Napoleon solo
From Major P. de V. Patey Sir: Napoleon did explain why he was against war councils (Shared opinion, 10 November). I quote three of his maxims:
Nothing is so important in war as an undivided command; for this reason, when war is carried on against a single power, there should be only one army, acting upon one base, and conducted by one chief.
Followed by:
The same consequences which have uniform ly attended long discussions and councils of war will follow at all times. They will terminate in the adoption of the worst course, which in war is the most timid, or, if you will, the most prudent. The only true wisdom in a general is determined courage.
Then: In war the general alone can judge of certain arrangements. It depends on him alone to conquer difficulties by his own talents and resolution.
P. de V. Patey
Stowmarket, Suffolk
Previous page
