The exercise of the foot with the evolutions, according to the words of command, as they are explained : as also the forming of battalions, with directions to be observed by all colonels, captains and other officers in Their Majesties armies.

Orders, and Words of Com∣mand, for the Exercise of the Musket, with the Explana∣tion, the Musket being Shoul∣der'd.

I. THe Soldier having his Musket Shoulder'd, must stand with a straight Body, holding up his Head without moving, always look∣ing to the Commanding Officer, and make no other Motion then what's Commanded him. This is to be observed as a General Rule in Commands.

II. The Feet are to be at one Step distance, the Heels in a straight Line, the Toes a little turn'd out∣wards.

III. The Musket must lie upon the Left Shoulder, and the Left Hand upon the Butt-end, the Thumb in the Hollow thereof, pressing the Guard hard against the Breast, that the Muzzel of the Musket may be mounted; the Lock must be turn'd a little outwards, so that the under part of the Butt-end come straight with the middle of the Body, that the Musket may more easily be born.

IV. The Match must be in the Left Hand, the one End betwixt the first and second Fingers, and the other between the two last, both Ends standing about a Fingers length out of the back of the Hand; the rest of the Match hangs down by the inside of the Butt-end of the Mus∣ket;

and because the Match is not to be laid down in the ordinary Ex∣ercise, so it is not to be lighted or burning without express Com∣mand.

V. The Musket being Shoulder'd, the Left Elbow must be a little turn'd upwards from the Body, but without constraint of the Arm, the Right Arm hanging close down∣ward along the Body, with the Palm of the Hand turn'd to the Thigh.

Words of Com∣mand.	Explanation.
1. Ioyn your Right Hand to your Muskets	1. YOur Musket be∣ing carried in the forementioned po∣sture, upon the Left Shoulder, you must turn it inwards with the Left Hand, and at once take hold with your Right Hand be∣hind the Pan, that the Thumb of your Right Hand come on the Stock upwards, and both Elbows in an e∣qual Line, the Musket strait, and the But-end a little mounted.

2. Poise your Muskets. * 1.1

2. At this Word of Command, with both your Hands, with a quick Motion, you bring up the Musket from your Shoulder, and at the same time, without holding it still, thrust it from you with the Right Hand, (in doing which, let loose the Left Hand, and let it fall down your side) so that the Lock be turned outwards, the Thumb inwards a∣gainst your Face, your Feet strait against one another, unconstrained and standing still.

3. Ioyn your Left Hand to your Muskets.

3. Let your Musket sink quickly with your Right Hand, and at the same time falling back with the Right Foot, take hold of it with the Left Hand almost in an equal balance, about Two Hands breadth above the Cock, that the Stock lie in the full Hand, and the Thumb up∣wards, and that the Muzzel hang a little forward, so low as the Hands and Arms will permit without con∣straint, holding both Elbows a little turned

outwards, the Right Foot a little turned to∣wards the Right Side, the Left Knee a little bending, the Body strait, you hold the Musket on the Right Side a little from the Body, that the Body and Face present it self as much forward as may be, and the Hand remain uncon∣strained under the Pan.
4. Handle your Matches.	4. Take that end of the Match which is held between the two last Fingers of your

Left Hand, with your Thumb under and your two formost Fin∣gers above the same, and tell 1, 2, bring it quick out of your Left Hand, hold it a little lower then the Left Hand is, and about a foot distance from the Pan with the Cole or end downwards, and keep your Body in the same posture as be∣fore.
5. Blow your Matches.	5. In the blowing of the Match you must hold your Head still, and bring with your

Right Hand the light∣ed Match against your Mouth, tell slowly 1.2. blow the Match quick and strong, and bring the same with a motion somewhat slow to its former place with the Cole as before downwards.
6. Cock your Matches.	6. Put your Two fore∣most Fingers a little a∣sunder, bringing the Match above the Cock, thrust in the same with your Thumb in such a manner that the Cock comes between your Two Fingers, and

the Thumb upon it, keep your hand thus till the following Com∣mand.
7. Try your Matches.	7. Bring the Cockt Match to the Pan, if it be too low, you must raise it a little upwards with your undermost Fingers, and if it be too high, you bend it downwards with your foremost Finger and your Thumb, till it comes just in the mid∣dle of your Pan, and being thus well fixt, you must bring it with the Cock back again,

holding it fast till the following Command.
8. Guard your Pans.	8. Let loose your hand from the cockt Match, and cover your Pan with your two or three foremost Fingers (if the breadth of the Pan require it) placing your Thumb behind the Pan.
9. Blow your Matches.	9. As before you move not your head, and bring the Musket with both hands just before the middle of your Body (at the same

time bringing up your Right Foot) the Cock must come just against the mouth, tell slowly 1, 2, blow your Match hard, and thrusting the Musket suddenly from you, hold it with out∣stretched Arms before you, so as the Left Hand comes no higher then your Left Shoul∣der, and stand still.
10. Present.	10. In presenting the Musket, it must come from the former Po∣sture with the falling back of the Right Foot (though a little to the

Right Side, and not behind the Left Foot, that the Body may the better present it self forward) and so brought to your Breast; and as soon as it is brought to your Breast the Pan is to be open∣ed; the Musket is held with the Right Hand under the Pan, so that the Thumb lies in the hollow of the Butt, the foremost Finger before the Tricker (yet with∣out touching the Tric∣ker) and the Three other Fingers upon the Guard; the Musket in Presenting must not

come too low on the Breast, but be set firm in the hollow of the Right Shoulder; and must be held strongly, you must keep up your Body strait, only prest down a little against the Musket, the El∣bows as much as pos∣sible in an equal Line, with the Butt a little below the strait Line, or Breast high, the Head strait upwards, the Left Knee a little bent.
11. Give Fire.	11. As soon as this Command is given,

you draw the Tricker with the First Finger, which you held before the Tricker, drawing the cockt Match quick and strong upon the Pan. If it discharge or not you must have a special care that you draw your Tricker but once.
12. Recover your Arms.	12. Bring up your Mus∣ket quick again straight before you, together with your Right Foot, and keep the Posture, as in Explan. Nine is shewn.

13. Return your Matches.	13. Take the Match with the right Thumb under, the the two fore Fingers above, and with a turn'd, or back∣hand, bring it out of the Cock, to the two last Fingers from whence it was taken before, tell 1, 2, and joyn your Right Hand again under your Pan.
14. Blow your Pans.	14. Keep still your Head, and bring up the Musket with both Hands straight before your Mouth, tell slowly 1, 2, blow the

Pan strong and quick, bringing the Musket again with a quick Motion before the Body.
15. Handle your Primers.	15. Fall back quick with the Right Foot behind the Left, that the Heels, come straight behind one another, and bring down at the same time with a nimble Motion your Musket with both Hands, holding the Muzzel a little lower then was shewn in Explan. 3. tell 1, 2, upon that take hold of the Primer, the Thumb

upwards upon the Co∣ver, tell again 1, 2, and bring it upwards about a Hands breadth from the Pan.
16. Prime.	16. Hold your Musket still, turn up your Hand with the Pri∣mer, and shake out as much Powder upon the Pan as is needful, tell 1, 2, bring it again to its former place, and remain in that Po∣sture till the following word of Command.

17. Shut your Pans.

17. Open your Right Hand, let fall the Pri∣mer, then shut the Pan with a full Hand, that your Fingers lie against the undermost part of the Stock, tell slowly 1, 2, bring up the Musket with both Hands before your Body, bringing up the Right Foot again at the same time; in which bringing up, you put your Right Hand under the Pan, and with out-stretched Arms remain in that Posture, as in Expla∣nation 9.

18. Blow your Pans.	18. Hold still your Head, and bring the Mus∣ket with both Hands straight before your Mouth, tell slowly 1, 2, blow off your loose Corns from the Cover of your pan hard and quick, and thrusting your Musket with a quick Motion from the Body, bring it to the former Po∣sture again.
19. Cast about to Charge.	19. Turn the Musket with both Hands, so that the Barrel come outmost, & tell slowly 1, 2, let go

the Right Hand, bring down the Musket with the Left, step one Pace forward with the right Foot, tho' not directly before the Left, but placed a little to the Right Side, that the Body present it self the better forward, take hold of it at the Muz∣zel with your Right Hand, that the bring∣ing down of the Mus∣ket, the putting down of the Right Foot, and the taking hold of the Muzzel, be done at one time; hold your Thumb upwards up∣on the Stock along the

Rammer, and the Bar∣rel downwards in your full Hand, keeping the Body straight, only the Right Knee a little bent, which remains thus bent all the time you Charge; keep the Musket straight before your Body, with both Hands and out stretch∣ed Arms, the Muzzel standing straight for∣wards.
20. Handle your Chargers.	20. Bring the Musket with both Hands strait to your Body; tell 1, 2; quit your Musket with your Right Hand

holding it with your full Left Hand, about the middle in balance, with the Muzzel a lit∣tle forwards, and then take hold of one of your Chargers or Ban∣deliers, telling again slowly 1, 2, bringing the same forward a lit∣tle higher, and a∣bout a Hands breadth sideways off from the Muzzel, the Thumb upwards upon the co∣ver of the Charger.
21. Open them with your Teeth.	21. Bring the Charger to your Mouth, pul∣ling off the Cap with your Teeth, and the

help of your Thumb; tell 1, 2, and bring it to its former place, keeping your Thumb upwards upon the Charger.
22. Charge with Powder.	22. Bring your Char∣ger to the Muzzel, turning it up, pouring the Powder in the Bar∣rel. Continue in this po∣sture, till the following word of Command.
23. Charge with Bullet.	23. Open your Hand, and drop your Char∣ger; take the Bullet out of your Mouth

with your Fingers; tell 1, 2, and with your Fingers bring it to the Muzzel; let the Ball run down; keep your two foremost Fingers upon the Muz∣zel, the rest of the Fin∣gers hanging down the Barrel, till the follow∣ing word of Com∣mand be given.
24. The Wad from your Hats.	24. Take with your Right Hand some of the Wad that sticks between your Hat∣band and your Hat, tell slowly 1, 2, and bring the same, as you

did the Buller, to the Muzzel, pressing it in with your Fingers; leave your two Fingers upon the Muzzel, as be∣fore, the rest hanging down by the Barrel.
25. Draw forth your Ram∣mets.	25. Take your Ram∣mers with the Fingers of the Right Hand, holding the Thumb upwards, draw out the same so far as your Arm can well reach, then take hold of it a∣gain, turning the Right Hand so that the Thumb comes down∣ward to the upper end

of the Stock, or about the uppermost Ring; tell slowly 1, 2, draw it then wholly out; at this second drawing hold it between the Thumb and the two foremost Fingers, the which, with the rest of the Fingers and the whole Arm, must be stretched out even with the Right Shoulder, that the small end be towards the Body, and the thick part outward in an even Line.
26. Hold them up.	26. Move your middle-most Fingers which

support the Rammer, and let the thick end sink down, and hold it so in your hand, with an outstretched Arm, the Thumb turned up∣wards in the same heighth with your Shoulder.
27. Shorten them against your Breasts.	27. Set the thick end of the Rammer against the lower part of your Right Breast, in an e∣qual Line with the Musket; tell 1, 2, and slip your Hand down to a Hands breadth of the end, the Thumb

always upwards, and turning the Elbow a little upwards from the Body.
28. Put them in the Barrels.	28. Bring the Rammer upwards before the Muzzel, tell 1, 2, then place it upon the Wad thrusting it down so far till your Hand touches the Muzzel, then take it about the middle, tell 1, 2, thrust down again your Wad, till your right Hand comes to the Muzzel; and then take hold of it at the top, tell again 1, 2, and thrust it fully

down to the Charge, holding the Rammer fast with the Fingers and Thumb.
29. Ram down your Charge.	29. You draw up your Rammer as far as the Arm unforced will permit, tell 1, 2, ram∣ming down the Charge with an ordinary force, and then holding still your Rammer, as be∣fore.
30. Withdraw your Ram∣mers.	30. With a quick mo∣tion draw the Ram∣mer with your Right Hand till half of it be

out of the Barrel, then take it with a turned Hand, the Thumb downward, tell 1, 2, and then draw it whol∣ly out of the Barrel, holding it with the thick end turned to∣wards the Shoulder; keeping the Posture you were told in Ex∣planation 25.
31. Hold them up.	31. Let the small End of your Rammer sink down, and keep your Posture, as in Expla∣nation 26.

32. Shorten them against your Breasts.	32. Set the small End of your Rammer a∣gainst your Breast, as you did before the thick End, as in Expla∣nation 27, the Hand nt quite so low, but about a Foot from the End of the Rammer.
33. Return your Rammers.	33. Return the Rammer giving it a gentle turn with the Right Hand under the Barrel, tell 1, 2, put it in the Stock, thrusting it in so far as you held it with your Hand, then

take hold of it again in the middle, tell 1, 2, thrusting it downward so far as your Hand a∣gain, then take hold again at the top, tell again slowly 1, 2, and thrust it now wholly down in these Three Motions, take hold immediately of the Muzzel of the Mus∣ket, the Thumb up∣ward, tell 1, 2, and thrust the Musket sud∣denly from your Bo∣dy, and keep the same Posture as in Expla∣nation 19.

34. Your Right Hand under the Pan.	34. Hold the Musket firm, as it was held in the Left Hand, cast it out of the Right Hand, that with a very small motion it comes readi∣ly straight up, then take hold of it with the Right Hand under the Pan, holding the Mus∣ket from the Body, the Hands as low as the Arms Unconstrained will suffer.
35. Poise your Muskets.	35. Face upon the Left Heel very quick to the Right, and bring at the same time the Mus∣ket

with both Hands straight before you, at which time you let go your Left Hand, and push it forwards sud∣denly with the Right Hand; so that this thrusting forward the Musket, and the set∣ting down of the Right Foot, is done at one time; then keep in the Posture directed in Ex∣planation 2.
36. Shoulder your Muskets.	36. Turn your Musket with the Right Hand, that the Barrel comes outwards, and the Guard inwards against

the Left Shoulder; take at the same time the Butt-end with the Left Hand, laying your Thumb in the hollow of the same; tell flowly 1, 2, and bring it then with both your Hands upon your Left Shoulder, not moving the Head; tell again 1, 2, quit the Right Hand, and let it fall quickly down along the Right Side, and observe fur∣ther the Posture, as in Explan. 1. is shewn.

37. Rest your Muskets.

37. This is done as in Explan. 1. Tell then 1, 2, and quickly Poise as in Explanation 2. is shewn. Tell again 1, 2, and do as is di∣rected in Number 3. Let loose your Right Hand from behind the Pan, and with the two or three foremost Fin∣gers, according to the breadth of the Pan, cover the same, lay your Thumb behind the Pan, and keep the Posture as in Explana∣tion 3. is directed.

38. Order your Muskets.

38. Raise your Musket with both Hands strait upwards, without bringing it higher or lower; tell slowly 1, 2, then let loose the Right Hand from the Pan, sinking the Mus∣ket with the Left Hand, taking at the same Moment the Musket with a full Right Hand near the Muzzel, so that the Thumb lies upwards against the Barrel, and reaches the end of the Muzzel: Tell again slowly 1, 2, quit your Left Hand, and set

down the Butt-end of the Musket at the out∣side of your Right Foot (with a quick∣ness) upon the ground, in such a manner that the Right Foot and Musket come down at one time, the Heels in a straight line, the Toes turned outwards, letting your Arm hang from the Hand to the Elbow by the side of the Musket, the Left Hand, in which the Match is, hangs down by the Left side, with the ends of the Match outwards.

39. Lay down your Muskets.

39. Lift up your Right Foot, turning the Mus∣ket inward at the same time, that the Barrel come just to your Bo∣dy, setting at the fame time the Right Foot against the Flat of the Butt-end, then step di∣rectly forward a good step with the Left Foot, lay down the Musket (with a stiff Body) upon the ground, with the Lock upward; before you tell 1, 2, 3, raise your self up again, stepping back with your Left Foot, on the Heel o∣ver

the Butt-end at the inside of the same, let∣ting both Arms hang down by the Body.
40. Take up your Muskets.	40. Turn your Right Foot upon the Heel again over the Butt∣end of your Musket, and set it down behind the same; at the same time turn the Right Hand with a small motion to the Right Side outward, over the Right Foot, and with∣out intermission, step forward with the Left Foot a large step along the Musket, and at

the same time bring the Right Hand with an outstretched Arm over the Musket strait forward, and as much as possible with a stiff Body, taking hold of it with the Right Hand, tell 1, 2, 3, raise up your self and the Musket, with the bringing back of the Left Foot; then take up your Right Foot a∣gain, and set it at the inside of the Butt, tur∣ning at the same time the Butt-end outward, that the Feet, Mus∣ket, and the whole Body be in the same

Posture as they were before the laying down of the Musket, and thus standing with your Musket Ordered, as in Explanation 38. is shewn. The Soldiers must also Observe, That in their laying-down, and taking up of the Musket, not to keep their Hands above the Muzzel, but in the laying down of the Mus∣ket to sink their Hands as much as is necessary, and at the taking up, to take hold of it at the same place where their Hand was at their laying it down;

then sliding the Hand upwards to the Muzzel, but so that it be done with ease, and unforc'd. Note, It is further to be observed, That at the grounding and ta∣king up their Arms, the Soldiers keep up their Heads as much as possible: And that all may be done more ex∣actly, at one and the same time, the Sol∣diers that stand next one another in the Ranks, must look to the Right Hand Man, (yet without turning

their Heads aside) and those that follow one another in Files, must also observe their Lea∣ders.
41. Rest your Muskets.	41. Turn your Thumb inwards, and let your Hand sink downwards as far as the Arm with∣out constraint will permit; tell slowly 1, 2. raise it with the Right Hand, take hold of it at the same time with the Left, just un∣der the Right Hand, tell 1, 2. let go the Right Hand and cover the Pan, at the same

time falling back with the Right Foot, so that the resting of the Mus∣ket and the falling back of the Right Foot be done at once, hold then the Musket, Body and Feet in the same Posture as in Explan. 37. in Presenting of the Musket is shewn.
42. Club your Muskets.	42. Keep your Musket firm in your left Hand, cast about the same with the Right Hand, bring up the Right Foot at the same time that the Butt-end is up∣wards, and the Muz∣zel

downwards, the Lock outwards; at once taking hold of it with the Right Hand about a foot from the Muzzel, that the Right Thumb come up∣wards, and the Left downwards, tell 1, 2. let loose the Left Hand, and take hold again at the same time with a full Left Hand an Inch from the Muzzel, hold it with outstretched-Arms against the Left Shoulder, tell 1, 2. and bring it upon your Shoulder, with the Lock upwards, tell 1, 2. quit your Right

Hand nimbly and let it hang down by your Side.
43. Rest your Muskets.	43. Turn the Musket with your Left Hand inwards, and at the same time take hold with the Right above the Left, the Thumb upwards, and the El∣bows in a strait Line, tell 1, 2. bring the same nimbly with both Hands before the Body, tell 1, 2. let loose your Left Hand, sinking the Right Hand and Mus∣ket a little, and taking it at the same time with

the Left Hand turned, both Thumbs turned againstone another, tell 1, 2. loose your Right Hand and turning the Musket bring the Butt∣end down, & rest your Musket with the step∣ing back of the Right Foot, and observe fur∣ther the Posture as has been expressed in the resting of the Mus∣ket.
44. Shoulder your Muskets.	44. Bring up your Mus∣ket with the bringing up of the Right Foot to its Poise, with a stretched out Arm

straight before you, and take hold of it un∣der the Pan, with your Right Hand, so that the Poysing of the Musket, and the set∣ting down of the Right Foot, be done at the same time.
	Take heed to Make Ready at Three Words of Command.
1. Make Ready	This is to be done as hath been shewn before at large in the Exercise of the Mus∣ket, from Explan. 1. to Explan. 8. inclu∣sive.

2. Present.	This is done as has been shewn in Explan. 9, 10.
3. Give Fire	This is done as in Explan. 11. after which you go for∣ward until you are again Ready Charged, and then Shoulder your Muskets.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Note, That when the Musket is put on, or taken from the Shoul∣der, you must always look towards the Left Hand, yet without turning the Head.

  It is to be observed, that in all Tellings you never make the Motion, till you come to the last Number, and that the telling the last Number and the Motion, be done at one time.