Marching consists in teaching a Soldier, first, how to balance his body in the carriage of his person; next, how to ground well his foot; and, lastly, how to limit his step. It likewise teaches him an equality of pace, or a sameness of motion with others in the same rank with himself; and to time and measure his pace with those who either lead or go before him, in order to preserve a proper distance and a straight rank. These are the several requisites which constitute good marching; and to acquire which, is, I may venture to say, one of the most difficult parts of the exercise, the best precepts availing but little without constant practice. But as skill and expertness in every science must first be obtained by instruction, I shall therefore give the following directions.

The Balance of the Body depends intirely upon a proper position of the knee and foot. With respect to the first, let it be observed, that as in standing both feet support the body at once, so in marching only one foot can at a time perform that office, each foot being alternately upon the ground. Now as the keeping of the knee stiff and firm, in order to strengthen the limb for the better support of the body, was shewn to be necessary in the first instance, it follows, that it must be to the full, if not more so, in the present, as each knee is now burdened with double the weight that it sustained when standing. Therefore the rule which I shall offer for this purpose, is, [40]That the knee of each foot as it steps, as well as that of each foot which is grounded, be kept stiff and firm.

The necessity for the knee to be kept thus stiff is evident from observation; that when a man walks with bended knees he always walks feeble and uneven, and, consequently, ungraceful and hobling, and more liable to be thrown down at every stumble or jostle.

Thus much then concerning the knee, and now with respect to the proper position of the foot. To settle this point, the first thing to be considered is the office of the foot when grounded; which, upon a little reflection, will be found to consist in affording an outside, as well as a front aid to the body, by keeping it erect, and by preventing it from falling sideways or forward. Hence then that position of the foot, which equally participates of both aids, is undoubtedly the most proper, as any defect in either must evidently affect a due Balance of the Body. To find out then that point at which to place the foot, let it be observed, that the angle contained in the sweep made by the toe from side to front, making the heel the centre, is equal to ninety degrees, and the half of that angle is forty-five, or the half of a quadrant. Now let the toe be turned out to that middle point, and then the foot will have its true position for supporting the body, either in standing or marching. It will be further necessary to make the recruit practice for some time to stand alternately upon each foot, which will give him a better command of his Balance, and will cause him to walk more even and steady.

In regard to the Grounding of the Foot, which is another material point, care must be taken that it always [41] moves parallel to the surface of the ground over which it steps, which will occasion it to ground all at once, and be the means of making the body to move firm and even in walking, otherwise should either the heel or the toe be first grounded, it will cause an hobling and infirm movement, because the Foot, by being so grounded, acquires two motions instead of one, and, consequently, such motions can neither be so strong and smooth, as if only one was made by the foot being at once placed upon the ground.

As to the length, or measure of each step, no rule can well be laid down for it, because men of different sizes necessarily and commonly step different lengths, and because the slower a man walks the shorter will be his step, and the quicker the longer; therefore the length of the step must be adjusted to the occasion, and to the make and size of the man; but however, this may be recommended, that it be not so short as to make him appear fribblish, nor so long as to appear clownish; since, in the first instance it will cause an ugly wriggling effeminate motion, and, in the latter, an aukward project of the body.

Note. A common pace is two feet and a half, though a sized man seldom gains that distance at each step in moderate walking.

Equality of Pace consists not only in preserving an even motion and rate of marching with all those in the same rank, but in keeping at a proper distance [42] from all those who lead or go before; and in order to arrive at a proper degree of perfection in these points, the four following propositions with their explanations are strictly to be attended to.

PROP. I.

Explanation.

To demonstrate the necessity for all the men in the same rank to step together with a like foot, that is, with the right or with the left at the same time, it will be proper first to shew the natural affection and bearing of the body in walking.

It may be observed, that as each foot is alternately upon the ground, the body will always incline to that side on which the foot is grounded, in order to have a perpendicular bearing on that foot for its support. Hence the motion of the body from side to side as a man walks, and hence the necessity that when two or more men stand close to each other in the same rank, and are to march or walk at an equal rate or pace, they do step with a like foot, in order that their bodies may all at once incline to the right or to the left, or move parallel with each other; and that each man may, by that means, have the more room for his bearing and marching uninterrupted; but were they to step with different feet, the case would be otherwise; they would then, by the opposite inclination of their bodies, and by the want of sufficient room to maintain a proper bearing, be continually jostling and incommoding each other. [43]

Besides the advantage resulting from this method of marching with a like foot, there are two others no less momentary, which consist not only in the beauty and gracefulness of a rank, or division of men observing that movement, but in accustoming them betimes to a unity of action; a principle which ought ever to be maintained and inculcated, and never departed from.

Note. All marches, whether to the front or to the rear, are to be begun with the left foot. Whence the reason I know not; though most men, especially the right-handed, were they not informed of the contrary, would first step off with the right foot; but as it is a matter very immaterial in itself, whether a man begins his march with his right or his left foot, provided all the men in the same rank step together with a like foot; and as it has been a long established rule to begin always the march with the left foot, and alteration is of little consequence, and therefore I shall leave the point as I find it: but all marches by files, whether to the right or to the left, are to be begun with the foot next the front, because it is the most conspicuous and nearest to view.

As among a number of men some will naturally step [44] longer or shorter than others, this inequality can no otherwise be remedied, or made less discernible, than by a strict attention of the men themselves to each other, and that of those who are to superintend them: but in order that each man may the sooner discover whether his steps differ from others, or others from himself, the application of the following maxim will immediately inform him.

Now, if a man is placed in a direction or line with two or more men, whether they be on his right or on his left, and all do stand alike erect, it is evident that the man next him will obstruct his view of him who is more remote; and this being reciprocally the case with respect to others, the rule then will be,

The application of the above maxim is extremely useful and requisite in the adjusting of all arrangements and directions of whatever extent, whether of files, tracing out an encampment, or forming a line of battle, etc., for if two objects are erected or given, a third can easily be placed in a line with them.

This proposition is made evident by this maxim; "That if right lines are not parallel, they will either converge or diverge." But to prevent the irregularity here pointed at, requires the greatest nicety and judgment; because a man must keep, not only in a parallel direction with those on his right and on his left, but he must keep the line, or direction of his march perpendicular to the line of his rank, that he may the better preserve, in this last instance, the ground of his division or battalion, and prevent its inclining too much to the right, or too much to the left. Now a single man may, with tolerable exactness, effect this by fixing his eye upon two objects in his front, which are in a line with himself, and perpendicular or nearly so to his rank; and then to keep them, as he marches towards them, constantly shut, or seemingly united, so as to prevent their opening to his view. But for a number of men, in the same rank, to do this is next to an impossibility; because of the vast improbability that the different objects, which each man pitches upon for his own direction, are parellel with those of other men, or are perpendicular to the line of his rank; and should those different directions be not parallel to each other, they must of course, either converge or diverge.

Hence the cause of the frequent openings and closings of a division or battalion, when it marches from its ground. But as this irregularity will be less conspicuous by the error of one man, than that of many, I would therefore rather have a rank, division, or battalion, to be conducted by one careful man [46] only, than permit each man to be his own guide; and for which purpose, I would have such man or guide, to be placed at the centre of the front rank; in order, that all those on his right and left, by his being not more remote from them, may the easier dress and move with him; and then all, but the guide himself, will have nothing more to attend to, but to preserve a strait rank, and to keep at a due distance from each other.

PROP. IV.

To prevent the several divisions from being too near, or too far asunder, will chiefly depend upon the judgment of the flank men of each division, in determining by observation the distance which their respective divisions should be at from the leading division to them: To effect which, I shall give the following rule:

Why I give the preference to the flank men in determining the distance of the divisions from each other is, because they can better judge of the extent of their [47] respective rank, than those who are at or near the centre of it.

It may now be asked, first, Whether a body of men can all step together, with like feet, upon service, or in time of action? And next, if they cannot, wherefore then the necessity for that infinite pain and trouble, in making them practice so difficult a point?

To the first question, I answer, that they cannot well observe it, on account of the great variety of ground they always must meet with, which frequently obstructs and obliges them to change their steps; and above all, on account of the various incidents and circumstances of time and place, which must divert their attention to more active and serious matters; and therefore, the points only sought after, on this occasion, are, the preservation of strait ranks, and due distances in them.

And to the next question, I likewise answer, that the advantages resulting from the practice of the foregoing rules, more than repays the pain and trouble of obliging men to step together, as it not only accustoms them to a unity of action, but it gives to the man himself, whether alone, or in a rank with others, not only a graceful and manly appearance, from which he can never after thoroughly depart, but it gives a reputation to the service, by shewing the degree of attention given to the discipline of it.

The word File, is an unlimited term, comprehending any number of men drawn up in a direct line [48] behind each other; as a rank, on the other hand includes any number drawn up beside each other; whether, in either respect, they be at close or at open order. And he, who is placed in the front of any File, is called the File-leader, or the man who is to cover all those directly in the rear of him, and by whom they are to be guided in their movements.

Having thus defined the point on which I am to proceed, and as I shall take occasion farther on to make some observations on this article, and on the application of it, I shall here only touch upon the manner of its operation, and the necessary steps preparatory to it.

Let the rank then of recruits be told off or divided, for the first time, into three parts or divisions. The first, or right-hand division, is to form the front rank; the second, or centre division, is to make the rear rank; and the third, or left-hand division, is to be the centre rank.

Each rank is to be drawn up at four paces, or ten feet distance from the other; that is, the centre rank is to be four paces distant from the front rank; and the rear rank, to be the same distance from the centre; and this I call whole distance.

Each front rank man now becomes the File-leader to those men of the other two ranks, directly in his rear, whom he is to cover; and in such a manner, that the line of the File may stand at right angles with the line of the rank, or so, that if an indifferent person was placed in the front in the same File line of direction continued, he could not possibly see the men of the rear ranks, his view being interrupted by him of the front rank. To the effect which, the Corporal is to begin on the right, making the right-hand man of [49] each rank to compose the first or right File, or so as to make those men of the centre and rear ranks to stand directly behind him of the front rank: then the second man of each rank is likewise to make the second File; and so on from right to left till all the Files are compleated.

But as it often happens, that out of the number of men present three equal ranks or divisions cannot be truly formed, but that there will remain, after such division is made, one or two odd men; then such odd men are to be distributed in the following manner: If only one man, the front rank in preference is to have him; but should there be two odd men, then the front rank is to have one, and the rear rank the other. The intent of which is, that no opening may appear in those places; especially in the front rank, as that is ever, and on all occasions, to be kept intire and compact.

The Files being thus completed, and the odd men so disposed of, the Corporal is then to proceed and give the following words of command.

When a place or station to which your division is to march stands not directly before you, but obliquely from you, in front, either towards your right or towards your left; then, instead of approaching it by the tedious and square method of right-angled marching, and the wheelings suitable to that form, you are, by a shorter way and in a more expeditious manner, to advance to it in the oblique direction it happens to bear from you; and this is called oblique marching. To accomplish which, there are two ways to perform it; and either is chosen, as the place happens to be nearer or farther from you; and for instance, [52] Suppose you are to draw up in Line, on the right of a division or body of men just directly before you. To effect which, instead of stepping directly forward with the right foot, the man is to step obliquely forward to the right; and on his stepping next with his left foot, he is to ground it directly before his right heel; and so on alternately, till the distance required is obtained. And on the other hand, should the division be directed to march obliquely to the left; then the left foot is likewise to step forward to the left, placing at the next step the right foot directly before the left heel, and so on in reciprocal succession. As to the degree of obliquity of each step, there can be no fixed rule laid down for it, since that must be determined according as the place you are to move to stands more or less obliquely from you; but a little practice will soon bring men to regulate their steps suitable to the occasion.

But when the place to which you are to go happens to be at some considerable distance from you, then you are to make at first so much of a wheel as will bring the front of your division to stand at right angles with the direction of the object to which you are to advance; and afterwards nothing more will remain, but for the division to make again just so much of another short wheel the contrary way when it arrives at the place of its destination, which will bring it parallel to the line it is to join or fall into.