Then Nasgig desired to know what number of troops would be requisite. I asked him what number the enemy had; he said about thirty thousand.—"Then," says I, "take you six only, besides the bearers of me and the artillery; and pick me out fifty of the best men you have, as a guard for my person, and send them to me."
I showed these men my cutlasses and pistols, and showed them the use and management of them: "And," says I, "as our enemies fight with pikes, keep you at a distance first, and when you would assault, toss by the pike with your hand, and closing in, have at the graundee; and this edge" (showing them the sharpness of it) "will strip it down from shoulder to heel; you need strike but once for it, but be sure come near enough; or," says I, "if you find it difficult to turn aside the pike, give it one smart stroke with this; it will cut it in two, and then the point being gone, it will be useless."
"These instructions," says I, "if rightly observed, will make us conquerors."
The next thing was to settle the order of my march, which I did in the following manner; and, taking leave of the king, I set out.
First, ten companies of one hundred men, including officers, with each a gripsack, in ten double lines, fifty abreast.
Secondly, four hundred bearers of the cannon, with two hundred to the right, the like to the left, as relays.
Thirdly, two hundred men with the ammunition, stores, hatchets, and other implements.
Fourthly, fifty body-guards, in two lines.
Fifthly, myself, borne by eight, with twelve on the right, and as many on the left, for relays.
Sixthly, two thousand men in columns, on each side the cannon and me, fifty in a line, double lines.