MY DEAR SIRS, UNITED SERVICE CLUB, PAll Mall, 28th November, 1876. According to Dr. Mahan's wish I have read over the portion of the proofs of his work which you have furnished me with. It seems to me that his book will prove both interesting and instructive to those who wish to trace out the causes which have led to the success or failure of campaigns, and how battles have been lost and won. Although the Doctor is not a military man, he seems to have studied carefully the science of strategy as it has been developed at different periods, and applies his knowledge in indicating where established principles have been deviated from. He compares, plainly and practically, what he conceives might have been done in accordance with such principles, with what was actually done; the results in the latter case having now become matters of history. The author appears to have been familiar with the ground and scenes he describes so graphically, and to have been also fully furnished with all details relating to the strength, positions, etc., of the forces engaged. |