The Scotch military discipline learned from the valiant Swede, and collected for the use of all worthy commanders favouring the laudable profession of armes: By Major Generall Monro, being novv generall of all the Scotch forces against the rebels in Ireland, communicates his abridgement of exercise, in divers practicall observations for the younger officers better instruction; ending with the souldiers meditations going on in service.

The ninth Observation.

THis Towne of Lansberg being a Frontier Garrison lying neare the borders of Pole on the Wert, the having of it made Pomeren sure, and the Marke, giving unto his Majestie the freer passage unto Silesia; and therefore it was that his Majestie did use the greater diligence and celeritie in obtaining of it, with as great honour and reputation, as could be imagined, in respect of the inequalitie of strength betwixt us and our enemies: As also in consideration of the situation of the place, being on the one side fortified

by nature, yet beyond nature and probabilitie of reason. This strong Garri∣son was forced to yeeld to Gustavus, who was Mars his Minion, [ G] and Fortunes Favourite, or rather their Master, as we see by his frequent Victories obtai∣ned against his enemies, who, though strongest, are made to submit to the weakest partie, where we may see, that as industry is fruitfull, so there is a kinde of a good Angell, as it were waiting ever upon diligence, carrying a Lawrell in his hand, to crowne her. And therefore it was, that they said of old, that Fortune should not be prayd unto, but with hands in motion, which made this valiant King love ever to be busied in vertues exercise, be∣fitting a Generall, that carried a minde as this Invincible King did, while he lived, still rising to blessednesse and contentation.

It is commonly seene, that those who feare least are commonly overcome, as became of Francford on the Oder, and this Towne also: and though victo∣ry we see be from God, yet to overcome an enemy, the courage and skill of Commanders is very requisit and necessary. [ H] And where good military dis∣cipline is observed, as was done here; there confidence doth arise, perswa∣ding us, we can doe what we please. Of this opinion was our Leader, and our Armie never doubted of their owne valour, nor of their Leaders good Conduct, which made our Victories the easier to be gotten.

Here also we see the goodnesse of intelligence; for had his Majestie not gotten the Black-smith, or some other like unto him, to have beene intelli∣gencer and guide to winne through the shallow Trinkets he led us, to the Damme upon the head of their Watch, who were surprized; hardly could we have overcome this Towne, on such a sudden, for without this good of intelligence, which is so necessary, and of so great a moment in warres, no∣thing, or very little can be effectuated in unknowne places. For good Intelli∣gencers are so requisit in an Armie, that no meanes ought to bespared on them, providing they be trustie: for one designe or secret of our enemies well knowne, may bring all the rest we desire to a wished end, or at least, pre∣serve us and ours from danger. This Black-smith, that was our guide in lea∣ding us towards our enemy, at our first on-going on service, the enemy play∣ing hard with Muskets, neverthelesse he went on without feare, under-ta∣king alike danger with our selves, but finding in time of hot service some fal∣ling besides him, our powder being a little wet, and not giving so good re∣port as the enemies did, he then said, he would returne to his Majestie, and send us better powder, yet I thinke, though here there did appeare some lacke of constant resolution in him, that time, exercise, and frequency of danger would make him a brave fellow, being of a strong and a good able body, but in my opinion, the stoutest of men, till they be a little acquainted with the furious noise of the Cannon, will naturally feare and stoope at the first.

Likewise his Majestie was to be commended for his diligence by night and by day, in setting forwards his workes; for he was ever out of patience, till once they were done, that he might see his Souldiers secured and guarded from their enemies; for when he was weakest, he digged most in the ground; for in one yeare what at Swede, Francford, Landsberg, Brandenburg, Verbum, Tannermonde, Wittenberg, and Wirtzburg, he caused his Souldiers to worke more for nothing, than the States of Holland could get wrought in three yeares, though they should bestow every yeare a Tunne of gold: and this he did, not onely to secure his Souldiers from the enemy, but also to keepe them from idlenesse. When they were not employed on service, they were

kept by good discipline in awe and obedience, and that with as great mode∣ration, love and discretion as could be.

And his Majestie knew well, [ I] that our Nation was of that nature, that they could take to heart the austere carriage of their Commanders, were they ne∣ver so good. For while as sometimes, through his Majesties impatiencie, he would cause to imprison some of our Country-men, without solicitation, his Majestie was ever the first did minde their liberties; for he knew their stomacks were so great, that they would burst or starve in prison, before they would acknowledge an errour committed against their Master, except it were of negligence.

Moreover, nothing can more discourage a Citie, Fort, or Strength, that is beleaguered, than when they see their secrets discovered, and their passages from reliefe cut off; as it was seene of those that yeelded up the Skonce to Sir Iohn Hepburne, being contented to come in the Colonells mercy, seeing themselves barred from all reliefe.

Likewise the dutie of Leaders, [ K] that lead men on service, ought to be limi∣ted with discretion, and not to advance further than with conveniency they may retire againe, if need be, lest by too farre advancing, they not onely in∣danger themselves, but also ingage others, for their reliefes, to indanger all: and a fault committed in this kinde, through too much forwardnesse, merits a harder censure, than remissenesse with discretion, seeing in the latter, a man is but censured alone, but committing the former errour, he loseth himselfe and others.

Here also we found by experience, that the spade and the shovell are ever good companions in danger, without which, we had lost the greatest part of our followers. Therefore in all occasions of service, a little advantage of ground is ever profitable against horse, foote, or Cannon. And for this it was, that the best Commanders made ever most use of the spade and the shovell, and that in such ground as was found most commodious for their safeties.

We see also here his Majesties disposition in entertaining his Officers kindly after victory, esteeming them not as servants, but as companions in his mirth, as a wise Master ought and should doe to those he findes obedient to his Commandements, incouraging them another time to undergoe any service or danger for his sake, that was so kinde and familiar with them, joyning their hearts as well with his love, as with his bountie; for he knew well nothing was more able to bring victory next under God, than good Commanders: As also his Majestie knew, that to be courteous unto his Of∣ficers was the way to triumph over his enemies.