“Rapidity,” says Montécuculli, “is of importance in concealing the
movements of an army, because it leaves no time to divulge the
intention of its chief. It is, therefore, an advantage to attack the
enemy unexpectedly, to take him off his guard, to surprise him, and
let him feel the thunder before he sees the flash; but if too great
celerity exhausts your troops, while, on the other hand, delay deprives
you of the favorable moment, you must weigh the advantage against the
disadvantage, and choose between.”
Marshal Villars observes, that “in war everything depends upon being
able to deceive the enemy; and having once gained this point, in never
allowing him time to recover himself.” Villars has united practice to
precept. His bold and rapid marches were almost always crowned with
success.
It was the opinion of Frederick that all wars should be short and
rapid; because a long war insensibly relaxes discipline, depopulates
the state, and exhausts its resources.