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 ...

Of a Captain.

HE that is a Captain of a Company, ought in respect he leadeth the same, and is Chief, to appoint unto the Officers their several places, what Divisions they shall lead, and where they shall march, and according to the number of Files to make his Divisions answerable thereto, by dividing his Muskettiers as near as he can, the one half upon the right of the Pikes, and the other upon the left: for they being the Flankers, ought equally to be ballanced; but if there be an odd File, it ought to be contrived, and carried to the right. In the Van, Battail, or Reer, he must according to the number of his men, order his Officers places, and draw them off accordingly in as equal a way as they will afford. He is, as well as his own, to know all the several duties of his Officers, and to be a good Posture∣man himself, that when he sees any of his Souldiers handling their Arms in an undecent and slovenly manner, he may the better reprove them for the same. And although many Captains regardeth them not, but leaveth them to be instructed by the inferiour Officers; yet it is a great deal of honour to him, when his Soul∣diers shall be taught by himself, they more cheerfully and confidently marching along with him, when as they perceive that he is throughly knowing in all things belonging to his charge. He shall do well to exercise his Company sometimes him∣self, teaching them how to fight upon all occasions, whether it be to Front, Reer, or Flanks, or upon surprise of an Ambuscado, or any other disadvantage which may befall them, informing them how to fall off and rally again in good order. And at such times he must couragiously and wisely behave himself, and incou∣rage his Souldiers of hopes of Victory, casting off all appearances of fear or dan∣ger whatsoever, cheerfully animating his Souldiers to fall on, taking care, and making much of them, and not to forsake them until such time they may be relie∣ved by others. He is to have a fatherly care of his Souldiers, timely providing for the maimed, wounded, and sick, such helps and remedies as their present con∣ditions requires. He must likewise see that there be no want of Victual, Arms, or Ammunition. He ought not to be covetous, nor keep back his Souldiers pay, but to see them duly paid, visiting and relieving them according to their several wants

and necessities. His care must be to execute Justice, appease quarrels, punish of∣fenders; by doing whereof, he will maintain the honour and dignity of his place. He ought to carry a very even hand over his Souldiers, and to be very courteous and kind unto them; yet with that restriction of familiarity, that he come not under contempt. And again, he must not be too rigid and harsh, caning or beat∣ing them without just cause, lest he incurre their hatred, who secretly, or in time of Battail will seek to be revenged of him, endeavouring to kill him, before their enemy; therefore he ought to be wise and discreet in his commands and carriage towards them. His place of marching with his Company, is some six foot before the first Division of Muskettiers; but if his Company be drawn up, he is either up∣on a Stand, or upon the March, to be on the head of the Pikes, six foot before the Ensign. In time of Battail, although he leads his men up first against the Enemy, yet he is not always tied to be in the Front, having often just occasion to remove down into the Reer, Midst, or Flanks, carefully casting his eye upon all parts of the Body, thereby preventing the least error or neglect of his Souldiers, directing them what to do, keeping them in good order as long as occasion shall require. Moreover, he ought to be very religious, temperate, and discreet, faithful in his trust, valiant in the field against the face of his enemy, and being besieged in ei∣ther Town or Fort, (for to preserve his honour) never give his consent for the yielding it up, until it be past hope, that there is no possibility to hold it out any longer.