"Halbard is the arms carry'd by the serjeants of foot and dragoons; the head of the halbard ought to be a foot or 15 inches long; one end ought to be hollow to receive the staff, but the other broad, ribb'd in the middle, edg'd on both sides, and drawing to a point, like the point of a two-edged sword. On one side of the head is likewise fixed a piece in form of a half-moon or star, and on the other a broad point of four inches long, crooked a little, which is very commodious for drawing fascines, gabions, or whatever obstacle happen in the way. The staff of the halbard is about five foot long, and an inch and half diameter, made of ash or other hard wood. Halbards are very useful in determining the ground betwixt the ranks, and for dressing the ranks and files of a battalion, and likewise for chastising the soldiers."