SECT. VII.

OF POSTS.

l. Where you are to advance through a defile, occupy by times its outlet.

2. Never attempt to pass a ri ver, before the country on the opposite side is well reconnoitred. [264]

3. When a river is to be passed in the prefence of the enemy, let it be at the point of that elbow the nearest to you.

4. Shun the place where you cannot be fully and conveniently supplied with every necessary.

5. Never post yourself within the reach of the enemy, but with the utmost precaution.

6. Never post yourself near a place where you may be overlooked or held in subjection.

7. Never expose your flank, but always endeavour to gain that of the enemy.

8. Never post yourself in such a situation as will permit the enemy to act on your flank, or in your rear.

9. Never post yourself with a superior force, where there are any means which confine or obstruct your operations.

l0. Always adapt your situation to your force.

ll. There is no situation but what may be improved.

l2. That part is weakest which is most commanded, or easiest of access.

l3. He is well prosted, whose approaches are less than the ground he occupies himself.

l4. He is well postged, who reduces the enemy to a particular attack.

l5. Let no detachments be posted beyond the distance of their being timely and conveniently supported.

l6. Let all detachments have a free communication with those who are to sustain them.

l7. Never let your detachments remain ignorant of those who are to sustain them, or how they are to join you upon occasion.

l8. Ever encamp with your face to the enemy, except at a siege, and then to the place from whence succours may arrive.

l9. That disposition is best, where each part sustains the other.

20. Never appear in an open place or country with an inferior force.

2l. The less obstructed your prospect, the better your view.

22. He who opens a prospect, grants a view.