The compleat body of the art military ... divided into three books, the first containing the postures of the pike and musket ... the second comprehending twelve exercises ... the third setting forth the drawing up and exercising of regiments ... illustrated with varietie of figures of battail ... / by Richard Elton.

CHAP. VIII. The use of the Postures of the Pike.

THe Pike being ordered is the proper Posture of a Souldier upon a stand, which he * 1.1 ought ever to minde upon any such occasion, so to make use of it. And I have likewise seen in many places, in the day time, this Posture to be used by the Soul∣dier standing Sentinell.

The Pike advanced, is usefull for the Souldier upon a Troop, when they are to march * 1.2 swiftly, either for the relieving of some Court of Guard, or to repair to their place of Ran∣dezvous, or upon some suddain approaching to an Enemy, to make a Charge: for then he will be in a fit capacity to clap down quickly his Pike, upon the breast of the Enemy. It is likewise very usefull in the time of excercise: to the half-files, and bringers up, upon any doubling to the Front, for then they are alwayes to be advanced, in respect of a longer march in their doublings, then those that double Ranks and Files; but having doubled, they must always conforme in Posture to the part doubled.

The use of Porting was invented for the ease of the Reare half-Files, upon a Charge; for the Front half-Files are only for to charge; the Rear haf Files in the mean time are to * 1.3 port. It is likewise very usefull at such times when the Souldiers are marching through a Gate, or Sally-Port; from whence I conceive it doth derive its name porting.

The use of shouldering the Pike, is only properest upon the March, and in some kinde ve∣ry usefull upon a Stand in time of Fight; provided they are at convenient distance from * 1.4 the Enemy. For it much preserveth the Pikes, and Pikemen, from the danger of the shot, the bullets then gliding off from their Arms; which if they stood at such times, either ordered, or advanced; the bullets would make such a clattering amongst the Pikes, that what with breaking of them, and the shivers flying from them, may much endanger the Souldiers which shall carry them.

The comporting of the Pike is only usefull to the Souldier marching up a hill, for if then * 1.5 he should be shoudered, the But-end of the Pike would always be touching of the ground, to hinder him in his March; and much endanger his fellow-souldiers that shall come after him. Neither can he march advanced; for if there should be any winde, it would be ready to blow him down. Therefore as above, that which is most commodious for the Souldiers marching up a hill, is to comport his Pike.

The trailing of the Pike is seldome used, but when the Souldier shall march straight * 1.6 forward through a Wood, the File-leader before he enters in, trails his Pike, and con∣sequently all the rest in his File: then stooping down, they take up the But-end of their Leaders Pikes, which they may easily gripe with their own in their right hands, and after march forward through the busling leaves in a straight line, every file single by himselfe, but as neare each other as possible they can march for more securitie sake; that when they are cleare, they may finde each other, and be in a condition to rally up againe, as occasion shall require. The trailing of the Pike, may also be of excellent use in a Trench, that at such time when they shall have intelligence, where the Enemy are preparing to make a Breach, they may then move forwards unto that place undiscovered, and may de∣fend the same.

The cheeking of the Pike, is the proper Sentinell posture, and then to be used. * 1.7

Notes

• * 1.1

  The use of Or∣dering the Pike.
• * 1.2

  The use of ad∣vancing the Pike.
• * 1.3

  The use of Porting.
• * 1.4

  The use of Shouldering.
• * 1.5

  The use of Comporting.
• * 1.6

  The use of Trailing.
• * 1.7

  The use of Cheeking.