tled and had no other parapet than such as was
suited to a field-work. The camp proper was protected by simple
redoubts, at considerable distances apart, very poorly built, the keep
giving it its sole strength.[29]

At Mayence and at Turin there were continuous lines of circumvallation;
but if in the first case they were strong, they were certainly not so at
Turin, where upon one of the important points there was an insignificant
parapet with a command of three feet, and a ditch proportionally deep.
In the latter case, also, the lines were between two fires, as they were
attacked in rear by a strong garrison at the moment when Prince Eugene
assailed them from without. At Mayence the lines were attacked in front,
only a small detachment having succeeded in passing around the right
flank.

The tactical measures to be taken in the attack of field-works are few
in number. If it seems probable that a work may be surprised if attacked
a little before day, it is altogether proper to make the attempt; but if
this operation may be recommended in case of an isolated work, it is by
no means to be expected that a large army occupying an intrenched camp
will permit itself to be surprised,--especially as the regulations of
all services require armies to stand to their arms at dawn. As an attack
by main force seems likely to be the method followed in this case, the
following simple and reasonable directions are laid down:--

1. Silence the guns of the work by a powerful artillery-fire,
which at the same time has the effect of discouraging the
defenders.

2. Provide for the troops all the materials necessary (such as
fascines and short ladders) to enable them to pass the ditch and
mount the parapet.

3. Direct three small columns upon the work to be taken,
skirmishers preceding them, and reserves being at hand for their
support.

4. Take advantage of every irregularity of the ground to get cover
for the troops, and keep them sheltered as long as possible.

5. Give detailed instructions to the principal columns as to their
duties when a work shall have been carried, and as to the manner of
attacking the troops occupying the camp. Designate the bodies of
cavalry which are to assist in attacking those troops if the ground
permits. When all these arrangements are made, there is nothing
more to be done but to bring up the troops to the attack as