REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 1 Oo 



THE CHARGE. 



The charge in line, in close order, is executed according to the principles laid down in the 

 school of the squadron. 



In certain cases, regiments charge in close column ; this is executed, in preference, hy the 

 cuirassiers, and always at the ty-ot out ; only the front rank of the leading subdivision charge 

 lances, or sabres. 



The charge in open order is also executed according to the principles laid down in the school 

 of the squadron ; one half squadron of every squadron charges, while the others remain in 

 reserve. One division commander is detailed to command the half squadrons which charge, 

 another to direct the reserve. If the regiment is formed in columns of attack, when the charge 

 in open order is to be made, the squadrons first form columns by half squadron, of which the 

 leading half squadrons charge, while those in rear are held in reserve, and at once take the 

 proper intervals of 5 platoon fronts. 



The flanker squadrons of 8 squadron regiments, and the lancer squadrons and second line of 

 dragoons, follow the movements of the line of battle ; marching at the same gait as the latter 

 until it charges, when they move on at the trot out ; closing up on the line of battle to the 

 prescribed distance, when it halts. If the colonel considers it necessary to form the flanker or 

 lancer squadrons in echelon, he orders them to form squadron, after which they continue the 

 movement as just explained. 



If the signal reserve is sounded, these flanker or lancer squadrons, instead of halting, move 

 on at a charge in pursuit of the beaten enemy, returning to their posts in rear of the flanks 

 when the recall is sounded. 



REVIEW!?. 



Cavalry passes in review : in columyi luith distance, by platoons, half squadrons, or squadrons ; 

 in column luith half distance, by half squadrons, squadrons, or divisions ; in close column, by half 

 squadrons, or squadrons. The adjutant is at the head of the column ; one pace behind the 

 adjutant is the band of trumpeters, in two ranks, with the chief trumpeter on the right of the 

 front rank ; the colonel, 6 paces in rear of the trumpeters ; the commander of the 1st division, 

 3 paces in rear of the colonel ; the commander of the leading squadron, 3 paces in rear of the 

 division commander ; then the leading subdivision of the column. 



The Eussians call a division of 2 brigades divista ; a division of 2 squadrons is division. 

 Confusion is thus avoided. 



EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE. 



The volume on this subject is dfvided into two parts: 1. Evolutions of the line proper; 2. 

 Orders of battle, general columns, and the application of the evolutions of the line to these. 



EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PROPER. 



This subject comprehends the movements of several regiments, whether in line, or in columns. 



The first great requisites for a successful cavalry general and instructor are, perfect coolness 

 and presence of mind. 



The rules for giving and repeating commands, as given in the school of the regiment, apply 

 here, with a few additions. 



The preparatory commands are given by the general commanding, and are repeated by the 

 14 © 



