What! Is it expected that I, a Marshal of France, should be the first to escalade, when I order you to attack? - Claude Louis Hector de Villars

My principal attention was always directed to the study of the younger generals. Such a one I found, by the boldness of his character, fit to lead a column of attack; another, from a disposition naturally cautious, but without being deficient in courage, more perfectly to be relied on for the defence of a country.

I was unable before starting to formulate a plan of campaign because I did not know whether I should find an army there ... In fact I found the troops in a deplorable condition, without clothes, without arms, and without bread.

Where there are no peasants there are no supplies.