In the ancient armies the general-in-chief, at a distance of eighty or a hundred toises from the enemy, was in no danger; and yet he was conveniently placed, so as to have an opportunity of directing to advantage all the movements of his forces.

In modern armies, a general-in-chief, though removed four or five hundred toises, finds himself in the midst of the fire of the enemy's batteries, and is very much exposed; and still he is so distant that several movements of the enemy escape him.

In every engagement he is occasionally obliged to approach within reach of small-arms.

The effect of modern arms is much influenced by the situation in which they are placed.

A battery of guns, with a great range and a commanding position that takes the enemy obliquely, may be decisive of a victory.