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INFORMATION IN WAR.
By the word "information" we denote all the knowledge which we have of the enemy and his country; therefore, in fact, the foundation of all our ideas and actions.

Let us just consider the nature of this foundation, its want of trustworthiness, its changefulness, and we shall soon feel what a dangerous edifice War is, how easily it may fall to pieces and bury us in its ruins.

For although it is a maxim in all books that we should trust only certain information, that we must be always suspicious, that is only a miserable book comfort, belonging to that description of knowledge in which writers of systems and compendiums take refuge for want of anything better to say.
Great part of the information obtained in War is contradictory, a still greater part is false, and by far the greatest part is of a doubtful character.

What is required of an officer is a certain power of discrimination, which only knowledge of men and things and good judgment can give.