Strategy and tactics: . of the nearest valley, where it is more thanprobable a similar success may be gained. Suppose, for example, that an army of 30,000 menis advancing by three valleys towards an objectivepoint, M, figure 26, which is probably the principalcity on the outskirts of the mountains. The roadsthrough these valleys converge towards M, but thetwo on the right unite before reaching M. Theinvading army, in order to occupy these three valleys,is obliged to send an equal force of 10,000 men intoeach. Suppose the defensive army to contain about19,000 men. They may or not have been also
Strategy and tactics: . of the nearest valley, where it is more thanprobable a similar success may be gained. Suppose, for example, that an army of 30,000 menis advancing by three valleys towards an objectivepoint, M, figure 26, which is probably the principalcity on the outskirts of the mountains. The roadsthrough these valleys converge towards M, but thetwo on the right unite before reaching M. Theinvading army, in order to occupy these three valleys,is obliged to send an equal force of 10,000 men intoeach. Suppose the defensive army to contain about19,000 men. They may or not have been also dividedinto three equal parts, but the moment has nowarrived for a decisive concentration ; 3,000 men cancheck 10,000 in each valley, or at least delay themsufficiently by cutting bridges, closing defiles, takiugflank positions, &c. The general will, therefore,leave three detachments, #, &, e, each of 3,000 men,in these valleys, and with 10,000 men will take upa position d, near m, where two of the roads (211) Fig. 26. 272 PKINOIPLES OF STRATEGY. If the valley on the right is most accessible, he willstrike his first blow there. He will inform the com-mander of h of his intentions, ordering him to main-tain his position firmly, while he joins a and fights abattle. He will have 13,000 against 10,000 of theenemys forces, and the result cannot be very doubt-ful, especially if the ground favors his operations. Ifthe enemy retires without a battle, the news must beproclaimed far and wide, but the general should notengage in a pursuit by which he would be removedtoo far from m, which is now the essential point ; hewill, on the contrary, after a show of pursuit, returnto his former position, to manœuvre from it as circum-stances may justify or require. If the enemy fights and is beaten, the corps ashould be sent in pursuit, while the main body hastensto ij to fight again with a similar superiority of afterwards the main body d moves bythe cross-road m n to t
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1860, booksubjecttactics, bookyear1864
