Leader
should not only reconnoitre in the direction prescribed by the higher
Command for its particular purpose, but should also scout
independently in every direction, and inform himself of all the
circumstances in the whole district over which he is operating; if
necessary, organize for himself an intelligence system.[14]

[Footnote 14: I here call attention to the instructions of
Frederick the Great on this subject, as well as to the
circumspection with which General J. E. B. Stuart prepared
for his own undertakings.]

In short, he must exercise such prevision that he can never be overtaken
by circumstances; and in every case in which action is called for in a
new, and, perhaps, unexpected direction, he should be prepared to meet
the emergency. In this way he will save himself much time and energy,
but it will facilitate his very difficult task essentially if he is
always kept informed in sufficient time of the views and possible
intention of the Chief Command; for unless this condition is complied
with, it will be impossible to insure that the whole energy of the Arm
will be directed to the carrying out of its reconnoitring functions in
conformity with the views entertained at Headquarters. It must be
characterized as one of the most suicidal errors when the superior
Command conceals its purposes from its executive organs. Diffused
activity, waste of energy, misunderstandings, and confusion would be the
inevitable consequences, and military history--not the least that of
1870-1871--gives a long role of illustrative examples.

As regards all those operations which depend on surprise, the
circumspection of the Leader becomes the decisive factor. Everything
must be thought out beforehand, and carefully considered. The very
soul and being of the Leader must be grasped by the men under his
Command, and the utmost energy in the execution of his design be
demanded from every individual. As a general rule, smaller bodies,
which can conceal themselves behind features of the ground, and hardly
require a service of security, can act quite differently to larger
ones, which cannot conceal their presence and always require a certain
degree of precaution for reconnaissance and security. Above all,
mobility is the essence of the whole situation, and darkness will
serve as a most important contributor to success.

On main roads, where it is impossible to lose one's way, darkness can
be used