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intended, as, for instance, at Leipsic, where three fire-balls gave the signal for battle on the side of the allies; or by skirmishes of the light troops, which is the most common case. The artillery endeavors to dismount the batteries of the enemy, to destroy his columns, and, in general, to break a passage, if possible, for the other troops. The forces, at the present day, are brought into action mostly in columns, and not, as formerly, in long but weak lines. Here the skill of the commanders of battalions is exerted. Upon them rests the principal execution of the actual combat. The plans and orders of a general reach only to a certain point; the chiefs of battalions must do the great work of the battle. Before the battle, the general places himself upon a point, from which he can see the conflict, and where he can easily receive reports-upon a hill, in a windmill, &c. Sometimes, if there is no such favorable point, a staging is erected. Napoleon stood upon such a one in the battle of Waterloo. A few men are near him, as his body-guard; others take charge of the plans and maps; telescopes are indispensable. He often sends one of his aids to take instant command of the nearest body of cavalry, in order to execute an order which must be carried into effect quickly. He receives the reports of the generals under him, and gives new orders; disposes of the troops not yet in action; strengthens weak points; throws his force upon the enemy, where he sees them waver; or changes, if necessary, with a bold and ingenious thought, the whole order of battle. The general now uses every means to bring on the third period of the battle—the decisive moment. This cannot always be the result of combinations. It often takes place much sooner than was expected; it is often protracted by accidents, want of energy on the part of the commanders, &c. Sometimes all the operations are drawing to the end, which the general aimed at, when an unforeseen accident suddenly gives a new impulse to the enemy. Victory or defeat depend now upon one moment, one happy idea. Perhaps it is allimportant to break, at once, the enemy's

centre; perhaps to concentrate the destructive power of the artillery, and, sweeping away some obstacle, to send, as Napoleon often did, a torrent of cavalry upon a certain point. Any thing which can carry disorder into the ranks of the enemy is of great use. If he begins to waver, or to retreat in order, or to flee in disorder, it is always necessary to follow up the victory with all possible vigor and celerity. This is as important as victory itself. Napoleon was, till the last war in Germany, a master in this particular. There are three maxims as important for the general as they are simple:-1. Know your enemy, his strength and intentions; 2. make all the operations and manœuvres of the parts coincide, as much as possible, with the great plan of the battle; 3. pursue victory to the utmost. It is also a maxim, in regard to battles, as well as to the conduct of war generally, to make the enemy conform to your plans, and to avoid the necessity of accommodating yourself to his. Stratagems often are of the greatest advantage. After a battle, care must be taken of the wounded. Soldiers are often appointed to take care of their unfortunate comrades during the battle. It ought to be always done, though it never can do good to any great extent. At night, if cold, fires are lighted, that the wounded may creep to them. Peasants are sent out to bring in the living, and to bury the dead in large pits; but, if possible, soldiers should always be sent with them, because the peasants, if of the enemy's nation, often plunder half-dead soldiers, and bury them alive. They are generally very rapacious, and think they have a right to indemnify themselves for their severe losses. The editor himself was once in such hazard, and was saved only by an extraordinary circumstance.— Several games have been invented, to explain the manner of conducting war and battles, in which the effect of cannon, &c., is represented by dice; pieces of lead, differently colored, represent the different troops. One of the most ingenious contrivances of this kind was invented by Mr. von Reisswitz, of Berlin.

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