CHAPTER VII.

Characteristic Mark of a skilful General--Importance anciently attached to military Stratagems--The Stratagem of Joshua at Ai, the first which is recorded--Stratagem of Julius Cæsar in Gaul--Favourable Omen derived from Sneezing--Artifice of Bias at Priene--Telegraphic Communication--Mode adopted by Hystiæus to convey Intelligence--Relief of Casilinum by Gracchus--Stratagem of the Chevalier de Luxembourg to convey Ammunition into Lisle--Importance of concealing the Death of a General--The manner in which the Death of Sultan Solyman was kept secret--Stratagem of John Visconti--Stratagem of Lord Norwich at Angoulème--Capture of Amiens by the Spaniards--Manner in which the Natives of Sonia threw off the Yoke 109