Page:Thoughts on a French invasion.pdf/9

 twenty thousand men (with any degree of artillery, ammunition, cavalry and waggons) six thousand horses, at least, are requisite; and it is well known that the strength of the French army consists in its artillery, which cannot be moved without horses. The cannon, the horses, and the waggons, are not so easily wafted over the sea as the men; if, therefore the people of the country will drive away their horses and waggons, the total deprivation of the enemy's means will be superadded to the horrors of their solitude.

Much more care and attention may be required in order to drive away the cattle and carry off the provisions, without injury to the old men, infirm women and children, than at first sight may be supposed. The roads leading to the enemy must be kept as clear as possible, so as to enable the armed force to advance upon them; and as every care will be taken to indemnify all those who may suffer in their property through their exertions for the common cause, some intelligent person should accompany every drove of cattle, every convoy of provisions, every detachment of helpless persons; such a man might depend on being noticed and rewarded in proportion to the care and judgement he may display; as officers will be specially charged with taking account of, and reporting upon the provisions and property thus prevented from affording sustenance to our invaders.

If, instead of retiring before the enemy, the inhabitants of towns and villages should remain, they must be aware that all their property, their dear property, for which they had sacrificed their honour, their conscience, and their religion, would be put in, requisition, their women would be compelled to receive the embraces of the invaders, and themselves would be