The compleat body of the art military in three books : I. The postures of the pike and musket ..., II. Twelve exercises ..., III. The drawing up and exercising of regiments after the manner of private companies ... : also, the duties of all souldiers and officers ... / by Richard Elton ... ; to which is added a supplement comprehending these particulars, I. the duties and qualifications of all officers belonging to an army .., formerly written by Capt. Tho. Rudd ...

CHAP. XI. The Souldiers desire to know every particular place of Dignity, as they stand in Rank and File.

THe Souldier now having obtained some pretty knowledge, skill, and ready aptness in the managing and performing the postures, begins to look about himself what next is needful for to fasten upon, to make a further progress in this Art; and straight he meets with some that whispers to him, That it were a gallant thing to know the Dignity of a File true and rightly stated: To which he answers, But where can it be found? the opinions of souldiers are so various and differing therein, that none knows where for to attain it. My Captains eye (saith he) is upon me, because I do the postures well, which causeth the Serjeants to make me a File-leader, and that I know to be the chiefest and first place of Honour in the File; the second place to be the bringer-up; the third, the half-file-leader; the fourth, the bringer-up of the Front half-files. Thus far, no souldier of any known judgment can deny: but now a-dayes our Files being drawn up six deep, makes me altoge∣ther

ignorant of the honour of the rest; neither know I the Dignity of a File eight or ten deep, which still in some places they do retain, drawing them up so deep. If my ambition were but now fully satisfied herein, I should in time come for to know the Dignity of the Captains, as they are drawn up all in a Regiment; by which Rule I am informed they walk. And in my judgment, there cannot be a truer stating the Dignity of a Rank and File, then that which shall conform to the Dignities of the Captains, as they are drawn up abrest all in a Regiment. Now for as much as many Regiments consist of several numbers of Captains, and Com∣panies in them; as some six Companies, others eight; some greater, as ten, and twelve Companies: It is expedient therefore, not only for my self, but for every souldier that will be truly knowing, to be resolved herein concerning those se∣veral numbers; and as occasion shall alter to any other, they may inform them∣selves by these how to fit their purpose. And therefore not to keep the apt and forward souldier longer in suspence, but that he may proceed, I shall amongst the rest, declare my thoughts therein, and set it forth unto their view, ever ho∣ping from my fellow-souldiers a favourable censure of my good meaning to them and to my Country, for to imploy that little talent which lately my endeavours have obtained to do them service: And shall forthwith set down unto them four Tables of Dignity, both of Ranks and Files, which shall be first of twelve abrest, and twelve deep. Secondly, ten abrest, and ten deep. Thirdly, eight abrest, and eight deep. And lastly, six abrest, and six deep: wherein every ingenious soul∣dier shall easily know his particular place of Honour and Dignity, both in Rank and File, wherein he stands.

The places of Dignity 12 in Rank.
2	11	5	8	10	3	4	9	6	7	12	1	The places of Dignity 12 deep.
The places of Dignity 10 in Rank.			12
2	9	5	8	3	4	7	6	10	1	The places of dignity 10 deep.	7
The places of dignity 8 in Rank.	The places of dignity 8 deep.	10	6
2	5	8	3	4	7	6	1	6	9
Places of dign 6 in Rank.	Places of Dignity 6 deep.	6	7	4
2	5	3	4	6	1	7	4	3
					6	4	3	10
					4	3	8	8
					3	8	5	5
					5	5	9	11
					2	2	2	2

The Table being thus set forth unto the souldiers view, as is before exprest, methinks I hear some say, Sir, we like the drawing forth, and the manner of your Table very well; we see cleerly there the particular places how every man stands in his Dignity both in Rank and File, accor∣ding to your several Figures; but we beseech you, Sir, be so favourable as to make us understand it by a farther de∣monstration of the same, and be pleased out of your cour∣teous nature to explain your self a little farther therein; and to afford us some reasons to confirm and back the same, that it may clearly appear to our judgments the truth thereof, and that we may sit down and rest our selves with fullest satisfacti∣on therein. To answer, methinks it should be strange to make denial here to the modest desire of any ingenious souldier, and clear repugnant to my wonted cu∣stome; and therefore without any more delay, I shall farther let them know