. Think not that what I say would be any disorder, seeing their men at arms had each of them four horses in their equipage, which is a thing much corrupted; for now in Germany you shall see men at arms with but one horse, and themselves, and twenty of them are al∣lowed but one Wagon to carry their necessaries. The Roman horse were likewise alone, but the Triarii were lodg'd always by them, who were obliged to assist them in the looking to their horses, which may be easily imitated by us, as shall be shewn in the distribution of our lodgments: what there the Romans did of old, and what the Germans do at this day, we may do likewise, and we do very ill if we do not.
These horse being listed and called over, may be mustered sometimes with the Battalion, at a general Muster of all the Companies, and be appointed to make charges, and counter∣feit skirmishes with them, rather to bring them acquainted, than for any thing else. What we have said already is sufficient for this part: let us now come to marshal our Army, and draw it up in a posture to fight, and with hopes of success, which is the great end of all kind of military discipline, in which men employ so much study and diligence.