| The coup d'oeil may be reduced, properly speaking, to two
points; the first of which is the having abilities to judge how many troops a certain
extent of country can contain. This talent can only be acquired by practice, for after
having laid out several camps, the eye will gain so exact an idea of space, that you will
seldom make any material mistake in your calculations. The other, and by far the most
material point, is to be most material point, is to be able to distinguish at first sight
all the advantages of which any given space of ground is capable. This art is to be
acquired and even brought to perfection, though a man be not absolutely born with a
military genius.
Fortification, as it possesses rules that are applicable to all situations of an army,
is undoubtedly the basis and foundation of this coup d'oeil. Every defile, marsh, hollow
way, and even the smallest eminence, will be converted by a skilful general, to some
advantage.
Two hundred different positions may sometimes be taken up in the space
of two square leagues, of which an intelligent general knows how to select that which is
the most advantageous. In the first place, he will ascend even the smallest eminences to
discover and reconnoitre the ground; and assisted by the same rules of fortification, he
will be enabled to find out the weak part of the enemy's order of battle. If time permit,
the general would do well to pace over the ground, when he has determined
on his general position.
Many other advantages may also be derived from the same rules of fortification, such
as, the manner of occupying heights, and how to choose them, that they may not be
commanded by others; in what manner the wings are to be supported, that the flanks may be
well covered; how to take up positions that may be defended, and avoid those which a man
of reputation cannot, without great risk, maintain. These rules will also enable him to
discover where the enemy is weakest, either by having taken an unfavorable position,
distributed his force without judgment, or from the slender means of defence which he
derives from his situation. I am led by these reflections to explain in what manner troops
ought to be distributed so as to make the most of their ground
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