OUR CAVALRY. 83 



accurately proper intervals between each other 

 until they have acquired a skill in horseman- 

 ship not obtainable under the present system. 



These drills, if well carried out, would show 

 which of the captains of troops knew how to 

 command them, and this would not be lost on 

 the soldiers, who estimate very accurately the 

 amount of military knowledge their officers 

 possess. This knowledge on the part of the 

 men leads in cavalry to much good, or to great 

 mischief, according as the officers do, or do not 

 know their duties. When the men have con- 

 fidence in the knowledge of their officers, they 

 yield them ready obedience in any situation, 

 but not so when the officers do not merit their 

 confidence. 



It is of little use to bring a whole regiment of 

 cavalry together for a field-day, until they 

 have been prepared for it by well conducted 

 troop drills. 



The junior field officers, as well as two or 

 three of the older captains in every cavalry 

 regiment, should each be occasionally allowed, 

 under the eye of the officer commanding the 

 regiment, to put it through some movements. 

 After this practice had been established, the 



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