Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-05-17

eid progress TO the COMMANDER, nolihb
In each the hour Of the day, an accurate
account OF numbers. character as TO arm
of service, and every other circumstance,
such as whether with or without bag
gage, tending 10 throw light upon the de-
signs OF the enemy. As soon as the caps
tain receives the intelligence OF a move.
he will report 1t by courier to his COM
mander, and proceed with the reserve
with caution to join the picket whence the
report emanated, and keep the enemy In
observation, as above indicated. In re-
gard to calling in his other pickets, he
Will be governed by the nature NJ the
enemy's movements and the situation OF
the post. In all cases when the captain
orders the other pickets to retire, he will
designate the point at which they are 10
assemble and then join him. IL the
movement OF the enemy prove only
scout, as soon as II can be done with
safety the post or posts will be resumed
and the fact reported 70 the regimental
commander. IL It be an advance in ear
nest, the cavalry will take advantage OF
every opportunity to harass the enemy,
threaten his tanks and rear. obtaining
and forwarding accurate Information or
the enemy's strength, kind of force and
progress, noting time OF day, his dlrec-
ton, and other items heretofore referred
10. which viii be OF the utmost impOr-
lance 20 our generals. AS soon as the
commander OF a regiment has intelligence
Of an advance in force by the enemy,
he will communicate II by fresh courier
TO the general commanding outposts If
camped in advance, he will order the
baggage at once TO the rear, for which
purpose he will leave sufficient number
from each company TO pack up and place
a competent officer with them as a guard
to conduct the train to the rear OF the
line Of battle, and he will proceed with
the force at hand as quickly as possible
TO the front TO observe the enemy, threat
en- him In his progress, and. II opportuni-
~ offers, make a sudden dash at his
tanks or advance guard: keeping the
general Of outposts appsised Of every
halt or change Of direction, size OF force
etc. For the latter purpose a discreet
man sent in rear Of the enemy's fiankers
can generally get a near view OF the
enemy's column. II along the same regi-
mental front Of outposts two or more
columns advance. rhe commander OF the
regiment must divide his command so as
to keep all observed. giving the com
manders distinct instructions. bearing in
mind that Il is OF the greatest Importance
10 our generals to know the route taken
by the enemys main column. If the adj
vance IS made In the front Of another
regiment, but no indications Of one on his
front, the regimental commander will or
der his baggage TO the rear. but will
not withdraw his piclSets WITHOUT orders,
unless the indications Of a battle are be-
yond all question, and even then he will
retire gradually straight TO the rear,
using his pickets on new lines Of obser-
walton from time TO time Upon nearing
lfrag
weather. courier should be sent I'm ad-
vance 10 our lines to acquaint our forces
with the cavalrys approach.
FLAGS OF TRUCE.
A flag OF truce must be halted at our
outermost plckets. and any communion
ton borne by II must be sent to the regi-
mental commander, and by him to the
commander Of outposts and the bearer
detained till orders in the case are re-
ceived from the general OF outposts No
conversation on military matters will be
held or allowed by the commander OF
the picket with the bearer Of flag Of
truce.
BATTLE.
When the engagement becomes general.
I'm the absence OF instructions, cavalry
VIII be always on the alert ready to
dash into the enemy's columns when
broken or in disorder, charge upon his
flank TO check his progress II our lines
give way, giving time thus for ours 10
reform, and always lowering in a posi-
ton to threaten the enemy II he at
tempts a flank. Cavalry, thus, by a bold
demonstration, even though not a blow
be struck, may save our army or turn
the tide against the enemy. Cavalry can
be of great service, too, on our TANKS
as videttes In discovering the enemy and
giving information 10 the commanders
near at hand.
PURSUIT.
In pursuing a dying enemy, the cavalry
should be concentrated in large bodies,
and instead OF following the rear OF the
enemy. should seize by-roads and cut
offs to strike the enemy Unexpectedly In
flank, overwhelming him with surprise
and panic. IT, with artillery. the shoot
Ing of a wheel-horse Of the piece and
yell will put the drivers and cannoneers
TO surrender or flight. and is likely to
possess the minds OF those behind with
the idea so appalling to new troops that
they are cut of. which is often enough
TO effect IL. care should be taken to
block the roads by upsetting vehicles, etc.
In such a move, boldness should be
united with prudence. and cavalry must
not lose sight Of the fact that 1t Is it.
self liable TO be cut off. IL successful in
blocking the road In advance OF the re-
treating columns. an ambuscade Of dis
mounted men would be very serviceable