PREFACE. 



IN ull military countries, (and every coun» 

 try that expects to preserve its liberty, its pro- 

 perty, and independence, should possess a 

 military force sufficient to counteract the sud- 

 den aggressions of ambitious and restless 

 neighbours,) a spirit of emulation prevails, in a 

 greater or lesser degree, to give to its armies 

 the commanding appearance vi^hich the nature 

 of their occupation deserves ; 2Uid it must be 

 confessed, that the conclusion of the last and 

 the commencement of the present centuries, 

 have afforded ample scope to the talents of 

 those men, vv^hose genius is constantly on the 

 alert to suggest improvements, and Vv^hose ex- 

 perience, entitles them to confidence. There 

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