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THe great plenty and variety of matter that may be performed in the exer∣cising of a single File, makes me wonder at the ignorance of those who are
famed abroad for able knowing Souldiers; who after they have passed over the Postures are at a stand, as if there were nothing else to be done with the same. But did they truely understand what dishonour and disparagement it is unto them, they would not be so idle and backward, but set times a part, often inuring themselves to the practice thereof, going through all the Motions, Distances, Facings, Doublings, Counter-marches and Wheelings; and may farther, if he please, with his single File draw forth divers Figures of Battail, declaring unto his Souldiers their several reasons and uses. The exercising his Company after this manner, affords unto them both content and delight; and it is likewise very useful in greater Bodies, when time of need shall require, as shall appear in the se∣quel of this Book.
But here, me thinks, I hear some say, Of what use are your Figures? seeing for the most part in pitcht Battails, or skirmishes in the field, they commonly fire one against another in Square, or by Forlorns drawn forth from the Body, and being relieved, return into their places again. To whom, I answer, that in one respect it is true, there being scarce any pitcht Battail in the field fought in these latter times, but it hath been with even Fronts, who are first engaged; whether it be by Divisions drawn off by way of Forlorns, Wings or Battail, they fight with even Fronts or Squadrons, as having every five or six Files divided a part from each other, having six foot ground interval betwixt the abovesaid number of Files for the conveniency of the Ranks, wheeling off after they have fired. As concerning such Figures as are framed like the Wedge, Saw, Sheers, or Dia∣mond; I must confess there is little or no use at all, except it be for delight, or for the practice and experience of some young Souldier, whereby he may plainly see the custom of the Ancients in setting forth such ancient Figures. But to let this pass, and to come to the place where we left; I shall shew unto the Souldier how needful it is for him to be well skilled in the framing of Figures of Battail, and likewise to be throughly acquainted with their several uses. Wherefore take this for a general rule, that there was never any pitcht Battail, but there were Reserves appointed out unto all the parts thereof, whereby they might bring off, and at time of need relieve each other; and if so, certainly they must of necessity carry along with them several forms and Figures of Battail, accord∣ing to the discretion of the Major-general, or the Commanders in chief whom it shall concern. It will therefore be expedient (since there is a necessity of Figures of Battail, and for the setting apart of Divisions for the relieving of each other) for every Commander that will be truely knowing, to have always some im∣printed in his memory; that in time of need, he may not be to seek, or wanting in them. To which purpose I have collected some few, putting them to their view, being formerly practised by me, for the satisfaction of those loving Gen∣tlemen which have private Meetings in London; but more especially for those of the Town-ditch, unto whom I am especially bound. And therefore without more delay, I shall lay before them certain Figures of Battail upon all the Depths of Files set forth in the former Table, leaving them to their own discre∣tion, to make use of what shall best comply, and suit to their intended purpose.