This must be done, as the fore-going; and thus much for the Exercise of the Pike in particular by it self, till I come to speak of its Exercise conjunctly with the Musquet, in the general Exercising a Company or Battalion.
The words of Command in the Exercise of the Musquet, and how they are to be Observed and Performed.
When you enter on this Exercise, be sure to keep your Footing firm, your Feet at a moderate distance; that at all Times, and on all Occasions, you may retain your full Strength. Observe moreover to keep the Right heel firm, and set the Right foot steady, and then attend to the Words of Command, which you are summoned to do by this Expression of the Commander, viz. Musketiers, have a Care of the Exercise, and carry your Arms well. After which, the proper Words of Command follow in their Order.
1. Lay your Right-hand on your Musket.
Here the Lock being uppermost, turn the Barrel towards you, and extending your Fingers, lay your Right-hand directly behind the Lock; so close the Butt end to your Shoulder, suffering the Musket to be in all parts of an equal height.
2. Poise your Musket.
In doing this, you must hold it with a hard Grasp, facing to the Right, and turning with a quick Motion on your Left-heel, your Musket kept directly before you the height of it, between your Shoulders; your Right elbow on your Side,
keeping your feet at a moderate distance, that when you turn about, your Left-toe may stand to the Front, and your Right-toe as you Face to the Left; let your Left-heel be against the middle of your Right-foot; and by such means you will be in a resting posture.
3. Rest your Musket.
Here slide your Musket down to your Left-hand bearing your Arm as low as possible without stooping, and so receive your Musket where the Scowrer enters into the Stock, touching with your hand no part of the Barrel, keeping it about half a Foot from your side sloping, your Right-hand, with your Fingers, extended being behind the Lock.