The operations of any part of the British troops, and the means by
which they may be rendered more effectual, cannot be a matter of
indifference to the Commander-in-Chief. Whatever contributes to the
improvement of military knowledge will, I am persuaded, be
favourably received by your Excellency, to whom the service is
already so much indebted for its present proficiency in military
tactics. It is the object of this narrative to relate and explain a
species of warfare in which the British troops have been little
engaged, and are, consequently, less experienced than in European
tactics. If I succeed in benefiting the public service, by showing
in what manner the difficulties which pressed so severely on the
detachment I had the honour to command may, in any future
operations, be either removed or lessened, I shall feel myself
amply repaid for the trouble I have taken; and shall, I trust,
stand exculpated from the apparent presumption of having obtruded
myself on your Excellency's attention.