SOME PRINCIPLES OF WARFARE. 609 



cluce better results than the project of some dashing subaltern, anxious 

 for the bauble reputation. 



For such an attack an hour near midnight is usually selected, that 

 the information may be gathered or the mischief done and a retreat 

 effected under cover of darkness. A dark, wet, blustering, or — if the 

 time be winter — an especially cold night is chosen. The degree of suc- 

 cess to be attained depends naturally upon the element of surprise. Un- 

 less this be complete the attacking party will find their attempt usually 

 quite futile. 



The other sort of attack — that which has for its object the capture 

 of the position — is usually planned to take place during the extreme 

 darkness just preceding daybreak. The enemy has perhaps crawled on 

 hands and knees up the slopes towards the line of sentinels. The van 

 of this force is composed entirely of picked men, officered by the coolest 

 heads. Signals are agreed upon, exact times for action arranged, and 

 everything calculated to a nicety to insure that suddenness which is the 

 very soul of success. 



It is in the planning of such an expedition that true qualities of 

 generalship are shown. It is the fashion rather to decry the military 

 merits of Washington; yet I know of few events in history that show 

 more sagacity than the swift crossing of the wintry Delaware and the 

 surprise of Trenton. It was sagacious chiefly for the accurate com- 

 prehension of the probabilities. Washington knew the convivial habits 

 of Rahl's Hessians, especially at Christmas-tide; he reckoned upon find- 

 ing them in the midst of carousals, and the result proved the value of 

 his forethought. 



Under ordinary circumstances, on the march, to quarter a com- 

 mand inside four walls is never advisable. The men are not as readily 

 under the eye of their officers; in case of surprise they cannot be called 

 into the ranks as quickly; discipline insensibly relaxes, and the machine 

 (for an armed force ought to be that, however intelligent its units) fails 

 to respond instantaneously to the word of the chief. In case of a serious 

 attack, however, the village may serve a most important purpose. 

 Should the houses be substantial ones of stone or brick, each may be- 

 come a most efficient, if temporary fortification. One consideration 

 which might have prevented its occupation has now no longer any 

 weight. Apart from any natural feeling of good will for our fellow 

 citizens, how unwise it would be to unnecessarily exasperate them. But 

 now in the face of the enemy, it will be surprising if any soul is churl 

 enough to grudge a patriotic hospitality. Most of the denizens will, 

 indeed, make haste to hide their precious persons in the cellar, but will 

 seldom grumble at the necessity. 



With the utmost celerity the baggage and horses are moved to the 

 most sheltered spot; the guns, under strong guards, posted where they 



VOL. LVII.— 39 



