REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 211 



If the ground over •vvhicli a charge is to be made is not known, an officer is sent forward to 

 examine it and report to the colonel. 



The entire force of a regiment should not charge, but some of the flank jilatoons should be 

 held in reserve. 



Sometimes the 4th platoons of all the squadrons, or one entire squadron, charge as foragers, 

 supported by the rest of the regiment in close order. 



Sometimes the 1st, 2d, and 4th platoons of all the squadrons charge, while the 3d platoons, 

 under the command of the junior field officer, are held in reserve. 



The charge by echelons is also employed. 



A regiment being formed in column by squadrons, there are two methods of employing it in 

 a charge : 



1st. The column being right in front, the 4th squadron leaves the column and forms, the 1st 

 and 2d platoons on the right, the 3d and 4th on the left flank of the column, the commandants 

 of these platoons being on the alignment of the file-closers of the 3d squadron ; the column then 

 moves ofi" at a trot, next at a gallop ; as soon as it takes the gallop the 1st squadron charges ; 

 when the colonel gives the command, halt, the 4th squadron charges as foragers. 



2d. The column being right in front, moves forward at a trot; the 1st squadron then charges, 

 and afterwards retires by the flanks of the column to the rear, where it re-forms ; the other 

 squadrons then charge in succession in the same manner. 



If skirmishers are to be deployed to cover the regiment, either the 4th platoons of all the 

 squadrons, or one entire squadron, are detailed for the purpose. 



If the regiment is to dismount to fight on foot, it is effected upon the principles explained for 

 a single squadron. 



In a brigade deployed, the interval between the regiments is 12 paces. The general of 



brigade is 100 paces in front of the centre, and is accompanied by the brigade adjutant and two 



trumpeters. 



HORSE EQUIPMENTS. 



The cuirassiers use a heavy saddle, with a low pommel and cantle ; it is covered with leather, 

 and presents nothing worthy of imitation. 



The rest of the cavalry have the Hungarian saddle ; it difiers from the Austrian model 

 principally in the manner of attaching the equipment ; the forks are permanently bolted to the 

 bars ; there is more iron work upon it, and small skirts are attached to it. 



Eight sizes of trees are made ; the average weight of the bare tree is seven pounds. 



The English saddle is the uniform for officers ; they use a girth of hemp cords. 



For the men, the valise is replaced by a flat bag, opening in the middle of the lower side, 

 which contains the clothes, and is laid on the tree, under the schabraque, the man sitting on it. 



The pouches are large and heavy ; they are attached to the saddle by spring hooks, and 

 contain many of the necessaries. 



The pistol holster is in one of the pouches ; also a pocket for extra cartridges ; to one j)ouch 

 the hatchet is attached. 



The cloak and forage bag are strapped to the cantle ; the kettle, in a leather case, is attached 

 to the left side of the hind fork. The schabraque is of blue cloth, with a lining of coarse linen ; 

 it has pockets in the lining. 



Cruppers and breast straps are used ; the surcingle is of leather, and fastens in the Mexican 

 style ; the girth is also of leather, about 3^ inches wide, and with a large buckle ; it is in two 

 parts, and is attached to the bars by thongs of raw hide. 



