The vanguard of light cavalry may cross by swimming.

The pontoniers should have their bridge equipage in readiness near the intended point of passage, so that it can be thrown across with the greatest possible rapidity, while the advanced guards are still able to keep the enemy at a distance.

Under favorable circumstances the pontoniers will have the bridge in readiness for the passage of the army before the enemy can collect his troops upon the threatened point.
Cannon-balls and hollow shot are the most effectual means for destroying an enemy's bridge when our batteries can be planted within reach.

When this cannot be done, we must resort to fire-boats, floating rafts, &c., to accomplish our object.

Operations of this kind carried on in the night, are most likely to succeed.
To protect bridges from the action of these floating bodies, stockades, or floating chevaux-de-frise are constructed across the stream at some distance above the bridge; strong cables, or chains stretched directly across the river, or with an angle up stream, may be used in place of stockades, or in conjunction with them.