before anything else, examine the position which they have taken and if it should be in such a way so advantageous that you would not consider being able to fight them, you will avoid attacking them, directing your maneuvers to call them lo fight to another place; perhaps marching toward Bejar by one of its flanks, if the terrain permits it, or simulating a retreat for one or two leagues. If these movements do not shake the enemy from the advantageous position, and if it should be necessary lo go through, before anything else the artillery should be used, especially trench mortars, and with a slight skirmish you will delay them, so that General Cos will have time to approach from the rear, for which purpose care must be taken to let him know in time. 6. If the enemy presents battle in the open field you should try not to lose a moment in the formation of the lines so that the fire and the movements should always be anticipated by your men. Our artillery well placed, should make the first ravages. The cavalry, in two columns, will attract the attention of the enemy on the flanks or in the rear, taking advantage of any carelessness or weakness to receive the battle, a very certain operation when the enemy's cavalry cannot even face ours. Upon noticing the slightest disorder or indecision in the enemy's ranks, a bayonet charge will be very rapidly executed, leaving two proportionate reserves so that one will sustain ~he artillery and the other the infantry charge, who must act with the bayonet. The action begun, all vacilation is dangerous. Victory is obtained by the one who, with more order, swiftness, and valor, knows how to attack or resist his opponent, without once losing hope of victory. 7. If the enemy were to entrench itself in the Missions of Espada and Concepcion, the former being a league away from Bejar, and the latter four leagues, the first division will not begin any attack; then you will not go by the road, as these missions are situated right on the Laredo to Bejar road, and by making a short detour, the march will proceed to the aforesaid Bejar so as to be able later to carry out with greater effect the order of attack. If the enemy sees that it is facing an attack at the fortified places of Laredo and Concepcion, and it should dare to attack, information to this effect will be sent to General Cos and battle shall be offered in the manner already set clown in Article 6, although the locality or some other reason might make necessary any changes in
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