The defence of single forts is almost the same as above mentioned, except that the garrisons have to encamp in their respective forts ; and that the single forts are sup ported by the ordnance as well as by the infantry, both be ing drawn up in line behind them. The artillery is brought wherever the principal attack is made, and must be employ ed with the utmost effect. Should the enemy be repulsed, or be thrown into disorder at any point, the cavalry suddenly advances, charges directly, and pursues, but always keeps closed, and in good order.
If the attack of the enemy should be undertaken in the night, then the country round the fortifications is illuminat ed by light-halls or by fires, for which purpose wood must previously have been brought thither.
The troops should always be acquainted with what they have to expect from the works, and how they can turn them to the best account in their defence. The moment of the attack is intimated to them, as also the dange7 to which they will be exposed if they should be defeated ; and, on the contrary, how much they will gain if victorious. Con vince a soldier that his honour is at stake, and the work which he is to defend will be easily fortified.
To keep the men always on the alert, a false alarm may sometimes be given ; but care must be taken that this is not too frequently resorted to, lest they neglect to be pre pared when a real attack is made.
The attack of fortified lines should not be undertaken be fore an accurate knowledge has been procured of the works which the enemy has constructed to oppose it. The attack, as before observed, is most advantageously made an hour before day-break. The fortifications should, if possible, be taken in rear, by going round them, which may be most favourably done by a night march, provided there be no danger of mistaking the road, which might lead to great confusion, and disastrous consequences.
Each attack is to be made in a column. The first are the grenadiers or volunteers ; then a number of armed workmen, with shovels, fascines, woolsacks, ladders, ixc. for filling up the fosse, and ascending the parapet. Alter the workmen, follow a number of infantry to second the grenadiers, and then a sufficient number of cavalry and artillery to support the whole. Besides the real attack, a feigned one is generally undertaken to mislead the enemy.
This attack, however, must never be too weak, that it may follow up its success with sufficient force. The wings be ing generally the weakest points, are usually attacked at the same time, in order, as much as possible, to disperse the enemy. Should an attack be supported by ordnance, it must be superior in force to that of the enemy. If it be an open attack, the light guns always advance with the at tack, and fire. The attack may in this case be made en echellon. As soon as arrived on the counterscarpe, the grenadiers commence their fire, while the workmen fill the fosse, and make it practicable. As soon as the grenadiers commence the assault, and collect in the fosse, the infantry also begin their fire from the counterscarpe. After the fosse is passed, the impediments in the berme are removed, and the parapet is assaulted at once. If the assault be suc cessful, the cavalry and more infantry directly follow, and form behind the parapet, to attack the enemy wherever he appears, and to increase the disorder caused by the fly ing troops. The guns of the fortifications are now directed towards the enemy, always taking care that order be pre served, and room made for a large force to penetrate, and attack with more vigour.
Snould detached works be attacked, there should be as many columns of attack as there are works to be attacked. All these columns are connected by infantry. At least so many works are to be attacked, that the troops employed to attack one work may have little or nothing to fear from the neighbouring works. The cavalry advance whenever the grenadiers begin the assault. As soon as the redoubts or works are taken, the infantry also advances, supported by the ordnance ; the second line of the army remaining about 300 paces back, to cover the retreat if necessary.
Snould artillery support the attack, it advances to with in about 100 paces of the works, where it stops and opens on the enemy's troops, the cavalry at the same time charg ing wherever disorder is perceived in the enemy's army.
If it be thought necessary that the fortifications be can nonaded before the attack is undertaken, it may be done the clay previous to the attack ; but no time should be left for the enemy to repair the works before the attack is made.