EEPORT OF CAPT. GEOEGE B. ATCLELLAN. 87 



THE USE OF THE SABRE. 



This is one of the most important elements in the instruction of the cavalry soldier, for the 

 sabre is the arm common to all cavalry. 



The recruit should go through the whole exercise not less than once a week. 



The rules for the use of the sabre are divided into two parts : (a) the manual ; (6) the sabre 

 exercise. 



The use of the sabre is taught by means of commands and numbers. The commands of 

 execution are called times, and these times are subdivided into particular movements called 

 motions. At the commencement of the instruction, the instructor calls the numbers, and 

 executes the motions himself; when the recruit becomes accustomed to the use of the weapon, he 

 is obliged to execute the motions and call tlie numbers simultaneously with the instructor ; after 

 that, the recruit calls the numbers and executes the motions for himself; finally, he executes the 

 motions without calling the numbers. 



The use of the sabre is first taught to single men on foot, then by uniting several men, and 

 finally on horseback. 



THE SABRE MANUAL. 



This is so similar to that in use in the United States service as to render it unnecessary to 

 describe it in this report, with the exception of two peculiarities, viz : when the sabre is at a 

 carry, both the little finger and that next to it are outside of the gripe ; there is a position of 

 reversed sabre, for funerals, as follows : the blade passed between the left arm and the body, 

 point to the rear, edge to the left, the flat of the blade resting on the left fore arm, close to the 

 guard, the gripe held lightly by the right hand, the blade horizontal. 



THE SABRE EXERCISE. 



This is divided into parts, the first in open order, the second in close order. The first part is 

 subdivided into : (a) the sabre exercise for the attack ; (b) that for the retreat. 



I. THE SABRE EXERCISE IN OPEN ORDER. 



A. In the attack. 



The instruction should be at first given to single men, or small sq[uads, on foot ; afterwards, 

 in the same manner, mounted ; first at a halt, then in motion — i. e., first at a walk, then at a 

 trot, gallop, and charge. 



The use of the sabre on foot forms no part of the duty of a cavalry soldier, and is given only 

 as preparatory to its use on horseback, which is its proper object. 



In giving the instruction, it should be explained that the following movements constitute the 

 basis of the system: 1, the moulinets ; 2, one thrust; 3, three cuts; 4, four jjarries ; all the 

 other movements given are merely combinations or modifications of these. 



In the motions of the sabre, it is, as a general rule, grasped by the right hand, the four fingers 

 encircling the gripe, the thumb on the opposite side, resting on the fore finger, (plate 1, fig. 5;) 

 but if the soldier is to thrust, he places the thumb on the back of the gripe, the end of the thumb 

 against the guard. 



All the motions are made from the position of "guard." 



The recruit being at a carry, to cause him to assume the position of guard, the instructor 

 commands : 



