Last of the Mohicans Warfare Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

It was a feature peculiar to the colonial wars of North America, that the toils and dangers of the wilderness were to be encountered before the adverse hosts could meet. (1.1)

We think it's a big deal that this is the first sentence of the novel. Seriously, talk about setting the stage: the dangers of the wilderness are established as an incredibly important component of warfare… and possibly more dangerous.

Quote #2

Not so, however, with the besieged. Animated by the words, and stimulated by the examples of their leaders, they had found their courage, and maintained their ancient reputation, with a zeal that did justice to the stern character of their commander. (15.2)

Here's everything you need to be a good leader: you need to make skillful, stirring speeches, be brave, be zealous, and be stern. Bingo! Do all that, and you'll be as good as Munro.

Quote #3

As if satisfied with the toil of marching through the wilderness to encounter his enemy, the French general, though of approved skill, had neglected to seize the adjacent mountains; whence the besieged might have been exterminated with impunity, and which, in the more modern warfare of the country, would not have been neglected for a single hour. (15.2)

…And here's what not to do. General Montcalm is not very good at this war business: he doesn't double-check surrounding areas for enemies (c'mon, Monty: that's War 101) or secure them as his own.