The men ordered for this attack are to be properly in structed in their duty; and besides, rewards are promised to them on their executing it completely. They always retire at night, or when dark, and reappear before day light, in order that their fire may begin with the dawn of day. While this attack of the tirailleurs is going on, the ordnance also endeavours to annoy the enemy ; and rico chett batteries may be constructed to assist the others. These, however, may be brought closer to the fortress, to increase their effect. This method of attack was first practised by the French in the revolutionary war, with great success ; and, combined with the attack in form, it certainly does appear well calculated to force an early surrender.
Having traced the progressive operations of the besiegers from the first opening of the trenches to the surrender of the place, we come now to consider the defensive measures adopted by the garrison.
A fortress, where a siege is to be expected, should always he put in the best possible state of defence ; by repairing all the works, placing the palisadoes, constructing the ne cessary traverses, and, in short, neglecting nothing which may render it stronger. The ravelins should have reduits and weak fronts, strong places of arms, and lunettes, all of which are fo be executed before the siege commences. A sufficient quantity of ammunition, ordnance, materials for repairs, and other military stores, is also to be provided. Embrasures are to be constructed, and the ordnance partly mounted. Powder magazines are to be formed in secure places, and at proper distances from each other, and such fire-works prepared as may be used during the siege.
Care is also to be taken that the hospitals and shell-proof lodgements be put in a proper state of repair; and, where such works are wanting, blindages are to be constructed. These consist of buildings of wood and large rafters, com posed of two walls, which incline towards each other, co vered with earth, so as to be shell-proof, and protected at the ends by traverses. Sometimes these blindages are com posed only of one such inclined wall of wood, covered with earth, in which case it is placed towards a rampart or a tra verse. Sometimes old buildings, the roofs of which have been broken down to make its upper side shell-proof, serve as places where the garrison may reside with safety. Only stone-houses, however, are chosen for this purpose.
The inhabitants, unless their loyalty be suspected, are to be divided into parties, and employed as circumstances may require. The surrounding country is to be rendered as level as possible, that the enemy may nowhere approach covered. The bridges round the town are to be destroyed, and every thing removed that might contribute to keep up a good communication among the besiegers troops, that they may have to replace it before the siege begins. Suffi cient quantities of fuel, and provisions of every kind, are also to be collected from the neighbouring country, and patrolcs or parties are to be. sent out to observe the enemy's manoeuvres. ,Among the different corps of the army sig nals are agreed upon, so that, if any troops should arrive for the relief of the place, the garrison may be able to com municate with them, and act in concert. Messengers and spies are also engaged, to procure information of the enemy's movements, and to keep up a communication with the army or other fortresses.
In order to guard against a surprise, the most unremit ting vigilance and attention are absolutely necessary. Each must have a full and perfect knowledge of his duty, and the place he has to command. As soon as the enemy is within 36 miles of the fortress, frequent patroles of cavalry are to be sent out, to gain hourly intelligence of his move ments. The gates should never be opened before daylight, nor a number of men allowed to enter at once. The guards of the gates should be doubled by night. All channels, posterns, Sic. are to be kept shut up. Every person who goes out or in must be strictly examined and carefully ob served, particularly the deserters of the enemy. Should a conspiracy be suspected in the town, the inhabitants are to be menaced and disarmed, and all meetings are to be dispersed. Strong cavalry patroles should be constantly sent through the streets. The garrison must be kept in good spirits; and, if possible, after great fatigues, some extra allowance, either in money or otherwise, should be made to them.
The quarters of the men belonging to one troop should always be close together, that they may easily collect; and the commandant should frequently make trials of their watchfulness, by giving false alarms, and keeping them constantly on their guard, taking care, however, not to fatigue or harass them too much, and never suffering any neglect of duty to pass unpunished.