An Essay for the Better Regulations and Improvement of Free-Thinking in a Letter to a Friend (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1739 edition. Excerpt: ... (8) sort is well provided with Sports, Ammiinitiofli arid Provisions of all forts, and can hardly be taken or lost but by the Cowardice and Treachery of its Governors and Commanders. We are not therefore to depend upon the Number 2eal or Courage of an undiseiplin'd Rabble, without Government and Direction; we are not to run our Heads against Stone-walls With out Fear or Wit. There must be some Person of a cool Head and a warm Heart to command the Siege, to appoint the Subalterns to their different Posts, according to their different Talents, and the different Circumstances of the Service. The Trenches must be opened, and the Approaches made in due Form, under the Protection of proper Works, and the Direction of skilful Engineers. Every Man is not fit to command a Siege, or a Party, who yet may manage a Spade or a Pick-ax, carry a Fascine, throw a Grenado or Stink-pot, or spring a Mine, whilst those who are to cover the Siege are to be vigilant and active to intercept Convoys, to prevent the Surprize of any unguarded Post, or the throwing fresh Succours into the Town, and give such Relief from time tb time as the different Circumstances of the Service may require; but if, instead of this regular Disposition, a Battalion of Petits-Maftres, elegantly dressed in their Birth-day Suits, attended with Fiddles and French Horns, supported by a Brigade of Dancing-masters, ora flying Squadron of Fox-hunters, should take it in their Heads to make a general Assault, nothing less could tould be expected, than the cutting off the Flower of the Army, and the loss of a whole Campaign. This, I often think, is the nearest Rescmblance of our Case that can be imagined. Very great Numbers of smart Fellows, and very pretty Gentlemen, are warmly engaged in the Cause of...