Whatever form the conduct of War may take in particular cases, and whatever we may have to admit in the sequel as necessary respecting it: we have only to refer to the conception of War to be convinced of what follows:
- The destruction of the enemy’s military force, is the leading principle of War, and for the whole chapter of positive action the direct way to the object.
- This destruction of the enemy’s force, must be principally effected by means of battle.
- Only great and general battles can produce great results.
- The results will be greatest when combats unite themselves in one great battle.
- It is only in a great battle that the General-in-Chief commands in person, and it is in the nature of things, that he should place more confidence in himself than in his subordinates.
From these truths a double law follows, the parts of which mutually support each other; namely, that the destruction of the enemy’s military force is to be sought for principally by great battles, and their results; and that the chief object of great battles must be the destruction of the enemy’s military force.
No doubt the annihilation-principle is to be found more or less in other means—granted there are instances in which through favourable