In modern warfare it may be mentioned that cavalry was conspicuous at the battle of Solferino; but in 1866, the first great European war since Waterloo, neither the Austrian nor the Prussian cavalry won great distinction, al though the manner in which the Austrian cavalry covered the retreat of their army at the battle of Koniggratz was a noble example of courage and devotion. In the Franco-Prus sian War of 1870, however, the excellence of the Prussian cavalry was the chief means of Von Moltke's ability to carry out his strategic plans. The French cavalry were more remark able for bravery than efficiency. Great progress was made in the cavalry of the United States during the. Civil War; a large number of men of both armies were good riders, and under stood the management of horses. They were at first, however, quite ignorant of military tactics, and were used as scouts, as orderlies and for outpost service. General Sheridan, acting under instructions from General Grant, made the first successful organization of cavalry, which was called the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, comprising three di visions of 5,000 mounted men each. Their weapons were repeating carbines and sabres. It was with this force that he defeated the Con federate cavalry at Yellow Tavern, near Rich mond; and it contributed largely to the defeat of Early at the battle of the Opequan, near Winchester; and later, at the battles neat Petersburg and at Five Forks, the cavalry took an important part.. General Wilson, whom Gen eral Sherman put in command of a force called the Cavalry Corps of the Military Division of Mississippi, did good work in the organiza tion toward the close of the war; he had 12,000 mounted cavalry and 3,000 who fought on foot at the battle of Nashville, not including a de tachment of 3,000 men in Kentucky.
Cavalry is usually placed in the rear of the infantry on ground favorable to its manceuvres, and where it will be masked from fire until the moment arrives to bring it into action; here, if acting on the defensive, the cavalry watches its opportunity to support the other troops, driving back the enemy, by prompt and vigor ous charges, when these are hard pressed; or, if on the offensive, biding its time, to rush upon the assailant, and complete his destruc tion, when his ranks commence to waver or show signs of disorganization from the assaults of the other arms. Its habitual formation for the attack is in a line of two ranks, with a reserve, or support, to its rear. The supports are indispensably requisite to guard against those chances of danger in which cavalry is particularly exposed, if attacked in turn, when in a state of partial disorganization, after a successful charge; or when threatened by an offensive movement against its flanks. The supports offer a safeguard against either of these dangers; for, if the front line is brought up by the enemy, after a successful charge, it can retire and rally in the rear of the supports; and if the enemy makes a movement against the flanks, the supports, placed behind them and in column, can form and anticipate the enemy's charge. For the foregoing reasons, cavalry
should not give way to a headlong pursuit after a successful charge, unless its supports are at hand; and in cases where a charge is made without supports, a portion only should engage in pursuit, the rest being rallied to form a support.
A body of cavalry which waits to receive a charge of cavalry, or is exposed to a fire of infantry or artillery, must either retire or be destroyed. This essential quality of cavalry renders its services invaluable in retreats where the enemy pursues with vigor. In such cases it should be held in constant readiness to take advantage of every spot favorable to its ac tion, and, by short and energetic charges, force the enemy to move with circumspection. So as infantry maintains its position firmly, particularly if the ground is at all unfavorable to the movements of cavalry, the chances are against a successful attack by the latter. Cavalry should therefore either wait patiently until a way is prepared for its action, by a fire of artillery on the enemy's infantry; or until the infantry has become crippled and exhausted by being kept in action for some time; or else, watching its opportunity, make a charge whilst the infantry is in motion, so as to surprise it before it can form to receive the attack.
Cavalry should direct its charge on that point of the enemy's infantry where it will it self be exposed to the least column of fire. If the infantry is in line, the charge should be made on one of its flanks; if in square, on one of the angles of the square; and when several squares are formed, so as to afford mutual sup port by their fire, selecting the squares on the flanks as most vulnerable, from their position. The formation usually recommended for charg ing against squares is that of three squadrons in line at double distance; the leading squadron being followed by the others, either directly in its rear, or else the squadrons may be formed in echelon successively overlapping each other about the front of a platoon. The angle of the square is charged by each squadron in suc cession, if the charge of the one preceding it fails; the repulsed squadrons each wheeling to the right or left on retiring, to leave the way clear for its 'successor. A fourth squadron in column follows those in line, to surround the square and make prisoners if it should be broken by the charge. To draw the fire of the infantry before charging, a few skilful Hankers may be thrown forward to open a fire on the square. Stratagem may also be tried, by mov ing along the front of the infantry, and then charging, if it is tempted to throw away its fire.