The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-13
COMMUNICATION.
THE PRoPosEp R EGIMENToF RIFLEMEN
WAsHseroN, ID. c., Feb. 7, lS46

WAsHNcroS, ID. c., Feb. 7, 1876.
Mr. EpIroR; | desire, through the columns of
your paper, TO be permitted to make few sugges-
TONS touching the organization of the mounted rifle
| regiment now under consideration in Congress, and
intended for the Oregon service. In the present
army establishment there is such corps and there
are probably but few of the Oldest officers in the
| army who have had any experience in this arm Of
| military service. The regiments of dIf oons are
armed as light cavalry with sabre, pistu, aud car
bine, and prepared to as light infantry wien.
ever an occasion may present itself for the efficient
use Of the bayonet, or the steady and delibe-
rate aim of dsmouned men. The bill before Con-
gress proposes TO organize regiment of mounted
riaemen, but it does not define the manner of arm
ing and equipping the men. Whether il is intended
to arm the proposed regiment with the rifle only or
| to add such other arms to enable il to act as a
ligh-foot corps, is not known. II is certain how
ever, that regiment Of mounted rfemen, with no
other arm than rifle, would be most inefficient in
the peculiar service intended for this corps. The
rifle is one Of the most unwieldly and awkward
arms that mounted man can carry. The loading
Is difficult, and the aim most uncertain from horse
The only firearms that can be used with efficiency
by mounted man, are the pistol and carbine, and
l have more confidence in the aim of good dra-
goon-pisol, than in the carbne when used from the
horse. The carbne, however, has several advan-
toges the rifle it is lighter, loads at the breech
is more easily handled, and the aim is drawn quick.
err, and with more certainty.
This regiment is intended for the protection of the
frontiers, Oregon emgrants &c. The object of rails
ing it would certainly be but partially accomplished
unless it is so organized, armed and Differed as to
be most efficient against Indians, from whom alone
danger is to be apprehended to the Oregon emf.
grants. The only advantage, as | conceive of the
mounted service over the foot on frontier is the
celebrity Of movement of mounted men. The prairie
country of the West is peculiarly favorable to the
efficiency of Dragons; they can move upon their
enemy with great facility, and would make the most
destructive havoc by the charge with the sabre. In
the timbered and broken country west of the Rocky
mountains, the mounted regiment would find the
horses, In Indian warfare, great obstacle a
rapid march, and great encumbrance upon that
| celebrity of movement, which ia the great feature
in successful Indian campaigns. Horses could
only be useful there in making rapid marches
from post to post, where roads have been made,
and concentrating men for light infantry service,
Dismounted men in broken and timbered countries,
can make easier and longer daily marches than
mounted, and moreover they are at all times ready
"to take to the bush," and meet the Indian upon
equal terms, without the care of horses, always
alarmed and unmanageable In the woods. IL ap-
pears TO me that the great object to be accomplished
by sending troops to Oregon, mounted or dismount-
edto wit: the protection Of emgrants-is not with
out its difficulties. The country this side Of the
Rocky mountains is so entirely unlike that beyond,
that it must be apparent to every military man, that
the troops intended for service on the two sides
must necessarily require that organization and arm
most proper and effective for the country in which
they are Intended to operate. A regiment intended
to act as cavalry alone, would not be most efficient
on either side Of the mountains; and certain it is,
that mounted men who may be 80 equipped as to
operate as infantry cavalry, would not beyond
the mountains be az useful regiment armed only
for the light infantry service. 1t appears to me that
mounted men this side Of the mountains so armed
to act in out Of the saddle as the occasion may
REQUIRE and infantry acting on the other side with
light mounted men enough to act as videttes, would
be the most efficient force that can DO brought into
this service. Two regiments would be required To
carry out these views, Of an efficient line of military
posts on the Oregon route.
Perhaps more however will depend upon the dis
ciplne and material incorporated into these regi-
menis, and the udicious selection Of officers, han
upon their particular and organization. shall,
therefore, desire to be permitted in another number
to expose my views touching the best material for
this service, the appointment of officers, &c.
OREGON.