A town must be badly guarded and weakly fortified that suffers a surprise; and if it's
ditches be filled with water, the success of such enterprises must depend on a wintry
season and hard frost. Towns may be surprised by a whole army, as was the case at
Prague in the year 1741, or the accident may happen from the garrison having been lulled
into security by a long continued blockade, as was effected by Prince Leopold d'Anhalt at
Glogau. Detachments also sometimes have the desired effect, as was attempted by Prince
Eugene at Cremona, and as succeeded with the Austrians at Cosel.
The principal rule in making dispositions for surprise is, to be well informed of the
nature of the fortifications and of the interiors of the place, so as to direct your
attack to any particular spot.
The surprise of Glogau was a chef d'oeuvre, and is well worth the
imitation of those who attempt such enterprises. There was nothing so extraordinary in the
surprise of Prague, as it was impossible by such a variety of attacks must carry a place,
where the garrison had so great an extent to defend. Cosel and Cremona were betrayed; the
first by an officer who deserted and informed the Austrians that the excavation of the
ditch was not quite completed, by which means they got over, and the place was carried.
If we wish to take small places, we batter some of the gates with mortars, whilst
detachments are sent to the others to prevent the garrison from saving themselves.
If cannon are to be employed, they must be so placed that the artillerymen be not
exposed to the fire of the musquetry; otherwise the guns will be in danger of being lost.
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