CORNELL UNIVERSITY. THE THE GIFT OF ROSWELL P. FLOWER THE N. V. STATE VETERINARY COLLEQE 1897 THE DR. JOH^^i^ST^ cot^,^^^^,^^ ^Niffi?™,!lS?.',r?'' '"eluding details of th 3 1924 003 360 074 Cornell University Library The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003360074 EUROPEAN CAYALRY, INCLUSmO DETAILS OF TEE ORGANIZATION OP THE CAVALRY SERVICE AMONa THE PRINCIPAL NATIONS OF EUROPE. BY GEO. B. M^'CLBLLAN, MAJOE'GENEBAL U.S. ASSIY. FUIiLT ILLTrSTBATED. PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 1861. t ^ gUA^- 1^1 t :» Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. In the Clerk's Oflfice of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. to . PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. The surest method to attain to excellence in any or- ganized system is to collate and compare all similar organizations, already based upon experience, and to gather from each such parts as may be adapted to our own. This principle is of special application in so im- portant a science as that of war, and in so momentous a period as the present. Such is the design of this volume. Organizing for the first time a large and splendid cavalry force, to meet a want not felt in times past, the United States Govern- ment is determined to introduce into the system every thing worthy of imitation in European cavalry; and it is especially fortunate that there exists such general in- formation to aid them. In this work will be found par- ticularly minute and specific descriptions of the cavalry systems of the English, French, Russian, Prussian, Sar- dinian, and Austrian armies, recorded from careful per- sonal observation by General McClellan, while military commissioner to Europe from the United States Govern- ment. Every facility was afibrded him ; and most admirably did he use his opportunities, noting all the good points 4 PUBLISHERS PREFACE. and boldly commenting upon the faults of eacli system as it came under his observation. This work, although complete in itself, forms a valuable companion- volume to the Field Regulations for the United States cavalry in time of war, as, besides affording much valuable and interesting information, thoroughly illus- trated by diagrams and plans, it shows how, from this extended and various material, McClellan has condensed new principles and established a new system. These principles and this system, from his now exalted position, he can order into daily execution and test thoroughly, and thus apply his own theories to an ex- tended and successful practice. Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1861. CONTENTS. RUSSIAN CAVALRY: ChAPTEB I. PAOB School op the Recruit 13 Manfege Riding 15 The Gaits 16 Equitation 16 The Seat 17 The Drill in Single Rank 20 The Use of the Sabre 21 The Sabre Exercise 22 Sabre Exercise in Open Order 22 TheMouUnets 23 The Blows 25 The Parries 27 Parries and Blows 29 Blows against Infantry 30 Sabre Exercise for Retreat 32 To Form a Squadron for the Sabre Exercise 32 Sabre Exercise in Close Order 33 Commands for Sabre Exercise 35 The Charge 36 School oe the Platoon 36 School op the Squadkon 39 Composition of the Squadron 41 Posts of the Officers and Sergeants 41 To Mount and Dismount the Squadron 47 Vocal Commands 47 Principal Guides 48 Squadron with Opened Ranks .^.. 49 Marching in Line 49 Columns 50 Attack in Close Order 50 1« 5 6 CONTENTS, RUSSIAN CkXk'L'S.Y.— Continued. School of the Squadron. — Continued, page Charge in Open Order 52 Echelons 54 Skirmishers 54 Column of Attack 56 School op the Eegiment 58 Formations of a Kegiment in Line 63 The Order of Keview 63 The Order of Battle 63 Standards and their Escort 64 Alignments 67 Change from Order of Review to Order of Battle 67 Close Columns 67 The Charge 71 Reviews 71 Evolutions op the Line 72 Evolutions of the Line Proper 72 Posts of Generals, etc 73 Of Deployed Lines.., 74 Echelons 77 Advance and Retreat by Alternate Half Squadrons, Squad- rons, and Divisions 78 To Change Front 78 Formation of Columns 78 " of General Close Columns from a Deployed Line 79 " of General Close Columns from a Line of Regi- mental Columns 80 To Form Line of Columns from a Deployed Line 81 Movements in Column 82 To Form Line from Column 83 To Deploy into Line from a Line of Columns 84 Formation in Two Lines 86 Assignment and Position of Commanders 86 Movements of the Lines 87 Changes of Front 88 Passage of the Line 90 Orders op Battle, and General Columns 92 General Rules . ... 92 Explanation of the Orders of Battle 93 General Columns 102 Rules for Forming in Order of Battle 102 CONTENTS. 7 RtrSSIAN CAYAJSRY.— Continued. Chapter II. p^ou Horse Equipments 106 Saddling and Packing 108 Arms and Accoutrements 108 Horses, and the Manner of Purchasing them Ill Kiding-Houses, Stahles, etc 112 Field Service 113 Remarks upon Cossacks, Dragoons, Lancers, etc 114 PRUSSIAN CAVALRY: Organization 117 Tactics and Instruction 119 Skirmishers 122 Horse Equipments 123 Arms and Accoutrements 125 Uniform 125 Horses 126 Rations of the Men 127 Quarters 128 Forage 128 Stables 129 Stable-Duty 130 Field Service 131 School of Equitation at Sohwedt 134 Veterinary School at Berlin 135 AUSTRIAN CAVALRY: Organization 137 Tactics and Instruction 138 Of the Seat 140 Swimming 143 Double Columns 145 Arms and Accoutrements 146 Horse Equipments 147 Clothing 151 Rations 153 Cooking-Utensils 153 Horses 154 Forage 155 Stables and Stable-Management 155 Daily Duty in Garrison 157 Quarters 158 8 CONTENTS. ATJSTKIAN CA.YA.'LRY.— Continued. page Duties of Officers 158 Marches 159 School of Equitation at Vienna 160 Veterinary School at Vienna 161 Veterinary Surgeons 162 General Remarks 163 FRENCH CAVALRY: Organization 165 Instruction and Tactics 168 Arms and Accoutrements 168 Horse Equipments 169 Uniform 172 Horses 173 Rations of the Men 174 Quarters 175 Forage 175 Stables 177 Stable-Duty 181 Field-Service 181 Shelter-Tent 183 Manner of Picketing Horses 184 Staff Officers' Tent 185 Transportation of Men and Horses by Sea 186 Veterinary Schools at Alfort, Lyons, and Toulouse 189 Cavalry School at Saumur 191 1. Object of the School, and Division of Instruction 191 2. Course of Instruction 193 3. The Divisions for Instruction 193 4. Staff of the School 195 School for Breaking Young Horses 200 School for Farriers 200 ENGLISH CAVALRY: Tactics and Instruction 205 Horses, Equipments, etc 206 Transportation by Sea 208 SARDINIAN CAVALRY 213 p< . a 1—1 QQ M o s E-l H >^ V^ 1^ Ui HH J J u 5 EHBE m 10 ■s 525 W O o l-H EH t> Hi o I 1 ^ 1 1 a t>> p. "S ^ F Cm t>. CfH £ o 5^ o ? a a S 1 1 •| :i p "o o -2 .^ o o Q P □ '<" II I .3 > s s i§ Cm «M O o -g •3 •3 t-i 1 o o li o o I ! 4Nl «d -IH -a S cf 03 M l>> ^ >» O H J .= 1* •a ■§ 1 1 g ^ a 'S Q a o B 3 5 B = -3 & o 'o H M m C 5 ■■ ■■"■ :> oQ :k ;: !!!;; 1 '3 rd ^ *a P ^ t>) >> o ^ o 'ft £ ^ V o rs T3 c o o S "S _fl cd ^ pO >» >a »H 1 c3 W n n 'S Q -I I— I M w o ° I SQ Go Iz; ^ -a o o .& l-H .S !25 o < > Hi H X s s H P V nI Pi ■a d a I iin lUl O CB a ■p. " ^ I « .a - & 5 -H Hi tU ^ a s 1 12 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. CHAPTER I. fiUSSIAN CAVALEY TACTICS. The Russian cavalry tactics comprise tte following schools, or divisions of instruction : 1. The school of the recruit, divided into : a. Manage, or individual equitation ; h. Drill in single rank ; c. Sabre, lance, carbine, and pistol exercise. 2. The school of the platoon. 3. School of the squadron. 4. School of the regiment. 5. Evolutions of the line. As supplements to these, are the regulations for service in garrison and in the field ; the latter being divided into regulations for field service during peace, and those for time of war. It is proposed to give in this chapter sufficiently copious ex- tracts from the tactics to explain the system of instruction and its peculiarities. The sabre exercise is presented in full. The subjects are presented in the order in which they occur in the tactics; those portions being omitted which are neither new nor interesting. Although generally condensing the text, I have endeavored to preserve the spirit and language of the original Russian. I. SCHOOL OP THE RECRUIT. The instruction of the recruits is presumed to require nine months; immediately after joining the regiment or depot, they are placed under the charge of monitors, selected from among the most steady and intelligent old soldiers. \st month. The recruits are taught certain religious duties and the obligations of their new vocation. The monitors impress upon them the advantages of irreproachable conduct, and the consequences of negligence, evil disposition, and crime. They are made acquainted with all parts of a soldier's uniform, how to wear, and keep it in order. Id month. They are taught how to clean a horse ; are made acquainted with the names, object, and manner of using the 14 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. different parts of tie horse equipment ; are taught how to place the saddle, (without the pack,) first on a wooden horse, after- wards On the animal itself; to clean their arms and take them to pieces ; and they commence chanting the signals. 3d month. They are taught the first principles of dismounted drill, beginning with the facings and marching ; to load without the motions; the pripciples of the skirmish drill, and of duty at the advanced posts, whether on foot or mounted, according to the following system : — 1. The instruction commences with the signals and the move- ments of skirmishers without arms; when they have learned to load without the motions, their firearms are given to them when learning the duties of advanced posts. 2. The most simple signals, such as " common time," " right turn/' &c., are employed at first, afterwards passing to the more difficult. 3. In all the lessons the proper progression is observed, never advancing to any new lesson until all that precedes is compre- hended. 4. After a certain amount of preliminary instruction, the recruits are divided into classes, or squads, according to their progress. 5. In the more advanced squads, the recruits will have their positions in the ranks changed, that they may learn the duties of all positions. 6. To complete the instruction in the duties of advanced posts, squads will be placed in front of each other, that the men may understand the position of the enemy and the manner of applying what they have been taught. ith month. The instruction of the preceding month is con- tinued by drilling the recruits, on foot, at the rank and platoon drill for mounted troops. At the beginning of this month they are taught the first principles of equitation with the snaffle, each man always having the same quiet, well-broken horse. The men are not required to maintain a correct seat in the first lessons, and the observation of the principles is insisted upon only when they can sit the horse without fear' of falling off, and have acquired a certain amount of self-confidence. hth month. Equitation with the snaffle is continued. The men are taught the facings and marching on foot with arms; the use of arms on foot, beginning with the sabre, then passing to the firearms, and finally to the lance — for troops armed with that weapon. ■ 6th month. The instruction in taking apart and putting together the firearms is completed. Equitation with the curb, RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 15 without arms, is commenced by all sufficiently instructed in riding with the snaJHe. They are at the same time taught the manner of bitting a horse, packing the valise and cartridge-box, and saddling up with the complete pack. 1th month. Equitation with the curb, with arms. 8^/t month. Full instruction in the rank, platoon, and skirmish drills, with arms and mounted. 9?/i month. Use of all arms, mounted. After this month the recruit is occupied in perfecting himself in the instruction prescribed for the preceding months. The progression herein prescribed is to be carefully observed ; great care is to be taken not to exact too great precision at first, in order not to disgust the recruits. Each drill should last not longer than from one hour to one hour and a half. Great care must be exercised in the choice of instructors, who should unite patience with knowledge, and possess the faculty of giving clear explanations. During the first six months the recruits are to be instructed at least twice a week by the chaplain in their religious duties, such as the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Apos- tles' Creed, the Psalms, &c. In detached squadrons the religious instruction is given by the sergeants. MANAGE RIDING. This should be limited to the actual necessities of the service, and by the natural capacity of the horse ; therefore more is re- quired of the non-commissioned officers than of the privates, because the former have the best riding-horses. The non-com- missioned officers are taught — 1. The walk. 2. The trot : (a) the common trot, and (6) the trot out. 3. The gallop, on either foot. 4. The charge. 5. To rein back. 6. The right and left turn, right about and left about turn, in place. 7. The passage to the right and left. 8. The turns and abouts, at all gaits; at a gallop, both true and false. 9. To ride in circle to right and left, at all gaits. 10. To circle back to rear on same track, at all gaits; at a gallop, both true and false. 11. To change direction across the riding-hall, at all gaits. 12. To change foot when galloping on a straight line. 16 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. 13. To leap ditches and fences. The privates are taught every thing prescribed above, with the following exceptions : they are not required to change foot at a gallop, nor to gallop false ; it is only at a walk and trot that they ride in circle, circle back to rear on the same track, and change direction in the riding-hall. Nevertheless, the privates having the best horses should receive the instruction prescribed for the non-commissioned officers, as far as the strength and fitness of the horses and the aptness and intelligence of the men will permit. Commanders of troops should never require of the men more than is prescribed in these instructions, and should never lose sight of the preservation of their horses ; for a horse in good order, although less perfectly broken to the rules of manage riding, is preferable to one perfectly instructed in all these rules, but broken down. The recruits are carried through the course indicated above, at first with the snaffle, afterwards with the curb. The squads are made as small as the available number of instructors will permit, and the movements in the riding-hall are few in number and simple in kind, being limited to those actually necessary for the purpose in view. THE GAITS. There are three kinds of gaits : the walk, trot, and gallop. The trot is of two kinds : (a) the common trot, (6) the trot out. The charge is the acceleration of the gallop to the utmost power of the horse. At a walk the horse travels about Si miles per hour ; at the common trot, 6f ; at the trot out, 9 J ; at the gallop, 8. EQUITATION, The instructor must never allow the recruit to pass from one lesson to another until he fully understands and can execute all that precedes. When the recruit has learned how to arrange his equipment, to take care of a horse, to saddle and bridle him, he takes his first lessons in riding, on a quiet, well-broken horse. The first lessons are given with the snaffle; the man is to be in undress uniform, without arms or aocoutrements, the horse without schabraque, but with a surcingle; in the first lessons with the curb the recruit is without arms or accoutre- ments, then with both, and finally with the schabraque and full pack. In the beginning the recruit is required to ride with stirrups somewhat shorter than the proper length, that he may acquire confidence and firmness in his seat, without which the RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 17 fear of falling from bis horse renders him inattgntive to the explanations of the instructor. In the course of time, as he progresses, the stirrups are lengthened, and finally he is required to ride without them, until he acquires a perfectly firm seat; then he is again obliged to ride with stirrups an inch too long, and is thus, in the course of several lesso&s, brought by de- grees to the prescribed length. It is necessary to explain to the recruit that he should not press hard upon the stirrups, or thrust them forward, but allow them to hang vertically; also, that the bottom of the stirrup should never be under the hollow of the foot, but that the first joint of the great toe should be against the inner side of the stirrup ; in other words, the ball of the foot rests on the stirrup. Spurs are given to the recruit when he is fully confirmed in his seat, with and without stirrups. Fig. 1. THE SEAT. • The body of the rider is divided into three parts, of which two are movable and one immovable : one of the first consists of all the upper part of the body, down to the waist, the other of the lower part of the legs, from the knee down; the immovable portion is from the waist to the knees. (Fig. 1.) 2« 18 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. The cavalry^ soldier should sit square on the middle of the saddle, the upper part of the body presenting a free and uncon- strained appearance, the chest not much thrown forward, the ribs resting freely on the hips, the waist and loins not stiffened, and thus not exposed to tension or effort from the motions of the horse ; the upper part of the body should lean slightly to the rear, rather than forward ; the thighs, inclining a little foi-ward, lie flat and firmly on the saddle, covering the surcingle, of which only a small part, behind the knee, should be seen ; the jower part of the leg, hanging vertically from the knees, touches the horse, but without the slightest pressure ; the toes are pointed up, without constraint, and on the same line with the knees, for, if the toes are turned outward, it not only causes the horse to be unnecessarily pricked by the spurs, (especially when marching in line,) but the firmness of the seat is lost; the heels should be i (seven-eighths) of an inch below the toes, and the stirrups so adjusted that, when the rider raises himself on them, there may be the breadth of four fingers between the crotch and the saddle ; to make this adjustment, when the recruit has acquired a firm and correct seat, he should, without changing that seat, push the bottom of the stirrup to the hoUow of the foot, and then, with the foot horizontal, feel a slight support from the stirrup ; when this is accomplished, he replaces the foot pro- perly in the stirrup, and the heel will then be i of an inch below the toes. To give the recruit a correct seat, the instructor, having caused him to mount, seizes the lower part of his leg, and stretches it straight towards the fore-quarters of the horse, so as to bring the buttocks of the rider square on the saddle ; then, resting one hand on the man's knee, he seizes the lower part of the leg with the other, and carries back the thigh and knee so as to bring the crotch square on the saddle, the thighs covering the surcingle, the lower part of the leg, from the knee down, also over the surcingle, and sees that the recruit does not sit too much on his crotch, but has his buttocks well under him. He then explains to the recruit that the firmness of the seat consists in this : that the rider grasps the horse with his legs ; that both thighs press equally upon the saddle, in con- formity with the movements of the body; and that the general movements of the body and thighs must conform to those of the horse. To spare the horses, and explain more readily to the recruit the principles of the seat, he should at first sit upon a wooden horse, on which a saddle is secured, (Fig. 2 ;) on this he should learn to carry the thighs back, without leaning the body forward ; at the same time he is taught how to hold the feet, RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 19 without allowing liim to place them in the stirrups, for this is one of the most essential conditions for a good seat. Fig. 2. Position of the hands and arms when riding with the snaffle. Both arms free, and without the slightest stiffness in the shoulders ; the elbows bent; the upper part of the arms a little Fig. 3. Fig. 4. =^4^ forward of the yertical ; the forearms resting against the sides, without pressure; both hands raised a little above the elbows, but not higher than the eyes of the horse ; the hands five or six fingers' breadth apart, the outer hand higher than the inner ; 20 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. the units on tlie prolongation of the forearms ; the thumbs on top, and not turned inwards; the manner of holding the reins is shown in Pigs. 3 and 4. Position of the hands and arms when riding with the cufh. (Fig. 1.) The left arm free, and without the slightest stiffness ; the elbow bent, and on the vertical line from the shoulder to the hip; the forearm touches the side, without pressure; the hand in the prolongation of the forearm, and two or three fingers' breadth above the pommel ; the curb-reins pass upward through the hand, and over the forefinger, covered by all the four fingers, the nails opposite the bottom of the jacket, and in such a posi- tion that the rider can see the little-finger nail by casting his eyes on the hand ; the snaffle-reius pass over the forefinger, and downwards through the hand, lying flat in the hollow of the hand; the thumb presses on top of the reins; the right hand rests, with the knuckles, on the seam of the pants, on the right thigh, seven inches below the hip, the fist closed, except the thumb, which lies on the seam, pointing upwards ; the elbow on the line of the shoulders. For the lessons with the snafile, the horse is conducted to the ground without passing the reins over his head, they are passed over just before placing the left foot in the stirrup; in the lessons with the curb, the horse is conducted to the ground with the reins already passed over the neck ; in both cases the reins are held in the left hand while mounting. In the first lessons with the curb, the curb-chain is hooked on the ground, under the direction of the instructor; it is of such a length that two fingers may be laid flat between it and the chin. All individual turns and abouts, from a halt, are made by turning the horse on his hind-legs as a pivot ; in wheels by pla- toon, or by squadron, on a fixed pivot, the pivot-man turns in this manner. Turns on a march are made on an arc with a radius of three yards. THE DRILL IN SINGLE RANK. This is commenced when the men are well instructed in the individual riding drill; from six to fifteen men are formed in one rank, with a non-commissioned officer or old soldier on each flank. The recruits first execute this drill on foot, and are not required to execute it on horseback until they understand its principles fully. When mounted, the men are at first placed two RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 21 yards apart, and as they progress the files are closed in, until they touch stirrups, towards the guide. The instruction is commenced in open order, to accustom each man to observe the rules for moving straight forward, to oblige him to conduct his horse independently of his neighbor, and to force him to pay more attention; for, in close order, the men, by blindly following the movements of their comrades, might execute many move- ments satisfactorily without understanding them, and it would be impossible for the instructor to ascertain the proficiency and progress of each man. Every movement should be executed first at a walk, afterwards at the other gaits. The recruits should be mixed with old soldiers in the ranks, to prevent mistakes from extending through the whole rank ; but the in- structor must watch carefully that the old soldiers do not prompt the recruits. At the commencement of every drill in single rank, the re- cruits should be required to execute some of the lessons of the individual drill; so that correctness of riding, and facility of executing the movements in close order, may always be pre- served. The single rank drill comprises all the movements of the pla- toon drill that can be executed in one rank. THE USE OP THE SABKE. This is one of the most important elements in the instruction of the cavalry soldier ; for the sabre is the arm common to all cavalry. The recruit should go through the whole exercise not less than once a week. The rales for the use of the sabre are divided into two parts : (a) the manual ; (b) the sabre exercise. The use of the sabre is taught by means of commands and numbers. The commands of execution are called times, and these times are subdivided into particular movements called motions. At the commencement of the instruction, the in- structor calls the numbers and executes the motions himself; when the recruit becomes accustomed to the use of the weapon, he is obliged to execute the motions and call the numbers simul- taneously with the instructor; after that the recruit calls the numbers and executes the motions for himself; finally, he executes the motions without calling the numbers. The use of the sabre is first taught to single men on foot, then by uniting several men, and finally on horseback. 22 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. THE SABRE MANUAL. This is so similar to that in use in the United States service as to render it unnecessary to describe it in this report, with the exception of two peculiarities, viz. : when the sabre is at a carry both the little finger and that next to it are outside of the gripe ; there is a position of reversed sabre, for funerals, as follows : the blade passed between the left arm and the body, point to the rear, edge to the left, the flat of the blade resting on the left forearm, close to the guard, the gripe held lightly by the right hand, the blade horizontal. THE SABRE EXERCISE. This is divided into parts, the first in open order, the second in close order. The first part is subdivided into : (a) the sabre exercise for the attack ; (b) that for the retreat. Fig. 5. Guard. I. THE SABRE EXERCISE IN OPEN ORDER. A. In the attack. The instruction should be at first given to single men, or small squads, on foot ; afterwards, in the same manner, mounted ; first KUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 23 at a halt, then in motion — i.e. first at a walk, then at a trot, gallop, and charge. The use of the sabre on foot forms no part of the duty of a cavalry soldier, and is given only as preparatory to its use on horseback, which is its proper object. In giving the instruction, it should be explained that the following movements constitute the basis of the system : 1, the mouhnets; 2, one thrust; 3, three cuts; 4, four parries; all the other movements given are merely combinations or modifications of these. In the motions of the sabre, it is, as a general rule, grasped by the right hand, the four fingers encircling the gripe, the thumb on the opposite side, resting on the forefinger, (fig. 5 ;) but if the soldier is to thrust, he places the thumb on the back of the gripe, the end of the thumb against the guard. All the motions are made from the position of " guard." The recruit being at a carry, . to cause him to assume the position of guard, the instructor commands : GUARD. — 1 time. (Fig. 6.) Carry the right hand about 10 inches in front of the right hip, the blade in an oblique position, the point a little raised, the edge upwards, the back of the blade resting in the hollow of the left arm, as near the body as possible. In this position the right hand should be without the slightest efibrt or constraint, and should not feel the weight of the sabre, which is supported by the left arm. (Fig. 7.) In the instruction on foot it is necessary to give the recruit a position corresponding to that on horseback; there- fore, at the command, guard, he carries his right foot 18 inches from the left, the heels on the same line, the weight of the body supported equally on both legs, which are a little bent at the knees ; at the same time he moves his left forearm and hand to the front, placing them as if holding the reins when mounted, and holds the right hand and sabre as already prescribed. This position, once taken, is maintained during the whole lesson. The recruit returns to a carry, as in the United States sabre exercise, except that when at a carry both the little finger and that next to it are outside of the gripe. THE MOULINETS. The lessons in the sabre exercise are commenced with the moulinets, for the following reasons : 1, they accustom the men to the circular movements of the edge of the sabre, necessary in 24 BUKOPEAN CAVALRY. all the motions; 2, they give to the hand the strength and address necessary for handling the sabre ; 3, they accustom the horses to the sabre. PREPARE TO MOULINET. — 1 time. (Fig. 8.) At this command, the recruit, being at guard, extends the right arm to its full length, at the same time raising it so as to bring the hand in front of the centre of the head, as high as the eyes, point to the front, edge upwards, blade horizontal, and perpendicular to the breast. All the moulinets are made from the position just described, and upon their completion the position of guard is resumed. The moulinets are made to the left and to the right : i.e. the circular movement of the sabre passes on the left or on the right side of the horse's neck. Fig. 8. — The moulinets. There are two moulinets : the first passes downwards along the body; the second passes upwards along the body. The recruit being in the position of "prepare to moulinet," to execute the first moulinet, the instructor commands : FIRST MOULINET. Make a moulinet to the left, — i.e. on the left side of the horse's neck, — raising the blade with the edge towards the body, the circular motion passing downwards along the left shoulder; RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 25 and after that, make a right moulinet, — i.e. on the right side of the horse's neck, — raising the point, the edge towards the body, and the circular movement passing downwards along the right shoulder ; then another moulinet to the left, then again to the right, and, in the same manner, alternately on each side, until the command, guard, when the position of guard is resumed. The recruit being in the position of "prepare to moulinet," to cause him to execute the second moulinet, the instructor com- mands : SECOND MOULINET. Make a moulinet to the right, turning the wrist a little out- wards, lowering the point, edge from the body, and passing the blade upwards, along the right shoulder ; then make a similar moulinet to the left; and continue in the same manner, alter- nately on each side, until the command, guard. In the execution of the moulinets neither the elbow nor shoul- der should bend, but the movement is to be effected by the hand and wrist alone; the sabre should pass as far as possible from the horse's head, to avoid striking him, and as near as possible to the man's shoulder ; the left arm is not moved. At the commencement the instructor requires the recruit to count one at the end of each left moulinet, two at the end of each right moulinet, or the reverse ; finally requiring him to accelerate the motion of the sabre to the utmost. THE BLOWS. Blows are of two kinds, thrusts and cuts. They may be given in four directions : 1. To the right front i.e. against an antagonist obliquely in front of the right shoul- der; 2. To the left front; 3. To the right; 4. To the left. The thrusts and cuts should always be given together, i.e. first a thrust and then a cut. After each blow the position of guard is resumed. For the blow to the right front, the instructor commands : RIGHT FRONT THRUST AND CUT. 1 time, 4 motions. 1. At the last part of the command, which is, cut, turn the eyes to the right front, raise the hand to the height of the right ear, and seven inches from it, the shoulder and elbow thrown well back, the thumb on the back of the gripe, point falling a little below the horizontal, and directed to the right front, edge upwards. (Fig. 9.) 2. Extend the arm rapidly to its full length, thrusting to the 3 26 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. right front, i.e. somewhat to the right of the horse's right ear; at the 6nd of the thrust the right arm and the sabre are hori- zontal; the point, if any thing, a little below the horizontal. (Fig. 10.) 3. Without moving the arm, replace the thumb on the side of tlie gripe, turn the hand so as to bring the nails upwards, at the Bight front thrust. Fig. 10. same time carrying the point well to the right ; then, by a turn of the wrist, out horizontally from right to left. 4. Turn the nails downwards, and by a turn of the wrist cut horizontally from left to right. At once resume the pQsition of guard. Fig. 11. Left front thrust. Fig. 12. LEFT TRONT THRUST AND CUT.- time, 4 motions. (Figs. 11 and 12.) Executed as the preceding blow, with the following differences : in the 1st motion the arm is raised as pre- RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 27 scribed for the blow to the right front, but the point and eyes are directed to the left front; in the 2d motion, thrust to the left front, i.e. somewhat to the left of the horse's left ear ; the 3d and 4th motions, as in the blow to the right front, but given on the left side of the horse's head. Pig. 13. Bight thrust. Fig. 14. RIGHT THRUST AND CUT. — 1 time, 4 motions. (Figs. 13 and 14.) 1. At the last part of the command, which is, cut, half face to the right in the saddle, at the same time place the arm and sabre in the position of first motion of right front blow, except that the eyes and point are directed to the right. 2. Thrust to the right, in a direction as nearly as possible per- pendicular to the side of the horse. 3 and 4. As in the blow to the right front, except that the cuts are made in a direction to the right of the horse, and that, on resuming the guard, the recruit will sit straight in the saddle. LEFT THRUST AND OUT. — 1 time, 4 motions. Executed as the preceding blow, with the difference that it is made on the left side of the horse ; therefore, in the first motion the recruit makes a half face to the left in his saddle, and directs his eyes and point to the left, in a direction perpendicular to his horse ; in the third and fourth motions he gives the horizontal cuts, as in the last blow, but on the left, and finally returns to the guard, resuming his seat square in the saddle. THE PARRIES. The parries are all made from the position of guard. After 28 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. every parry the position of guard is at once resumed, unless it ia to be followed at once by a cut or thrust. There are four parries : (a) that for the right side, or the right iparry; (6) that for the left side, or left 'parry; (c) that forthe head, or head parry; (d) that for the left shoulder and rear, or left rear parry. UIGHT PARRY. — 1 time, 2 motions^ (Fig. 15.) 1. Grasp the sabre firmly, extend the arm to the right, the hand moving horizontally, the point at the same time describing a semicircle upwards, and, with the edge to the right, parry as strongly as possible the blow aimed at the right side. 2. Kesume the position of guard. Fig. 15. — Right parry. Fig. 16. — Left parry. LEFT PARRY. — 1 time, 2 motions. (Fig. 16.) 1. Raise the hand above, and about seven inches in front of, the eyes, the elbow somewhat bent, edge to the left, point downwards, and about fourteen inches outside of the horse's left shoulder, and parry as strongly as possible the blow aimed at the left side. 2. Return to the position of guard. HEAD PARRY. — 1 time, 2 motions. (Fig. 17.) 1. Raise the arm quickly to its full length, the hand a little to the right, the sabre a little above the head, edge upwards, blade horizontal and parallel to the shoulders. 2. Resume the guard. In this parry the sabre should be grasped with the utmost firmness, to prevent its being beaten down. RUSSIAlSr CAVALRY TACTICS. 29 LEFT REAE PARRY. — 1 time, 2 motions. (Fig. 18.) 1. Turn the head to the left and rear, carry the right hand to the left shoulder, on -which rest the back of the blade, the point to the left rear, the edge upwards. 2. Resume the guard. Fig. 17. — Head parry. Sig. 18. — Left rear parry. PARRIES AND BLOWS. When the recruit is well instructed in the blows and parries separately, he shouFd be taught to combine them, in the follow- ing manner : — RIGHT PARRY AND CUT. — 1 time, 2 motions. 1 Parry to the right, as already explained. 2. Cut once horizontally from right to left, as prescribed in the third motion of the blow to the right front, and resume the guard. LEFT PARRY AND CUT. — 1 time, 2 motions. 1. Parry to the left, as already explained. 2, Cut once horizontally from right to left, as prescribed in the third motion of the blow to the left front, and resume the guard. HEAD PARRY AND THRUST. — 1 tinfie, 3 motions. 1. Parry for the head, as already explained. 2. Place the arm and sabre in the position of the 1st motion of blow to right front. 3. Thrust to right front, and resume the guard. 30 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. THE BLOWS AGAINST INFANTRY. The cavalry soldier, when engaged against infantry, in open order, should endeavor to parry the bayonet on his right side, cut to the right and left, and thrust to the right. AGAINST INFANTRY — BRIGHT PARRY AND CUT. — 1 time, 3 motions. , (Figs. 19 and 20.) 1. Half face to the right in the saddle, carry the right hand to the right and rear, arm nearly extended, Against infantry. — Right parry. Eig. 19. Fig. 20. sabre grasped firmly, hand as high as the head, and over the croup of the horse ; nails outwards, edge to the rear, point upwards, blade vertical. 2. Lower the point towards the rear, and parry the bayonet with the back of the blade by a rapid circular movement of the sabre and arm, so that, at the end of the movement, the right hand may be in front of the left shoulder as high as the head, and 10 inches from it, the nails towards the breast, point of sabre upwards, edge to the front. 3. Bear the weight of the body on the right stirrup, bend the body well down to the right, and, by a movement of the whole arm from the shoulder, cut downwards, from the head of the horse towards the croup ; at once resume the guard. RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 31 AGAINST INFANTRY LEFT CUT. 1 time, 1 motion. (Fig. 21.) Half face to the left in the saddle, extend the right arm to its full length, the hand opposite to and above the eyes, edge somewhat to the left, the point a little to the front ; then, by a movement of the whole arm from the shoulder, cut circularly downwards, on the left side of the horse j at once resume the guard. AGAINST INFANTRY — RIGHT AND LEFT CUT. — 1 time, 2 motions. 1. Half face to the right in the saddle, and take the position described at the end of 2d motion of the "right parry and cut" against infantry, and at once cut against infantry, as prescribed in the 3d motion. Fig. 21. — Against infantry. Fig. 22. — Against infantry. — Left cut — Riglit tlirust. 2. Instead of resuming the guard, at once half face to the left, and act as prescribed for the left cut against infantry; resume the guard. AGAINST INFANTRY — BRIGHT CUT AND THRUST. — 1 time, 2 motions. (Fig. 22.) 1. Half face to the right in the saddle, and act as directed in the first motion of the preceding blow. 32 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. 2. Bear the weight on the right stirrup, bend well down to the right, extend the right arm well downwards, and, with the back of the sabre upwards, thrust forward as nearly horizontally as possible; at once resume the guard. In these cuts the recruit should sit firmly in the saddle, and make the half faces to the right and left quickly, easily, and without constraint. B. The sabre exercise for the retreat. In retreat the cavalry soldier should cut his pursuer to the right rear. Fig. 23. — Rigbt rear cut. RIGHT REAR CTJT. — 1 time, 1 motion. (Fig. 23.) Half face to the right in the saddle, cast the eyes well to the right rear, raise the right arm so as to bring the hand opposite to and at the height of the left shoulder, edge to the front, point upwards, cut horizontally to the rear by a movement of the sabre from left to right; at once resume the guard. RIGHT REAR — CUT TWICE. As the last blow, except that the cut is repeated before resuming the position of guard. TO FORM A SQUADRON FOR THE SABRE EXERCISE. Preparatory to the sabre exercise, the squadron, whether mounted or on foot, should first of all be ordered to call off'. For this purpose the instructor commands : RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 33 FOR SABRE EXERCISE — CALL OFF. At this command, each man of the right file turns his head to the left, that his comrades may hear him, and, in a loud, distinct tone, calls out 20, (twenty;) the men of the 2d file call out 15 ; those of the 3d file, 10; the 4th, 5; the 5th, " stand fast ;" the 6th, 20 ; the 7th, 15 ; the 8th, 10 ; the 9th, 5 ; the 10th, "stand fasti" 3'id in the same manner through the squadron to its left flank. These numbers signify that at the command "sabre exercise — ^march," (which will be explained hereafter,) each man is to march forward the number of paces he called out, i.e. 20, 15, 10, and 5 paces, respectively, for the first four men of every five, the fifth standing fast. The non-commissioned officers in the front rank are to move forward 25 paces ; those in the rear rank are to rein back into the line of file-closers, and with them fall back 5 paces behind the rear rank. Each man turns his head to the front as soon as he has called ofi'. If the sabre exercise is to be performed in presence of an inspector, the calling off is done before his arrival. When the exercise is to be commenced, the front rank is marched forward 25 paces ; the instructor then commands : SABRE EXERCISE — MABOH. At this command the men take their distances by moving forward, in each rank, the number of paces they respectively called off, as already explained. When the exercise is finished, the instructor commands : TO TOUR POSTS — MARCH. At this command, the men who advanced 20 paces stand fast, the others move up, and dress on them in each rank. The non-commissioned officers of the front rank rein back 5 paces into their places. The instructor then closes ranks by the usual commands. During the exercise the officers place themselves 15 paces from the front rank, facing it. THE SABRE EXERCISE IN CLOSE ORDER. When attacking in close order, the sabre should always be carried in the position of charge sabre. CHARGE SABRE. — 1 time, 1 motion. (Eig. 24.) Baise the right arm and extend it to the ftont, 34 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. the hand opposite the right eye, the blade perpendicular to the breast, the edge upwards, the point a little raised. To pass from this position to that of guard, the command is, guard. If necessary, the command, carry salres, may be given at once, without first coming to the guard. Fig. 24. — Charge sabre. In close order, all the motions of the sabre are made from the position of charge sabre, and on the completion of every move- ment the men at once return to that position. RIGHT FRONT THRTJST, PARRY, AND CUT. — 1 time, 4 motions. 1 and 2. The recruit, being in the position of charge sabre, at once thrusts to the right front, as prescribed in open order. 3. Makes the head parry, as in open order. 4. Cuts vertically downward, on the right of the horse's neck, and resumes the position of charge sabre. LEFT FRONT OUT, PARRY, AND THRUST. — 1 time, 4 motions. 1. Commence the cut by the 2d motion of the 2d moulinet : i.e. lower the sabre along the left side of the horse's neck, raise it along the left shoulder, cut downwards to the left front, and resume the position of charge sabre. 2. Make the head parry. 3 and 4. Thrust to the right front, and resume the position of charge sabre. RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 35 RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT THRUST. — 1 time, 2 motions. 1. Thrust once to the right front. 2. Thrust once to the left front, and resume the position of charge sabre. In close order, too much care cannot be taken to make the cuts by the wrist alone, without moving the arm; they should be made as near the horse's neck as possible, to avoid striking the next man, or his horse. As a conclusion to the sabre exercise, all the commands are here given, in the order in which they should be taught. Commands /or the Guard. Prepare to moulinet. First moulinet. Guard. Prepare to moxilinet. Second moulinet. Guard. Eight front thrust and cut. Left front thrust and cut. Bight thrust and cut. Left thrust and cut. Bight parry. sahre exercise in open order. Left parry. Head parry. Left rear parry. Bight parry and cut. Left parry and cut. Head parry and thrust. Against infantry — right parry and out. Against infantry — left cut. Against infantry — right and left cut. Against infantry — ^right cut and thrust. Bight rear cut. Eight rear cut twice. Comm,ands/or the sabre exercise in close order. Charge sahre. Left front cut, parry, and thrust. Eight front thrust, parry, and cut. Bight and left front thrust. MISCELLANEOUS, FROM THE SCHOOL OF THE RECRUIT. Kg. 25. — Manner of hold- ing the reins when using the carbine. (Fig. 25.) When loading and firing the carbine, the snaffle-reins are knot- ted around the curb-reins, and allowed to hang loosely; the curb-reins are passed around the middle finger of the left hand, thus leaving the others free to manage the carbine. When the carbine is cast about, the butt is thrown on the right side of the horse, the left hand seizing it just above the tail-hand. Skirmishers armed with lances, when using the carbine, carry lances at a rest and sabres in the scabbards; skirmishers who have no lances have the sabre drawn and suspended from the right wrist by the sabre-knot when using their carbines. 36 BUEOPBAN CAVALRY. THE CHARGE. At the command, charge, the rider, without changing his seat, presses a little harder on the stirrups, throws the weight of his body backwards, and prepares the horse, as explained, for the gallop; then, giving him a free rein, he urges him to his greatest speed by the pressure of his legs and spurs. SCHOOL OP THE PLATOON. In the tactics, the platoon is supposed to consist of 12 or more files, always in two ranks. The rear rank is one pace (3 feet) from the front rank, and the file-closers at the same dis- tance behind the rear rank. In addition to the 12 files, there are supposed to be with the platoon 1 officer as instructor, 1 non-commissioned officer on each flank of the front rank, 2 non-commissioned officers as file- closers, and 1 trumpeter. Preparatory to mounting, the platoon being formed with closed ranks, the men call off in each rank by twos. At the command, prepare to mount, Nos. 1 Fig. 26. of the front rank lead forward 4 paces, (of 3' p each,) Nos. 2 of the rear rank, and the file- ^ closers, fall back the same distance, the non- commissioned officers on the flanks of the B^ front rank lead forward 8 paces. After mount- ing, upon the command, /orm ranks, the Nos. t2 of each rank move up alongside of Nos. 1, the non-commissioned officers resume their i proper places, and the rear rank is closed up ^ on the front rank. I The dismounting is effected in a similar A manner. II The men, being mounted, call off in each ll rank from right to left, and then in each rank H by threes. 1 Column may be formed : by file, by twos, * by threes, and by sixes. ■,i.i,w,i.r.....]\l 4/ ^^ *^® column by twos, each rank consists f|\i\!\Kl\j\;\l3B^^yft of 'lis iiien of the same file, each rear-rank "ts'l^riiKl kl man riding alongside of his front-rank man. \Miikji:^^^ I"^ ^^ column by sixes, each rank consists r^; of the men of the same set of threes, the ■-1 three rear-rank men riding abreast of their three front-rank men. (Fig. 26.) To break the platoon by file, from a halt: at the RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 37 preparatory command, the right guide places himself in front of the 1st file, the trumpeter in frontvof the right guide; at the command, march, the trumpeter, guide, and first file move straight forward; the men of the other files, in succession, ad- vance one pace, halt, turn to the right, (on the horse's hind-legs,) move to the right in the direction of the front of the platoon, and turn individually to the left when arriving behind the head of column. Fig. 27 shows the manner of breaking by twos. Fig. 27. ft To break by threes, the first set of threes march straight for- ward, the rest of the men wheel to the right by threes in each rank, move forward, and, upon arriving behind the head of column, wheel to the left by threes, in each rank. Pig. 28 shows the formation of a platoon of 11 files, in column by threes. Fig. 29. To break by sixes, at the preparatory command the right guide passages 3 yards to the right, the rear-rank men of the first set of threes oblique to the right and place themselves on the alignment of the front rank, between the right guide and their front-rank men ; at the command, march, the right guide and the first set of threes (formed in one rank, the rear-rank men on the right) move straight forward, the rest of the men wheel to the right by threes in each rank, move forward, and wheel to the left by sixes when the croups of their horses are on the pro- longation of the left flank of the column. 4 38 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. Fig. 28. P11 \_fQ\ jjjafigSH^^ LI ia:T; C^S' r Fig. 29. Paces. RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 39 Pig. 29 shows the formation of a platoon in column by sixes, the platoon consisting of 11 files. On the march, the platoon is broken into column according to the same principles ; except that to break by file or by twos, in doubling the gait, the right file moves straight forward at the new gait, and the rest of the platoons at once oblique to the right, each file entering the column in succession. All these movements are executed by the left flank, by inverse means. When the platoon, broken into column, is to form to the front, on the right or left, or to the right or left into line, the leading subdivision marches platoon distance before halting. The platoon being in column by file, right in front, at a halt, to form column by twos : at the command, march, each front- rank man moves forward his horse's length and halts ; each rear- rank man moves up on the right of his front-rank man and halts; then the column closes up on the leading subdivision. To form from column by file into column by threes : at the command, march, Nos. 1 of both ranks move forward a horse's length and halt ; Nos. 2 and 3 of each rank oblique to the left, and form on the left of Nos. 1 ; then the column closes up on the leading set of threes. Fig. 30. To form from column by file, into column by sixes : at the command, march, Nos. 1 of the front rank move forward a horse's length and halt; Nos. 2 and 3 of the same rank oblique to the left, and form on the left of Nos. 1, in the order of their numbers ; the rear-rank men oblique to the right, and form on the alignment of the front rank, also in the order of their num- bers, from right to left; the ranks of sixes, thus formed, then close up on the head of the column. If the column is in march, the front is increased according to the same principles ; i.e. each new subdivision is formed at the original gait ; then those in rear close up on the head of column by doubling the gait. The front is decreased, whether the column is in march or at a halt, in a manner similar to that pursued in the United States tactics. SCHOOL OF THE SQUADRON. The squadron is divided into two half squadrons and four platoons. The platoons are numbered from right to left, and each platoon preserves its original number, whatever position it may occupy in line or in column. Each platoon is counted ofi': (a) by twos ; (6) from right to left ; (c) by threes ; this is done under the direction of the commandants of platoons, before the 40 60 RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 41 squadron is formed. If there are odd files in the 4th platoon, they are posted on its right. COMPOSITION OF THE SQUADRON. The minimum strength is as follows : 1 captain, commanding; 4 commandants of platoons; 16 sergeants; 3 trumpeters; 96 corporals and privates. As a general rule, the average strength of the squadron is 120 corporals and privates, or 60 files. Fig. 31. Bf^zt 7»i;t 4**11* sr^iit e'f'it i^x^ ll '•'''''■^■*iia^ '-•'■■""wiiMi^ s^ait POSTS OP THE OFFICERS AND SERGEANTS. Fig. 31. The squadron being deployed, the officers are posted as follows : the captain commanding, at platoon distance in front of the centre of the squadron ; the commandant of the 1st pla- toon, 1 pace in front of the 2d file from the right of his platoon ; the commandants of the 2d and 3d platoons, 1 pace in front of the centres of their platoons ; the commandant of the 4th pla- toon, 1 pace in front of the 2d file from the left of his platoon ; • if there is a 5th subaltern, he is posted, as a file-closer, 3 paces in rear of the centre of the line of non-commissioned file-closers; if there is a 6th subaltern, he is posted 1 pace in front of the 2d file from the left of the 1st platoon ; if there is a 7th subaltern, he is posted 1 pace in front of the 2d file from the right of the 4th platoon. Subalterns command platoons according to their ability, and not according to seniority ; the 1st and 4th platoons being considered the most important. If there are not enough officers present to supply commandants of platoons, the deficiency is made good by the most capable sergeants. 4« 42 EUROPEAN CAVALEY. fB 'A mm 9 iii M S m i| ^V- a R i RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 43 If there is no officer to act as file-closer, this position is not filled by a sergeant. Fig 31 gives the positions of the different sergeants in line ; No. 15 is the standard-bearer, in standard-squadrons, and No. 16 is his assistant; in squadrons without standards, No. 15 is posted in rear of the 2d file from the left of the 2d platoon, and No. 16 in rear of the 2d file from the right of the 3d platoon ; the non- commissioned file-closers are 1 pace behind the rear rank. In standard-squadrons haying but 14 sergeants, No. 13 is the stand- ard-bearer, No. 14 his assistant. No. 6 carries the squadron guidon. There must always be at least one file-closer for every platoon; if there are not enough sergeants for this purpose, corporals are detailed to supply the deficiency. The sergeants may be posted, by the commander of the squad- ron, without regard to their relative rank. Trumpeters are posted, either in one rank, at five paces on the right of the rear rank, or in rear of the 4th files from the right of the 1st, 4th, and 2d platoons; the latter position in pre- ference. In the engravings accompanying this report, extracted from the Russian tactics, two drummers and two trumpeters are usually represented ; these drummers refer only to the dragoon regiments. The men armed with rifled carbines, (four in each platoon,) who are to act as skirmishers, always form the flank files of the platoons ; these files should always be full. Figs. 32 to 38 will sufficiently explain the formation of a squadron in column by twos, threes, sixes, platoons, and half squadrons, as well as the posts of the officers and non-com- missioned officers. Fig. 34. 1 1 Column by sixes — Right in front. 44 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. Eig. 35. Mill .J ^ f^ 1^ BS oliiiiiiii jlMyj' &■*' iiii Column by sixes — Left in front. Fig. 36. "'""mmilUll ^-'^'^"■IlillP iHi Column by platoons — Riglit in front. RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. ' 45 Fig. 37. , ^ ^\ Column by platoons — Left in iront. 46 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. Fig. 38. """"Siill Column by half-squadrons. Fig. 39. iO US 113 LS LI LI ;)7la.!m-'.IJ.'.Jj!(J,'Ji^.il5;.(iIz^.;-|^2lJJ"]I^^^ lim'ul jjg l-li^ ', 1 a '-IjS ' I II S RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 47 TO MOUNT AND DISMOUNT THE SQUADRON. To mount, tlie squadron is formed with closed ranks, all the officers dismounted except the commander of the squadron. Fig. 39 shows the positions of all persons, both in mounting and dismounting ; the principles already explained in the school of the platoon are observed in this case. 01" VOCAL COMMANDS. These are of two kinds : those of preparation, and those of execution. The first are uttered slowly, every syllable being clearly pro- nounced ; the latter are uttered briefly and abruptly. Fig. 40. I iA SIBB- ■A'J-v ■■I^Vs:;"""" I I -=JK1»'-. ^■v_-jvfAr.-.-.VfA- 1 I ti In [1 l^ lei i i I ""■ — , |gte! :m I I ^ ^ The commander should modulate his voice in proportion to the number of men who are to execute the command, so that every word may be heard. In the text, the tonic accent (1) is placed 48 EUEOPBAN CAVALET. over the syllables that are to be accented and uttered slowly; the hyphen (-) indicates the passage from the preparatory to the executive command. Commands indicating the gaits are always given with the cautionary command, and before the word — march. The commanding officer should always designate the gait. Fig. 41. PRINCIPAL GUIDES. Sergeants Nos. 6, 9, and 12 are the principal guides of the squadron ; all the sergeants should, however, be instructed in the duties of principal guides, that they may be able to fulfil them in case of necessity. Fig. 40 shows the positions of the principal guides in the alignment of a squadron, to the right, by platoons. In mounted squadrons the men are arranged, according to the height of men and horses, from right to left in the right half squadron, and from left to right in the left half squadron. The front rank is composed of the men who are the best look- ing, best riders, and most prompt, with, as far as possible, the EUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 49 best and most thorougHy trained horses. Prompt and well- instructed men, with the best horses, are placed on the flanks of platoons.and threes. SQUABRON WITH OPENED BANKS. The ranks may be opened either by causing the front rank to move forward, or the rear rank to rein back. Fig. 41 shows the formation of the squadron with open ranks ; the commandants of platoons, facing the squadron, are six paces from the front rank; the ranks six paces apart; the file-closers six paces behind the rear-rank. Columns by files, twos, threes, and sixes, are formed and broken as prescribed in the school of the platoon. The front of the column may be increased either in all the platoons at the same time, or, beginning with the head of the column, by the difierent platoons in succession. The front of the column is decreased always by the platoons in succession. When the squadron is in line, to break it, by the right, by platoons to the front, the 1st platoon marches straight to the front, all the others wheel to the right on a fixed pivot ; the 2d platoon then wheels to the left and follows the 1st ; the 3d and 4th move forward and wheel to the left, as each arrives where the 2d wheeled to the left. MARCHING IN LINE. A. When marching in line, the alignment of the squadron will depend upon that of the officers in front of the platoons ; it is therefore required that these officers should be frequently exer- cised in marching in line, at the proper intervals, to the front and obliquely, at all gaits ; since absent officers are to be replaced by sergeants, the latter are also exercised in the same manner. B. Before marching in line with closed ranks, the squadron is exercised with the ranks opened to squadron distance, the front rank commanded by the senior subaltern, the rear rank by the second subaltern. C. The squadron is exercised at marching with the flank files of the platoons and the intermediate sergeants, thrown forward about 20 paces. D. In starting or changing gait, the guide moves gently, to avoid agitation in the ranks. E. The march in line should not be attempted at a trot until well done at a walk ; after being properly done at a trot, it is executed at a gallop, the gait being changed on the march. 5 60 EUROPEAN CAVALKY. OF COLUMNS. Eight columns are those right in front j left columns are those left in front. There are three kinds of columns : 1, columns with distance ; 2, close columns ; 3, marching columns, or columns in route. In every kind of column the distance is measured from the fore-feet of the horses of one subdivision to the fore-feet of the front-rank horses of the next subdivision. In a right column the guide is left, in a left column it is right. The object of a column with full distance is that the troops composing it may form line in every direction ; therefore the dis- tance between the subdivisions must be equal to their respective fronts. The object of a close column is, by decreasing its depth to execute movements conveniently and rapidly. Close columns are formed by half squadrons and by squadrons ; the distance is 15 paces; the formation of these columns is explained in the school of the regiment. The object of a column in route is to effect a march con- veniently. According to the width of the road, this column is formed by platoons, sixes, threes, twos, or files ; in preference, by platoons, when the road permits. The direction of a column in march is changed as in the United States tactics ; but, in order to perfect the instruction of both ranks, the column by platoons is formed in single ranks, at platoon distance, in the first lessons. To form from column by platoons, or half squadrons, into line to the front or rear, or to increase the front of a column by pla- toons, each platoon obliques, instead of making half wheels, e.g. : (Fig. 42.) To form front into line from a column of platoons, right in front, the 1st platoon marches forward platoon distance and halts, the others oblique to the left, by the individual oblique march, and move to the front when opposite their respective places in line. To form on the right or left into line, the leading platoon moves forward platoon distance, after having finished its wheel. OF ATTACKING. — THE ATTACK, OE CHARGE, IN CLOSE ORDER. The general rules for executing a charge in close order are the same as for an advance in line. The command of execution for a charge is march, march. At this command the officers and the front rank charge sabre. During a charge all commands, after that of march, march, are repeated by the commandants of platoons. RUSSIAN CAVALRT TACTICS. 51 ,.:>i^ y., ""i:-2!« ..^.^ 9'*-.: ::s;;zK 52 EUROPEAN CAVALKY. A charge should not extend over more than eighty paces ; the nearer a regiment of cavalry can approach the enemy at a trot, the more violent will be the shock; but the farther from the enemy the command march, march, is given, the weaker will be the shock, and the greater the disorder among the horses. In order to save the horses, they should, if possible, before halting them after a charge, be brought down to a trot. The charge is first taught by platoon, and afterwards by squadron. To execute the charge by platoon, the squadron commander places himself 300 paces in front of the squadron, and directs the commandant of the first platoon to execute the charge; this ofiicer moves his platoon fifty paces at a walk, then 100 at a trot, fifty at a gallop, charges eighty paces, and halts his platoon abreast of the captain. The charge by squadron is executed in a similar manner, the captain leading the charge. At the command trot, or walk, after the charge, the officers and the front rank carry sabres. The troops are also taught to charge directly from a halt. During the charge, at the command m,arch, m,arch, the standard- bearer falls back into the line of file-closers, the assistant behind him; at the command halt, they resume their places in line. During the charge, the rear-rank men are to cover their file- leaders, and neither crowd up on them nor fall back. THE CHARGE IN OPEN ORDER. This is effected by one half squadron. (Pig. 43.) In open order the half squadron is formed in two ranks, and occupies a front equal to that of five platoons in close order. When deployed in open order the officers and sergeants are posted as follows : the commander of the squadron always follows the movements of the half squadron detailed for duty in open order, and places himself where he deems necessary, having a trumpeter with him; if there is an officer with the squadron as file-closer, he accompanies the squadron commander, to carry his orders ; the commandants of platoons are in the front rank ; the sergeants are in their usual places, except that the file- closers are ten paces behind the rear rank. The other half squadron constitutes a reserve, and holds itself at' 150 paces in rear of the line, deployed in open order ; it never retires without special orders. The standard remains with the reserve. For the charge in open order the signal " attack" is sounded, and then " disperse." If the charge is to be made from a halt, then at the first signal the designated half squadron moves forward at a trot, and at the second signal the commander orders RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 53 disperse; if the squadron is on the march -when the first signal is sounded, the attacking half squadron continues moving at the original gait, while the reserve halts. At the command disperse — ^ n^r^ I i k ''•'• •■.'.'' '. I '. 1 '. '. \ 1 1 1 \ ' 1 \ 1 '. • \ \ \ \ ' \ i ! j ; j i ■ I ; ! i i ; '. ', : 1 ; I ; '■ 1 \\ \\\ \ the men charge sabres and disperse as follows : if it is the right half squadron which is to disperse, the right guide is the guide of the movement, and moves straight forward at a hand 5* 54 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. gallop ; the rest of the men gain grotind to the left and front at the charging gait, until the left file of the second platoon extends to platoon distance to the left of the left flank of the reserve ; (this is done to cover the intervals when several squad- rons are formed in one line.) If it is the left half squadron which deploys, then the left guide is the guide of the movement, and the right file extends to platoon distance beyond the right file of the reserve. When the outer flank has extended suffi- ciently, the whole line moves straight forward at a charge, the men using their pistols and sabres, not paying attention to the alignment, but taking care to preserve sufficient intervals for a free use of their weapons. At the signal halt, they halt and dress on the centre, the rear rank placing themselves ten paces behind their front-rank men. The skirmishers may be assembled either on the reserve or on the guide of the line; in either case it is at full speed; and in the flrst case the men fall in without regard to place, merely endeavoring to get into the proper rank and platoon. The men are instructed in the charge in open order, first at a walk, after- wards at a trot, gallop, and charge. ECHELONS. The squadron is exercised in advancing by echelons of half squadrons, the distance between the echelons being at least equal to the front of a half squadron. The advance is by alternate half squadrons, or occasionally by both advancing, in echelon, simultaneously. A retreat is always conducted by half squadrons, and at a walk, or trot. If the right half squadron commences the move- ment, it wheels to the right about by platoons, moves about half squadron distance to the rear, and again wheels by platoons to the right about; on this, the left half squadron wheels to the left about by platoons, moves squadron distance to the rear, and then again wheels to the left about by platoons. The standard remains with the left half squadron. SKIRMISHERS. The open order of battle is a chain of skirmishers, with a reserve in its rear. The purpose of the chain of skirmishers is to watch the movements of the enemy, to weaken and harass him by its fire, and thus to prepare the way for the success of the main body in close order, or else to cover its movements. The reserve is to support and reinforce the chain, and to RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 55 serve as a rallying-point for tte skirmishers; it should there- fore be in rear of the skirmishers, and follow their movements. Commanders of parties detailed as skirmishers will employ vocal commands in preference to the trumpet signals; the latter will be employed only when the skirmishers are already deployed. To avoid the possibility of mistakes, commanders ordering their trumpeters to sound any signal will always indicate it by its name, and not by its number. The Russian system of instruction for mounted skirmishers gives in great detail the movements for their deployment, ad- vance, and retreat; change of direction and position; firing, extending and closing intervals, assembly, relief, &c. If a platoon of 12 files is detailed for skirmishing duty, 6 files are deployed, and 6 are detailed as a reserve. The commandant of the platoon, one of the guides, a file-closer, and a trumpeter, accompany the skirmishers a little in rear of the line ; the other guide commands the reserve, which he holds at 100 yards from the line of skirmishers. Sig. 44. — Skirmishers. -IS'' t»a "■«^^ (Fig. 44.) When the line is halted, each rear-rank man places himself so that his horse's head shall be 1 pace to the rear and right of the tail of the horse of his front-rank man ; the interval between the files depends upon circumstances. To fire at a halt. — ^No. 1 of the front rank, in each set of threes, advances 20 paces at a Walk, halts, turns his horse's left side obliquely towards the enemy, fires, and returns at a trot to the place vacated by his rear-rank man, who has in the mean time taken the front-rank man's original position. As soon as No. 1 has fired, the frontrank No. 2, in each set of threes, advances 20 paces, but does not fire until No. 1 has retaken his place in the line ; when No. 3 has fired, in the same manner the rear-rank No. 1 fires, &c. To fire advancing. — This is executed according to the same 56 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. principles; the line continuing to move forward at its original gait, while the men who are to fire advance by doubling the gait. To fire retreating. — The whole line halts, and faces the enemy; Nos. 1 of the front rank fire, come to a right about, and retire at a walk, loading their pieces ; as they pass their rear-rank men, the latter make a right about, and follow at 1 pace to the right rear of their front-rank men; when they have retired 30 paces, each makes a right about, and halts, facing the enemy, the rear-rank men now nearest the enemy. As soon as Nos. 1 have executed this, Nos. 2 do the same; then Nos. 3 ; then the rear-rank Nos. 1 fire, and so the movement is continued. Fig. 45 gives an example of the arrangement of 2 squadrons detailed as skirmishers in front of a regiment of 6 squadrons ; in each of the 2 squadrons a half squadron is held in reserve, the other platoons being deployed as already explained ; each of these platoons holds one-half of its force in reserve. The chain of skirmishers should always be continuous, unless there is artillery in rear of it; it should overlap the body it covers about 20 paces on each flank, and have its own flanks somewhat thrown back. When it becomes necessary to dismount parties of cavalry for the purpose of holding or carrying some post, Nos. 2 of each rank remain mounted, and hold the horses of Nos. 1 and 3. Lancers are not dismounted if it can be avoided ; but if it is necessary, then only one-half the men dismount, and place their lances in the left stirrup boots of the men remaining mounted, who pass the sling over the left arm. In actual service, the officers and non-commissioned officers must watch, that, when the signal to commence firing is given, only those men fire who see the enemy within suitable range. To prevent accidents, the men should never cock their pieces until their turn to fire arrives. Officers and sergeants with the chain and reserves carry sabres. Whilst dispersing, the sergeants and men charge sabres, or lances ; but at the command lialt, both ranks rest lances, or drop sabres, (allowing them to hang from the wrist by the sabre-knot,) and advance carbine or raise pistol. THE COLUMN OP ATTACK. Before passing to the school of the regiment, it is necessary to explain the column of attack. It must first be stated that in the Russian cavalry 2 squadrons form a division, commanded by a field officer ; each division in a cavalry regiment partially cor- responding to a battalion in an infantry regiment in a tactical RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 57 Q # ^ i m 3 -w i' 19' b1„ ' *.<* <^^ 68 EUROPEAN CAVAEBY. sense ; in line, the interval between the 2 squadroaggQf a division is the front of a platoon. The column of attack-^o called) is, in fact, a column of manoeuvre, and is nothing more than a division formed in double column on the centre by half squadrons at platoon distance, thus : the 4th platoon of the 1st squadron and the 1st platoon of the 2d squadron (having closed in on each other) form the head of the column ; the next subdivision is composed of the 3d platoon of 1st squadron and the 2d of the 2d squadron, &c. Pig. 46 shows the manner of forming column of attack from a halt. Fig. 47 shows the manner of forming column of attack advancing. Fig. 48 shows the manner of forming column of attack retreat- ing, the division having wheeled about, by platoons, before com- mencing its retreat. To deploy the column, the platoons of the 1st squadron oblique to the right, those of the 2d squadron to the left; in deploying from" a halt, the leading platoons gain platoon distance to the front and half platoon distance to the right and left, respectively. SCHOOL OF THE KEGIMENT. Before commencing the drill of the regiment, the colonel is required to exercise the officers without the men ; for this pur- pose the commandants of platoons are placed in one rank, at their proper intervals, (as if in front of their platoons,) the com- manders of squadrons and divisions, also, in their proper places; and in this position they are carried through the various man- oeuvres, and taught to preserve their intervals and alignment; any absent commandants of platoons are replaced by sergeants. Regiments of cavalry consist of 6, 8, or 10 active squadrons. In each regiment, the squadrons are numbered in regular series, from right to left. In regiments of 8 squadrons, the 7th and 8th are called flanker squadrons, and, when necessary, act as skirmishers ; in regiments of 10 squadrons, (dragoons,) the 9th and 10th squadrons are armed with lances, are called lancer squadrons, and act as skirmishers. In each regiment, the 1st and 2d squadrons form the 1st division ; the 3d and 4th squadrons form the 2d division ; the 5th and 6th squadrons form the 3d division ; the 7th and 8th squadrons form the 4th division ; the 9th and 10th squadrons form the 5th division. It may be well here to repeat, and call attention to the fact, 59 CS3- I c>s> £5=3- CSI- 60 Fig. 47. J '■ ./ / ■^ — ' *^ ■--■ ■ K H. \ t-:;:::":::;?::£;:;;::;::™u.";:;;;;;:™t;;.;::::::;;;;~ >.^:BB;;»BjaE==s===asd±wiaaBi:Di»qbiaBEBiaiaB !lBt'jilBa»BBBBiai'ia|BfleBBBB»q5'i;BB._BKa=a=t^ fjLJ n Eii ii U Li ^Li ||BBsaBi>B.a|3aE==a===as^|ljasaBBEB3BBi UU Qia Li rf ---1 t -^1., X \ a^i! g ' ^ Panes. . ■ . 1 . i. ,A "^--^A ---JL^^ --MiLai 'l l i 8 i ■ II I "-»^.ia ■-feUih ■^ UllBii I ff la so Order of review and of battll E 62 i $ ! I '^m ^^ Lment of six squadrons. ; t I-' I**, i t' H'r-t '. -i'l rf i 2 RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 63 that all tlie regiments of light cavalry of the line, and 4 of the heavy cavalry, are 8-squadron regiments, so that the formations, &c., hereafter given for 8-squadron regiments may be regarded as the rule in the Russian service. THE FORMATIONS OF A REGIMENT IN LINE. A cavalry regiment may he deployed for inspection and review, or for comhat. In 6-squadron regiments, these formations are the same ; in the others they are different. The formation for inspection and review is called the order of review ; that for combat, is called the order of battle. THE ORDER OP REVIEW. This is the same for all regiments ; in it all the squadrons are formed in one line, arranged in the order of their numbers, from right to left; the interval between the squadrons is equal to the front of a platoon. Fig. 49 shows this formation, and the positions of the different officers. The colonel is 6 times platoon distance in front of the centre; each division commander at double platoon distance in front of the centre of his division ; the squadron officers as prescribed in the school of the squadron. If there is not an officer, as file-closer, behind each squadron or division, there must, at least, be one for the regiment, who is posted at platoon distance in rear of the centre of the line of non-com- missioned file-closers; if there are more than one officer, as file- closers, but not as many as the number of divisions, they are posted in preference behind the flank divisions. The trumpeters are either united, at half platoon distance on the right of the 1st squadron, or are with their respective squadrons. THE ORDER OF BATTLE. The formation of a regiment in order of battle depends upon the number of squadrons of which it is composed. (Fig. 49.) For a regiment of 6 squadrons, it is, as already stated, the same as the order of review. (Fig. 50.) For a regiment of 8 squadrons, it is as follows : the first 6 squadrons are deployed as in the order of review, and form the line of battle; the 7th squadron is formed in column by pla- toons, left in front, at squadron distance behind the right flank of the line of battle, its line of left guides being at platoon dis- 6 64 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. tance to the right of the right flank of the 1st squadron; the 8th squadron is formed in column by platoons, right in front, in a similar position behind the left flank of the line of battle. (Fig. 51.) For regiments of 10 squadrons, (dragoons,) with all their squadrons present, the order of battle is as follows: in two lines; one line of the first four squadrons, the other line of the next four, either line may be in front; the front line is called the line of battle, and is deployed ; the rear line is formed in columns of attack, these columns being opposite the intervals in the divisions of the line of battle. The lancer squadrons (9th and 10th) are formed in columns by platoons in rear of the flanks of the line of battle, as described for the 7th and 8th squadrons of 8-squadron regiments. The line of battle and the second line are 300 yards apart. The figures explain sufficiently the positions of the officers in the order of battle. Commands are given and repeated on the same principles as in the United States tactics; when the colonel gives the com- mand, m,arch, he raises his sabre vertically, to the full length of his arm ; he does the same thing upon giving the command, halt. In the order of battle, the chief trumpeter accompanies the colonel; there is one trumpeter with each commander of division; one with each platoon of the flanker, or lancer, squadrons; the rest are in the rank of file-closers with their respective squadrons. In dragoon regiments, the drummers are united in rear of the second line. STANDARDS AND THEIR ESCORT. Every division has a standard, which is posted with the 1st squadron of the division, and generally follows the movements of the 3d platoon. The escort of the standards is always composed of one of the platoons of the 1st squadron of the regiment; to bring the Fie 52 standards to the regiment, the chief trumpeter and 3 trumpeters accompany the escort; to carry them back to the colonel's quarters, all the trumpeters of the regiment are detailed. Fig. 52 shows the order of march of the standards and their escort. In bringing the standards to the regiment, when the escort reaches the nearest flank of the regiment, it at once moves to its post in line, at a trot, by the rear of the regiment. For the departure of the standards, the chiefs of the 3d pla- 65 >Lji& •llEll ^^33 4^= M S •f™. ^ 66 ^^B' i^ RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 67 toons of the standard-squadrons conduct them to the front of the 1st platoon of the 1st squadron of the regiment, which in this case forms the escort; having turned over the standards to the adjutant, the chiefs of the 3d platoons at once return to their platoons. It is required that the commandants of the 3d platoons of standard-squadrons shall be officers, even if all the other platoons of the squadron are commanded by sergeants. ALIGNMENTS. There are no general guides. One squadron is designated as the squadron of direction; its principal guides (see school of the squadron) are posted by the adjutant, who then aligns the principal guides of the other squadrons, in succession, on them. When the regiment is deployed, it may be aligned by ordering the commandants of platoons forward on the line, instead of sending out the principal guides. The principal guides or com- mandants of platoons move to their posts on the new line at a full gallop. TO CHANGE FROM THE ORDER Or REVIEW TO THE ORDER OF BATTLE. In an 8-squadron regiment, the first 6 squadrons stand fast, the commanders of the 7th and 8th wheel their squadrons by platoons to the right, and conduct them, by the shortest line, to their new positions. In a 10-squadron regiment the first two divisions stand fast; the Bd and 4th form columns of attack, and then move by the shortest line to their new positions; the 9th and 10th squadrons act as prescribed for the 7th and 8th of an 8-squadron regiment. In columns with distance, the colonel and the commanders of divisions and squadrons are all on the directing flank, opposite the centres of their respective commands, and at distances from the line of guides equal to their respective distances in front of the line when it is deployed; so that if the column wheels into line they are all in their proper places; the adjutant habitually follows the colonel. Among other formations in column, the regiment is sometimes formed into several parallel columns of divisions, or squadrons by platoons. CLOSE COLUMNS. In these, the distance between subdivisions is 15 paces, 68 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. measured from tlie fore-feet of the front-rank horses of one subdivision to the same of the next subdivision. Fig. 53 shows the manner of forming close column by squad- ron, from a halt, and the posts of the officers. If there are in front of any of the platoons officers other than their command- ants, they retain their usual places. If the close column is by half squadron, the commandants of divisions and squadrons are posted on the directing flanks of their leading subdivisions, and the commandants of half squad- rons on the directing flanks of their respective commands. In forming close column from a halt, the movement is by threes, in each rank. In regiments of 10 squadrons, to form close column from order of battle, the divisions of the 2d line first deploy. Fig. 54 will show the general manner in which a regiment formed in columns of attack changes front and deploys. Fig. 64. Fig. 55 will sufficiently explain the general methods of de- ploying close columns. The changes of front are executed either with the squadrons deployed, or formed in columns of attack. The regiment is exercised in advancing and retreating by alternate half squadrons, squadrons, or divisions. i i ..L 1 K L ■ i .i A p^r^::;fiiK:;2;rrp!::;£r:r.?--.:::=;-.:i pl:s=:?c::;=^:f|»^:^=::^s:u™i ■it5:s:!:?JB:;;i::rtKi=5::i^B5; "••<>^^_ D".:!""jj — > /OSO ^ 20 £0 40 JO eO 70 SB DO iXJ—i— I — 1—3 I I I -I— f Faces. $ Close C( ^*^ •^ 53. 70 --^1 ijlose colamns, RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 71 The formations in echelon are by half squadrons, squadrons, or divisions. THE CHARGE. The charge in line, in close order, is executed according to the principles laid down in the school of the squadron. In certain cases, regiments charge in close column; this is executed, in preference, by the cuirassiers, and always at the trot out; only the front rank of the leading subdivision charge lances, or sabres. The charge in open order is also executed according to the principles laid down in the school of the squadron; one half squadron of every squadron charges, while the others remain in reserve. One division commander is detailed to command the half squadrons which charge, another to direct the reserve. If the regiment is formed in columns of attack, when the charge in open order is to be made, the squadrons first form columns by half squadron, of which the leading half squadrons charge, while those in rear are held in reserve, and at once take the proper intervals of 5 platoon fronts. The flanker squadrons of 8-squadron regiments, and the lancer squadrons and second line of dragoons, follow the movements of the line of battle; marching at the same gait -as the latter until it charges, when they move on at the trot out; closing up on the line of battle to the prescribed distance, when it halts. If the colonel considers it necessary to form the flanker or lancer squadrons in echelon, he orders them to form squadron, after which they continue the movement as just explained. If the signal reserve is sounded, these flanker or lancer squadrons, instead of halting, move on at a charge in pursuit of the beaten enemy, returning to their posts in rear of the flanks when the recall is sounded. REVIEWS. Cavalry passes in review : in column with distance, by platoons, half squadrons, or squadrons ; in column with half distance, by half squadrons, squadrons, or divisions; in close colvimn, by half squadrons, or squadrons. The adjutant is at the head of the column ; one pace behind the adjutant is the band of trumpeters, in two ranks, with the chief trumpeter on the right of the front rank ; the colonel, 6 paces in rear of the trumpeters ; the com- mander of the 1st division, 3 paces in rear of the colonel ; the commander of the leading squadron, 3 paces in rear of the divi- sion commander ; then the leading subdivision of the column. 6» 72 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. The Russians call a division of 2 brigades iivisia ; a division of 2 squadrons is division. Confusion is thus avoided. EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE. The volume on Jhis subject is divided into two parts : 1. Evo- lutions of the line proper ; 2. Orders of battle, general columns, and the application of the evolutions of the line to these. EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PROPER. This subject comprehends the movements of several regiments, whether in line or in columns. The first great requisites for a successful cavalry general and instructor are, perfect coolness and presence of mind. The rules for giving and repeating commands, as given in the school of the regiment, apply here, with a few additions. The preparatory commands are given by the general command- ing, and are repeated by the other generals and the colonels ; they are at once followed by the designation of the gait and the command, march. Down to the brigadier-generals, inclusive, the general commands alone are given ; the colonels give the special commands prescribed in the school of the regiment. In all cases the generals of brigade repeat the preparatory commands of the generals of their divisions. If all the regiments of a brigade are to execute the same movement, the general of brigade gives the preparatory com- mands for all of them. If different regiments of a brigade are to execute different movements, the general of brigade gives the preparatory com- mand for the movement of the 1st regiment only ; the coloqels of the other regiments giving the requisite commands. Whenever the preparatory commands are to be repeated by all the generals and colonels, the general commanding raises his sabre; this signal is repeated simultaneously by all the generals and colonels ; the commanders of divisions (2 squadrons) and squadrons at once give the command, march. When a movement is to be executed by all the troops, the general preparatory commands are repeated by all the subordi- nate commanders; but when only a portion of the troops are to execute the movement, the preparatory commands will be repeated only by the commanders of that portion. Colonels will always preface the command, regiment, by the number of their regiments in the division, or brigade, (if there is only a brigade present.) Generals of division will likewise preface the command, divir RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 73 sion, by the number of their respective divisions ; but generals of brigade simply give the command, brigade, not prefacing any number. If the troops are formed in one general column, or in a line of regimental columns, the commands to draw and return sabres are given by the generals of division, and repeated by the gene- rals of brigade and the colonels ; the troops execute the order at the command of the latter. If the regiments are deployed, or each formed into several columns in line, these commands are repeated by all commanders, down to those of squadrons inclu- sive, and executed at the command of the latter. When the number of troops is so great that the voice of the general com- manding cannot be heard by all, he sends his orders by aides- de-camp. In such cases the distant parts should conform to the movements of those nearest the general commanding, that the movements may be as simultaneous as possible. The general will assure himself that the aides fully comprehend the order, so as to prevent errors and misunderstandings; the aides should carry the order with the utmost rapidity, and deliver it clearly and slowly, but they have no authority to interfere with the execution. If they see that the order is not properly carried out, they should remind the officer to whom it was delivered and return to the general as soon as it is executed ; they report the fulfilment of the order, or the reason for its non-fulfilment. Trumpet signals apply only to the first line, and are repeated only by the trumpeters of that line. All commands to the second and other lines are given by the voice. The rules for the guidance of the principal guides, as given in the school of the regiment, apply to the case of evolutions of the line. POSTS OP QENEEALS, ETC. Figs. 56 to 61 give the positions of the generals of division, brigade, &c. When the regiments are deployed, either in the order of review or of battle, the generals of divisions are at the distance of ten platoon fronts in advance of the centres of their respective divisions j the generals of brigade eight platoon fronts in advance of the centres of their brigades. In general close column (fig. 59) the general of division is on the directing flank of the leading subdivision of his command, at the distance of three platoon fronts from the guide ; each general of brigade on the line of his leading subdivision, at the distance of two platoon fronts from the guide. When the regi- ments are formed in line of close columns of 'regiments, at deploying intervals, the posts of the generals are as when 74 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. the regiments are deployed. When the line of close column of regiments is with closed intervals, the generals of division are at the distance of six platoons; generals of brigade, four; colonels, two in advance; the latter are on the prolongation of the lines of guides of their regiments. The general commanding may move wherever his presence is most necessary ; but the subordinate commanders will in no case leave the places assigned to them, but will correct any faults, either by orders to the nearest subor- dinate commanders, or by means of their aides-de-camp. Each general has a trumpeter with him ; the other trumpeters take post as prescribed in the school of the regiment. or DEPLOYED LINES. Regiments and brigades are posted, in each division, from right to left, according to seniority. In the order of review and the order of battle they are each formed as prescribed in the school of the regiment. Corps, divisions, and brigades are habitu- ally formed in order of battle, unless special orders are given to form them in the order of review. Pig. 60 shows the formation of a brigade of eight-squadron regiments in the order of battle. Fig. 61 shows the formation of a brigade of ten-squadron regiments in the order of battle. Both in the order of battle and that of review the interval between regiments and brigades is two platoon fronts ; in the first case; for eight and ten squadron regiments, this interval is measured between the flanker, or lancer, squadrons. In the order of battle of commands composed of ten-squadron regiments the front line may be composed of the corresponding wings of all the regiments, or one half of it may be composed of the right wings of one-half the regiments, and the other half of it of the left wings of the remaining regiments. In the order of battle of eight and ten squadron regiments the flanker, or lancer, squadrons are regarded as belonging to the first line, and not as constituting a separate line. When the general line is to be aligned to the front, care must be taken that the new direction does not cross the old. In all alignments the flanker, or lancer, squadrons, formed in columns by platoons, align themselves on the flank squadrons of the line of battle, and always have the guide on the inner flank. The march to the front, the oblique march, wheels and abouta by subdivisions, and halts, are executed by the commands and according to the principles laid down in the school of the regi- ment, substituting in the preparatory commands, when necessary, 75 Fig. 56. — Division de 4- f V 1 i? Fig. 59. Division in general close column. ±t J 't V t Fig. 67.- J I- Fig. 5 Fig. 60. — Brigade of 8-squadron regiments in order of battle. Y «^ If « «* 'S r^\\^.iiif^ ^i. ; j^-uifm i r^TMjKSp;^ j ^ w j r pj.' ^j r' ni^. i -^tf ^ m -, i 1* •£ V ^ If ' Kj-^-sJ'in \^,'<:r~~.^if F-JIJmi^-SJ^ ■r 133 El y < |j_j;a y e,o ifa i^o ifo spo sfo t^ paa^g. in the order of review. + J X J- i- r T 311 in line of columns, with full intervals. I ne of column, with closed intervals. T r ? Fig. 61. — Brigade of 10-squadron regiments in order of battle. if t* T 1 I I EI •jf El Si' it i ^ 'i V s* r 4 if « ED C31 V I r-1 K=I1 ■ i RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 77 th'e word division, or brigade, for regiment. The charge is exe- cuted according to the principles laid down in the school of the regiment. The same holds good with regard to the passage of obstacles ; but if partial obstacles exist along the front of a whole regiment, each squadron breaks into column by the appropriate subdivision, and forms squadron as soon as the obstacle is passed. If all the ground in front of a regiment is impassable, it forms into close column, by squadrons, in rear of one of the regiments on its flanks, and does not re-enter the line until the next halt, unless orders to the contrary are given. If the obstacle is in front of the regiment of direction, another regiment is designated in its place. ECHELONS.. The formation of and movements by echelons are executed as in the school of the regiment, with the following modifications : (Fig. 62.) In a line of considerable extent, one part may Fig. 62. Scale of paceSj Figs. 62 — 77. ^ f^ff fag tfo ;ao gflfl at Echelons by divisions, one regiment standing fast. break by echelons while the other part remains in line; in this case the movement begins at one of the flanks, and is arrested by the command, halt. Echelons may be formed on an interior part of the line, in which case that part is designated as that of direction; the following movements may thus be executed : (1,) one flank of the line may break by echelons to the front, and the other to the rear ; (2,) both flanks may break to the front, or both to the rear; (3,) the subdivision of direction may commence the movement, by breaking to the front or rear. In the first two cases the subdivision of direction stands fast, 78 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. in the last case it commences the movement; all these move- ments are executed as prescribed in the school of the regiment. During movements by echelons, the 2d line of ten-squadron regiments conforms to what will hereafter be laid down for the second line. Line is formed from echelons according to the prin- ciples of the school of the regiment. THE ADVANCE AND RETREAT BT ALTERNATE HALF SQUADRONS, SQUADRONS, AND DIVISIONS. This is executed as prescribed in the school of the regiment, with the following modifications : if the movement is ordered to be commenced by the right, and by divisions, (of two squadrons,) then, in six and eight squadron regiments, the 1st and 3d divisions of the 1st regiment, and 2d division of the 2d regiment of each brigade, commence the movement; if it is directed to be com- menced by the left, the 2d division of the 1st regiment, and the 1st and 3d divisions of the 2d regiment, commence the move- ment. If the order to advance by alternate subdivisions is given while the line is on the march, the subdivisions which are to commence the movement continue marching at the original gait, but the others halt; if, under the same circumstances, a retreat is to be executed, the subdivisions which are to commence the movement at once wheel about at the original gait, the others halt. TO CHANGE FRONT. In changes of front the general rule is : the regiment of direction changes front by the rules laid down in the school of the regiment ; the others form columns of attack, which move by the shortest lines upon the positions marked by their prin- cipal guides. If, in a single brigade, the preparatory command is prefaced by the words, " hy squadrons," each regiment executes the move- ment according to the school of the regiment, neither forming columns of attack. If the flank squadron of any brigade or division is the squad- ron of direction, the contiguous regiment of the next brigade or division may change front according to the school of the regi- ment. In a line of great extent, all the regiments may be first formed into columns of attack, and the change of front then executed. OP THE FORMATION OF COLUMNS. General rules. — Columns with full distance are formed accord- ing to the school of the regiment. Columns with less than full RUSSIAN CAVALKT TACTICS. 79 distance are formed like close columns. The principles of the formation of close columns by squadrons and by half squadrons being the same, the rules for those by squadrons are alone given. Columns having the senior regiment in front are called right columns, those having the junior regiment in front are called left columns, whether each regiment be right or left in front; in all cases right general columns have the guide left, and the reverse. The distance between divisions, brigades, and regiments, in close column, is twice platoon distance, measured as between the subdivisions of a regimental close column. General close columns may be formed either from a deployed line or from a line of close regimental columns. FORMATION OE GENERAL CLOSE COLUMNS FROM A DEPLOYED LINE. (Figs. 63 and 64.) One squadron is designated as that of direction; the regiment to which that squadron belongs forms close column on it, according to the school of the regiment ; the other regiments each form close column on the flank squadron nearest the regiment of direction, and then move by the oblique march to their respective positions in the general column. In all the movements of the regimental columns to form the general column, especially when obliquing, every squadron must Fig. 63. General right column on 3d squadron, Ist regiment. Tig. 64. be exactly parallel to its original position in line ; the lines of guides on both flanks must be parallel to each other, and perpen- dicular to the squadron at the head of the column ; and, finally, the several files must be parallel to each other. 80 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. FORMATION OP GENERAL CLOSE COLDMNS REGIMENTAL COLUMNS. FROM A LINE OF Kegimental columns in line — i.e. columns Laving the teads of all the regiments on the same line — are formed with full or closed intervals; this formation is called a line of columns with full or closed intervals. Full intervals are such as to permit all the regiments to deploy into order of battle on the same squadron of every regiment ; closed intervals are : between 6-squadron regiments 2 platoon fronts; between 8-squadron regiments 4 platoon fronts; between 10-squadron regiments 6 platoon fronts. General close column may be formed from a line of columns, either with full or closed intervals. The first case has already been explained, when giving the manner of forming general column from a deployed line. Fig. 65 gives an example of the latter case; one regiment Fig. 66. Fig. 65. Formation of a right general column, on 3d regiment, from a line of columns with closed intervals. being designated as that of direction, those which are to be in front of it in the column march straight to the front, until, arriving abreast of their places in column, when they move RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 81 straight to their places ; those that are to be in rear of the direct- ing regiment gain their positions by first marching to the rear. If the order to form general column is given when the line is in march, the directing regiment halts; the others acting as just described. Fig. 66 shows the manner of forming the general column on one of the flanks when the march is to be continued after the formation. The 1st regiment marches straight forward; the 2d moves to the right, by threes in each rank, as soon as the last squadron of the 1st regiment is abreast of the 3d squadron of the 2d regi- ment, and moves to the left, by threes, when its line of left guides is on the prolongation of that of the 1st regiment; the 3d and 4th regiments move to the right, in turn, as soon as the regiments next on their right have gained an interval equal to the depth of a regimental close column — i.e. in a 6-squadron regiment 5 platoon fronts; in an 8-squadron regiment 7 platoon fronts ; in a 10-squadron regiment 9 platoon fronts. At the close of the movement, the distances between the regiments in the general column will be four platoon fronts ; the colonels of the 2d, 3d, and 4th regiments will, therefore, close up on the head of the column, by doubling the gait. If the column is thus formed on the march, the 1st regiment continues to move at the original gait ; the others halt. Each brigade may be formed into a separate column, and these brigade columns, afterwards, in one general column. Pig 67 shows the manner of forming general close column, from a line of regimental columns, by a change of direction to the right or left, executed by each regiment. If the intervals between the regiments in line are less than those already laid down, it will be necessary to increase them for eight or ten squadron regiments before executing the movement. At the close of this formation, the regiments in the general column will have less than their proper distances ; these must be taken upon the first movement of the column. TO FORM LINE OP COLrMNS PROM A DEPLOYED LINE. To efiect this, each regiment forms close column by squadron. If the same squadron in each regiment is taken as that of direction, the line of columns will be formed with full intervals. If the line is to be formed with closed intervals, the squadrons of direction are so chosen, in the different regiments, that no squadron may be obliged to pass twice over the same ground. A line of columns of attack is formed as prescribed in the school of the regiment. r 82 BUKOPEAN CAVALRY. 0¥ MOVEMENTS IN COLUMN. Movements in general column. — These are made in every direc- tion, according to the principles of the school of the regiment. In changing the direction of a close column, by the head of column, the following is to be observed: each regiment will Fig. 67. 6-squadron regiments. turn where those in front of it did ; the gait of the regiments in rear must be so regulated that no part of the column may be obliged to halt before the wheel is made, and that, on the com- pletion of the wheel, every regiment may have its proper distance. Fig. 68 gives an example of the method of changing the direction of a close column from a halt. In close column, distances are taken in accordance with the principles of the school of the regiment; e.g., in a close column, consisting of a brigade of 2 six-squadron regiments, to take dis- tance, by head of column, on the 2d squadron of 2d regiment j the 2d regiment takes distance on its 2d squadron, as laid down in the school of the regiment; the colonel of the 1st regiment marches it forward, and when his 6th squadron is 6 times platoon distance in advance of the point where the 1st squadron of 2d regiment halted, he halts the 6th squadron ; the others halting in succession as they gain their distances. K0SSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 83 Columns witli distance are closed according to the school of the regiment. Movements of a line of columns. — These are effected accord- ing to the same principles, and by the same commands, as for a deployed line. Fig. 68. Fig. 69. The intervals of a line of columns are diminished or extended by marching each column along the line; the principal guides of the leading squadron of each column precede it, and mark its new position. Fig. 69 presents an example of the manner of changing the front of a line of columns with closed intervals. TO EORM LINE TROM COLUMN. General rules. — To form line ,from a right general^ column, with full distance, each subdivision wheels to the left; from a left column, they wheel to the right ; in both cases the line is formed on the side of the guides, and in accordance with the principles of the school of the regiment. To form line forward from a similar column, it is first closed, and the line then formed as usual from closed columns. A general close column may be formed either into line of columns, or into a deployed line. The formation into line of columns may be effected either to the front, to the right, or to the left. That to the front is effected by conducting the heads of the regiments on the new line ; that to the left, (Fig. 72,) from a right column, by a change of direction to the left in each regiment ; that to the right, from 84 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. a left column, by a change of direction to the right in each regiment. To form a general close column into a deployed line, to either flank, the column first changes direction, and then forms line to the front. A line of close columns may also be deployed into line to the front, or either flank; in the last case, the preceding paragraph must be conformed to. In formmg line of columns from general close column, the regiment of direction may either halt or move forward. In both cases the formation is executed according to the rules given, in the school of the regiment, for ^^^^^.'.....^ , deploying a close column : i.e. all "--■:: ! I the movements and rules laid down KKK«a — for the squadrons and squadron com- manders are here executed by the re- gimental columns and the colonels. .=,»„,. , ■ . , The line on which the heads of ''**''*^ t^j -4a&^ columns form is marked by the prin- ' ' cipal guides of the leading squadron of each regiment. The line of columns, formed from general column, should be with closed intervals. Fig. 70 shows the manner of form- ing line of columns to the front, on the 3d regiment, which stands fast. • Fig. 71 shows the manner of forming line of columns to the front, on the 3d regiment, which advances. Fig. 72 shows the manner of forming line of columns to the left, from general column. To form a deployed line from general close column, one squad- ron is designated as that of direction. In forming line on the leading squadron, it may either stand fast or advance ; if any other squadron is that of direction, it will always be thrown forward. The column may be deployed either from a halt or on the march ; in the latter case, the squadron of direction halts at the command of execution. Fig. 73 gives an example of the manner of deploying a general column of 2 regiments on the 6th squadron of the 1st regiment. Fig. 74 gives an example of the deployment of the same column on the 2d squadron of the 2d regiment. TO DEPLOY INTO LINE FROM A LINE OF COLUMNS. Fig. 75 gives an example of the deployment of a line of 2 tt 6-sqdn. regts. ■\i. ' f , Jill 85 II Pig. 12. in: L).L,.j... i 8-sc[dn. regta. lO-so^dn. regte. rig. 73. U::^ A- — V^F^T^^^-A — T*"t3SKKa Fig. 74. ^aiSuras^ \' For scale, see page 77. 86 EUKOPEAN CAVALRY. Fig. 75. regimental columns ; this will explain tlie general principle of all such deployments, in which the squadrons of direction always advance upon the new line. A line of columns of attach is deployed as prescrihed in the school of the regiment. OF THE FORMATION IN TWO LINES. The first line is usually deployed ; the second in columns of attack; the first line, however, is sometimes also in columns of attack. The distance hetween the lines is, usually, ahout 300 yards. The second line is formed in columns of attack, hecause these columns are deployed more rapidly than any other ; hecause in this order the second line can advance through the first without obstacle, and the first can in like manner retreat through the second. The columns of attack of the second line are placed behind the corresponding divisions (of 2 squadrons) of the first line; the centres of the columns opposite the middles of the intervals in the divisions of the first line. A general column is deployed into two lines, as follows : the portions designated for the 1st line remain in the column until ordered to deploy, either from a halt or in march, by the general commanding, whose order is repeated by the commander of the 1st line; the portions designated for the 2d line are conducted to the proper distance to the rear by the commander of that line, and, having gained this distance, at once deploy, and form columns of attack; if the deployment is made on the march, the 2d line reduces the gait, halting if the original gait was a walk, and then acts as described above ; in any case, when the 2d line has formed its columns of attack, it preserves its proper distance from the 1st line by doubling or reducing the gait as may be necessary. ASSIGNMENT AND POSITION OP COMMANDERS. Each line should have a special commander. In a division formed in two lines by brigade, the commanders of the lines are the generals of the brigades of which they are respectively formed; if a brigade is formed in two lines, the colonels of the RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 87 regiments are the commanders of the lines ; if each, line is com- posed of two regiments belonging to different brigades, then the general of division assigns a general of brigade to command each line. In every case the position of the commander of each line is in conformity with what has heretofore been prescribed ; 'e.g. if a line consists of two regiments, whether of the same brigade or not, the commander of that line posts himself as prescribed for a general of brigade. The general of division is always with the 1st line. . MOVEMENTS OF THE LINES. All movements of the 1st line are made by signals, or by the order of the general commanding, repeated by the commander of the 1st line ; the movements of the 2d line are made by orders of the general commanding, transmitted by an aide-de-camp, and upon the immediate order of the commander of the 2d line. Trumpet signals refer only to the 1st line, and are not repeated by the trumpeters of the 2d line. The 2d line conforms to all the general movements of the 1st, and preserves, with reference to it, the distance at which it was originally formed. If the 1st line charges, the 2d moves at the trot out, and resumes its proper distance when the 1st halts, or passes to a slower gait from the charge. If the 1st line moves to either flank, advances, or retreats, the 2d line, formed in columns of attack, executes the corresponding movements by platoons. If the 1st line advances or retreats by alternate subdivisions, the 2d line, in conforming to the move- ment, moves in one mass; e.g., if the 1st line advances by alternate squadrons, the odd squadrons commencing the move- ment, the whole of the 2d line advances when the even squadrons of the 1st line start,- and halts when these squadrons arrive abreast of the halted odd squadrons, and again advances when the odd squadrons start the second time, — ^for the distance between the lines is measured between the nearest parts of the two ; if the 1st line retreats by alternate squadrons, commencing with the odd squadrons, the 2d line stands fast until the even squadrons start, and moves with them. If the 1st line advances or retreats by echelons of divisions, the columns of attack of the 2d line move at the same time as their corresponding divisions of the 1st line ; if but a part of the 1st line breaks by echelons, the other part remaining in line, the 2d line conforms to the movement. If the 1st line breaks by echelons on both flanks, or by the centre, the 2d line moves in line with the rear echelons. If the 88 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. 1st line breaks by echelons of squadrons, tie divisions of the 2d line conform to the movements of that squadron of their corresponding divisions of the 1st line which is nearest them, and farthest from the enemy. CHANGES OP FRONT. The 1st line changes front as heretofore explained. When the front is changed 45°, the division of direction in the 2d line is the one corresponding to that of the 1st line. The directing division of the 2d line, and all the others in rear of that flank of the 1st line which forms forward, also form for- RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 89 ■ward ; the 'division next to that of direction, on the side in rear of that flank of the 1st line which forms to the rear, will have its new position on the line of original formation of the 2d line, and at the point originally occupied by the next division on the other side of that of direction ; all the remaining divisions form to the rear. Fig. 76 shows the manner of changing front forward 45°, on the first division of the second regiment of the 1st line, and explains what has just been said, i.e. the first division of the 90 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. second regiment of the 2d line is that of direction: it and all the divisions of the 1st regiment form forward, the second division of the second regiment occupies the original position of the third division of the first regiment, and the third division of the second regiment forms to the rear. Fig. 77 shows the manner of changing front 90°. This example will explain the general rule for changing front 90°, which is as follows : in the second line, the division of direction is the one corresponding to that of the 1st line : it, and all the others behind that flank of the 1st line which forms forward, form forward ; the two next divisions in rear of the other flank of the 1st line also form forward; the remaining divisions of the 2d line form to the rear. PASSAGE OP THE LINK This may be executed in three ways ; (a) by the 2d line ad- vancing through the 1st; (6) by the 1st line retreating through the 2d; (c) by the simultaneous movement of both lines in opposite directions, i.e. the 1st line retreating, the 2d advancing. When the general commanding intends the 2d line to advance through the 1st, he sends orders to the commander of the 2d line to advance ; if he intends the 1st line to retreat through the 2d, he informs the commander of the latter of his intention, and orders the 1st line to retreat. In the passage of the line, both may be formed in columns of attack, or one in this order and the other deployed. It is a general rule that any party of troops meeting, or passing, another party, leaves the latter on its left; therefore, if the 2(1 line, formed in columns of attack, is ordered to pass through the 1st line, formed in like manner, the columns of the 2d line pass to the right of the corresponding columns of the 1st line, as shown in figure 79. If, under similar circumstances, the 1st line retreats through the 2d, the same principle is conformed to. (Fig. 78.) If the 2d line, formed in columns of attack, is ordered to pass through the 1st, which is deployed, then the columns pass through the intervals in the corresponding divi- sions of the 1st line. If both lines, formed in columns of attack, meet on the march, those advancing move straight forward, while those in retreat oblique to the right, out of their way. (Fig. 78.) When the 2d line, in columns of attack, passes though the 1st, which is deployed, it is necessary to increase the intervals in the centres of the divisions of the 1st line; this RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 91 Bass T.— „„^.,..«ii "j n Trn n o ■-BBEfi- tiiaeei .. \. iffill X V "\. X-gis -BftEB- ■■\ EEEB \ 92 EUROPEAN CAVALEY. is done by the commands of tie division and squadron command- , ers, witliout waiting for the orders of the commander of the line; to eflFect this, the inner flank platoons of each squadron wheel about by threes, then wheel to the right and left, respectively, by platoon, then wheel about by threes, and stand fast uutil the 2d line has passed, on which the commandants of platoons at once wheel into line. If the 1st line is in retreat, deployed, or in columns of attack, and the 2d line is ordered to deploy before the 1st has passed it, then, in the first case, (the line retreating deployed,) the odd squadrons of the 1st line break into columns by platoons right in front, the even squadrons left in front, and pass through the intervals on the right of their corresponding squadrons of the 2d line; having passed the line, these columns, by platoons, oblique towards each other, and thus form columns of attack; in the second case, i.e. the 1st line retreating in columns of attack, these columns pass through the intervals in the divisions of the second line, which are increased for their passage, as already explained. When the columns of the 2d line have passed the 1st, they may either be deployed at once or remain in columns. If the advancing 2d line is halted at less than 300 yards in front of the 1st, the latter does not take its proper distance until the next movement, unless it receives special orders to the contrary. If the advancing 2d line is not halted at 300 paces from the 1st, but continues to advance, the latter follows the movements of the former at the prescribed distance. When the 2d line passes the 1st, which is deployed, the latter at once forms into columns of attack, without awaiting the orders of the general commanding in chief. The tactics give, in detail, the order of march, in review, for a corps of cavalry, with its artillery. ORDERS OF BATTLE, AND GENERAL COLUMNS. ORDERS OF BATTLE — GENERAL RULES. To explain the orders of battle, the case taken is that of a division of cavalry, with its artillery. By the order of battle of a division of cavalry is meant such a distribution of its parts that the division can act promptly against the enemy. In the order of battle the regiments are placed in two, three, or more lines. The distribution of the troops in lines, and the RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 93 formation of each line, depends upon the purpose of each order of battle. The 1st line is usually deployed, and is called the line of battle ; the troops of the 2d and 3d lines are formed in columns, and, according to the nature of the columns, constitute either supports or reserves: e.g., if a Une is of columns of attack, the troops thus formed are supports, but if the formation is in close columns of regiments by squadrons they constitute reserves. The distance between the lines is usually about 300 yards. The second line is intended as a support for the first, in case of necessity ; it should, therefore, be formed in the order most suitable for this purpose. In conformity with this, it is formed into columns of attack; for these can be deployed more rapidly than any other column, and allow an easy passage of the line. The purpose of the third line is to support the other two, and also to operate wherever its presence may be necessary. To fulfil this object, it is posted behind the centre of the other lines, and is formed in close columns by squadrons. It is placed behind the centre, because that position is about equally distant from the points where it will most probably be required, i.e. the flanks and the centre; it is formed in close columns by squadrons, because in that order the troops are more concen- trated than in any other, and can, therefore, be conveniently moved wherever required, and can also, without any inconve- nience, be divided and detached, as circumstances may render necessary. EXPLANATION OP THE ORDERS OP BATTLE. Divisions may form in three orders of battle and one order of reserve. The first order of tattle. — This is employed when the division is isolated, and does not intend engaging in a serious affair with the enemy; therefore, in this case a considerable portion of its force is in reserve. The general formation in this order of battle is : one line of battle, one line of supports, and one line of reserves. Fig. 84 shows the peculiarity of the formation of a division of ten-squadron regiments. Figs. 80 to 85 will indicate with sufficient clearness the formation of the different kinds of divisions of Kussian cavalry. It is only necessary to remark that eight pieces constitute a battery ; that when half a battery is in reserve it is formed in double column on the centre, by sections ; a battery in reserve is formed in double column on the centre, by half battery ; when 94 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. # r ■3 111 oT •ta 1 111 ^ .111111 o o -4 li» .llllll a 1 S ■2 e 'A K i [ siin tJIII- |5sS.r I -.nil .a 5 KtJSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 95 te] hel trj OQ m m i^r »5J o o H S » » » V o* & S* b:3:3- en m S. p 5' =■ a g P o o g o o o ' Ma i-i, tHfc 2 ^ Si 3 ° = ig, £• ^ ^ Ifirfl «^ .& 3 -a II — -« 41 o 4 11 — if— . « a-- V V. -5'"' ^ . B"" ♦-a t nf «llll -.1111 .1111 sIMI Jill ijllll CO OS CO 00 s J ^^11 1 fc"^ illl la ■" till ^ ja § S !'" ^ S ^ S M'i . i ?'^ e- 1-- -—,1111 i «llll i.1111 bi) ho BUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 99 T -III**- hi hef M cp tp (p «o K» e p GO p- S- s. < •llf iiir*- ..|„As„ -iin» o o o »-^ tHa Ml S £= § "^ S g O O at S ►< o .3 1 r a. ?"§ lllF iiir- lii(* ..,„|d- f^ -lllis "fl! -illf- -lllp- -llll» ll r^ iiii^- iiip- -iiif -iiip -lliia- IMF- illj!^ ll#- 100 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. to IIIW rllll ^111 \m— sfiii— m- illl aliii II I I *« nil elm lUlt llll-^ 111- llll- allll rIII r iiii- s till IMC III t e- «, •c ■i? J '3 goo -S bo C ^ IS o S S a ■2 d «3 (3 J= ^ ^ ew ^ Cm 111* III! Mil vrllll -5-1111 -i-iiii t3 T3 CO CO ■0 CO s.g Mil slrii In. ill. KtTSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 101 3 3 S O O illl 1^ 3 rii of Ix} hj (K' (K' (5' ^ o o fa ! ,., iiiir miiNiiii E. ■1 •3 Ej crq p. 3 c»- P 2 go M- S 2 S E? "^ Sf O P*"- - E - ^ B <3 i. "5 i p- 11811111141111" i * !^ iiliriiiiK" 102 EUEOPBAN CAVALEY. rank of the leading squadrons; on the march they align them- selves on the file-closers of the leading squadrons. GENERAIT COLUMNS. These are columns in which all parts of the division are so arranged that it can easily pass to one of the orders of battle. A division of cavalry may be formed in one or two general columns. This formation is employed for taking up a position preparatory to action, or when in route; therefore such columns are called, respectively, offensive columns and marching columns. For movements to a flank, and turning movements, the forma- tion in two columns is used; these are called, respectively, flanh and turning columns. General columns having the senior regiment in front are right columns, those having the junior regiment in front are left columns, whether each regiment be right or left in front. In the formation of a division into column^ the general rule is that the odd-numbered regiments are left in front; the even, right in front. The commander may place the regiments and brigades in the columns as he judges best, without regard to the general rule. Figs. 104, 105, 106, show the arrangement of the regiments of a division, in one or two columns. In marching columns, the regiments move by platoons, break- ing by sixes, or threes, when a decrease in the width of the road renders it necessary. For movements in retreat, the parts of the division are arranged in the columns as for an advance, but in inverse order. If a flank movement is to be made in sight of the enemy, or at but a short distance from him, each line forms a separate column, marching by platoons or threes, so as to avoid all shift- ing of parts, and to be able to form rapidly into order of battle ; during the flank march, the artillery should march 100 paces within the 1st line of the cavalry; therefore, if the batteries were in position at the beginning of the movement, they limber to the rear, and follow the movement as here prescribed. Although, in figs. 98 to 106, the artillery is represented as being in the centre of the brigades, it may be concentrated at the centre of the division. RULES EOR FORMING IN ORDER 01" BATTLE. General rules. — The employment of the different orders of battle, and their adaptation to the ground and circumstances, depend entirely upon the generals of division, unless it is specified BUSSIAN CAVALKT TACTICS. 103 General columns, for one division, with one batten/. Fig. 104. Fig. 105. S S [200 B e^=aa«B5aiiSSs=aBcSa.=iii| p;g_ joB. UBiSa tf 2W 2D0 300 loo JOB CuO 700 im ' ii J I I I I I =^==j Paces. Fig. 104. In one column. Fig. 105. In tiro columns.' Fig. 106. In two columns, right or left in front. 104 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. in the instructions for the corps exactly how each division is to form. In all cases the generals of division are allowed to make the partial changes rendered necessary by the ground; besides which, a principal object is the choice of the most advantageous position for the artillery, as its success depends upon this choice. It is a general rule for the orders of battle, that the junior brigades and regiments of cavalry, and divisions and batteries of artillery, should be in front; an exception to this rule is made in the case of batteries of position, as they are always placed in the first line, the light batteries being in reserve. When the artillery is posted on the flanks of the line, the heavy batteries are on the right flank, the light on the left. As circumstances may render it necessary to employ one part of a division instead^f another, changes may be made in the foregoing rules; but it is required that the regiments composing a brigade be kept together, unless it is absolutely impossible to avoid separating them. Thus, in the 1st order of battle, if the 2d regiment is in the 1st line, the 1st regiment should be in the 2d line, and the 3d and 4th in reserve. In the 2d order of battle, it may be permitted to compose the right wings of both lines of one brigade, and the left wings of the other brigade. A division forms into order of battle at the command of its chief, who designates as the directing subdivision either one of the squadrons of the 1st line, or the artillery, according to the ground and circumstances. The subdivision of direction is taken, in preference, nearest the new position of the troops. In forming into order of battle from column, or in passing from one order of battle to another, the shortest road should always be taken; never using, however, the individual oblique march, which should never be employed for more than one or two squadrons; the artillery may oblique. The preparatory formations, and the movements themselves, are made by brigade, or by regiment, according to circumstances. In all the general formations there should be an interval of 20 paces between the extreme pieces of artillery and the flanks of the nearest squadrons; the interval between the pieces them- selves is : in light batteries, 20 paces ; in heavy batteries, 25 paces. If there is no artillery on the flanks of the 1st line, the flanker, or lancer, squadrons of this line are not aligned upon the rest of the line, but are in rear of its flanks, as prescribed in the school of the regiment. Batteries, in front of the 1st line of cavalry, are always aligned upon the principal reserves of the skirmishers ; if there are no RUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 105 skirmisliers tlirown forward, or if they are recalled, and the cavalry does not close up on the batteries, the latter fall back somewhat, and take post at from 100 to 120 paces in front of the 1st line. The distance between unlimbered batteries and the 1st line is always measured from the line of pieces to the front rank of the 1st line. Artillery in reserve is always placed in rear of the cavalry reserve. The tactics then proceed to describe the different methods of passing to the orders of battle from column ; of passing from one order of battle to another ; of forming general column from the orders of battle. It then gives the application of the principles of the evolutions of the line to the orders of battle, under the following heads : advance in order of battle ; retreat in order of battle; changes of front j passage of the line; the duties of skirmishers; of giving the commands. In all these cases the movements of the batteries are fully described. There is, in addition, a supplement, giving the position of the artillery in the different formations of a corps of cavalry. 106 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. CHAPTER II. ZaUIFSEENTS, ARMS, STABLES, HORSES, ETC., OF SVSSIAIir CAVALRY. HORSE EQUIPMENTS. All the regular cavalry use the Hungarian saddle ; this will be fully described when treating of the Austrian cavalry, and it is necessary to mention here only that the tree is of wood, not covered, the seat formed by a leather strap about 4 inches wide, nailed to the forks, and secured to the side-boards by leather thongs. Light steel stirrups are used, the leathers passing through mortises in the side-boards. The cuirassiers use a swivel-stirrup, as shown in the annexed sketch ; it is spoken of as a good one. Crupper and breast-straps of black leather. Girth of leather, and fastened by three small buckles : it passes over the tree and is secured to the side-boards by leather thongs. Two leather pouches are attached to the tree. Saddle-blanket of stout felt cloth; four thicknesses are generally used, with a layer of thin black leather on top, the whole secured in form by leather thongs passed through and through ; if the horse falls off in condition, additional thicknesses of felt are used, and vice versa. The shoe-pouches are pockets sewed on to the leather cover of the saddle-blanket. This felt saddle-blanket is regarded by the Kussian officers as the best possible arrangement. A small blanket is placed, folded, on the tree, under the sohabraque. The schabraque is of thick woollen cloth, lined with coarse linen. Surcingle of leather, and fastens by means of ring and thong, in the fashion of a Mexican girth. Valise of cloth, not materially different from our own. Forage-bag of coarse white linen, open in the middle. Bridle and bits. — By all the regular cavalry a curb and snaffle are used, both of steel. There are three marked pecu- liarities in the curb-bit : it hooks to a ring at the end of the EQUIPMENTS, ETC. OF RUSSIAN CAVALRY. 107 cheek-strap, as shown in the following sketch; the rings are attached to the branches by means of swivels; the branches are reversed, that is, their convexity is turned towards the front. With regard to the manner - of fastening the bit to the head- stall, it will be perceived from the sketch that the little ring which is passed through the end of the hook of the branch, and rests against the flat side of the latter, effectually pre- vents the bit becoming un- hooked, unless the ring is raised by the finger. The snaffle-bit, a plain one without horns, is fastened to the head-stall by a chain and toggle, like the centring-bits in the United States service. This arrangement of the curb and snaffle permits the men to feed their horses during short halts without inconvenience ; the Russian cavalry officers repre- sent it as being every thing that can be desired. The curb-chain is of steel, and very heavy. There are three patterns of the curb used, of different degrees of severity. The head-stall and reins are of black leather ; no martingale. Crown-piece single, and has a spare curb-chain on top of it. Cheek-pieces buckle to the crown-piece, on each side, by one buckle. Each cheek-piece is a single strap, split at bottom to receive the rings by means of which the bite are attached. The nose-band passes through loops on the cheek-pieces. Two plaited cords of black leather run diagonally across the horse's face, from the brow-band to the nose-band ; there is a leather rosette at their intersection. There is nothing peculiar about the halter ; by attaching the snaffle-bit and reins it becomes a watering-bridle ; halter-rope 9 feet long and half an inch in diameter. Forage-cord, for use when sent foraging, half an inch in diameter. Curry-comb and brushes large and coarse; brushes have the back and edges covered with black leather. Mane- combs of metal and of horn. 108 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. Spurs of steel, and permanently screwed to the heel of the boot. Lancers have a lance-boot attached to each stirrup. The Cossack saddle has a thick padding under the side-boarda and on the seat; it places the man very high on his horse, so that his feet are always above the bottom of the belly. Their bridle has but the simple snaffle-bit, — no curb nor martingale. ' The Cossacks of the guard have spurs ; the others have whips, slung to the wrist, instead of spurs. The Mussulman cavalry make use of the well-known Oriental horse equipment. SADDLING AND PACKING. The tree being girthed tight, the pouches are filled ; in these are placed the hatchet, curry-comb, brush, mane-comb, and other cleaning-utensils, with various small articles. The overcoat is then rolled into a long, thin roll, and strapped to the tree over the pouches ; the roll falls down on each side, and is of such a length as to be just covered by the schabraque. If the uniform coat is to be carried on the saddle, it is placed as described for the overcoat. The small blanket is then folded and placed on the tree. The schabraque is put on and secured. The valise, containing shaving-utensils, soap, and under-clothes, is now strapped tightly to the cantle, over the schabraque. The forage-bag, containing habitually three days' rations, is strapped to the cantle, over the valise, and lies on the schabraque, falling down on each side between the valise and saddle. The stable-frock is carried either with the forage-bag or overcoat. The hay, made up in elliptical rings by hay ropes, is strapped to the cantle, and lies on the schabraque behind the man's leg. The forage-cord and halter are attached to the rear of the side- boards, under the schabraque. Spare boots are carried on top of the valise, under the flap, heels outward. The camp-kettle fits on the end of the valise, and is secured there by straps. One man of every three carries a copper camp-kettle as above ; every man a small hatchet j one man in every platoon carries a spade, slung to the pommel, the blade in a leather case. ARMS AND ACCOUTREMENTS. Gmrassiers. — Steel helmet, breast and back pieces ; these are EQUIPMENTS, ETC. OF RUSSIAN CAVALRY. 109 in some regiments of bright steel, in others gilt, in others painted black. Sabre, (pallasch,) a straight, flat, double-edged blade, 39 inches long ; it is the sabre described in Thiroux, pp. 146-148, as the model of " L'an XI et XII ; " steel scabbard ; guard of brass, and of the basket form. Sabre-knot, a flat strap of brown leather. Sabre-belt, of white leather waist-belt, with slings — plate hooks, like those of United States officers — and is worn under the cuirass. Each man has one pistol, with percussion lock; a cord is attached to a ring in the butt, and passes around the neck; the pistol is carried in a holster on the waist-belt. This rule is gene- ral for all the cavalry. In each platoon are four men who act, when necessary, as skirmishers; they are armed with rifled carbines, the barrels of which are about fifteen inches long; the carbine-sling is like that in use in the United States service, and is worn very short; the rammer is attached to the sling. A cartridge-box, holding twenty rounds, is slung over the left shoulder; the box is attached to the belt by swivels; cap-pouch on cartridge-box belt on the breast. The front-rank men are armed with lances 10 J feet long; pennons on the lances. Lancers. — Lance 10 J feet long; pennons of same color as facings of the uniform; sling of leather; point of lance seven inches long ; a lance-boot attached to each stirrup. The sabre is three feet long in the blade; a little less curved, and rather broader and thinner, than the United States light- artillery sabre ; scabbard of steel ; guard with but one branch, and of steel. Sabre-knot as for cuirassiers. Sabre-belt of brown leather, and worn under the coat. Each man has one pistol, as for cuirassiers. Four men in each platoon carry rifled carbines, with a longer barrel than that of the cuirassiers ; these men have no lances. Cartridge-box as for cuirassiers. Hussars. — Sabre, sabre-belt, pistol, and cartridge-box, as for lancers. Pour men in each platoon carry a rifled carbine, the rest a smooth-bore carbine ; the carbine is always carried on the sling, there being no carbine-boot. Hussars have a sabretasch. Dragooris. — Each man of the first eight squadrons armed with sabre and musket; the 9th and 10th squadrons armed as lancers. In the first eight squadrons the arms, &c., are as follows : Sabre blade and hilt as for hussars. 9» 110 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. The annexed sketch shows the peca- liar arrangement of the scabbard and belt; the scabbard being of leather, tipped with brass, the rings on the con- vex edge; bayonet-scabbard attached to flat side of the sabre-scabbard, by brass bands; the belt, a Circassian shoulder-belt, without waist-belt, and of such a length that when the sabre is drawn the top of the scabbard is just under the left elbow ; when the sabre is in the scabbard the hilt is between the elbow and the body. Smooth-bore musket, with the ordi- nary bayonet; the piece about four inches shorter -than the United States musket, and somewhat lighter; it has a common musket-sling. It is usually carried in a water-proof gun-case, with a separate sling, over the right shoulder, muzzle up, barrel against the back; this case opens by a slit under the stock, which is closed by straps and buckles; the butt end is sewed up. Cartridge- box carried as for hussars, but contains 40 rounds. The sergeants alone carry pistols. Cossacks of the guard. — Sabre and scabbard like those of the dragoons, except that there is no guard, and no bayonet-scabbard. Sabre-belt like that of hussars. Musket like that of dra- goons, but no bayonet. Cartridge-box like that of dragoons. Lance lOJ feet long, without pennon ; instead of having a lance-bucket attached to the stirrup, a leather strap is fastened to the butt of the lance, and the foot run through the loop before placing it in the stirrup. Each man also carries a pistol on his waist-belt. Cossacks of the line of the Caucasus. — Sabre and scabbard as for the Cossacks of the guard; sabre-belt like that of the dragoons. A long musket slung over the shoulder ; cartridge- box as for Cossacks of the guard ; pipes for ten or twelve car- tridges sewed on the breast of the coat. Two or more pistols, on ■waist-belt, and in holsters. A long, broad poniard. No lances. EQUIPMENTS, ETC. OF RUSSIAN CAVALRY. Ill Tscherhesses. — Armed as Cossacks of the line of the Caucasus. The officers carry bows and arrows, to enable them to cut off sentinels without creating an alarm. Other Cossacks. — Usually armed with lance, sabre, and pistol. About ten men in every squadron carry muskets ; in some cases all the men have muskets. Mussulmen of the guard. — Armed in the Oriental style. All the irregular cavalry carry their arms very close to the body, and so arranged as to make the least possible noise. Mounted gendarmes. — Sabre and belt like those of hussars. Dragoon musket ; bayonet-scabbard on the waist-belt ; cartridge- box on a shoulder-belt. Pistol carried either on the saddle or the waist-belt. Officers wear a sabre similar to that of their men. HORSES, AND THE MANNER OF PURCHASING THEM. In each regiment of cavalry, and battery of artillery, the horses are all of the same color. The Russian cavalry is, probably, the best mounted in Europe, — certainly the best on the continent. The English heavy-cavalry horses may be somewhat better, but they have nothing for light cavalry to compare with the mass of the Russian animals for that purpose. The heavy-cavalry horses are mostly purchased in the provinces of Tamboff and Woron^ge, at an average price of $90 each. The light-cavalry horses are obtained from the Ukraine and the steppes, at an average price of $45. The artillery horses are bought in all parts of the empire, at about the same rate as those for the light cavalry. There are no haras (breeding-studs) for the general service of the army. There is a commission charged with the general direction of the purchase, inspection, and distribution of remount horses. They, if necessary, establish sub-commissions, in convenient localities. The horses are purchased by cavalry officers detailed for the purpose, and are then, if practicable, inspected by the commission, or one of the sub-commissions. Having passed the inspection, they are distributed among the regiments, at the rate, in time of peace, of about 150 per regiment each year. The colonel of the regiment then distributes them among the squadrons, where they are broken in and drilled by the old soldiers, under the direction of the captain commanding. The Russians have nothing corresponding to the " captain instructor" of the French service. 112 EtfROPBAN CAVALRY. Horses are purchased at the age of from tiree to five years ; those purchased at three years old are not used -rfbr a year or more. About eight years' service is expected of a horse. Remount horses enter the squadron at from four months to one year from the commencement of their drilling; depending upon the age of the animal, his disposition, &c. Mares are preferred, as a general rule, but geldings and stal- lions are also used; and it is stated that no particular incon- venience is found to result from the employment of stallions. The horses being once assigned always remain with the same men. Officers purchase their own horses, and are allowed forage, or a commutation therefor. RIDING-HOUSES. These are numerous, large, and well constructed. The windows are usually arranged as in the French ; Russian stoves are freely used for warming them. The floor is of earth and sand. There is a wooden wainscot- lining, about six feet high, and having an inclination of about ^ ; the corners not rounded off. The riding-house of the Chevalier Guard, in St. Petersburg, is 300' long, 95' wide, and 25' ceiling. One near the Paul Palace is 595' long, 126' wide, and 25' ceiling. The great riding-house at Moscow is much larger. The two latter are used for drills and inspections during the winter. There are no pillars in any of these. STABLES, ETC. There is nothing remarkable in the Russian stables. The floors are generally of plank, a little straw being kept under the horses' fore-feet during the day ; in some stables the floor is of clay. As a general rule, the simple swinging bar is used to sepa- rate the stalls; sometimes there is no division whatever; for wicked stallions the stalls are boarded up. In many cases they use no hay-rack, — merely a long wooden trough, one end of which is divided off for the oats. In some cases they use wooden or iron racks and mangers. In some stables a bin is arranged for the litter, under the manger ; in others it is kept in the stable-yard, under cover. The saddles, bridles, and other equipments are usually kept in the stables ; the bridles being hung on pins attached to the stall-posts; the saddles, blanket, &c., on a shelf extending between the heel-posts. EQUIPMENTS, ETC. OF EUSSIAN CAVALRY. 113 Some of their stalls are six feet wide ; as a general rule they are quite large. The stahles are well ventilated, and kept in good order. In some stahles the quarters for the men are in the 2d story, over the stables. The horse-hospitals are usually in separate buildings, with sepa- rate box stalls, (about 9' X 7',) boilers for making mashes, &c. The horses are cleaned twice a day, watered twice or thrice, and fed three times. The daily ration for a light-cavalry horse is 9 pounds of hay, 11 quarts (13f pounds) of oats, 3 pounds of straw. The heavy- cavalry horses receive 2 quarts of oats more than the light- cavalry. The hay is generally chopped before being fed to the horses. The ration is increased with the difficulty of the service ; the above being a minimum for easy garrison service. The horses are shod in each squadron by its shoeing-smith. There is nothing peculiar in the shoes, which are light, but strong, and with small heels. FIELD SERVICE. In the field each horse carries, habitually, 3 days' rations of oats and hay. The animals are sometimes tied by the halter to a picket-rope, or a picket-stake, and sometimes fastened by the right fore-foot to a picket-rope on the ground. When picket-pins are used, they are cut by the men on the spot, or carried along if it is expected to encamp in a place destitute of timber. The Cossacks hobble their horses. The Russian cavalry do not spare their horses at drill, or on the march, but bestow all possible pains upon them in the stable, or in camp. In bivouac, or in camp, they are clothed with the saddle-blanket if the weather is bad and cold. The habitual gait on the march is the walk, of about 3 J miles per hour; sometimes the trot is used; every hour or so a halt of a few minutes is made, after which the men lead the horses for about three-quarters of a mile. An ordinary march is from 16 to 26 miles a day, depending on the nature of the country. The Cossacks regard a march of 45 miles as nothing extra- ordinary. After drill the horses are walked until they are cool. They are never unsaddled until quite cool. At squad drills, in warm weather, some men are present with buckets of water and sponges to wash out the horses' mouths occasionally. In the field, the cavalry carry 1 day's rations in a haversack. 114 EUROPEAN CAVALRY, REMARKS UPON COSSACKS, DRAGOONS, LANCERS, ETC. There are two peculiarities which cannot fail to arrest the attention and command the reflection of the observer of the Eussian cavalry; these are : the general division of the cavalry into regulars and irregulars ; and the corps of dragoons. The irregulars may be comprehended in the general name of Cossacks. Yet their peculiarities of armament, costume, and action are as varied as their origin ; while the sources of the latter are as multifarious as the tribes which compose the mass of Russian nationality, and the circumstances which, through centuries of warfare, have finally united into one compact whole a multitude of conflicting and heterogeneous elements. But, with all this diversity, there are important and peculiar charac- teristics which pervade the mass, and are common to every individual, with as much uniformity and certainty as that with which the firm government of the Czar is now extended over them. These peculiarities are : intelligence, quickness of vision, hearing, and all the senses; individuality; trustworthi- ness on duty ; the power of enduring fatigue, privation, and the extremes of climate ; great address in the use of weapons ; strong feeling for their common country; caution, united with courage capable of being excited to the highest pitch : in short, the combination of qualities necessary for partisan troops. The events of more than one campaign have proved, besides, that these irregulars can be used successfully in line against the best regular cavalry of Europe. Circumstances of geography and climate have given to these men a race of horses in every way adapted to their riders ; the Cossack horse is excelled by none in activity and hardiness. The Cossack neglects no opportunity of feeding his horse ; during short halts, even under fire, he gives him whatever is to be had ; the horse refuses nothing that is offered him, and eats whenever he has the opportunity, for he has not acquired the pernicious habit of eating only at regular hours. Some idea may be formed of the power of endurance of the Cossacks and their horses from the fact that, in a certain expedition against Khiva, there were 3,500 regular Russian troops and 1,200 Cossacks : of the regulars but 1,000 returned, of the Cossacks but 60 perished. , The tendency of events, during the present century, has been to assimilate the organization of the Cossacks to that of the regulars, to a certain extent : whether the effect of this has been to modify or destroy their valuable individual character- EQUIPMENTS, ETC. OF RUSSIAN CAVALRY. 115 istics may yet remain to be proved in general war ; the events of the campaign of Hungary are said to indicate that more regularity of action has by no means impaired their efficiency. This brief description of the qualities of the irregular cavalry indicates at once the use made of them in war; they watch, while the regulars repose. All the duty of advanced posts, patrols, reconnoissances, escorting trains, carrying despatches, acting ■ as orderlies, &c., is performed in preference by the Cossacks; the consequence is, that, on the day of battle, the regular cavalry are brought upon the field in full force and undiminished vigor. Under cover of these active irregulars, a Russian army enjoys a degree of repose unknown to any other; while, on the other hand, it is difficult for their antagonists to secure their outposts and foil their stealthy movements. The rapidity and length of their marches are almost incredi- ble ; a march of 40 miles is a common thing ; they will make forced marches of 70 miles ; in a thickly-settled country they have, in two days, made six marches of ordinary cavalry without being discovered. In concluding this subject, it is impossible to repress the conviction that in many of the tribes of our frontier Indians, such as the Delawares, Kickapoos, &c., we possess the material for the formation of partisan troops fully equal to the Cossacks ; ,in the event of a serious war on this continent, their employ- ment, under the regulations and restrictions necessary to restrain their tendency to unnecessary cruelty, would be productive of most important advantages. In our contests with the hostile Indians, bodies of these men, commanded by active and energetic regular officers, and supported by regular troops, would undoubtedly be of great service. The term dragoon was originally applied to troops who were at the same time cavalry and infantry. For example, the French dragoons of the time of Louis XIV. would on one day, as cavalry, meet and defeat the Imperial cuirassiers, and on the next day form the assaulting column in the attack of a breach. It is necessary not to confound the true dragoon with such troops as our mounted rifles, for instance, whose proper purpose is to use the horse merely as a means of rapid locomotion, always dismounting and fighting on foot upon reaching the scene of action. The Russian dragoons are the only real dragoons in the world ; their arms, equipment, &c., have been heretofore described. They are principally employed in covering retreats, occupying isolated posts, making sudden attacks upon villages, &c. 116 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. When tliey dismount to fight on foot, one man of every three remains mounted, and holds the horses of the others; one officer remains mounted with each squadron. When dismounted, they conform to the infantry tactics. Since the 9th and 10th squadrons, armed as lancers, do not dismount, each regiment furnishes a battalion of about 800 infantry. The idea has been thoroughly carried out; for they are in reality good cavalry and good infantry. It is a question at least worthy of consideration, whether it would not be advantageous in the United States service to make real dragoons of the regiments now nominally so, employ- ing them always in those portions of our territory where the Indians frequent the plains but retire to the mountains when hard pressed; at the same time making the so-called cavalry regiments mere regiments of light cavalry, to act only on the plains, and not to be expected to fight on foot. The lances of the front rank of the cuirassiers are intended to be used only in close order; while the lancer regiments proper are taught to use the lance both in close and open order. From the great use of the lance in the Russian service, it will be seen that it is a favorite weapon with them. I have been told by an old general of Cossacks, who served from Austerlitz to Paris, and against the Persians and Turks, that " the Cossack never uses his sabre, but depends altogether on his lance, and uses his carbine only to give signals." He was also strongly in favor of snaffle-bits, sharp spurs, and Balaklava charges. Nevertheless the chasseurs d'Afrique told marvellous stories of the expertness of the Cossack in the use of the musket on horseback ; and the Cossacks of the line of the Caucasus, engaged almost daily in hand-to-hand conflicts, have abandoned the lance, and they are more dreaded by the mountaineers of the Caucasus than any other Russian troops. Against the Indians of our plains, who have no sabres, the far- reaching lance would no doubt be an effective weapon ; yet a light sabre would be about as much so, and far less in the way. PRUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 117 PRUSSIAN CAVALRY. ORGANIZATION. The war establislunent of the Prussian cavalry consists of the standing army, the landwehr of the first levy, that of the second levy, the depot squadrons, and the landsturm. AH able-bodied men, whatever their rank in life, are required to serve 5 years in the standing army, from their 20th to their 25th year. Of these 5 years, the first 3 are passed with their regiments ; during the last 2 they are permitted to return to their homes and compose the reserve of the standing army, being liable to be called to join their regiments at any moment, in the event of a war or other exigency. They then pass into the landwehr of the 1st levy for 7 years ; then, for 7 more, into the landwehr of the 2d levy; after which, they belong to the landsturm. The standing army performs garrison duty in time of peace. As a general rule, the regiments are stationed in the districts where they are recruited, unless there are special political reasons to the contrary. The landwehr of the 1st levy is at once called out, upon the commencement of a war, to reinforce the standing army and co- operate with it ; its organization and composition are identical with those of the latter, there being a regiment of landwehr cavalry to correspond to every one of the cavalry of the line, and 2 landwehr regiments of the guard. In war they are usually brigaded together; thus "the 2d hussars of the line and the 2d hussars of the landwehr belong to the same brigade. In peace, this levy is called out for drills and manoeuvres 2 weeks in each year ; at other times merely a skeleton, consisting of 1 captain of the line, 2 non-commissioned officers, and 2 men, is kept at the depot magazine of each landwehr regiment, the complete clothing, armament, and equipment of the regiment being kept in these magazines. The landwehr of the 2d levy is not quite so numerous as that of the 1st. It is called out only in time of war, and is then 10 118 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. employed in service in tie interior, or, if necessary, to reinforce the active army. The landsturm has no regular organization; it is called out only to repel invasion, and consists of all men less than 50 years old not in the army or landwehr. The depot squadrons are organized only in time of war. They consist of supernumeraries from the reserve, men drafted from the landwehr, and recruits who are to be drilled 6 months before joining their regiments. Every regiment of the cavalry of the standing army has one depot squadron in war; those of the guard are of the same strength as the active squadrons ; those of the line are 200 strong, since they serve as depots for the corresponding regiments of landwehr of the first levy as well as for those of the line. One hundred and twenty-five men and horses belong to the line regi- ment ; the remaining 75 are for the landwehr. The war strength of these different kinds of cavalry amounts to 440 squadrons, — 2,400 officers and about 65,000 men and horses ; this is exclusive of the landsturm. The cavalry of the standing army consists of 38 regiments, of which 6 belong to the guards, 32 to the line. The guard regiments are: 2 regiments of cuirassiers, 1 of dragoons, 2 of lancers, and 1 of hussars.| The line regiments are : 8 of cuirassiers, 4 of dragoons, 8 of lancers, and 12 of hussars. Each regiment consists of 4 active squadrons. Each squadron of the line regiments is composed of : 1 captain. 1 first lieutenant. 3 second lieutenants. 1 orderly sergeant. 1 ensign, a non-commissioned officer in the line of promotion. 1 quartermaster, a sergeant. 12 sergeants. 3 trumpeters. 127 privates, among whom are 20 corporals and re-enlisted soldiers : — 145 men and horses, exclusive of officers. The regimental staff consists of 1 colonel, 1 junior field officer, 1 adjutant, (a second lieutenant,) 2 supernumerary captains, 1 paymaster, 1 surgeon, from 2 to 3 assistant surgeons, 1 chief trumpeter, 1 regimental clerk, 4 veterinaries with the rank of orderly sergeant. The supernumerary captains are for the pur- pose of commanding the skeleton of the corresponding landwehr regiment and the depot squadron, as well as for other detached service. PRUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 119 The junior field officer commands the corresponding landwehr regiment, the captains and adjutant of which are also taken from the line. The squadrons of the guard regiments are stronger by 5 privates than those of the line. TACTICS AND INSTRUCTION. The riding drill is a separate work from the tactics proper; it is so very similar to the Austrian that it need not be further explained. The instruction on foot is embraced in the first 36 pages of the tactics, and includes the drill of the recruit, the movements of the squadron and regiment, and the formations for parade, review, &c. The squadron is the unit of tactics, as well as of interior service. When mounted, it is formed in two ranks, 1 pace apart, the rear-rank covering their front-rank men, and is divided into 4 platoons, numbered from right to left. In each platoon the men call off by twos for mounting and dismounting; by threes for manceuvring. The officers, non-commissioned officers, &c., are posted as follows : The captain, 30 paces in front of the centre ; the 1st lieutenant commands the 3d platoon, and is 2 paces in front of its centre; the 2d lieutenant commands the 4th platoon ; the 3d lieutenant is a file-closer, in rear of the centre ; the 4th lieutenant commands the 1st platoon ; the 5th lieutenant commands the 2d platoon. The sketch on page 120 represents a squadron deployed. If there is no 5th lieutenant, the 2d platoon is commanded by the ensign, or a suitable sergeant. If there are but 2 lieutenants present, they command the flank platoons. The captain may change the arrangement of the officers, as given above, if he thinks proper. The sketch gives the positions of the non-commissioned officers and trumpeters. There must be one file-closer for each platoon ; if there is a deficiency in the number of sergeants, corporals are detailed to supply their places. To dismount, the chiefs and left guides of platoons, and Nos. 1 of the front rank, ride forward twice a horse's length, the chiefs of platoons then face towards their men by making a right about; the right guides, Nos. 2 of the front rank, and Nos. 1 of the rear rank, move forward a horse's length ; Nos. 2 of the rear 120 ?_ EUROPEAN CAVALET. ExpUmation of signs - Captain. - Commander of platoon. - File-closer ofScer. - Right guide of platoon. - Left guide of platoon. - File-closer non-commissioned officer. - Orderly sergeant. - Trumpeter. ? ? ? ' U^^FIatoon imy^Flatoon l lT \Z'^2[atoon,\ U lfTlatoon i t \ I ? I ? Squadron Deployed. PRUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 121 rank and the file-closers stand fast; the trumpeters act as scribed for the rear rank. Having dismounted, Nos. 2 of each rank and the right guides close up alongside of the Nos. 1 11 of their own rank; the file-closers close up on * the rear rank ; the ranks are thus 4 paces apart. To mount, the ranks are formed 4 paces apart, and the Nos. 1 of each rank, with the left guides, move forward a horse's length. Having mounted, the ranks are closed on the Nos. 1 of the front rank. The movements of the squadron are by threes, — never by fours. The annexed sketch shows the formation of a squadron gaining ground to the right after having wheeled to the right by threes in each rank. The squadron may be re-formed into line either by wheeling to the left by threes, or by forming to the front into line ; in the latter case the front- rank men of the leading set of threes move forward two horses' lengths and halt, their rear- rank men take their places behind them, and the other sets of threes gain their places by obliquing to the left. Platoons may be formed in the same manner. The annexed sketch will serve to explain the peculiarity in the column by threes, and the Column by files ; in the column by threes the rear-rank men, instead of covering their front- rank men, ride behind the intervals, as shown in the sketch ; in the column by files, in which each rear-rank man is alongside of his front-rank man, the same thing is observed by the successive files. In column by platoons, the non-commissioned file-closers place themselves on the fianks of the rear rank; the officer acting as file-closer is on the flank of the column opposite the guides, and opposite the middle of the column. The half column is formed from line by causing all the platoons to make, simultaneously, a quarter wheel to the right, (or left,) and then all move straight forward. In a charge in line, 500 paces are passed over at the walk and trot, 200 at the gallop, and 100 at the charge. 10* pre- I i 122 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. Sometimes the 4:th platoon charges in one rank, in open order, and is supported by the remaining platoons in close order. Again, the 1st, 2d, and 4th platoons charge helter-skelter, as foragers, and are supported by the 3d platoon, which remains in close order. SKIRMISHERS. The 4th platoon is usually employed for skirmishing-duty. At the command of the captain the chief of this platoon con- ducts it to a point from 150 to 200 paces in front of the centre of the squadron, and there halts it. The four left files (or as many more as may be directed) return sabres, or rest lances, and at once dash out about 100 paces to the front at a gallop, and there form in one rank with sufficient intervals to enable them to cover the whole front of the squadron; the rear-rank men are on the left of, and near to, their front-rank men. One man of each file must always have his piece loaded. They halt while firing, but keep moving while loading, de- scribing a figure QO ^ ^^^J ride. Since the skirmishers are intended to cover the squadron, they, as well as the rest of the platoon, must conform to all its move- ments. When any party of cavalry is obliged to dismount to fight on foot, the Nos. 3 of each rank remain mounted, and hold the horses of Nos. 1 and 2. The formation of a regiment deployed is with its 4 squadrons in line, with intervals of 6 paces; the standard on the right of the 3d squadron; the colonel, accompanied by the adjutant and 2 trumpeters, 60 paces in front of the centre ; the junior field officer 20 paces in rear of the centre of the regiment. A regiment may be formed in column by squadrons closed in mass, the distance being platoon {rontpltis 6 paces; by squadrons with full distance; by platoons doubled on the central platoons; and in line of columns of squadrons by platoons. A regiment being in line, the front is changed by squadrons : e.ff., to change front forward 90° on the 1st squa.dron the 1st squadron wheels -to the right and halts, the other squadrons each make a half wheel to the right, then march straight forward until they arrive opposite their respective places in the new line, when they again half wheel to the right into their places. To deploy a close column the leading squadron halts, the others wheel by platoons to the left, (or right,) march straight forward until they arrive opposite their places in line, when they wheel by platoon to the right, (or left,) and advance in line to their posts. This deployment is executed at a trot. PRUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 123 During a charge in line the standard-bearer falls back into the rear rank. If the ground over which a charge is to be made is not known, an officer is sent forward to examine it and report to the colonel. The entire force of a regiment should not charge, but some of the flank platoons should be held in reserve. Sometimes the 4th platoons of all the squadrons, or one entire squadron, charge as foragers, supported by the rest of the regi- ment in close order. Sometimes the 1st, 2d, and 4th platoons of all the squadrons charge, while the 3d platoons, under the command of the junior field officer, are held in reserve. The charge by echelons is also employed. A regiment being formed in column by squadrons, there are two methods of employing it in a charge : 1st. The column being right in front, the 4th squadron leaves the column and forms, the 1st and 2d platoons on the right, the 3d and 4th on the left flank of the column, the commandants of these platoons being on the alignment of the file-closers of the 3d squadron; the column then moves off at a trot, next at a gallop ; as soon as it takes the gallop the 1st squadron charges ; when the colonel gives the command, halt, the 4th squadron charges as foragers. 2d. The column being right in front, moves forward at a trot; the 1st squadron then charges, and afterwards retires by the flanks of the column to the rear, where it re-forms; the other squadrons then charge in succession in the same manner. If skirmishers are to be deployed to cover the regiment, either the 4th platoons of all the squadrons, or one entire squadron, are detailed for the purpose. If the regiment is to dismount to fight on foot, it is effected upon the principles explained for a single squadron. In a brigade deployed, the interval between the regiments is 12 paces. The general of brigade is 100 paces in front of the centre, and is accompanied by the brigade adjutant and two trumpeters. HORSE EQUIPMENTS. The cuirassiers use a heavy saddle, with a low pommel and cantle ; it is covered with leather, and presents nothing worthy of imitation. The rest of the cavalry have the Hungarian saddle ; it differs from the Austrian model principally in the manner of attaching the equipment; the forks are permanently bolted to the bars; there is more iron-work upon it, and small skirts are attached to it. 124 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. Eight sizes of trees are made ; the average weight of the bare tree is seven pounds. The English saddle is the uniform for officers; they use a girth of hemp cords. For the men, the valise is replaced by a flat bag, opening in the middle of the lower side, which contains the clothes, and is laid on the tree, under the schabraque, the man sitting on it. The pouches are large and heavy; they are attached to the saddle by spring hooks, and contain many of the necessaries. The pistol-holster is in one of the pouches ; also a pocket for extra cartridges ; to one pouch the hatchet is attached. The cloak and forage-bag are strapped to the cantle; the kettle, in a leather case, is attached to the left side of the hind fork. The schabraque is of blue cloth, with a lining of coarse linen ; it has pockets in the lining. Cruppers and breast-straps are used ; the surcingle is of leather, and fastens in the Mexican style; the girth is also of leather, about 3 J inches wide, and with a large buckle ; it is in two parts, and is attached to the bars by thongs of raw hide. The saddle-blanket is 8' by 6' 3" ; it is folded in 12 thicknesses. The forage-bag is of white linen. The forage-cord has an iron ring at one end. The nose-bag is of coarse linen, the bottom bound and crossed with broad linen tape. The curry-comb is 6" by 4", with four rows of teeth ; one pat- tern, for field service, has a strap attached to the back, instead of a handle, the hand being run under the strap. The mane-comb is of horn; metallic combs have been tried and abandoned. The shoe-pouches, one on each side of the hind fork, contain, each, 1 fore and 1 hind shoe, as well as 16 common and 4 ice nails, in a straw cushion. The stirrups are of steel, and roughly made. A hemp surcingle is used in the stable. Two bits are used, both of steel ; the curb has straight branches, and a heavy steel chain. The headstall is single; the curb is buckled to the cheek- pieceg ; near its lower end a strap about 2" long is sewed to one side of each cheek-piece ; the snaffle is attached to a ring at the end of this strap by a chain and toggle. The curb-reins are 4' long. No martingale is used. The halter presents nothing peculiar : the rope is 6' long, and is either of hemp or hair ; in garrison a chain is sometimes used. By attaching a snaffle-bit and rein, the halter serves as a watering- bridle. PRUSSIAN CAVALKY TACTICS. 125 The Russian bit is being tried : in this experiment the snaffle fastens to the halter-headstall by a chain and toggle, while the curb-headstall, which is very light, passes through loops on the halter. All articles of each set of equipments are branded with the number of the set. ARMS AND ACCOUTREMENTS. Cuirassiers, sabre of the old French cuirassier pattern ; 20 men in each squadron have a smooth-bore carbine, with a barrel 15" long ; the rest of the men a pistol, with a 9" barrel. Dragoons, light-cavalry sabre, blade 32" long, and IJ" wide at the shoulder, considerably curved, guard and scabbard of steel ; sergeants and trumpeters, 1 pistol each ; 50 men in each squadron have a rifled carbine, the rest a smooth-bore carbine. Lancers, sabre as for dragoons; lance 10 J' long; firearms as for cuirassiers. Hussars, armed as described for dragoons. TJie cuirassiers have metallic helmet, breast and back pieces. The sabre-belt is an ordinary waist-belt with slings ; it fastens by means of an (y^ hook. The cartridge-box is attached to a shoulder-belt; it contains 18 rounds ; it is filled by a wooden block, in which a hole is bored for every cartridge. The carbine, or pistol, rammer is attached to the cartridge-box belt by a thin strap, the rammer being slipped through two loops on the cartridge-box. The carbine-sling is not peculiar. On the march the carbine is carried in a boot, the small of the stock being strapped to the pommel. UNIFORM. The dragoons wear a helmet of black leather, surmounted by a brass spear-head. The lancers have the ordinary lancers' cap, the czapka. The hussars, a cylindrical shako of fur, without visor. The forage-cap has no visor. The clothing is of excellent material, and is well made ; it is made up in the regiments. A short frock-coat is worn by all the cavalry. Coat and pants are lined throughout. The pants are re-enforced with black leather, and are split about 6" from the bottom, along the outer seam, the slit fasten- ing with hooks and eyes ; straps of leather are sewed to the pants. 126 EUEOPEAN CAVALRY. Boots are worn under tLe pants; steel spurs are permanently attached to the boots. The overcoat has a large rolling collar, and nc cape ; it is of a dark-gray color, nearly black. The stock is of bombazine, lined with linen j it has a flap in front, and fastens by means of a buckle. The buttons are plain. Shirts, socks, and cloth mittens are issued. HOKSES. There is a central commission at Berlin charged with the regu- lation of the purchase of horses. For this purpose, the monarchy is divided into three districts : 1st, the country east of the Vistula ; 2d, that from the Vistula to the Elbe ; 3d, the Rhenish provinces. There is a sub-commission for each of these districts, and several remount depots. The horses are purchased between the ages of 3 and 7, the preference being given to young horses, which remain at the remount depots until they are 4J years old. The horse is supposed to give 9 years' service, on the average ; therefore, each regiment is annually supplied with remount horses to the number of one-ninth of its total strength. As an instance of the price of horses, it may be mentioned that in 1854, in the province of Pomerania, 733 horses were offered to the sub-commission, 311 of which were purchased; the average price paid was $85, the highest price $137. Prussia is not now obliged to import horses for the army. The horses are branded with the initials of the name and the number of the regiment to which they belong, also with the sign of the province where purchased. The horses are generally good, but by no means extraordinary. The minimum height of horses for the garde du corps is, 16 hands; for cuirassiers is, 15 hands 2 inches; for light guard and lancers is, 15 hands J inch; for dragoons and hussars is, 14 hands 3y''^ inches. The minimum height of artillery draught-horses is, 16 hands ; for saddle-horses is, 14 hands 3A inches. From 2 to 4 spare horses are allowed each squadron. Every lieutenant of cavalry receives a public horse once in 5 years ; if he rides the same horse for that time, it becomes his private property at the expiration of the period, unless he is promoted to a captaincy in the interim. If he does not avail himself of this privilege for 5 years, he PRUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 127 receives a compensation of from $100 to $110 at tlie expiration of that time. If he loses his public horse in time of war, he receives a new one, and is credited for the time he rode the first. It is the duty of the colonels to see that the officers are properly mounted. In time of war, or in case of pressing necessity, the laws allow the government to seize the horses of citizens for the use of the army; the owners are paid a price determined by a board of officers. RATIONS OF THE MEN. In garrison, bread only is issued in kind, IJ pounds to the ration ; it must have been baked at least 24 hours before issue, and is issued every 4 days. The rest of the food is purchased, by means of a small daily allowance in money, by a commission consisting of the colonel, 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 4 sergeants. The principal food is soup, with a small slice of meat. No coffee is issued ; brandy or wine in lieu of it. The largest field ration consists of : J pound of meat, or i pound of salt pork; 2 pounds of bread, or 1 pound of biscuit ; i pound of rice, or i pound of peeled barley, or i pound beans or peas, or i pound of meal, or li pounds of potatoes; J pint of brandy, and salt. The bread is generally carried in the forage-sack ; the brandy in a flask. The sketch on page 128 gives the form and dimensions of the kettle carried by each man in the field ; it is in a strong leather case, strapped to the left side of the hind fork'; the kettle is of stout tin. A is the cover. B, the kettle. C, plan of the bottom. D, pan, fitting in B. E and F, section and plan of cover, with rings to serve as handles, and small tin springs to keep it in place ; it is carried in the top, (A.) G-, handle of top (A) when used as a stew-pan, slipping into the receptacle H ; it is 4" long, and is carried in D, slipping into I. In garrison, mess-rooms are sometimes provided; each man has a bowl and wooden spoon ; the bread is kept in the quarters, each man having a cupboard with a lock and key. 128 EtmOPEAN CAVALRY. QUAKTERS. In reference to the quarters, it is only necessary to say here that they are usually in separate buildings from the stables. The horse equipments are kept in the quarters. a FORAGE. The ration is of two kinds, the heavy and the light; each of these varies according to circumstances, as follows : Heary ration, in garrison 9 qts. of oats, 5pds. of hay, 8 pds. of straw. on march, in peace lOJ " 3 " 4 in the field, in war Hi "3 " i Light ration, in garrison 7i "5 "8 on march, in peace 9 " 3 " 4 in the field, in war 10 "3 "4 With the consent of the minister of war, the ration as given above may be changed, as follows : the oats may be replaced by rye, barley, biscuit, hay, or straw, at the following rates : for each quart of oats 0.56 quart rye, or 0.8 quart barley, or f PRUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 129 pound biscuit, or 2f pounds hay, or 5 J pounds straw; tay may be replaced by straw at the rate of 2 pounds of straw for 1 pound of hay. The straw, as given above in the garrison ration, is one-half fed, the rest used for litter. The heavy ration is issued to the cavalry of the guard, the horses of the riding-school, the horse artillery of the guard, the draught-horses of all the artillery, and the cuirassier regiments. The liglit ration is issued to all other horses, except that the lancers receive | quart of oats more than the quantity specified above for the light ration. From the day of their purchase until joining their regiments, the remount horses receive from 7J to 9 quarts of oats, 7 pounds of hay, and 4 pounds of straw per diem. STABLES. The new and best stables are of brick, of one story, with a loft above. They have a central passage-way, with a row of stalls on each side, and usually accommodate the horses of an entire regiment. In some cases, the stables are built on three sides of a rec- tangle; each of the short sides for 1 squadron; the long side for 2 squadrons, and having a riding-house in the middle ; the barracks, detached, form the fourth side. In other cases, the long side is for 1 squadron and the riding-house, while there is a perpendicular wing for each of the other squadrons. The stalls are 5' 2" wide, 9' 6" long to the heel-post, 1' thence to the drain ; the central passage-way is 12' 4" wide ; the ceiling 15' high. The interior of the stables is plastered, and the communication with the loft is by means of trap-doors in convenient places for throwing down the hay. The passage-way is paved with cubical blocks of stone; the stalls with bricks set on the long edge. The stalls are separated by swinging bars suspend- ed by a hook at the head of the stall and by a stem and socket in rear, as shown in the annexed sketch, in which A is the heel-post, B the swinging bar. 11 130 EUROPEAN CAVALKY. For every third stall there is a window 3' square, the sill being 8' 6" above the floor ; above the other stalls are ventilators, 10" square, that can be opened and closed by means of iron rods. The mangers are of cast iron, 2' long, 11" wide, 8" deep; the top 4' above the floor. They are supported by two iron stan- chions under the middle; to the one nearest the horse he is attached by a sliding ring. Each horse has a separate iron rack, the bottom of which is 2' above the manger; it is 2' 6" long and 18" deep. The hay is put in from below, after being sorted and cleaned from dust. There are pumps and vats in the stables. From 1 to 4 days' forage is kept in the loft, there being forage-magazines close at hand. A board is nailed across from one heel-post to another, about 7' above the floor ; on this is painted in large figures the number of the stall, and on a black-board as follows : Private John Smith. — Equipment No. 162. Name of horse. Year of remount Sex. Height. Age. Ziethen 1853 Male 4/ 11// 6 The age is that at the time of his joining the regiment, or at the year of remount. A black-board is hung up in the stable of each squadron, on which are inscribed in chalk, daily, the names of the stable- guard, the number of government horses for duty, the number of officers' horses for duty, the number and names of the sick horses. At convenient places there are banquette beds for the stable- guard. Lanterns are swung from the ceiling along the middle of the passage-way. The horse-hospital and the shoeing-shop are in separate build- ings, the former being enclosed by a wall. In the stable-yard racks are provided for airing the litter. STABLE-DUTY. The stable-guard consists of 1 corporal and 8 men per squad- ron ; they are on duty for 24 hours, sleep in the stable, feed the grain, and are responsible for the police and order of the stables PRUSSIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 131 between stable-calls. Two of the number must be on duty and awake day and night. The stable-guard and the stable-duty generally are under the direction of the squadron officer of the day, the orderly sergeant and the squadron sergeant of the day. The ration of oats is divided into five equal portions. One of these is given the first thing in the morning; then the horse is cleaned and watered ; after this, another portion is given ; about noon the horse receives another portion, and is again watered; soon after this he is again rubbed down, and after that receives another portion; a little before dark he is again watered, and receives the last portion. The straw is generally chopped and fed with the oats, the greater part being given with the last portion. The hay is fed one-half in the morning, the rest after the last evening feed. The grain is fed by the stable-guard as follows : a box mounted on wheels contains the feed, and is wheeled along by one man ; two others, having dish-shaped baskets, each receive from the corporal the portion for 1 horse, and pour it in the mangers on each side of the passage-way as they proceed. The orderly sergeant and the sergeant of the day superintend. The men clean out the mangers of their own horses before the feeding. Each man provides his own horse with hay, which is shaken and freed from dust, sticks, weeds, &c., before being placed in the racks. At stable-call, each man polices the stall of his own horse. Birch brooms, wooden shovels bound with iron, and light forks are used in policing the stables. For every 10 horses there are allowed 1 bucket, 1 sieve, 1 shovel, 1 fork, and from 1 to 2 brooms. The horses are sometimes blanketed in the stables. FIELD SERVICE. In the field, the following is the allowance of transportation for a regiment of cavalry : 1 four-horse wagon, containing regimental chest 300 pounds. Paymaster's and other regimental books 40 " Adjutant's desk , 40 " Officers' mess-chest 100 " " portmanteaus (captains 55, lieutenants 45 lbs., each) 1,340 " Total TTeight 1,820 " 132 BTJKOPEAN CAVALRY. 1 two-horse wagon, containing armorer'a tools 220 pounds. Saddler's, tools 110 " Baggage of the surgeons 100 " Medicines, &o 262 " Total weight 682 " Each squadron lias a two-horse cart, loaded as follows : Officers' mess-chest 30 pounds. Farriers' tools 60 Spare equipment 173 Blankets for sick men 27 Baggage, hook for the oflS^cers, with a buckle for the men. The carbine-sling is like our own ; the pistol, or carbine, rammer is attached to a strap sewed to this sling. The carbine is always carried on the sling, never being put in a boot nor attached to the saddle. The cartridge-box is of plain black leather, and slung to an ordinary shoulder-belt; it contains 24 rounds, and has at one end a small compartment for cleaning-utensils. The sabre-knot is flat, and of leather. In the field the sabres are first ground, and afterwards whetted every two or three weeks. I was informed that although the AUSTRIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 147 steel scabbard dulls tbe sabre it is regarded as being, on the whole, better than wood, as not being so liable to injury by fire, kicks, &c. In time of war the lance-points are kept sharp by filing. The firearms are only used on guard, vedette, &c., to give the alarm, it being taken as a maxim to trust only to the steel. There were several instances during the Hungarian war when the Hungarian hussars stopped to fire ; the result invariably was that they were ridden over by the lancers. Many of the officers think that the sabre should be more curved, as they prefer cutting to pointing. It is a well-recognized principle that a dull sabre is entirely When lancers use the sabre, they rest the lance on the left arm. No pains are spared to perfect the men in the use of their weapons; for they regard this and individual horsemanship as the most important qualifications of the cavalry soldier. The hussars wear a sabretasche attached to the waist-belt. HORSE EQUIPMENTS. The Hungarian saddle is used in most regiments. The figure on page 148 represents a side view of that saddle. It is of hard wood, entirely uncovered, and consists of the hars (c), the front fork (a), the rear fork (6), and the saddle- seat or straining-strap (d). The ends of the forks (e, e) are let into mortises in the bars, and secured by raw-hide thongs passing through mortises (^p, p)- The saddle-seat, or straining-leather, is a stout strap of leather, from 11 J to 13 j inches long, 4 J inches broad at the hind fork, 3 J to 4 in the middle, 2i to 3 at the front fork. It is secured to the front fork by 4 flat-headed nails, a strip of leather being first laid over the end of the strap, as seen at/. As the greatest strain comes upon its junction with the hind fork, it is secured to it differently. At each angle of the strap a stout thong is left when cutting it out; this thong is passed around the neck of the fork, and secured by a nail in rear; 5 flat-headed nails are then driven through the strap into the fork; under the head of each nail a round piece of leather is placed, to prevent the strap from being cut or worn; /' shows this arrangement. The strap is attached to the bars by raw-hide thongs drawn tight, as shown in the figure. The forks are strengthened by light iron plates nailed to the front of the front fork and the rear of the hind fork. 148 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. AUSTRIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 149 The girth is attached to the bars by thongs passing through the holes {g). The stirrup-leathers pass through the mortises (K) and in the notch (m), a groove being cut in the under surface of the bar to receive the leather. The holes (i) are for the pur- pose of attaching the straps which secure the holsters; those at h for attaching the crupper. Near the upper end of each fork is a mortise; that in the front fork to receive the cloak-strap, that in the rear fork to receive the valise-strap. On the front end of the right bar is the name of the horse; on the left bar is the number of the horse, (e.g. 14,) and the government brand. The girth is of leather, 3 \ inches broad, and fastens by a large buckle on the left side. Crupper and breast-strap present nothing unusual. The blanket generally used is a common white one, folded thrice lengthwise, and four times in the other direction. A thick felt saddle-cloth, of one thickness, is used in the riding- schools, and is spoken of in the highest terms. The men sometimes place a straw mat under the blanket. Four sizes of saddles are issued to the light cavalry; six to the heavy. The surcingle is of black leather, and is fastened in the Mexi- can style by a thong and rings. The stirrups are of steel, with a large, round, flat bottom, and a flat, thin, and deep arch; in winter a little mat of straw is tied to the bottom of the stirrup, to protect the feet against the cold. One shoe-pouch, of black leather, is carried attached to the right side of the rear fork; it contains 2 shoes and 32 nails; the nails are carried stuck in a species of circular pin-cushion made of plaited straw. Lance-boot, small, and of leather; one on each stirrup of lancers. The two holsters are strapped to the saddle; two slits in the schabraque, which may be closed by buckles, allow the pistols to be drawn. Over the holsters are carried two bags of hair cloth, (called pack-tornisters,) about 1 foot square. In the left-hand bag are carried: razor, soap, shaving-brush, looking-glass in wooden frame, (4J" X 3",) hair-comb, beard-comb, wax for the mous- tache, thread of various colors, case of needles, thimble, white wax, patches of cloth, buttons, pantaloon-straps, spare rowels, button-loops, scissors, a curved and a straight awl, shoemakers' thread and wax, colophony, sight-cover, clothes-brush, linen cap- cover, iron halter-ring with screw, whetstone, tooth-brush, towel, 150 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. a pennon, i lb. bread, some oats, and on the outside a forage-cap and tent-pin. In tie right-hand bag are carried : curry-comb, horse-brush, a couple of cloths, a fleam, paring-knife, mane-comb, five brushes for removing the mud, waxing, polishing, coloring, and greasing the boots and horse equipment, (each brush 5" X 2i",) wax of 3 kinds, cork stopper, box of grease, brick-dust, iron-filings, box of chalk, button-stick, brush for cleaning brass, rotten stone, pumice-stone, screw-driver, emery-stick, patches of cloth, white chalk, bran, knife, fork, spoon, salt, herbs, handles of the kettle, and slippers. These, with a few other articles that it is -scarcely worth while to name, form a collection that would do credit to a well-supplied store, but seem to be rather too numerous for the good of the horse. The valise is of cloth, and is strapped to the cantle; in it are carried : 1 pair of pants, the uniform coat, or spencer, the overalls when not in use, 2 shirts, 2 pairs of drawers, 1 pair of linen cloths for wrapping the feet, 1 pocket handkerchief, 1 pair of gloves. The schabraque of cloth, with black lamb's-wool seat. Four men in each platoon carry a hatchet, strapped to the left holster. The bridle consists of a crown-piece, brow-band, throat-latch, nose-band, 2 cheek-pieces, and 2 pairs of reins; the front is ornamented by diagonal plaited cords, as in the Russian service; the cheek-pieces are single where they buckle to the crown-piece, and are split below, the longer end buckling to the curb-bit, the shorter connecting with the snaiBe by a chain and toggle. Both bits are of steel; there are 3 patterns of curbs, of difierent degrees of severity ; the curb-chain is also of steel. The reins buckle to ordinary bit-rings. The halter has a plain headstall, and a rope 6' long, of the thickness of the little finger; by attaching the snaffle-bit it becomes a watering-bridle. On the march, the halter is hung on the left side of the pommel. Two forage-ropes are carried, hung to the cantle. The forage-sack is a long linen bag, with a longitudinal open- ing in the middle ; when empty, it is carried on the pommel. On the march, it contains the oats and bread, equally divided between the two ends ; in this case it is attached to the rear fork. The hay is also attached to the rear fork. The overcoat and stable-frock are on the pommel. The stable-blanket girth is in the forage-sack. The camp-kettle is carried on the end of the valise. AUSTRIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 151 The pioket-pins for light cavalry are of wood, 16" long, and 2" in diameter; there is a small iron ring near the head for attaching the halter-rope ; each man carries one strapped to his right holster. The picket-pins of the heavy cavalry are from 3 J' to 4' long; the pin is carried in a boot, attached hy a long strap to the right holster, the hutt end being -secured by means of a small strap from the surcingle. The handle of the curry-comb unscrews. Bridles are issued to the regiments cut out, but not sewed together. In bivouac, the schahraque is used to cover the equipment. The saddle-blanket is used as a horse-cover in bivouac during bad weather, and in garrison in the daytime only. The equipments and arms are kept in the corridors of the quarters. Officers use the English saddle in the riding-schools, but on parade they must appear with the Hungarian tree, which, for them, is covered with leather. The spurs are of steel, with short shanks, and are screwed per- manently to the heel of the boot. Martingales are exceptionally used, — for horses that will persist in throwing up the head continually. The men usually make a spare sohabraque out of old blankets : this alone is used at drill ; on the march it is placed on top of the other. The saddle and equipment, packed, weigh 50 pounds. The men always ride on the curb, passing the snaffle-reins through a loop on the curh-reins, and allowing them to hang loose. CLOTHING. The clothing is well made, and of most excellent material. In the issue of clothing, each article is supposed to be divided into a certain numher of portions, and every man is allowed a certain number of portions per annum, which he may draw in whatever articles he pleases. The clothing is issued to the squad- ron captains either made up, without being trimmed, or merely in the shape of the raw material, — ;just as they elect. The system of portions is also pursued with regard to the horse equipment, each captain drawing the number allowed his squadron in whatever articles happen to be required. The overcoat for all the cavalry is of thick white cloth, with sleeves and a long cape ; it is made very long and loose. It may here be stated that this white cloth, of which the uni- 152 EUROPEAN CAVALRY. form coats of tlie infantry are also made, is stated by the Austrian officers to be excellent for the field ; it is cleaned by washing and pipe-clay j and they seem to prefer it to any other color. The uniform coat is a short, double-breasted frock, with a standing collar, cut away in front ; the lancers alone wear epau- lettes. This coat is white for the heavy cavalry ; dark green for the lancers; -light or dark blue for the hussars. A spencer, of the same color as the coat, is worn by all the cavalry on certain occasions ; it has a rolling collar, and is made so' loose that it may be worn over the uniform coat. The men may wear a vest if they please. The pants are rather scant ; those of the hussars fit perfectly tight to the leg, and are worn under the boots; those of the other cavalry are re-enforced with leather as far up as the knee. For the heavy cavalry the pants are light blue, with a red cord ; for the rest of the cavalry they are of the color of the coat. The hussars wea,r boote reaching nearly to the knee ; the rest of the cavalry wear half-boots. No spare boots are carried on the march. The stable-frock, neatly made of coarse white linen, serves as a uniform coat in the summer. No linen pants are issued or worn. For service in cold weather, gray cloth overalls are issued; they button all the way up, both on the inside and outside of the legs. On the march, in winter, the men wear the vest, uniform coat, spencer, cloak, pants, and overalls. Socks are not worn, but are replaced by linen bandages. Shirts and drawers are issued. The forage-cap is the same for all the cavalry ; it is of a very dark color, and is somewhat of the shape of the French kepis, the visor being more peaked, and the top larger. The heavy cavalry wear a metallic helmet, with a high crest. The lancers wear the well-known Polish lancer hat. The hussars wear a cylindrical shako, with a peaked visor. The shoulders being bare, except for the lancers, the distinc- tion of grade is on the collar and cufis. For officers, it is as follows : a 2d lieutenant has one star, embroidered in gold or silver, on each side of the collar ; a 1st lieutenant has two stars ; a captain, three; a major has a narrow strip of lace on the cufis and on the front and upper edges of the collar; also, one star on each side of the collar ; a lieutenant-colonel has the same lace, and two stars ; a colonel, the same lace, and three stars ; a general of brigade has the cufi' and collar wholly covered with plain lace, and one star ; a general of division, the same lace, and two stars ; a full general, the same lace, and three stars ; a field-marshal has AUSTRIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 153 the cuff and collar partly covered witli waving lace, and has three stars. A sergeant has three stars on each side of his collar ; a cor- poral has two ; a private of the 1st class, one. On certain occasions the officers wear silk sashes, colored hlack and yellow. The stock, for both officers and men, has a flap, like the Rus- sian ; the upper edge of the stock is white. Gloves, or mittens, of cloth, are issued to the men. RATIONS. The food of the Austrian soldier consists chiefly of bread and soup. From IJ to 2 pounds of bread is the daily ration. An allowance of from 5 to 10 cents per diem, according to the price of food, is made to each man, to enable him to purchase meat (generally i pound) and vegetables for soup. In garrison, they have soup but once a day, — about noon; in camp, they also have soup soon after reveille. In the field, hard bread is gene- rally used. The men generally make their breakfast and supper on a piece of bread and a little glass of brandy purchased at the sutler's. COOKING-UTENSILS. Kettles of the annexed shape and dimensions are used by the {-gg^-g} cavalry in garrison and in the ^* field. The handle of the kettle can be unhooked, and is carried in one of the tornisters ; there is also a straight handle for the top, so that it may be used as a frying-pan ; this handle, also, is carried in the tornister. There is one of these kettles for every six men. It is carried by that man of the mess who has the strongest horse. A linen bag is put over the valise, to keep it clean ; then the kettle is put on one end, the cover on the other; a second bag, over the whole, secures the kettle. Each man has a spoon, and they eat in common out of the kettle, in the field. In the field, ovens are made of wattling, mud, and straw, as described in Laisn&'s Aide-M^moire du Genie. 13 154 EUEOPBAN CAVALRY. HOUSES. The minimum height of the heavy-cavalry horses is 15 hands 1 inch. The minimum height of the light-cavalry horses is 14 hands 1 inch. Some of the light-cavalry horses are even below this mark. Stallions are not used in ranks. The horses are branded on the left hip with the initials of the emperor, and of the province where purchased; on the left side of the neck, under the mane, is branded the number of the horse. They are purchased by a commission of cavalry officers, and issued to the regiments as required. If the captain objects to receiving a horse, he appeals to the colonel, who decides. Horses are received at the age of 5 years, as a general rule ; they are broken in by old soldiers, under the direction of the 2d captain of the squadron. If a soldier rides the same horse for 8 years, he receives a gratuity of about f7, and $2.50 for every additional year. If he rides him for 20 years, he becomes the owner of the horse and equipment, and may take him away when he leaves the service. The horses of the same squadron are not necessarily of the same color. Lieutenants and 2d captains are allowed one government horse each, and forage for two private horses ; above the grade of 2d captain, officers must own their own horses. If an officer al- lowed a government horse uses him for 8 years, he becomes the property of the officer. A colonel is allowed forage for 6 horses in peace, for 7 in campaign. A lieutenant-colonel or major is allowed forage for 5 horses in peace, for 6 in campaign. A first captain is allowed forage for 4 horses in peace, for 5 in campaign. A second captain is allowed forage for 3 horses in peace, for 4 in campaign. A lieutenant is allowed forage for 3 horses in peace, for 3 in campaign. For a certain proportion of these horses commutation for forage may be drawn, although the officer does not actually possess the horses. In addition to the allowance of forage, a certain monthly al- lowance in money is given to assist the officer in keeping on hand the proper number of horses ; this allowance is as follows : AUSTRIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 155 For a colonel, about $10. For a lieutenant-colonel or major, about |8. For a 1st captain, about $6.50. For a 2d captain, about $4. For a lieutenant, about $2.50. Very few of the horses used in the army come from the govern- ment breeding-establishments, these consisting mainly of good stallions, and having for their object the improvement of the breed in the country. The heavy-cavalry horses are principally from the German provinces ; they are of fine appearance, but generally wanting in endurance, being often long-legged and narrow-chested. The light>cavalry horses are excellent; they are of fine ap- pearance, active, hardy, intelligent, and seldom vicious. They are mostly from Hungary, Transylvania, and Poland. Large numbers are imported from Russia. The average price of the cuirassier horses is $80. Do. do. dragoon " 65. Do. do. light-cavalry " 56. FORAGE. The ration of a heavy-cavalry horse is 6 pounds of oats, 10 pounds of hay, 2 pounds of straw ; for a light-cavalry horse it is 6 pounds of oats, 8 pounds of hay, 2 pounds of straw. Five days' rations are carried on the march. The hay is twisted into a rope, and then coiled into a circle ; 2 men are needed to twist it in difierent directions, first wetting it a little. In barracks there are 3 equal feeds each day; one at reveille, another at llj, the last at dark. The horses are watered 3 times a day. As a general thing, the horses are not fed during a march. In the field, sickles are carried. The ration of straw mentioned above is for the litter. STABLES, AND STABLE-MANAGfEMENT. The variations in the plan and arrangements of the stables are very, great. In some there is a single passage-way, with a row of stalls on one side only; in others, a long hall, with a row of stalls on each side; in another, two halls, with two rows of stalls on each side of each hall. Some are for 8 horses, others for 16 ; others, again, for 200. In some, the mangers are of wood ; in others, of wood, lined 156 EUROPEAN CAVALRY, with iron ; in others, of stone ; some of these mangers being continuous, others for a single horse. The hay-racks are generally of iron; sometimes a rack for each horse, in other cases one long rack for many stalls. Single stone mangers, and iron racks, seem to be the best. In Vienna the stalls are floored with plank, the head of the stall being of clay, that the fore-feet may rest upon it; a drain, covered with movable boards, runs along behind each row of stalls. In Verona there are stalls paved with small, round paving- stones. The passages are sometimes paved with stones, some- times with wooden blocks. The roof is supported by pillars. The stalls are separated by swinging bars ; in the stables for officers' horses, cushions are suspended from these bars. There is a shelf over the rear of each stall ; a hook, or pin, on each post. The name of the man to whom the horse belongs is over each stall. As the quarters are usually over the stables, the racks are filled from below. The stalls are very large; in those of the stables of the 12th lancers, at Vienna, they are 11' long, and 5' 4" wide, with a passage-way of 9'. During the day the litter is generally laid on racks, under sheds, in the yard; in the stables of the riding-schools, the litter is kept down during the day. The stables are kept in good order; those of the riding-schools are patterns of neatness. No equipments are kept in the stables. The stable-guard consists of 1 non-commissioned officer per squadron, and 2 men per platoon; one of the latter must always be awake. Whenever any officer in uniform enters a stable, the man on duty at once reports to him the condition of affairs. In some of the stables the racks for drying the forage are of iron, with sheet-iron roofs over them; these roofs can be turned up when the sun is out. Attached to one stable was a horse-bath, 5' deep, 18' wide, 30' long at bottom, 61' long at top, approached by a ramp at each end, — these ramps 15' 6" long. Each man feeds his own horse; he stands at the foot of the stall, and receives from the non-commissioned officer, as he passes down, the portion for his horse. When all the men have re- ceived their portions, the non-commissioned officer reports to the officer of the day, at whose command the men place the food AUSTRIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 157 in the manger and rack, and stand by their horses while feeding. DAILY DUTY IN GARRISON. In summer and winter, reveille is at from 5 o'clock to 6 o'clock. At reveille the men put on their pants and stable-frocks, fold up their beds, and go to the stable, one man remaining in every room to police it. They then rub down the horses with straw, remove the litter, water and feed, clean the horse with the brush while he is feeding. In cleaning, the curry-comb is used only to clean the brush : it is never applied to the horse. They then return to the quarters, wash, dress, and take their breakfast, which is a piece of bread and a glass of brandy. At about 8 o'clock there is a drill, or else the horses are taken out for exercise; in any event, the horses are saddled, that the men may have some occupation, and keep the equipment in order. When the drill is over, they unbridle, put on the halter, and loosen the girths, carry the bridle and arms to the quarters, put on the stable-frock, return to the stable, and unsaddle. They then rub the horses down with straw; carry the saddles to the quarters; clean them, as well as the bridle, arms, &c. At Hi is the second feed. After feeding the horses, the men have their dinner. The guard and picket saddle up, and get ready for guard- mounting, which is at 12 J. The rest of the men sleep, or do what they please, until 2 o'clock; at which hour the horses are cleaned with the brush. Until nearly dark the men are then at school, where they are taught the duties of patrols, sentinels, &c., the names of the officers, &c., &c. About dark they go to the stables, make down the litters, water the horses, take off the blankets, give the last feed, and leave the horses quiet with the stable-guard. They then return to the quarters, whence they may be absent until 8 o'clock, unless they have a pass for a longer time. Must be in bed at 9 o'clock. Before going to bed they grease thejr boots, and stick them in the pants, so as to be ready in case of a sudden alarm. At tattoo and reveille the roll-calls are by platoon. A picket consisting of an officer and 10 men is always ready for patrol duty; their horses are in a separate stable, saddled, but not bridled. 13» 158 ETJEOPEAN CAVALRY. The sergeants and corporals do not clean their own horses; this is done by the dismounted men. While we were in Vienna, on the morning of the 9th January, at 6 A.M., the 12th lancers were suddenly alarmed; in 40 minutes the regiment was formed in marching-order, baggage packed, platoons told oflF, officers at their posts, &c. This was considered sharp work for quarters. The whole garrison was alarmed at the same moment; this is done, not unfrequently, by the emperor. QUARTERS. The quarters are generally over the stables. The rooms open upon a corridor; about 20 men are in each room. The sergeants have a separate room ; the corporals are with the men of their platoons. Each man has an iron bedstead, a bed-sack filled with straw, (which is renewed every three months,) a straw pillow, and 2 blankets : these articles of bedding all belong to the barrack, and not to the man ; they are under the charge of a barrack-master. The valise, tornisters, and cleaning-utensils are kept in the quarters. The clothes are either hung upon pins at the head of the bed, or are on a shelf. The name of each man is over his bed. In every room are tables and benches for messing. The arms and equipments are kept in the corridors, on racks and stands; the carbines are hung on a pin by the guard, muzzles down. Some of the officers are required to lodge in the barrack ; the others have ouarters elsewhere, and receive a commutation. DUTIES OP OEPICERS, ETC. The 1st captain is responsible for the arms, horses, &c.; he makes returns to the colonel twice each year. He is the only squadron officer who can inflict punishment, — except on detach- ment, when the detached officer has equal powers. He may con- fine men for 48 hours in irons; he can inflict 20 lashes; but if he abuses his power the colonel may prohibit him from exercising it. The 2d captain is in general charge of the 2d half squadron, but is more especially charged with the instruction of recruits and young horses. Each lieutenant is in charge of a platoon, and is responsible for its order, cleanliness, &c. ; he can inflict no punishment; he AUSTRIAN CAVALRY TACTICS. 159 forms part of his platoon, and always accompanies it on detach- ment, drill, &o. The 1st sergeant has duties similar to those of the same grade in the United States service; he is in charge of the papers, military duties, details, &c. The 2d sergeant is more particularly under the control of the 2d captain, in charge of the recruits and young horses. The corporals are divided equally among the platoons, and are in charge of the rooms, guards, &c., &c. Muster-rolls are sent in by the captain every month ; they are checked and countersigned by the paymaster, adjutant, and in- tendant. The men are paid every five days. Kegular musters are held only once in each year, and not always so often. They are made by the general of brigade and a military commissary; at these the roll is called, the horses counted, &c. MARCHES, ETC. Marches are conducted at the rate of from 3 to 4 miles per hour, (for the most part at a walk,) and usually last about 5 hours'. Over very rough or steep ground the horses are generally led. The hussars march long distances at the trot, and know no obstacles ; rivers, marshes, mountains, and obstructed ground, check their course but little. About half an hour after starting, a short halt is made, to' allow the horses to urinate; only those men dismount whose girths need tightening. At the middle of the march a halt of half an hour is made. The men are severely punished for not girthing tight. As already remarked, the men ride on the curb on the march, the snaffle-reins hanging free. The stirrup-leathers are of such a length that, the leg hanging naturally, the bottom of the stir- rup shall be 1" above the spur; with hard-gaited horses the stirrups are somewhat shorter. No tents are carried in the field ; the men hut themselves. The officers seldom carry any mess-apparatus, but partake of the food of the men. The following wagons, &c., are allowed in campaign : For each field officer, 1 5 wagons. For medicines 1 " Regimental chest 1 " In each division, for spare shoes, saddles, &c.,l.. 4 " Forge 1 i Treatment of Gunshot Wounds. By George H. B. Macleod, M.D., F.E.C.S., Surgeon to the General Hospital in Camp before Sevastopol, &c. 1 vol. 12mo. Florence Nightingale's Notes on Hospitals. Notes on Hospitals : being Papers read before the National Association for the Promotion of Social Science, at Liverpool, in October, 1858, with evidence given to the Boyal Commissioners on the state of the Army in 1857. By Florence Nightingale. Longmore's Gunshot Wounds. a Treatise on Gunshot Wounds. By Thomas Longmore, Surgeon. A LIBERAL DISCOUNT made to parties ordering by the quantity ; or single copies vrill be forwarded by mail (post- paid) on receipt of the price, in gold or postage stamps, by the Publishers. Constantly on hand, and for sale at wholesale or retail, a large stock of American and Foreign Military Books, School and College Text-Books, standard Law, Theo- logical, and Medical works, and Miscellaneous Books of every department of Literature. J. B. LIPPIJSrCOTT & CO. Philadelphia. mmi-timiiiiiSilKi'.