8

7.

made efficient by skill. The great captain is the great artist

Each campaign is an artistic study in itself; each is different
from its generic prototype; each a creation; and these creators
like great artists, are born not made; though attentive study has
made up much of what nature has not supplied

In the course of this discussiom the lecturer pointed out
that one thing to be mentioned as a strong factor in all operations
is doubt. A perfect brood of ills is the progeny of this. It is
seen in the offensive and the defensive. it operates more strongly
with the defensive than with the offensive?\ The offensive ususally
has a marked out plan, and by skill and energy can correct for necessary
changes or weak points, as it works iteself out?\ But the defensive
is in doubt from the very start; he does not know the plan
of his enemy, where or when he may strike, and each new rumor or
report only makes things worse by increasing the doubt and uncertainty.

Doubt gives rise to visions, hallucinations; dangers are magnified
and pictures made. Napoleaon said 'do not make pictures
for yourselves'. Examples of doubt were ^are^ Napolean at Marengo, and
Grant on his first march to meet Harris. In the first case, Napoleon
being doubt, and unable to find ^out^ which direction the Austrians
would take in their retreat, he was compelled to maintain a long
line, which at the point of attack was weaker than the enemy, and only
the opportune arrival of Desaix finally secured the day for the French