In the open field militia cannot in general be manoeuvred to advantage; whereas, in the defence of fortified places their superior intelligence and activity not unfrequently render them even more valuable than regulars.

And in reading the severe strictures of Washington, Greene, Morgan, and others, upon our militia, it must be remembered that they were at that time entirely destitute of important works of defence; and the experience of all other nations, as well as our own, has abundantly shown that a newly-raised force cannot cope, _in the open field_, with one subordinate and disciplined.

Here _science_ must determine the contest.

Habits of strict obedience, and of simultaneous and united action, are indispensable to carry out what the higher principles of the military profession require.

New and undisciplined forces are often confounded at the evolutions, and strategic and tactical combinations of a regular army, and lose all confidence in their leaders and in themselves.