The qualities which distinguish a good general of advanced posts, are,
to reconnoitre accurately defiles and fords of every description; to
provide guides that may be depended on; to interrogate the _curé_
and postmaster; to establish rapidly a good understanding with the
inhabitants; to send out spies; to intercept public and private
letters; to translate and analyze their contents; in a word, to be able
to answer every question of the general-in-chief, when he arrives with
the whole army.