c. They may be used for the assembly and organisation of forces which have still too little solidity to be trusted in contact with the enemy, without the support afforded by the works of the place, as for example, recruits, militia, national levies, etc.
They might, therefore, be recommended as a very useful measure, in many ways, if they had not the immense disadvantage of injuring the fortress, more or less, when they cannot be occupied; and to provide the fortress always with a garrison, in some measure sufficient to occupy the camp also, would be much too onerous a condition.
We are, therefore, very much inclined to consider them only advisable for places on a sea coast, and as more injurious than useful in all other cases.
If, in conclusion, we should summarise our opinion in a general view, then strong and entrenched positions are—
- The more requisite the smaller the country, the less the space afforded for a retreat.
- The less dangerous the more surely we can reckon on succouring or relieving them by other forces, or by the inclemency of season, or by a rising of the nation, or by want, &c.
- The more efficacious, the weaker the elementary force of the enemy’s attack.