Page:Archaeologia Volume 13.djvu/234

184 to furnish the tenth part that would be required. Wherefore it were good to be provided beforehand, and brought in carts to these places of assembly, whereby men may be readily furnished for their money, and the service nothing hindered in the time of need.

That it be looked into by such as have charge to take the view of men and their weapons, that every shot be provided of a mould, a proyning pin, a ferris, and a flint; which things be as needful to be seen unto as the piece itself, although few provide and make reckoning thereof.

That in the faid musters and assemblies there be good numbers of labourers appointed, who may also be assigned to have a spade, a mattock, a shovel, an axe, or a bill; and these pioneers to resort to the places of assembly at every alarm; over whom should be a skilful engineer appointed to have a chief charge and government.

And whereas you have great numbers of hacknies, or hobblers, I would wish that upon them you mount as many of the lightest and nimblest shot you can, which may be sent down to the sea side upon any alarm, or to such straits and places of advantage as to a discreet leader shall seem convenient. The which argaletier shall stand you in as great stead as horses of better account. For if by the means of them men will take their courage to offer a proud attempt upon the enemy, being assured of their succour, if any occasion or appearance of danger force them to retire.

Indorsed November 18, 1596.