286 on improvements in artillery. Oct: 23, 
army which are in good order, and which would 
come upon the flanks or the rear of the victor. 
“« Tt was inthe flight, that the greatest part of the 
men were killed in former times; and the slaugh- 
ter was chiefly effected by the expedition of the 
cavalry. But now, their pursuit is quickly 
checked ;' because a cannon ball is thrown to a 
much greater distance than an ancient. mifsile wea- 
pon; and with force enough to kill many men at 
once, though defended by the strongest thields, 
and by coats of mail made of iron. 
“¢ The cavalry, in their pursuit, must go through 
2 country that is open, or that has narrow pafses, 
or that is full of trees. In the first case, the can- 
non balls reach to a great distance, and, bounding 
from place to place, produce haveck, and confusi- | 
on. In the second case, light-field-pieces are plac- 
ed in the narrow pafses, where every ball is ef- 
fective ina powerful manner, by acting upon a 
deep column. In the third case, iron balls knock 
splinters from the trees, by which the men and 
horses are destroyed, or thrown into disorder. 
And, in every case, when the cavalry come near, 
they are large marks for constant fhowers 6f case- 
fhot, from guns which can be defended for a long 
time, and by a few men, in such situations ; 
while, in the mean time, the vanquifhed troops 
will have got far to the rear, and have had time 
to recover their order, and their courage. 
‘© Thus the inventions which were thought to be 
the most destructive in war, have saved many 
lives, and produced much humanity. And, thus, 
every improvement in field pieces, will not only 
