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 ...

The duty of a Corporal.

THe Corporals of a Company are not tyed to a set number, but to be ordered according to the several strengths and divisions of the same, for each to take

his charge and care of every Squadron thereof. And unto each of them there is a Lanspassadoe for an assistant: for their Rule of Dignity, I conceive, it makes not much more matter then to make them the right-hand File-leader in every particular division; but if any will be so curious to order them according to that, let them apply themselves unto the former Rules for directions to the same. The Corporals duty in his Squadron is to teach and instruct them in the use of the Pike and Musket, and to have a Roll and List of his men in his Division or Squadron. And when a Souldiers name is crossed out, he is to give notice unto his Serjeant; and when a new one shall supply his place, his care must be to in∣struct and enable him in the Postures of such Arms as he shall bear. Being with his Squadron upon his Guard, he is to provide them with Wood, Coal, Candle and light. Having an Out-guard, his care must be to strengthen it, his little Corps du Guard and Sentinels must be forth according to the avenews or com∣ings on of the Enemy, whereby he prevents their cutting off or surprisal; the negligence whereof proves both dangerous to themselves, and the whole Army. Wherefore it behoves him to be very careful and vigilant to visit them, after giving them an especial charge to be both faithful and careful in the great trust reposed in them. He must likewise preserve and keep the Word constant in his memory; when the Captain of the Watch goes the first Round, he shall with his Sword drawn against his brest give it him, and receive such Orders from him as he shall command him; but afterwards when the Round shall come again, he shall cause the Rounders or Gentlemen (with his Sword drawn) to give the Word to him before they pass. He ought never to go alone, being called forth by the Sentinel, but to have a Guard of three or four Muskettiers along with him, selected out of his Corps du Guard. He must advise his Sentinels how to de∣mean themselves upon the discovery of an Enemy, either to give an Alarum, or else to give notice without making a noise. And if upon his Guard he shall ei∣ther observe, or be advertised by his Sentinels of the approach of the Enemy, then he is to have his men in readiness with Bullets in their Muskets, and their Matches lighted; himself secretly coming in, giving intelligence unto his Captain, or other Superiour Officer, whereby they may all be in a readiness before the Alarum be given. He is likewise to distribute Victual, Powder, Bullet and Match, unto his Squadron, and to take notice of the best experienced men, and accord∣ingly to imploy them upon action upon the Watches. He must cause respect to be given to the Corps du Guard; and silence to be kept, whether it be about the Walls or Gates, that so the noise may not hinder the hearing of the advertise∣ment from the Sentinels. He is likewise to have an eye to their lives and man∣ners, and to take care of the Baggage and Money of such as are hurt or sick, and to be in his own carriage sober, wise and discreet, for the avoiding ill example un∣to others.