When the enemy’s army is covered by a river, upon which he holds
several _têtes de pont_, do not attack in front. This would divide
your force and expose you to be turned. Approach the river in echelon
of columns, in such a manner that the leading column shall be the
only one the enemy can attack, without offering you his flank. In
the meantime, let your light troops occupy the bank, and when you
have decided on the point of passage, rush upon it and fling across
your bridge. Observe that the point of passage should be always at a
distance from the leading echelon, in order to deceive the enemy.