P R E F A C E .

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The esteem that the Public has always held for the excellent Works of Marshal de Vauban, and particularly the approval it has given to his Treatise on the Attack and on the Defense of Fortresses, has engaged the Bookseller to search with care for what might still remain in the hands or in the cabinets of some collectors of the writings of this great Man. His efforts, though long useless, finally procured for him the Treatise on Mines, which forms the first part of this Volume. He obtained it from an Officer of note in the service of the Most Christian King original: "Roi Très-Chrétien," a traditional title for the King of France, who assured him that this Work was truly by Mr. de Vauban, who had intended to amplify it considerably, had other occupations allowed him to