The knowledge of the spot which the enemy has chosen as a depot for his provisions is the
surest means of discovering his intentions before the campaign opens. For example, if the
Austrians establish their magazines at Olmutz, we may be assured that they mean to attack
Upper Silesia: if at Konigingraetz, we may be convinced that part of Schweidenitz is
threatened. When it was the wish of the Saxons to invade the frontier of the Electorate,
their magazines marked their intended route, for they were established at Zittau,
Goerlitz, and at Guben, which are on the road leading to Crossen. The first object of
intelligence should be, on what side and in what situations the enemy means to fix his
magazines.
The French played a double game, by forming depots on the Meuse and on the Scheld, in
order to conceal their intentions.
When the Austrians are encamped, it is easy to discover when they intend moving, by
their custom of cooking on the days of march. If, therefore, much smoke be perceived in
their camp at five or six o'clock in the morning, you may take it for granted on that day
they mean to move.
Whenever the Austrians intend fighting, all their strong detachments of light troops
are called in; and when you have observed this, it behoves you to be very well upon your
guard.
If you attack a post which is defended by their Hungarian troops, without being able to
make any impression on it, you may be satisfied that the army is near at hand to support
them.
If their light troops endeavor to post themselves between your army and the body of men
which you have detached, you may be assured that the enemy has a design on that
detachment, and your measures must be taken accordingly.--It must be added, that if the
same general be always opposed to you, his designs will be readily discovered, and his
plan of conduct very soon become familiar.
After mature reflection on the nature of the country which is the scene of war, the
state of the army which you command, the safety of the magazines, the strength of the
fortified places, the means which the enemy may be able to employ in order to gain
possession of them, the mischief which the light troops may do by posting themselves on
your flanks, rear, and other parts, or if the enemy should employ them to make a
diversion; I say, after having well deliberated on all these points, you may conclude that
an intelligent enemy will attempt that enterprise which is likely to give you the greatest
annoyance, at least that such will be his intention, to frustrate which your every effort
must be exerted.
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