Force, To

To force an enemy to give battle, is to render the situation of an enemy so hazardous, that whether he attempts to quit his position, or endeavors to keep it, his capture or destruction must be equally inevitable. In either of such desperate cases, a bold and determined general will not wait to be attacked, but resolutely advance and give battle, especially if circumstances should combine to deprive him of the means of honorable capitulation. To force a pa age, is to oblige your enemy to retire from his fastne es, and to open a way into the country which he had occupied. This may be done either by coup de main , or renewal of a aults. In either case, the advancing body should be well supported and its flanks be secured with the most jealous attention.