The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-04-01
AT BRANDY STATION, VA.
TIE GRKITESr CAYLLRY RATTLE
or THE PRESENT AGE.
Interesting Descriptions Of tho Fight and
What Led Up TO L by Colonel Won
Boscke and Captain scheibert.

CTranslated from the German for The
Times. from copy in the state Library.
concluded)
Eighth Chsptrr-Instrucuons Of General
j. B. stuar, in the Mode of Fighting
Pursued by svairy.
In preparing for action skirmishers
should always be quickly deployed. either
mounted or jismounted. according to the
nature Of the ground. among the Amer
can forces all mounted or dismounted cav
alrymen. while shooting. are simply called
skirmisners)
The cavalry column should be formed
into distinct souadrons ana regiments
with distinct intervals, winch ire indis-
pensable: those squadrohS IN the rear
Of the one engaged taxing Special care
that any confession when may occur IN
front shall not extend 10 theHi' and, above
ALL not permitting any retreat OIL 'hose
engaged to break their llo".' Out remain
firm and unbrcken until ordered into ac-
ton.
II a SQUADRON engaged becomes broken,
and co.1nelIad nv overwhelming force to
retire its members viii take care not
70 run through the ranks OF those in the
rear. but win move 10 the nearest rally
jua, nolnt without confusion. OF precipitan-
cy. or noise.
The column in advancing to the charge
will move steadily up AZ walk takins
the trot when about % yards from the
enemy. the trot being SLOW and STEADY
In front each squadron keeping its form
alton distinct and wen closed. Inc
charge will ne delivered against the enc
nv bv souadrons. the gallop being taken
when within nftv yards Of the enemy's
front and the gait increased instead Of
diminished as the enemy Is neared. so as
10 give the greatest possible force 20 the
shock against the enemy's column, the
rider sitting firmly IN the saddle, with
his saber wide awake Tor the thrust.
Too much importance cannot De gwen 10
the shock of the charge the furious i'm
pact of horse against horse, for In that
will consist the success OF the charge.
The enemy once broken. must be followed
vigorously, the officers idking care not TO
allow the pursuit TO lag on account Of
the accumulation of prisoners and plum
der. Plundering in battle IS strictly pro-
hibited. The habit taken from the enemy
which is becoming so prevalent, habit
counseled by fear, Of charging as soon as
within a quarter Of a mile Of the foe, up
to the range Of pistol shot, and then
hating to deliver IRE. Is highly injudi-
cious and entirely destructive OF success.
The pistol should never be used In
charge, excepting when the enemy IS
beyond an impossible barrier near AT
hand, or by a man endorsed In COMBAT
in which latter case, especially, it may
be made a most effective weapon.
Whenever practicable. an attack should
be made on either or both TANKS simulta-
neously with the front attack, but the
latter should not be too much weakened
for this purpose. All troops are tender
about their TANKS: and oftentimes' "heh
a real flank attack is impractcable'
mere feint or demonstration pushed boiuly
toward the flank and rear will strike as
may into the enemy's ranks. An attack
of cavalry should be sudden, bold, and
vigorous; to falter is to fail. The caval-
~ which arrives nolselessly but steadily
near the enemy, and then, with ore loud
YELL leap upon him without note OF
warning. and giving him no time to form
CT consider anything but the immediate
means of flight, pushing him vigorously
every step with all the confidence of VIC
tory achieved. Is true cavalry; while
BODY Of men equally brave and patriotic,
who halt at every picket and reconnoiter
until the precious surprise Is over, Is NOT
cavalry.
While rashness is a crime, holiness IS
not incompatible with caution, nay, Is
often the quintessence Of prudence.
The position which the cavalry officers
generally take in battle is a subject re-
curing immediate correction. Though
highly creditable 10 their gallantry, II IS
highly derogatory to their discretion, and
at direct variance with their duty. The
following will be hereafter adhered 20
strictly:
A brigade. regiment. or squadron ad-
yancing I'm line OF battle, will have the
commander in front sufficiently far to
supervise and control its movements; but
IN columns Of squadrons plat0ons, fours,
or twos. the brigade commander must be
In a position sufficiently central TO keep
nis brigade well in hand and make conf
munication TO his colonies easy and in
tslligible.
the regimental commander VIII preserve
such a location in his column as shall be
sufficiently central to control and super
wise its n oyements and check any waver-
ing by prompt support; 10 order MS
squadron commanders successfully 10 the
charge and superintend their rallying and
return TO action. These duties will ao-
sOrb all his energies and time and VIII re-
quire the active assistance OF the lieu
tenant colonel, major and regimental
staff.
The squadron commander Will lead MS
squadron, keeping II together, preserving
IN his own person GOODNESS and self-pos-
session but the quickness OF an eagle.
He will De assisted by the second captain
and lieutenants, all striving by precept
and example TO insure success, reihenl-
bering that in victory alone is SAFETY
and honor. The squadron commander
who hesltates TO lead his men whenever
ordered by his colonel. IS a disgrace TO
his commission: and men who fail or
falter in a charge led by their squadron
chief, will not be lost sight OF III the an
nails of infamy and disgrace
Should the charge be repulsed, the
skirmishers on the TANKS will, instead OF
retiring with the column, direct a con-
centrated fire on the advancing column OF
the enemy, endeavoring 10 hold II IN cneck
till fresh troops move up.
The ambulance corps alone VIII be al
lowed to remove the wounded, and all
VIII bear in mind that our first duty to
our wounded is to win the victory
Should any check or confusion occur
the utmost silence viii be observed in
the ranks. in order that the commands
Of officers may be distinctly heard and
quickly executed. The commands given
VIII be few and to the point
Individuality Of action which so strong
II characterizes the conduct Of oar troops
In battle; IL unguarded or instructed
can but produce confusion. But let the
same idea control the mind Of every man.
let them apply these general principles to