Would traditionally trained military leaders like General Cornwallis, Napoleon, Frederick the Great, etc., know how to engage an enemy army without meeting them on the field of battle? Were any other military strategies practiced that wasn't just marching towards each other?

by mytimeoutside

I understand there was a purpose to meeting on the field of battle and marching forward, but were generals aware of alternative methods of battle, and did they utilize them?

DonaldFDraper

I would recommend you to look at this answer and this answer that I've given previously. Generally the commanders of armies didn't stumble across the enemy but looked for them with cavalry scouts and intelligence.