A fortified place can only protect the garrison and detain the enemy
for a certain time. When this time has elapsed, and the defences of
the place are destroyed, the garrison should lay down its arms. All
civilized nations are agreed on this point, and there never has been
an argument except with reference to the greater or less degree of
defence which a governor is bound to make before he capitulates. At the
same time, there are generals--Villars among the number--who are of
opinion that a governor should never surrender, but that in the last
extremity he should blow up the fortifications, and take advantage of
the night to cut his way through the besieging army. Where he is unable
to blow up the fortifications, he may always retire, they say, with his
garrison, and save the men.
Officers who have adopted this line of conduct, have often brought off
three-fourths of their garrison.