Page 342 - General Giuseppe GARIBALDI - english version

324 GENERAL GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI

Serre, that of Chaux, the course of the Doubs, those of the Ognon and
Saône. He, who knew how to take from nature unexpected resources and to
turn to its advantage what for others would have been insuperable difficul-
ties, judged that environment as quite favourable for the type of war that he
had to fight and sketched in his mind a general plan of his future action.
The essence and characteristics of this action are clearly explained in the
«Instructions» that, during his journey from Caprera to Dôle, he had dictat-
ed for the volunteers and the snipers and whose main points must be recalled
here, since they give a clear idea of Garibaldi’s value as commander of troops
in the partisan warfare.

«1. – Very useful to the cause of the Republic will be the use of detach-
ments pushed against the enemy lines and behind their first line to annoy
them without respite, take by surprise their convoys, their scouts, their couri-
ers and prevent them to extend their action on a large area.
«2. The detachments of snipers, bands or guerrillas must be numerous, but
formed by few men; 100 men, for instance, with 3 officers and non-commis-
sioned officers in proportion, could be a good «party». A hundred men can
find how to survive everywhere; they can easily lay traps, cause alarm in troop
Corps during the night and tire them out.
«Ten «parties» of 100 men, in case of need, at the orders of a senior offi-
cer or the older among their captains, together, can carry out important oper-
ations and finally serve, together with other elements, as a nucleus for the
national army.
«3. – Any detachment, manoeuvring in contact with the enemy, must
preferably act by night, and sleep during the day in a well covered and easily
hidden position; inside a bell tower, for instance, or near a high position,
from which they can have a good view of the surroundings. Such a position
could enable that «party» to rest in tranquillity, even with just one sentry. If,
however, it is necessary to operate during the day, all means must be found
to avoid the fight, unless you have the certainty of a good success.
The desire of fighting must not, in any case, make you divert from this
rule.
«To all Corps, and especially to the «parties», I say that to meet with a sur-
prise can be fatal; it would be a shame for the «parties» forming the most suit-
able body to surprise the adversary.