The Shasta courier., 1861-10-05
The Charge, or Attack Of Cavalry.

1He CudrSe 10 regulated Dy the principles
of the direct march, but is more animated
and impetuous. 1t should commence with
brisk trot, then gallop, constantly incrcas-
ing in volicity as the men approach the cne-
my. To render it effective, the att,ck must
be made with rush and a bold, determined
front. There are three modes of charging,
viz in a line parallel or oblique to the front
of the enemy, by echclon, and in column.
The charge should be sounded by all the
trumpets. As the men near the enemy, they
rise in their stirrups, lowering the bridle
hand (lcft hand), but keep command of their
horses, as well as the line of their rank, and
thus throw themselves upon the enemy; the
front rank with their swords pointed forward,
Immediately before the shock, and the rear
rank with the sword raised. The enemy be
ing routed, the commanding officer orders the
trumpeters to sound the rally, when each
man ulls up and joins his standard. As it
is important that the enemy should not have
time to rally, the flank plattoons of each
squadron, or some others, are sent in pur.
suit. To recall them the rally is again sound
ed, when they return to their respective
squadrons. The charge ought always to be
anticipated, if possible, as there is imminent
danger of being overthrown by receiving a
ways on the alert on the field of battle, to
guard against surprise while at a halt
Were he taken so by column of the enemy's
cavalry, it would be impossible to resist it.
Where cavalry are operating against each
charge. If a smaller number are about be.
ing attacked, good plan is, to put their
horses to an easy gallop, make feint ut re-
tho oh of Tho opa,,x- I, . oa....
ter-charge, and when within say twenty or
thirty yards of the front rank of the enc.
my deliver your fire from your small arms,
each shot conv,ergins towards the centre of
the enemy's column. The next movement is
to replace your fire arms. instantly seize YOUR
sword, divide the command into three or
four attacking parties, wheel to the right a d
left, so as to avoid the shock of the enemy in
front, and attack him determinedly on each
flank. The movement must be executed
with great quickness. You are supposed to
be at an easy gallop when you deliver your.
fire, while the enemy is rushing towards you
with their horses on the full jump. The very
instant you fire, hurry to the attack on his
fanks, before he can stop the momentum of
his speed and face about to repel you Keep
playing on his TANKS in this manner, by re
treating and repeating the movement, and if
you do not succeed in defeating him, owing
to his superior numbers, you may at least
increase your own effectiveness one-third
more than you could hope to do by receiving
the shock in front. Of course such a move
ment as the one we allude to is based upon
the supposition that the horses Of the enemy,
as well as your own, are nearly, if not quite
equal in speed. You are supposed to have
greater command over your own horses at an
easy gallop than your enemy, who is charg-
ing directly on you at top speed. You could,
therefore, wheel to the right or left quicker,
and get to his fanks before he could pull up
and change his direction to follrw you. If
his front rank pulled up too suddenly, they
would be in danger of being overridden by
their rear ranks and plunged into hopeless
confusion. If the speed and mettle Of your
animals are still greater than the enemy's,
then the advantages are more in your favor
for successful issue.
Chiefs of squadrons charge at the head of
their respective squadrons. The colonel at
the head Of such squadron as he may think
his presence most necessary. The lieuten-
ant-colonel and major at the head of other
squadrons of their wing. Adjutants, SER
geant-majors, and general guides keep their
places as in line. The trumpets in the rear
of the centre, with the trumpet-m major at their
head, unless the colonel shall see fit to have
him near his person. All orders are given
through the trumpeters.
When using pistol or carbine, the fire
should be delivered as close as possible to
the enemy's line, and without waiting to re-
lode, the pistol should be placed in its hol-
stcr, the carbine swung round to the back,
and the sword, which should be kept dang
ling by the right wrist, meanwhile be in
stantly seized, and used for either cut or
thrust.
When charge is successful at the first
onset, the retreat may be sounded, that the
squadrons may reform and fall back under
cover of the artillery, in good order, or to
prepare for second or third attack, as the
commander may DESIRE If they cannot sue.
ceed in penetrating the enemy's line, they
should retire man@uvring.-Carry's Camp
and Field Rook.