"The Game of Battle represents two antagonistic armies, one of which, the Attacking (or Invading) Army, is composed of four figures, each representing a regiment of Light Infantry; five figures, each representing a regiment of Infantry of the Line ; two figures, each representing a regiment of Cavalry; two figures, each representing a battery of Artillery ; and one figure (a wagon), representing the "Supply Train," in which it is to be supposed is carried all of the subsistence, ordnance stores, etc., necessary for the maintenance and effectiveness of the army. The object of the Attacking Army will be to capture the Citadel. The other army, called the Defending Army, is composed of four figures, each representing a regiment of Light Infantry; five figures, each representing a regiment of Infantry of the Line ; two figures, each representing a regiment of Cavalry; two figures, each representing a battery of Artillery; and one figure, the Citadel, representing a city in which are arms, ammunition, foundries, subsistence supplies, and all kinds of government property, which it is of vital importance to hold. The object, therefore, of the Defending Army will be to secure the Citadel against capture." (From the rulebook Introduction.) The game is played with miniatures on a board covered with diagonal squares. Across the centre of the board is a river crossed by one bridge and two fords.