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THE duty of an Officer leading a party is almost alike to the duty of a Generall leading an Army, [ E] in fight, in march, in quartering, in command; and those he commands ought to give the like obe∣dience unto him, though strangers, as if absolutly they were of his owne Regiment; and his care for them should be as for himselfe. He ought also at the undertaking of the command or charge over them, to foresee to be
sufficiently provided of all things necessary for such service, as he is comman∣ded on, of Amunition, spades, shovels, materialls for his Cannon and Pet∣tards, with his Guides to convey him from one place to another, till he come to the end of his intended march, doing all things by wise and deliberate stedfast∣nesse, in Command without wavering, not altering his Orders, as he must an∣swer to his Generall, to whom he is to give account: and his best is, to have his Orders in writing, that in case of variance betwixt Commanders, Writing may beare him thorough, when Orders by mouth will be denied: neither ought he in his command to be timorous or rash, but rather resolute and remisse, as oc∣casion offers, and on occasions apart, when his Command must be relative to anothers direction, that is but subordinate to a Generall, he must deliberat wise∣ly what to doe, and he must foresee the best and worst of things; but having once deliberated, let him be as resolute in the execution as he can.
Likewise here we see in the Rhinegrave a rare example, [ F] both of remisnesse and courage in one person. For first being made foreseene of the enemies com∣ming, he shewed his remisnesse, having refused to give eare to the severall ad∣vertisments till in th'end he was pursued unawares, and then he did testifie his inward courage and resolution in charging the enemy, being three Regiments, with foure troopes putting them to a retreat.
Neverthelesse, we see him alike beholden to the Rut-master for his advertis∣ment, as for his safe retreat, having first and last suffered the dint of the enemies Armes on him, and houlding it off his Commander. A brave example to be imitated and followed of all Cavaliers, that would gaine honour and reputation.