GENERAL of an Army, in the art of war, he who commands in chief.
A general ought to be a man of great courage and conduct, to have great experience, and to be of good quality. His conduct appears in establishing his magazines in convenient places; in examining the country, that he may not engage his troops too far while he is ignorant of the means of bringing them off; in substituting them; and in knowing how to take the most advantageous posts, either for fighting or shunning a battle. His experience inspires his army with confidence, and an assurance of victory; and his quality, by creating respect, augments his authority. By his liberality he gets intelligence of the strength and designs of the enemy, and by this means is enabled to take the most successful measures. A general ought likewise to be fond of glory, to have an aversion to flattery, to render himself beloved, and to keep a strict discipline.
The office of a general is, to regulate the march and encampment of the army: in the day of battle, to choose out the most advantageous ground; to make the disposition of the army; to post the artillery; and, where there is occasion, to send his orders by his aide-de-camp. At a siege, he is to cause the place to be invested; to order the approaches and attacks; to visit the works; and to send out detachments to secure his convoys.