Generals-in-chief must be guided by their own experience, or their
genius. Tactics, evolutions, the duties and knowledge of an engineer
or artillery officer, may be learned in treatises, but the science
of strategy is only to be acquired by experience, and by studying the
campaigns of all the great captains.
Gustavus Adolphus, Turenne, and Frederick, as well as Alexander,
Hannibal, and Cæsar, have all acted upon the same principles. These
have been: to keep their forces united; to leave no weak part
unguarded; to seize with rapidity on important points.
Such are the principles which lead to victory, and which, by inspiring
terror at the reputation of your arms, will at once maintain fidelity
and secure subjection.