New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-09-16

the same in all ages. Tho cavalry has always
vacilated according to the talent of its com.
manders. Without Q bold commander, cavalry
will furnish nothing worthy Of remark for the
annals of history, and general who does not
share in this conviction can only succeed when
his adversary's ideas are more obscure and erro-
neous than his own, or when he is more unskill.
full or remiss. Witness the charge of the six
hundred at Balakava, and the terrible energy
with which Murat precptated his squadrons on
the enemy Napoleon used to say Of him that if
ordered to destroy four or FIVE thousand men in
such direction, it was done in . moment. In
battle, he was the bravest man in the world.
His boiling courage carried him into the midst
of the enemy covered with plumes and glttering
with gold, distinguished mark for every one to
fire at. Every day he was engaged in single
combat, and returned with bis saber dripping
with the blood Of those he had slain. Such
commander could make cavalry perform prodi.
gies. In the last European wars cavalry seldom
performed any actions Of striking Importance, or
decisive of the battle. This result was not owing
to the cavalry itself, but to the generals who
commanded 1t. Thus tho species has been
blamed for what tho individual has committed.
Even Murat failed occasionally. At Krasnoi he
could not overcome q retreating column of only
ten thousand Russians, though aided BY Ney.
aud having eighteen thousand horse. Murat
charged no less than forty times during the day;
sometimes broke through the rampant Of bayo-
nets. and cut down the Russian officers in the
very center of the square; but they always
formed again, and this band Of heroes, still form.
ing lesser square when the larger was broken
or weakened, steadily retired during the whole
day, constantly repulsing the charges of the
French, until night enabled them to reach Kor-
TINA with loss Of eleven hundred men. This
heroic defense affords q memorable example OF
the superiority Of infantry over cavalry. 1t was
the French cannon alone which made any real
impression on this living fortress.
The first generals in every age were always
impressed with conviction of the Importance of
cavalry, and sought TO give it preponderance.
Epamnondas was indebted for the greater part
of his fame to the Thessslisn cavalry; Philip and
his son Alexander sought the friendship and assist
ance of this celebrated cavalry, which 80 essen
tally contributed 30 their victories. But, inyal-
liable as cavalry is, all commanders Of armies
have not known how to derive advantage from
power which is best suited to great and rapid
enterprises, because but few possessed the art of
Selling the true moment when TO employ, and
when to spare, their cavalry. Its forte is in at
tack. not in defense Even in defensive posi-.
ton, the real attack Of the enemy can only be
averted by an anticipstory attack. At Benavente.
in 1903, it was fairly shown that body Of
cavalry which quietly waits for the attack of
body even much smaller, is sure to be overcome.
On that occasion, Colonel Otway, with only 60
horsemen, found himself surpri,ss1 BY 500 French
chssseurs of the Imperial Guard. Hed5termined
to make stand, aud took up position where
some garden walls protected his tanks, and
there awaited the slow approach of the enemy.
While thus waiting he was joined by 60 more
cavalry, and then observing that the French had
halted one squadron considerably in advance
of the rest be resolved to take advantage
Of this disposition and charge. The squadron
awaited the charge and suffered total rout,
but the rear squadrons coming up to the sup
port, Otway retired and was reinforced. The
French awaited his second and third charges,
and were utterly defeated, being driven into the
River Esta with immense loss. At the battle OF
wiirzburg, tho French cavalry in like manner
awaited the charge of the ImPerialists, and were
defeated. Kellerman's famous charge which
gained the field of Msrengo was against infantry
only. But Marlborough gained the victory at
Blenheim by his impetuOus charge of cavalry
against that of the French which stood still until
the shock came, when they broke, fed, and the
day was won. Innumerable instances of the
Same kind are found in European history, show.
ing that the forte of cavalry is in attack, not in
defense. Hence the rare value Of dash and
courage in the commander, his true mission being
to attackothers, not TO defend himself.
Among ancient warriors, Hannibal was famous
for his handling of cavalry. He employed it to
great advantage on the field Of battle; and
though his most brilliant victories were not
always gained by ii, yet they were constantly
prepared and completed BY it. After the battle,
like true officer. his attention was especially
directed to his cavalry. When he conquered
Flaminius, he bestowed the utmost care on the
preservation Of the horses which had borne bic
warriors through the battle, had them washed
with old wine, and looked carefully to their
wounds. lie won the battle Of Ticinus by his
his cavalry only. POlybius says emphatically that
the Carthaginians owed not only the victory of
Gamma, but all their more early triumphs, to
the preponderance Of their cavalry.
Hannibal's personal oversight of the condition
of hia horsea xvas ono Of tba oa,.as &c al. .-.~k