The conduct of Siege Warfare in the 18th century is often mentioned with little or no explanation of how and why it was conducted. Armies of the period, including those engaged in the American War for Independence, followed well-established and highly developed tactical doctrines for the attack and defense of fortified places. A successful siege operation enabled the attacker to reduce an enemy stronghold without resorting to a potentially bloody frontal assault. On the other hand, an effective defense forced an attacker to expend time and materiel resources that might...